Resistance: Chaos-Tol's Bane, Book 1

by CSR Keeley

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Deep in the forests near the Red Range mountains, twins R'chal and A'lek's quiet life shatters when the Northern Empire's occupation reaches their doorstep. Their fate intertwines with Perrin, a young herder hiding dangerous secrets, and his mysterious ward Bren, whose true identity could change everything.

As the brutal Empire tightens its grip on the Southlands, an unlikely alliance forms. The legendary warrior known only as "Lady Hell" leads a daring resistance movement, while a wandering tinker named Martyn appears with cryptic knowledge and suspicious abilities. Together they unite forest-dwelling rebels, mysterious Wolf Riders, and elite warriors like the enigmatic elven commander Chelke.

In the occupied territories, the ruthless Baron Du Tek enforces King-Emperor Lothar's iron rule with increasing brutality. As families are torn apart, unlikely bonds forge in the shadows of resistance. But in a land where ancient powers are stirring and dark magic threatens everything they hold dear, the true enemy may not be who they think. When a revolutionary weapon and an intricate system of forgotten magic surface, they must choose: remain hidden in their sanctuaries or risk everything to fight a darkness that threatens their very world.

Features:
• Dark military fantasy action
• Complex magical systems and ancient prophecies
• Revolutionary political intrigue
• Strong female protagonists
• Found family bonds
• Multi-race alliances
• Grimdark elements

Book One of the series where destiny, found family, and ancient powers collide.

Adult fantasy fiction (18+). Features military conflict and intense situations

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

About the author

CSR Keeley (Shaun Keeley) is a fantasy author whose debut novel "RESISTANCE: CHAOS-TOL'S BANE" weaves together magic, adventure, and the complexities of choosing one's destiny.

Drawing inspiration from his three daughters—his 'Gargoyles'—he crafts compelling female characters who embody strength and resilience. His diverse life experiences, from competitive motorsport to creative storytelling, enrich his world-building with authenticity and dynamic action.

His writing style creates immersive narratives where magic and adventure combine to transport readers into meticulously crafted worlds filled with unforgettable characters and epic journeys.

Available Now:
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Google Books: https://tinyurl.com/4z7u5xd6

Discover more about CSR's work, upcoming projects, and exclusive content:
Website: https://csrkeeleyauthor.wixsite.com/c...

Social Media & Additional Links: linktr.ee/CSR_Keeley_Author

CSR Keeley - Author

Reviews

[CSR Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm excited to share a review of my debut novel, Resistance - Chaos - Tol's Bane, written by Ben M., a reviewer on NetGalley. His thoughtful feedback provides great insights into the story and what readers can expect. Here’s what he had to say - CSR Keeley:

Resistance - Chaos - Tol's Bane is the first instalment in a proposed three-part series of heroic fantasy. More fantasy than purely heroic, this novel introduces readers to a world filled with Druids, spellcasters, sentient wolves, enchanted swords, and arcane artifacts. The story begins in the mountains, where Perrin Omholt tends a small flock to support his grandmother, Garat, and his brother, Bren. Life takes a dangerous turn when The Brocken, fearsome overlords of the region, arrive to recruit young men for their army and collect harsh taxes.

As tensions rise, Garat instructs Perrin—who has endured two prior terms as a conscripted soldier—to take Bren and flee to the mountains to find the resistance. Armed with a hidden great sword, Perrin embarks on a perilous journey that tests his resolve and takes him into encounters with enemy soldiers, mysterious creatures, and strange allies. Led by an enchantress, the resistance grows, assembling a formidable force of humans and otherworldly warriors.

Although I usually favor sword-and-shield tales with elements of witchcraft and intrigue over stories involving ethereal elves and familiars, this book proved to be a promising start to what could be a great series. The writing, character development, and world-building are impressive, making it a worthwhile read for any fantasy enthusiast. While ‘Resistance’ stands at about 300 pages, the series promises a 600-page epic overall, challenging any author to maintain such quality. I hope C.S.R. Keeley does just that.

Recommended to fans of epic fantasy, I rate this book a low four stars.

— Review by Ben M., Reviewer on NetGalley

[M.E.]

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Resistance – Chaos – Tol’s Bane is a debut fantasy novel with two promised sequels from author C.S.R Keeley. The story has multiple promising facets that provide a good foundation for a large fantasy world with multiple realms, strong female characters in positions of power, and magical animal connections. I particularly enjoyed the mind-magic connection that the Wolven creatures have with their chosen human characters, as it reminded me of Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings.

The inclusion of the well-illustrated map at the beginning of the novel was an incredibly helpful reference as I was reading. I particularly liked Perrin and Bren’s cousin/brother/best friend relationship, and hope that it will be further highlighted in the coming installments of the series. Heleana and R’Chal were strong, well-rounded female characters in positions of power that I enjoyed reading about, especially considering many fantasy novels are dominated by male characters.

My main recommendation for the two promised sequels would be to make sure the POVs for each character are more evenly distributed throughout the narrative. It was great to read the chapters from some of the secondary characters in other locations, such as the Baron and young S’Jane. Their perspectives helped to flesh out the world for the reader, and bring understanding to the scale of the world.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the first book in the Chaos-Tol’s Bane series, readers enter a new epic fantasy world about to break out into war. As the Plainsmen, the Dinni, and the Elves -- rival factions in the ancient realm of Tol -- fight to control the Southlands and Nordinium, the Pathfinders, traveling across the increasingly dangerous lands, must brave a world where allies can be enemies and a single act can transform the balance of power. Following Lady Hel in her fight for her duchy and destined Perrin Omholt as their world changes around them, readers will discover a new world where magic and politics join to create the adventure of a lifetime. With the beautiful world-building and the fascinating magic system, readers will really enjoy the medieval-adjacent setting, the vibrant culture, and the political activity that Keeley has brought to life in their debut fantasy novel. The characters are unique and complex, and readers will definitely need to keep reading this series to see how they evolve as the conflict and the series progress. With such high stakes and incredible world-building, readers will definitely find that this novel is hard to put down, and the wait for the next book in the series is far too long!

Thanks to NetGalley and Essential Self Publishing for the advance copy.

[Lozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resistance - Chaos - Tol's Bane is a fast-paced fantasy adventure that pulls you into a world on the edge of chaos. Shaun Keeley does a great job of mixing action with character growth, making the story both exciting and meaningful.

The characters really stand out in this book. Martyn the Tinker is mysterious and always keeps you guessing about his true intentions. Devon, a small but brave character from the deep forests, adds a unique perspective, while Bren, with his hidden past, brings depth and surprises. Their journeys are what make the story so engaging.

I particularly like the world-building and detailed action scenes they help keep the story moving. You can easily picture the battles and feel the tension as the characters face their challenges.

Overall, Resistance - Chaos - Tol's Bane is a great read for anyone who loves fantasy. It’s about courage, fighting against chaos, and the bonds that form between unlikely allies. With strong characters and a richly built world, this book will keep you hooked from start to finish.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author C.S.R has always been an amazing author that dedicated his time towards writing and publishing. He's probably one of my favourite authors he writes with inspiration while reading his book you get to know how talented he is when it comes to writing or books 📚📚📚 I think He will always be my favourite author

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this first book in the Chaos-Tol's Bane series. It was a fun easy read with it's fair share of intrigue and suprise. Fabulous set up for the rest of the series, looking forward for more to come.

[Charlie Elizabeth Chippindall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Resistance (Chaos - Tols Bane), and despite it being quite different from my usual genre, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I did enjoyed it. The story pulled me in from the beginning with its unique world-building and interesting characters. I found myself invested in their plight and emotional moments. There was something about the tone and pacing that made it a really compelling yet easy read, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. Definitely a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. Very excited to see what happens next!