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Chronicles of Orlessia
Amid the shadowy remnants of a future ravaged by greed and corruption, a young warrior must confront her own darkness to save the soul of a cursed sword with a deadly desire for blood.
In the year 3917 AT, Izzy, a fierce and determined woman, finds herself connected to Baal, an ancient, vampiric sword with a thirst for death and destruction. In a tumultuous dance of light and dark, Izzy strives to save the innocent while Baal revels in chaos.
When they are tasked with laying to rest the spirit of the vengeful banshee, Lady Tatianna, their journey takes a harrowing turn. After a fateful encounter with the specter, Izzy awakens to find Baal lifeless at her side, plunging the female warrior into a dark abyss of despair and rage. Determined to bring her companion back, she must embark on a desperate quest to resurrect him.
As Izzy navigates the treacherous streets of Orlessia, she finds herself drawn into a dark underworld where morality blurs and violence reigns. With the help of her fierce allies, Estre and Humphrey, she reaps vengeance on the corrupt, while seeking to recharge the inert Baal. But as she teeters on the brink of vengeance and despair, will Izzy reclaim her humanity and save Baal, or will she succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume her?
"Picking up the Chronicles of Orlessia is like meeting an old friend you didn't know you had. This story about a girl and her ancient, demented sword starts off fun and only gets better from there. A must for any fantasy fan!" --Jason Letts, Bestselling Author
In the year 3917 AT, Izzy, a fierce and determined woman, finds herself connected to Baal, an ancient, vampiric sword with a thirst for death and destruction. In a tumultuous dance of light and dark, Izzy strives to save the innocent while Baal revels in chaos.
When they are tasked with laying to rest the spirit of the vengeful banshee, Lady Tatianna, their journey takes a harrowing turn. After a fateful encounter with the specter, Izzy awakens to find Baal lifeless at her side, plunging the female warrior into a dark abyss of despair and rage. Determined to bring her companion back, she must embark on a desperate quest to resurrect him.
As Izzy navigates the treacherous streets of Orlessia, she finds herself drawn into a dark underworld where morality blurs and violence reigns. With the help of her fierce allies, Estre and Humphrey, she reaps vengeance on the corrupt, while seeking to recharge the inert Baal. But as she teeters on the brink of vengeance and despair, will Izzy reclaim her humanity and save Baal, or will she succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume her?
"Picking up the Chronicles of Orlessia is like meeting an old friend you didn't know you had. This story about a girl and her ancient, demented sword starts off fun and only gets better from there. A must for any fantasy fan!" --Jason Letts, Bestselling Author
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 31, 2024
TITLE: Chronicles of Orlessia
AUTHOR: Chris Brooks
PUB DATE: 09.16.2024
Baal hummed with a dark rage, and that rage was all hers.
Izzy, the young girl with the shocking red hair, would make the perfect vehicle for his wrath. The gobbers’ eviscerated remains strewn in the mire were a testament to her potential. If only she weren’t so set on always helping the weak and the useless.
An evil sword bent on the destruction of all humanity in the hands of a woman bent on saving it. A lasting union forged in death, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thoughts:
Every time I get to read a fantasy series, and discover a new author to me, I get giddy with excitement. I enjoyed this fantasy full of magic, adventure, romance, and most of all a fierce main character. This first book in The Ephesians Saga series is a great start in introducing this world and the multitude of characters that made
this book a page turner. I enjoyed the themes explored in this book and look forward to more adventures in the next installment.
AUTHOR: Chris Brooks
PUB DATE: 09.16.2024
Baal hummed with a dark rage, and that rage was all hers.
Izzy, the young girl with the shocking red hair, would make the perfect vehicle for his wrath. The gobbers’ eviscerated remains strewn in the mire were a testament to her potential. If only she weren’t so set on always helping the weak and the useless.
An evil sword bent on the destruction of all humanity in the hands of a woman bent on saving it. A lasting union forged in death, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Thoughts:
Every time I get to read a fantasy series, and discover a new author to me, I get giddy with excitement. I enjoyed this fantasy full of magic, adventure, romance, and most of all a fierce main character. This first book in The Ephesians Saga series is a great start in introducing this world and the multitude of characters that made
this book a page turner. I enjoyed the themes explored in this book and look forward to more adventures in the next installment.
March 6, 2026
The adventure follows Izzy, a young warrior who suddenly finds herself bonded to Baal an ancient vampiric sword with an insatiable thirst for blood and souls. Together they set off on a journey that is brutal, violent, and deeply dark… yet somehow these two end up becoming the vigilantes this broken world desperately needs. Along the way they gather some incredibly cool allies and face horrors that constantly raise the stakes.
It’s no secret that fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and I’ve read my fair share of it. So when I say this book completely took me by surprise, I truly mean it. I went in expecting maybe a classic action-packed fantasy with rich lore or perhaps even a touch of romantasy but nothing could have prepared me for this story.
From the very beginning I was on the edge of my seat, never knowing what would happen next. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the direction of the story, the author would completely flip the script and blow my mind. The characters, the plot twists, and especially the worldbuilding all feel incredibly unique and carefully crafted. This is one of those stories where you genuinely cannot predict what’s coming next.
That said, this is not your typical fantasy and it’s definitely not an easy read. The world of Orlessia is dark, relentless, and unforgiving. The story explores heavy disturbing themes that will break your heart and stir up some very deep emotions. At times the brutality of this world was difficult to stomach, but it never felt dull. If anything, it made the story even more gripping.
And the fantasy elements are absolutely wild. Talking swords, humanoids, banshees, sinister elves, and villains so cruel and hateful that you’ll feel an overwhelming urge to jump into the pages yourself and help deliver some long-overdue vengeance.
But at the heart of the story are Baal and Izzy. Their bond instantly became one of my favorite parts of the book. The loyalty, the sacrifices, and the lengths they go to for each other and for the innocent people they encounter are both powerful and heartbreaking. There were so many moments that genuinely shattered me emotionally, and the ending was one of the hardest parts to get through.
Overall, this was one of the most action-packed, emotionally impactful, out of my comfort and intense fantasies I’ve read in a while. I’m both excited and slightly terrified to continue Baal and Izzy’s journey in the next book, Subjugation. I don’t know if I’m ready for what’s coming… but if it’s anything like this installment, I know it will be wildly unpredictable.
Huge thanks to @rivstyxpublishing and @dartfrogbooks for this series. 💖
It’s no secret that fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and I’ve read my fair share of it. So when I say this book completely took me by surprise, I truly mean it. I went in expecting maybe a classic action-packed fantasy with rich lore or perhaps even a touch of romantasy but nothing could have prepared me for this story.
From the very beginning I was on the edge of my seat, never knowing what would happen next. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the direction of the story, the author would completely flip the script and blow my mind. The characters, the plot twists, and especially the worldbuilding all feel incredibly unique and carefully crafted. This is one of those stories where you genuinely cannot predict what’s coming next.
That said, this is not your typical fantasy and it’s definitely not an easy read. The world of Orlessia is dark, relentless, and unforgiving. The story explores heavy disturbing themes that will break your heart and stir up some very deep emotions. At times the brutality of this world was difficult to stomach, but it never felt dull. If anything, it made the story even more gripping.
And the fantasy elements are absolutely wild. Talking swords, humanoids, banshees, sinister elves, and villains so cruel and hateful that you’ll feel an overwhelming urge to jump into the pages yourself and help deliver some long-overdue vengeance.
But at the heart of the story are Baal and Izzy. Their bond instantly became one of my favorite parts of the book. The loyalty, the sacrifices, and the lengths they go to for each other and for the innocent people they encounter are both powerful and heartbreaking. There were so many moments that genuinely shattered me emotionally, and the ending was one of the hardest parts to get through.
Overall, this was one of the most action-packed, emotionally impactful, out of my comfort and intense fantasies I’ve read in a while. I’m both excited and slightly terrified to continue Baal and Izzy’s journey in the next book, Subjugation. I don’t know if I’m ready for what’s coming… but if it’s anything like this installment, I know it will be wildly unpredictable.
Huge thanks to @rivstyxpublishing and @dartfrogbooks for this series. 💖
March 11, 2026
Chronicles of Orlessia
CHRIS BROOKS
🌟🌟🌟🌟
💙Chronicles of Orlessia first book in Ephisian Saga by Chris Brooks , is a mix of traditional sword and magic fantasy and a post-apocalyptic survival story. In a way Dark Fantasy with a very wicked sense of humor.It’s gritty, but it has a soul.
🩵Eventhough this book has 374 pages and 32 chapters, this book jumps straight into the action, It feels cinematic and keeps us turning pages.
💙This story follows Izzy, a young warrior who is essentially trying to do the right thing in a world that is falling apart. Her partner is Baal, an ancient vampiric blade. The dynamic between them is the heart of the book,it’s funny, dark, and keeps the plot moving .It provides a lot of dark humor that balances out the more violent or tragic moments.
" There I am. The Arbalists want me gor theft. Is he trying to say I stole Baal? That asshole And I am only worth one thousand crowns? I guess he knows I am not dead "
🩵 I really like this concept of izzy , a warrior for the Arbalists, trying to keep some semblance of peace. She’s capable, but she feels human. And Baal , an ancient, sentient, vampiric sword. He’s sarcastic, bloodthirsty, and honestly, he steals every scene he’s in.
💙🩵Fast-paced, dark as night, and surprisingly funny. This debut is a must-read for fans of unconventional fantasy duos.
🩷🩷 Read if you like 🩷🩷
👉Fast paced
👉Dark fantasy
👉Fierce female character
👉Blood thirsty sword
👉Dark Humor
👉captivating storyline
👉strong plot
CHRIS BROOKS
🌟🌟🌟🌟
💙Chronicles of Orlessia first book in Ephisian Saga by Chris Brooks , is a mix of traditional sword and magic fantasy and a post-apocalyptic survival story. In a way Dark Fantasy with a very wicked sense of humor.It’s gritty, but it has a soul.
🩵Eventhough this book has 374 pages and 32 chapters, this book jumps straight into the action, It feels cinematic and keeps us turning pages.
💙This story follows Izzy, a young warrior who is essentially trying to do the right thing in a world that is falling apart. Her partner is Baal, an ancient vampiric blade. The dynamic between them is the heart of the book,it’s funny, dark, and keeps the plot moving .It provides a lot of dark humor that balances out the more violent or tragic moments.
" There I am. The Arbalists want me gor theft. Is he trying to say I stole Baal? That asshole And I am only worth one thousand crowns? I guess he knows I am not dead "
🩵 I really like this concept of izzy , a warrior for the Arbalists, trying to keep some semblance of peace. She’s capable, but she feels human. And Baal , an ancient, sentient, vampiric sword. He’s sarcastic, bloodthirsty, and honestly, he steals every scene he’s in.
💙🩵Fast-paced, dark as night, and surprisingly funny. This debut is a must-read for fans of unconventional fantasy duos.
🩷🩷 Read if you like 🩷🩷
👉Fast paced
👉Dark fantasy
👉Fierce female character
👉Blood thirsty sword
👉Dark Humor
👉captivating storyline
👉strong plot
March 5, 2026
Shadows swirled around her as the heft of the sword in her hand grounded her. She was surrounded by the darkness, wielding the darkness, but the light inside her was begging to burst forth.
Chronicles of Orlessia is a fantasy book and the first of a series following Izzy, who is navigating a future that has been ravaged by corruption and finds herself connected to a sword that is craving destruction.
This was a very entertaining read, fueled by the battle of light vs darkness, a dangerous quest, a dark underworld, and a need for vengeance. Izzy is a badass female character and I enjoyed following her on this journey. Chris wrote some great descriptions that transported me into this book and has made me look forward to what book two has in store.
Read if you like:
• Fantasy
• Magic
• Light vs. Darkness
• Quests/Adventure
• Character-Driven Plot
CW: Physical Violence, Physical/Emotional/Sexual Abuse, Death/Murder, Body Gore, Torture, Trafficking, Slavery.
Chronicles of Orlessia is a fantasy book and the first of a series following Izzy, who is navigating a future that has been ravaged by corruption and finds herself connected to a sword that is craving destruction.
This was a very entertaining read, fueled by the battle of light vs darkness, a dangerous quest, a dark underworld, and a need for vengeance. Izzy is a badass female character and I enjoyed following her on this journey. Chris wrote some great descriptions that transported me into this book and has made me look forward to what book two has in store.
Read if you like:
• Fantasy
• Magic
• Light vs. Darkness
• Quests/Adventure
• Character-Driven Plot
CW: Physical Violence, Physical/Emotional/Sexual Abuse, Death/Murder, Body Gore, Torture, Trafficking, Slavery.
Read
October 20, 2024“Up to this point, she had spent her life terrified. She cowered for years with danger around every corner. Exploited and alone, she cried and pleaded to no avail. Knowing now that they cowered before her made her drunk with power. They will fear me!”
In the first installment of The Ephisian Saga series we meet Izzy, a young girl who, along with her companion Baal, come across a sword that along with its possession, comes tremendous power.
Armed and amusing, Izzy and Baal set out on an adventure together to save humanity. In their quest they meet a variety of characters that attempt to challenge their mission. Following the journey of a heroine rather than a hero is a refreshing and welcome change that most fantasy heroes will draw delight from and will, undoubtedly, be eager to see where their travels take them to next.
In the first installment of The Ephisian Saga series we meet Izzy, a young girl who, along with her companion Baal, come across a sword that along with its possession, comes tremendous power.
Armed and amusing, Izzy and Baal set out on an adventure together to save humanity. In their quest they meet a variety of characters that attempt to challenge their mission. Following the journey of a heroine rather than a hero is a refreshing and welcome change that most fantasy heroes will draw delight from and will, undoubtedly, be eager to see where their travels take them to next.
February 1, 2025
What a read! I have to be honest, I was expecting this book to be a flop and a YA nightmare. Not only was it far from that, it was a true pleasure to read/listen to. I love the relationship between Izzy and Baal. Baal was amazing and the two together was perfection. I was so shocked when we got some erotic scenes as well. I can’t begin to describe how much of a rut I’ve been in for years it seems. I get maybe 1 or 2 books that are ok then I go months and months of DNF books written by people who shouldn’t be publishing anything or where they’re written by AI. This genre is a nightmare and a slog. Seriously just look at my book history. It’s been nightmare fuel! I’m honestly shocked how much I loved and enjoyed this series! However with being done I’m back to trash 😭 I hope book 2 will be out soon! Chris Brooks is my new favorite author that I’ll be following starting yesterday 🙏
November 9, 2024
Thank you to @dartfrogbooks for the #gifted copy
The synopsis does not do this book justice. If you like fantasy, pick this one up! I love strong female characters and Izzy fits the bill. Izzy and her sword, Baal are on a mission to retrieve the body of a banshee and give her a proper burial order by Noden. She is also in love with Noden and Baal reels her she shouldn’t trust him. Baals fears come true.
The synopsis does not do this book justice. If you like fantasy, pick this one up! I love strong female characters and Izzy fits the bill. Izzy and her sword, Baal are on a mission to retrieve the body of a banshee and give her a proper burial order by Noden. She is also in love with Noden and Baal reels her she shouldn’t trust him. Baals fears come true.
March 5, 2026
This story starts off with Izzy, a 28 year old human, and her faithful sword. Her sword happens to be sentient, her best friend...and bloodthirsty. Together these two take a bounty to remove a banshee that is haunting a location she was murdered at. When the quest takes a turn for the worst, Baal sacrifices himself in order to save Izzy.
Izzy decides the only way to bring back Baal and his powers, is to kill others with him. So her mission is to take down as many bad guys as she can, without losing herself in the process.
Sounds interesting right?
Well it lost me shortly after Baal sacrificed himself.
I could not connect with any of the characters. I just felt like the dialogue/style didn't mesh well for the world this story was in. There were multiple paragraphs throughout that just described random beings in the world that probably could have been left out without changing the story. Or maybe in an index at the end? All of the steamy scenes felt forced and just there to be there. No connection between the characters really, and didn't add to the story.
My personal number one thing I dislike in books though, is anything involving children. Izzy was fighting against it ...but that doesn't change the fact that it was rampant throughout the world this author created. While I liked that she was taking a stand against it, it was just a topic I personally don't like to read.
I think if you don't mind violence and gore, and you do like a little vigilante justice in a fantasy type world, then you may like this read. Just because I didn't, doesn't mean you won't. There's potential here.
Izzy decides the only way to bring back Baal and his powers, is to kill others with him. So her mission is to take down as many bad guys as she can, without losing herself in the process.
Sounds interesting right?
Well it lost me shortly after Baal sacrificed himself.
I could not connect with any of the characters. I just felt like the dialogue/style didn't mesh well for the world this story was in. There were multiple paragraphs throughout that just described random beings in the world that probably could have been left out without changing the story. Or maybe in an index at the end? All of the steamy scenes felt forced and just there to be there. No connection between the characters really, and didn't add to the story.
My personal number one thing I dislike in books though, is anything involving children. Izzy was fighting against it ...but that doesn't change the fact that it was rampant throughout the world this author created. While I liked that she was taking a stand against it, it was just a topic I personally don't like to read.
I think if you don't mind violence and gore, and you do like a little vigilante justice in a fantasy type world, then you may like this read. Just because I didn't, doesn't mean you won't. There's potential here.
October 26, 2024
I really enjoy fantasy stories with an empowered woman as the main character and Izzy definitely takes care of business on her journeys. She isn't shy or afraid to go to the aide of someone or something in need with her trusty sword Baal by her side.
I found the world the author created to be very intriguing and filled with unique characters and creatures that could communicate with each other. The interesting inclusion of such creative beings keep me turning the pages as I needed to know where the story was headed.
The way Izzy tries so hard to right the wrongs being done to helpless children and those unable to defend themselves is admirable and I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I found the world the author created to be very intriguing and filled with unique characters and creatures that could communicate with each other. The interesting inclusion of such creative beings keep me turning the pages as I needed to know where the story was headed.
The way Izzy tries so hard to right the wrongs being done to helpless children and those unable to defend themselves is admirable and I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
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