To End Every War: A Mystery Fantasy

by Raymond W. Wilkinson

Literary Titan Medal Winner
Readers' Favorite Medal Winner
Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist

"Epic Fantasy and Woman's Fiction combine to create… the best new book of 2023." - Reedsy Discovery

Assassinations spark chaos. Revolutions smolder. War looms.

1901 Vespa Academy of Sciences stands at the crossroads of myth, magic, and modernity. This international school seeks to end every war, but deadly rivalries, buried secrets, and ancient powers threaten to start a global war that could end it all. A single school year could change everything.

Amid it all, five unlikely women find their lives intertwined. A brilliant Dwarven prodigy grappling with family secrets. A reckless Selkie chasing a scandal. A tormented Elf hiding apocalyptic truths. A cursed Fae princess uncovering a conspiracy. A skeptical Succubus heir confronting deep deceit.

Only one can bind them Esmeralda, a young Duchessa desperate to save her collapsing country. As unexpected alliances form and shadowy enemies close in, they must confront the growing threats together. Soon, Esmeralda will rule nations. Who will be by her side when she saves the world?

Experience a fantastical alternative history, where humans and their rivals co-exist in a tense peace that reaches the edge of war. This journey will end in the history books.

Genres: Fantasy

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Hi, I’m Raymond Wilkinson, the writer of the Peacebringer Saga!

Reviews

[Shawne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has an interesting and very detailed world. With a plot told from the perspective of several very different characters it makes for a very changeable narrative which the author acknowledges at the beginning through a letter to the intended reader that this book is pieced together with recollections that have been chosen because how different these characters saw this time and Esmeralda. It is a really clever choice that the author has made although to make it clear that although the main character is Esmeralda she is not a perspective we get to see through and instead have to understand her from the view of the other characters which makes her so much more dynamic and complex. Is she a mastermind? Is she just a follower? Is she selfish and manipulating events and people to her benefit? or is she working to fulfill her family's legacy of educating to the noble end of ending conflict?

I did enjoy this story and am interested in seeing what comes next but I have to admit there were a number of points where it became difficult to continue purely because of how much information is laid out and how dense it is to get through. I think this is a very interesting concept but definitely best to read when you have time and headspace to work through it because every detail is relevant, important and world building.

I read an arc of this book through Hidden Gems.

[Jenny Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting opening novel. I can’t wait to see where this series leads!

As a lover of both fantasy and historical fiction, this book was a dream combination. Each character’s storyline comes across as credible and unique, and they are woven together thoughtfully in a way that is logical and fun. The themes found in this book reflect the hardships and turmoil in life while the book still feels lighthearted and fun throughout. I laughed out loud reading more than once. After reading this book, I can’t wait to see where the story goes. Bring on the series!

[Madi • SleuthingInk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read! I loved the different povs and how it was set up. Although I will say it took me a little bit to read. It was sometimes difficult with all the different povs. The story though was amazing! All the characters were interesting and real. I loved how even though the book has dark themes it was done it a way it wasn’t hard to read.

I read this as an ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.