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First Passage
A dystopian fantasy world where magic, and technology co-mingle and otherworldly species are known of by a small few. Those with magic try to keep a low profile at threat of losing opportunities, relationships, or disappearing entirely.
Nathan Clouse is a resilient young man with unique magic and a troubled past. After escaping an abusive home he has been living amongst a group of outcasts and working odd jobs to support himself. He hopes that one day his skills as an inventor will pave the way to a better life. Everything changes one night when Nathan is attacked by strangers and then betrayed by the person he thought closest to him. Now on the run for his life, he must rely on new friendships, and his mentor to help him uncover the truth of his past before it's too late.
Nathan Clouse is a resilient young man with unique magic and a troubled past. After escaping an abusive home he has been living amongst a group of outcasts and working odd jobs to support himself. He hopes that one day his skills as an inventor will pave the way to a better life. Everything changes one night when Nathan is attacked by strangers and then betrayed by the person he thought closest to him. Now on the run for his life, he must rely on new friendships, and his mentor to help him uncover the truth of his past before it's too late.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 16, 2024
Some have not good pasts and not whole because a part of themselves is unknown to them. First Passage (The Path-Forgers Chronicles Book 1) is an interesting and intriguing read written by Morgan Fitzgerald-Lorah.
Unfathomably, the stab wound under Nathan's left collarbone is from his father's rage. Frightening scene of a father and son. His father is blaming him for his frustration in life and for the loss of his mother.
The plight leads to a new beginning with the Preduals, doing some scavenging jobs. But there are other threats to his life. One is from someone who's very dear to him and another from swordsmen, strangers to him. Will his visions, sai and magical orb help him to save himself?
First Passage is undeniably an intriguing plot. The character of Nathan is a role model for life's travails and sufferings, thru having never-ending dilemmas. The strong emphasis on family, resilience and love are beautiful themes. The magical mystery about the orb, Nathan's adversaries and him having magical abilities are exciting ideas for his true identity. There is profanity in the form of physical violence. Nevertheless, a five-star rate is justifiable for the positive aspects.
Hence, I recommend this sci-fi and fantasy for the genre's aficionados. Youngsters as well will not only enjoy the fantasy and action but will admire and imbibe the protagonist's inspiring character.
Unfathomably, the stab wound under Nathan's left collarbone is from his father's rage. Frightening scene of a father and son. His father is blaming him for his frustration in life and for the loss of his mother.
The plight leads to a new beginning with the Preduals, doing some scavenging jobs. But there are other threats to his life. One is from someone who's very dear to him and another from swordsmen, strangers to him. Will his visions, sai and magical orb help him to save himself?
First Passage is undeniably an intriguing plot. The character of Nathan is a role model for life's travails and sufferings, thru having never-ending dilemmas. The strong emphasis on family, resilience and love are beautiful themes. The magical mystery about the orb, Nathan's adversaries and him having magical abilities are exciting ideas for his true identity. There is profanity in the form of physical violence. Nevertheless, a five-star rate is justifiable for the positive aspects.
Hence, I recommend this sci-fi and fantasy for the genre's aficionados. Youngsters as well will not only enjoy the fantasy and action but will admire and imbibe the protagonist's inspiring character.
July 4, 2024
"This isn't a world I want to live in."
The story is set years into the future, over 200 years from now.
Nathan is a boy who comes from an abusive home. One day, he just leaves. He grows up very early for his age. His new life forces him to be street smart. He is a really smart kid too and it shows as the story proceeds.
But his life changes when he kills two attackers accidentally and suddenly a whole bunch of people are behind him. He has to escape. He has to measure his every step. He has to live.
I found the scope for found-family trope in this story and that could have been explored during writing. Maybe in the sequel, who knows?
Oh and the technology, it fascinated me! There's magic, there's mystery, there's action, there's graphic scenes. Betrayal, secrets and lies! I kept wondering, who are the good people here, who are the bad ones?
But in the end, even after the world had evolved so much in terms of technology, what about humanity?
The story is set years into the future, over 200 years from now.
Nathan is a boy who comes from an abusive home. One day, he just leaves. He grows up very early for his age. His new life forces him to be street smart. He is a really smart kid too and it shows as the story proceeds.
But his life changes when he kills two attackers accidentally and suddenly a whole bunch of people are behind him. He has to escape. He has to measure his every step. He has to live.
I found the scope for found-family trope in this story and that could have been explored during writing. Maybe in the sequel, who knows?
Oh and the technology, it fascinated me! There's magic, there's mystery, there's action, there's graphic scenes. Betrayal, secrets and lies! I kept wondering, who are the good people here, who are the bad ones?
But in the end, even after the world had evolved so much in terms of technology, what about humanity?
April 23, 2024
Nathan barely escapes with his life after his abusive father attempts to end it, stabbing him just right under his left collarbone. He seeks asylum in the blackout zone with the outcasts of the city, surviving by scavenging and selling his findings in the black market for years until one day two men attempt to kidnap and kill him. The failed assault leaves him once again barely alive and sets him on a course to find secrets about himself and his past that he never even expected.
I love Morgan Fitzgerald-Lorah's choice of cover; it caught my eye the instant I saw the book; the hero's features hidden by the hoodie and the magical glowing orb give mysterious and fantasy vibes, which is my cup of tea. However, the title didn't give away anything about the storyline, and I still don't get its connection to the book after reading it.
The author completely takes me off guard at the beginning of the story when I find the storyline happening in the future in a dystopian society. She skillfully creates a futuristic sci-fi setting without exaggerating it and subtly blends it with fantasy and magical elements in a very convincing and outstanding way. She seamlessly draws the reader into her imagined world in a few seconds without dwelling for long to over-describe and explain how things work, but she provides the necessary information at every possible chance within the scene's context, which is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The novel's fast pace and the unexpected twists that keep popping up in the plot glued me to its pages, making me finish the book in only a couple of sittings, which was an exhilarating experience. Another one of my favorite aspects of this novel is the realistic touch in the characters' personalities the author adds; they aren't the perfect, selfless, self-sacrificing, or idealistic people, not even Nathan, the novel's hero. They all have their own flaws and fears, which adds a realistic streak to them.
However, the maddening cliffhanger the book ends with leaves me unsatisfied because I didn't even realize I reached the end until I found no more pages to scroll through. I understand this is the first book in a series, but at least a partial closure would have been better, as it felt like the book ended at a pique in the plot. On the other hand, I know it piqued my interest in the sequel and left me eager to grab it, but I'm not sure others will appreciate this.
In spite of the previous notes, I absolutely enjoyed reading "First Passage," and the author's attention to the small details, whether in the plot or the characters, gives it a unique quality that makes the book stand out from its peers. I believe a subtle explanation of the title's significance in the plot will make it more comprehensible. I am certain this brilliant and must-read novel will be appreciated by anyone who is in love with fantasy and fiction, regardless of age.
I love Morgan Fitzgerald-Lorah's choice of cover; it caught my eye the instant I saw the book; the hero's features hidden by the hoodie and the magical glowing orb give mysterious and fantasy vibes, which is my cup of tea. However, the title didn't give away anything about the storyline, and I still don't get its connection to the book after reading it.
The author completely takes me off guard at the beginning of the story when I find the storyline happening in the future in a dystopian society. She skillfully creates a futuristic sci-fi setting without exaggerating it and subtly blends it with fantasy and magical elements in a very convincing and outstanding way. She seamlessly draws the reader into her imagined world in a few seconds without dwelling for long to over-describe and explain how things work, but she provides the necessary information at every possible chance within the scene's context, which is one of my favorite aspects of the book.
The novel's fast pace and the unexpected twists that keep popping up in the plot glued me to its pages, making me finish the book in only a couple of sittings, which was an exhilarating experience. Another one of my favorite aspects of this novel is the realistic touch in the characters' personalities the author adds; they aren't the perfect, selfless, self-sacrificing, or idealistic people, not even Nathan, the novel's hero. They all have their own flaws and fears, which adds a realistic streak to them.
However, the maddening cliffhanger the book ends with leaves me unsatisfied because I didn't even realize I reached the end until I found no more pages to scroll through. I understand this is the first book in a series, but at least a partial closure would have been better, as it felt like the book ended at a pique in the plot. On the other hand, I know it piqued my interest in the sequel and left me eager to grab it, but I'm not sure others will appreciate this.
In spite of the previous notes, I absolutely enjoyed reading "First Passage," and the author's attention to the small details, whether in the plot or the characters, gives it a unique quality that makes the book stand out from its peers. I believe a subtle explanation of the title's significance in the plot will make it more comprehensible. I am certain this brilliant and must-read novel will be appreciated by anyone who is in love with fantasy and fiction, regardless of age.
October 30, 2024
First Passage, by Morgan Fitzgerald-Lorah, is a captivating Fantasy Sci-Fi novel that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. The story follows Nathan, a young magic user and inventor navigating life in the bleak future of the Dark Zone. His journey is fraught with peril, from betrayal in shadowy alleyways to brutal fights and deadly magic. At its heart, Nathan’s quest is one of self-discovery—seeking the truth about his origins and the reasons behind his unique abilities. Alongside him are his enigmatic mentor, Grant, and his steadfast friends, who do everything they can to keep him alive. With time running out, Nathan must uncover why he is being hunted before it's too late.
As Nathan's past begins to surface, readers are left wondering: will the guidance of his mentor, and the support of his loyal companions—Mark, his trusty sidekick, and Lily, the healer—be enough to save him? The action is relentless, with heart-pounding fight scenes that keep the pages turning. Fitzgerald-Lorah’s vivid descriptions paint a violent and unforgiving dystopian world, but she balances it perfectly with the emotional growth of her characters and the deep bonds they share. The quirky, dynamic cast surrounding Nathan adds both depth and humor, while his backstory of trauma and resilience makes him an inspiring protagonist to root for.
For fans of novels that are a thrilling blend of fantasy and science fiction, First Passage delivers an exhilarating adventure with a hero worth cheering for. It is worth noting that some key scenes felt somewhat rushed. I would have liked to have seen a little more detail and depth in these cases. The overall story remains compelling with an engaging plot and a memorable cast of characters.
First Passage is the kind of book that leaves you wishing it were longer, eager to dive deeper into the world Fitzgerald-Lorah has created. In the end, First Passage is an exciting introduction to what promises to be a fantastic saga, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
As Nathan's past begins to surface, readers are left wondering: will the guidance of his mentor, and the support of his loyal companions—Mark, his trusty sidekick, and Lily, the healer—be enough to save him? The action is relentless, with heart-pounding fight scenes that keep the pages turning. Fitzgerald-Lorah’s vivid descriptions paint a violent and unforgiving dystopian world, but she balances it perfectly with the emotional growth of her characters and the deep bonds they share. The quirky, dynamic cast surrounding Nathan adds both depth and humor, while his backstory of trauma and resilience makes him an inspiring protagonist to root for.
For fans of novels that are a thrilling blend of fantasy and science fiction, First Passage delivers an exhilarating adventure with a hero worth cheering for. It is worth noting that some key scenes felt somewhat rushed. I would have liked to have seen a little more detail and depth in these cases. The overall story remains compelling with an engaging plot and a memorable cast of characters.
First Passage is the kind of book that leaves you wishing it were longer, eager to dive deeper into the world Fitzgerald-Lorah has created. In the end, First Passage is an exciting introduction to what promises to be a fantastic saga, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
May 30, 2024
The First Passage by Morgan Fitzgerald Loran is a fantasy book following the life of Nathaniel Rune Clause. Nathan has been living in his house with his alcoholic and abusive father, who finds something new to blame him for every other day and leaves him with new scars. When one night the abuse goes too far to threaten his life and his father attempts to kill him, Nathan manages to escape with the help of his magic, but not without a stab wound under his left collarbone. He, along with his best friend Summer, flee and find refuge with their fellow preduals where he does odd jobs that involve scavenging for items and selling them in the black market.
Carrying out his usual job one night, Nathan finds himself surrounded by two odd men who threaten to kill him if he does not go with them. Once again, he barely escapes death with some help from his magical powers. With this new threat, he sets out to find secrets about his past that could explain the happenings.
The book is really intriguing and engaging to follow. When those two men arrived at Horace’s door, claiming they were there for their ‘experiment’ which they referred to Nathan as, I knew something was up. I liked Nathan's character, and I liked Summer's as well, until she started to change towards Nathan and didn't believe in any of the visions he said he had. Not having someone to support you when you desperately need it can be depressing. Coming from someone you adore too much too. I have no criticism about the book and therefore give it a full rating.
Potential content warnings would be blood and violence, and I would recommend the book to a younger group of people who fancy young adult and fantasy books.
Carrying out his usual job one night, Nathan finds himself surrounded by two odd men who threaten to kill him if he does not go with them. Once again, he barely escapes death with some help from his magical powers. With this new threat, he sets out to find secrets about his past that could explain the happenings.
The book is really intriguing and engaging to follow. When those two men arrived at Horace’s door, claiming they were there for their ‘experiment’ which they referred to Nathan as, I knew something was up. I liked Nathan's character, and I liked Summer's as well, until she started to change towards Nathan and didn't believe in any of the visions he said he had. Not having someone to support you when you desperately need it can be depressing. Coming from someone you adore too much too. I have no criticism about the book and therefore give it a full rating.
Potential content warnings would be blood and violence, and I would recommend the book to a younger group of people who fancy young adult and fantasy books.
July 29, 2024
This is a dystopian sci-fi storyline, based in a futuristic world with secret organisations, mystery and murder. It is very intriguing and had me hooked from the first page - i finished it in a day! I just had to know what was going to happen next!
The story follows Nathan who left his abusive home at the age of 10, becoming a missing child that a secret organisation were very interested in. He ran off with his childhood sweetheart and became a scavenger, making money on the side of his creations. It was gripping - i kept turning the page to find out what Nathan was going to face next and there was always something else that was about to happen.
I loved the characters...they were fun and sarcastic (definitely my cup of tea) and our main character is broody and has been betrayed by his first love. However, some of them drifted in and out of the book and then were completely forgotten which i think is a loose end that needs to be tied up. I didnt like how each fight, the heros were always outnumbered or clearly outmatched and were continuously getting hurt - it didnt show any way in which they would be able to move forward.
There were some loose ends that i wish had been tied up before the mother of all cliff hangers! I dont know if i hate the cliffhanger because it was the end of the book and i couldnt read anymore or because it left said loose ends open and floating in the wind.
However, i am super excited for the next book to come out so that i can see where Nathan goes next and if he can solve the mystery surrounding his life...because i NEED to know!
The story follows Nathan who left his abusive home at the age of 10, becoming a missing child that a secret organisation were very interested in. He ran off with his childhood sweetheart and became a scavenger, making money on the side of his creations. It was gripping - i kept turning the page to find out what Nathan was going to face next and there was always something else that was about to happen.
I loved the characters...they were fun and sarcastic (definitely my cup of tea) and our main character is broody and has been betrayed by his first love. However, some of them drifted in and out of the book and then were completely forgotten which i think is a loose end that needs to be tied up. I didnt like how each fight, the heros were always outnumbered or clearly outmatched and were continuously getting hurt - it didnt show any way in which they would be able to move forward.
There were some loose ends that i wish had been tied up before the mother of all cliff hangers! I dont know if i hate the cliffhanger because it was the end of the book and i couldnt read anymore or because it left said loose ends open and floating in the wind.
However, i am super excited for the next book to come out so that i can see where Nathan goes next and if he can solve the mystery surrounding his life...because i NEED to know!
June 19, 2024
The novel named “First Passage :The Path-Forgers Chronicles" by Morgan Fitzgerald-Lorah stands out as an enthralling mix of the fantasy and the science-fiction that places the reader into the bleak future, enriched with secrets and magic. Specifically, the plot revolves around the life of the protagonist, the young man, Nathan Clouse, who was an outcast due to his exceptional magical powers and a mistreatment in his home, so he became a street-slum dweller. His life changes instantly when people he does not know decides to attack him and thus sets him on a journey to discover a very bleak past.
April 13, 2024
I was given a review copy of this book and I enjoyed it. I liked the concept and characters and the descriptions of the fantasy world. There was magic, villains, heroes and otherworldly creatures; all of which made for an intriguing read.
It was reasonably well-written for the most part, though there was repetition and some awkward sentences. It had action, tension and suspense. It will be interesting to see what's next.
Worth a look.
It was reasonably well-written for the most part, though there was repetition and some awkward sentences. It had action, tension and suspense. It will be interesting to see what's next.
Worth a look.
June 24, 2024
The book First Passage (The Path-Forgers Chronicles Book 1) delves into Nathan’s struggles, discoveries, love, and family bonds. What stands out is the strength of Nathan’s character, even as he faces adversity on the streets. The gradual development of his character from the beginning to the end is captivating. It is indeed an amazing book.
June 20, 2024
First Passage (The Path-Forgers Chronicles Book 1) is an amazing book and its a fantasy book that talks about a man called Nathan. He was a man that had magical powers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews