The Depths

World of Almir #1

by Paul Neslusan

Thousands of feet below the surface world and tucked behind a waterfall lies a ceaseless juggernaut of commerce, the six tiers of the city working together to provide anything desired. Some come to Solypse for trade; others simply come to disappear. Though the descent to the city is treacherous and long, it is lucrative for those willing to brave the trek. Those who stay are bolder for in a city full of those who wish to be forgotten, the real rules are often made in the shadows.
With promises of wealth come promises of power. As evil brews beneath the city, clandestine power struggles between politicians, magicians, merchants, and assassins bring the city of Solypse to the brink of annihilation. With a temple unable to help and a council unwilling to save its own people, it is up to an exiled dwarf, a reluctant assassin, and a failed priest to save the city.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2014

About the author

Paul Neslusan devours books whole (figuratively speaking), and has since he was a child. When he finally decided to put pen to paper, he set a goal of writing something that was understandable to a fifteen year old, engaging to a twenty five year old, and still compelling to a thirty five year old. Basically, he wanted to write the kind of books that he would want to read, and would have wanted to read when he was younger, and wants to read now. He lives in Central Massachusetts with his extremely patient wife and three children.

The Depths was his first work of fiction, released in December of 2014. His next book in the world of Almir, Maiden of Secrets, will be released in early fall of 2015.

Reviews

[Ruben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth while reading of the genre.


I admit, I've given the book 5 stars. If you read this review you might think why, but please hear me out. The book was a bit difficult to follow when I started reading it. With so many characters introduced in a chapter by chapter basis, I struggled to see the thread connecting them or the book really making any sense. But once the characters started to engage one another, the story truly took a life of its own. There were even a couple of moments that truly made me gasp aloud. Any book that can surprise me not once, but at least twice, deserves my highest accolades. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good read, especially of this genre.

[Brian Liebenow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I like world building and getting to experience new worlds in my mind while I'm reading and Paul did not disappoint with the setting of The Depths. I thought it was well imagined and he did a good job of alluding to the different races and creatures in his underground environment without getting too bogged down in the details. The novel had a good pace and I found myself turning the pages toward the end, waiting to see how the protagonists would fare. It was like going on a D&D campaign in an R.A. Salvatore inspired world.

This was an outstanding first novel by Mr. Neslusan, and I look forward to reading his forthcoming novels!!

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solypse and the Depths

I really enjoyed the first book in this fantasy series. The Depths and Solypse are unique and very intriguing! I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters.

[Stephanie Derbas (In Wonderland) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come