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Azaroth & Sefalin
It has rested hidden and reviled since the Twilight, when the light of the world was very nearly snuffed out by it. Guarded by a zealous warrior knighthood of continental renown, the omnipotent evil of the Coda Uma is about to be stolen by two famed thieves.
Meet Prince Sefalin, who isn't human, can't control his powers and never wanted to be king much less Emperor. And Azaroth, the moody wizard who becomes hopelessly trapped in his own random metamorphosing. When they themselves are robbed by someone bent on a different kind of revenge, all hell breaks loose.
Literally.
Weary, hunted, separated, they navigate horrific wars, hideous monstrosities and a catastrophic plague. Can these same thieves steal again what they want to be rid of while evading their enemies (everyone), and if they can, where can they hide what wants to be found and cannot be concealed?
An account of love that endures, friendship that transcends and an apocalypse that will reveal the greatest casualty of all.
Meet Prince Sefalin, who isn't human, can't control his powers and never wanted to be king much less Emperor. And Azaroth, the moody wizard who becomes hopelessly trapped in his own random metamorphosing. When they themselves are robbed by someone bent on a different kind of revenge, all hell breaks loose.
Literally.
Weary, hunted, separated, they navigate horrific wars, hideous monstrosities and a catastrophic plague. Can these same thieves steal again what they want to be rid of while evading their enemies (everyone), and if they can, where can they hide what wants to be found and cannot be concealed?
An account of love that endures, friendship that transcends and an apocalypse that will reveal the greatest casualty of all.
- GenresFantasySword and Sorcery
ebook
First published February 2, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 7, 2018
This novel was provided free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Surprisingly fun read!
This is the story of two men who couldn't be more different. One is a wizard, the other a master swordsman. One is what we today would call a nerd and the other a jock. One is an orphan, the other a prince. They do have two things in common, they are best friends and thieves. In fact, they happen to be very good thieves.
Azaroth, the wizard, has revenge on his mind when he plans on stealing a very special book. Okay, not special it's just plain EVIL. It doesn't matter how good your intentions are if try to use it you'll only end up bring about the end of the world. Of course, Azaroth and Sefalin aren't the only ones who want it.
So starts the adventure and the action and it's non-stop from pretty much the first page to the last page. There is magic! Sword fighting! What more can you ask for! It was downright fun! Now I have to admit that some of the sword fighting was a bit over the top. I just couldn't help but say "yeah right" a few times but hell it's a fantasy novel so who the hell cares. If someone is throwing fireballs around, who am I to complain about a few unrealistic sword fighting moves?
Character development was done well enough for a book of this length. I got to like Sefalin much more than Azaroth which is interesting because the author gives much more of a backstory to Azaroth than Sefalin.
Now, why I didn't give it five stars: I had problems with the plot. There where places in the book where suddenly you would find yourself in someplace new and you have no clue how the story got there. Suddenly there are new characters and you have no idea who they are. There's pretty much no set up for the new characters. After reading five or six pages I would finally go, "oh I get what's going on now." Then with the next chapter, bam, you're back to the normal plot and characters and you're left scratching your head. The whole process broke up the flow of the plot and I think it could have been handled in a better way. However, in the end, the climax was well done and satisfying.
Finally, I think I should mention the violence. This is not a book for young readers or the faint of heart. If you are bothered at all by blood and gore, then this is not the book for you. Otherwise, it was a quick, fun read.
May 13, 2016
5 Stars
Azaroth & Sefalin by Leonard Mokos is a surprisingly well done story about best friends, one a spell slinger and the other a Prince swordsman. I went into this thinking it would be a young adult oriented fantasy that is typical of the sword & sorcerers genre. I thought wrong. This is an adult oriented often dark fantasy with plenty of wizardry, swords, and killings.
The two men are both likable even though they are opposites. It is their friendship that pulls each along to overcome the hurdles and sometimes monsters or armies that they face. They need each other to make the story work.
This book also has a cool plot point, it is a chase for all to obtain an all powerful book. This book contains secrets of magic and is a devastating weapon. It also hides a brutal secret...Cool cool stuff.
I loved this book. It is fun magic and swords from start to finish. The ending is satisfying. I really hope that Mokos does other books like this one. Azaroth & Sefalin is my cup of tea.
Azaroth & Sefalin by Leonard Mokos is a surprisingly well done story about best friends, one a spell slinger and the other a Prince swordsman. I went into this thinking it would be a young adult oriented fantasy that is typical of the sword & sorcerers genre. I thought wrong. This is an adult oriented often dark fantasy with plenty of wizardry, swords, and killings.
The two men are both likable even though they are opposites. It is their friendship that pulls each along to overcome the hurdles and sometimes monsters or armies that they face. They need each other to make the story work.
This book also has a cool plot point, it is a chase for all to obtain an all powerful book. This book contains secrets of magic and is a devastating weapon. It also hides a brutal secret...Cool cool stuff.
I loved this book. It is fun magic and swords from start to finish. The ending is satisfying. I really hope that Mokos does other books like this one. Azaroth & Sefalin is my cup of tea.
March 31, 2016
What the actual flip!?!?!?!?! The author of this book sent me a free copy, and I gotta say, I was expecting it to be quite lame. But boy, oh boy was I wrong. The two main characters of this book are best friends, Azaroth, a obsessed wizard, and Sefalin, a prince who doesn't really want to be a prince. The comedy when they were together was so awesome, the battle scenes when they were fighting together were so cool, and I gotta say that the are probably my favorite duo out of all the books I've ever read and all the movies I've ever seen. The story-line was so simple, but somehow Leonard Mokos made it more complex and intense, with twists and turns every step of the way. Man! I still can't get over how awesome this book is! And dude! The epilogue was so funny! :'D
Len, I hope you make a sequel! Thanks heaps for the free copy!
Len, I hope you make a sequel! Thanks heaps for the free copy!
March 12, 2016
Superb adventure! Page turning action that's vivid and often beautiful. Dueling wizards in a burning palace, tons of monsters, genuinely intriguing characters plus a grotesque plague, race wars with wild battle scenes, a murder in the Bone Realm, a terrifying Horde nobody has ever seen and not been eaten by, a lost city-tomb, and then the real surprises. Characters were great, this is a story about real friendship. The action sequences are awesome fun and a few are worth re-reading, a fantastic ride in a nicely developed world.
December 20, 2016
I really enjoyed Leonard's NEW fantasy,
. Great new characters, settings, and adventures!! It is totally different from any fantasy I've read and at 61, I've read my share over the years! I really enjoyed the character of Sefalin. I think you will too!
. Great new characters, settings, and adventures!! It is totally different from any fantasy I've read and at 61, I've read my share over the years! I really enjoyed the character of Sefalin. I think you will too!
August 4, 2017
-I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Azaroth and Sefalin, by Leonard G. Mokos, is an epic fantasy about two men, both of whom, despite the folly of their youth, have shown their loyalty to one another time and time again.
Azaroth is a middle-aged wizard whom, along with his companion Sefalin, set out to Lonsea, where the Coda Uma, a book that codes for the apocalypse, resides. In order to bring back his master’s past glories, Azaroth resolves to steal the book with his friend in toll. After a very amusing near-death experience, the two friends manage to retrieve the book and part ways. However, when word of the stolen book reaches Helix, a scorned Prince lusting for power, he scours the lands to find the thieves. With a kingdom falling, the undead marching on, and the enemy closing in, Azaroth and Sefalin discover that it is their friendship that helps one another, and, at the very least, makes life worth living.
I loved the dynamic between Azaroth and Sefalin. Whereas Sefalin is humorous, Azaroth is serious; Sefalin born with a silver spoon, Azaroth a lowly orphan. Even so, the two share a common trait that if their loved ones were demeaned or threatened, they would do anything to protect them, no matter the cost. Whether that means groveling at the feet of another king, or transforming into a monster, it’s clear they hold each other and their loved ones in high regard. This is shown many times over when they go to risk their lives for each other, when they are willing to even abandon others if only for the sake of an adventure they could go on together. It goes to show that they really are lifelong companions, and that they do have each other’s backs in the darkest of times, something Mokos illustrates fully.
Their relationship also shows a major theme in the book, that true friends will always stay by your side, no matter how badly you screw up. Personally, it reminded me of a comic I once read, of how a good friend would bail you out of jail, but a true friend would be sitting in the jail cell right beside you. Azaroth and Sefalin have been burned by each other’s actions, but even then, they still decide to go on their many misadventures together. It makes for a bittersweet ending, but I can’t imagine any other place for these two aside from together.
Overall, I would give this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The book’s meticulous details brought to life horrifying scenes that made me want more. The friendship between the two main characters, as well as the political battlefield waged behind the scenes, was well done. The book was thorough, and is recommended to those who enjoy adventure and dystopian genres.
Azaroth and Sefalin, by Leonard G. Mokos, is an epic fantasy about two men, both of whom, despite the folly of their youth, have shown their loyalty to one another time and time again.
Azaroth is a middle-aged wizard whom, along with his companion Sefalin, set out to Lonsea, where the Coda Uma, a book that codes for the apocalypse, resides. In order to bring back his master’s past glories, Azaroth resolves to steal the book with his friend in toll. After a very amusing near-death experience, the two friends manage to retrieve the book and part ways. However, when word of the stolen book reaches Helix, a scorned Prince lusting for power, he scours the lands to find the thieves. With a kingdom falling, the undead marching on, and the enemy closing in, Azaroth and Sefalin discover that it is their friendship that helps one another, and, at the very least, makes life worth living.
I loved the dynamic between Azaroth and Sefalin. Whereas Sefalin is humorous, Azaroth is serious; Sefalin born with a silver spoon, Azaroth a lowly orphan. Even so, the two share a common trait that if their loved ones were demeaned or threatened, they would do anything to protect them, no matter the cost. Whether that means groveling at the feet of another king, or transforming into a monster, it’s clear they hold each other and their loved ones in high regard. This is shown many times over when they go to risk their lives for each other, when they are willing to even abandon others if only for the sake of an adventure they could go on together. It goes to show that they really are lifelong companions, and that they do have each other’s backs in the darkest of times, something Mokos illustrates fully.
Their relationship also shows a major theme in the book, that true friends will always stay by your side, no matter how badly you screw up. Personally, it reminded me of a comic I once read, of how a good friend would bail you out of jail, but a true friend would be sitting in the jail cell right beside you. Azaroth and Sefalin have been burned by each other’s actions, but even then, they still decide to go on their many misadventures together. It makes for a bittersweet ending, but I can’t imagine any other place for these two aside from together.
Overall, I would give this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The book’s meticulous details brought to life horrifying scenes that made me want more. The friendship between the two main characters, as well as the political battlefield waged behind the scenes, was well done. The book was thorough, and is recommended to those who enjoy adventure and dystopian genres.
July 14, 2016
This book came recommended from a couple of sources. The story sounded interesting and up my alley; it just took me too long to get around to reading it. The fault was all mine. At first glance it looks like a Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser pastiche. That was the impression I was under and while Azaroth & Sefalin are similar to Mr. Leiber's characters, they aren't photocopied clones. The beginning was great backstory setting up the problems to come. The next short part of the book glosses over Azaroth and Sefalin's meeting and becoming great friends and partners in crime. Finally you get an action packed adventure to save the world. Overall a great start to a new author. So you get an Empress that is more than meets the eye, a host of the dead, the Coda Uma--an indestructible book of ancient lore, a lich or two, an order of knights who are pledged to protect the Coda Uma and last but not least the unstoppable Tonn!! I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 25, 2016
This is an excellent read. the plot is interesting and the characters very well drawn. a must for fans of the fantasy novel. Will definitely find more by this author
February 19, 2017
A rollicking adventure! Fast-paced...hope he writes more!
December 28, 2017
The book is amazing. From a lost book, to magic, weird creatures. Very easy to follow with the description of characters and places.Can't wait for more with Azaroth & Sefalin, I hope.
October 20, 2017
"The tinkle of crystal glasses mingled with the light spirited music and the clamor of laughter and voices. Helix sat at a seat of yewnwood with inlays of gold, starred with onyx, sculpted to resemble a crouching dragon on whose back the Emperor was seen to sit, the chiseled wings acting as armrests. From his lofty vantage Helix yawned."
Very descriptive wording, elaborate writing yet doesn't become clunky. I enjoyed reading the soaring prose; this author writes like it's poetry.
The story is very suspenseful, consisting of many exotic locales, such as a bubble-like city trapped under the sea; thrilling fights; horrible monsters, such as the soul-sucking Tonn, and bizarre feats such as a major character transforming into a squid-like beast for much of the book.
However, I got a sense of a "shrug" throughout the entire book. No matter how desperate things are against the two heroes, Sefalin and Azaroth (those two names are hard to remember, even by the end of the book, especially for Sefalin, which doesn't have a strong feel to it) you could always count on some miracle to rescue the two. Especially in Sefalin's fights. He's always against opponents of much stronger power and skill than he, yet he always manages to escape due to distractions, a rescuer (deus ex machina), or simply by parrying back so perfectly that every fatal blow is thwarted. In a normal fantasy setting, Sefalin would have long been dead by now.
Another thing that bothered me was the inconclusiveness of death in this book. When you die in this book, you can simply transform into another form, or surprisingly because of magic, revert back to your normal self. This makes the stakes much lower during the grand epic battles.
Some of the scenes are strange and don't make sense. Characters run into each other even though they initially were far apart. Sometimes a major villain joins a battle and then disappears before finishing off the battle. Sometimes a kingdom is right at the brink of defeat within hours. Sometimes it felt like 95% of humanity (the decent, hard-working, day-to-day people who farm for food, make the clothing, bring in the metalwork) would have been devastated by now by the many hordes of nasties teeming within this book. In such a scenario, civilization would fall, because no matter what the lofty palace battles, one always needs food, clothing, shelter, and so on from thousands of fellow human beings. This book seems to have rushed a sense of reality.
Nonetheless, for terrific writing, incredible imagination, and some wicked weirdness, this book was in many parts fun and entertaining to read.
Very descriptive wording, elaborate writing yet doesn't become clunky. I enjoyed reading the soaring prose; this author writes like it's poetry.
The story is very suspenseful, consisting of many exotic locales, such as a bubble-like city trapped under the sea; thrilling fights; horrible monsters, such as the soul-sucking Tonn, and bizarre feats such as a major character transforming into a squid-like beast for much of the book.
However, I got a sense of a "shrug" throughout the entire book. No matter how desperate things are against the two heroes, Sefalin and Azaroth (those two names are hard to remember, even by the end of the book, especially for Sefalin, which doesn't have a strong feel to it) you could always count on some miracle to rescue the two. Especially in Sefalin's fights. He's always against opponents of much stronger power and skill than he, yet he always manages to escape due to distractions, a rescuer (deus ex machina), or simply by parrying back so perfectly that every fatal blow is thwarted. In a normal fantasy setting, Sefalin would have long been dead by now.
Another thing that bothered me was the inconclusiveness of death in this book. When you die in this book, you can simply transform into another form, or surprisingly because of magic, revert back to your normal self. This makes the stakes much lower during the grand epic battles.
Some of the scenes are strange and don't make sense. Characters run into each other even though they initially were far apart. Sometimes a major villain joins a battle and then disappears before finishing off the battle. Sometimes a kingdom is right at the brink of defeat within hours. Sometimes it felt like 95% of humanity (the decent, hard-working, day-to-day people who farm for food, make the clothing, bring in the metalwork) would have been devastated by now by the many hordes of nasties teeming within this book. In such a scenario, civilization would fall, because no matter what the lofty palace battles, one always needs food, clothing, shelter, and so on from thousands of fellow human beings. This book seems to have rushed a sense of reality.
Nonetheless, for terrific writing, incredible imagination, and some wicked weirdness, this book was in many parts fun and entertaining to read.
June 15, 2025
A very solid 4.75 stars for a random free eBook; I'm not even sure how I got a copy of this. But wow, this is great!
A really cool self-published Fantasy book that feels a lot like a warm hug and nod to the likes of Fritz Lieber's infamous duo, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser.
The motivations of the main characters here are deep and complicated, and their actions for the most part feel sane, real, and natural. There's a lot of heart put into the characters here, and even the less reputable characters are nicely fleshed out and a pleasure to read, too.
The only things preventing me from wholeheartedly giving this even more praise:
But for an unknown (and/or first time?) author that gives away copies of his book for free, these nitpicks are very minor, and do nothing to detract or derail the overall effort.
A great book that really needs more praise and exposure!
A really cool self-published Fantasy book that feels a lot like a warm hug and nod to the likes of Fritz Lieber's infamous duo, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser.
The motivations of the main characters here are deep and complicated, and their actions for the most part feel sane, real, and natural. There's a lot of heart put into the characters here, and even the less reputable characters are nicely fleshed out and a pleasure to read, too.
The only things preventing me from wholeheartedly giving this even more praise:
1) The occasional dialog quirks (e.g. Sefalin's accent seems to shift here and there),I appreciated the fact that the main female character Orayna was resourceful, spirited, brave, and not shy about jumping into the fight when things got dicey.
2) a weird plot omission ,
and 3) an ending that tries a little too hard to setup a sequel
But for an unknown (and/or first time?) author that gives away copies of his book for free, these nitpicks are very minor, and do nothing to detract or derail the overall effort.
A great book that really needs more praise and exposure!
October 14, 2017
Azaroth & Sefalin is a very well written fantasy tale with two heroes, of those same names, who become reluctant buddies. When they are charged with finding and holding onto the Coda Uma, a book of evil powers, their dangerous adventures begin. We have Sefalin, a psychic prince, who is a talented swordsman and his companion, Azaroth the wizard, who seems to be disgruntled throughout most of the book. The pair have to take on numerous enemies and monstrous evils in many battles while a blossoming friendship between the two develops.
Unfortunately, I felt that the (very) many battles, humorous remarks and situations that are written about became almost clichéd for me when I was about half-way through the book. I kept thinking “another day/page/place another battle”. When I thought about this it was because so much of the story reminded me of Tolkein’s “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”. There is even a demon/dragon which has to be tamed in order to serve the pair of heroes. The author describes Skurbash as a demon but for me he sounded just like your “usual” dragon. Normally a dragon present in a tale carries its own fantastical twists and turns but I found Skurbash a little disappointing for his lack of surprises and lack of use of evil powers. While the main characters are well drawn the plot held little intrigue and interest, being too obvious in so many places and for me the well-described battle scenes did not provide enough compensation for me to enjoy the book as whole reading experience.
Unfortunately, I felt that the (very) many battles, humorous remarks and situations that are written about became almost clichéd for me when I was about half-way through the book. I kept thinking “another day/page/place another battle”. When I thought about this it was because so much of the story reminded me of Tolkein’s “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”. There is even a demon/dragon which has to be tamed in order to serve the pair of heroes. The author describes Skurbash as a demon but for me he sounded just like your “usual” dragon. Normally a dragon present in a tale carries its own fantastical twists and turns but I found Skurbash a little disappointing for his lack of surprises and lack of use of evil powers. While the main characters are well drawn the plot held little intrigue and interest, being too obvious in so many places and for me the well-described battle scenes did not provide enough compensation for me to enjoy the book as whole reading experience.
December 20, 2021
So good! Major Fafhrd and Gray Mouser vibes going on but the epicness is dialed way up!
April 18, 2016
"Azaroth was seeking the Coda Uma, which in theory was impossible to find, foremost because it was lost to myth. Secondly, considering all which was to follow, that much mayhem really is a two person job. Therefore Fate, that divine frolicker, saw to it that what Azaroth found first, was a friend. This most singular of pairings came about as only the rarest and most extraordinary friendships can; without intention, and entirely by surprise."
An adventurous tale filled with friendship and family and what it means to be brave. I give this book 2/5 stars. High fantasy writing, made for a slow read. It was difficult to get into because I had to keep rereading sentences and paragraphs, asking myself "who is saying this?, what is going on" again and again. This book is one I had to force myself to keep at it, but it is not one of those "where did the time go?" kind of reads.
An adventurous tale filled with friendship and family and what it means to be brave. I give this book 2/5 stars. High fantasy writing, made for a slow read. It was difficult to get into because I had to keep rereading sentences and paragraphs, asking myself "who is saying this?, what is going on" again and again. This book is one I had to force myself to keep at it, but it is not one of those "where did the time go?" kind of reads.
August 31, 2016
The beginning of a story full of magic and mystery
When Azaroth and Sefalin’s paths cross they find themselves with a choice; continue with their separate lives, or begin an adventure that could change everything. With the fate of their families on the line, the two unlikely friends must race against the clock to reverse the actions set in motion years before.
This book has been written as the first in a series and I am really looking forward to where it leads next.
I’ve given the book 4 stars, as the flow of the story kept it interesting whilst still being subtle enough to keep you guessing what was going to happen next. The character relationships, twist and turns and even the fictional world all come together to create a lighthearted but meaningful sci-fi story.
Curtana
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
When Azaroth and Sefalin’s paths cross they find themselves with a choice; continue with their separate lives, or begin an adventure that could change everything. With the fate of their families on the line, the two unlikely friends must race against the clock to reverse the actions set in motion years before.
This book has been written as the first in a series and I am really looking forward to where it leads next.
I’ve given the book 4 stars, as the flow of the story kept it interesting whilst still being subtle enough to keep you guessing what was going to happen next. The character relationships, twist and turns and even the fictional world all come together to create a lighthearted but meaningful sci-fi story.
Curtana
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
September 5, 2016
Azaroth is an orphan who was raised and trained to become a high caliber magic user. Sefalin is a psychically gifted prince seeking adventure. Together they become a renowned pair of thieves.
The story concerns them stealing a long hidden book that is capable of transforming the world into depravity and evil. Alas, they lose the book and must recover it again. It is very interesting and well paced.
Unfortunately, the author consistently uses loose for lose throughout the book. A bolt can come loose while someone can lose a bet. [Note: the author has corrected this issue.]
The story concerns them stealing a long hidden book that is capable of transforming the world into depravity and evil. Alas, they lose the book and must recover it again. It is very interesting and well paced.
Unfortunately, the author consistently uses loose for lose throughout the book. A bolt can come loose while someone can lose a bet. [Note: the author has corrected this issue.]
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February 2, 2018Azaroth & Sefalin by Leonard G Mokos
The crewmen worked the sails and the ship tacked smartly into the wind, bearing them far out to sea, two destinies bound for the unknown.
We are led on a fantastic adventure in a equaly fantastic world.
A prince and a sorcerer meet in the most unlikely and darring of moments holding a great scene of suspence that starts a great opening to the book that shall not be forgotten.
The crewmen worked the sails and the ship tacked smartly into the wind, bearing them far out to sea, two destinies bound for the unknown.
We are led on a fantastic adventure in a equaly fantastic world.
A prince and a sorcerer meet in the most unlikely and darring of moments holding a great scene of suspence that starts a great opening to the book that shall not be forgotten.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews