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Tenets of Exile #1
Codex of Light
Long ago, the Silver Empire brought an end to the Kingdom of Lumin, and drove the Lumineans from their high city of Tashavet. Still true to their traditions however, the Lumineans have not been undone. They live among the Dan'din of the new Imperial Commonwealth, keeping hidden the few, precious codices which hold the secrets to the powers of the Divine. Young Dallet has been studying his whole life to become a cleric of the Divine, and dreams of one day marrying his childhood sweetheart and taking over the care of the Luminean Shrine in his small town of Zelf. In order to be initiated on this path he will need to read one of the ancient codices under the guidance of an experienced cleric. It is an honor, although a surprise, when he is tasked with transporting one such codex across the Bereaved Desert to the capital city of Brass Gates. The journey will prove to be treacherous, and Dallet's oath to protect the Codex of Light, even unto death, will prove to be a challenge that tests all of the values Dallet has ever held to be sacred.
- GenresFantasy
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2017
12 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
E.P. Stein
4 books5 followersA Jack of all trades, E.P. Stein consistently beats all the numbers, while losing to Queens, Kings, and Aces. While he seeks to unravel Life's riddles, his amazing wife and beautiful daughters keep his feet on the ground.
Once a playwright for Community theater, Stein now focuses on producing Fantasy novels, a nostalgic platform for exploring truths and tragedies.
Once a playwright for Community theater, Stein now focuses on producing Fantasy novels, a nostalgic platform for exploring truths and tragedies.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 24, 2017
Codex of Light is a well-written fantasy novel by E. P. Stein about two very unlikely travel companions running for their lives from danger after danger as they traverse the harsh Bereaved Desert.
The protagonist, Dallet, is a student of religion with no skills in battle. He is charged with delivering a Codex, a sacred religious book with powers for those who read it, to the Brass Gates. On his way his caravan is attacked and (spoiler alert if you haven't looked at the cover of the book) he is taken as a slave to a drakin, named Torak, a half dragon, half human. This brutal drakin is trained for battle only and keeps Dallet alive for the status he will gain by having a slave.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is well written. For example, I loved how Stein describes the sun, at the beginning of the novel, working its way across the sky, finish its day of work etc. Small details like this make it a unique and interesting experience to read this book. I was actually a little sad that the book didn't end with the sun taking a break after a long day of work.
I also like how there are multiple societies, races, religions in the world Stein has created. This gives a more real feeling to the entire story. As we discover the Drakin culture through Dallet we learn it as he does, so it doesn't slow down the story telling, but gives the reader information as needed.
I love to see character growth in a novel and we get that with Dallet. He is not your typical protagonist and we see his weaknesses as he bends to the will of his master. This gives him room to grow, and also makes him a character with depth, which is great to see. On the other hand we also see Torak, his drakin master, change a little as time progresses, but it is not as obvious as it is all from Dallet's POV.
In a book I love a good solid ending. This has that! It hints at what is to come, but gives us a good solid story with beginning, middle and end. When we reach the final pages of the book, it feels like we have come to the end of one journey, but there are future journeys ahead which sound pretty exciting!
I would recommend this book to high school aged or older. I think they would appreciate the complex world Stein has created more than younger readers, the violence/threats of violence might be a little much for younger readers, and there are also occasional mentions of sexual encounters although it is done very tastefully, and never in detail (example: It mentions that one woman visited a different tent each night on their caravan travels), for some younger readers it might go over their heads, but I think it is targeted at the older range of Young Adult.
I was given a copy of this book by publisher for review.
The protagonist, Dallet, is a student of religion with no skills in battle. He is charged with delivering a Codex, a sacred religious book with powers for those who read it, to the Brass Gates. On his way his caravan is attacked and (spoiler alert if you haven't looked at the cover of the book) he is taken as a slave to a drakin, named Torak, a half dragon, half human. This brutal drakin is trained for battle only and keeps Dallet alive for the status he will gain by having a slave.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is well written. For example, I loved how Stein describes the sun, at the beginning of the novel, working its way across the sky, finish its day of work etc. Small details like this make it a unique and interesting experience to read this book. I was actually a little sad that the book didn't end with the sun taking a break after a long day of work.
I also like how there are multiple societies, races, religions in the world Stein has created. This gives a more real feeling to the entire story. As we discover the Drakin culture through Dallet we learn it as he does, so it doesn't slow down the story telling, but gives the reader information as needed.
I love to see character growth in a novel and we get that with Dallet. He is not your typical protagonist and we see his weaknesses as he bends to the will of his master. This gives him room to grow, and also makes him a character with depth, which is great to see. On the other hand we also see Torak, his drakin master, change a little as time progresses, but it is not as obvious as it is all from Dallet's POV.
In a book I love a good solid ending. This has that! It hints at what is to come, but gives us a good solid story with beginning, middle and end. When we reach the final pages of the book, it feels like we have come to the end of one journey, but there are future journeys ahead which sound pretty exciting!
I would recommend this book to high school aged or older. I think they would appreciate the complex world Stein has created more than younger readers, the violence/threats of violence might be a little much for younger readers, and there are also occasional mentions of sexual encounters although it is done very tastefully, and never in detail (example: It mentions that one woman visited a different tent each night on their caravan travels), for some younger readers it might go over their heads, but I think it is targeted at the older range of Young Adult.
I was given a copy of this book by publisher for review.
April 13, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Dungeons and Dragons. I remember the days (sometimes literally) when I was in college rolling a D20 and wondering what new adventure might spring upon me. The world was ancient and filled with exotic and often dangerous creatures. There were different cultures to explore and magical relics to find. That same sense of familiar wonder was bestowed upon me by E.P. Stein’s Codex of Light.
The thing that stood out to me the most in Codex was the characters, especially the interaction between Dallet and Torak. Dallet was tasked with a perilous mission, transporting the enigmatic Codex to the academy at the distant Brass Gates. Unfortunately for him (and fortunately for us adventure goers) his mission doesn’t go quite smoothly. He finds himself captured and put in the thrall of Torak, a harsh master (I’d call him inhumane, but he’s not human). This is exactly where the story gets really good. The journey of the characters adds a great deal of depth to the adventure, as does the mystery of the Codex itself (especially since Dallet was told not to read it). I won’t go on to say anything more for fear of spoiling it, but any fan of R.A. Salvador will be right at home here.
The thing that stood out to me the most in Codex was the characters, especially the interaction between Dallet and Torak. Dallet was tasked with a perilous mission, transporting the enigmatic Codex to the academy at the distant Brass Gates. Unfortunately for him (and fortunately for us adventure goers) his mission doesn’t go quite smoothly. He finds himself captured and put in the thrall of Torak, a harsh master (I’d call him inhumane, but he’s not human). This is exactly where the story gets really good. The journey of the characters adds a great deal of depth to the adventure, as does the mystery of the Codex itself (especially since Dallet was told not to read it). I won’t go on to say anything more for fear of spoiling it, but any fan of R.A. Salvador will be right at home here.
March 6, 2018
I really liked this book! Dallet is a student tasked with delivering the codex on a dangerous journey and then runs into trouble on the way.
The world in this book is such a rich and emersive fantasy world that despite it’s danger I kind of loved it. The book is slow paced but I didn’t mind so much.
This book is definitely more complex than others I’ve read but I really enjoyed it.
At the end there’s a twist and a cliffhanger and it’s really got me excited for the sequel.
If you like complex stories and dragons and dangerous journeys this book is definitely for you!
Rating: 5 Stars!
Full review at Rhythmicbooknerd.wordpress.com
The world in this book is such a rich and emersive fantasy world that despite it’s danger I kind of loved it. The book is slow paced but I didn’t mind so much.
This book is definitely more complex than others I’ve read but I really enjoyed it.
At the end there’s a twist and a cliffhanger and it’s really got me excited for the sequel.
If you like complex stories and dragons and dangerous journeys this book is definitely for you!
Rating: 5 Stars!
Full review at Rhythmicbooknerd.wordpress.com
September 30, 2018
Simply amazing
I learned of this book on Goodreads and read it using Kindle Unlimited. Codex of Light gripped me early and never let go. Many stories are cliche and an avid reader can easily anticipate what will happen next. That was never true with this book. I kept guessing as I read and never anticipated the final chapter. It is now one of my favorite books. The rest of my review will contain spoilers.
The Good.
Dallet is a coward. He flees battle and ignores his convictions to stay alive. In other words, he acts like a real person. I look forward to discovering how he finds his courage in later books.
The fight that introduced the dragonmen was great. It didn't end like I suspected.
William was a great character. His treachery was expected, but it came earlier than I thought. I loved how magic worked in this world.
The bond between Dallet and Torak felt natural. Apparently, Stockholm Syndrome still happens when your captor consistently threatens to eat you. I wonder how the roles may be reversed in man's kingdom?
The Bad.
I didn't read anything I disliked. There were a few noticeable typos (e.g. Wolrd instead of world and missing quotation marks). None of them took me out of the story long, and they were few and far between.
The Technical.
There is a lot of violence in this book.
There aren't any female characters of importance. The ones present have rape implications around them.
I learned of this book on Goodreads and read it using Kindle Unlimited. Codex of Light gripped me early and never let go. Many stories are cliche and an avid reader can easily anticipate what will happen next. That was never true with this book. I kept guessing as I read and never anticipated the final chapter. It is now one of my favorite books. The rest of my review will contain spoilers.
The Good.
Dallet is a coward. He flees battle and ignores his convictions to stay alive. In other words, he acts like a real person. I look forward to discovering how he finds his courage in later books.
The fight that introduced the dragonmen was great. It didn't end like I suspected.
William was a great character. His treachery was expected, but it came earlier than I thought. I loved how magic worked in this world.
The bond between Dallet and Torak felt natural. Apparently, Stockholm Syndrome still happens when your captor consistently threatens to eat you. I wonder how the roles may be reversed in man's kingdom?
The Bad.
I didn't read anything I disliked. There were a few noticeable typos (e.g. Wolrd instead of world and missing quotation marks). None of them took me out of the story long, and they were few and far between.
The Technical.
There is a lot of violence in this book.
There aren't any female characters of importance. The ones present have rape implications around them.
May 5, 2017
This is just an ok read, will I read the next? No Way. It was boring and long winded in places, making me want to pull my hair out just to stay with the book. Read at your own risk.
February 3, 2019
(My actual review on my blog rated this 4.5 stars out of 5)
Within the very first few pages of the novel, E.P. Stein has already created a rich and unique culture for the Luminean people. We readers are thrown into this fantasy world, with different races of people, different customs, beliefs, and even language. And yet, Stein crafts his story so well, that it seems as if this world, these people, are familiar; as if we had known about them all along, but had simply forgotten for a while, and now we are reminded.
This first chapter serves as a runway to catapult the reader into the rest of the book. Already, suspense is building as we sense that something awful is about to befall Dallet, the honorable–if somewhat naive–son of a shoemaker. To satisfy our instincts, the chapter ends on a cliffhanger, further pulling us into the story even more as we rush to find out what happened. At the conclusion of the chapter, I am fully prepared to dive into the novel in its entirety; because I need to know where it will take Dallet and this mysterious Codex of Light.
The young Luminean, Dallet, is forced to embark upon a traditional fantasy-style quest, where he must deliver an important magical item to a faraway land. His youth and clerical studies have ill-prepared him for a life of survival on the road, and he soon faces deadly difficulties upon his journey. Will he still be able to protect the Codex? Will he make it to the city of the Brass Gates? Or will he even survive?
The beginning and end of each chapter is highlighted by a quote from either the Luminean teachings (for the former) or Drakin history (for the latter). As I progressed through the novel, I was able to use these quotes to gain much needed insight into the beliefs of each religion. As such, it made the actions of both peoples more meaningful, for they were acting on the orders of a higher power. Since the two religions are so starkly different, it created a disharmonious clash when Dallet ran into the Drakin, Torak.
E.P. Stein guides his characters with the hand of God, Boragh for the Drakin and the Divine for the Lumineans. So well, that at every turn, there is a new obstacle for Dallet and Torak to overcome, pushing the plot and building up more and more suspense until I was rushing to read to the very end of the novel. With how complete and detailed the two religions are, I had no difficulty falling into Stein’s fantasy world where half-dragon-half-men sought to rule the land and a peaceful race such as the Lumineans were criticized and spat upon. In fact, I would go so far as to claim that the two distinct religions are what makes this novel so unique and so believable. And yet neither religion falls close to one of the more common religious practices in our own world of Earth, and so there is no conflict of interest nor biased towards one or the other.
In addition to the different religions, Stein also includes bits of fantasy language, such as for the Drakin (and some Luminean!). Akin to Tolstein’s “Black Speech,” the Dragonkin have their own coarse language, which we are given in pieces. I sincerely hope that in the books to come, there will be more of this language! I want to learn more! A lot can be learned about a culture from their language.
E.P. Stein keeps me entertained with unpredictable plot twists and odd pairings throughout the novel. The somewhat of a twist ending definitely leaves me ready to read the next book in the series, Codex of Darkness. I need to know what happens next in Dallet’s quest! What will become of him and his Divine?
The reason I did not give give this novel 5 stars was because I felt that some of Dallet’s journey was too easy. He overcame obstacles far too quickly, and circumstances were coincidental at best. He had a lot of small hindrances that he needed to solve, which he did, but many could have been stretched out and made far harder. Especially regarding his relationship with Torak. It seemed a bit forced, and out of the Drakin’s character. Instead of the small hardships causing tension and suspense, it seemed to serve only to move the plot along and it got slightly tedious to read.
Within the very first few pages of the novel, E.P. Stein has already created a rich and unique culture for the Luminean people. We readers are thrown into this fantasy world, with different races of people, different customs, beliefs, and even language. And yet, Stein crafts his story so well, that it seems as if this world, these people, are familiar; as if we had known about them all along, but had simply forgotten for a while, and now we are reminded.
This first chapter serves as a runway to catapult the reader into the rest of the book. Already, suspense is building as we sense that something awful is about to befall Dallet, the honorable–if somewhat naive–son of a shoemaker. To satisfy our instincts, the chapter ends on a cliffhanger, further pulling us into the story even more as we rush to find out what happened. At the conclusion of the chapter, I am fully prepared to dive into the novel in its entirety; because I need to know where it will take Dallet and this mysterious Codex of Light.
The young Luminean, Dallet, is forced to embark upon a traditional fantasy-style quest, where he must deliver an important magical item to a faraway land. His youth and clerical studies have ill-prepared him for a life of survival on the road, and he soon faces deadly difficulties upon his journey. Will he still be able to protect the Codex? Will he make it to the city of the Brass Gates? Or will he even survive?
The beginning and end of each chapter is highlighted by a quote from either the Luminean teachings (for the former) or Drakin history (for the latter). As I progressed through the novel, I was able to use these quotes to gain much needed insight into the beliefs of each religion. As such, it made the actions of both peoples more meaningful, for they were acting on the orders of a higher power. Since the two religions are so starkly different, it created a disharmonious clash when Dallet ran into the Drakin, Torak.
E.P. Stein guides his characters with the hand of God, Boragh for the Drakin and the Divine for the Lumineans. So well, that at every turn, there is a new obstacle for Dallet and Torak to overcome, pushing the plot and building up more and more suspense until I was rushing to read to the very end of the novel. With how complete and detailed the two religions are, I had no difficulty falling into Stein’s fantasy world where half-dragon-half-men sought to rule the land and a peaceful race such as the Lumineans were criticized and spat upon. In fact, I would go so far as to claim that the two distinct religions are what makes this novel so unique and so believable. And yet neither religion falls close to one of the more common religious practices in our own world of Earth, and so there is no conflict of interest nor biased towards one or the other.
In addition to the different religions, Stein also includes bits of fantasy language, such as for the Drakin (and some Luminean!). Akin to Tolstein’s “Black Speech,” the Dragonkin have their own coarse language, which we are given in pieces. I sincerely hope that in the books to come, there will be more of this language! I want to learn more! A lot can be learned about a culture from their language.
E.P. Stein keeps me entertained with unpredictable plot twists and odd pairings throughout the novel. The somewhat of a twist ending definitely leaves me ready to read the next book in the series, Codex of Darkness. I need to know what happens next in Dallet’s quest! What will become of him and his Divine?
The reason I did not give give this novel 5 stars was because I felt that some of Dallet’s journey was too easy. He overcame obstacles far too quickly, and circumstances were coincidental at best. He had a lot of small hindrances that he needed to solve, which he did, but many could have been stretched out and made far harder. Especially regarding his relationship with Torak. It seemed a bit forced, and out of the Drakin’s character. Instead of the small hardships causing tension and suspense, it seemed to serve only to move the plot along and it got slightly tedious to read.
May 13, 2018
That was far more fun than I had thought it would be. I loved the way the friendship between Dallet and Torak {if you could call it that} grew. I am quite eagerly looking for the second book.
Reminds you of Dune and Lord Of The Rings just not as heavy, like a lite fantasy.
I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a nice escape.
Reminds you of Dune and Lord Of The Rings just not as heavy, like a lite fantasy.
I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a nice escape.
April 17, 2017
This sweet little book reads like a cross between The Hobbit and Prince Caspian -- an innocent and simple people with an interesting mission, a young man caught up in a tribal affair. This was a page turner for sure, with little bits of food for thought here and there, (an intellectual culture vrs. practical culture; magic vrs. mysticism, agriculture and wisdom). If you know what Orson-Scott Card and Carl Sagan do NOT have in common, this book will be even more interesting. This is a good start with good editing. I've been watching this author come up and finally make good on his promise. Looking forward to the next installment.
Read
February 26, 2018Codex of Light is the first of its fantasy series. Dallet is a Luminean, a kingdom that has been long gone and hidden in the Dan’din. He has a dream to take over the Liminean Shrine and to marry his love, but in order to accomplish it, he needs to read one of the ancient codices. The journey is challenging and filled with many adventures of which shape the story creating this epic voyage.
At first, I was a little confused with the backstory and the Silver Empire. Dallet’s personality being a student with no skills was very interesting. He has a huge responsibility carrying a Codex in shape of a book with powers. The story was intense, and I believe the confusion for me was more towards the diverse and dynamic race, religions and cultures that was embedded in the story.
This comment was not to state anything negative about the story but to say that it would suit people that are into fantasy novels and appreciate rich and complicated stories.
I believe the story had enough content in order to carry the reader into wanting more from the second book. I recommend this book to young adult readers.
At first, I was a little confused with the backstory and the Silver Empire. Dallet’s personality being a student with no skills was very interesting. He has a huge responsibility carrying a Codex in shape of a book with powers. The story was intense, and I believe the confusion for me was more towards the diverse and dynamic race, religions and cultures that was embedded in the story.
This comment was not to state anything negative about the story but to say that it would suit people that are into fantasy novels and appreciate rich and complicated stories.
I believe the story had enough content in order to carry the reader into wanting more from the second book. I recommend this book to young adult readers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews