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The Senturians of Terraunum #1
Fire Eyes Awakened
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
Jayton Baird worked for years to save enough for his powers to be Awakened, becoming a Senturian. Protectors of Terranum from the terrors on the West Side. This power comes with a price - Jayton becomes the most powerful Senturian Awakened in a hundred years. And the most feared.
With an invasion imminent and a death sentence over his head, Jayton is chosen to fight in a gladiator style tournament to prevent a potent weapon from falling into the hands of an enemy bent on conquest. A team of elite warriors escorts him on the trek fraught with danger.
Can Jayton and his team survive long enough to complete his mission, or will the dark power burning inside consume him?
The first in the Senturians of Terraunum Series, FIRE EYES AWAKENED combines epic fantasy with fantastic powers. Join the action and adventure!
Jayton Baird worked for years to save enough for his powers to be Awakened, becoming a Senturian. Protectors of Terranum from the terrors on the West Side. This power comes with a price - Jayton becomes the most powerful Senturian Awakened in a hundred years. And the most feared.
With an invasion imminent and a death sentence over his head, Jayton is chosen to fight in a gladiator style tournament to prevent a potent weapon from falling into the hands of an enemy bent on conquest. A team of elite warriors escorts him on the trek fraught with danger.
Can Jayton and his team survive long enough to complete his mission, or will the dark power burning inside consume him?
The first in the Senturians of Terraunum Series, FIRE EYES AWAKENED combines epic fantasy with fantastic powers. Join the action and adventure!
- GenresFantasy
495 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2017
130 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Batla
11 books175 followersR.J. Batla is a fantasy author and fan of the genre. He’s working on series in both epic and urban fantasy, and likes to write fast paced books that take the reader on an adventure that they can see in their mind. His books reflect influences from novels, comic books, manga, and other cartoons/media, and he joys in blending in these elements in his books.
Author, Christian, Husband, and Father, R.J. Batla enjoys everything outdoors and takes as much time as he can with his family. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him outside (thinking about writing), working out (and thinking about writing) or various other places (all while thinking about writing).
To get a FREE BOOK, visit his website at www.rjbatla.com and sign up for my mailing list.
Follow, like, or email, he'd love to hear from you!
Twitter: @RJBatlaAuthor
Facebook: fb.me/rjbatlaauthor
Email: rjbatlaauthor@gmail.com
Author, Christian, Husband, and Father, R.J. Batla enjoys everything outdoors and takes as much time as he can with his family. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him outside (thinking about writing), working out (and thinking about writing) or various other places (all while thinking about writing).
To get a FREE BOOK, visit his website at www.rjbatla.com and sign up for my mailing list.
Follow, like, or email, he'd love to hear from you!
Twitter: @RJBatlaAuthor
Facebook: fb.me/rjbatlaauthor
Email: rjbatlaauthor@gmail.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 20, 2019
This novel is a great Fantasy story, full of action and a unlikely hero that is trying to step up. The world building is awesome and the characters fleshed out. I felt like one of the crowd, watching and hoping that it all turns out right. If you like great Fantasy, pick this one up and enjoy the escape!
November 25, 2017
I was instantly drawn to Fire Eyes Awakened book when I saw the cover. I loved the art style, but the title and description really intrigued me. I hadn't read any other books that combined fantasy and super heroes, and I wanted to see how the author would mesh them together. I'm glad I did.
R.J. Batla has put together a really unique story placed in a super distant, post apocalyptic earth that has been totally transformed by cataclysmic events. It is a world that you will barely recognize for the most part, similar to how Mark Lawrence handled it. Wild, mutated creatures and a diverse race of humanoids with newly awakened powers inhabit this strange new world, and danger in all its forms is lurking at every corner.
Those newly awakened powers are the fun part. After all, it is what really made me read this book. RJ Batla has taken a generally elemental based approach with the super powers, but has put his own unique spin on how this magic system works. You can tell that he spent a great deal of time developing a well thought-out, hard magic system, because there are rules, limitations, and costs for wielding such power. It is the truism that for every action, there must be a reaction. Yet the interactions between the different types of powers is where it gets really interesting. I was actually surprised at his magic system, because it is eerily similar in some regards to the one that I have been developing for the past few years in my own writing—and it's awesome!
Another interesting aspect of the book was that it was all written in first person. This is rather uncommon, and it took me a little getting used to, but I think the author did a good job with it. It does limit how intimate you can get with the other characters, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.
The writing is good. I'm more accustomed to adult fantasy, and in my opinion this definitely has a YA feel to it. Many of the main characters are coming of age, and the language, and tone seem to match. Despite the gravity of the situations that the MC finds himself in, he often responds to it with humor and a there is a good deal of tongue-in-cheek at work. I think this could be problematic if not handled well, but I think the author has struck the right balance for this book.
The only negative that I had for the book is that I did not care for the way it ended. Every author has a different approach to how they write a series of books, and it is really just a matter of preference. Some authors have one large story arc, which is comprised of several smaller story arcs which represent each books in the series. Other authors really have just the one overarching story, and they break it up into pieces—much like how J.R.R. Tolkien did with The Lord of the Rings. Neither is right or wrong, again it's just a preference thing. Fire Eyes Awakened seems to follow the Tolkien model, and after reading the first book—I feel like I just got done reading the Fellowship of the Ring. Yes it was a good stopping point, but I feel like I've been left hanging. Needless to say, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in The Senturians of Terraunum Series.
R.J. Batla has put together a really unique story placed in a super distant, post apocalyptic earth that has been totally transformed by cataclysmic events. It is a world that you will barely recognize for the most part, similar to how Mark Lawrence handled it. Wild, mutated creatures and a diverse race of humanoids with newly awakened powers inhabit this strange new world, and danger in all its forms is lurking at every corner.
Those newly awakened powers are the fun part. After all, it is what really made me read this book. RJ Batla has taken a generally elemental based approach with the super powers, but has put his own unique spin on how this magic system works. You can tell that he spent a great deal of time developing a well thought-out, hard magic system, because there are rules, limitations, and costs for wielding such power. It is the truism that for every action, there must be a reaction. Yet the interactions between the different types of powers is where it gets really interesting. I was actually surprised at his magic system, because it is eerily similar in some regards to the one that I have been developing for the past few years in my own writing—and it's awesome!
Another interesting aspect of the book was that it was all written in first person. This is rather uncommon, and it took me a little getting used to, but I think the author did a good job with it. It does limit how intimate you can get with the other characters, but it doesn't seem to be an issue.
The writing is good. I'm more accustomed to adult fantasy, and in my opinion this definitely has a YA feel to it. Many of the main characters are coming of age, and the language, and tone seem to match. Despite the gravity of the situations that the MC finds himself in, he often responds to it with humor and a there is a good deal of tongue-in-cheek at work. I think this could be problematic if not handled well, but I think the author has struck the right balance for this book.
The only negative that I had for the book is that I did not care for the way it ended. Every author has a different approach to how they write a series of books, and it is really just a matter of preference. Some authors have one large story arc, which is comprised of several smaller story arcs which represent each books in the series. Other authors really have just the one overarching story, and they break it up into pieces—much like how J.R.R. Tolkien did with The Lord of the Rings. Neither is right or wrong, again it's just a preference thing. Fire Eyes Awakened seems to follow the Tolkien model, and after reading the first book—I feel like I just got done reading the Fellowship of the Ring. Yes it was a good stopping point, but I feel like I've been left hanging. Needless to say, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in The Senturians of Terraunum Series.
December 25, 2017
This book is a great start to what promises to be a great series. I was caught up in from the first chapter and had trouble putting it down to do things I had to do.
The story takes place on Earth (now known as Terraunum) in the far distant future. Some background is given, and we learn that mankind came very close to destroying itself. After some time, they discovered stones that could unlock special powers. Some examples are the ability to control the elements (air, fire, earth, water), but also other powers such as extraordinary speed, strength, and the ability to heal. The powers can be awakened in various strengths in different people. Over the years, some people evolved into new races of elves, dwarfs, etc. This juxtaposition of a science-fiction tale of the far distant future with the fantasy characters of elves, dwarfs, goblins, and dragons is one of the things I enjoyed most about the book. Humans are now divided into groups that live on opposing sides of a mountain range, with the west side being populated not just by humans, but also by monsters and villains.
The hero, Jayton Baird, is a thoroughly likable guy. He comes from a family that doesn’t have a lot of money, so he works three jobs for several years to pay for his admission to The Awakening, a ceremony that awakens the powers in people who have the potential to have them. When it’s his turn, he scores extremely high in multiple powers, but what really rocks his world is the fact that he simultaneously awakens the Ignis Ocularis, a good power called Fire Eyes, and the Morsenube, an evil power that is almost impossible to control. It can twist a good person into a horrible villain. The question is, will Jayton’s society allow him to live knowing the Morsenube might be turned against them, and if they do, will he be able to control it and use it along with his other powers to save his society from the great evil existing on the other side of the mountains?
The story is populated with a large cast of characters, but all are well drawn and believable. The story is full of action, a little bit of romance, and some humor. I especially loved Jayton’s self-deprecating humor.
The only thing that bothered me? I just wish the next book was already out, so I could stay in Terraunum for a while longer.
The story takes place on Earth (now known as Terraunum) in the far distant future. Some background is given, and we learn that mankind came very close to destroying itself. After some time, they discovered stones that could unlock special powers. Some examples are the ability to control the elements (air, fire, earth, water), but also other powers such as extraordinary speed, strength, and the ability to heal. The powers can be awakened in various strengths in different people. Over the years, some people evolved into new races of elves, dwarfs, etc. This juxtaposition of a science-fiction tale of the far distant future with the fantasy characters of elves, dwarfs, goblins, and dragons is one of the things I enjoyed most about the book. Humans are now divided into groups that live on opposing sides of a mountain range, with the west side being populated not just by humans, but also by monsters and villains.
The hero, Jayton Baird, is a thoroughly likable guy. He comes from a family that doesn’t have a lot of money, so he works three jobs for several years to pay for his admission to The Awakening, a ceremony that awakens the powers in people who have the potential to have them. When it’s his turn, he scores extremely high in multiple powers, but what really rocks his world is the fact that he simultaneously awakens the Ignis Ocularis, a good power called Fire Eyes, and the Morsenube, an evil power that is almost impossible to control. It can twist a good person into a horrible villain. The question is, will Jayton’s society allow him to live knowing the Morsenube might be turned against them, and if they do, will he be able to control it and use it along with his other powers to save his society from the great evil existing on the other side of the mountains?
The story is populated with a large cast of characters, but all are well drawn and believable. The story is full of action, a little bit of romance, and some humor. I especially loved Jayton’s self-deprecating humor.
The only thing that bothered me? I just wish the next book was already out, so I could stay in Terraunum for a while longer.
February 4, 2019
Fire Eyes Awakened by R.J. Batla is the first book in the Senturians of Terraunum series. This Adventure fantasy series is set millennia in the future on what was once Earth, but has since become a completely new and dangerous world. The world is protected by people called Senturians, who’ve had special powers awakened, the most elite belonging to the Rangers. Into these setting the story follows a newly awakened Jayton Baird who developed some rare, and dangerous, powers and is tasked with saving the world. Fire Eyes Awakened follows Jayden, and his friends, from his journey to the Awakening ceremony to the sight of his first mission. He must face a series of life and death situations as he learns to deal with these new powers, become a ranger, and grapple with a battle for the world as well as his soul. The Story is fast paced, entertaining, and full of interesting characters. Mr. Batla does a superb job at world and character building. He blends, fantasy, adventure, post apocalyptic literate, and Christian spiritualism flawlessly. I highly recommend this book to fans of the aforementioned genres and an excited to follow the series as it progresses.
May 17, 2018
This is a book that I did not want to put down when I had to.
I have not read many books in this category and I am so glad that I did.
The story grabs you right from the beginning and does not let you go.
There are surprises, things that you will figure out that will happen, and you are not disappointed.
Jayton works hard to be able to go to the Awakening-which shows what he is made of.
I love the people that he makes friends with and the ones that are bad are really bad news.
There is a class struggle that has gone on for hundreds of years--and does not seem to be ending soon.
I am chomping at the bit to read the next book in this series because the ending is a surprise.
I have not read many books in this category and I am so glad that I did.
The story grabs you right from the beginning and does not let you go.
There are surprises, things that you will figure out that will happen, and you are not disappointed.
Jayton works hard to be able to go to the Awakening-which shows what he is made of.
I love the people that he makes friends with and the ones that are bad are really bad news.
There is a class struggle that has gone on for hundreds of years--and does not seem to be ending soon.
I am chomping at the bit to read the next book in this series because the ending is a surprise.
September 9, 2017
A great beginning to a series.
Fire eyes awakened is a quick read. Blending and intricate world with a fantasy setting and an interesting new magic system. The author does a great job of grabbing the reader’s attention and keeping them entertained throughout the book.
I’m not one to give out spoilers or go into depth of a story. I don’t want to take away from the readers first experience.
Reading the book, I was reminded of “The I Inside” by Alan Dean Foster with a little “The Stainless-Steel Rat” by Harry Harrison. When you read the book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Fire eyes awakened is a quick read. Blending and intricate world with a fantasy setting and an interesting new magic system. The author does a great job of grabbing the reader’s attention and keeping them entertained throughout the book.
I’m not one to give out spoilers or go into depth of a story. I don’t want to take away from the readers first experience.
Reading the book, I was reminded of “The I Inside” by Alan Dean Foster with a little “The Stainless-Steel Rat” by Harry Harrison. When you read the book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
April 6, 2018
Awesome!
I am so impressed with this well written story with well developed and strong characters. The author has combined fantasy magic, military and modern into a fast paced and exciting novel. Jayton Baird and his companions embark on a secret and dangerous mission deep within enemy territory to acquire a weapon the enemy wants at all cost. Jayton and friends each have unique powers and they will need them! This book is fast paced and exciting. A page turner to the last page. I highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
I am so impressed with this well written story with well developed and strong characters. The author has combined fantasy magic, military and modern into a fast paced and exciting novel. Jayton Baird and his companions embark on a secret and dangerous mission deep within enemy territory to acquire a weapon the enemy wants at all cost. Jayton and friends each have unique powers and they will need them! This book is fast paced and exciting. A page turner to the last page. I highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book in the series!
July 28, 2017
An amazing book.
This book was an amazing read. It took a regular hard working man and put him as the savior or the destroyer of the world. Through it all he stayed true.
Possibly spoiler:
I hate that he continued to fear his power after the Lord told him how it could be controlled. He was given a patch job to help him but was told that in time he'd be able to do it without. Yet he seems to ignore that and depend solely on the mark. This was very frustrating to me.
This book was an amazing read. It took a regular hard working man and put him as the savior or the destroyer of the world. Through it all he stayed true.
Possibly spoiler:
I hate that he continued to fear his power after the Lord told him how it could be controlled. He was given a patch job to help him but was told that in time he'd be able to do it without. Yet he seems to ignore that and depend solely on the mark. This was very frustrating to me.
October 23, 2017
Not bad, just religious
Well written, interesting world. Strong religious overtones. Kinda feels like the author couldn't decide on if he wanted to make a fantasy or sci-fi novel so he did both. Would be better with less divine intervention...
Well written, interesting world. Strong religious overtones. Kinda feels like the author couldn't decide on if he wanted to make a fantasy or sci-fi novel so he did both. Would be better with less divine intervention...
January 9, 2018
Okay for a quick read.
This was okay for a quick read. Wasn't expecting anything profound. Nice blend of genres. I like the resemblance to Avatar the last Airbender. Magic system could use a bit more fleshing out.
This was okay for a quick read. Wasn't expecting anything profound. Nice blend of genres. I like the resemblance to Avatar the last Airbender. Magic system could use a bit more fleshing out.
January 22, 2018
Wonderful adventurous epic story of growth. So many action filled moments. Yet so much depth to character. Great use of mix of mythical and original creatures. Enjoyed this one enough to want to slow myself down and savor.
July 11, 2018
Enjoying this entire series
I am now waiting for the next book in this series. I enjoyed this book but at times it got convoluted and for a fiction book a bit religious. I prefer not having a religion feed to me in a book unless I request it. Otherwise it was a good book.
I am now waiting for the next book in this series. I enjoyed this book but at times it got convoluted and for a fiction book a bit religious. I prefer not having a religion feed to me in a book unless I request it. Otherwise it was a good book.
August 7, 2017
Good
This is a good book. I hope that r.j. batla will continue with this series soon. I wonder what will happen next.
This is a good book. I hope that r.j. batla will continue with this series soon. I wonder what will happen next.
Read
September 17, 2018Jay is my spirit animal.
September 25, 2017
Great
Wonderful book full of Adventures magic and hardships young man learns to cope with many things as he is taught to be a man
Wonderful book full of Adventures magic and hardships young man learns to cope with many things as he is taught to be a man
October 27, 2017
Jayton has saved for years to have enough power. But it’s not going well. An extremely well written fantasy book that keeps you intrigued until you finish it. Received an ARC.
July 25, 2017
Nickelodeon's Avatar meets Marvel's X-Men in this humorous and action filled tale.
Jayton has worked hard to save enough money to have his powers awakened. Once they are awakened, he becomes one of the most powerful Senturians that has ever lived. Great right? It is till he realizes he is the only one the world can in-trust to save it. Oh, did I mention that the same powers everyone is counting on to save them may end up causing Jayton's own execution if he's not careful? No pressure, right
Fire Eyes Awakened is, more or less, the debut novel of R.J. Batla. Aside from a few shorter books the author uses as free-be's to set up the world of Terraunum and for joining his mailing list, this is the first real taste of the vision Batla has created and his vision contains a world worth diving in to.
This was one of those books that I wish I had more time in the day that I could devote to reading because I just wanted to keep the pages coming. The characters are well developed (a feet in of it's self considering there are a crap ton of them), there are powers aplenty to keep any fanboy happy, and the plot is a tried and true tale of one young man's journey to find his destiny and to either save the world or destroy it.
Sure, Jayton can be a little immature at time's considering his age, but Batla uses that as a way to get some nicely done humor into a story that would easily have the potential of getting overly dark and serious. This book is a fun read, and it's thanks in part to the humor that comes from Jayton's attitude and bumbling about.
For a debut author, Batla is well on his way to creating a compelling series of books that will draw in readers both young and old alike. I look forward to the next installment in The Senturians of Terraunum series and look forward to seeing what Batla does with the fantastic world he has created.
Jayton has worked hard to save enough money to have his powers awakened. Once they are awakened, he becomes one of the most powerful Senturians that has ever lived. Great right? It is till he realizes he is the only one the world can in-trust to save it. Oh, did I mention that the same powers everyone is counting on to save them may end up causing Jayton's own execution if he's not careful? No pressure, right
Fire Eyes Awakened is, more or less, the debut novel of R.J. Batla. Aside from a few shorter books the author uses as free-be's to set up the world of Terraunum and for joining his mailing list, this is the first real taste of the vision Batla has created and his vision contains a world worth diving in to.
This was one of those books that I wish I had more time in the day that I could devote to reading because I just wanted to keep the pages coming. The characters are well developed (a feet in of it's self considering there are a crap ton of them), there are powers aplenty to keep any fanboy happy, and the plot is a tried and true tale of one young man's journey to find his destiny and to either save the world or destroy it.
Sure, Jayton can be a little immature at time's considering his age, but Batla uses that as a way to get some nicely done humor into a story that would easily have the potential of getting overly dark and serious. This book is a fun read, and it's thanks in part to the humor that comes from Jayton's attitude and bumbling about.
For a debut author, Batla is well on his way to creating a compelling series of books that will draw in readers both young and old alike. I look forward to the next installment in The Senturians of Terraunum series and look forward to seeing what Batla does with the fantastic world he has created.
May 9, 2019
Jayton Baird, is a young ambitious man who worked hard enough to earn money so he can get his powers awakened. He gets much more than he bargained for when he awakens 6 elemental powers all at different levels, and 5 Quantum powers which includes the Ignis oculus- Fire eyes and the Morsenube- Death cloud, (A power which makes the user go insane and turns them evil causing them to crave more power). He is put on trial for the latter power and is almost sentenced to death, when by divine intervention he is saved. Now, the same people who tried to kill him seek his help, as he's the only one who can save them.
I absolutely love books written by this author as I'm a huge fantasy fan. I usually get tired of reading a book once it exceeds 300 pages, but R.J. Batla's Fire Eyes Awakened kept me turning the pages each time, with the way he meshed powers of the characters together with the touch of the divine (Angels). I find myself not just reading his books but also imagining myself in the world he creates on the pages. I'd definitely recommend this to all fantasy lovers out there.
I absolutely love books written by this author as I'm a huge fantasy fan. I usually get tired of reading a book once it exceeds 300 pages, but R.J. Batla's Fire Eyes Awakened kept me turning the pages each time, with the way he meshed powers of the characters together with the touch of the divine (Angels). I find myself not just reading his books but also imagining myself in the world he creates on the pages. I'd definitely recommend this to all fantasy lovers out there.
July 24, 2017
Solid, but a little lacking
First let me say, this book is very entertaining. It's a great read with cool characters that wield awesome powers. Here is where It lost a star or two. Jayton Baird Is a nice Ced character and all, but at the age of 25 and having the maturity to save his whole life for powers, you'd think he would take things more seriously once he has them....no, no he doesn't. He's more immature once he receives his powers and doesn't use them to its full potential at all. I also didn't like the biblical semi religious undertones within the story. That's more personal, but if this is fantasy, let's leave out the Bible thumping. All in all, it's a good read, and despite the 3 star rating (oh, no. It must suck if it's 3 stars....sarcasm) I will be reading the story further and can't wait for the next chapter
First let me say, this book is very entertaining. It's a great read with cool characters that wield awesome powers. Here is where It lost a star or two. Jayton Baird Is a nice Ced character and all, but at the age of 25 and having the maturity to save his whole life for powers, you'd think he would take things more seriously once he has them....no, no he doesn't. He's more immature once he receives his powers and doesn't use them to its full potential at all. I also didn't like the biblical semi religious undertones within the story. That's more personal, but if this is fantasy, let's leave out the Bible thumping. All in all, it's a good read, and despite the 3 star rating (oh, no. It must suck if it's 3 stars....sarcasm) I will be reading the story further and can't wait for the next chapter
March 24, 2019
It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, but once I did I found it hard to put down. R.J. took the earth as we know it, went several millennia into the future, and created a dark and interesting world where Fire Eyes Awakened takes place. From its unique characters to its interesting magic system that combines elemental magic with what I'd call super powers, there's something in this book for every fantasy lover. Fire Eyes Awakened is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I recommend it to those that love fantasy, dark fantasy, and even litRPG. The book will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride with its great moments of humor, romance, anger, and loss. I've already set aside some reading time to dive into the next book in the series.
August 30, 2019
Fire Eyes Awakened is amazing! Definitely five stars
I am just sad because the first story ended before I was ready. The story is so exciting and filled with so many human species and monsters and constant action. I swear I forget to draw a breath during the fight scenes. Don't miss this amazing epic fantasy mixed with other genres as well!
I am just sad because the first story ended before I was ready. The story is so exciting and filled with so many human species and monsters and constant action. I swear I forget to draw a breath during the fight scenes. Don't miss this amazing epic fantasy mixed with other genres as well!
June 9, 2018
Ehhh
Ahhh ahhh duff Cheng Cheng and then Cheng f Cheng garment and. Th f engendering and find the end and find garment f dnt fbfnf
Ahhh ahhh duff Cheng Cheng and then Cheng f Cheng garment and. Th f engendering and find the end and find garment f dnt fbfnf
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews