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Gods and Kings Chronicles #1
A Wizard's Dark Dominion
The gods gave mortals the gift of magic. Misuse of this power almost destroyed the world. Now, children who exhibit magical traits are seized by the Arcane Council and sent to Taper Academy. To prevent a repeat of past tragedies, the students at Taper are taught a simplified form of magic. But not everyone is happy with such rudimentary knowledge.
When Demetry, a promising young wizard, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster’s study, he can’t contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Due to the book’s dangerous content, the Arcane Council ordered the destruction of all copies. Bored by the pace of his lessons and eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book’s dark arts. But when he fails to control the book’s most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core.
Although Demetry’s crime is punishable by death, the Arcane Council inexplicably spares Demetry’s life. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to it all might be his mysterious new cellmate, a man who was once the most feared wizard of all.
When Demetry, a promising young wizard, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster’s study, he can’t contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Due to the book’s dangerous content, the Arcane Council ordered the destruction of all copies. Bored by the pace of his lessons and eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book’s dark arts. But when he fails to control the book’s most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core.
Although Demetry’s crime is punishable by death, the Arcane Council inexplicably spares Demetry’s life. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to it all might be his mysterious new cellmate, a man who was once the most feared wizard of all.
278 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
About the author
Lee H. Haywood
10 books143 followersI am the author of The Gods and Kings Chronicles and Fractured Throne. I currently live in Arizona with my family. When I am not writing (which seems to take up more of my time these days) I enjoy playing soccer, tinkering with Photoshop, and exploring the world.
If you interested in following my exploits, please visit my website, follow me on facebook, or check me out on twitter . If you would like to receive promotional offers for my future publications, please sign up for my newsletter.
Thank you for your support!
If you interested in following my exploits, please visit my website, follow me on facebook, or check me out on twitter . If you would like to receive promotional offers for my future publications, please sign up for my newsletter.
Thank you for your support!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 15, 2017
Genre - Epic Fantasy/Adventure
Pages - 278
Two things become abundantly clear to me after reading “A Wizard’s Dark Dominion (The Gods and Kings Chronicles, Book One)” by Lee H. Haywood, (1) Indie writers rock, should rule the world, and have keys to every locked room of imagination (2) Epic Fantasy is one of the most exciting genres out there. “Fear causes weak men to cower, wise men to take action, and foolish men to perform incomprehensible acts” is a favorite saying of Headmaster Rioley. It would be wise to heed the words of wise men in my opinion. While the majority of this book takes place in a dark, dungeness prison fortress of greys and black, Lee adds color through atmosphere, action and dialogue. From start to finish the story flows and travels with a masterful and well thought out rhythm, never missing a beat. The characters are interesting and keep you wanting to know more about them. Lee has laid the groundwork for what I believe will be a brilliant and exciting journey in epic fantasy. There is much more to happen in the world of Laveria and I am so looking forward to many more chapters of this exciting read.
“Haunt you? I empower you. I tell you the things you need to hear. I make sure you’re not controlled by cowardice. Think of all we have done together. We have learned to Channel the Sundered Soul. We have mastered the dark art of the Old Magic. We have escaped the inescapable confines of Coljack, and left a path of ruin in our wake We have become akin to gods.”
Synopsis (from back cover): The gods gave mortals the gift of magic. Misuse of this power almost destroyed the world. Now, children who exhibit magical traits are seized by the Arcane Council and sent to Taper Academy. To prevent a repeat of past tragedies, the students at Taper are taught a simplified form of magic. But not everyone is happy with such rudimentary knowledge.
When Demetry, a promising young wizard, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster’s study, he can’t contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Due to the book’s dangerous content, the Arcane Council ordered the destruction of all copies. Bored by the pace of his lessons and eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book’s dark arts. But when he fails to control the book’s most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core.
Although Demetry’s crime is punishable by death, the Arcane Council inexplicably spares Demetry’s life. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to it all might be his mysterious new cellmate, a man who was once the most feared wizard of all.
Pages - 278
Two things become abundantly clear to me after reading “A Wizard’s Dark Dominion (The Gods and Kings Chronicles, Book One)” by Lee H. Haywood, (1) Indie writers rock, should rule the world, and have keys to every locked room of imagination (2) Epic Fantasy is one of the most exciting genres out there. “Fear causes weak men to cower, wise men to take action, and foolish men to perform incomprehensible acts” is a favorite saying of Headmaster Rioley. It would be wise to heed the words of wise men in my opinion. While the majority of this book takes place in a dark, dungeness prison fortress of greys and black, Lee adds color through atmosphere, action and dialogue. From start to finish the story flows and travels with a masterful and well thought out rhythm, never missing a beat. The characters are interesting and keep you wanting to know more about them. Lee has laid the groundwork for what I believe will be a brilliant and exciting journey in epic fantasy. There is much more to happen in the world of Laveria and I am so looking forward to many more chapters of this exciting read.
“Haunt you? I empower you. I tell you the things you need to hear. I make sure you’re not controlled by cowardice. Think of all we have done together. We have learned to Channel the Sundered Soul. We have mastered the dark art of the Old Magic. We have escaped the inescapable confines of Coljack, and left a path of ruin in our wake We have become akin to gods.”
Synopsis (from back cover): The gods gave mortals the gift of magic. Misuse of this power almost destroyed the world. Now, children who exhibit magical traits are seized by the Arcane Council and sent to Taper Academy. To prevent a repeat of past tragedies, the students at Taper are taught a simplified form of magic. But not everyone is happy with such rudimentary knowledge.
When Demetry, a promising young wizard, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster’s study, he can’t contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Due to the book’s dangerous content, the Arcane Council ordered the destruction of all copies. Bored by the pace of his lessons and eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book’s dark arts. But when he fails to control the book’s most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core.
Although Demetry’s crime is punishable by death, the Arcane Council inexplicably spares Demetry’s life. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to it all might be his mysterious new cellmate, a man who was once the most feared wizard of all.
November 2, 2017
‘One day, when the Orb of Azure is in your possession, you will need a more friendly title. King or maybe emperor.’
Arizona author Lee H. Haywood majored in history, moved to the hilltop town of Orvieto, Italy - a town riddled with history, having been at various points in time an Etruscan city-state, a regional capital for the Romans, and even a fortress for the pope. The core of his writing began with this influence, being caught up in the history and intrigue of the region. H e returned to Arizona where he taught high school history by day and at night he honed his craft as a writer. Since the publication of his first book - THE GUARDIAN – he decided to devote his hours to writing. Lee lives in Arizona with his wife and dog and enjoys playing soccer, tinkering with Photoshop, and exploring the world.
Though THE GUARDIAN was the first published book of Lee’s The Gods and Kings Chronicles, this book A WIZARD’S DARK DOMINION is actually Book 1 (or as it is sometimes called Book 0) - Book 2 is The Guardian and Book 3 is The Guardian Stone). There is also a Prequel – THE ORDER – but names and orders of appearance make little difference: once the reader reads one volume of this mysterious series of myths and legends as combed from the Greek, Roman and Viking sources the other books magnify the importance of this set of magical books.
The synopsis provided for his book hints at the epic fantasy ahead: ‘The gods gave mortals the gift of magic. Misuse of this power almost destroyed the world. Now, children who exhibit magical traits are seized by the Arcane Council and sent to Taper Academy. To prevent a repeat of past tragedies, the students at Taper are taught a simplified form of magic. But not everyone is happy with such rudimentary knowledge. When Demetry, a promising young wizard, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster's study, he can't contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Due to the book's dangerous content, the Arcane Council ordered the destruction of all copies. Bored by the pace of his lessons and eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book's dark arts. But when he fails to control the book's most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core. Although Demetry's crime is punishable by death, the Arcane Council inexplicably spares Demetry's life. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom's most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to it all might be his mysterious new cellmate, a man who was once the most feared wizard of all.
Handsome young Lee H. Haywood appears to have a successful career ahead. He has the magic epics of this genre need!
Arizona author Lee H. Haywood majored in history, moved to the hilltop town of Orvieto, Italy - a town riddled with history, having been at various points in time an Etruscan city-state, a regional capital for the Romans, and even a fortress for the pope. The core of his writing began with this influence, being caught up in the history and intrigue of the region. H e returned to Arizona where he taught high school history by day and at night he honed his craft as a writer. Since the publication of his first book - THE GUARDIAN – he decided to devote his hours to writing. Lee lives in Arizona with his wife and dog and enjoys playing soccer, tinkering with Photoshop, and exploring the world.
Though THE GUARDIAN was the first published book of Lee’s The Gods and Kings Chronicles, this book A WIZARD’S DARK DOMINION is actually Book 1 (or as it is sometimes called Book 0) - Book 2 is The Guardian and Book 3 is The Guardian Stone). There is also a Prequel – THE ORDER – but names and orders of appearance make little difference: once the reader reads one volume of this mysterious series of myths and legends as combed from the Greek, Roman and Viking sources the other books magnify the importance of this set of magical books.
The synopsis provided for his book hints at the epic fantasy ahead: ‘The gods gave mortals the gift of magic. Misuse of this power almost destroyed the world. Now, children who exhibit magical traits are seized by the Arcane Council and sent to Taper Academy. To prevent a repeat of past tragedies, the students at Taper are taught a simplified form of magic. But not everyone is happy with such rudimentary knowledge. When Demetry, a promising young wizard, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster's study, he can't contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Due to the book's dangerous content, the Arcane Council ordered the destruction of all copies. Bored by the pace of his lessons and eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book's dark arts. But when he fails to control the book's most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core. Although Demetry's crime is punishable by death, the Arcane Council inexplicably spares Demetry's life. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom's most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to it all might be his mysterious new cellmate, a man who was once the most feared wizard of all.
Handsome young Lee H. Haywood appears to have a successful career ahead. He has the magic epics of this genre need!
October 25, 2017
I liked this new author. And I am happy that I won't have to wait years for the sequels. Thanks Lee for a new adventure.
November 2, 2017
Received from author in exchange for a review.
I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books and have been pleased to keep adding it to my library. The author has done a fine job with world-building, without going overboard and dragging on with filler. The original book started a bit later, and the author gone back and filled in stories and histories around other characters, which has made for a rather fascinating read for the overall storyline.
This story was dark and intense, and I was rooting for the main character Demetry, even with the twist at the end, which sets up The Guardian. I found the book to be a solid quick read and it grabbed my attention wholeheartedly.
Cross-posted to GoodReads and Amazon
I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books and have been pleased to keep adding it to my library. The author has done a fine job with world-building, without going overboard and dragging on with filler. The original book started a bit later, and the author gone back and filled in stories and histories around other characters, which has made for a rather fascinating read for the overall storyline.
This story was dark and intense, and I was rooting for the main character Demetry, even with the twist at the end, which sets up The Guardian. I found the book to be a solid quick read and it grabbed my attention wholeheartedly.
Cross-posted to GoodReads and Amazon
September 12, 2018
I like this story, and I like the author's writing style, but I'm deducting points for the typos I found (I acquired the book through Amazon Kindle Unlimited). There are some glaring contradictions in the plot as well, for example, reanimated corpses aren't supposed to need to breathe, but when Sneak, Demetry's reanimated rat that he uses for a spy while imprisoned, comes to fetch Demetry down in the dungeon, he places his hand on her and her lungs are working overtime. It also felt like the story was rushed or disjointed in places. I'm going to read the rest of the Trilogy because I am curious to know what happens. Sometimes, it takes me a while to warm up to a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
Haywood has done it again! This latest book in the series is just as riveting as the prior offerings. Haywood once again displays his keen ability to combine great storytelling with intelligent prose and realistic dialogue. The result is another intriguing, ever fascinating experience in the world of Laveria. This fourth book in Haywood’s series focuses on Demetry, an ambitious young wizard who comes to discover that the “new magic” he has been taught is far less powerful than the “old magic” to which his cellmate is privy. I’ll stop short of spoilers, but suffice it to say that I highly recommend this tale to epic fantasy readers everywhere. This indie writer has clearly shown that he deserves a place in this genre's mainstream!
November 5, 2017
Once again, Lee Haywood created a world of magic and complex characters in his latest novel. I found myself favoring Demetry even though the first chapters gave me reason to dislike this character. His experiences after leaving Taper kept me up late at night as I couldn't put my Kindle down! Haywood is an up-and-coming author: I am waiting for his next book.
November 1, 2017
I loved this book. I have read Lee Haywood’s other three books and it was wonderful to be able to read a story about one of the more prominent characters in the series. This is must read and gives you insight into the life of Demetry and all that he went through as a young man. Haywood is an excellent writer and his descriptions make it so easy to visualize the characters and their surroundings. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series. It is top notch in the fantasy genre.
November 2, 2017
I was given an early copy of the book from the author. I've read the other books in this series, and this one is definitely my favorite. This book's focus on fewer characters gives each plenty of room to breath and develop. Now I need to go back and read The Guardian and The Guardian Stone again! Not to spoil anything, but the last chapter or two would be really fun to watch on a big screen.
Read the book. It's fun, it's quick, it's good. Plus it's always good to support indie authors.
Read the book. It's fun, it's quick, it's good. Plus it's always good to support indie authors.
November 1, 2017
I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this wonderful book.
Mr Haywood describes a world in which magic is used - not everyone can use magic, and there are many different types of magic.
Elves and princesses, kings, and orphans all swirl together to make a great tale of murder, love, betrayal, and determination.
I will be getting the next in the series.
Great read - not just good
Mr Haywood describes a world in which magic is used - not everyone can use magic, and there are many different types of magic.
Elves and princesses, kings, and orphans all swirl together to make a great tale of murder, love, betrayal, and determination.
I will be getting the next in the series.
Great read - not just good
October 24, 2017
Very well paced book with very in depth characters. Action scenes were fast paced and a pleasure to read. I am going to buy book two later tonight!
October 18, 2017
This book was provided to me by the author. The general story was good. It offered an interesting back story to a character that already has another book written about him. I haven't read the first book in order of release, while this is the first book in chronological order.
The premise is interesting, young promising mage messes with the wrong book and the consequences are really dire, normally. However, in this case our protagonist gets sent somewhere to learn more about magic and become a greater more powerful person. This is an interesting trope in most stories because it's a different path than the traditional heroes' journey. I generally like these sorts of stories. However the problem wasn't with the general story for me, it was with the writing. It was more tell than show, used similar phrasing, such as "amongst" in two sentences back to back.
The motivations for the characters happily aligned to drive the plot in the direction of where the author wanted them to go. They weren't bad and generally these same tropes have been used well by in other stories. For example, there's the case at the beginning where the main character, Demetry, is hanging out in the woods when this other kid randomly shows up being chased by some other kids. Later it turns out Demetry was waiting there even though Joshua seemed to have irritated him when he first arrived. They are then bullied, but then quickly get away from the bullies and use the ultimate dark book they shouldn't have.
These can be done well, but for an epic fantasy series these aren't done as well as I would have liked. As a result, I am giving this book a 3/5 instead of a higher rating. However, I believe that this story would be much more interesting to someone that hasn't read a metric ton of fantasy. I believe that this would be a great YA story, because the pacing is fast. The world has enough complexity in it to make it interesting. The character is pretty light on motivation, but I think that a younger reader could put their own motivations on to Demetry.
There seems to be a pretty interesting world here to be investigated more. This book has a lot of great things going about it and I generally like what the author was trying to do with this book. Great ideas, but the execution needs to be sharpened. I liked the idea that people can become very godlike and , I really felt that there were echoes of "The Name of the Wind" in the idea behind the story.
The premise is interesting, young promising mage messes with the wrong book and the consequences are really dire, normally. However, in this case our protagonist gets sent somewhere to learn more about magic and become a greater more powerful person. This is an interesting trope in most stories because it's a different path than the traditional heroes' journey. I generally like these sorts of stories. However the problem wasn't with the general story for me, it was with the writing. It was more tell than show, used similar phrasing, such as "amongst" in two sentences back to back.
The motivations for the characters happily aligned to drive the plot in the direction of where the author wanted them to go. They weren't bad and generally these same tropes have been used well by in other stories. For example, there's the case at the beginning where the main character, Demetry, is hanging out in the woods when this other kid randomly shows up being chased by some other kids. Later it turns out Demetry was waiting there even though Joshua seemed to have irritated him when he first arrived. They are then bullied, but then quickly get away from the bullies and use the ultimate dark book they shouldn't have.
These can be done well, but for an epic fantasy series these aren't done as well as I would have liked. As a result, I am giving this book a 3/5 instead of a higher rating. However, I believe that this story would be much more interesting to someone that hasn't read a metric ton of fantasy. I believe that this would be a great YA story, because the pacing is fast. The world has enough complexity in it to make it interesting. The character is pretty light on motivation, but I think that a younger reader could put their own motivations on to Demetry.
There seems to be a pretty interesting world here to be investigated more. This book has a lot of great things going about it and I generally like what the author was trying to do with this book. Great ideas, but the execution needs to be sharpened. I liked the idea that people can become very godlike and , I really felt that there were echoes of "The Name of the Wind" in the idea behind the story.
November 14, 2017
Author Lee H. Haywood gave me a print copy of A Wizard's Dark Dominion. The first entry in The God's and Kings Chronicles series.
A Wizard's Dark Dominion is fantasy at its best. Okay, I'm done (you know better than that). Seriously, this book hooked me immediately. I finished it last night just before going out to dinner. I kept looking at the clock because had the person I was going to dinner with arrived early, I was wondering how they were going to like waiting while I finished. Fortunately I did finish about five minutes before they arrived.
As the title shows, this is a book about magic (duh! ... I'm just getting started, okay?) Our main character, Demetry, is clearly teetering on the fence of good vs evil. We are not really sure which way he will finally go. I found myself rooting for him to make the right choice, but he didn't always. The other characters are portrayed just as morally ambiguous. For me, this makes for a first rate story. I like not being able to pigeon-hole characters. That leads to predictability and less enjoyment. A Wizard's Dark Dominion keeps us readers on our literary toes, so to speak.
As the first book in the trilogy, A Wizard's Dark Dominion sets the stage well for the next books. Thank yous to Mr. Haywood for not using the ever despised cliffhanger ending. The ending keeps us hooked without leaving us up in the air (aka: hanging).
So, we have lots of magical action (stealing a line from Arlo Guthrie; ...blood, guts and gore, and dead burnt bodies...) no romance, magical and mythical creatures, political intrigue and a tantalizing tease of big things to come. The other two books in the series are already available so readers are able to continue the story uninterrupted. You can't beat that.
Epic fantasy readers definitely will find a lot to like in A Wizard's Dark Dominion by Lee H. Haywood. Enjoy!
Mike
A Wizard's Dark Dominion is fantasy at its best. Okay, I'm done (you know better than that). Seriously, this book hooked me immediately. I finished it last night just before going out to dinner. I kept looking at the clock because had the person I was going to dinner with arrived early, I was wondering how they were going to like waiting while I finished. Fortunately I did finish about five minutes before they arrived.
As the title shows, this is a book about magic (duh! ... I'm just getting started, okay?) Our main character, Demetry, is clearly teetering on the fence of good vs evil. We are not really sure which way he will finally go. I found myself rooting for him to make the right choice, but he didn't always. The other characters are portrayed just as morally ambiguous. For me, this makes for a first rate story. I like not being able to pigeon-hole characters. That leads to predictability and less enjoyment. A Wizard's Dark Dominion keeps us readers on our literary toes, so to speak.
As the first book in the trilogy, A Wizard's Dark Dominion sets the stage well for the next books. Thank yous to Mr. Haywood for not using the ever despised cliffhanger ending. The ending keeps us hooked without leaving us up in the air (aka: hanging).
So, we have lots of magical action (stealing a line from Arlo Guthrie; ...blood, guts and gore, and dead burnt bodies...) no romance, magical and mythical creatures, political intrigue and a tantalizing tease of big things to come. The other two books in the series are already available so readers are able to continue the story uninterrupted. You can't beat that.
Epic fantasy readers definitely will find a lot to like in A Wizard's Dark Dominion by Lee H. Haywood. Enjoy!
Mike
February 11, 2018
Kindle Unlmited, same issue as with the prequel, not good with name or places and this book has a lot of that type thing, so for ME it's a 4
Condemned for using a forbidden spell. Imprisoned in a cell buried deep beneath the earth. One wizard will find a way out.
When Demetry, a promising young wizard at Taper Academy, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster’s study, he can’t contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book’s dark arts. But when he fails to control the book’s most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core.
Although Demetry’s crime is punishable by death, his life is inexplicably spared. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to survival might be his mysterious new cellmate, an ancient wizard who stole a weapon capable of reshaping the world from the king.
Epic Fantasy Books in the Series
The Order - A stand-alone prequel
A Wizard's Dark Dominion
The Guardian
The Guardian Stone
Condemned for using a forbidden spell. Imprisoned in a cell buried deep beneath the earth. One wizard will find a way out.
When Demetry, a promising young wizard at Taper Academy, discovers a fire-damaged book hidden in the headmaster’s study, he can’t contain his excitement. The book is the Paserani Haote, an ancient spell book that contains the original teachings of the gods. Eager for a challenge, Demetry delves into the book’s dark arts. But when he fails to control the book’s most treacherous spell, it sets off a deadly chain of events that rocks Taper Academy to its core.
Although Demetry’s crime is punishable by death, his life is inexplicably spared. Instead of being sent to the gallows, he is sent to Coljack, a fortress prison built to house the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals. After the prison warden begins to put Demetry through a series of brutal tests, Demetry realizes the prison isn't what it seems, and the key to survival might be his mysterious new cellmate, an ancient wizard who stole a weapon capable of reshaping the world from the king.
Epic Fantasy Books in the Series
The Order - A stand-alone prequel
A Wizard's Dark Dominion
The Guardian
The Guardian Stone
June 18, 2018
Part 1 of a 3-part fantasy series. Kept my attention from beginning to end, with numerous unexpected twists. The main character seems to be heading down a very dark path, but I'm hoping a path to redemption is hinted at by the words he reads, "Fear causes weak men to cower, wise men to take action, and foolish men to perform incomprehensible acts." Perhaps he'll eventually learn from his mentor's words, "We all find ways to justify our dark deeds, Demetry. Forgiveness comes to those who accept their own failings and direct the blame where it truly belongs.” Or maybe this book simply introduces the villain. Not sure, but on to Part 2...
February 17, 2018
I was given this book by the author, it is a book about Magic and how it can lead you astray.
A boy that is taken when He is going to be trained in magic. He finds A book about dark magic and used it bring a person back to life but the person kills people which puts him in prison. His name is Demetry and he is put into a cell with the most feared Wizard of all. He is there because he opposed the king but was captured and imprisoned. He befriends Demetry and teaches him the dark magic. This is their story and how they try to escape. Good plot and good characters.
A boy that is taken when He is going to be trained in magic. He finds A book about dark magic and used it bring a person back to life but the person kills people which puts him in prison. His name is Demetry and he is put into a cell with the most feared Wizard of all. He is there because he opposed the king but was captured and imprisoned. He befriends Demetry and teaches him the dark magic. This is their story and how they try to escape. Good plot and good characters.
February 17, 2019
I gave this one two stars because it was exactly okay. I liked the story quite a lot, but it was often rushed. Some of the dialog didn't fit the setting and so pulled me out of the story at times. There were a couple of annoying info-dumps in the beginning, and the ending felt abrupt. The main characters were almost more than two-dimensional. Almost. There is so much potential here, though, that I will continue to the next book. Unfortunately, this first installment felt more like a draft than a finished product.
March 12, 2018
Entertaining, solid, thoughtful
This book felt too short - just when we finally crested the hill... we have to go to the next book! Adult in feel, questioning (not necessarily questionable) in philosophy, logical in cadence and events. I sometimes roll my eyes at lack of motivation for the characters and impetus in other authors, but these are true to themselves. There is just enough simple foreshadowing to know there is more to unfold.
This book felt too short - just when we finally crested the hill... we have to go to the next book! Adult in feel, questioning (not necessarily questionable) in philosophy, logical in cadence and events. I sometimes roll my eyes at lack of motivation for the characters and impetus in other authors, but these are true to themselves. There is just enough simple foreshadowing to know there is more to unfold.
November 9, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I was able to get attached to the complex characters and was able to both like and dislike who they are. I rarely am able to do that in a book. I will definitely pick up the rest of the books in this series and see what else happens in this colorful new world.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author.
January 31, 2018
What a wild ride through life has Demetry had thus far! I think he is more antihero than Hero. My sympathy stayed with Jeremiah and his lost love. There is plenty of action, even torture that keeps the reader focused. There are characters who get what they deserve and those who do not. Darn it! Add in a couple of sharp twists and you have an immensely readable novel. Now I have to get the sequel.
July 12, 2018
Wow! What a ride! Books written from the villain's/antihero's POV are my favorite!!
Absolutely loved watching Demetry's downward spiral!! This book was packed with awesomeness! It was fantastically written, brilliant characters, exciting right from the first page, and wonderfully dark!! I look forward to reading the next books!
Absolutely loved watching Demetry's downward spiral!! This book was packed with awesomeness! It was fantastically written, brilliant characters, exciting right from the first page, and wonderfully dark!! I look forward to reading the next books!
January 28, 2018
Good Start to a hopefully great series
Took awhile to grab my full interest but as the book went along I got caught up in it more and more ended up reading last half without stopping. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Took awhile to grab my full interest but as the book went along I got caught up in it more and more ended up reading last half without stopping. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 9, 2018
Well-written Story
Haywood has created a realm of magic with sufficient validity to create a believable story. The characters are realistic and their dialogue satisfactory. The action is strong and the descriptions of places and objects are well done.
Haywood has created a realm of magic with sufficient validity to create a believable story. The characters are realistic and their dialogue satisfactory. The action is strong and the descriptions of places and objects are well done.
November 24, 2017
Awesome
I love the whole dedication of a book to the origins of the villain of the series; it was actually relatable.
I love the whole dedication of a book to the origins of the villain of the series; it was actually relatable.
January 28, 2018
Couldn’t put it down!
Great storyline. I really enjoyed reading this book. As soon as I’m done with this review I will be buying it’s sequel.
Great storyline. I really enjoyed reading this book. As soon as I’m done with this review I will be buying it’s sequel.
March 18, 2018
Terrific
This is a great story. The unknown is always scary. There is plenty of that here. Add that to an unexpected happening and your interest is held right to the end
This is a great story. The unknown is always scary. There is plenty of that here. Add that to an unexpected happening and your interest is held right to the end
April 5, 2018
Amazing
Usually indie books have grammar mistakes of terrible plots, but I could not have enjoyed this book more. I recommend it.
Usually indie books have grammar mistakes of terrible plots, but I could not have enjoyed this book more. I recommend it.
April 30, 2018
A good read.
I really enjoyed the take on magic in this book. It seems as if the main character is turning bad. But who can blame him.
I really enjoyed the take on magic in this book. It seems as if the main character is turning bad. But who can blame him.
August 4, 2018
A short story (novella) linking The Order with The Guardian.
Dark.
A good read.
Dark.
A good read.
June 28, 2021
Good but not great
Easy to read and follow. I enjoyed the book but it was very predictable. Still worth the time to read.
Easy to read and follow. I enjoyed the book but it was very predictable. Still worth the time to read.
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