Thelema: Book 0 - The Fool

Mystic Will #0

by Marushia Dark

What if you were born into a world where the gods once walked among men and women? Where you wake up every morning to find a mystical pendant around your neck and know, as everyone knows, that the gods had granted you this awesome gift, to house your will, allowing you to perform incredible feats. But what if that blessing was also a curse in that it tethered your soul to the world; and if you removed it, you would forfeit the will to live? What if your pendant was merely the missing half to someone else's pendant? Someone whom you've never met, and may never meet, for the gods were selfish and cruel in keeping you apart? Everytime you gaze down at your pendant, you feel the promise of great joy and despair simultaneously as every fiber of your being is drawn to your other half - your twin flame. If only you could summon the will of a god yourself, perhaps you'd be united. What if this same world was inhabited by legions of monsters known as juristic persons - living, breathing corporations with wills and minds of their own? What if such creatures had rights and powers that far exceeded those of humans? Into such a world were born Dean Maynard and Jane Stewart - Justices of the Peace who use the Thelemic arts, along with their martial prowess and knowledge of the Law, to bring about order and justice in the land of Severa. When a routine trial by jury gets turned into a trial by combat, however, the balance of power between mankind and its creations shifts, leading some to question whether the course of history will be forever changed, and humanity’s future suddenly becomes uncertain. As everyone tries to find peace and purpose in their lives, dark and sinister forces begin to emerge from the shadows thrusting the Department of Justice into a battle for the soul of Severa and the lives of its citizenry. Journey now into that world in this fantastical tale of love, action, intrigue, and will.

Genres: Fantasy

Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2018

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The master artisans of the gods took great care to design each individual person’s pendant called Thelema with his/her talents, desires, & life’s will.
Star Maiden & the other Gods figured out this wasn’t such a great idea.
Water Bearer (Star Maiden’s husband) must find a solution to the problem.

Hanji Tsudzukeru (Jane’s clerk), & Adaiah (f, Notary, Thelema) were by her side.
Hanji’s Thelema reads The Servant Acquires.
Bunyan Logging & Blue Ox Shipping were in their respective places.
They each presented their cases.
1 lawyer showed a carved beaver statue wielding an axe, & wearing a flannel shirt, overalls, & large boots (Bunyan Logging). The other female lawyer held up a blue Minotaur with a nose ring & a yoke around its neck (Blue Ox Shipping).

The 2 are charged with the willful destruction of land belonging to the Confederated States of Severa, theft of government property, & exporting quantities of timber belonging to the Belierian & Confederate governments without their permission. How do each of you plead to these charges?
Bunyan Logging & Blue Ox Shipping claim they had no reason to ask for permission to cut the timber down.
The Chains of Fate shackled both Bunyan Logging & Blue Ox Shipping.
The 2 of them managed to escape & the pursuit was on.
Finally, Bunyan & Blue Ox were in the custody of the bailiffs
Abel Blackheart (10), Elijah (older brother), Kendra (older sister), were grieving over their father’s death.
Abel (24) sought revenge & killed the cop that killed their father.

Severa. Justice Maynard, & Justice Stewart faced the Supreme Chief Justice Jay Arwin Arion, & the 5 Senate committee members in the trial for their lives for the Samuel Forest case.
Now it was Lucy Fellman (Confederated States of Severa Attorney General, President legal counsel DoJ head, Seers of the Confederate Investigation Division CID) who had to meet with the Senate Judiciary Committee.
She was the advocate for Justice Maynard, & Justice Stewart.
Bankruptcy Court (16 Lion Court). Salamancer Solar Inc. (salamander) had filed bankruptcy.
Landrace Financial Group (bipedal goat) filed for continuance.

What will the future court cases be for the justices?

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Thelemic Arts; 2 edition; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; AmazonCrossing; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

Very dense fantasy about a world where everybody gets a pendant giving one magical powers, but the gods have suddenly decided that policy isn't working out.

Dense, but a good book.

[Maryann Breece · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is challenging to write. Thelema: Book 0 is not a bad book per say. It makes for a challenge to review due to the fact that it is the first in a series.
The First book of a series is always a challenge. Each author creates their own world within the pages of the book. When dealing with a series there is a lot of items within the world that need to be explained in order for you to get what is happening. Marushia Dark has created a very rich and distinct world.

The world of Severa is very much different from ours in almost every single way possible. Even the mundane things like vehicles and paying for items have a fantasy element to them. It will greatly help you enjoy the book if you have some interest in politics and law. She has written this series around the Justice of the Peace members in a world ruled by a complex legal system.

People are born with items called Thelema. this is essentially their soul in a physical form of a necklace. This contains a symbol and some wording. Each person has a different pattern. With the intention that each person is to find their soul mate who has the other half of your pattern.
These Thelema's also give people the ability to manipulate their surroundings to a certain extent based upon the force of their will. The idea of this is fascinating and should make future books a joy to read.
The legal system however may be a bit over some readers heads. Once a trial is set there is a lot involved. The Justice of the Peace or more than one depending on the situation can serve as judge and lawyer for the state. People can request a trial by combat. In which case the Justice of the Peace then wields a sword to fight the defendant. The justice is allowed to have a clerk for aid. The clerk carries a dagger that houses a magical creature that can be summoned as a notary to record the entire interaction. Most clerks are skilled in magical healing using their Thelema, some can even assist in the fighting. A Justice can also summon chambers-otherwise known as a magical barrier that encompasses the area and prevents anyone from leaving while heightening the powers of the notary. Then you get into a whole group of beings known as juristic persons. These cause much confusion. They are a magical creation of business owners. They grown in power based upon the assets of the company. They have free will and minds of their own but are tethered to the company.
These aspects make the book hard to fully get into. If you can grasp what is happening legally, and all the minor changes in things like vehicles and paying for items then there is the whole religious system and political playground.
I disagree with some of the socio political views expressed within the book. So far these views have only been told from one view point in parts from various characters. Perhaps in future books she will have other characters express a different view. Things like how to raise children, the types of food poor people have access to making you gain weight, whether children should be home schooled and other views. I get that each character has their own views. However all of the characters in this book seemed to have varying takes on one view rather than many.
I look forward to future books to learn the results of many background and machinations that have yet to bear fruit. People have started lots of different situations that will create conflict and personal growth for the characters.
Besides this anticipation I almost dread another book. I am not sure I want to wade into the legal and political aspects of this world again.

[Tosin Olanrewaju · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book Thelema: mystic will is a thorough read. A detailed fantasy, with a parallel insight into our very own reality.
Marushia Dark is an enchanting author, taking his reader through truly vivid scenes, properly explained sceneries, witty conversations and personable characters making fantasy look just like real life.
The book Thelema is obviously a first of its series, and I can hardly wait to read the subsequent ones. Though i will say some of the conversations were unnecessarily long but as a first of its series, we really can tell, the purpose of the writer yet in relation to this.
It is a true insight into the rule of law and order, religion and morality; the true desires of willing minds, strong willed personas and relationship ties.
Thelema: Mystic will, is a fantasy whose realities is applicable to our very own realities and makes one wonder what more lessons to be learnt in subsequent books.
“Even all my carefully crafted intrigue can’t stem the tide forever. There is always a trail and there will always be truth-seekers trying to find it.”
‘With such souls, it’s best we seek them out, learn who they are, and try to
reward their curiosity by bringing them into the fold, making them one of us if
we can … and destroying them if we can’t. A controlled demolition, a strategic burn, a targeted strike, lest we let them slip through our grasp and ruin everything … tying off loose ends, but more soon fray’”. Pg 361.

The depravity our society is revealed in relation to those with assumed power over the law and the use of their power to seek more, so far it meets their purposes.

If you are to read a book, that will make you think, question everything, even your existence, then reading Thelema: Mystic will, is the right choice.

[Jacilda Refalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all this book is a prequel, a teaser, for what looks like a Game of Thrones size series.
It has a lot of characters, who are pretty well fleshed out, there are glimpses of their motivations, which is good as some characters seem to be plotting and planning a bit of world domination, while others want justice for all. Other characters are a complete mystery.
The world building is good, it feels like a modernish America, with 'magic'.
It does make a refreshing change to have a fantasy novel set in modern times, rather than smoky taverns, people aren't travelling on horseback (but they really do have some great modes of transportation).
There is a lot of politics, law, interpersonal relationships. The legal and political framework of the world was fully fleshed out. I am picturing a very complicated, interwoven web of intrigue and double dealing, with villains who may not be villains and heroes who may not be heroes.
The monetary system is interesting, as is the way they use their magic.
I hope the next book delves deeper into the "Juristic Persons", as I really, really want to know more about them. What they think, feel, do they love etc.
Judging by the prequel, it should be a great series for lovers of fantasy. It is currently being advertised as YA, but I don't think it is a YA book. It compares to anything I have read by so called Adult Fantasy writers, such as Raymond E Feist, George RR Martin, Robin Hobb etc.
Overall if you like fantasy, give it a read, it's a modern take on Fantasy, without the urban vampires.

[Daffola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every story or novel in my opinion needs to have an interesting introduction or beginning to attract people !! And this story had one of the best beginnings i have ever read! i don't know why but as i read it, it reminded me of Adam and Eve like the fact that Thelemas and their bearers were severed in two and they were divided into man and woman then they rebelled and were condemned to lose their half part and only a few could rejoin their missing half and become whole once again !!! I mean in real life as well we all have that one person that if we are lucky enough to find we will be complete !!

I especially loved Jane's character for some reason !! She was strong in martial combat and brave ! And i could feel a sense of female empowerment in her character!!

Also the use of spell like words and the maps at the beginning of the book show author's limitless power of imagination!

Overall i really enjoyed reading the book and all i could say is thank you Marushia for writing a book that took me on this journey of gods and pedants and unknown and mysterious nature of living creatures !!

[Christopher Jenerette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent way productively pass the time, and since I’m a college student it helps me spend my free time in a positive way. It also have a few scenes that reminded me of the political climate from 2015 and onward without biases, so you don’t have worry about reading the same themes and cliches you’ve probably heard before but I’ll admit the black people’s speech patterns are a tad bit cliche and outdated in my opinion. I usually read comics and manga but some characters, in my opinion, would fit perfectly in those settings. My threes favorite characters appear late in the book but I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them and left me with questions about them. I purposely took longer than needed to finish it because I didn’t want it to end, and a few pages before the very end almost brought tears to my eyes. So in conclusion everyone should read this, it has just enough action to keep you hooked on it. It left me wanting more.

[Munie Moe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thelema is a quite interesting novel because the settings is seems modern but at the same time it give the feeling of medieval environment based on places and clothes of characters. It is having a sci fi elements. The existence of human and juristic creature in one world is also fit in. The storyline is good but there is too much character make me confused but I am taking it as a introduction for the next novel.

As for the character, the development is going well. Every characters have their own strength. But the most I love to see Justice Maynard and Justice Steward blooming relationship. Zekr the Saturnalian and Lucy also a promising character. I like how the author picturing the character especially the juristic creature so vivid and majestic.

This is a great reading material for people who love philosophical storyline. And also medieval sci fi crossover theme.

[AnnaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me considerable time to read this book. One of the reasons is the editing. There were some unfinished sentences and soem other errors as well. The other reason is the complexity of the story. There are lots of characters with their own storylines. Sometimes I found it hard to follow that many skipping between characters.

What I liked was the world-building. There is magic in this world and technology and vehicles which are part sentient beings. I found this pretty cool.
It would be nice and useful if there was some background info on how thelemas work.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Marushia Dark for my copy.

[Kerstin Vollbrecht · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is centered in the workings of the judicial system regarding the rights of humans versus judicial representatives, which were created by humans to fulfill certain purposes. The story has some interesting parts, especially the philosophy of mortality, although it's mainly slow and makes for a very long read. The plot is distributed between different characters and is not very coherent, because it doesn't come a clear thread in their stories, especially when it comes to new characters that are being introduced and seem to be interrupting more than helping the story to develop.

[T.S. Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

*AIW -Author Interaction Welcome
Thelema - The Fool is a multiple character POV book. My favourite character would have to be Zerk. There is something quite endearing about him and his circumstances.

The only thing I struggled with was the internal dialogue with some of the characters, such as Jane and Dean. Some of it could have have been spoken aloud, whilst other parts seemed at odds with the way the character was portrayed.

Overall the author created a fantastic world, with some really great characters. I particularly liked the fight scenes, and was drawn into each one wishing they were longer. If you enjoy multiple POV books, then Thelema would be a great book to read. the effort and research put into this book comes across loud and clear.

[Brittania Dancer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good interesting storyline that has a problem keeping the different characters stories on point. The characters are relatable and likable. The plot didn't flow all that well but was good and was filled with action, drama and fight scenes. The one thing I did like was that the author used different POV's with the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ricky newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started reading this book and the characters seemed interesting from the beginning. It got harder to focus on each character as I read thru each chapter and was introduced to different ones. The book was very interesting but hard to focus on the main characters as I got farther into the plot. I don't read very many fantasy books but this one kept my attention throughout each chapter until reaching the end. I received this book free of charge in return for my honest opinion.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tale about what if, what if the gods had walked the earth. They were given a necklace which is only half and there is someone out there for you. Removing it will cause death. Life is hard and trials will be put into their path. There are others who may be able to help. See how it will all go

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read anything from this author before but glad I read this book. It is a great book to read with strong characters and very well written story I loved reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dagmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a little hard to get all the characters straight. But once I was into it, I didn't want to lay it down. I'm not a fan of fight scenes, thankfully, these are short.
It's a fantastic world and I will certainly read more from this author.

[The Endless Unread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very cleverly mapped out and I adore the fact that the chapters are dockets for the legal system. I did find the dialogues a little confusing however.

[Prolific Bokang Nyathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow ,l dont know where to begin ,what a detailed fantasy infused with suspense and thrill ,its a type of book ,that you will wish the world which the author has created is real,Awesome book indeed

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice philosophical fantasy book. It has no grammatical errors.

[AnnaReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me considerable time to read this book. One of the reasons is the editing. There were some unfinished sentences and soem other errors as well. The other reason is the complexity of the story. There are lots of characters with their own storylines. Sometimes I found it hard to follow that many skipping between characters.

What I liked was the world-building. There is magic in this world and technology and vehicles which are part sentient beings. I found this pretty cool.
It would be nice and useful if there was some background info on how thelemas work.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Marushia Dark for my copy.

[Erica]

Review originally published in my blog: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...

I admit I didn’t finish reading this book but please, hear me out for it’s not because of a negative reason.

I’ve read 6 chapters so far and this are the reasons why I wasn’t able to finish the book:

I can’t get the hang of it. I think this is because this is the first book I’ve read outside the YA and NA genre.
I have trouble remembering character names, especially when there’s a lot of them. (I’ve probably mentioned this a lot of times already)
I’m now officially in a reading slump, please send help!
My schedule’s jam packed with all the college stuffs (Life update post coming soon!)


I may have reasons why I wasn’t able to read it until the end but here’s a list of reasons why I think this would be a great read for other readers:

This would be a great read for fans of Tolkien and such.
Isn’t the synopsis catchy and intriguing?
It’s nicely written, everything is described as it should be.
The book discusses the judiciary system of the humans.
They’ve got interesting abilities slash powers!
Different characters and stories are introduced which will soon connect as the book progresses.
There’s a lady judge and she fights so well! Yes to female heroines!


I believe that this would be a really promising read but I think I’m not the right audience for it yet. Though, I’ll try to read it again as soon as my schedule clears up.



I have received this book via the author herself and BookTasters in exchange for an honest review.

[Terra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am trying to figure out why this book is classified as YA/Teen. It is not a YA/Teen book at all. The main characters are adults, it discusses adult themes and there is a sex/torture scene that is definitely not YA appropriate.

The synopsis of the book leads the reader to believe that this book will be more of a sci-fi/fantasy novel but it reads likes a Business Entities textbook that got mixed up at the publisher with World religions book and some really bad fan fiction. It is like they took the ruling in 558 U.S. 310 (2010) that established that corporations are people to an extreme in the novel.

Do not bother with this book unless you are into disjointed plots that introduce random characters throughout the book and read like a college textbook.

[Annarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say if liked this book or not. It's quite slow and philosophic, with long internal debate.
The world building is interesting and the characters are well developed.
I think some good editing could help and the book'd more interesting and enjoyable.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC