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Elthea's Gambit
The future of our world hinges on the outcome of a struggle between good and evil waged in a faraway land. The day of reckoning approaches.
Devastating cyberattacks threaten the Earth, while the Bots, beings created by Earth’s malware and virus software, launch a new assault on Elthea’s Realm. Members of the Utopia Project are once again called back to this land. Their lives have become entwined with the Bots in a way they can neither understand nor control.
Philip Matherson and his fellow team members, along with their Astari friends, face an enemy that is more powerful and destructive. The Bots have gained control of the Elementals — the natural forces that provide life. As the Bots gain strength on Elthea, they continue to overpower the Earth, making it imperative the utopia team defeats them in this distant land.
They are not alone in this life-or-death battle against the Bots. The band of companions finds solace and assistance from a village of humans, a Stonewraith whose race can glean knowledge from stones, a long-dead civilization known as the Draas, and the Valnorians in their Sacred Forest.
They risk everything in a desperate quest to subdue their enemy once and for all. Together, they stand against the might of the Bots, but it is Philip Matherson who risks more than death in the outcome.
Devastating cyberattacks threaten the Earth, while the Bots, beings created by Earth’s malware and virus software, launch a new assault on Elthea’s Realm. Members of the Utopia Project are once again called back to this land. Their lives have become entwined with the Bots in a way they can neither understand nor control.
Philip Matherson and his fellow team members, along with their Astari friends, face an enemy that is more powerful and destructive. The Bots have gained control of the Elementals — the natural forces that provide life. As the Bots gain strength on Elthea, they continue to overpower the Earth, making it imperative the utopia team defeats them in this distant land.
They are not alone in this life-or-death battle against the Bots. The band of companions finds solace and assistance from a village of humans, a Stonewraith whose race can glean knowledge from stones, a long-dead civilization known as the Draas, and the Valnorians in their Sacred Forest.
They risk everything in a desperate quest to subdue their enemy once and for all. Together, they stand against the might of the Bots, but it is Philip Matherson who risks more than death in the outcome.
314 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2018
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
John Murzycki
6 books15 followersAuthor of The Story of Elthea's Realm series, which includes Elthea's Realm, Elthea's Gambit, Elthea's Parado, and Elthea's Nemesis.
I had previously crafted messages for organizations ranging from international brands to technology startups. That is until I decided to pen a story I could call my own. After leaving the corporate world in my role as high-tech marketing and sales manager, I concentrated on my true love of writing fiction.
I published my debut novel, Elthea’s Realm in 2017.
I write about magical places that have roots in the technology of our world. My characters are unlikely heroes who struggle with frailties and imperfections as they face malevolent forces. Many of my plot ideas stem from the unintended consequences of technology. "What if..." was a thought that persisted and found its way into my writing.
I had previously crafted messages for organizations ranging from international brands to technology startups. That is until I decided to pen a story I could call my own. After leaving the corporate world in my role as high-tech marketing and sales manager, I concentrated on my true love of writing fiction.
I published my debut novel, Elthea’s Realm in 2017.
I write about magical places that have roots in the technology of our world. My characters are unlikely heroes who struggle with frailties and imperfections as they face malevolent forces. Many of my plot ideas stem from the unintended consequences of technology. "What if..." was a thought that persisted and found its way into my writing.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 8, 2018
I had the honor of editing this fantastic novel, the second in the Elthea’s Realm series. It is hard to say which one I enjoyed better, but I believe this one had my heart. The new characters drew me in and I was genuinely upset when one of them made a departure, feeling that I would miss my new interesting friend. I give this book my highest recommendation for sci-fi, although I think anyone would enjoy this book even if that is not their favorite genre. Elthea’s Realm should definitely be read first to avoid confusion and to be properly thrilled by continuing themes.
June 30, 2018
What an amazing world author Murzycki has created!
Elthea’s Gambit, the second book in the Elthea’s Realm series, carries on the story of a desperate battle between good and evil. The twist in both books is that the evil comes from malware and software viruses that have run amock and threaten the Realm, and earth as well. Whether intentional or not, the parallels with the global impact of cyperattacks in the present-day world lends another level of depth to the story.
Once again, four earthlings are called upon to save both worlds. One of these, Philip Matherson, is faced with the excruciating knowledge that he may be falling under the power of the malicious Bots, even to the point of putting his girlfriend at risk of violence. Imagine his internal struggle as he is thrown together with her and their two friends in an effort to save the Astari.
This story gains in power and excitement as it progresses. Mr. Murzycki again creates a world that draws you in page by page. His ability to construct a world of such fantasy amazes me. It’s as if it really exists, although it is only in his mind—at least I think it is!
For those of you who haven’t yet read Book One, Elthea’s Realm, don’t worry, Elthea’s Gambit stands all on its own. On the other hand, why not purchase both and make your decision as to which to read first once they are in front of you?
I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers and to those who think they don’t like fantasy. You’ll change your mind. Congratulations again, Mr. Murzycki.
Elthea’s Gambit, the second book in the Elthea’s Realm series, carries on the story of a desperate battle between good and evil. The twist in both books is that the evil comes from malware and software viruses that have run amock and threaten the Realm, and earth as well. Whether intentional or not, the parallels with the global impact of cyperattacks in the present-day world lends another level of depth to the story.
Once again, four earthlings are called upon to save both worlds. One of these, Philip Matherson, is faced with the excruciating knowledge that he may be falling under the power of the malicious Bots, even to the point of putting his girlfriend at risk of violence. Imagine his internal struggle as he is thrown together with her and their two friends in an effort to save the Astari.
This story gains in power and excitement as it progresses. Mr. Murzycki again creates a world that draws you in page by page. His ability to construct a world of such fantasy amazes me. It’s as if it really exists, although it is only in his mind—at least I think it is!
For those of you who haven’t yet read Book One, Elthea’s Realm, don’t worry, Elthea’s Gambit stands all on its own. On the other hand, why not purchase both and make your decision as to which to read first once they are in front of you?
I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers and to those who think they don’t like fantasy. You’ll change your mind. Congratulations again, Mr. Murzycki.
October 22, 2019
This book is a terrific read. I used to read a lot of fantasy, but got away from it because it all started to look the same -- too predictable, contrived plot twists, two-dimensional characters. John does none of that. The story line is suspenseful and entertaining, while really making you think. The characters get more and more complex. Each chapter builds and makes you want more -- that's some good writing! Looking forward to reading more of his work ....
March 15, 2020
I enjoyed this book as much as the first book in the series. It was very well written, drawing you into the familiar characters. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews