The Path Of Decisions

The Cremelino Prophecy #2

by Mike Shelton

Cutting betrayal.
Increasing powers.

Complicated decisions.

A wizard walks the land once again, but he struggles with how to use his power.

Darius San Williams, now the first commander of the King’s Elite Army struggles with his emerging powers. 

After winning his first battle against external foes, he must decide now to follow the King or to take matters in his own hands. 

Back in Anikari, Christine wrestles with how to confront oppression against her people, while in Belor, Kelln must escape the clutches of an evil wizard and warn Darius. 

Mezar, the captured Gildanian quietly watches everything closely and harbors a secret of his own. 

Each of their decisions will determine the fate and destiny of their friendship and their kingdom.

For more magic, wizards, betrayal, and sword & sorcery read book 2 in The Cremelino Prophecy, The Path of Decisions.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2018

About the author

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn't reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn't put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys - writing!

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant coming of age story filled with magic, deceit, doubts and evil, all as an ancient prophecy is about to be fulfilled. Mike Shelton takes us back into the world of the Cremelino Prophecy, to a realm where magic has been outlawed, kept secret and even abused for vile purposes. The Path of Decisions finds Darius struggling with both his magical powers and the power of being the head of the King’s Elite Army. Has his position skewed his perception of his duties? Does he dare to think he knows more than the King? Will his decisions prove to be the death of his people or will he find humility in the truths he learns on his way to true manhood?

At home in Anikari the divide between the classes grows and Christine faces a growing unrest as she tries to tame the oppression her people face. Kelln has news of an evil wizard with his own destructive plans, but is being held prisoner, and the King has called for Darius. The turmoil is reaching a fever pitch and the chaos is of epic proportions. Is this what the prophecy meant or is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Mike Shelton has brought the magic back into fantasy reading for all ages from the magical Cremelino horses to the bond of friendship and love between three teens who dare to face the world in front of them head on. Beautiful descriptions, daring actions and startling revelations that will keep even a reluctant reader completely invested!

I received this copy from Mike Shelton in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Cremelino Prophecy - Book 2
Publication Date: May 4, 2016
Publisher: Mike Shelton
Genre: Fantasy Coming of Age
Print Length: 330 pages
Available from: Amazon 
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paths of Decisions

This middle of of The Cremelino Prophecy I enjoyed more than the first. Durius, Christine, Mezar and Kelln grow as they face new and old enemies. Enjoy its a fantastic ride!

[Zoe Schoppa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Cremelino Prophecy series, The Path of Destiny, is a story of seeking your identity, The Path of Decisions is a story of finding your identity. In the first book, Mike Shelton gives us a long character development story with little adventure. Fortunately, The Path of Decisions sees the characters solidifying their identities and it moves us into the adventures, intrigues, magic, and good versus evil found in a solid fantasy, adventure, sword and sorcery fiction novel.

I find that the books of the Cremelino Prophecy series are teen friendly. There is definitely violence but the protagonist Darius seeks conflict resolution positively, attempting not to take lives when pushed into battle. He uses some serious tactical skills and his growing magical ability to accomplish his objectives. Darius also has the gift of uniting people. Here is more that is good for teen readers:

- The Path of Decisions is a clean story; there is no bad language and no sexual content.
- Shelton encourages virtues such as bravery, integrity, honesty, loyalty, willingness to admit and seek restitution when you are wrong, and so on.

There is a hitch for Christian parents…

Mike Shelton definitely includes religion in this series. I’m not exactly sure where he is going with it but I would not classify it as Christian. Here are a couple of quotes:

Kelln continued. “I have even found the peace of God.” “You found what?” “I found out that what we are inside is what makes us who we are, Darius.” Kelln continued in all seriousness. “That is the only way I can deal with everything that has happened to me.”

“I don’t know him well. Alas, maybe that is also why I must give away my kingdom now. But there is someone out there, Richard. Someone that directs us toward good. I have felt him before, when I am doing the right thing.”
King Edward

I’m going to let the quotes speak for themselves but the main component of the religion and philosophy Shelton writes is that of love and doing the right thing.

God is loving but that is far from His most defining characteristic. We cannot begin to understand what is right in God's eyes before we have been redeemed or saved because of Christ's sacrifice. The Bible tells us that an unbeliever cannot please God. We are wretched sinful creatures that a mighty and wrathful God has chosen to show mercy upon. This mercy is where the love of God is shown. It is through the gift of the Holy Spirit, time spent studying the word of God, fellowship with other believers, and a sincere willingness to be a disciple that the “Someone” Shelton introduces us to in the second quote above, someone that I call God, “directs us toward good”.
Romans 3:10-20

As long as your teen is spiritually discerning this is a book that I believe they would enjoy. I did.

For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to read what happens next!

Their lives had crossed, friendships bonded, and though they would never be the same again, they would remain friends no matter where their intermediate travels would take them.

Okay, okay. This book is even better than its predecessor. All of the characters have grown so much, especially Darius. (Although, I'm sorry, I still don't really quite get Leandra's importance here.) I really enjoyed how the story has developed and all the events that lead to, well, more adventures in the third book (of course!).

[Victor Leder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a good read. Kept my interest from beginning to end

I gave it a five-star rating because it was well-written and good character development . I couldn't put it down from the start . I would recommend this book to anybody .

[Leserling Belana · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I had read The Path of Destiny, I knew I had to know how the story goes on. I liked this book even more than the first volume, but maybe that's due to the fact that the ending wasn't as open as that from the first volume. Sure, there are enough things I want to know, and there is a third volume waiting for me, but it felt more -- finished.

I had my suspicions about a specific character right in the first volume, and I was right. That's always nice, if you speculate and then find out you were right.

Darius, Kelln, and Christine have some tough decisions to make, and they're not always lucky in their choices. However, friendship and love help them through all the bad, and there is hope for the realm.

I like the characters, and the world, and I'm keen to get to know more places of the realm.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.8

There were a few corny moments in this book, however I really enjoyed the heartfelt message it presented as well as the creativity this author used to portray it. With love being the ultimate force, this tale is wondrous. From one character to the next, I find I keep switching the title of favorite almost as easy as going from chapter to the next. There are clear main characters however the supporting characters play huge and necessary roles. I want to shout about scenes in this book but find myself biting down to ensure I don’t cross that “ spoiler alert” line. Deception is still coursing through this tale so strap in and come ride this worthy rollercoaster! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Story

This is a very good story..but there are some holes in the plot and a little bit of awkwardness in some of the storyline. This author has great potential and I will read the next book...I am hoping it gets better as he goes!

[John Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series!

[Lea Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's frustrating to see two, apparently evenly matched main characters take such different routes instead of growing together.
Maybe I'm just tired of angry, arrogant teens.

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sarah Stuart for Readers' Favorite


The Path of Decisions (The Cremelino Prophecy Book 2) by Mike Shelton opens with Darius, who was introduced as the young son of the King of The Realm’s first councillor in The Path of Destiny, Book 1 of the series. He is now Commander Darius San Williams, First Commander in the King’s Elite Army. Chapter one opens with a very readable update of events prior to the present so The Path of Decisions can be read a standalone novel. Darius’ magical powers are increasing but not yet fully developed as he seeks to protect the kingdom from invasion and enemies within. Christine, his friend and first love, is in Ankira, struggling against the oppression of her people, whilst Kelln remains the prisoner of an evil wizard.


Mike Shelton has written a superb opening to The Path of Decisions, instantly engaging readers. The magical action, set against a vivid backdrop, is ruled by the Cremelino Prophecy. “Forgotten lines of ancient magic and the power of the throne. One will make them both his own if his heart sees the true power. He will bring light to fight darkness and love to fight hate if he reaches into the power of his heart.” Intriguing questions build rapidly. Is Darius, who defends his right to disobey the king when his orders conflict with his own judgement, “the one”? Will Christine escape violent persecutors who burn her people’s land? Can Kelln trust Alexandra, or is she in league with the enemies of The Realm? Mike Shelton’s joy in writing floods every chapter; the epilogue ensures that reading Book Three, The Path of Peace, is irresistible.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic young adult series that even adults can enjoy! It is fantasy series full of magic, suspense and adventure. I was drawn right into the story and could not put the series down. The first book gives us the all the background information of the magic of Darius, the disagreements between the different groups of people in the Realm and the rising of the Preacher. The second book is where the story really comes to life, Darius comes into his own and it is so exciting! You can't stop reading because the suspense and adventure is amazing. So much happens in this novel that you feel as though nothing more can possibly happen but sure enough book three is just as good.

I loved the connection of the magic, the horses and Darius and Christine. It was so exciting! Especially to watch the magic grow in Darius as he learned how to control his magic and what it needs to work. The three books are well written, played out and lead into each other very well. They are incredibly exciting and full of suspense. These are perfect books for young adults but even older adults who love fantasy.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.8

There were a few corny moments in this book, however I really enjoyed the heartfelt message it presented as well as the creativity this author used to portray it. With love being the ultimate force, this tale is wondrous. From one character to the next, I find I keep switching the title of favorite almost as easy as going from chapter to the next. There are clear main characters however the supporting characters play huge and necessary roles. I want to shout about scenes in this book but find myself biting down to ensure I don’t cross that “ spoiler alert” line. Deception is still coursing through this tale so strap in and come ride this worthy rollercoaster! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to review the Path of Destiny – Mike Shelton first novel so was eager to read his next and would this one be as good.

The author asked me to review so this book. I was not disappointed and read in one sitting. This is a continuing saga of a man trying to find out who he is; there is love, evil and magic thrown into the mix.
The characters are real and maybe some of you have met people just like them.

This was a great piece of writing and would be a good young adult book too- I am hooked roll on book 3.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book of this series I didn't like how it was going and how the character's were acting, but it was still a somewhat a good read. This book 2 of the series ended up being better of the two books and the character's have developed enough that I liked how the story was going with the characters in tow. This is by far the better read of the two. I find myself wanting the next one which hopefully will be released soon. Great readiong everyone!

[George Bohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a path to follow

I find the characters very realistic-I have met them in my life. It is interesting to see how all three couples end up together. The Cremelino horses are wonderful with their ability to bond with their riders. I anticipate the third book - The Path of Peace and expect I will not be able to put it down until I finish it!

[Stephen M Folsom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read and continues touch the heart with grace and adventures.

This book continues the story of a heart unsure with the power of the heart and was an enjoyable read. The story is developed and full of learning and discovery. I would recommend this as an entertaining weekend read.

[Robin Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I've enjoyed both books of this series and I am looking forward to the next. My only issues with some of these books on Amazon are the spelling and lack of editing. I wish there was more pride taken.

[John Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

[Jiffy52 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Fantastic series. I can't wait to find out more, especially the Cremelino's. The prophecy, I must know more about the prophecy.

[michael fultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic ride

A gripping tale beginning with two young lads about to jump into an adventure they have no idea how big it become