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Zanthia
Would you die for your friends? That is the choice Micah must face when an ancient evil destroys his city. He can either journey to his homeland, or seek help with his friends in a place he is not welcome. Soon he finds out that he may be the key to defeating the monster that threatens his world. How can he prevail against a power so fierce? Who are the Aviya? Do the answers lie in the inviting glow of a mysterious orb in a cave? Join them in their quest of peril, friendship, and love as good and evil clash in an epic battle.
- GenresFantasy
327 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2018
36 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 11, 2024
I was captured by this beautifully woven tale and was immediately drawn to the style and pace of Zanthia. The more I read, I knew I was fully invested in this story.
Micah's life is changed forever when his entire village is destroyed by an ancient, yet forgotten evil. With the help of his best friends, Tristan and Saphyre, he must uncover the truth of a prophesy that could be the key to them defeating this evil and reclaiming what was lost. On this journey, Micah must face and conquer the war waging within himself before he is ready to face the outward evil and fulfill the prophesy tied to him and his friends.
Adams masterfully addresses issues of loss, grief, introspection, inner healing, growth and much more. Zanthia is packed with strong character development and beautiful lore. And as the author brought me along the journey, the pace remained consistent and steady; not too fast and not too slow.
If you are looking for a story of loss, redemption, self discovery, and triumph I highly recommend you give Zanthia a try.
Micah's life is changed forever when his entire village is destroyed by an ancient, yet forgotten evil. With the help of his best friends, Tristan and Saphyre, he must uncover the truth of a prophesy that could be the key to them defeating this evil and reclaiming what was lost. On this journey, Micah must face and conquer the war waging within himself before he is ready to face the outward evil and fulfill the prophesy tied to him and his friends.
Adams masterfully addresses issues of loss, grief, introspection, inner healing, growth and much more. Zanthia is packed with strong character development and beautiful lore. And as the author brought me along the journey, the pace remained consistent and steady; not too fast and not too slow.
If you are looking for a story of loss, redemption, self discovery, and triumph I highly recommend you give Zanthia a try.
September 2, 2019
Wow! Nicklous Adam's II packed so much adventure, lore, and character development in so well. You met the characters you watched them and their relationships grow! Often times I catch myself backing up and rereading to understand who is who and where is where but not this one. Zanthia brought you into a new world and I felt like I have known it my entire life. My heart pounded as swords clashed. I am looking forward to adding the rest of this series to my collection!!
October 22, 2020
Zanthia by the author Nicklous Adams II is a fantasy story. This is the story of Micah. Saphyre and Tristan are his two best friends. A tragic incident happened with them in past few days. The Krazuls invaded their city. Krazuls has slaughtered everyone that stood against them. Micah was able to save few children. These children were taken to the forest in the care of Adstan and Illiana, Micah's school friends.
When they returned to the city to defend others, they couldn't find anyone. City was aflame. So, Micah and his friends returned to the forest. Krazuls are still in their city so they can't even go there. Now they have to make the difficult choice whether they should go to Wynsorians (Tristan's race) or Levithians (Micah's race). Both the races are each other's enemy. Read the story yourself to know what will the decision of Micah and his friends ultimately.
The story is intriguing. Right from the first page it caught my attention. I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Language is easy and narration is smooth. Cover photo of the book looks intense. I am now much excited to know the further story by reading part 2 "Zanthia: The Shadowed Army".
If you love reading fantasy stories then you couldn't afford to miss to read this book.
When they returned to the city to defend others, they couldn't find anyone. City was aflame. So, Micah and his friends returned to the forest. Krazuls are still in their city so they can't even go there. Now they have to make the difficult choice whether they should go to Wynsorians (Tristan's race) or Levithians (Micah's race). Both the races are each other's enemy. Read the story yourself to know what will the decision of Micah and his friends ultimately.
The story is intriguing. Right from the first page it caught my attention. I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Language is easy and narration is smooth. Cover photo of the book looks intense. I am now much excited to know the further story by reading part 2 "Zanthia: The Shadowed Army".
If you love reading fantasy stories then you couldn't afford to miss to read this book.
August 31, 2017
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for a review.
For a fantasy pick I thought it had a good flow though it had an uncanny resemblance to Eragon. The pace is good, but explanations are wanting in quite some areas. Since this is a sequel, there is a chance that it might be clarified.
The book needs a good dose of punctuations for the sentences to reflect the correct meaning. The sentence construct is jarring in a few areas.
Overall, an "ok" read.
For a fantasy pick I thought it had a good flow though it had an uncanny resemblance to Eragon. The pace is good, but explanations are wanting in quite some areas. Since this is a sequel, there is a chance that it might be clarified.
The book needs a good dose of punctuations for the sentences to reflect the correct meaning. The sentence construct is jarring in a few areas.
Overall, an "ok" read.
May 21, 2019
Nicklous Adams II is a really inventive writer who drew me into this story. The world of Zanthia reminded me of the Chronicles of Narnia but with a bit more of an epic scope. There are three different races of humans who have links to mythological creatures and these creatures influence their destinies. The book is clean and for epic fantasy is a light read.
December 12, 2024
Summary:
Zanthia is a fantasy novel that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Set in the mystical land of Zanthia, the story follows a young heroine who must navigate a landscape fraught with danger and political intrigue to uncover her true destiny. The novel blends elements of high fantasy with character-driven storytelling, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of power, identity, and resilience.
Strengths:
1. Rich World-Building: In my opinion, one of the strongest aspects of Zanthia is its detailed and immersive world-building. The author, Nicklous Adams II, has crafted a vibrant, intricate world filled with diverse landscapes, cultures, and magical systems. The setting feels alive, with every corner of Zanthia meticulously described to draw readers into its enchantment.
2. Complex Characters: The protagonist is a well-rounded, compelling character whose growth and development are central to the story. Her journey is marked by personal challenges and moral dilemmas, making her relatable and engaging. The supporting cast also boasts depth and variety, each character bringing their own unique perspectives and motivations to the narrative.
3. Intricate Plot: The plot of Zanthia is well-constructed, with multiple layers of intrigue and suspense. The political machinations and alliances add a level of complexity that keeps readers on their toes. Twists and turns abound, making for a dynamic and unpredictable storyline.
4. Thematic Depth: The novel explores profound themes such as the struggle for power, the quest for identity, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the reader's experience.
5. Pacing: The pacing of the book is generally well-balanced, with a good mix of action, dialogue, and introspective moments. This helps maintain a steady momentum that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Weaknesses:
1. Complexity Overload: At times, the book can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information about the world, the magic system, and the political landscape. Readers may find themselves lost in the details, particularly in the early chapters.
2. Slow Start: The beginning of Zanthia may feel slow for some readers as the author sets up the extensive world and characters. This gradual buildup, while necessary, might test the patience of those looking for immediate action and excitement.
3. Secondary Characters: Although the supporting characters are interesting, a few of them lack sufficient development. More backstory and exploration of their motivations could enhance their contributions to the narrative.
4. Predictable Tropes: Despite the novel’s originality, it occasionally falls back on familiar fantasy tropes, such as the chosen one and the ancient prophecy. While these elements are well-executed, they may not offer much novelty to seasoned fantasy readers.
BookTok Thoughts:
Zanthia is a captivating fantasy novel that excels in world-building, character development, and thematic exploration. While it may have a slow start and an overload of details at times, the richness of the story and the depth of the characters make it a rewarding read. Fans of high fantasy and intricate plots will find much to enjoy in the land of Zanthia, and the novel sets a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting series.
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What are your thoughts on Zanthia? Did you find the world-building as immersive as I did? How did you feel about the balance between action and character development? I'd love to hear your insights!
Zanthia is a fantasy novel that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Set in the mystical land of Zanthia, the story follows a young heroine who must navigate a landscape fraught with danger and political intrigue to uncover her true destiny. The novel blends elements of high fantasy with character-driven storytelling, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of power, identity, and resilience.
Strengths:
1. Rich World-Building: In my opinion, one of the strongest aspects of Zanthia is its detailed and immersive world-building. The author, Nicklous Adams II, has crafted a vibrant, intricate world filled with diverse landscapes, cultures, and magical systems. The setting feels alive, with every corner of Zanthia meticulously described to draw readers into its enchantment.
2. Complex Characters: The protagonist is a well-rounded, compelling character whose growth and development are central to the story. Her journey is marked by personal challenges and moral dilemmas, making her relatable and engaging. The supporting cast also boasts depth and variety, each character bringing their own unique perspectives and motivations to the narrative.
3. Intricate Plot: The plot of Zanthia is well-constructed, with multiple layers of intrigue and suspense. The political machinations and alliances add a level of complexity that keeps readers on their toes. Twists and turns abound, making for a dynamic and unpredictable storyline.
4. Thematic Depth: The novel explores profound themes such as the struggle for power, the quest for identity, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the reader's experience.
5. Pacing: The pacing of the book is generally well-balanced, with a good mix of action, dialogue, and introspective moments. This helps maintain a steady momentum that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Weaknesses:
1. Complexity Overload: At times, the book can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information about the world, the magic system, and the political landscape. Readers may find themselves lost in the details, particularly in the early chapters.
2. Slow Start: The beginning of Zanthia may feel slow for some readers as the author sets up the extensive world and characters. This gradual buildup, while necessary, might test the patience of those looking for immediate action and excitement.
3. Secondary Characters: Although the supporting characters are interesting, a few of them lack sufficient development. More backstory and exploration of their motivations could enhance their contributions to the narrative.
4. Predictable Tropes: Despite the novel’s originality, it occasionally falls back on familiar fantasy tropes, such as the chosen one and the ancient prophecy. While these elements are well-executed, they may not offer much novelty to seasoned fantasy readers.
BookTok Thoughts:
Zanthia is a captivating fantasy novel that excels in world-building, character development, and thematic exploration. While it may have a slow start and an overload of details at times, the richness of the story and the depth of the characters make it a rewarding read. Fans of high fantasy and intricate plots will find much to enjoy in the land of Zanthia, and the novel sets a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting series.
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What are your thoughts on Zanthia? Did you find the world-building as immersive as I did? How did you feel about the balance between action and character development? I'd love to hear your insights!
March 25, 2024
Great epic fantasy for young adult readers
So Zanthia, I got it for the cover and the author without looking into it at all. (Look at that cover.)
It is young adult, which I wasn't expecting and I don't usually read. This reafirmed that for me, and it's important context to the review. I think teenage me would have loved this book. And I think for a young adult book it does well. It's just not for me as a reader and if you're not into young adult books or epic fantasy you might struggle with it.
Not because it's complex, but because it's written for a young audience and that factors into the dialogue and pacing. If I were to remove that context. This would be a ⅗ for me. Which is alright. Not terrible like a one. Not something I regret spending my time on or miserable while reading like a two. ⅗ is still good. But again, I really want to focus on it from the proper context, of it being young adult. I think that elevates it to a four for a few reasons.
Nicklous is teaching lessons in this story, relatable human lessons about revenge, friendship, jealousy, romance, bravery and prejudice and the perspective of a young character. And I think he does well in with the headspace of a teenage boy. There's some really cool world building here, with humanity being split into 3 groups who are decent of griffins, Phoenixes and dragons. It's a driving conflict in the story bc the main characters are from a city where they all grew up together which is rare but gives them unique perspectives on racism. I love this origin, and Nicklous plays a lot with the number 3, which I really enjoy (it comes back later with the division of the body, soul, and spirit). My biggest gripe with the human origin here is that there isn't more done with it. There don't seem to be any defining physical characteristics that separate the humans, like scales, or talons or like a Griffen tale. Or something to really set them apart a little more and make their origin more special.
Some highlights, there's some fun action, my favorite part is when a dude just slaps another guy's sword out of his hand for showing off. The pacing was a little all over the place but I don't think I would have noticed it cared when I was younger. Similarly with the dialogue, very exposition heavy and formal, which works for a young adult story.
Overall, I think teenage dudes, and lovers of young adult epic fantasy will definitely enjoy this.
This also the first of at least four books Nicklous has written (and this one ends with an intriguing set up for the next), so I am curious to see how Nicklous writing style has evolved, and I already have his newest release Kyra through the veil (which has another great cover) on my TBR to get to eventually.
So Zanthia, I got it for the cover and the author without looking into it at all. (Look at that cover.)
It is young adult, which I wasn't expecting and I don't usually read. This reafirmed that for me, and it's important context to the review. I think teenage me would have loved this book. And I think for a young adult book it does well. It's just not for me as a reader and if you're not into young adult books or epic fantasy you might struggle with it.
Not because it's complex, but because it's written for a young audience and that factors into the dialogue and pacing. If I were to remove that context. This would be a ⅗ for me. Which is alright. Not terrible like a one. Not something I regret spending my time on or miserable while reading like a two. ⅗ is still good. But again, I really want to focus on it from the proper context, of it being young adult. I think that elevates it to a four for a few reasons.
Nicklous is teaching lessons in this story, relatable human lessons about revenge, friendship, jealousy, romance, bravery and prejudice and the perspective of a young character. And I think he does well in with the headspace of a teenage boy. There's some really cool world building here, with humanity being split into 3 groups who are decent of griffins, Phoenixes and dragons. It's a driving conflict in the story bc the main characters are from a city where they all grew up together which is rare but gives them unique perspectives on racism. I love this origin, and Nicklous plays a lot with the number 3, which I really enjoy (it comes back later with the division of the body, soul, and spirit). My biggest gripe with the human origin here is that there isn't more done with it. There don't seem to be any defining physical characteristics that separate the humans, like scales, or talons or like a Griffen tale. Or something to really set them apart a little more and make their origin more special.
Some highlights, there's some fun action, my favorite part is when a dude just slaps another guy's sword out of his hand for showing off. The pacing was a little all over the place but I don't think I would have noticed it cared when I was younger. Similarly with the dialogue, very exposition heavy and formal, which works for a young adult story.
Overall, I think teenage dudes, and lovers of young adult epic fantasy will definitely enjoy this.
This also the first of at least four books Nicklous has written (and this one ends with an intriguing set up for the next), so I am curious to see how Nicklous writing style has evolved, and I already have his newest release Kyra through the veil (which has another great cover) on my TBR to get to eventually.
February 19, 2024
A really fun YA read! I started reading this book because I saw the author asking for reviews in his 1st self-published book and thought I would take the chance. I am so glad I did! I had so much fun meeting Micah and the rest of the chosen! My only critique is that I think more time could have been spent developing the characters so they were a bit more complex, but on the other hand it is a YA book… so that’s to be expected! Storytelling was great, and there is a lot of action packed into this book especially for being less than 300 pages! The writing although a bit formal at times, but it makes sense, it gives the book a princess bride, medieval, nostalgic feel. There is a magic system and dragons (love dacian) but it is not a complex system to understand. The only thing I didn’t like of the storyline was that racism was a huge theme within the world, but it was solved by 1 speech and a war? Wishful thinking… but a little bit of a *eyeroll*moment, not too detrimental if you suspend the reality of the concept of racism for the sake of the fantasy world. I’m not diving into book #2 but I will definitely read it within the next few months!
January 21, 2024
What a fantastic read! I am a huge fan of dragons and so the cover alone caught my eye. I didn't really know what to expect when I downloaded the book but was sucked right into the story by page one. The reader is transported into a once war torn fantasy world as we follow the journey of three friends who's fates are intertwined with each other along with an ancient prophecy. I want so badly to spoil the story BUT I want more for others to enjoy this book. The pacing was great and the only reason I wasn't able to devour this book in one night was because "mom life." The descriptive language in this book is so vivid, it makes it almost effortless to visualize the events and creatures in this book. Also THE PLOT TWIST THO!!!! My emotions were all over the place but I was completely there for it. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Must read book!
January 31, 2024
Loved it!
It’s hard for me to give a book a five star but this one is say is like a four and three quarters only because the lore was a big difficult for me to follow but then it all made sense as I went on. That’s just my issue with fantasies though. Also there were a few typos, only like six or so but it happens.
This book was a page turner for sure and kept me interested from the first few pages. I am a huge fan of action so I loved, loved, loved the battle scenes! The author was extremely creative when writing those out. I felt like I was watching the battles in person. Great job Nicklaus for creating a book that fully captivates the reader into the world of Zanthia!
It’s hard for me to give a book a five star but this one is say is like a four and three quarters only because the lore was a big difficult for me to follow but then it all made sense as I went on. That’s just my issue with fantasies though. Also there were a few typos, only like six or so but it happens.
This book was a page turner for sure and kept me interested from the first few pages. I am a huge fan of action so I loved, loved, loved the battle scenes! The author was extremely creative when writing those out. I felt like I was watching the battles in person. Great job Nicklaus for creating a book that fully captivates the reader into the world of Zanthia!
September 7, 2024
A Fantastic Read!
What can I say about this book? Well, if you're looking for adventure, fantasy, and some great characters to follow along with, this book is for you!
If you're not into YA and/or epic fantasy, this book isn't for you. But if you do like those things, and beautifully written imagery, this book IS for you.
There were a few typos, nothing major, and some of the worldbuilding was a little difficult to follow at times, but I definitely would recommend this book to YA readers.
My overall rating is 4.5/5 stars, but I am rounding up to 5 for the sake of leaving this review on different platforms.
What can I say about this book? Well, if you're looking for adventure, fantasy, and some great characters to follow along with, this book is for you!
If you're not into YA and/or epic fantasy, this book isn't for you. But if you do like those things, and beautifully written imagery, this book IS for you.
There were a few typos, nothing major, and some of the worldbuilding was a little difficult to follow at times, but I definitely would recommend this book to YA readers.
My overall rating is 4.5/5 stars, but I am rounding up to 5 for the sake of leaving this review on different platforms.
January 27, 2024
I'm not usually a fan of YA, but this book drew me in from the first page! Nicklous Adam's II "Zanthia" is jam-packed with adventure, lore, and character growth. His use of visuals effortlessly transports you into the world of Zanthia, while also giving you the impression that you are connected to each character in a unique way. The characters' relationships, the heartbreak caused by the catastrophes they confront, and their drive to bring opposing sides together for the greater good are all highly entertaining.
November 20, 2024
Adventure
This was a great setup story. I feel like I know Micah Sapphyre and Triston. I wondered who the figure in black was and knowing there is another foe after Micah has me hooked. I got this book in a free book download giveaway and I will be purchasing the rest.
This was a great setup story. I feel like I know Micah Sapphyre and Triston. I wondered who the figure in black was and knowing there is another foe after Micah has me hooked. I got this book in a free book download giveaway and I will be purchasing the rest.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews