Hope

by Peter Vik

Alva Danae is a highly skilled but disillusioned warrior who makes his living as a soldier of fortune. For many years, his work has primarily consisted in carrying messages. One day, his life takes an exciting turn when he is recruited by a wealthy lord to be part of a team of bodyguards. Their job is protect a young girl named Hope on a dangerous journey. She is being pursued by a team of dangerous assassins from the dark kingdom of Dachmon. As Alva and the others protect Hope through many dangers, they come to realize that her life is threatened because Dachmon desires world domination, and she alone holds the key to their defeat.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2016

About the author

Peter Vik grew up in Imperial Valley, California. He spent most of his youth romping around among alfalfa and sudan fields; playing with swords, making up songs and exploring the countryside with his brothers and sisters. At twelve years he started his first karate class, and karate has been an important part of his life ever since. As an adult he earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a Master’s Degree in theology. He now teaches Biblical studies and Greek at San Diego Christian College. He spends his spare time reading, writing, practicing martial arts and spending as much as possible enjoying the magnificent hiking trails in Southern California. His first novel, Hope, was published in 2016. It is the first book in a series of three. The second and third novels are forthcoming.

Reviews

[Turtle (Karlos) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is an amazing book of adventure, mystery, and romance. I hated finishing it AGAIN! The book was an amazing show of how a hard skulled warrior can be a gentle love for the perfect person. I relate to this book in so many ays that I lost count. Its so full of passion and creativety. I can't wait to read the next one, my friend Peter Vik the author said that it should be done soon. Plus I'll get to read it first because my dad is going to work on it so I get it first. Yay!!!!!!!!!

[Karlos of the Hammer]

It was the best book I have ever read, It was compelling and had great climactic action that really drew me in. I love the romance in it and I connect most of it to my own life. I can't wait for Light and Darkness to come out.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope is an excellent book. It is short enough to read in a week, but good enough that I wished that it had been longer. It takes some inspiration from The Lord of the Rings, but not in a way that compromises its individuality.

The characters were relatable, the worldbuilding did not slow it down, and the plot never dragged. Vik does a good job explaining the history of Lacinea and its effects on the plot while not letting that history overshadow the book, a common mistake in fantasy novels. He also steers the romance in the book safely between the pitfalls of monotony on one hand and melodramaticness. His fight scenes, also, are filled with action and detail, no easy feat.

It is an excellent first book, and I am looking forward to more of his books.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was bamboozled. Saw the high rating but didn't notice it was based on only 6 reviews. Couldn't get through it. Repetitive dialogue and phrases.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sorry when it was over. I hope there will be a series. I read most of it in one day and really enjoyed it. It made me want to get on a horse and go on an adventure. I loved the characters, even the bad people. The descriptions were great, I felt like I was there. I can't wait to read more about Hope and Alva Danae. Fun book for all ages.

[Zechariah Vik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter has created a well imagined world. This story is an exciting adventure through the well developed kingdom of Lacinea. I should not have started this book until I had time to read it straight through. His is a book that is difficult to set aside. It is a well written story of good versus evil, and will be enjoyed by any reader. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Sam Lexow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is still very good. It is short enough that I could read it in two days (two dedicated sittings). Simply written, but still full of wide-eyed innocent wonder. The fight scenes are very well thought out, and nothing feels forced at all. Looking forward to re-reading Light and Darkness and cannot wait for Love Stories and Wars (whenever that is. I will wait for it.)