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The Forbidden Scrolls
After a heist gone horribly wrong, Juliya awakens in a room of a monastery. While she knows she had stolen a mysterious artifact there, she can't remember or understand all which has happened since. She is offered a chance: help the High Priest track down the artifact: The Forbidden Scroll of Fire that she stole; or be turned over to the guards.
But there are complications. The scroll was taken from her by Frost Dirvent, the sorcerer who hired her to steal it and then betrayed her, leaving her for dead. The heir to a family of necromancers long since defeated, Frost has stepped forth from the ashes of history to reclaim the power he believes is his birthright.
Despite her misgivings, Juliya must work with a group of adventurers to track down Frost and reclaim the scroll from him before he can use its powers against an unsuspecting world. But the journey to stop him will take her to the last place she ever wanted to return to: Home.
But there are complications. The scroll was taken from her by Frost Dirvent, the sorcerer who hired her to steal it and then betrayed her, leaving her for dead. The heir to a family of necromancers long since defeated, Frost has stepped forth from the ashes of history to reclaim the power he believes is his birthright.
Despite her misgivings, Juliya must work with a group of adventurers to track down Frost and reclaim the scroll from him before he can use its powers against an unsuspecting world. But the journey to stop him will take her to the last place she ever wanted to return to: Home.
366 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2019
8 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Cesca
7 books144 followersOriginally from a small New England town shrouded in mystery, Matthew Cesca currently resides in the unforgiving deserts of Arizona. He has a teenage son and is surrounded by an assortment of cats.
Matt is a fantasy, science fiction, and horror author with multiple published works and just as many works in progress. He asks that you not get too attached to any of his characters. It rarely ends well for anyone involved.
To learn more about the author, you can check out his personal website. You can also interact with him as @AuthorMattCesca on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.
Matt is a fantasy, science fiction, and horror author with multiple published works and just as many works in progress. He asks that you not get too attached to any of his characters. It rarely ends well for anyone involved.
To learn more about the author, you can check out his personal website. You can also interact with him as @AuthorMattCesca on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 14, 2020
I liked this book a lot! It fulfills all of the stuff you want in an epic fantasy. This book felt a lot like the author was setting up a gameboard for a lot of big moves to happen in the next couple books. But, he managed to introduce a lot of characters and locations without it feeling tedious. A lot of times with epic fantasy I don’t care much for long detailed paragraphs (why I’ve never made it through LOTR) but I found I particularly liked the different Inns and their names/signs. I also liked the monsters some of the characters encountered- seriously, So. Many. Cool. Things.!
If you’re looking for your next epic fantasy series to dive into- I highly recommend springing headfirst into this one. You’ll be swept away.
If you’re looking for your next epic fantasy series to dive into- I highly recommend springing headfirst into this one. You’ll be swept away.
October 20, 2019
Entertaining read with thorough and thoughtful world-building and a high-stakes quest against a seemingly unstoppable foe. We are introduced gradually to a band of disparate heroes, some chosen by the gods of their world, some by chance, to try and track down a frighteningly powerful sorcerer bent on a destructive mission for motives that are partially revealed but also leave us wondering what his ultimate goals are. Elves, dwarfs, humans, druids, and magic plus exploration of the religious, geographical, and societal structure of this world put this novel squarely in Lord of the Rings high fantasy territory, and I think fans of that kind of immersive reading experience will enjoy this. I must admit I felt like I got off to the wrong start by not realizing this was not a standalone novel. I downloaded it from the Amazon website where it was not spelled out that it was book #1, nor did the front matter of the copy I read state that, so I did spend some portion of the book expecting the plot to be moving along more quickly and for there to be more action sequences. Having realized that it is meant as only the start of a longer adventure, I can appreciate the author taking his time to let us get to know the world and the characters so we are even more highly invested in the fate of all. Interested to see where this story takes us in the sequels and recommend for readers who are on the lookout for a well-written high fantasy novel.
August 28, 2019
The Forbidden Scrolls by Matt Cesca is another stellar outing. The first book in the trilogy follows Juliya, a thief and society outcast, on a mission to retrieve an object she stole. An object that has huge consequences for her world.
Along the way, Juliya finds herself working in concert with others that she previously despised. The author brings the reader along, riding through the conflicts, and slowly inching into understanding and more.
Mr. Cesca has created a vivid world (helped along by an amazing map) that sweeps into the reader's imagination and stays there. An interesting cast of characters moves the story along and before you know it, the first book is over and you are yearning to know what happens next.
If you like a good story that will keep you engaged and promises more in the additional books of the trilogy, add The Forbidden Scrolls to your TBR pile.
Along the way, Juliya finds herself working in concert with others that she previously despised. The author brings the reader along, riding through the conflicts, and slowly inching into understanding and more.
Mr. Cesca has created a vivid world (helped along by an amazing map) that sweeps into the reader's imagination and stays there. An interesting cast of characters moves the story along and before you know it, the first book is over and you are yearning to know what happens next.
If you like a good story that will keep you engaged and promises more in the additional books of the trilogy, add The Forbidden Scrolls to your TBR pile.
May 21, 2022
Fun romp thru a well put together fantasy world. Interesting and diverse group of main characters that all got some good character definition throughout the Trilogy. Great way to unplug from todays daily routines and let your imagination take the wheel as Matt takes you on an adventure. Please enjoy.
March 7, 2023
“Thank the Underking” this is a trilogy!
An intriguing journey with Juliya, a half-elf, and her companions to recover the stolen Scroll of Fire before Frost uses its power for destruction.
The author gives us striking imagery of Teren-vei with every step while keeping a good pace and not losing the narrative in the descriptions. The characters are brought to life with strong personalities, accentuated by their revealing backstories that get us emotionally invested. I cannot wait to read the second book, and discover more of this world and its inhabitants fate.
An intriguing journey with Juliya, a half-elf, and her companions to recover the stolen Scroll of Fire before Frost uses its power for destruction.
The author gives us striking imagery of Teren-vei with every step while keeping a good pace and not losing the narrative in the descriptions. The characters are brought to life with strong personalities, accentuated by their revealing backstories that get us emotionally invested. I cannot wait to read the second book, and discover more of this world and its inhabitants fate.
September 20, 2020
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Forbidden Scrolls
Juliyah grew up in a town where half-bloods like herself were treated like animals. At a young age, she learned how to steal to survive, and fought her way free of her oppressive start in life. But when she decides to take a job that promises a large payout, she’s going to find herself in a world of trouble. Stealing the scroll seemed easy until she was betrayed and left for dead. And when she finds out the truth about the scroll she stole, Juliyah will realize she has made a terrible mistake. Juliyah joins forces with those she stole from to seek her revenge and take back the scroll. Because if they are too late, the power contained in the scroll will bring about devastation.
Juliyah was a fun to read character. She is a confident and secure half-elf. Despite everything she has been through, she doesn’t let anyone compromise her own set of morals. I did notice that the writing had her smiling a lot to convey emotion. I would have liked to see more of a diversity in body language. But aside from that, she was well written and flowed well with all of the secondary characters.
The Forbidden Scrolls is a book that lays the foundation for future adventures. Readers will be swept up in the world-building as they follow Juliyah and her companions. While there isn’t a lot of action in this first book, it is sprinkled throughout the storytelling. Readers will learn about the different races and religions and how it all pertains to the current situation. There is also a clever subplot that evolves as the story progresses, exploring how the Gods are choosing Paladins to fight for them.
No one seems to know the battle that will soon be waged. Even the Paladins themselves are unsure of the events that have been set into motion. But I can almost guarantee the next book will be thrilling as everything comes to an explosive head towards the end of The Forbidden Scrolls. I can’t wait to see how all the characters evolve as this story progresses, and the epic battles I am sure are about to be waged. Fans of fantasy, start your journey now!
Juliyah grew up in a town where half-bloods like herself were treated like animals. At a young age, she learned how to steal to survive, and fought her way free of her oppressive start in life. But when she decides to take a job that promises a large payout, she’s going to find herself in a world of trouble. Stealing the scroll seemed easy until she was betrayed and left for dead. And when she finds out the truth about the scroll she stole, Juliyah will realize she has made a terrible mistake. Juliyah joins forces with those she stole from to seek her revenge and take back the scroll. Because if they are too late, the power contained in the scroll will bring about devastation.
Juliyah was a fun to read character. She is a confident and secure half-elf. Despite everything she has been through, she doesn’t let anyone compromise her own set of morals. I did notice that the writing had her smiling a lot to convey emotion. I would have liked to see more of a diversity in body language. But aside from that, she was well written and flowed well with all of the secondary characters.
The Forbidden Scrolls is a book that lays the foundation for future adventures. Readers will be swept up in the world-building as they follow Juliyah and her companions. While there isn’t a lot of action in this first book, it is sprinkled throughout the storytelling. Readers will learn about the different races and religions and how it all pertains to the current situation. There is also a clever subplot that evolves as the story progresses, exploring how the Gods are choosing Paladins to fight for them.
No one seems to know the battle that will soon be waged. Even the Paladins themselves are unsure of the events that have been set into motion. But I can almost guarantee the next book will be thrilling as everything comes to an explosive head towards the end of The Forbidden Scrolls. I can’t wait to see how all the characters evolve as this story progresses, and the epic battles I am sure are about to be waged. Fans of fantasy, start your journey now!
April 15, 2021
Epic world building
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its epic world building and believable relatable characters (which is often what puts me off about fantasy reading). The lead character – Juliya - is likeable and strong, but also vulnerable at times. Marginalised and relatable - I could relate to her decisions and actions, which is important to me as a reader. I enjoyed the exploration of races and religions, without the over explanation and also with exceptions to the ‘rules’. The narrative plays out almost like a movie, focused on Juliya but expanding to include other members of her group and then the greater world. I welcomed the careful braiding together of the various players, with key references scattered throughout to prepare you for their introduction. While originally concerned about the lack of female representation in the book (as in only one female character), this resolved as the story progressed. There a pieces to the greater puzzle that I am hoping fall into place as I commence book two.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with its epic world building and believable relatable characters (which is often what puts me off about fantasy reading). The lead character – Juliya - is likeable and strong, but also vulnerable at times. Marginalised and relatable - I could relate to her decisions and actions, which is important to me as a reader. I enjoyed the exploration of races and religions, without the over explanation and also with exceptions to the ‘rules’. The narrative plays out almost like a movie, focused on Juliya but expanding to include other members of her group and then the greater world. I welcomed the careful braiding together of the various players, with key references scattered throughout to prepare you for their introduction. While originally concerned about the lack of female representation in the book (as in only one female character), this resolved as the story progressed. There a pieces to the greater puzzle that I am hoping fall into place as I commence book two.
January 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one to arrive in the mail! The Author did a great job getting me hooked into this story and the cast of characters. I am loving everything about this story. I would definitely recommend this book!
August 28, 2019
Juliya is a thief, a pretty good one, but stealing the Scroll of Fire for the sorcerer Frost Dirvent is a challenge. When she succeeds, she's surprised that her reward is her death at the hands of Frost's accomplice. She's lucky that the High Priest is able to save her, and she vows revenge.
The Scroll of Fire is the first step in Frost's plan to avenge his family and take over the world, so it's important that Juliya retrieve it as soon as possible. The Triad of the Gods selects two companions each to help Juliya, though they come from different areas and races, and need to find each other. Meanwhile, Frost is trying out his new power and racing to find the next scrolls.
We have a nice mix of characters in this book, all with different motives and backgrounds. The action starts right at the beginning and really picks up as the story progresses and the company starts to find each other. There are some good battle scenes and the story advances well as it changes from character to character. Frost and his companion Jovan are suitably evil, but in shades of gray, not black and white. There are reasons they behave as they do.
The Forbidden Scrolls is the start of an epic fantasy adventure, and I recommend you jump on the ride. You won't regret it!
The Scroll of Fire is the first step in Frost's plan to avenge his family and take over the world, so it's important that Juliya retrieve it as soon as possible. The Triad of the Gods selects two companions each to help Juliya, though they come from different areas and races, and need to find each other. Meanwhile, Frost is trying out his new power and racing to find the next scrolls.
We have a nice mix of characters in this book, all with different motives and backgrounds. The action starts right at the beginning and really picks up as the story progresses and the company starts to find each other. There are some good battle scenes and the story advances well as it changes from character to character. Frost and his companion Jovan are suitably evil, but in shades of gray, not black and white. There are reasons they behave as they do.
The Forbidden Scrolls is the start of an epic fantasy adventure, and I recommend you jump on the ride. You won't regret it!
October 9, 2019
Let me start by saying I loved this book. From the moment I read the first few pages I was engrossed in the story. I had a need to learn more about Juliya, her quest, and all the others I met along the way.
The author took me on a journey of a world he created and I could clearly see each step of the way. I went through a roller coaster of emotions with at every turn of the page. I felt happy, sad, anger, love, etc. I laughed. I may have gotten teary eyed a bit but I won’t admit to that for sure. The fact that the author was able to keep me engaged and elicit such strong emotions while reading makes this book deserving of a 5 star review.
After reading that last page, I’m left wanting more. I’m looking forward to Book 2!
The author took me on a journey of a world he created and I could clearly see each step of the way. I went through a roller coaster of emotions with at every turn of the page. I felt happy, sad, anger, love, etc. I laughed. I may have gotten teary eyed a bit but I won’t admit to that for sure. The fact that the author was able to keep me engaged and elicit such strong emotions while reading makes this book deserving of a 5 star review.
After reading that last page, I’m left wanting more. I’m looking forward to Book 2!
February 11, 2020
The Forbidden Scrolls is the beginning of an epic.
This first book in the series builds a world that is complex and mirrors the diversity and struggles of the real world.
The reader will find themselves rooting for multiple heroes, each one unique and well developed. Each character striving to create something bigger and better but with very different ideas of what bigger and better will be. The overarching message that change is inevitable, and that each person is capable of growth and becoming something more than they imagined possible, was especially powerful.
In the end of this first glimpse into Matthew Cesca's new world I found myself on a roller coaster of emotions and looking forward to the next book in the series.
This first book in the series builds a world that is complex and mirrors the diversity and struggles of the real world.
The reader will find themselves rooting for multiple heroes, each one unique and well developed. Each character striving to create something bigger and better but with very different ideas of what bigger and better will be. The overarching message that change is inevitable, and that each person is capable of growth and becoming something more than they imagined possible, was especially powerful.
In the end of this first glimpse into Matthew Cesca's new world I found myself on a roller coaster of emotions and looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 15, 2020
I don't usually read epic fantasy because it tends to be long and convoluted. The Forbidden Scrolls was not like that. It held my interest and was easy to follow. I especially liked the MC, Juliya. It's important to like the MC ;-)
If you enjoy epic fantasy and strong female leads, I recommend this book series.
If you enjoy epic fantasy and strong female leads, I recommend this book series.
August 19, 2022
I'm not going to write too much until I finish all three books. Cesca has imagined a rich world, full of familiar fantasy races and a new magical twist. A bit of overwriting and redundancy and more tell than show are what kept me from that extra star. I'm looking forward to finishing the tale.
May 25, 2022
Juliya is a half-elf who has escaped the slums of Felbreach to seek a better life for herself. In pursuit of this, she steals a scroll for a client that promised her a generous reward. Instead he betrays her and leaves her to die in the room she rented in Barnhal. She is revived by a local cleric that reveals to her the dangers of the scroll she has given to her client turned enemy, Frost Dirvent. Now she and a group of adventurers have to track down Frost before he can bring about a new apocalypse.
If that description sounds like it could be the hook for one of your D&d campaigns, that is not by accident. I have no doubt that Matthew Cesca is an experiences Dungeon Master, and that his trilogy is largely based on a game he ran for his friends. This fact is both the book's greatest strength and most glaring weakness.
Primarily, this means that anyone who plays D&d, or any ttrpg, can easily place themselves and their fellow party mates in the shoes of Juliya, Braylen, Braddock and the rest of their companions. The world Cesca has laid out for you in this book is one that, if he had a mind to, would make a good source book for a campaign setting. I suspect that the D&d community, myself included, will hold this book as a success of their community and as an example of what good Dungeon Masters can aspire to.
This book is not without its weak points. The greatest of them is that, since these were characters likely thought of by players, they read more like archetypes than they do real people at several different intersections in the book. The cleric is deeply religious, but there isn't a big revelation about how his relationship with his god has informed how he lives his life. Instead, he became a cleric because of a story he found particularly moving as a child.
Juilya herself has all of the mistrust and independent streaks you would expect of a player who wanted to play a rogue without much consideration as to what someone's life would be like if they had to fight for each day of survival. Her struggles with her racial identity seem to be more of a set-piece rather than a deeply personal insight in to what her culture is like.
This is only the first of three books, and I hope these characters get the chance to show more of their individuality as I read through the other two. The world is interesting, and I would very much like to take may players through it if I ever get the chance, but the characters the story focuses on don't pull me in the way I wish they would.
If that description sounds like it could be the hook for one of your D&d campaigns, that is not by accident. I have no doubt that Matthew Cesca is an experiences Dungeon Master, and that his trilogy is largely based on a game he ran for his friends. This fact is both the book's greatest strength and most glaring weakness.
Primarily, this means that anyone who plays D&d, or any ttrpg, can easily place themselves and their fellow party mates in the shoes of Juliya, Braylen, Braddock and the rest of their companions. The world Cesca has laid out for you in this book is one that, if he had a mind to, would make a good source book for a campaign setting. I suspect that the D&d community, myself included, will hold this book as a success of their community and as an example of what good Dungeon Masters can aspire to.
This book is not without its weak points. The greatest of them is that, since these were characters likely thought of by players, they read more like archetypes than they do real people at several different intersections in the book. The cleric is deeply religious, but there isn't a big revelation about how his relationship with his god has informed how he lives his life. Instead, he became a cleric because of a story he found particularly moving as a child.
Juilya herself has all of the mistrust and independent streaks you would expect of a player who wanted to play a rogue without much consideration as to what someone's life would be like if they had to fight for each day of survival. Her struggles with her racial identity seem to be more of a set-piece rather than a deeply personal insight in to what her culture is like.
This is only the first of three books, and I hope these characters get the chance to show more of their individuality as I read through the other two. The world is interesting, and I would very much like to take may players through it if I ever get the chance, but the characters the story focuses on don't pull me in the way I wish they would.
September 22, 2020
Juliya had one job—to grab the scroll and evacuate. However, Frost Dirvent had alternate plans. He betrayed her. To avoid being handled by the guards for her transgressions, she decides to aide them in finding the scroll that Frost Dirvent took. This takes her and many other characters on a mythical journey in search of the said scroll.
Books that provide escapism are something that I covet and will seek out. Providing escapism is what drew me into the book in the first place. I won't give too many details.
Being able to write about a world in which you create is simply astounding. I feel that the author did this with great skill. For example, the description is important in any book, especially in a fantasy one. Without description, how are we as readers to know who the characters are, and what the scenery is like? Here’s a great example of a description in this book: “Two twin moons, hanging low in the sky in a crescent.” You can picture the sky with this vivid detail, essentially immersing yourself into the story. Characters are accurately portrayed for their species--down the the color of their blood.
Fantasy is usually written so fast-paced that it is particularly difficult to follow along and comprehend. I did not have this sort of problem. The pacing was consistent throughout, especially since this is book one of the trilogy.
While there are many, fascinating characters, I bonded to Juliya the most. Fire whiskey. If you don’t know what this is, you will once you read the book. This girl brought out my inner Katniss Everdeen. I’ll admit—daggers, swords, and bows make any nerd girl excited. “Be careful who you tease, mister,” she said. “You don’t want to make a girl with multiple daggers angry.” Frost Dirvent reminded me a little of Coriolanus Snow in that he was an antagonist whose main goal was to be in control.
In summary, Frost Dirvent is the antagonist who desires to control the five scrolls, and he has one of them because he screwed over Juliya. Juliya sets out on a mission to retrieve the said scroll—the scroll of fire to be exact. Magical powers are summoned to accomplish the mission, amongst a series of spirited characters and across vast terrain. I will leave the rest to your imagination. Packed with action and detail, this is a book you will want more of—good thing that it is a trilogy..
Books that provide escapism are something that I covet and will seek out. Providing escapism is what drew me into the book in the first place. I won't give too many details.
Being able to write about a world in which you create is simply astounding. I feel that the author did this with great skill. For example, the description is important in any book, especially in a fantasy one. Without description, how are we as readers to know who the characters are, and what the scenery is like? Here’s a great example of a description in this book: “Two twin moons, hanging low in the sky in a crescent.” You can picture the sky with this vivid detail, essentially immersing yourself into the story. Characters are accurately portrayed for their species--down the the color of their blood.
Fantasy is usually written so fast-paced that it is particularly difficult to follow along and comprehend. I did not have this sort of problem. The pacing was consistent throughout, especially since this is book one of the trilogy.
While there are many, fascinating characters, I bonded to Juliya the most. Fire whiskey. If you don’t know what this is, you will once you read the book. This girl brought out my inner Katniss Everdeen. I’ll admit—daggers, swords, and bows make any nerd girl excited. “Be careful who you tease, mister,” she said. “You don’t want to make a girl with multiple daggers angry.” Frost Dirvent reminded me a little of Coriolanus Snow in that he was an antagonist whose main goal was to be in control.
In summary, Frost Dirvent is the antagonist who desires to control the five scrolls, and he has one of them because he screwed over Juliya. Juliya sets out on a mission to retrieve the said scroll—the scroll of fire to be exact. Magical powers are summoned to accomplish the mission, amongst a series of spirited characters and across vast terrain. I will leave the rest to your imagination. Packed with action and detail, this is a book you will want more of—good thing that it is a trilogy..
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews