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Solace
Long ago, a race of protectors known as Wardens departed the world of Varia to live above the clouds for unknown reasons. Now, a lone Warden named Alexander returns to search for a way to retrieve a loved one from the realm of the dead, the Abyss. The world he finds is not the one he expects as its magic, nature and civilization has been replaced with industrialized war, destruction and a night that never ends.Against the backdrop of a world gone wrong, Alexander will confront its harsh realities, malevolent forces and an ancient secret that threatens to unravel his very soul. In the face of these obstacles, Alexander must face these dark forces in a quest to save another’s soul, all while he tries to keep his own.
- GenresFantasy
273 pages, Paperback
Published January 19, 2020
4 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 12, 2020
"From the depths of death, one will be risen to light the world."
Alexander is a Warden, a race of protectors long gone that now lives above the clouds, and came down to Varia to retrieve his loved one from the Abyss, the realm of death. Accompanying him are his armor, his shield, and his compass which points to the right direction and not to the north. But when coming down, Alexander finds that the world, enveloped in endless night, isn't as he thought he was, and that darker forces are at play in a ravaged, hopeless world.
"He came from the sky, mommy."
Alexander did indeed fall from the Sky. Lost about what he actually has to do to fulfill his goal once down there, with only his compass to help him in a world with no maps, he's joined by Dresden, a masked man that helps him along the way. Through his journey, they team up with friends and foes, and Alexander finds that reality is harsh and that things aren't always as simple as they seem. He's honorable and loyal, however one small problem is that his personality never really shone through. We're aware of his thoughts and actions, but we're never allowed to have this deeper connection with him. Perhaps this is the purpose, as Alexander is treated by most of the characters as this sort of deity who came to save them. Don't get me wrong, he's still a pretty good main character who slowly realizes his faults and that his life is a lie. We watch him grow, and by the end he has a lot more personality!
On that note, I felt like I could connect a lot easier with Dresden. His story was touching and relatable and his temper shone through and through. Mira was a pleasant surprise as well, although I wished we saw more of her! I'm inclined to think the next volume will show more of her, of Ostro, and of Dresden as well. I'm definitely interested in seeing more of Mira's personal motives! I also want to know some more about Emily, and what really drove her to do what she did . There are many more side characters as well that help push Alexander's and, consequently, Dresden's journey forward, and I'd like to see some of them again, such as Julia.
"I sure hope that you never have to go through the desperation we have. But if you do, only then will you understand the tough decisions that needed to be made to achieve just a little bit of solace in this life."
This is, however, incredibly fast-paced. I thought I knew fast-paced stories, but this is a whole new level! Indeed, there were absolutely no boring parts! But maybe some calmer scenes would have made for better understanding Alexander? Maybe I'm just too used to a certain type of narrative. I am, after all, very specific in what I read.
The worldbuilding is amazing, and we did get to know it from Alexander's point of view, just as he discovered it as well. For it's length, the world of this story is massive! I really liked getting to know about the mages, and getting to know the truth behind the Wardens and how Alexander was conflicted about that. The mythology was great!
However, while reading, some things aren't quite explained, they simply happen and then we learn about it. I remember this particular instance at the end, when a guy has Alexander's compass in his hand because he took it from him but it's the first time we're reading about it. This didn't make me less entertained nor eager to know what happens next. The prose is beautiful and really poetic, and it made this story about war and destruction very pretty to read. I'm definitely going to read the sequel, not only for the reasons but especially because... THAT ENDING!
Special thanks to the author for giving me a copy of it. I'm glad I read your book, Kevin Tomaszewski!
"Temptation always has its victories over the best of us. The key though, is making sure those are only battles and not the whole war."
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR: talk of suicide, loss of a loved one, oppression of different nations, mentions of genocide and wipe-out of entire races, depiction and mention of children being killed, racism (coming from some characters and not from the author, of course).
April 25, 2020
*I was sent a copy for review by the author, this does not affect my review.*
In Solace we follow our main character Alex, who is a Warden (Wardens are often viewed as god-like), he comes down from the sky in order to save the soul of someone he once loved from The Abyss. The world he returns to is brutal, war-torn and full of violence. He must find a way to navigate across this foreign land using nothing but a compass and an unlikely companion.
I feel like this novel had a really good premise and a lot of potential however it fell a bit short for me. I felt it lacked world-building and character development. I wish it had been a bit longer in order to expand and give some back-stories to the characters and the world. The writing definitely improved throughout and shows promise for future works by Kevin.
I really enjoyed Dresden as a character and would love a spinoff surrounding him.
Overall, I think Kevin did a great job for his first novel and I look forward to his future works.
In Solace we follow our main character Alex, who is a Warden (Wardens are often viewed as god-like), he comes down from the sky in order to save the soul of someone he once loved from The Abyss. The world he returns to is brutal, war-torn and full of violence. He must find a way to navigate across this foreign land using nothing but a compass and an unlikely companion.
I feel like this novel had a really good premise and a lot of potential however it fell a bit short for me. I felt it lacked world-building and character development. I wish it had been a bit longer in order to expand and give some back-stories to the characters and the world. The writing definitely improved throughout and shows promise for future works by Kevin.
I really enjoyed Dresden as a character and would love a spinoff surrounding him.
Overall, I think Kevin did a great job for his first novel and I look forward to his future works.
July 10, 2020
'Solace by Kevin Tomaszewski' is a fantasy novel. With the world gone wrong, Alexander, the protagonist, struggles to fight with harsh, barricaded realities of it.
--
Alexander belongs to a race of protectors known as Warden and is on a mission to save a woman. Who once saved his life, from the realm of the dead, the Abyss.
But, Alexander is shocked to see the changed World, where night never ends, people are in a constant battle with each other, and death is always round the corner.
The book is full of action-packed sequences. Alexander is a strong character, but where ever he goes trouble takes place. But thankfully, he finds Dresden, as a friend to help in this rescue mission.
--
Coming to the details of the book, the world-building done by the author is commendable. You can easily imagine a war driven world, the dark misty vibe, where a sword might be waiting to chop you into pieces.
Another enjoyable thing was the characters, Dresden is been portrayed as the sidekick of Alexander and infuses sarcasm in some episodes.
--
The plot is universal, to be honest. The new elements were fighting episodes and a description of the setting.
I felt a graph in writing and not a constant tone or hold at the narration.
Initial chapters need more craft, but the author had a grasp at the later part of the book.
Overall, it's a great debut, and I hope to read more by this author.
--
Alexander belongs to a race of protectors known as Warden and is on a mission to save a woman. Who once saved his life, from the realm of the dead, the Abyss.
But, Alexander is shocked to see the changed World, where night never ends, people are in a constant battle with each other, and death is always round the corner.
The book is full of action-packed sequences. Alexander is a strong character, but where ever he goes trouble takes place. But thankfully, he finds Dresden, as a friend to help in this rescue mission.
--
Coming to the details of the book, the world-building done by the author is commendable. You can easily imagine a war driven world, the dark misty vibe, where a sword might be waiting to chop you into pieces.
Another enjoyable thing was the characters, Dresden is been portrayed as the sidekick of Alexander and infuses sarcasm in some episodes.
--
The plot is universal, to be honest. The new elements were fighting episodes and a description of the setting.
I felt a graph in writing and not a constant tone or hold at the narration.
Initial chapters need more craft, but the author had a grasp at the later part of the book.
Overall, it's a great debut, and I hope to read more by this author.
March 28, 2020
*I was sent a free copy in return for a review. This doesn't affect my rating at all*
I think that this book is a strong debut for Kevin Tomaszewski. It's a simple, yet exciting fantasy story set in a war-torn world of eternal darkness. The main character is a likable guy who finds himself amongst people who worship, fear, and, in some cases, hate him and his kind. He's there for one mission but finds himself thrown into a battle that could end in the entire world being destroyed.
The writing of this book was a bit choppy at first. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to feel, but the growth of the writing was evident throughout the story and by the end it was quite smooth. I thought the story was evenly paced and the reveals were all done very well. I enjoyed the dark elements of the world that we glimpsed. There were some creepier parts that really added to the atmosphere of this book. Overall it was a solid read.
I think that this book is a strong debut for Kevin Tomaszewski. It's a simple, yet exciting fantasy story set in a war-torn world of eternal darkness. The main character is a likable guy who finds himself amongst people who worship, fear, and, in some cases, hate him and his kind. He's there for one mission but finds himself thrown into a battle that could end in the entire world being destroyed.
The writing of this book was a bit choppy at first. I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to feel, but the growth of the writing was evident throughout the story and by the end it was quite smooth. I thought the story was evenly paced and the reveals were all done very well. I enjoyed the dark elements of the world that we glimpsed. There were some creepier parts that really added to the atmosphere of this book. Overall it was a solid read.
February 26, 2020
Loved it! A must read that challenges your imagination. Couldn't stop reading. Hoping for more!
June 4, 2025
I wrote the thing.
It was my first book and got it out into the world when I felt it was done. Why 2 Stars? Because it was my first go at a novel and you’ll be hard pressed to find me giving myself a break. Also, I was a rather different person back then and it is hard for me to relate to that person.
Like where I was, the main character Alexander is a bit of a mess, both as a character and how he’s written. I’m still a mess today, but a better kind of mess, shout out to therapy.
His journey across the world to rescue the soul of his love (I very much liked the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice) could have been written in a better way. Instead it was a bit too fragmented between chapters that seemed almost like separate short stories rather than a continuous narrative. I’d say my “best” bit of writing are the rather spooky and thrilling chapters that has inspired me to play around with those tones in my future writings (such as my latest release Mistress of Helena).
Ultimately I wish I gave it more time and care before getting it out into the world. Folk seem to like it, warts and all, which I’m grateful for. However I’m always tempted to pick it up for a rewrite, but never could deal with reopening it and deal with the memories of where I was in life back then.
Ain’t art fun?
It was my first book and got it out into the world when I felt it was done. Why 2 Stars? Because it was my first go at a novel and you’ll be hard pressed to find me giving myself a break. Also, I was a rather different person back then and it is hard for me to relate to that person.
Like where I was, the main character Alexander is a bit of a mess, both as a character and how he’s written. I’m still a mess today, but a better kind of mess, shout out to therapy.
His journey across the world to rescue the soul of his love (I very much liked the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice) could have been written in a better way. Instead it was a bit too fragmented between chapters that seemed almost like separate short stories rather than a continuous narrative. I’d say my “best” bit of writing are the rather spooky and thrilling chapters that has inspired me to play around with those tones in my future writings (such as my latest release Mistress of Helena).
Ultimately I wish I gave it more time and care before getting it out into the world. Folk seem to like it, warts and all, which I’m grateful for. However I’m always tempted to pick it up for a rewrite, but never could deal with reopening it and deal with the memories of where I was in life back then.
Ain’t art fun?
June 11, 2020
*Thank you to the author for asking me to honestly review this book*
Full rating: 3.5 stars
“Nothing in this world is immortal, no man, no myths, not even the stars above.”
This was an enjoyable read! This is the authors debut novel and I was pretty impressed. This fantasy tale follows a man named Alexander who leaps from his world in the sky to come to earth in order to bring back a woman from the afterlife who saved his life in the past. This books is full of action scenes as well as some pretty creepy scenes as well. The whole time I was reading this, I could picture it being a great movie.
First, let’s talk about the writing. At first there were a few hiccups, especially with dialog. But as the story went on, the writing became better and better. The descriptions of battles and creepy scenes were especially good. I just wish this book was longer because I felt like there was so much more to be learned about the world and characters. I could have read a 500 page book about this story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I just felt like there was so much going on in a short span of time with a ton of characters, and I would have liked to see the story stretched out a bit. Especially since the end felt a little rushed to me and wasn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be.
Now let’s talk about the characters. I found the main character to be likeable and I was really rooting for him throughout the story. I liked the side characters too, I just felt like the ones I liked the most were in one scene and then never heard from again. There were a bit too many characters in this book that ended up not mattering in my opinion. I would have also liked to see a bit more character development within the main cast of characters, as they had backstories but I still felt like I didn’t know much about them by the end.
Overall, this was a good debut novel from this author. I thought the writing style was enjoyable to read and I really wanted to know what was going to happen in the story. I had a few issues with the book, like the amount of characters and the end of the story, but as a whole this was an entertaining read. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an action packed dark fantasy story!
Full rating: 3.5 stars
“Nothing in this world is immortal, no man, no myths, not even the stars above.”
This was an enjoyable read! This is the authors debut novel and I was pretty impressed. This fantasy tale follows a man named Alexander who leaps from his world in the sky to come to earth in order to bring back a woman from the afterlife who saved his life in the past. This books is full of action scenes as well as some pretty creepy scenes as well. The whole time I was reading this, I could picture it being a great movie.
First, let’s talk about the writing. At first there were a few hiccups, especially with dialog. But as the story went on, the writing became better and better. The descriptions of battles and creepy scenes were especially good. I just wish this book was longer because I felt like there was so much more to be learned about the world and characters. I could have read a 500 page book about this story and thoroughly enjoyed it. I just felt like there was so much going on in a short span of time with a ton of characters, and I would have liked to see the story stretched out a bit. Especially since the end felt a little rushed to me and wasn’t as satisfying as I thought it would be.
Now let’s talk about the characters. I found the main character to be likeable and I was really rooting for him throughout the story. I liked the side characters too, I just felt like the ones I liked the most were in one scene and then never heard from again. There were a bit too many characters in this book that ended up not mattering in my opinion. I would have also liked to see a bit more character development within the main cast of characters, as they had backstories but I still felt like I didn’t know much about them by the end.
Overall, this was a good debut novel from this author. I thought the writing style was enjoyable to read and I really wanted to know what was going to happen in the story. I had a few issues with the book, like the amount of characters and the end of the story, but as a whole this was an entertaining read. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an action packed dark fantasy story!
June 10, 2020
I was sent a copy of Solace by Kevin to review.
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book from the summary but I was intrigued. Now that I have finished the book I am delighted to say it is a well-paced, beautifully created fantasy story that brought all its characters to life.
The main plot surrounds Alexander (Alex) who is a mysterious Warden from the sky who has come down in search of his friend Emily who he lost to The Abyss. He quickly gets into trouble with the locals and a man called Dresden comes to his aid. Dresden agrees to come with Alex to help him in his quest to save Emily but they are threatened on all sides from the warring factions in this land. They also have to contend with supernatural forces, mages, dark creatures and corrupted religious zealots.
The story is dark at times as the ravages of war are portrayed honestly and harshly. Both Dresden and Alex have to contend with villagers that have sinister ulterior motives and local armies that may turn them over to be executed if found. As Alex begins to be effected by the magical elements of this world and his latent powers as a Warden of the Sky begin to manifest, the plot deepens as the dangers increase and magical truths are revealed. Will Alex become evil and end up killing his new friends before he has a chance to rescue Emily or will his true good nature win out and help him achieve his goals.
I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars as it had a well-developed world and interesting characters. It brought real life scenarios and mixed it with magical and mythical elements. At times the pacing was hindered as some action scenes occurred off page and characters only reacted to the aftermath but this didn’t detract too much from the main flow of the story. The ending was creative and compelling and I hope the author writes more stories from this world as I wasn’t quite ready to let the characters go.
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book from the summary but I was intrigued. Now that I have finished the book I am delighted to say it is a well-paced, beautifully created fantasy story that brought all its characters to life.
The main plot surrounds Alexander (Alex) who is a mysterious Warden from the sky who has come down in search of his friend Emily who he lost to The Abyss. He quickly gets into trouble with the locals and a man called Dresden comes to his aid. Dresden agrees to come with Alex to help him in his quest to save Emily but they are threatened on all sides from the warring factions in this land. They also have to contend with supernatural forces, mages, dark creatures and corrupted religious zealots.
The story is dark at times as the ravages of war are portrayed honestly and harshly. Both Dresden and Alex have to contend with villagers that have sinister ulterior motives and local armies that may turn them over to be executed if found. As Alex begins to be effected by the magical elements of this world and his latent powers as a Warden of the Sky begin to manifest, the plot deepens as the dangers increase and magical truths are revealed. Will Alex become evil and end up killing his new friends before he has a chance to rescue Emily or will his true good nature win out and help him achieve his goals.
I give this book 🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars as it had a well-developed world and interesting characters. It brought real life scenarios and mixed it with magical and mythical elements. At times the pacing was hindered as some action scenes occurred off page and characters only reacted to the aftermath but this didn’t detract too much from the main flow of the story. The ending was creative and compelling and I hope the author writes more stories from this world as I wasn’t quite ready to let the characters go.
May 6, 2020
"He came from the sky, Mommy," Fifle piped up suddenly. . .
Alexander, a Warden, fell from the sky on a mission. With his compass in hand and armor on his back, he is determined to complete his journey and rescue his friend, Emily, from the Abyss. . . the place where dead people go. When he lands on the ground, he sees that world he's in is ravaged and violent. Everywhere he turns, death and destruction seem to occur. Many people in this world view Alexander as a type of god--they have heard stories about his people who live in the clouds. But it seems like Alexander just brings trouble wherever he goes. With the help of a new friend, Dresden, Alexander heads off to complete his mission. But this mission isn't what looks like, and it seems that the whole world could end up being destroyed because of it. . .
I was absolutely impressed by this debut fantasy novel, Solace, by Kevin Tomaszewski. After I got into the first few chapters, it was so easy to read big chunks of this book in one sitting. The world created by Tomaszewski was fascinating, a war-torn world that hasn't seen light from the sun in a countless number of years. I thought that Alexander was a very well rounded character, and I also enjoyed Dresden and his sarcasm. The plot was engaging and fast-paced, which made me want to continue reading in order to see what was going to happen next. The ending of Solace left me wanting more, and I am looking forward to reading any future works by this author!
*I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't affect my rating at all.*
Alexander, a Warden, fell from the sky on a mission. With his compass in hand and armor on his back, he is determined to complete his journey and rescue his friend, Emily, from the Abyss. . . the place where dead people go. When he lands on the ground, he sees that world he's in is ravaged and violent. Everywhere he turns, death and destruction seem to occur. Many people in this world view Alexander as a type of god--they have heard stories about his people who live in the clouds. But it seems like Alexander just brings trouble wherever he goes. With the help of a new friend, Dresden, Alexander heads off to complete his mission. But this mission isn't what looks like, and it seems that the whole world could end up being destroyed because of it. . .
I was absolutely impressed by this debut fantasy novel, Solace, by Kevin Tomaszewski. After I got into the first few chapters, it was so easy to read big chunks of this book in one sitting. The world created by Tomaszewski was fascinating, a war-torn world that hasn't seen light from the sun in a countless number of years. I thought that Alexander was a very well rounded character, and I also enjoyed Dresden and his sarcasm. The plot was engaging and fast-paced, which made me want to continue reading in order to see what was going to happen next. The ending of Solace left me wanting more, and I am looking forward to reading any future works by this author!
*I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't affect my rating at all.*
May 25, 2020
I was gifted this debut novel by the author in exchange for a review.. my thoughts and opinions though are my own! I’m so glad i had the chance to read this book because I ended up really enjoying it! Set in a backdrop of a world gone wrong Alexander is forced to face the idea that things in this world are not as they seem, and brutality, violence, and war become a new normal as he travels to save the soul of a loved one. I found Alex to be an endearing main character and the perfect balance to his rather gruff and sarcastic companion on his journey, Dresden. The atmosphere of the book was dark, sometimes creepy, and slightly desolate- which is perfectly in line with the world Alexander has dropped into! The writing was a bit rough for me at first (but got much better as the book progressed), and I definitely wish the story had been a bit longer for more world building and character development, but ultimately it was a fast paced book with lots of twists and turns I wasn’t expecting and really enjoyed!! I think this was a great first book from Kevin and I can’t wait to see what else he creates in the future!
Read if you like: •Fantasy and Fiction books
•War and sometimes gruesome scenes •Creepy dark magic vibes •Supporting debut Authors!! .
.
.
⚠️ A little content warning: some talk of suicide and some graphic war scenes.
Read if you like: •Fantasy and Fiction books
•War and sometimes gruesome scenes •Creepy dark magic vibes •Supporting debut Authors!! .
.
.
⚠️ A little content warning: some talk of suicide and some graphic war scenes.
April 19, 2020
3.5/4 Stars
*Gifted this book from the author in exchange for a review. This did not affect my review.*
This simple and relatively thrilling fantasy story takes place in a world torn apart by war and is in eternal darkness. Our main character is Alexander, a Warden who comes down from the sky to help save a soul he once loved. As a Warden, he finds himself to be sometimes revered as a god-like species, but also sometimes feared or hated.
Alexander is an easy character to root for, as is his main companion for most of the story, Dresden. The beginning of the novel was a little rough, as we start to learn about this world and the characters. However, there is a clear growth in the writing as we hit a few chapters in, and I felt myself drawn into the quest. There were several dark parts of the novel that I wasn’t quite ready for, but helped to build the war-torn world we were immersed in. I only wish I could have gotten more of a back story about where Alexander came from and the development of how he became who he is today.
Recommended for those who love Fantasy and adventure. This was a first time novel for Kevin, but the development of the writing was very apparent. Overall, it was a fun and exciting read.
*Gifted this book from the author in exchange for a review. This did not affect my review.*
This simple and relatively thrilling fantasy story takes place in a world torn apart by war and is in eternal darkness. Our main character is Alexander, a Warden who comes down from the sky to help save a soul he once loved. As a Warden, he finds himself to be sometimes revered as a god-like species, but also sometimes feared or hated.
Alexander is an easy character to root for, as is his main companion for most of the story, Dresden. The beginning of the novel was a little rough, as we start to learn about this world and the characters. However, there is a clear growth in the writing as we hit a few chapters in, and I felt myself drawn into the quest. There were several dark parts of the novel that I wasn’t quite ready for, but helped to build the war-torn world we were immersed in. I only wish I could have gotten more of a back story about where Alexander came from and the development of how he became who he is today.
Recommended for those who love Fantasy and adventure. This was a first time novel for Kevin, but the development of the writing was very apparent. Overall, it was a fun and exciting read.
April 19, 2020
Wardens departed the world of Varia to live above the clouds. Now a lone Warden named Alexander returns to retrieve a loved one from the Abyss which is the underworld of the dead. However the world he finds has been replaced with industrialized war and destruction, there is no longer magic. Alexander comes face to face with an ancient darkness that threatens everything he has known. Alexander must sacrafice his sole to save another's.
The plot is brilliantly paced with enough back story to understand the world the author is trying to create and it flows really well keeping the reader engaged. I will say the characters were somewhat developed throughout however it would have been great for some of Alexander's personality to have shone through so he was not just seen as the hero. As Alex was new to this world his naivety helped the reader understand the world he was in and it was a clever way to introduce new ideas. Througout the novel Alex and Dresdens relationship develops and the dialogue between them both breaks up the plot. I enjoyed the idea of the abyss which gave a feeling of the unknown and this looming darkness and the supernatural element it brought.
The plot is brilliantly paced with enough back story to understand the world the author is trying to create and it flows really well keeping the reader engaged. I will say the characters were somewhat developed throughout however it would have been great for some of Alexander's personality to have shone through so he was not just seen as the hero. As Alex was new to this world his naivety helped the reader understand the world he was in and it was a clever way to introduce new ideas. Througout the novel Alex and Dresdens relationship develops and the dialogue between them both breaks up the plot. I enjoyed the idea of the abyss which gave a feeling of the unknown and this looming darkness and the supernatural element it brought.
December 16, 2020
Solace is a debut fantasy novel by Kevin Tomaszewski. It is a very intriguing page turner.
Long ago, a race of protectors known as Wardens departed the world of Varia to live above the clouds for unknown reasons. Alexander, a lone Warden, fell from the sky on a mission to rescue his friend, Emily, from the Abyss, the place where dead people go. When he arrive back on the ground, he found out that world he's in is totally different, its magic, nature and civilization has been replaced with industrialised war, destruction.
Alexander faces harsh realities, bad forces and an ancient secret that threatens to unravel his very soul. Alexander continues to be move on his mission to save his friend, facing many hardships.
The characters are so thoughtfully crafted, developed throughout the story. The detailing of the world within is so beautifully done and it’s commendable, you will feel part of it. The writing style is very classy, loved the detailing and the narrations.
The plot is very engaging and fast-paced, which will keep you hooked to the book. This is a hard to put down read. It was a fantastic read.
Long ago, a race of protectors known as Wardens departed the world of Varia to live above the clouds for unknown reasons. Alexander, a lone Warden, fell from the sky on a mission to rescue his friend, Emily, from the Abyss, the place where dead people go. When he arrive back on the ground, he found out that world he's in is totally different, its magic, nature and civilization has been replaced with industrialised war, destruction.
Alexander faces harsh realities, bad forces and an ancient secret that threatens to unravel his very soul. Alexander continues to be move on his mission to save his friend, facing many hardships.
The characters are so thoughtfully crafted, developed throughout the story. The detailing of the world within is so beautifully done and it’s commendable, you will feel part of it. The writing style is very classy, loved the detailing and the narrations.
The plot is very engaging and fast-paced, which will keep you hooked to the book. This is a hard to put down read. It was a fantastic read.
April 18, 2020
*I received a free copy in return for an honest review, but that does not sway the rating that was given*
Solace is the first novel of our author, Kevin. I would say that it was a strong start with great description and a solid world foundation.
The novel follows our MC, Alexander, as he embarks on a journey to return a loved one, all the while coming to the realization that things are not as he thought, and somehow must manage keeping himself safe in the light of this new adventure he faces.
In the beginning, the writing is good and a tad bit passive and long, but grows to become more polished as time progresses. You can tell the author put a lot of time into this work, and it shows very good potential for future works, and for growth. Well done!
I would recommend this to anyone who is new to the fantasy genre (or if you’re interested in adventure). The plot starts with a bang and keeps you moving, the pacing was good, and the writing brought imagery to the forefront as well.
If you’re interested in it, I would definitely give it a go! 🎉
Solace is the first novel of our author, Kevin. I would say that it was a strong start with great description and a solid world foundation.
The novel follows our MC, Alexander, as he embarks on a journey to return a loved one, all the while coming to the realization that things are not as he thought, and somehow must manage keeping himself safe in the light of this new adventure he faces.
In the beginning, the writing is good and a tad bit passive and long, but grows to become more polished as time progresses. You can tell the author put a lot of time into this work, and it shows very good potential for future works, and for growth. Well done!
I would recommend this to anyone who is new to the fantasy genre (or if you’re interested in adventure). The plot starts with a bang and keeps you moving, the pacing was good, and the writing brought imagery to the forefront as well.
If you’re interested in it, I would definitely give it a go! 🎉
December 27, 2020
A dark fantastical story from an intriguing debut author. Through this story we meet Alexander, a Warden who has descended to earth with a mission to travel to The Abyss and save his beloved. The Earth is currently in the midst of a Great War and Alexander encounters people and communities from all sides of the conflict. I particularly liked Dresden who became Alexander’s companion fro the start of the book and also Mira. I would have loved to have learned more about the backgrounds of these two characters. Whilst this book is quite fast paced and action-packed I would like to see a bit more character development if there a subsequent sequels made. Also feel some mentions of joy and happiness, perhaps more celebrations would help provide a little more contrast to the darkness and bleakness of the story. Overall a good first novel from a new writer who I hope will produce more works.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Kevin for sending this to me.
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Kevin for sending this to me.
April 20, 2020
An excellent read that is set in a fictional war torn world. There are a lot of characters, that help the main character (Alexander) progress through his goal, in this book that grab your attention through the read. Dresden, the first person Alex meets in the world, is one of my favorites. He is calloused by the war torn world and says a lot of smartass remarks, which I love haha. It was great to read and picture Alexander go from this innocent being to a badass throughout the story. I would love to read and learn more about Dresden and his life story and see where Alexander’s next adventure will take him. This book had me gripped and wanting to know more and more as I read trough. Would love to see a prequel to tell About all the events that lead to this point in time. Would highly recommend picking this book up and reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2020
I received an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Kevin also sent me a paperback version upon hearing what a crappy time I had gone through. For being a thoroughly stand-up guy, you should give Kevin's book a chance independent of my review.
The concept was interesting! However, as someone more interested in the fantasy and the mythological aspects of the story, I felt like these needed a bit more work and attention. As the book stands, I'd imagine it would appeal to many with a liking to army/combat stories.
I felt that Solace read more like a draft not quite ready to go into publication. It struggled a bit with exposition and would benefit from a quick structural and more thorough line edit to lift it even higher. That being said, the potential is absolutely there and Kevin has done a great job with the novel this far :)
The concept was interesting! However, as someone more interested in the fantasy and the mythological aspects of the story, I felt like these needed a bit more work and attention. As the book stands, I'd imagine it would appeal to many with a liking to army/combat stories.
I felt that Solace read more like a draft not quite ready to go into publication. It struggled a bit with exposition and would benefit from a quick structural and more thorough line edit to lift it even higher. That being said, the potential is absolutely there and Kevin has done a great job with the novel this far :)
April 3, 2020
3.5/4 Stars
This is not typically a book I would pick up. I think if I liked the subject matter more this would have been more enjoyable for me.
That being said I still liked Solace! The characters were easy to like. You could get a really good picture on what this world was and the terrible condition it was in!
I would have loved more detail in the beginning to know more about Alexander’s life. But overall this was a good book! I think Kevin Tomaszewski has a lot of potential as a author and I look forward to seeing what else he writes!
This is not typically a book I would pick up. I think if I liked the subject matter more this would have been more enjoyable for me.
That being said I still liked Solace! The characters were easy to like. You could get a really good picture on what this world was and the terrible condition it was in!
I would have loved more detail in the beginning to know more about Alexander’s life. But overall this was a good book! I think Kevin Tomaszewski has a lot of potential as a author and I look forward to seeing what else he writes!
June 7, 2020
*I was send a copy by the author for a review, but these thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story starts out with Alexander falling from the sky. And we then explore/get to know the world as he does and I thought that was great. He is on a quest to find and bring back someone he loves in the Abyss.
I thought the overall world building in this book was great. It felt very post-apocalyptic.
Alexander doesn't know this world, as he is taught something different where he came from.
We meet Dresden fairly quickly and I liked Dresden's character a lot. He explained a lot of the world to Alexander and it formed a connection between the two. The other side characters were also great!
One thing I would have liked more was knowing the world Alexander came from, but that is maybe something for a future book (or a prequel?)
The writing was a bit choppy at first, but the writing develops a lot during the story, which was great to see. For a first novel this is a pretty solid read.
This story starts out with Alexander falling from the sky. And we then explore/get to know the world as he does and I thought that was great. He is on a quest to find and bring back someone he loves in the Abyss.
I thought the overall world building in this book was great. It felt very post-apocalyptic.
Alexander doesn't know this world, as he is taught something different where he came from.
We meet Dresden fairly quickly and I liked Dresden's character a lot. He explained a lot of the world to Alexander and it formed a connection between the two. The other side characters were also great!
One thing I would have liked more was knowing the world Alexander came from, but that is maybe something for a future book (or a prequel?)
The writing was a bit choppy at first, but the writing develops a lot during the story, which was great to see. For a first novel this is a pretty solid read.
May 1, 2020
Solace was a great read. I was hooked by the time i finished the first chapter. It was a smooth and easy to enjoy story that captured the imagination. The author introduced and developed many intriguing characters without overwhelming the reader and bogging down the excitement of their adventure. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys this genre and I can’t wait for Kevin’s next novel.
May 12, 2020
Wow! A fantasy narrative I haven’t seen before, apocalyptic and redeeming. The book reminded me of The Witcher and Eragon with its quest and monsters. I love how it explores the imperfect hero, I want more books like this one. The writing isn’t perfect at the beginning of the book but it improves with time. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Tomaszewski!
Trigger warning: Suicide & self harm
Trigger warning: Suicide & self harm
March 26, 2020
Solace by Kevin Tomaszewski is an addicting story that makes you not want put it down. He has the ability to paint a visual picture of diverse characters with unique personalities and various landscapes. If anyone is looking for a fun read then give Solace a try.
July 5, 2020
Kevin's first book is very well done. It's characters are steeped in mystery and keeps you turning pages late into the night. I look forward to reading more from this new author. Excellent work.
July 13, 2020
I loved the story and the characters. I mostly loved Dresden. He is my favorite. I'd like a book solely about him. I felt more of a connection with his character than the others.
February 23, 2025
Solace is the new novel by Kevin Tomaszewski. I have to say this book was such an amazing and epic journey and ride. From page one we start with the action and world building. We are immediately introduced to our protagonist Alexander, who is a a Warden, a race of protectors who decided to leave the world they lived in and live in the clouds. Alexander returns to this hellish place to start a journey and a quest to find someone he loves he retrieve them from the Abyss.
When Alexander returns he soon realizes that the world he thought was down there was completely different and in chaos. Now he needs to embark on this quest while at the same time trying to keep his sanity and his soul intact.
This was an amazing read.. and I also absolutely love the ending! I was like... oh shit, he it comes. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Kevin. Go check the authors page and follow.. I completely recommend this book for all fantasy lovers out there.
When Alexander returns he soon realizes that the world he thought was down there was completely different and in chaos. Now he needs to embark on this quest while at the same time trying to keep his sanity and his soul intact.
This was an amazing read.. and I also absolutely love the ending! I was like... oh shit, he it comes. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Kevin. Go check the authors page and follow.. I completely recommend this book for all fantasy lovers out there.
February 4, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a wonderful first novel. The world Tomaszewski built was amazing. Once, long ago, the world of Varia was protected by Wardens, but for unkown reasons they left, to live among the clouds. This book begins with one such warden falling to earth. The world is not at all what he expected. Magic and civilization have been replaced with war and ruin. Mages were sought out and destoyed. The young warden, Alexander, has come to Varia to save a friend and loved one from the Abyss, aka death. While doing so he helps this world. He brings hope that the people of Varia have not been abandoned by the wardens.
If I had a complaint it would be that the story jumped a little too quickly from plot to plot, not allowing the characters to be fully developed, but the story itself was clever and the world was well thought out. I really enjoyed it.
This was a wonderful first novel. The world Tomaszewski built was amazing. Once, long ago, the world of Varia was protected by Wardens, but for unkown reasons they left, to live among the clouds. This book begins with one such warden falling to earth. The world is not at all what he expected. Magic and civilization have been replaced with war and ruin. Mages were sought out and destoyed. The young warden, Alexander, has come to Varia to save a friend and loved one from the Abyss, aka death. While doing so he helps this world. He brings hope that the people of Varia have not been abandoned by the wardens.
If I had a complaint it would be that the story jumped a little too quickly from plot to plot, not allowing the characters to be fully developed, but the story itself was clever and the world was well thought out. I really enjoyed it.
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