Pantheon

Pantheon #1

by Joshua A. Landeros

Athaliah Sowell is accustomed to the harsh winters and gentle springs of Sebel. She may be just a young farmhand, but a fire burns within her heart. Her father served in the infamous Hollow Wars, a war that bathed their fields in blood. All for the price of freedom. Even with the newfound peace, smoke is on the horizon. The delicate truce with the other nations teeters on the edge of collapse. As the eldest child of the Sowell family, Athaliah must now take up the mantle. Sebel is a land filled with beauty as well as monsters, but Athaliah has always wanted more. Beyond the shore, her destiny awaits.
In the South of Sebel, Yaphet stands on the edge of his clan. By divine law, he was forbidden to learn their sacred rights, cast aside for his abnormalities. However, a sign of providence could prove to be his steppingstone. For as long as he can remember, he’s wanted access to the vast knowledge of the Mystic Order. Before that dream can be grasped, he must be tested. The sacred hunt awaits.
Though they are at opposite ends of the continent, the fate of these two are inextricably intertwined.
Fans of the adventure, fantasy, and horror will rejoice with Pantheon.

Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2021

About the author

Joshua Landeros was born in Pomona, CA, but was raised in Perris of Riverside County for years uncountable now.

Landeros grew up on anime, Japanese monster films, Batman the Animated Series, and Star Wars. Not to mention an infinite love for all movie monsters. He obsesses over novels and comic books, eating up the work of Stephen King, Alan Moore, Robert Kirkman, Clive Barker, Mike Mignolia, and Chris Hedges.

In June 2018, he graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor's in History Administrative Studies. In 2020, he graduated from the University of Redlands with a Master's in Education.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Athaliah (Atty) and Yaphet both live in Sebel, though in different parts. Atty lives in the North, the daughter of the chieftain of her tribe, and has lived a relatively peaceful life thus far. Her biggest goal is to join her father on a hunt - a goal which she finally obtains after they discover their fields have been attacked just before the harvest. What they learn on the hunt will challenge and change many things.

Yaphet was a child living in a city that was razed when he was a young child. He was taken in by the Asum - the mystical leader - of another tribe in the South. Despite the Asum taking him in and raising him, Yaphet is not accepted by others of the tribe and is considered to be cursed. However, with the protection of the Asum, he is able to grow and learn, and he is even allowed to take part in a sacred hunt. But, what will happen if that protection is no longer available.

This book had a strange beginning. For the first third or so, Atty is the only protagonist. Thus, when the story shifts suddenly to Yaphet, it is jarring. From that point on, we see the story progress with viewpoints from both characters, but it was difficult to follow. The writing style was stilted and there was so much time spent on world-building and explaining the apparent religions that the actual story felt like an afterthought. In addition, the part of the story around Yaphet was very confusing. Even after having finished the book, I still don't know why his story was included or why he faces such animosity among his adopted clan. To me, the animosity feels contrived in order to set up whatever will happen in the next book, but I feel no urgency to read the next book.

If anything, this book needs the help of a developmental editor to really flesh out the story and make the characters more compelling. For example, Atty's tribe is visited by someone for some reason (I still don't know why) and she accompanies them on the hunt early on. Apparently there was some romantic tension between her and Atty because at a clan celebration, she suddenly kisses Atty , and suddenly Atty has this wonderful feeling about her. But it was all out of nowhere and didn't have any basis, in my opinion. Then, the love interest is gone. But, she comes back at the end, I guess to add some tension for the next book, only to tell Atty that even though they have these great feelings, she's going into some order and can't have romantic ties. What was the point of trying to introduce a romance if you aren't going to take it anywhere? It was like the author wanted to have a lesbian relationship for token representation but forgot that all relationships need development, and this one had none.

All in all, it's not a bad story. It just really, REALLY needs the help of an editor to polish it up. Unfortunately, since the next two books are already published, with a fourth one due out in a few months, that's unlikely to happen. Equally unlikely is me reading the sequel to this book.

[Moná · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questioning the beliefs of others is usually something that goes without being mentioned, it's what we don't do. Time and time again, wars have developed based on the differences in religious beliefs, when will it end? Even in tribes amongst different types of individuals and animals, they have a chief master to the best of their ability to lead their people onto a path of survival and abundance. There is always an opportunity for that alone to not be enough. There will always be someone willing to challenge what was practically set in stone by generations before them. The unfortunate event, history will always repeat itself.

In "Pantheon," author Joshua Landeros introduces his readers to two individuals who happen to be on opposing sides of their country, yet their fates align by a hunt to saving their tribes. Athaliah Sowell, daughter of the chieftain of the Sebelian people, will take on the responsibility of assisting her father with an expected war, which they hope that time would never come. Yaphet Orinse, an apprentice of his Asum of Giganato, is destined to fulfill a role amongst others in the Mystic Order while combating for his freedom against Sahaeet Iro. These two individuals haven't met but their paths will soon cross because it is going to take their strength and knowledge to save as many people as possible, in hopes of not allowing the foretold fortune of many deaths to occur. Unfortunately, something must larger and greater than they are in all aspects will be the determining factor of survival. A meeting from multiple strangers from far away land will be the bearer of bad news and it's an inevitable destiny for all. The Mystic Order is similar to nuns and monks who take an oath to protect and sacrifice their human desires for a greater cause. Athaliah and Yaphet are only small pieces to a larger puzzle, but their forces will have to join together to ensure there will be many survivors. Their level of bravery is commendable and accepting their fates will set the tone for generations to come.

I enjoyed reading this book and learning about another mystical land where people and beasts of all walks coexist and join together to fight a greater cause. Although this is the first book, I'm excited to find out what happens next. The ending wrapped up on a cliffhanger and it's already not looking good. A takeaway I have is knowing that regardless of gender, even when push comes to shove, every willing and able body must participate in fighting for what their ancestors believed in. I recommend others to take an opportunity to read this book and come to their views on the matter.

[Sarah Nantais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous worlds and intricate characters with intertwining destinies: these very crucial pieces of Joshua Landeros’ book Pantheon help set the stage for his next series. We follow not one, but two main characters in this first installment: a strong female lead in Athalia and an equally strong character in Yaphet. Their origins couldn’t be more different, but their destination seems tied together. Those who might be concerned about the genre shift for Landeros can put those fears behind: he’s still a master craftsman when it comes to weaving a sophisticated and fascinating tale.
Landeros is well known for his Reverence series which can only be described as a saga. His penchant for writing deep characters and keeping a reader engaged over such a long period of time is sure to pay off as he ventures into a more fantasy-adventure-type tale. While this is the first installment it is clear that his skills in building an entire world and filling it with real, complex characters are sure to be put to great use. It’s exciting to have him back writing again and even more so that he’s taking this change of genre. This first installment is definitely proof that Landeros is a man unbound by genre boundaries.
It’s complicated to have two leads in a singular novel; especially two leads that come from very different origins. Keeping their story lines straight, their accompanying supporting characters and tying them together can be extremely difficult. It will be interesting to see how far Athalia (Atty) and Yaphet will go in their character development and just how much Landeros pre-plans his books, or if his books write themselves. Just from this volume alone it feels like Landeros is in it for the long haul again: he beings with such soft, unobtrusive ways to build the world around his characters before allowing them to carry on the building and explanation. There is no waste in his writing: every thing, every character has a purpose and they play their parts well.
If you are looking for an exciting fantasy-adventure tale then you have arrived at the right book. With beautiful descriptions Joshua Landeros unveils the beginnings of a wonderful adventure in Pantheon. Following up his own impressive saga of Reverence is not going to be easy. There is a lot of anticipation and expectation put on him now as a writer. Here’s hoping that Landeros can live up to his own reputation. If you’re a first time reader of Landeros, you have definitely picked the right author to being an epic journey with.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebel magnetism: More than a fantasy love story

Joshua Landeros' Pantheon is the first installment of his Genesis Arc series that already got a published sequel (The Phantom). In this first part, the portraiture of a wondrous journey through a fantasy world, in a certain sense, feels very familiar to life in rural communities on our Earth. Landeros' pragmatic and witty style pushes the story carried on the shoulders of two robust and solid characters. Atty portrays the experience of the new generation that starts to feel the weight of satisfying the needs of her clan. Yaphet, on the other hand, incarnates the contradictions of the black sheep right at the heart of a mystic and pretty industrious mythology (by far one of the best resources of the book).

The author seems to be pretty comfortable translating the complexities of the literary world that holds together Pantheon to narrative experience, the dynamic between characters, and the adventure of the journey that takes place over 200+ pages, which always nurture the interest of the reader to speed up to turn to the next one. The love linkage between the main characters is sound and well managed throughout the book since it unfolds through the tension upheld by the distance (and differences) in scenarios and circumstances between the two. In the end, one could argue this is the magnetic substance that interweaves everything together.

Landeros knows how to dwell through the resemblance of Sebel's environment to ours and the intrinsic elements of a completely oblivious, scarred, and brutal world. War and passion, adventure and mysticism, tradition and will, family and cruelty. It is a sound reformulation of the bifurcated monomyth. From Sebel's one end to the other, the clash of their world represents the clash of their love and the final confrontation between the young and the old. An easy-to-recommend choice for daydreamer outcasts.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pantheon is the first of a two-part novel by Joshua Landeros. It takes place in the world of Avah, which has known peace for a generation after the devastating Hollow Wars. However, when a chieftain of the Midland Plains on the continent of Sebel tracks down bandits who’d raided his village’s crops, he finds hints of a conspiracy and a heretical cult that are plotting to overturn the peaceful world order. The story is told through the eyes of the chieftain’s daughter Athalia as she travels around Sebel and through Yaphet Orinse, an orphan raised by the venerable Asum of Giganato Shrine, who has seen disturbing visions of war.

Among Pantheon’s highlights is Landeros’ impressive world-building. He gives us enough information about Avah and Sebel that it feels like a real place without overwhelming the reader with a deluge of unneeded history and geography. He’s especially good at letting the reader know that there’s more to the world than what we see – for instance, Yaphet is close to the Asum of Giganato but not a member of the inner circle of the shrine the Asum leads, meaning that he and the reader have an almost but not quite insiders’ view of this part of the story.

The plot moves at a moderate pace. Much of the novel is spent accompanying Athalia on her travels and Yaphet in his training. These chapters make the reader invested in these characters’ lives. Still, Landeros regularly gives us a glimpse of the larger story, so no chapter is wasted space, and the reader always feels like he’s progressing. Landeros’ prose is serviceable; there are no Shakespearean turns of phrase, but it’s never awkward or unclear, either, and he excels at describing the action. However, readers should be aware that the novel does end on a cliffhanger, so those wanting the complete story will need to continue to the second novel.

Pantheon is a captivating dark fantasy novel that immerses the reader into a new world without feeling overwhelmed. The exciting adventure that the two protagonists undertake will give readers a feeling of horror as they encounter strange and dangerous beasts, and at times there is a sense of the more significant danger brewing under the surface as the delicate balance of peace is being disrupted.

[James W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joshua Landeros’ ‘Pantheon’ is a fantasy/adventure that essentially revolves around a pair of characters, Atty and Yahphet. At first glance, the two seem to have very little in common. All Atty has ever known is a farmer’s life. Working the fields of Sebel, she often daydreams of something ‘more,’ but reluctantly recognizes that her fate is tethered to her family and the people of Sebel.

Meanwhile, at the opposite end of Sebel, Yaphet has spent much of his life labeled as a misfit and an outcast. Fortunately, his apprenticeship gives Yaphet the opportunity to finally indulge his curiosity, hone his skills, and (hopefully) someday earn the respect of his community. Yaphet and Atty have yet to meet, but their paths are destined to cross. With a massive war on the horizon, each will have a small, but pivotal role to play. Still, the connection between our two heroes runs much deeper than either realizes—in order to overcome evil, Yaphet and Atty not only need to grow, they need to grow together.

As an introduction to a multi-part series, Joshua Landeros’ ‘Pantheon’ is a measured success. The novel instantly draws you in with its immersive world-building and back-story. As the heart and soul of this story, Atty and Yaphet provide a glimpse into both sides of the adolescent experience. Add to that the ever-present action, a healthy dose of magic and monsters, and even some detailed maps, and you have all the makings of a must-read fantasy adventure.

Unfortunately, ‘Pantheon’ ends with a massive cliffhanger that offers little in the way of resolution, (which I tend to dislike as it often feels like the ‘easy-way’ out). Additionally, the balance between Atty and Yaphet is a bit off. Rather than routinely bouncing between the characters, Landeros stays with each protagonist for long stretches, which ultimately results in jarring POV switches. The text is also in need of a solid edit, as numerous (albeit, minimal) errors exist.

With all of that said, as an inaugural entry to a four-part series, Joshua Landeros’ ‘Pantheon’ ultimately succeeds in laying the groundwork for a promising epic, fantasy/adventure.

[Alexander Pyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

The land of Sebel is on the brink of war. The truce forged during the Hollow Wars is coming to an end and it will be time for the children of history's soldiers to take up arms. Athaliah Sowell is one such future soldier. The eldest child of a veteran of the Hollow Wars turned farmer, she was always thirsting to go far from her place of birth. Drafted for this new conflict, she will have to navigate the conflict and come out alive.

Meanwhile, far to the south of where Athaliah’s farm resides, Yaphet attempts to carve out a place for himself among his clan. Branded an outcast, due to his abnormalities, he has been denied his right to join the Mystic Order and receive their knowledge.

Despite being at different ends of Sebel, Athaliah and Yaphet will find that their destinies are entwined.

Part of an ongoing series, Landeros is back with a fantasy series after his action-packed military and political thriller series REVERENCE. Here he takes a new genre and goes another way, with zeroing in on two characters, fraught with personal burdens and forces them to forge ahead.

This was a good read, Landeros has been around for a while and his work continues to entertain with action and tightly-knit plots. Understandably that this is the first book of a series, he sets up a lot of exposition and world-building, which makes the beginning of this book lag some, but it quickly picks up and doesn’t stop until the end. This is his trademark story style and it was good to feel that the action wasn’t being left out, despite jumping genres.

It will be exciting to see what this series has for us and what sort of surprises Landeroes has for the reader. For now, fans of fantasy and even horror will find something to love here.

[Mary Maciejewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pantheon-Genesis Arc Book 1, by Joshua Landeros is the story of a young farmhand named Athaliah Sowell, and a young man she later meets named Yaphet. Athaliah lives in Sebel, the land of bleak winters and mild springs. Athaliah is the eldest child in her family and therefore she must take over the family’s land against monsters. South of Sebel, the young man, Yaphet is forbidden to learn the sacred laws of his clan and has been tossed apart for his deformities. Before long, the fates of Athaliah and Yaphet become intricately entangled. What will become of each of them on their quests?
Landeros’ writing style is well-paced. The story moves along at a good stride, suspense is built and a resolution to the problem is found. The dialogue between characters is prolific and progresses the story. The reader becomes engaged in the story from the first chapter.
The author weaves an intriguing tale of adventure and dark fantasy fiction guaranteed to capture a reader’s attention. The author also creates a distorted course between good and evil that hooks the reader. And all Landeros’ characters struggle against the odds to survive.
Landeros created characters who are determined and self-willed. Athaliah yearns with a desire for more than a life as a farmhand. Her father fought in the Hollow Wars, which soaked their fields in blood, for freedom. A freedom for which Athaliah craves. Yaphet, as he stands rejected by his clan, seeks a sign. He seeks the immeasurable knowledge of the Mystic Order. Yet, he knows he must be tested first.
I am giving, Pantheon-Genesis Arc Book 1, by Joshua Landeros 5 out of 5 stars. I found this book a riveting and captivating adventure of fantasy fiction. This story was also an edge-of-your-seat page-turner. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Jenna Tomaszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pantheon by Joshua Landeros is a fantastic work of fantasy fiction that follows two main characters, Atty and Yaphet, as they grow up in two different villages on a continent under threat from the worshipers of a foreign god. Atty is learning the ways of leadership and hunting from her father, while Yaphet is studying to become part of the Mystic Order, a group of monk-like individuals that hold the knowledge of the land and keep their god, Vah, as the focal point of worship. Both are doing well until each of them are met with unexpected circumstances, forcing them both to spring into action. Will they make decisions to protect their god and the order of their lands, or will they listen to these outsiders and turn their backs on those around them?

This book really excels in the worldbuilding aspect. It takes a little bit to become accustomed to the vocabulary, especially since I needed to see a few words used more than once to understand them, but the language is what really brings you into this world. Landeros has clearly put a lot of thought and pumped some great detail into this world, and the result is a compelling story in a foreign landscape, just waiting for the reader to discover it. And unlike other authors of this era, Landeros doesn't bludgeon you over the head with the characters' sexual preferences. Yes, there are some small bits of romance (a kiss), but the characters are not defined by who they are attracted to. Refreshing.

The one minor downfall with this book, at least the copy I purchased, is that it really needs an editor to comb through it. Lots of random errors that can be a bit jarring. Other than that, it's great! 4 stars.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘Pantheon’ the reader follows two major characters who despite coming from different locations, have a connection that the reader gets to love later in the book. Athaliah Sowell is an exceptional character. She is the child of a war hero and despite having a father who was part of the people that brought freedom to their land, Athaliah has a different mindset from the rest. She is the first child of her father and so she understands the responsibility that comes with being the first kid. On the other end, we have Yaphet. For a long time, Yaphet has been treated unjustly by his community. He has been denied access to some things just because of his oddities. What I liked about Yaphet was his resilience despite the unfair treatment he got. He put his eyes on the prize and always thought ahead. How do these two characters who seem polar opposite connect?

‘Pantheon’ is an intriguing and fascinating book that will have readers that enjoy fantasy, drama, adventure, action, and horror appreciate Joshua Landeros’ writing. Every chapter is uniquely written and new characters are peculiarly and nicely revealed. I like Joshua Landeros’ arrangement of the book as it makes the reading smooth and easy to follow. ‘Pantheon’ is the kind of book that you read once and wish to read again days later because of how good the story is. Joshua Landeros knows how to capture the reader’s attention through minute things like attention to detail when describing characters and events, names of characters, and contrast in their roles.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pantheon by Joshua Landeros is an adventurous fantasy book following the people of Sebel. The story mostly follows Athaliah (Atty) and Yaphet. Atty is a farm-worker, and she works with her father. She is the oldest in her family and has gained new responsibilities. Yaphet, who is different than the rest of his clan and is the one with the golden eyes, is forbidden from a sacred part of his clan. He yearns to be part of the Mystic Order, who have powers and follow Vah. While both have very different journies, to follow their destiny, their lives are connected.

I have read previous books by Landeros, and it seems he is branching out to another genre with this book. I think it can be difficult for authors to cross over into another genre or even write another book after staying in a series for so long, but Landeros does it seamlessly. This book is just as interesting and exciting as his previous ones. I love how he does his world-building. It is slow at first but quickly picks up with action. We see how the world operates via the interactions between the characters. This is one of my favorite ways to learn the rules of a book’s universe.

While I love Atty, I have to say that I am incredibly intrigued by Yaphet and his eyes. I am eager to learn of what lies in his future journey. I also want to see more of Atty and see if her relationship with a particular character has more to unfold. Landeros tells a story in such a fun way. It is descriptive without being excessive, and it paints a story in your head. One of my favorite parts was the scene is when Yaphet fights the beast. My favorite line in the book was “evil must be expelled, not compromised.” It gave me something to think about and resonated with me a lot. For those who like interesting, unique fantasies with adventure and mystery, this book is for you! It may even give you something to think about.

[Lily A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Pantheon", Author Joshua Landeros remarkably draws us into a world infused with clever fantastical elements. Readers are introduced to the people of Sebel against the backdrop of looming war between the nations that threaten to bring ruination to the world. Two characters whose storylines unfold are the core of the story: a strong-willed Athaliah, a war veteran's daughter with a desire to explore the world. The other protagonist is Yaphet, a young man with a mystic ability, who has been treated cruelly over the years by his clansmen. He, on the other hand, longs to explore the world of mysticism. These two different characters' destinies are intertwined and play a key role among their people.
Joshua Landeros has written a profound novel with a powerful plot. I particularly liked the narrative which was crisp and consistent and lays the groundwork for the sequel. The team in the story is on borrowed time indicating that they need to move fast in their planning. There are several surprises and twists along the way and readers will enjoy poring over this text. Also, the spirited exchanges between the two fronts are buoyed by engaging action scenes and the result is a rollicking adventure that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go.
Truly a must-read for fans of this genre!

[J.A. Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pantheon written by Joshua Landeros is a unique fantasy novel following the characters Athaliah and Yaphet. Atty is the chieftains' daughter & Yaphet is like a black sheep in his clan with his golden eyes. They are both on separate journeys heading towards their destinies, but ultimately, their lives and paths are connected.
I liked that the first few pages are a map of the world with helpful information. I found the cover art interesting and I liked the sketches in the back of the book, they helped me get a better visual on some characters. The world building in this book was really well done. The characters were likable and had their own personalities and quirks. There were only a few I didn’t like. Between his past, golden eyes, and being treated differently by his clan, Yaphet is my favorite character.
Even though the story greatly follows Yaphet & Atty, it isn’t strictly their story. The story is about the clans, Yaphet & Atty are focused on more though. I really wanted to know what happened in the dilemma Yaphet found himself in and how Atty handled the situation she was in, but the novel ended on a cliffhanger which left me with some unanswered questions.
This story has action, drama, betrayal, a small tint of romance, mystery, there is loyalty, and adventure.

[Dorothy Drennen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting world-building, but the writing needs work. The descriptions of characters and creatures are excellent, but I was distracted by errors in the text. (Just one example.... the author confuses wretched/retched... so when a character was nauseated, he wretched into the bushes. And the author has chosen "asa" for the plural of "asum." At the risk of being nitpicky, I think the plural could have been "asi." Years are noted as P.X.D. except on the timeline summary, where a period is dropped - so shown as PX.D. In general... another round of proofreading would be a good idea.)

And I noticed one significant issue with the Atty character. She is called a girl and a child -- and she and her brother Sadi are called "children" in several places. But Atty also has a passionate kiss with Unma... which seems inappropriate for a child.

The book has a lot of potential - just would benefit from better editing.

[Scott Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are genuine and heartfelt, with strong motivations and personalities. The two main characters in particular really lived and breathed inside the story and I cared about them and was happy to follow along with them. The world itself is clearly very well thought out. I couldn't help appreciating how much thought went into building it, along with the unique creatures.

I'm a sucker for a book with maps, so having them in there pulled me in right away. I also loved the pictures at the back. I didn't realize they were there until the end of the story--and they're really cool! It would be great if they could be moved closer to the front.

Once the story hit the 20% mark, I felt it moved well and I read it quickly. The only thing I'd say is that there were moments when I felt confused and needed a bit more information. For example, at times I wasn't sure if one of the characters was in a dream world/magic realm or the real world.

Bottom line, the characters kept me reading because I really wanted to find out what was going to happen. A good book.

[Gene Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening volume of a fantasy series, Pantheon stars Atty, a young farm girl and daughter of a legendary warrior, and Yaphet, ostracized from his clan due to his golden eyes. War is looming, and the destinies of these characters are set to collide. Much of the narrative is devoted to world building and establishing lore, but the prose is easy and the story moves at a decent pace. This isn’t an overwritten brick of a book; it says what it needs to say and moves on. Fantasy fans should enjoy this.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a intelligent and entertaining coming of age story with two great well described main characters. Atty chieftain's daughter and on the other side of the world Yaphet, outcast trainee priest. A multi layered story that follows their lives, trials and tribulations, with the rise of an old enemy a constant theme in the background. I loved the characters, the story and the detailed world building that Joshua has written and am Looking forward to reading the next book. I received a complimentary copy from Voracious readers but then bought the book anyway.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

Great descriptive writing with interesting characters.
War is in the past however there is an unrest that carries the winds of war.
This tale has the call of the destinies of two.
A great start to a tale in a fantasy, adventure series.

[Johnie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend it to anyone who likes action, multiple points of view and characters.

[BAM xo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received a complimentary copy of the book from VRO.

I tried to get into this story, but it just wasn't for me.
I struggled to stay interested in this one sadly.

Didn't hold enough of a vibe for me.

I am sure others, perhaps much younger readers than I, will love this one.

A sad 2* from me.

Perhaps I will revisit another time, to try dig deeper, but for now DNF at 15%.

[Michelle Kimber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique fantasy world. The characters are introduced creatively. My interest was grabbed within the first chapter. Well written.

[Benjamin David · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone looking to delve into a rich and beautifully crafted world, complete with fascinating characters and a deep storyline, Pantheon, by Joshua Landeros, is well worth a read. If you are looking for a quick rating, I’d give this book 5 out 5 stars. Here’s why:
Pantheon is clearly a story written by a writer with an eye for detail and a love of creation. A fact that is clearly evident from the first pages to the last. Landeros does a wonderful job allowing his characters’ lives to unfold before you in a natural way that feels surprisingly real, despite the obvious break from reality that the story requires. As a result, it is easy to get attached to the characters which is always a great feature of an adventure story.
One thing that really stood out to me was how much time and effort the author took to build the setting of Pantheon. The world that the author builds is so well developed that it feels like it could be a real place. The included maps help with that, but the unique features and details given to the various regions provide an excellent backdrop for the story that unfolds on Sebel.
The story, by the way, is quite dark and involves the intertwining of two different characters, from two different worlds. It’s hard to say which of these ‘main’ characters I liked more because they are both so unique, but it is impressive how the two end up in one another’s lives.
If there is a sequal to Pantheon, I will be sure to read it. I really enjoyed reading this one and I am sure that the author, Joshua Landeros, has a few more adventures lined up for Athaliah and Yaphet.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pantheon by Joshua Landeros is a fantasy book involving the end of an age of peace. With trouble slowly brewing behind the seams of the nations of this world, the threat of war looms on the horizon. The book follows Athaliah and her struggles with adventuring.

Just like her father, she wishes to go out and see the world with her own eyes rather than just stay at her home. We also follow the life of Yaphet, another resident of the world of Sebel, who wishes to seek out mystic knowledge and grow. Overall, the Pantheon’s world is rich with imagery and action.

I could see the author put effort in ensuring the reader is immersed into the action. One example of Landeros’s skill with descriptions comes to play when he talks about the cities of Sebel. He also takes a similar level of care when it comes to describing the characters too.

Besides the rich immersion you get from the book, I feel the characters are well fleshed out too and don’t feel like they’re just there. Athaliah, for example, had well-defined goals and a place in the story.

She didn’t feel forced or shoehorned in and her dreams were well-placed. The only thing I could find kinda odd with the book is at times the lore gets confusing, though overall it’s a well written and organized book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!