Bloodlines

The Light of the New World #1

by K.R. Gangi, Tricia Reeks (Illustrator), Kristin Campbell (Editor)

The King is dead…
After surviving two horrific attacks, Trevor, Dodge, Warren, and Sarah follow the Brotherhood, a small band of mercenaries, to a secret village hidden beyond the peak of the mountains. There, they hope to find peace away from the bloodshed that seems to follow them, but what they find is much more.

Who will rule…
As acting steward until a new monarch is found, Francis has everything he needs to achieve a world of peace: the throne of power, and a reincarnated god who obeys his every command. However, peace is not so easily achieved. Deceit lurks within every shadow, and Francis struggles to stay two steps ahead of his enemies, who also happen to be his closest allies. He has sacrificed everything to get what he needs, but will it be enough?

Paths will cross…
Cast out of his village, Quiver's journey leads to a brother he thought long dead, through a dangerous country with a violent history toward his people. With memories of war on his mind, there is one southern face that Quiver hopes never to see again, an old enemy from the battlefield: the Wolf.

No one escapes the past…
Alric has spent every day trying to forget the bloody deeds he has committed, but it seems his past has officially caught up with him, and it has perverted his one good memory into something horrific. Haunted at every moment, no matter how hard Alric resists, the animal clawing inside him is begging to be set free.

Genres: Fantasy

502 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2020

About the author

Stories gift us with the ability to live countless lives.

In these lives we are able to conjure magic, battle against political corruption, pilot a spaceship, fly on the backs of dragons, or patrol through the jungles on a foreign planet. They intrigue us, scare us, make us laugh, make us cry, make us cringe, and make us mad.

Being able to feel so much by simply reading words is the true power of a story, and I hope you find power in mine.

Reviews

[A.R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I have to be honest, I really enjoyed this book. At the time of this review only 19 people have reviewed this book, and I find that a shame. I've read books that don't deserve to be published from major authors, and this book deserves some recognition. It's not perfect, a bit clunky at times, but I really had a good time with it. It deserves far more than 19 reviews.

So, let's start with what didn't work. The prose. I'm not someone that needs flowery prose, but I did feel like it was a weakness in this book at times. I'm the kind of reader that is happy when the prose simply fades away and lets me enjoy the story, sadly a few times the authors sentence structure and word choice just felt like awkward. I believe this is his first novel, and hope this will strengthen in his future books, cause I do plan on continuing this series!

Now, what I enjoyed. First, the dialogue. I know I just said the prose was weak, but anytime two characters were talking I was having a ball. Characterization, humor, raw emotion just drips from the dialogue. This is definitely a book where I can take a few lines from one character and you can easily guess who said it. There were multiple times I was left laughing out loud or next to tears just from the dialogue. It just feels so real and raw, great job!

Next, the characters. Most are shown a ton of love, with the main cast and a few side characters just dripping with that special something that makes you love a character. Even the villains are given this treatment which makes them a joy to read.

Finally, let's talk about the plot. If you are well read with fantasy this story will feel right at home. It has gods, mystery, war, and a slice of magic. Parts are very predictable, but that's fine. Some tropes are there for a reason, and being predictable isn't always bad. However, the story did throw a few curve balls at me, and there is enough mystery that you will wish the entire series was out now. The world is familiar but has plenty to set it apart.

Also, Mr. Gangi I think you need to apologise to Brandon Sanderson. He is the one who writes broken characters, mental issues and the like. PTSD and other issues are front and center with the characters in this book and it's done fantastic. Seriously, I think you copied off of another authors homework!

All in all, a fantastic debut. With just a few changes I could see this author hitting 5 stars from me easily. If you enjoy a darker story, about broken characters dealing with the crap fate has dumped on them then I highly recommend giving this book a try.

[C&D Editing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is totally action-packed, has diverse characters, and keeps you guessing as to what will happen next.

I really liked all the different POVs. The characters are all so diverse, and many of them hold an air of mystery about them that keeps you guessing. I admit, one character in particular totally took me by surprise. I loved even the simple scenes when characters sat together and told old stories. I really felt like I was there with them, laughing with them. And the fighting scenes, I wanted to duck or yell at someone to run. just felt so real.

The writing was really smooth, making it easy to fall into the story. By the end, I bemoaned that the next book isn't out yet. It was just so gripping and held you captive. So much is going on, and you will just want answers now!

[M. Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has crafted a highly entertaining read with lots mystery and adventure, I really enjoyed the dialogue and character development throughout the book. The fight scenes were well thought out and exciting to read, as well as the mystical elements and mythology. Overall, I recommend this book for readers who enjoy world building, interesting characters and plot twists. A well thought out, beautifully written book, great job!

[Trista Opine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked after only reading the first chapter!

The story starts off strong and continues that way through out the entire book! Every character has their own unique story and purpose, that keeps you intrigued and guessing! Every chapter is full of surprises and when you think you know what's going on and how it's going to play out, there will be another twist!

You can tell there was a lot of thought put into every single page, and every detail that was written. The story made it so easy to get lost in, and feel like you were really a part of their world! The next book can not come out fast enough, and I can't wait to read it!

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was a bit skeptical before starting as I had heard nothing about this book and it had very few reviews but my reservations where short lived once I got into the story. I really had a great time with this book, it has all the ingredients that make a good fantasy yet with plenty of original flavour. The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing while keeping a great pace and leaving you wanting more. The characters across the board from heroes to villains are strong, multi layered full of flaws and strengths and well fleshed out. There is great interaction between cast members and their relationships feel authentic. I enjoyed all The POV characters, each was unique and interesting and I didn't find myself peeking ahead to see how many pages I had to read until I came to characters that I liked.

The only negative I have is in relation to the prose, I found the language a little awkward in places and occasionally the choice of words was a little repetitive. As this is the authors first book (that I'm aware of) I am confident that this will only improve as the series continues, in fact I think his prose seemed to improve as the book progressed (or that may have been down to the fact that the story was so engaging that I didn't notice it any more)

K. R Gangi has done a wonderful job here and needs more recognition, I highly recommend to all that you give Bloodlines a chance and I'm sure you will enjoy the ride. I cant wait for the next instalment in the series and will be putting it to the top of my to read pile once released. Finally a big thanks to Mr. Gangi for giving me a chance to read his story and introducing me into the world he has created.

[Keeley Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't regret reading this book!

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical that I would enjoy this story when a friend suggested it....a little fantasy and a lot of fighting...I just didn't know if it would be "my thing", however I haven't been able to put this book down! The fantastical elements and the fight scenes were so well written that even I could enjoy them! What I loved most was the character development throughout the book. The author was able to create so many characters with distinct storylines and purposes; characters that you really come to care about as the reader. He sprinkled in so many small details and little nuggets of information about the characters that all built into a bigger storyline as the pages went on. I cannot wait for book two!

[Susana Imaginário · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and carefully edited, Bloodlines is an entertaining read with lots of adventure, misfortune, intrigue and mystery. Themes of alcohol abuse and the negative psychological effects of war are prevalent and pertinent throughout.
The good: I particularly enjoyed the banter and camaraderie between the characters whenever they had a chance to reminiscence between adventures.
The not so good: There was a bit too much repetition at times, too many reiterations of the same events, and the (pretty much) only female character often came across as a delicate piece of luggage the male characters dragged around with them.
Overall Bloodlines is an compelling read with an interesting mythology and a good plot twist at the end.

[Gary Bolick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recall the last time an author was able to put pictures in my brain with such detail. I was rooting for the good guys, and WOW did I ever despise the antagonists. For the duration of the story, I felt as though I were in it. For that, I am grateful. Well written and a phenomenal story. I'll be waiting by the mailbox for the next installment to be written. Get on that, Gangi!

[Meghan McGuffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so engaging! I couldn't put it down. I love all the character points of view and the individual story lines. It keeps u guessing and u never know whats gonna happen next. The action scenes are amazing!! So detailed u feel like u are actually watching it all play out. I highly recommend this book and I am so excited to hear there is a 2nd book being written!! Can't wait!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning, each of the characters made me curious. I love a book that allows me to keep predicting and to piece together characters on my own, without every detail being explicitly written. This book did that for me. As soon as one piece fell into place, another detail would appear to keep me guessing. Each of the characters is so unique and thoughtfully crafted, and I especially appreciate the emphasis on each character's past. While some stories disregard a character's experiences prior to the start of the story, each of the characters in Bloodlines seems to be crafted with their former experiences at the heart of their choices. Even the supporting characters have depth.

Although I was at first nervous about the length of the book, it was absolutely worth the time I spent reading. I felt a full range of emotions over the course of the story--while some scenes left me charmed and smiling, others left me shocked, heartbroken, or furious. The uncertainty of how each character's plans would unfold kept me reading up to the end.

[Annette GANGI · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read. This is a well written book with plenty of action. I loved learning the different characters stories and all the different paths this book takes. This book will keep you guessing on what is around the next corner. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[KellyJo Tempesta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular read by an author that has a lot to offer the literary world. More to come in the series and I can not WAIT to see what he comes out with next!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!

[Melanie Heintz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This is a great read with well rounded characters, suspenseful storyline, and a great hook. I can’t wait to see where the characters go in book 2 and beyond! It also has a beautiful cover and looks great on my bookshelf.

[Josh Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great story line and keeps the reader guessing about what will happen next. The characters feel so real and relatable and get you genuinely caring about them early on. I love the different POVs from the main characters and how they end up tying in with each other. Excellent book!

[Cholie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I chose to read this book because it was on my to read list (probably from some article) and had 5 stars. It was so bad I couldn't finish it.

[Farida Mestek · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I must remark on the length of the book – as an author myself I would find the task of writing a 500-page novel a daunting one. However, despite its size, it is an easy and pleasant read, even though the many subjects that the author touches upon are anything but easy and pleasant. In fact, the whole book is one struggle and tragedy and challenge and war after another, both in the present and in the past, where we are often taken by one of the characters. I was originally surprised and intimidated by the number of characters and storylines that were revealed to me with each new chapter that I read. I remember wondering to myself at one point how many more main characters and storylines there were going to be and whether I would be able to remember them all without confusing them – but I needn’t have worried! I knew that sooner or later their paths were going to cross and I was curious to see how the author would bring it about. In my opinion, the author did a good job doing that, springing occasional surprises and shocks upon me and interspersing the narrative with backstory, reminiscences and wise words (a lot of those!).

Speaking about the main characters, I want to point out that though there are quite a few of them within each individual thread (later those intertwine with other threads, creating a tightly-woven canvass), most of them are, in fact, fleshed-out and quite distinguishable among the others, having their own distinct voices and characteristics – not to mention stories! Though, to be sure, some of them stood out and appealed to me more than others. I was particularly interested in Alric’s story and history; perhaps, because the book started with him and so I initially concentrated all my attention on him. Then, Trevor, Dodge, Sarah and Francis were added to this list. I enjoyed following their stories and thoughts and learning more about them – and, believe me, there’s a lot to learn! However, I have to say that my favourite character was Evan, mainly due to his straightforward manner of conversation and his I-don’t-give-a-damn attitude. He didn’t beat about the bush and told people exactly what he thought. He was constantly reprimanded for his blunt remarks as though it is somehow wrong to tell the truth as it is without mincing words, but I found his behavior very refreshing!

A lot of things are happening in this book and there is much to explore within each thread. So if you enjoy a long haul, an ensemble of characters, an unhurried pace, a narrative rich on stories and memories and a bit of mystique and mystery, then you should definitely check out this book!