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Assault on Devil's Den: Champion of Valor
Pelagius, servant of Ender, god of valor, is haunted by his recent and brutal battles. He is tired, battle-weary, and ready to put down the mantle of hero. Seeking a reprieve from the nightmarish memories of his endeavors, he and his companion, Bojan, rest in a small hamlet. However, it seems as though the once-proud hero can never be free from danger. During his stay, he and Bojan witness a terrible magical attack. The mysterious Green-Eyed Man uses dark magic that steals the very souls of its victims. Realizing that the source of the Green-Eyed Man’s power is none other than the soul-devouring Babu, Pelagius knows there is only one thing he can do. He must infiltrate the fortress of Devil’s Den and kill Babu once and for all. But to reach him—let alone stand a chance at defeating him—they must fortify themselves with a company of heroes from all over the kingdom of Waskan and beyond. Will Pelagius and Bojan be able to unite a band of diverse heroes to try and conquer evil? Or will a series of unforeseen obstacles along their way stop them before they can take a stand in Devil’s Den? Trigger Graphic Violence and Animal Death
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2020
11 people want to read
About the author
Eric Balch
2 books54 followersEric Balch was born and raised in Texas and attained a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University. He went on to co-own a successful business making and selling dog treats and dog food, but that business was sold years ago.
Eric has been writing for many years now, but it was only recently that he completed his first book. He hopes that the success of it will inspire him to greater efforts and more exciting titles in the future.
In his free time, Eric likes to read, watch movies and play video games. One of his passions is for cooking and he loves spending time creating great food in the kitchen. Halloween is one of his favorite times of the year and he enjoy nothing more than preparing his house for Trick or Treaters. His yard haunt, Deadman Manor, is popular with both the kids and parents alike and many of his neighbors look forward to the annual home horror
Eric married is wife Jenn on Friday November 13, 2020 in a literary themed wedding. He and his wife still live in Texas today with their 2 dogs: a Havanese named Merlin and a Jack Russel Terrier Kerry. He is looking forward to continued nuing to write stories that will appeal to as many as possible. He primarily writes fantasy novels.
You can follow Eric Balch on
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ericbalchaut...
Website: https://ericbalch.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dash...
Twitter: @EricBalch4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbalchau...
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ericbalch...
Pintrest: @Halloweenman33
Eric has been writing for many years now, but it was only recently that he completed his first book. He hopes that the success of it will inspire him to greater efforts and more exciting titles in the future.
In his free time, Eric likes to read, watch movies and play video games. One of his passions is for cooking and he loves spending time creating great food in the kitchen. Halloween is one of his favorite times of the year and he enjoy nothing more than preparing his house for Trick or Treaters. His yard haunt, Deadman Manor, is popular with both the kids and parents alike and many of his neighbors look forward to the annual home horror
Eric married is wife Jenn on Friday November 13, 2020 in a literary themed wedding. He and his wife still live in Texas today with their 2 dogs: a Havanese named Merlin and a Jack Russel Terrier Kerry. He is looking forward to continued nuing to write stories that will appeal to as many as possible. He primarily writes fantasy novels.
You can follow Eric Balch on
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ericbalchaut...
Website: https://ericbalch.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dash...
Twitter: @EricBalch4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbalchau...
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/ericbalch...
Pintrest: @Halloweenman33
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 18, 2020
Epic fantasy lovers have some new quests to follow in Eric Balch’s ASSAULT ON DEVIL’S DEN! Get ready for mythical monsters, battle-weary heroes and danger lurking in the shadows.
Everything is here for a strong foundation for an epic fantasy series, plenty of action, for sure, but the dialogue was a bit much. I found that when I was ready to let my imagination paint the story in my head, I was given far too much information, making any real engagement in the story not possible for me.
I do love epic fantasy, I like to immerse myself in the worlds created, but I want it my way. Selfish, I know. Eric Balch does have one heck of a world created, and there is potential to go places in it, so give this one a try for yourself!
I received a complimentary copy from Eric Balch! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: The Sarcasca Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher : Eric Balch (August 18, 2020)
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Print Length : 310 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Everything is here for a strong foundation for an epic fantasy series, plenty of action, for sure, but the dialogue was a bit much. I found that when I was ready to let my imagination paint the story in my head, I was given far too much information, making any real engagement in the story not possible for me.
I do love epic fantasy, I like to immerse myself in the worlds created, but I want it my way. Selfish, I know. Eric Balch does have one heck of a world created, and there is potential to go places in it, so give this one a try for yourself!
I received a complimentary copy from Eric Balch! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: The Sarcasca Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher : Eric Balch (August 18, 2020)
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Print Length : 310 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 5, 2022
Not a bad read but it took me quite a while to get into. Remembering what each character’s race is, is difficult for me unfortunately. There are so many! I still don’t remember what Kevnan is. Lots of gore and battles and if you enjoy that, I think you’ll like this book.
November 9, 2020
Eric has created a world of fantasy that brought me straight back to my days of role playing games. I was a particular fan of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. Until having read this, didn't feel it would be possible to get the same buzz you get from role playing by reading a tale of heroes in a fantasy setting. Eric brings that sense of fun and excitement to life in his novel. Absolutely smashed it.
The monsters are described beautifully and I always had a good sense of what was happening at every moment. The narrative flows easily and all the characters have depth - always with an underlying hint of humanity within the baddies. Worthy of 5 stars
The monsters are described beautifully and I always had a good sense of what was happening at every moment. The narrative flows easily and all the characters have depth - always with an underlying hint of humanity within the baddies. Worthy of 5 stars
May 31, 2021
If you like DND and other RPG games like that, this is definitely up your alley -- in fact, at first I thought that the straightforward writing style was a bit TOO blunt and choppy, a bit too "first they did this. then they did this. then they did this." until I realized that that's really what this is framed as: a Dungeons and Dragons adventure, complete with checking into inns and taverns and powering up your weapons and such! Once I framed this in my mind as a dungeon master reading aloud to me, the choppy/short writing style fit better for me personally.
The descriptions of monsters are great -- plenty of times the descriptions are gross and scary (in a good way). There's a good variety of fantasy monsters and abilities and races here, and each of them gets the chance to participate in battle so we get the chance to see lots of creative fights. There's a lot of creativity with how different characters use their powers. I like the Green-Eyed Man and I like that other characters that are 'on his side' don't trust his motives that much.
What makes this a three-star for me is: the straightforward writing style works for the action scenes, but it doesn't work very well in scenes where there should be teamwork and friendship. Without spoiling (being as generic as possible here): there are too many times when a main character is gravely wounded and we think they're possibly dead, and the other characters don't really respond that strongly about it. Sometimes characters actually DO die, which is good and keeps the stakes high, and those scenes we have more emotion, but there's one scene where it appears a character has disappeared forever and it feels really underplayed. I want to connect with the whole group, that's the fun of a diverse cast like this! But it's hard when we breeze past moments where we could instead build connections.
Overall, a fun fantasy world with interesting characters and powers. I think a little more could have been done with the impact the journey had on the characters and their friendships and such, but as it is this was fun!
The descriptions of monsters are great -- plenty of times the descriptions are gross and scary (in a good way). There's a good variety of fantasy monsters and abilities and races here, and each of them gets the chance to participate in battle so we get the chance to see lots of creative fights. There's a lot of creativity with how different characters use their powers. I like the Green-Eyed Man and I like that other characters that are 'on his side' don't trust his motives that much.
What makes this a three-star for me is: the straightforward writing style works for the action scenes, but it doesn't work very well in scenes where there should be teamwork and friendship. Without spoiling (being as generic as possible here): there are too many times when a main character is gravely wounded and we think they're possibly dead, and the other characters don't really respond that strongly about it. Sometimes characters actually DO die, which is good and keeps the stakes high, and those scenes we have more emotion, but there's one scene where it appears a character has disappeared forever and it feels really underplayed. I want to connect with the whole group, that's the fun of a diverse cast like this! But it's hard when we breeze past moments where we could instead build connections.
Overall, a fun fantasy world with interesting characters and powers. I think a little more could have been done with the impact the journey had on the characters and their friendships and such, but as it is this was fun!
February 23, 2025
I am loathed to give any indie author such a low rating. But I couldn't bring myself to raise it to 3 stars either.
I want to try and find something positive to say, but the reality is, there's nothing here that I personally found positive. I couldn't even finish the book. Basically, if you're looking for anything that might tell you that this might be a book for you, despite my own personal dislike, then that would be if you like Dungeons and Dragons ... because that's basically what this is.
We've been getting a lot of D&D-inspired stories of late, more than normal it seems. And they seem to be punching through to the mainstream audiences as well. But I've noticed a big difference between them and this book. And that is weird humour. All those stories I've seen over the past year isn't so much about the story but the people who inhabit them and their relationships towards each other. The generic, boring fantasy world is acceptable because we are following these characters we love. This book is just a plain old boring adventure filled with all the generic tropes with nothing to make up for that.
The writing style is also off-putting. I didn't feel like I was in an immersive world. I felt like I was reading an instruction manual. "They did this, he went there. This happened. Someone thought this. Someone threw a magic missile." There was no emotion in it. It was just telling us what was happening, and doing it in the most sterile and boring way.
It could've been worse. But it was so uninspiring that I found myself dreading reading more. Thus the DNF.
Writing a book takes courage. I will give the author that. They took the time out to create something for them. And nobody could ever take that away from them. But if by some random chance they read this (I know reviews aren't for authors, but just in case) my only advice is, to read your favourite books, again and again, and ask yourself what about them makes it so good to you, and try and incorporate that into your own writing style.
I want to try and find something positive to say, but the reality is, there's nothing here that I personally found positive. I couldn't even finish the book. Basically, if you're looking for anything that might tell you that this might be a book for you, despite my own personal dislike, then that would be if you like Dungeons and Dragons ... because that's basically what this is.
We've been getting a lot of D&D-inspired stories of late, more than normal it seems. And they seem to be punching through to the mainstream audiences as well. But I've noticed a big difference between them and this book. And that is weird humour. All those stories I've seen over the past year isn't so much about the story but the people who inhabit them and their relationships towards each other. The generic, boring fantasy world is acceptable because we are following these characters we love. This book is just a plain old boring adventure filled with all the generic tropes with nothing to make up for that.
The writing style is also off-putting. I didn't feel like I was in an immersive world. I felt like I was reading an instruction manual. "They did this, he went there. This happened. Someone thought this. Someone threw a magic missile." There was no emotion in it. It was just telling us what was happening, and doing it in the most sterile and boring way.
It could've been worse. But it was so uninspiring that I found myself dreading reading more. Thus the DNF.
Writing a book takes courage. I will give the author that. They took the time out to create something for them. And nobody could ever take that away from them. But if by some random chance they read this (I know reviews aren't for authors, but just in case) my only advice is, to read your favourite books, again and again, and ask yourself what about them makes it so good to you, and try and incorporate that into your own writing style.
September 9, 2020
Assault on Devil Den is a novel that belongs solely in the category of epic fantasy. That is to say, a large grand sweeping world of mythical creatures, magic, and adventure to defeat the endless array of bad guys.
There’s a lot going on and the story moves quick. Magical couplets empower the battle-hardened heroes as they mace necromancers to re-death, and other such monsters. Heroes and monsters get brief but clear introductions, or they don’t, and we simply accept they’ve always existed while brushing past them to the next plot point. It’s high speed Dungeon and Dragons penned down.
Story bounces between hero party and the villainous gathering. The cast of characters is large and varied. The monsters encountered venture from the prehistoric to the fantastical. Earlier I called this Dungeon and Dragons penned down, and it reads like a GM was rolling dice on the random encounters table and going with whatever popped up. It’s not bad, but it’s a bit weird sometimes.
From a writing standpoint, the chapters are short. Present tense may throw some off. There’s a lot of nice little details embedded in the story to make it feel more localized. They’re not chicken eggs for breakfast, but close enough that everything is easy enough to adapt to. It’s neatly packaged and the map at the start is in line with the “epic fantasy” setting.
While Assault on Devil Den is solid and well built, it also doesn’t have anything amazing that stands out. Which means if you’re looking for a standard ride into fantasy with monsters and such, this is a good novel to pass the time with. If you’re looking for something that will linger with you for ages, you might need to wait for more books by this author to see what the rest of the world is like.
Since I low-key enjoyed the read, but there’s not more in the world yet, it’s a vague four out of five. As always, look for yourself and see what you think.
There’s a lot going on and the story moves quick. Magical couplets empower the battle-hardened heroes as they mace necromancers to re-death, and other such monsters. Heroes and monsters get brief but clear introductions, or they don’t, and we simply accept they’ve always existed while brushing past them to the next plot point. It’s high speed Dungeon and Dragons penned down.
Story bounces between hero party and the villainous gathering. The cast of characters is large and varied. The monsters encountered venture from the prehistoric to the fantastical. Earlier I called this Dungeon and Dragons penned down, and it reads like a GM was rolling dice on the random encounters table and going with whatever popped up. It’s not bad, but it’s a bit weird sometimes.
From a writing standpoint, the chapters are short. Present tense may throw some off. There’s a lot of nice little details embedded in the story to make it feel more localized. They’re not chicken eggs for breakfast, but close enough that everything is easy enough to adapt to. It’s neatly packaged and the map at the start is in line with the “epic fantasy” setting.
While Assault on Devil Den is solid and well built, it also doesn’t have anything amazing that stands out. Which means if you’re looking for a standard ride into fantasy with monsters and such, this is a good novel to pass the time with. If you’re looking for something that will linger with you for ages, you might need to wait for more books by this author to see what the rest of the world is like.
Since I low-key enjoyed the read, but there’s not more in the world yet, it’s a vague four out of five. As always, look for yourself and see what you think.
October 18, 2020
**I was provided an ARC for an honest review**
Firstly, thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book. I enjoyed the read, though I did have a few problems with the book-
One, the dialogue and the narrative were written in slightly different styles, so the entire thing didn't really click. It didn't seem natural.
Two, I didn't care about the characters. I wasn't given any reason to, so I didn't care when they got hurt, even if it was the main character. And that's a big turn off from the book.
Three, while the idea behind the plot was really good, it wasn't developed well. It was more like I had simply stumbled upon these people on a mission, and followed them even though I didn't really understand the reasons behind their actions.
Four, the characters seemed a little all powerful, particularly the 'Green-Eyed Man'.
I don't know... I think I'll enjoy the book a bit more once I reread it, which I am planning to do. Because despite these four issues, I still am sort of interested in the story. I'll probably update this review once I do.
Firstly, thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of the book. I enjoyed the read, though I did have a few problems with the book-
One, the dialogue and the narrative were written in slightly different styles, so the entire thing didn't really click. It didn't seem natural.
Two, I didn't care about the characters. I wasn't given any reason to, so I didn't care when they got hurt, even if it was the main character. And that's a big turn off from the book.
Three, while the idea behind the plot was really good, it wasn't developed well. It was more like I had simply stumbled upon these people on a mission, and followed them even though I didn't really understand the reasons behind their actions.
Four, the characters seemed a little all powerful, particularly the 'Green-Eyed Man'.
I don't know... I think I'll enjoy the book a bit more once I reread it, which I am planning to do. Because despite these four issues, I still am sort of interested in the story. I'll probably update this review once I do.
November 23, 2020
I enjoyed this read. It was action-packed, seeming to go literally from one battle scene to the next. The battle scenes were intensely brutal, but necessary to reflect the formidable evil that our heroes were determined to stop from the enemies further terror against the innocent. The author does an excellent job creating these sequences and having us experience those scenes with the characters. He also creates vivid imagery of our heroes' world, including the various monsters and creatures our heroes must fight. We wonder how such hideous creatures can be defeated. However, our heroes' courage doesn't fail them, and they are committed to their quest no matter what the cost may be to them. We are introduced to several characters on the journey as they take on the quest. Although they played the starring roles in the journey, it seemed at times we didn't really get to know the characters enough. They were so quickly pulled into the next battle sequence; perhaps in the next book, we'll get to know them better because we're certainly rooting for them.
June 6, 2022
Assault on Devil's Den: Champion of Valor Book 1 was an exciting story that held my attention from beginning to end. The action scenes were intense, and Mr. Balch did an excellent job describing the scenes in such a way that made the reader feel as if they were in on the action itself.
In the story there were numerous he said, she said, they said, the author needs to trust that readers will follow who is speaking. In addition there were times during the battle where opponents would literally explain their strengths and weaknesses to one another. This was a bit odd, but I suspect as Mr. Balch hones his skills a bit more, the flow will go much smoother.
I loved the characters and the description of each monster. I am always intrigued when I learn of new fantasy creations and Mr. Balch created several beings I would love to see on the big screen. This was a fantastic story that introduced an exciting new world, and I can't wait to read more from Mr. Balch.
In the story there were numerous he said, she said, they said, the author needs to trust that readers will follow who is speaking. In addition there were times during the battle where opponents would literally explain their strengths and weaknesses to one another. This was a bit odd, but I suspect as Mr. Balch hones his skills a bit more, the flow will go much smoother.
I loved the characters and the description of each monster. I am always intrigued when I learn of new fantasy creations and Mr. Balch created several beings I would love to see on the big screen. This was a fantastic story that introduced an exciting new world, and I can't wait to read more from Mr. Balch.
July 11, 2023
Champion of Valor by Eric Balch is an indie book that exceeded my expectations. It's a thrilling and captivating adventure that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The story is gripping and well-paced, with plenty of suspense and exciting battles. The characters are engaging and relatable, and the world-building is immersive. Balch's writing talent shines through, making this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
Assault on Devil's Den: Champion of Valor delivers an action-packed experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Balch's storytelling is top-notch, and the book stands out among indie titles. If you're looking for an exciting and immersive fantasy adventure, this is the book for you.
The story is gripping and well-paced, with plenty of suspense and exciting battles. The characters are engaging and relatable, and the world-building is immersive. Balch's writing talent shines through, making this book a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.
Assault on Devil's Den: Champion of Valor delivers an action-packed experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Balch's storytelling is top-notch, and the book stands out among indie titles. If you're looking for an exciting and immersive fantasy adventure, this is the book for you.
August 30, 2022
The author gave me the copy to review and after having taken the longest time, I have finally finished it.
I think his writing style is easy to grasp onto the story has great world building and it intrigued me very much but I also found a bit complicated. There are some things I didn’t grasp. But did the storyline have me invested nevertheless? Yes, very much! And that’s a key thing a book should offer! I’d recommend this one for epic fantasy readers for sure!
I think his writing style is easy to grasp onto the story has great world building and it intrigued me very much but I also found a bit complicated. There are some things I didn’t grasp. But did the storyline have me invested nevertheless? Yes, very much! And that’s a key thing a book should offer! I’d recommend this one for epic fantasy readers for sure!
December 29, 2021
I, unfortunately, had to DNF this book as I didn't enjoy it. While the story and characters felt like they came straight from a D&D game, the prose was choppy and the dialogue read as if they were characters from an 80s or 90s cartoon. If that's the point, awesome, but unfortunately it's just not for me. I can't say the book is bad, just that I didn't enjoy it.
September 10, 2020
i got this book as a gift from my friend and i can undoubtedly say that this book is the one of the best birthday gift i have ever read. i had already recommended this book to my friends. book is really amazing and every character is well defined.
September 10, 2020
EASY READ! BOOK IS FILLED WITH THRILLERS. I CAN FEEL EACH AND EVERY MOMENT WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK.PLEASE READ THIS BOOK ONCE AND YOU ARE ALSO GONNA FEEL THE SAME. KUDOS TO THE AUTHOR FOR WRITING SUCH A MASTERPIECE.
September 14, 2020
Very good fantasy novel. The story line carries you along with the characters and there are more than a few surprises.
I hope that more books are coming, as I would like to know what could happen next.
Eric Balch is a new author that I look forward to reading more of what he has to offer.
I hope that more books are coming, as I would like to know what could happen next.
Eric Balch is a new author that I look forward to reading more of what he has to offer.
January 18, 2021
What an epic! Eric Balch has written an epic tale of good versus evil in Assault On Devil's Den. This highly fanciful tale of daring-do and adventure is very involving. With masterful battle scenes and all kinds of mythical creatures, you will be compelled to read it in one sitting if you can.
September 10, 2020
if i could recommend one book this year it would be this. book is so captivating and emerging that once i started reading this book i couldn't focus on any other work. gets a full five stars from me.
September 10, 2020
incredible book! the best book i've ever read in long time. this book is must add on to our bookshelf. i just loved and amazed with the creative mind of writer. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
September 10, 2020
amazing. writer had written an engrossing and moving story. i read few pages as look inside and i loved it.so,i bought this book and i am glad i did. exactly what i needed.
September 10, 2020
what a great read! from the moment you read the first page it pulls you in and does not let you go. captivating and thought provoking! i am so glad that this book caught my eye.
September 10, 2020
it has turned out to be fantastic read. i read the previous reviews and decided to give it a try. reviews are right. this book is really captivating. must read to all.
September 10, 2020
This book is worth of time and purchase. this book is a fine read for any voracious readers who loves exploring diverse topics. i recommend this book as it is so interesting and well written.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews