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An ancient power threatens the safety of the world. Will its wielder stop the evil that seeks it, or save himself instead?

Dusk is nothing more than a piece of property to the nobility. When he stumbles upon a hidden cave and uncovers the long-lost remains of a dragon lord, he plucks a crystal from the skull without knowing its power. When given a chance to escape his torment, Dusk seizes it without hesitating, sneaking the crystal away in his boot

Now he’s on the run as an escaped slave. Against his better judgment, he accepts help on the road, but bad luck and threats loom over every turn. Just when things seem to be going well, a mysterious group of black-cloaked figures bar his path to freedom.

Can Dusk keep the crystal from falling into nefarious hands?

The Crystal Eye is the first novel in an epic fantasy adventure series. If you like sassy characters, wild twists, and powerful reveals, then you’ll love Blake R. Wolfe’s adventure-packed story. Great for fans of Dungeons and Dragons, The Chronicles of Narnia, and J.R.R. Tolkein.

Buy The Crystal Eye and start your adventure today!

337 pages, ebook

First published December 4, 2020

126 people are currently reading
501 people want to read

About the author

Blake R. Wolfe

219 books323 followers
Blake R. Wolfe has adored werewolves and monsters since he was a child growing up in a small rural Michigan town. Now he lives near the shores of Lake Michigan with his two partners, two cats that need to be fed every three seconds, and a dog that is very spoiled. He spends most of his free time hiking through the nearby forest, thinking up the next great romance story for his readers.

Blake writes under three separate Pen Names:

--Blake R. Wolfe -- Gay Paranormal Romance

--Atreus Rosewood -- Gay Contemporary Romance

--Eoghan R. Cunningham -- LGBTQ+ Fantasy

Sign up for Blake’s newsletter for exclusive discounts and special editions at www.blakerwolfe.com

Get access to exclusive short stories on Blake’s Patreon!
www.patreon.com/blakerwolfe

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5 stars
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34 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Taiylor Wallace.
2 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2020
A fantastic start into the fantasy sphere for the author. Lovers of LotR and Narnia will enjoy the spirit of this adventure, and it offers a darker angle on otherwise classic fantasy ideals. I feel Dusk is relatable to many in his traumas and pursuit of hope, and his wonder at the wider world outside what he's always known. And as he gains allies, each offer him a new perspective, as well as an insight to the dangers of this beautiful world. Highly recommended, and looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Tabitha  Tomala.
881 reviews120 followers
July 11, 2021
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Crystal Eye

For ten years Dusk has toiled away in the mines. His thoughts of freedom and escape long beaten out of him. When he discovers a hidden cavern in the mines, his life has the chance to change. Daring to take a gem from the bones of a long dead dragon, he hides his prize from the slave masters who would take it away. And when the next chance for escape arises, he finds a new sense of hope and seizes the moment. Dusk must choose who he trusts wisely as he pursues a life of freedom. His path will be plagued by dark encounters and powers he never imagined existed.

While it has a slow start, as the plot progresses, The Crystal Eye reveals itself to be a solid fantasy novel. The world-building and lore are framed as stories and children’s tales told to Dusk by a fellow character named Lex. But have no fear, there are no large bouts of exposition. Blake R. Wolfe keeps the stories contained as easy to understand pieces and Dusk’s enthusiasm to learn more about the world makes it all the more entertaining. He constantly questions the information he takes in. Dusk has such a thirst for life, it’s hard not to smile at his wide-eyed view of the world, learning all he can.

There are some points where the rising action and resulting conflicts didn’t quite line up. Specifically, in the earlier chapters, I wanted to see Lex and Dusk struggle more in their journey. I feel like some parts were played a bit safe, and could have built up the intensity. However, stick with it. The latter half of the book picks up in intensity and I have a feeling book two is going to be even better.

That being said, I’m a big fan of stories where characters reach their lowest points and struggle to make their life better. The Crystal Eye is the perfect example of such a story. Dusk has a lot to learn on the road. Watching him grow confident in himself and his abilities was rewarding. I truly enjoyed the character development and watching Dusk learn the complications that come with forging a friendship. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the characters next.
Profile Image for Darren Boeck.
Author 8 books94 followers
December 17, 2020
I liked this book from the start. The main character was someone different and that was what really gave the story an interesting read. The first half of the book is solid. The second half has a few minor issues. First, it wasn't until the second half before I noticed a handful of grammatical errors. But like I said, there was only a handful in the whole book. The second issue was that the plot seemed to jump a little in the latter half. Very solid first half and then it seemed the mysterious black-robed men were everywhere. Granted since the whole story happens along basically one main road and various points of interest along the way, the scope was pretty small. I guess I'm just not sure about this latter development. Still a solid storyline and worth the read. Overall I'd give it 4.5 stars, but since that's not an option Mr. Wolfe gets 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for J.A. Martin.
Author 24 books38 followers
December 15, 2020
Epic Adventure with Heart

Dusk has been a slave in the salt mines since he was a child. Then, he makes a startling discovery on the eve of leaving for the slave market, leading him into an adventure that includes trolls, dragons, mages, nobles and bandits as war erupts between Ditania and the neighboring country of Inahan. Dusk, Lex and their soldier guide Tara have to fight their way to freedom. Wonderful storytelling from this author, who shows the human side of the main characters in addition to their fighting skills.
37 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2021
The Crystal Eye is an exciting adventure with a well written cast of characters.
Dusk spends most of his life as a slave before discovering something that will forever change his destiny. I enjoyed his character a lot. I quickly became invested in his arc.
The dialogue in the book is great- the dark themes are well articulated along with the intense emotions of the characters. The world building felt solid- with interesting mythology.
The pacing is pretty good- I was entertained from start to finish.
225 reviews
August 20, 2021
My biggest complaint is the book’s product page described it as being part of an LGBTQ+ fantasy series, but there were no explicitly canonically main queer characters.
16 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2021
Engaging and thoughtful

I am always on the lookout for a new good story with meaning and queer characters. This book is clearly the start of a longer work, so if you are looking for a book that wraps everything up, this is not it. The perspective of the former slave is a great reminder of how much I take things for granted. Hopefully the next book will show more relationship development and more use of magic. I am glad I read this book.
Profile Image for Whitney.
238 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2021
Fast Paced

This book was not what I expected at all. So much action was packed into one book. I have so many questions especially about the unhinged grandmaster and the dragons. On to the next book...
Profile Image for Kutsua.
360 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2021
This story has a wonderful premise and beginning. Later on, however, it drags, turning into a series of meaningless miniadventures, a sort of variation on D&D.
Profile Image for Amorina Carlton.
Author 2 books38 followers
August 27, 2021
Originally published at http://amorinacarlton.com

If lock down has you jonesing for a good D&D session, then picking up “The Crystalline Chronicles” by Blake R. Wolfe might just be what the doctor ordered. I haven’t been able to sort out playing since my daughter was born almost four years ago, and reading through the first installment of Dusk’s tale “The Crystal Eye” had me itching to dig out my dice and roll up a new character.

The story begins with Dusk, a probably twenty-something slave getting ready to be sold. In his world, slaves can only stay with one owner for ten years to avoid uprisings and conflicts. On his last day, our main character makes a startling discovery that serves as the catalyst for a wild adventure, the likes of which he could never have imagined. Along the way, despite his reservations, he makes friends with several companions who vow to help him escape slavery forever, as well as those who seek to enslave him again or worse.

Characters
Wolfe excels at writing wonderful characters. I always fall for the sweet sidekick, who is definitely hiding something big. Lex is now tattooed on my heart alongside Sam Gamgee, Ron Weasley, and Ronan Lynch (an odd case because he then got his own books). But, I often notice and wax poetic about the nice old lady who rescues the hero, or bartender who helps when he shouldn’t, or any characters who seem just a little too good to be true. And let’s be honest, in the real world, they often are. But even in our corner of the world, sweet, innocent, wonderful souls like Dusk often engender such unabashed selflessness. And, I think this is where Wolfe really shines because often I don’t love main characters, especially this early in a long series. He hasn’t had time to grow, but the wonderful supporting characters have loved and supported him so well that I have had no choice but to join them.

Dusk clearly has much growing to do. He doesn’t know how to be a human, because no one has ever allowed him to be one. Like a premature babe, ripped from the womb too early, he isn’t fully formed. Stunted by years of being treated as subhuman, he doesn’t know how to talk to people, how to act, how to do basically anything. Despite this, he doesn’t have a selfish bone in his body. He is gracious, kind, and always wants to help, even if it might put him in danger. Though, he will kill anyone standing in his path to freedom. So, there’s that. Despite their trials and tribulations, I’m kinda shipping Lex and Dusk. I’m not sure if that’s going to happen, but wouldn’t be the first time I shipped something that didn’t happen.

Setting, Plot, and Writing
Wolfe’s world is as beautifully developed as any by the best Dungeon Masters, and it feels as though he’s taking the reader on a stroll through an epic campaign. When we met the first member of Dusk’s party, and then walked into a tavern, I immediately felt like we were in that opening sequence of a good game where you pick up the rest of your party. The world is a rich with magic, chimeras, and unfortunately, like our own world, slavery.

The series is vibrantly and beautifully cast in a gorgeously scenic landscape. Wolfe’s descriptions were so good that I could clearly picture the land, the people, and everything we encountered. Pacing was a little slow in the beginning, but Dusk’s journey soon gripped me. If you’re a stickler, be warned, the book could have stood a bit more editing. I came across a few typos and grammar issues, but not enough to ruin it for me.

Wolfe is clearly using his story, like many fantasy stories, as an outlet for social commentary. He makes his point without hitting you over the head with it. Owning other people isn’t okay. No matter what, you’re not a good person if you own people. At the same time, it’s hard not to fall a little in love with people who are kind – even when they have owned slaves. This trap is one we understand all too well, as it remains at the forefront of our society grappling to resolve our picture of America’s beloved founding fathers as slaveholders.

I also found it interesting to see a world where no one batted an eye at homosexual relationships, but slavery still gripped the society. But, considering we now know that historically homosexuality wasn’t always the hang-up it has been in modern history, perhaps this is a more accurate representation of something like Greek or Roman society. As a bit of romance fanatic, no matter how I might try to deny that fact about myself, I honestly can’t wait to see if Lex and Dusk end up together.

Overall
Overall, the story brought me on a wonderful journey through a fantastical land, and if you enjoy epic fantasies and wonderful character development, I think you’ll enjoy it. Having read one of Wolfe’s first books, I looked forward to reading more of his writing, especially seeing more of his characters. His character development continues to be my favorite aspect of his writing.

Content Warning: Slavery, graphic violence, attempted sexual assault
Profile Image for Monnie Biloney.
Author 20 books
September 28, 2023
I enjoyed the world building and the characters, but not enough to purchase future books in the series.
I am unsure of where the story is going. Dusk and Lex complement each other quite well, though I think this book would have been better if perhaps we got a chapter from Lex's POV.
Dusk is a sweetheart, though I kept on feeling like he was 16 rather than 20 something [Me, a 24 yr old at the time of reading this book]

The ending arc of the book felt like of 'meh' cuz I didn't feel like the act of the "Spoiler" was very relevant cuz why would the capital in a rural fantasy world have such supper-fast information capabilities to the extent that it would effect the plot. (IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW)
The puppet thing was also kind of stupid.
Like, are you telling me that the capital is somewhere NEAR the border? not like, in the middle of the country? IDK that doesn't sound safe? Or you telling me they thought she teleported?

So basically, I loved the beginning, was vaguely interested in the middle, and my interest was mostly dropped by the end of the novel to where I kind of started skimming.
I'd like to thank the author for not ending this book with a cliffhanger, so I gave it a full 4 stars.
617 reviews6 followers
December 20, 2021
Better than expected

I am always a bit leary when reading a new to me author. But, this book was really superb. I am ready to read book 2. Be aware, there is a bit of a cliffhanger, so he prepared to read the series in order.
2 reviews
June 26, 2022
This is the first in a five book series. I enjoyed it so much that I had a hard time putting the book down. I ended up just buying the whole series because I knew I would love it. If you are looking for an immediate LGBTQ storyline, you need to be patient and let this simmer. It will come.
1 review
January 10, 2023
Wonderful read!

There are stories, and then there are stories. I found myself almost instantly falling into the story from the very first chapter. It has magic, dragons, heroes, and heroins. There is danger and a realization that life is more than we realize.
Profile Image for Stephen.
53 reviews
January 4, 2022
amazing start to series

This book grabbed me immediately and I tore through it. A lovely story with filled with adventure and friendship. Highly recommend
495 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2022
Nicely written adventure story that had me glued to the pages. Well worth reading.
Profile Image for Darren.
517 reviews11 followers
March 5, 2022
Fairly interesting

Characters have a bit of depth and the story is fairly interesting and unique. It's better than a lot of the stuff I have wasted time reading
Profile Image for Olya.
573 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2023
A bit bleak in places... And that villain monologue was a bit juvenile... But sometimes there keeps me reading (ok, skimming in some places) to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Aubrey.
122 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2021
Note: I would rank this book a 5, but the series as a whole is trending in at around 3. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger and each book just seems to be a next chapter to continue the story, so it feels like they should be ranked a whole.

This book opens with Dusk, enslaved in the salt mines, he is a shell of a human, just struggling to get to the next day. His time at the mines is coming to a close (slaves change ownership every ten years) and on his final day he stumbles upon dragon remains. He manages to leave with a crystal eye and escapes his slavers.

The opening is visceral and striking, it pulled me in immediately. Along the way Dusk meets new folks and companions and encounters new challenges as he tries to find his way to freedom.

It is written in a single POV (which is a detriment, I believe in the later books, but less so here). The best part of the first book is seeing Dusk come alive. He goes from uncaring, and a tad callous to a brave and caring (and a little naive) individual.

The world building is done well, with magic mostly gone from the world except for those who use the remains of dragons.

Book 1 is very much a journey in which Dusk and his new companion, Lex, just keep getting captured and escaping (and this is essentially what goes on through most of the series, plus another companion, Tara). It gets a little tedious after 4 books. And the story adds elements, challenges and capabilities, but it is still mired in being a road trip book. Book 1 ends on a cliff hanger and there isnt much of a conclusion for any of the books.

There is no romance in the first book and very little even later, so it is very much a fantasy adventure book. It is not very comedic, though some banter starts arising more in the later books.

Recommended for those who enjoy reading about people finding themselves while battling bandits, rogue magicians and goblins (not in that order).
Profile Image for Saydrath.
87 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2022
A lot of very good ideas, but too much events in the last third of the book.Not really LGBT (except the brief allusion to the deceased wife of a lady who is a secondary character). Pure epic-fantasy. And no versatile couple yet, for those who like this type of stories.
Profile Image for Elmo.
52 reviews
Read
January 2, 2023
a história é legal mas é vendida como LGBTQIA+ e a única menção sobre é de uma mulher safica em 1 única frase no livro inteiro
fiquei mt triste pq estava em busca de livros de fantssia lgbt
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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