What do you think?
Rate this book
Adventures of Zane & Blaise #1
Mount Desecration
When Zane opens his eyes, he stands alone in the center of an arena. He doesn't know how he got there, doesn't remember anything of his past, but he does know that they want him to die. But he's not going to die. He's going to survive, even if that means becoming the meanest and toughest monster they've ever seen.
Blaise grows up in the grandest palace in the Empire as the beloved Crown Prince with a heart of gold. He grows up surrounded by those who love him, but he's always longed to escape the bounds of the palace walls, to be free to see more of the world. This spoiled but lovable prince lives cluelessly in his glittering world, until he discovers something devastating about himself that will change his entire life.
Blaise is caged by responsibilities and expectations, and Zane is a caged monster, but the day comes when they both break loose and are unleashed upon the world. Blaise lives to explore and Zane lives to survive, and their lives collide in the shadow of an accursed mountain, Mount Desecration. No one has made it to the top because of the rumored monster that haunts the summit, but they are both determined to be the first to conquer it.
They are nothing alike. One is a hardened and embittered gladiator who hates the world, and the other is a kind and innocently quirky prince who longs for more, but this is just the start of their unlikely friendship and the adventure that will ultimately save their lives.
Blaise grows up in the grandest palace in the Empire as the beloved Crown Prince with a heart of gold. He grows up surrounded by those who love him, but he's always longed to escape the bounds of the palace walls, to be free to see more of the world. This spoiled but lovable prince lives cluelessly in his glittering world, until he discovers something devastating about himself that will change his entire life.
Blaise is caged by responsibilities and expectations, and Zane is a caged monster, but the day comes when they both break loose and are unleashed upon the world. Blaise lives to explore and Zane lives to survive, and their lives collide in the shadow of an accursed mountain, Mount Desecration. No one has made it to the top because of the rumored monster that haunts the summit, but they are both determined to be the first to conquer it.
They are nothing alike. One is a hardened and embittered gladiator who hates the world, and the other is a kind and innocently quirky prince who longs for more, but this is just the start of their unlikely friendship and the adventure that will ultimately save their lives.
- GenresFantasy
269 pages, Paperback
First published December 6, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1878 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Dyba
7 books49 followersAndrea is a librarian in Illinois who lives with her three Maine Coon cats. She tries to read a book a day, and when she’s not reading about fantasy worlds, she’s writing about them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 6, 2021
Update 11/6/21: The third book in the series,
The Phoenix Tomb
is now available! Also, all my books have been updated with new covers and they now have maps inside!
Original Review: I put my heart and soul into writing this series, and if it impacts even one other person in a positive way, I'll call it a success. If you like slow-burning, character-driven fantasy adventures with loads of bromance and friendship, as well as themes of redemption and hope, then you might like this series!
Original Review: I put my heart and soul into writing this series, and if it impacts even one other person in a positive way, I'll call it a success. If you like slow-burning, character-driven fantasy adventures with loads of bromance and friendship, as well as themes of redemption and hope, then you might like this series!
December 21, 2020
What an incredible story! I’m not normally a reader of fantasy but this book grabbed my attention from the very start and kept me eagerly invested the whole way through. I loved the developing relationship between Blaise and Zane and I can’t wait to see where their journey takes them. When you can get lost in a book and forget you’re even reading, that’s great writing. This exceptional author blew me away, Well Done! I’m anxiously looking forward to whatever comes next.
Read
April 26, 2021Two worlds collide in the lives of young boys. Blaise is the much-beloved son of the elven Emperor, living in the vast forested wilds where woodland creatures provide endless delight. Zane, with his mysterious and unknown past, fights for survival in the world of gladiators. Slaying men and beasts becomes a way of life that creates untold depths of bitterness and hate.
Zane's dramatic escape and consequently his wandering nature leads him closer to Blaise, the boy he wants nothing to do with. Blaise has a serious ailment, the only thing that mars his cheerful nature. When he learns he may die soon, he enlists Zane and together they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, which starts on Mount Desecration.
This is a remarkable debut adventure fantasy novel featuring alternating tales, which resolutely merge to a climactic conclusion. A tentative friendship is forged as each young man faces his own barriers, even as together they must confront the largest evil of all. Blaise just won’t give up on Zane in spite of his violent past and conviction that no one could ever truly believe in him. This theme of redemption is inspiring. -GD
Click here to place a hold: Mount Desecration .
Continue the series with the second book, The Sapphire Key .
Zane's dramatic escape and consequently his wandering nature leads him closer to Blaise, the boy he wants nothing to do with. Blaise has a serious ailment, the only thing that mars his cheerful nature. When he learns he may die soon, he enlists Zane and together they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, which starts on Mount Desecration.
This is a remarkable debut adventure fantasy novel featuring alternating tales, which resolutely merge to a climactic conclusion. A tentative friendship is forged as each young man faces his own barriers, even as together they must confront the largest evil of all. Blaise just won’t give up on Zane in spite of his violent past and conviction that no one could ever truly believe in him. This theme of redemption is inspiring. -GD
Click here to place a hold: Mount Desecration .
Continue the series with the second book, The Sapphire Key .
May 17, 2021
3.5 stars! A bit of information overload in the first few chapters which is always hard for me to get through as I don't retain all of it well. That being said, you know the fantasy books that have maps in the front and back of them? That's the only thing this book is missing! You've got magical creatures and spirit guides. You've got heartache and heartbreak. You've got a friendship you're rooting for from page one. You'll cry happy and so many sad tears. I'm thrilled book 2 is already out so that I can dive right in. There's a lot of this journey left and I want in on all the action.
January 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book a great deal. The characters were interesting and the storyline was entertaining. I do wish the author had included a map of the world she created. The world of the novel is fun, interesting and different enough to stand on its own. The author does a great job making the world feel real.
My only complaint is that the characters talk a great deal about what it means to be human and have human traits despite the fact that they are not human. They are elves. It is a minor issue, but everytime I did think to myself "you are not human."
Overall, the story was really well written and I enjoyed both of the protagonists a great deal. The story was exciting and well paced. This is a fun, exciting new fantasy world that I look forward to spending more time exploring.
My only complaint is that the characters talk a great deal about what it means to be human and have human traits despite the fact that they are not human. They are elves. It is a minor issue, but everytime I did think to myself "you are not human."
Overall, the story was really well written and I enjoyed both of the protagonists a great deal. The story was exciting and well paced. This is a fun, exciting new fantasy world that I look forward to spending more time exploring.
December 25, 2023
4.5 Stars
A great start to what feels like a series that could become a go to comfort series. Some authors have a way of making you feel relaxed and like you have been reading a series for a long time, even when just starting off. Dyba captured this feeling for me almost immediately. Her writing style reminds me in ways of Sanderson and Michael J. Sullivan, two authors who I greatly enjoy. The chapters fly by without a dull moment.
A strongly character driven novel, this book follows two main characters, both searching for something more beyond themselves. Dyba does a great job of creating believable and nuanced characters. An animal lover myself, I especially loved the character of Blaise. Character-driven stories can be really hit or miss with me, as sometimes authors tend to spend too much time on the characters and not nearly enough on the plot. I didn't have this issue at all, as the characters kept me engaged throughout, and the plot did develop very organically. It is also very apparent that Dyba has thought out the setting and world, as the world building is very rich.
Overall a great start to a series, and I'm excited to continue. I would especially recommend to any fans of Michael J. Sullivan, as this story revolves around an unlikely duo, and has the same comfortable writing style.
A great start to what feels like a series that could become a go to comfort series. Some authors have a way of making you feel relaxed and like you have been reading a series for a long time, even when just starting off. Dyba captured this feeling for me almost immediately. Her writing style reminds me in ways of Sanderson and Michael J. Sullivan, two authors who I greatly enjoy. The chapters fly by without a dull moment.
A strongly character driven novel, this book follows two main characters, both searching for something more beyond themselves. Dyba does a great job of creating believable and nuanced characters. An animal lover myself, I especially loved the character of Blaise. Character-driven stories can be really hit or miss with me, as sometimes authors tend to spend too much time on the characters and not nearly enough on the plot. I didn't have this issue at all, as the characters kept me engaged throughout, and the plot did develop very organically. It is also very apparent that Dyba has thought out the setting and world, as the world building is very rich.
Overall a great start to a series, and I'm excited to continue. I would especially recommend to any fans of Michael J. Sullivan, as this story revolves around an unlikely duo, and has the same comfortable writing style.
"Don't try to make the world a part of you... instead, make yourself a part of the world."
July 14, 2021
3.25 stars
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I ended up liking it, but it did take me awhile to get through and finish.
The first half of this book is slow and has a mass amount of info dumping and honestly it took me a month to read. I found myself confused about how the magic system worked and all the different species that were in it, but there was some more explanation in the back half of the book that made it a little clearer. The pace was sporadic and kind of hard to keep up with, but I also think that plays a role with Blaise's personality.
The second half of this book took me two days to finish because it was just so fast paced and action-packed. It saved the entire book for me honestly and it makes me want to read the second one.
I loved Zane. I really do. He was probably my favorite character, but I also have a thing for damaged boys (sue me).
I liked Blaise. His personality was a bit much for and his maturity levels were constantly switching. He definitely had a mass amount of knowledge, but I'm not sure he always knew what to do with it.
In the end, I did like this book and I might read the next one.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I ended up liking it, but it did take me awhile to get through and finish.
The first half of this book is slow and has a mass amount of info dumping and honestly it took me a month to read. I found myself confused about how the magic system worked and all the different species that were in it, but there was some more explanation in the back half of the book that made it a little clearer. The pace was sporadic and kind of hard to keep up with, but I also think that plays a role with Blaise's personality.
The second half of this book took me two days to finish because it was just so fast paced and action-packed. It saved the entire book for me honestly and it makes me want to read the second one.
I loved Zane. I really do. He was probably my favorite character, but I also have a thing for damaged boys (sue me).
I liked Blaise. His personality was a bit much for and his maturity levels were constantly switching. He definitely had a mass amount of knowledge, but I'm not sure he always knew what to do with it.
In the end, I did like this book and I might read the next one.
April 23, 2021
Two worlds collide in the lives of young boys. Blaise is the much-beloved son of the elven Emperor, living in the vast forested wilds where woodland creatures provide endless delight. Zane, with his mysterious and unknown past, fights for survival in the world of gladiators. Slaying men and beasts becomes a way of life that creates untold depths of bitterness and hate.
When Blaise begs his father to let him see the gladiators at their sport, he watches Zane do the impossible and is taken aback at the brutality of this death game. Profoundly affected, he asks for Zane's release to no avail.
Zane's dramatic escape and consequently his wandering nature leads him closer to Blaise, the boy he wants nothing to do with. Blaise has a serious ailment, the only thing that mars his cheerful nature. When he learns he may die soon, he enlists Zane and together they embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they pursue a magical gem hidden on Mount Desecration.
This is a remarkable debut adventure fantasy novel featuring alternating tales, which resolutely merge to a climactic conclusion. A tentative friendship is forged as each young man faces his own barriers, even as together they must confront the largest evil of all. Blaise just won’t give up on Zane in spite of his violent past and conviction that no one could ever truly believe in him. This theme of redemption is inspiring.
When Blaise begs his father to let him see the gladiators at their sport, he watches Zane do the impossible and is taken aback at the brutality of this death game. Profoundly affected, he asks for Zane's release to no avail.
Zane's dramatic escape and consequently his wandering nature leads him closer to Blaise, the boy he wants nothing to do with. Blaise has a serious ailment, the only thing that mars his cheerful nature. When he learns he may die soon, he enlists Zane and together they embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they pursue a magical gem hidden on Mount Desecration.
This is a remarkable debut adventure fantasy novel featuring alternating tales, which resolutely merge to a climactic conclusion. A tentative friendship is forged as each young man faces his own barriers, even as together they must confront the largest evil of all. Blaise just won’t give up on Zane in spite of his violent past and conviction that no one could ever truly believe in him. This theme of redemption is inspiring.
November 15, 2021
Very engaging, excellent character development! The author's descriptive language was very vivid. The book was fast-paced; I finished it in a couple of days. The author's writing style reminded me a little bit of Orson Scott Card.
A couple of constructive criticisms:
--Zane is completely on point; however, Blaise as an adult is a bit immature (from a man's perspective), though only slightly. At times he comes across more like a teenage girl. Men don't "giggle." Just saying.
--The climax could have been drawn out a little more. It felt just like another one of their random adventures that just happened to occur in the last chapter and wrap up the plot arc. IMHO, it could have been longer.
--Using Blaise's dialogue to aid the world-building makes sense in this context but is a tad heavy-handed at times.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read through its sequel in a couple of days, as well, and have the third book on order. It is clear the author is well-read and put her heart into this series. As a first novel, I am blown away. I cannot wait for the next (hopefully) 25+ years of books to come! It encouraged me to start writing my own series.
A couple of constructive criticisms:
--Zane is completely on point; however, Blaise as an adult is a bit immature (from a man's perspective), though only slightly. At times he comes across more like a teenage girl. Men don't "giggle." Just saying.
--The climax could have been drawn out a little more. It felt just like another one of their random adventures that just happened to occur in the last chapter and wrap up the plot arc. IMHO, it could have been longer.
--Using Blaise's dialogue to aid the world-building makes sense in this context but is a tad heavy-handed at times.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read through its sequel in a couple of days, as well, and have the third book on order. It is clear the author is well-read and put her heart into this series. As a first novel, I am blown away. I cannot wait for the next (hopefully) 25+ years of books to come! It encouraged me to start writing my own series.
September 15, 2022
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the story overall. There were a few slow parts and the info dumping by the character Blaise was hard to follow sometimes. But the chemistry between Zane and Blaise made up for it.
The story starts off with each character in thier own separate situations. Zane is a slave who is forced to fight in an arena. We get a little background and why he's in the situation he is, though not everything--there are some repressed memories. His personality is angry and moody and I love it.
Blaine is the prince and heir of his kingdom, and everything is butterflies and rainbows, but we all know that can't last.
The two meet about halfway through the book, and we get to see thier personalities play off each other. There's a lot of one sided conversations and Zane being annoyed. The development of plot and character was done well. Though I did think for all the danger the book promises, there wasn't enough tension and life threatening moments. At least not for me.
The story starts off with each character in thier own separate situations. Zane is a slave who is forced to fight in an arena. We get a little background and why he's in the situation he is, though not everything--there are some repressed memories. His personality is angry and moody and I love it.
Blaine is the prince and heir of his kingdom, and everything is butterflies and rainbows, but we all know that can't last.
The two meet about halfway through the book, and we get to see thier personalities play off each other. There's a lot of one sided conversations and Zane being annoyed. The development of plot and character was done well. Though I did think for all the danger the book promises, there wasn't enough tension and life threatening moments. At least not for me.
January 31, 2021
I loved the book. The characters immediately engaged me and tugged my heartstrings. The world she created is an interesting one, can’t wait to explore more of it with Zane and Blaise.
March 16, 2021
What a set up for a great series. The world building is good. I love Blaise, Zane takes some getting use too. Well done first novel, I can't wait for the rest of the series.
June 28, 2021
A book that was well written but slow to start. The author has a well thought out story line, detailed characters, and a plot that does take off. It was a little confusing at some parts, but worth the time to read. Thank you to the author for the giveaway and best of luck.
July 11, 2021
Disclosure: This book was received through a Goodreads giveaway.
As fantasy books go, it was fine. I neither hated it nor was I blown away. It contains the usual tropes of a quest and the "chosen one."
Zane and Blaise are both elves, but from different tribes. One is dark, the other light. One is the son of the king, the other a waif found on the streets. One respects life, the other is a killer.
If you like fantasy, you will probably like this book. I found that there was too much blood, too much senseless killing of both humans and animals, although I understand that it is part of the storyline. A decent read, but you'll need to make your own decision on how worthwhile it is.
As fantasy books go, it was fine. I neither hated it nor was I blown away. It contains the usual tropes of a quest and the "chosen one."
Zane and Blaise are both elves, but from different tribes. One is dark, the other light. One is the son of the king, the other a waif found on the streets. One respects life, the other is a killer.
If you like fantasy, you will probably like this book. I found that there was too much blood, too much senseless killing of both humans and animals, although I understand that it is part of the storyline. A decent read, but you'll need to make your own decision on how worthwhile it is.
July 23, 2024
Not really my genre and a little confusing at first, so I put this book aside. Decided to give it a second chance and then it turned really interesting. Great characters, excellent action, mystical creatures and a gripping conclusion. These totally different boys are destined for lots and lots of adventures.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
September 13, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. I had a little trouble getting into it, but once I was in a few chapters the story took off & kept me turning pages wondering what craziness was going to happen next to our 2 travelers. Enjoy the ridea
Want to read
December 5, 2021*takes a deep breath* *whispers*: please don't stay only bromance
May 29, 2021
4.5 stars for the slow start. And for the repeated use of "lied" where lay or laid might read better.
Goodreads contest giveaway awarded me a review copy. This is fair review freely given.
A very intriguing alternate paranormal world is constructed in this first of series (presently of two). More than the first half alternates between the royal family world of Blaise, and the gladiator fighting of Zane. Once these young elves meet a second time, they head off to climb Mount Desecration.
Dyba writes with a very illustrated skills, tracking the major characters and their mileau over a dozen years. Contrasts fill the plot, and the pace picks up and gets more interesting about a quarter through, as more complexity is revealed.
Goodreads contest giveaway awarded me a review copy. This is fair review freely given.
A very intriguing alternate paranormal world is constructed in this first of series (presently of two). More than the first half alternates between the royal family world of Blaise, and the gladiator fighting of Zane. Once these young elves meet a second time, they head off to climb Mount Desecration.
Dyba writes with a very illustrated skills, tracking the major characters and their mileau over a dozen years. Contrasts fill the plot, and the pace picks up and gets more interesting about a quarter through, as more complexity is revealed.
July 24, 2021
Excellent fantasy. Only a few spots didn't read well due to grammar, but will hold your interest. Very fun adventure.
December 6, 2021
This was a tough book for me to read. I liked the concept, but with the characters being fairies and trolls and all, had a hard time following along.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews