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The Age of Reckoning: Volume II
From the ashes of hope comes a shadow of promise...
The war for the shards is intensifying. The glimmer of hope for a unified Naeisus seems all but extinguished. From the darkest corners of the world, a shadowy figure appears, harboring tide-turning knowledge and an inhuman power. As the tremors plaguing the land grow stronger, the King's scout party returns, battered and barely intact, with dire news directly from the source.
Meanwhile, the Marusi election threatens to throw the race into the raging fires of battle unprepared, and the rift between the Wolven packs leave them vulnerable and disorganised.
The chaotic Captain Levana continues to manipulate and puppeteer her way to the shards, however, an unexpected roadblock forces her to make perilous snap judgements that could lead to devastation…
The war for the shards is intensifying. The glimmer of hope for a unified Naeisus seems all but extinguished. From the darkest corners of the world, a shadowy figure appears, harboring tide-turning knowledge and an inhuman power. As the tremors plaguing the land grow stronger, the King's scout party returns, battered and barely intact, with dire news directly from the source.
Meanwhile, the Marusi election threatens to throw the race into the raging fires of battle unprepared, and the rift between the Wolven packs leave them vulnerable and disorganised.
The chaotic Captain Levana continues to manipulate and puppeteer her way to the shards, however, an unexpected roadblock forces her to make perilous snap judgements that could lead to devastation…
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2021
18 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Anthony Lay
6 books53 followersThomas is a vibrant video game veteran, astronomy aficionado, and author of the World of Naeisus. Born in 1992 and growing up in the UK with an Italian family, Thomas is filled with the drive and ambition to transform his wild imagination into lore-rich stories that captivate readers.
Thomas attributes his passion and drive to the parenting from his father who sadly passed away in 2007 from pancreatic cancer. This life-changing event at a young age led to a shift that saw Thomas take the reins of his future to make his father proud.
The Age of Reckoning: Volume I won Finalist in the Fiction: Fantasy category of the 2020 International Book Awards despite it being Thomas’ debut novel. His immersive, fast-paced writing style is sure to fill your imagination with a rich universe that you truly feel invested in.
Thomas attributes his passion and drive to the parenting from his father who sadly passed away in 2007 from pancreatic cancer. This life-changing event at a young age led to a shift that saw Thomas take the reins of his future to make his father proud.
The Age of Reckoning: Volume I won Finalist in the Fiction: Fantasy category of the 2020 International Book Awards despite it being Thomas’ debut novel. His immersive, fast-paced writing style is sure to fill your imagination with a rich universe that you truly feel invested in.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Naeisus book last year, which began similar enough to many grand fantasy epics, but once the world opens up...oh boy, this has a lot of unique twists. If you've been waiting like me for the sequel after Book 1's heart-wrenching cliffhanger, then hurry up and get this. It's just as entertaining!
Right from Chapter 1, I was intrigued by the cloaked stranger who has now become my favorite character in the series (don't ask, you have to read for yourself!). What a surprise, yet it made perfect sense to have this character arrive, ready to change the whole world by any means necessary...but will it be for good or bad?
And if you can't wait to see what wickedness Captain Levana is up to now, you're in luck. She's still out there causing all sorts of trouble, thank goodness. She's a fantastic antagonist!
Naeisus is a rich world torn apart by a war among various races--including paranormal races, which rocks. Alliances shift in the murky seas of political intrigue, and new enemies arrive to cause mayhem (but are they really enemies? We shall see!). Who will gather the crystal shards first? Who will be the next to fall from betrayal? Is Naeisus doomed?
If you like epic fantasies, unusual creatures, magic, and vibrant lore, hop into this series. By the way it ended, I expect a book 3 soon enough as the tale must continue to unfold. The fate of a world hangs by a thread, after all!
Right from Chapter 1, I was intrigued by the cloaked stranger who has now become my favorite character in the series (don't ask, you have to read for yourself!). What a surprise, yet it made perfect sense to have this character arrive, ready to change the whole world by any means necessary...but will it be for good or bad?
And if you can't wait to see what wickedness Captain Levana is up to now, you're in luck. She's still out there causing all sorts of trouble, thank goodness. She's a fantastic antagonist!
Naeisus is a rich world torn apart by a war among various races--including paranormal races, which rocks. Alliances shift in the murky seas of political intrigue, and new enemies arrive to cause mayhem (but are they really enemies? We shall see!). Who will gather the crystal shards first? Who will be the next to fall from betrayal? Is Naeisus doomed?
If you like epic fantasies, unusual creatures, magic, and vibrant lore, hop into this series. By the way it ended, I expect a book 3 soon enough as the tale must continue to unfold. The fate of a world hangs by a thread, after all!
August 30, 2021
Volume II did not disappoint! This eagerly awaited sequel to Volume I delivered all the action, intrigue and suspense as the first book. Who is the hooded stranger? Can these unique alliances hold together? You'll have to read the book to find out. The tension builds as the story progresses, and just as in the first book, what you expect to happen, doesn't! At least for me it didn't. There are twists and turns and the ending keeps you hanging on the edge of your seat. And waiting for Book III?
If you like high-fantasy and want to be kept guessing the entire book then I highly recommend!
If you like high-fantasy and want to be kept guessing the entire book then I highly recommend!
June 15, 2021
The book starts with a short recap of what happened during the first volume. It tells us about... Nah. That's not going to happen. It tells us about what happened in the first book (you know, volume I) and how the world changed - or didn't change at all. I guess I don't tell anything strange if I refer to the end of the introduction: 'During this tense standoff, a shrouded figure emerged. One who had been watching the struggles of Naeisus unfold for many solars. Perhaps this figure would bring hope with it, or perhaps it only brought destruction...'
It immediately brings one question to mind: will it end in the same ways as volume I? I imagine that by volume III, Naeisus is safe (but at what cost?), but before we get there a lot of things may - and will - happen. Either way, at the start of volume II Naeisus is much the same as before. The alliance between the different races crumbled and the world returned to its old ways. So, each race keeps to itself and doesn't really trust the others, who regain their strength, obviously. It's like a modern arms race, but then set in the Naeisus universe.
In chapter 1 we meet what I assume is the new main character: a hooded figure we quickly learn his (or her) identity from. As expected, the adventures start again and since these involve the author's favorite character Levana, you can expect bloodshed, betrayal and everything else.
It's an interesting and fun rollercoaster with a few (smaller) surprises that are foreshadowed brilliantly. I liked the first book and I told Thomas I eagerly waited for part 2. Now all I can say is: where is part 3? Naeisus is a likeable world and if I'm honest, I probably like this one even better than the first one. I imagine Captain Levana has a large part in that.
If you want a good read while you wait for my book (30 July - yes, I know this isn't about me, but still), then this is the book you should read. Naeisus is worth the discovery as it is a diamond - and not one in the rough.
Thanks, Thomas. Now, go back to your desk and give me the next part. I want it.
It immediately brings one question to mind: will it end in the same ways as volume I? I imagine that by volume III, Naeisus is safe (but at what cost?), but before we get there a lot of things may - and will - happen. Either way, at the start of volume II Naeisus is much the same as before. The alliance between the different races crumbled and the world returned to its old ways. So, each race keeps to itself and doesn't really trust the others, who regain their strength, obviously. It's like a modern arms race, but then set in the Naeisus universe.
In chapter 1 we meet what I assume is the new main character: a hooded figure we quickly learn his (or her) identity from. As expected, the adventures start again and since these involve the author's favorite character Levana, you can expect bloodshed, betrayal and everything else.
It's an interesting and fun rollercoaster with a few (smaller) surprises that are foreshadowed brilliantly. I liked the first book and I told Thomas I eagerly waited for part 2. Now all I can say is: where is part 3? Naeisus is a likeable world and if I'm honest, I probably like this one even better than the first one. I imagine Captain Levana has a large part in that.
If you want a good read while you wait for my book (30 July - yes, I know this isn't about me, but still), then this is the book you should read. Naeisus is worth the discovery as it is a diamond - and not one in the rough.
Thanks, Thomas. Now, go back to your desk and give me the next part. I want it.
June 14, 2021
This book is quite the treat! First of all, the setting can very quickly envelop the reader into a very detailed scenario with its own tempo; the writing style allows you to picture the scenes with the vivid expression of a painting, and from start to finish, you may feel a sense of impending doom forever approaching, forever leaving you clinging to your seat. Perchance some readers may find it with a bit of a slower pace than usual, but the thrill is well worth the wait. All in all, it is a perfect recommendation to immerse oneself into the intricacies of dark fantasy.
June 14, 2021
Masterfully written second volume in this series. All you could want in a fantasy novel: well-rounded characters, political intrigue and armies clashing. It was fascinating learning more about the separate races - particularly more about the Marusi. In an attempt not to spoil anything - the cloaked figure (referenced also at end of volume 1) is my favourite character in this book. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
June 15, 2021
The Age of Reckoning: Vol. II is as hypnotically magical as Volume I. My return to Naeisus did not disappoint. And any fantasy world that has strong, kick $aa female characters gets my attention. This is dark fantasy as it should be. If you’re a fan of Tolkien, read the Naeisus series! You won’t be disappointed. Is it too much to hope for a continuation of this series? I hope not. Lay has hit it not only out of the park again with Volume II, but out of this world—straight to Naeisus.
November 11, 2025
I won't lie, an event early on in the book (no spoilers here) had me annoyed as it felt like a waste, but by the end I completely understood the decision, and I was drawn in and captivated.
Volume 2 takes all of the good from 1 and amplifies it. The world's lore is given more flesh to the bones, and the layers of intrigue ramp up and come to their fruition.
I also appreciate that, despite this obviously being the middle book of a trilogy, it has a distinct beginning, middle and end all of its own while still continuing the overarching plot of the series as a whole. It doesn't ever feel like someone has just cut a larger book down into smaller bites.
Volume 2 takes all of the good from 1 and amplifies it. The world's lore is given more flesh to the bones, and the layers of intrigue ramp up and come to their fruition.
I also appreciate that, despite this obviously being the middle book of a trilogy, it has a distinct beginning, middle and end all of its own while still continuing the overarching plot of the series as a whole. It doesn't ever feel like someone has just cut a larger book down into smaller bites.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews