Defenders of Myth: Beginnings

by Michael Gisman

Myths spread their shadow across the land as legends creep from the dark of night. Some seek refuge. Others seek destruction and death. As they emerge from the darkness, they prowl the lands in search of those who would oppose them. Meanwhile, something hidden, buried in the shadows, hungers for release…

A young man, Kalend, raised in a militaristic monastery without ever knowing who his parents were, is forced to flee that home by Warlocks and creatures from the mists of those myths.

During his flight, Kalend comes face to face with a twin sister he never knew existed.

A young woman, Hollilea, raised in the mountains by witches to learn the art of magic from another world, struggles to realize her full powers while being hunted by monsters from legend.

Myths and legends have seeped from an unknown world into theirs…and they bring chaos. A hidden hand has yet to reveal itself or its true designs as it desperately seeks the siblings.

Brother and sister must unite, for only together can they face their true calling.

Only together can they face the darkness closing in on their world.

Drawn into an ages-old struggle, and as allies and foes from their world and another much older one gather around them, they confront the emerging evil and their destiny.

Worlds converge as magic, armies, and creatures are unleashed on both sides.

Our world and their world. Myths and legends. Darkness spreads over all.

Celtic, Arthurian, Greek, and other legends from two worlds, ours and theirs, mixed with sword and sorcery, are weaved into a coming-of-age adventure story.

Genres: Fantasy

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Michael Gisman lives in South Carolina with his wife under the Carolina blue skies.

An avid reader since grade school, he started with adventure stories and quickly moved into fantasy and science fiction. As a kid, one of his first favorite books was “My side of the Mountain” by Jean George. He enjoys sports, both playing and watching. He earned the rank of Sandan (3rd-degree black belt) in Shinshin Toistu Aikido. He also enjoys Southern BBQ and is a certified BBQ judge for the SC BBQ Association.

Some of his passions are collecting fantasy books, music, and the great outdoors. He also enjoys attending Renaissance festivals. Rush is his favorite band. He loves camping and sitting by the fire while looking at the stars.

…and at the end of the day, he enjoys relaxing on his deck while listening to music.

Reviews

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another coming of age tale that I personally am tired of but thought I’d check this out anyway. The MC was younger and more innocent than I expected. 🥴 The one character I did like was Loquintas. I’m sure I screwed up on his name 🤷🏻‍♀️ He was fun. Not a bad story all in all.

[Jim Gutzwiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defenders of Myth: Beginnings

It truly was a beginning. We got introduced to our merry band of adventurers, met the enemy, did some adventures.

More to come in book 2, will have to see how it goes. The authors style leaves some gaps in the plotlines, but, was good enough for a first story.

Thank you!

[Nicole Nalley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a decent first novel. I think the author definitely has potential. He has a wonderful ability to write beautifully descriptive passages that let you really see the setting. I liked most of the main characters, but wish they could have been a little more fully developed. Kalend and Hollilea seemed to mature into their abilities a little too quickly. The action was a little disjointed as the protagonists seemed to fall into one problem after another without any real explanation as to how their hunters continued to find them. I think this aspect would have benefitted from a little more fleshing out. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, but I think more actual dialog, instead of just descriptions of conversations, would help the reader feel more like a part of the story and would have offered useful insights into the characters. I also thought that versions of the phrase “and they/he thought/talked about all that had occurred” was used way too often. As a reader, I would have liked to have known the characters’ specific thoughts or conversations in some of these situations as that would have been a great way to show character development. I enjoyed the plot of the story, and didn’t mind the cliffhanger at the end since I already knew there would be a second novel. I am hoping in the second book there will be an explanation of why Kalend and Hollilea are the chosen ones, and more background is given for all the characters. I do plan on reading the rest of this series and look forward to watching the author's writing progress.

To chat about this book or any others I've reviewed, please check out my blog at www.musingsbibliophile.com.

[Marsha Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

well-written but needs a copy editor. There were a number of minor errors, such so sentence fragments and spelling errors which occasionally disrupted the flow of the novel. The characters are nicely rounded, and the plot is moving forward. The book does not really have a satisfying ending as it leads too obviously to book 2. The final words are, "I guess it's time."

[Gene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enough action with enough questions as to what comes next kept me flipping the pages. The main characters head out quickly and there are just enough tidbits scattered through out the book that indicate all is not as it seems. Throw in some interesting magic and creatures...and overall a good read.

[Simon Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I was not sure if I would like this book but in the end I was sorry when it finished. It is a book you can lose yourself in for a while can't wait for the next one

I

[William Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice new take on magic

I really enjoyed reading this book. I could relate to some of the principle characters.I am going for many more stories set in this universe.

[Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

This is a fun read. Great plot with twists and turns recommend for those who love David Eddings. Have fun reading this jewel

[Geoffery Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginnings

Light and easy read in the vain of David eddings
going on to read the next instalment bought the 2nd and 3rd

[Karen Race · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start

Well written,good vocabulary and characters. Pace and storyline so far ok . Still want to read the rest of the series. Just too many coincidences is my only issue.

[Susan]

Great read

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Lots of different characters and different magic system. It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.

[Steve B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good pacing and entertaining read. Enjoyed the world created and the characters. A fun adventure with swords and sorcery in a world that may not be all that it seems. The story got going quick enough and kept me wanting to see what would come next. Looking forward to the next book.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This is the first fantasy I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I like Michael’s style, and the story kept me interested all the way through. Now I’m ready for his next book.

[Phil · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has all the makings of a good story but for some reason I was having trouble getting into it. It finally hit me what it was. I just did not care about the characters. Their personalities seemed a bit bland to me. I really thought more character development was needed. I know a bit of their background but I want to know more about them. What are their likes, dislikes, flaws, what motivates them. Maybe it is just me, maybe just personal preference. This book has gotten some really good reviews and I do think It has a lot of potential. I will most likely pick up book 2 in the series. This book did start picking up at about page 250. Maybe I will become more invested in the characters in book 2

[John Lars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining. Enjoyable characters and good development. Finished the next two books and they are in the vein of Raymond Feist.