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Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed
A taut, riveting story set in a remarkable and entertaining world. - Kirkus
When bloodthirsty metal soldiers from the empire of Zaphyrelia infiltrate the divine barrier protecting the magically-infused oasis of Azahar, an unlikely hero is found in Dashiel Ermitage, a simple librarian's apprentice with a longing for adventure.
After a valiant battle, with the metallic menace finally defeated, Azahar faces a greater problem: the barrier that protects the land is weakening, leaving them vulnerable to their enemy.
Dashiel's wish for excitement becomes a reality when he is recruited to join the Cobalt Phantasms, an elite order that hopes to provide relief to the Zaphyrolean people suffering under a tyrannical rule. Armed with a mythical weapon and a childhood dream, he must leave Azahar and find a way to protect the town he loves on a journey that takes him through a wonderful but dangerous 19th-century world of flourishing machines and dwindling magic.
His new life, however, is threatened by a long-held secret that if shared, will end his adventuring.
Will Dashiel prove to be the hero Azahar needs to overcome their enemies, or will this closely guarded secret destroy his chances to save everything he holds dear?
When bloodthirsty metal soldiers from the empire of Zaphyrelia infiltrate the divine barrier protecting the magically-infused oasis of Azahar, an unlikely hero is found in Dashiel Ermitage, a simple librarian's apprentice with a longing for adventure.
After a valiant battle, with the metallic menace finally defeated, Azahar faces a greater problem: the barrier that protects the land is weakening, leaving them vulnerable to their enemy.
Dashiel's wish for excitement becomes a reality when he is recruited to join the Cobalt Phantasms, an elite order that hopes to provide relief to the Zaphyrolean people suffering under a tyrannical rule. Armed with a mythical weapon and a childhood dream, he must leave Azahar and find a way to protect the town he loves on a journey that takes him through a wonderful but dangerous 19th-century world of flourishing machines and dwindling magic.
His new life, however, is threatened by a long-held secret that if shared, will end his adventuring.
Will Dashiel prove to be the hero Azahar needs to overcome their enemies, or will this closely guarded secret destroy his chances to save everything he holds dear?
370 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2021
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 16, 2022
Originally published at Risingshadow
Tony M. Quintana's Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is an enjoyable and well-crafted YA debut fantasy novel with an entertaining story and charming characters. It's a fascinating combination of steampunk and high fantasy and will charm young adult and adult readers alike with its swiftly moving story.
Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed tells of Dashiel Ermitage, who becomes an unlikely hero of his hometown. Dashiel is a young man who's a librarian's assistant. One day, he witnesses how the protective barrier around Azahar has cracked and people think that Ochre Brigadiers - metal soldiers - might be behind the attack. When his friends are attacked by the Brigadiers and one of them is missing, he goes after him. When he rescues his friend, he is approached by members of a secret order, the Cobalt Phantasms, which is an elite order that provides relief to the Zaphyrolean people suffering under a tyrannical rule. He decides to join them, but his new life is threatened by a secret related to his health that, if exposed, could change everything for him...
I was impressed by the author's worldbuilding skills, because he has created a fascinating and vibrant fantasy world called the Empire of Zaphyrelia, which comes alive as Dashiel ventures outside his hometown. The events begin in Azahar, which is a place of beauty and serenity, because it is protected by a forest deity called Gailfaur. Things are, however, quite different beyond Azahar, because the Zaphyrelian people suffer under a tyranny posed by the emperor Abelon Asedia. The empire of Zaphyrelia has a fascinatingly 19th century feel to it and I enjoyed reading about the machines and dwindling magic.
I find the author's prose fluent and evocative, because he writes compellingly about the characters and especially about Dashiel. In Dashiel, he has created a believable protagonist who has to deal with problems and come to terms with what is happening around him and to him. It's intriguing to read about his adventures, because he's a likeable, sweet and also brave character who sometimes does foolish things, but never means any harm. He also has a big secret that could cause him severe problems, if somebody found out about it.
Sylvain Aurante is a well-created character and it was fascinating for me to read about him and his friendship with Dashiel. He quickly befriends Dashiel and teaches him many things, and he is very protective about his new friend. I also enjoyed reading about Sofia Spaigne, because she was a feisty character who had her own problems and wasn't at first entirely happy to train Dashiel, but learned to get along with him and began to warm up to him.
Dashiel, Sylvain and Sofia have a dynamic and engaging friendship. It's fun to read about their adventures and deeds, because the way they talk and behave with each other is reminiscent of real relationships between friends who are different from each other.
I was captivated by the Alferai race who are protected by guardian gargoyles. I won't reveal who they are, but the events involving them are fascinating. I think that many readers will find the Alferai intriguing.
One of things that I love about this novel is the author's genuine enthusiasm towards writing, because he evokes a sense of adventure and wonder that draws the reader into the story. He moves the story forward with ease, which makes for an entertaining read. This novel is basically a classic story about a young hero, but it differs from many similar kind of novels, because it's got plenty of heart and soul.
I was quite impressed by how the author writes about magic, because many things have been forgotten and only a few spells are known and mastering them requires patience and time. The author tells fascinatingly about how there used to be magic in the world, but now the secrets of the past seem to be lost and haven't been regained.
Before I finish this review, I want to mention that I look forward to reading the sequel, because this novel is an excellent and immersive start to a new series. There's something about this novel that vaguely reminds me of Martha Wells' Ile-Rien novels, but it's mostly wholly different from them and is aimed at younger readers.
If you love adventure stories, Tony M. Quintana's Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is worth checking out, because it's an entertaining novel with a likeable hero and it succeeds in catching the reader's attention from the very start.
Tony M. Quintana's Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is an enjoyable and well-crafted YA debut fantasy novel with an entertaining story and charming characters. It's a fascinating combination of steampunk and high fantasy and will charm young adult and adult readers alike with its swiftly moving story.
Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed tells of Dashiel Ermitage, who becomes an unlikely hero of his hometown. Dashiel is a young man who's a librarian's assistant. One day, he witnesses how the protective barrier around Azahar has cracked and people think that Ochre Brigadiers - metal soldiers - might be behind the attack. When his friends are attacked by the Brigadiers and one of them is missing, he goes after him. When he rescues his friend, he is approached by members of a secret order, the Cobalt Phantasms, which is an elite order that provides relief to the Zaphyrolean people suffering under a tyrannical rule. He decides to join them, but his new life is threatened by a secret related to his health that, if exposed, could change everything for him...
I was impressed by the author's worldbuilding skills, because he has created a fascinating and vibrant fantasy world called the Empire of Zaphyrelia, which comes alive as Dashiel ventures outside his hometown. The events begin in Azahar, which is a place of beauty and serenity, because it is protected by a forest deity called Gailfaur. Things are, however, quite different beyond Azahar, because the Zaphyrelian people suffer under a tyranny posed by the emperor Abelon Asedia. The empire of Zaphyrelia has a fascinatingly 19th century feel to it and I enjoyed reading about the machines and dwindling magic.
I find the author's prose fluent and evocative, because he writes compellingly about the characters and especially about Dashiel. In Dashiel, he has created a believable protagonist who has to deal with problems and come to terms with what is happening around him and to him. It's intriguing to read about his adventures, because he's a likeable, sweet and also brave character who sometimes does foolish things, but never means any harm. He also has a big secret that could cause him severe problems, if somebody found out about it.
Sylvain Aurante is a well-created character and it was fascinating for me to read about him and his friendship with Dashiel. He quickly befriends Dashiel and teaches him many things, and he is very protective about his new friend. I also enjoyed reading about Sofia Spaigne, because she was a feisty character who had her own problems and wasn't at first entirely happy to train Dashiel, but learned to get along with him and began to warm up to him.
Dashiel, Sylvain and Sofia have a dynamic and engaging friendship. It's fun to read about their adventures and deeds, because the way they talk and behave with each other is reminiscent of real relationships between friends who are different from each other.
I was captivated by the Alferai race who are protected by guardian gargoyles. I won't reveal who they are, but the events involving them are fascinating. I think that many readers will find the Alferai intriguing.
One of things that I love about this novel is the author's genuine enthusiasm towards writing, because he evokes a sense of adventure and wonder that draws the reader into the story. He moves the story forward with ease, which makes for an entertaining read. This novel is basically a classic story about a young hero, but it differs from many similar kind of novels, because it's got plenty of heart and soul.
I was quite impressed by how the author writes about magic, because many things have been forgotten and only a few spells are known and mastering them requires patience and time. The author tells fascinatingly about how there used to be magic in the world, but now the secrets of the past seem to be lost and haven't been regained.
Before I finish this review, I want to mention that I look forward to reading the sequel, because this novel is an excellent and immersive start to a new series. There's something about this novel that vaguely reminds me of Martha Wells' Ile-Rien novels, but it's mostly wholly different from them and is aimed at younger readers.
If you love adventure stories, Tony M. Quintana's Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed is worth checking out, because it's an entertaining novel with a likeable hero and it succeeds in catching the reader's attention from the very start.
February 11, 2022
Thanks to the author for the review copy! All thoughts are my own.
“I shall return to you soon, but I will not be the same. That is a promise.”
Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed was such an exciting read, I’m thrilled to be sharing my thoughts with you! The story plot was highly entertaining and the world building so fascinating (it’s a steampunk fantasy world!😍). Meet Dashiel, a librarian assistant that dreams to become one of the heroes from his favorite book. He has lived all his life in the small and beautiful town of Azahar, where his only worry was to make sure he never arrived late to his job to avoid the wrath of the owner of the library. Little did he know that his safe town would soon be interrupted by Ochre Brigadiers, shiny metallic bodies with ghostly eyes and expressionless faces , used by imperial enemies to interrupt the peaceful life of the inhabitants of Zaphyrelia. And in one night, Dashiel is forced to confront these creatures and somehow was successful to defeat them, which drew the attention to an organization of an elite order called the Cobalt Phantasms that would immediately change his life forever. And that’s how Dashiel’s story starts, full of adventure and charming storytelling that was impossible to put down!
First of all, I must mention how much I liked Dashiel.✨ He is so kind, sweet, brave and occasionally foolish, he’s a character impossible not to love. Traveling around the Zaphyrelia territory and experiencing through his eyes was one of my favorite aspects of this story. Since he came from such a small town, everything outside it was new to him, so it gives us a chance as a reader to learn everything as we traveled along with him including learning all about the Cobalt Phantasm organization. Some of his reactions were so fun, I loved it when he arrived to the first big city and how in awe he was. He also arrives to a school where he has to train to become an official member and to handle his doizemaster, which is a magical object that shifts into different weapons.
We get to meet so many amazing characters, but definitely my top favorites were Sylvain and Sofia.😍 I knew from the very beginning I was going to love Sylvain, he immediately befriends Dashiel and he couldn’t have found a better companion than him. He helped Dashiel in every step of the way and I just loved how fiercely protective he is. Now Sofia is like the opposite of Sylvain, at first I didn’t know what to think of her, but her explosive personality won me over. Dashiel’s and Sofia’s bantering was hilarious, they had me constantly laughing!
Aah, I just really loved this story, fantasy adventures will always be a favorite of mine! One moment we were exploring the beautiful countryside and the next learning about the harsh realities that this world is facing and the tyrants that the Cobalt Phantasms are so desperately trying to defeat. And after that ending, I’m really looking forward to keep reading this series and to see what’s next on Dashiel’s journey. ✨
“I shall return to you soon, but I will not be the same. That is a promise.”
Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed was such an exciting read, I’m thrilled to be sharing my thoughts with you! The story plot was highly entertaining and the world building so fascinating (it’s a steampunk fantasy world!😍). Meet Dashiel, a librarian assistant that dreams to become one of the heroes from his favorite book. He has lived all his life in the small and beautiful town of Azahar, where his only worry was to make sure he never arrived late to his job to avoid the wrath of the owner of the library. Little did he know that his safe town would soon be interrupted by Ochre Brigadiers, shiny metallic bodies with ghostly eyes and expressionless faces , used by imperial enemies to interrupt the peaceful life of the inhabitants of Zaphyrelia. And in one night, Dashiel is forced to confront these creatures and somehow was successful to defeat them, which drew the attention to an organization of an elite order called the Cobalt Phantasms that would immediately change his life forever. And that’s how Dashiel’s story starts, full of adventure and charming storytelling that was impossible to put down!
First of all, I must mention how much I liked Dashiel.✨ He is so kind, sweet, brave and occasionally foolish, he’s a character impossible not to love. Traveling around the Zaphyrelia territory and experiencing through his eyes was one of my favorite aspects of this story. Since he came from such a small town, everything outside it was new to him, so it gives us a chance as a reader to learn everything as we traveled along with him including learning all about the Cobalt Phantasm organization. Some of his reactions were so fun, I loved it when he arrived to the first big city and how in awe he was. He also arrives to a school where he has to train to become an official member and to handle his doizemaster, which is a magical object that shifts into different weapons.
We get to meet so many amazing characters, but definitely my top favorites were Sylvain and Sofia.😍 I knew from the very beginning I was going to love Sylvain, he immediately befriends Dashiel and he couldn’t have found a better companion than him. He helped Dashiel in every step of the way and I just loved how fiercely protective he is. Now Sofia is like the opposite of Sylvain, at first I didn’t know what to think of her, but her explosive personality won me over. Dashiel’s and Sofia’s bantering was hilarious, they had me constantly laughing!
Aah, I just really loved this story, fantasy adventures will always be a favorite of mine! One moment we were exploring the beautiful countryside and the next learning about the harsh realities that this world is facing and the tyrants that the Cobalt Phantasms are so desperately trying to defeat. And after that ending, I’m really looking forward to keep reading this series and to see what’s next on Dashiel’s journey. ✨
November 29, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from Smith Publicity. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed
Author: Tony M. Quintana
Book Series: Standalone for now
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy
Publication Date: November 16, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, gore)
Explanation of CWs: There is some fighting and magic violence and some gore.
Publisher: Crystal Carriage Publishing LLC
Pages: 370
Synopsis: When bloodthirsty metal soldiers from the empire of Zaphyrelia infiltrate the divine barrier protecting the magically-infused oasis of Azahar, an unlikely hero is found in Dashiel Ermitage, a simple librarian's apprentice with a longing for adventure.
After a valiant battle, with the metallic menace finally defeated, Azahar faces a greater problem: the barrier that protects the land is weakening, leaving them vulnerable to their enemy.
Dashiel's wish for excitement becomes a reality when he is recruited to join the Cobalt Phantasms, an elite order that hopes to provide relief to the Zaphyrolean people suffering under a tyrannical rule. Armed with a mythical weapon and a childhood dream, he must leave Azahar and find a way to protect the town he loves on a journey that takes him through a wonderful but dangerous 19th-century world of flourishing machines and dwindling magic.
His new life, however, is threatened by a long-held secret that if shared, will end his adventuring.
Will Dashiel prove to be the hero Azahar needs to overcome their enemies, or will this closely guarded secret destroy his chances to save everything he holds dear?
Review: For the most part I really liked this one! I thought that the magic system was great and it was a fun read. The relationships between the characters was where the story shined and it was so fun to read their dialog. The character development was well done and the world building was phenomenal. The story is also very strong plot wise and I enjoyed the writing.
The only issue I had with the book is that it felt a little unevenly paced in some places in the book, but other than that it was well done!
Verdict: I recommend for the fantasy lovers!
Book: Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed
Author: Tony M. Quintana
Book Series: Standalone for now
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy
Publication Date: November 16, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, gore)
Explanation of CWs: There is some fighting and magic violence and some gore.
Publisher: Crystal Carriage Publishing LLC
Pages: 370
Synopsis: When bloodthirsty metal soldiers from the empire of Zaphyrelia infiltrate the divine barrier protecting the magically-infused oasis of Azahar, an unlikely hero is found in Dashiel Ermitage, a simple librarian's apprentice with a longing for adventure.
After a valiant battle, with the metallic menace finally defeated, Azahar faces a greater problem: the barrier that protects the land is weakening, leaving them vulnerable to their enemy.
Dashiel's wish for excitement becomes a reality when he is recruited to join the Cobalt Phantasms, an elite order that hopes to provide relief to the Zaphyrolean people suffering under a tyrannical rule. Armed with a mythical weapon and a childhood dream, he must leave Azahar and find a way to protect the town he loves on a journey that takes him through a wonderful but dangerous 19th-century world of flourishing machines and dwindling magic.
His new life, however, is threatened by a long-held secret that if shared, will end his adventuring.
Will Dashiel prove to be the hero Azahar needs to overcome their enemies, or will this closely guarded secret destroy his chances to save everything he holds dear?
Review: For the most part I really liked this one! I thought that the magic system was great and it was a fun read. The relationships between the characters was where the story shined and it was so fun to read their dialog. The character development was well done and the world building was phenomenal. The story is also very strong plot wise and I enjoyed the writing.
The only issue I had with the book is that it felt a little unevenly paced in some places in the book, but other than that it was well done!
Verdict: I recommend for the fantasy lovers!
March 4, 2022
A great read with a little bit of this and a little bit of that
Very imaginative. Well-written. Compelling. This is a great book and great read. Really enjoyed the blending of fantasy on the back of human history. Also like the setting and feeling of the 19th century where characters walk around with guns, people travel by train but at the same time there is magical battles, elves and gargoyles. Nice world building and was hooked by the whole steam-punk tech of the story. First effort of a series.
Very imaginative. Well-written. Compelling. This is a great book and great read. Really enjoyed the blending of fantasy on the back of human history. Also like the setting and feeling of the 19th century where characters walk around with guns, people travel by train but at the same time there is magical battles, elves and gargoyles. Nice world building and was hooked by the whole steam-punk tech of the story. First effort of a series.
October 3, 2021
Received as a review copy from NetGalley, this is an honest review. This book is deeply intriguing with the way the author paints the fantastic world that Dashiel lives in. His desire for an epic adventure outside of his job as librarian apprentice wonderfully sets a chain of a events that puts himself into a whole lot of trouble. It's also the united bonds he finds through new friends that enables them to stand up against the harrowing darkness coating their world.
December 20, 2021
I received this book for honest review.
This is the first time reading from this author.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next book.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This was a fast read and short. It also go for teens age 13 and up. I think they would enjoy this one. Unbelievable Adventure!
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
I highly recommend!
This is the first time reading from this author.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next book.
The storyline was very good!
The theme and setting was well put together. The characters was well put together in the story.
This was a fast read and short. It also go for teens age 13 and up. I think they would enjoy this one. Unbelievable Adventure!
Was so well put in the story.
Everything all in one book.
I highly recommend!
February 14, 2022
Doizemaster was a refreshing and exciting journey. I enjoyed the number of details, character development and storytelling that Tony shared in what I believe is his first public work. I found particularly interesting that there were many characters whom I could sympathize with, empathize with their struggles, and rejoice with their victories.
I can say that it was a fun read and I hope I can get more stories from Dashiel and company soon!
I can say that it was a fun read and I hope I can get more stories from Dashiel and company soon!
November 19, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. The author gorgeously combined elements of fantasy and history to create an entertaining magical world. Fell in love with the characters, specially the strong and funny ones like Sofia. I wish wish there was more of her.
January 17, 2022
Doizemaster: Phantasm Creed was such a refreshing read. The writing was beautiful, and the interactions between the characters (especially Sofia and Dashiel) were formidable. I hope Dashiel’s story continues in a sequel.
February 3, 2022
Deep Fantasy and Elaborate
What an amazing ride! Very in depth world building, backstory, and dynamic characterization! Dashiel, a librarian's apprentice, works to save the realm but is threatened by his past. Good read, we’ll written! Beautiful cover.
What an amazing ride! Very in depth world building, backstory, and dynamic characterization! Dashiel, a librarian's apprentice, works to save the realm but is threatened by his past. Good read, we’ll written! Beautiful cover.
June 4, 2022
Fun and Fantastical
An interesting story in a lovely setting. I hope this author goes further in his career and produces more stories like this.
An interesting story in a lovely setting. I hope this author goes further in his career and produces more stories like this.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews