Jara: Quest for the Dagger of Nystia

by Anthony Michael Salerno, Evie Salerno (Contributor), Tracy Salerno (Editor)

When Lady Jara of Dragon’s Reach was roused from sleep in order to receive the king’s trusted messenger, she never could have imagined how this one visit would change the trajectory of her life and what she thought she knew of her family’s history.

With her father away on a secretive expedition for King Ansel of Nerick, and her brother occupied elsewhere, Jara’s days are consumed with the mundane routines of her family seat and caring for her comatose mother. Sir Unul’s story tosses Jara’s ordered world into a maelstrom of unanswered questions as she realizes there is more to her family, her mother’s life and herself than she had been told. Unul’s visit propels Jara to the forefront of a war not only fought by men, but also shadows controlled by an ancient sorcerer determined to rule once and for all.

With little guidance and a leap of faith, Jara must learn to hone her newfound gifts in order to save the realm. Quickly learning who can be trusted, Jara builds a tight circle of companions willing to place their lives in danger for Jara and the future of Nerick.

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, T.H. White, George R.R. Martin and Marian Zimmer Bradley, Jara immerses the reader in a world of gritty battles, unbreakable friendships, magic; but, above all, the quest of self-actualization and growth. Jara can hold her own with the likes of Galadriel, Morgana le Fay, or Boudica.

Her story is just getting started…….

526 pages, Hardcover

Published August 18, 2022

About the author

Anthony has an extensive background writing screenplays and making films, some of which have won national awards. He has had a hand in writing some of the meditations on his wife Evie's meditation YouTube channel and is always pulling impromptu bedtime stories out of the air for his two daughters.

Anthony has a deep love for all things fantasy, magic, and medieval in nature.

Reviews

[Terry White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this more than I thought. A great strong female lead with a fun group of compatriots. The story kept me engaged and the love scenes didn’t overtake the story, and they were done tastefully (which is refreshing). It also had a satisfying ending. I’m hoping this becomes a series, I’d love to see where they go.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the imagery in this, really felt like I was there. Good balance of action and romance, some great giggles too. Going to be honest though, my heart broke at a *certain* point in the story, but it felt right, not just thrown in for the heck of it.