☆ 2023 Readers' Favorite Book Award Winner ☆ 2023 New York City Big Book Award Winner ☆ 2023 Pinnacle Book Award for Fantasy Winner ☆ 2023 The BookFest Gold Award Winner ☆ 2023 Feathered Quill Silver Award Winner ☆ 2023 Feathered Quill Reviewer's Choice Awards Winner ☆ 2022 Literary Titan Book Award Winner
A radio station that doesn't officially exist A mysterious circle whose members possess incredible abilities One fateful night to save mankind
Michael Baker, a down on his luck writer, finds himself drawn to an eccentric little hotel that shelters an ancient secret. When a badly injured woman materializes in his apartment later that day, he discovers that he is part of something far more fantastic than anything he could have ever written. The Palladium is a non-stop roller-coaster ride that combines urban fantasy with elements of Greek mythology and Dante’s Inferno to create a fantastic adventure unlike any other. Expect the unexpected...
"The Palladium breathes new life into a familiar premise, thanks to Thorsten Brandl's wicked imagination. A page turning fantasy... highly recommended for lovers of urban fantasy. It's a blast." - Readers' Favorite
"A fast-paced fantasy thriller... the author is skilled at mystifying and setting up cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, making this book hard to put down. The Palladium is as thought-provoking as it is suspenseful, giving readers a unique, vicarious experience of the battle between primordial good versus evil." - Feathered Quill
Michael Baker never really felt like he fit into the world. Adrift and down, he hears Radio Palladium host a challenge to win money. Michael finds himself in a strange hotel, looking for a station that may or may not exist, on a hidden floor. His life is about to change forever! Followed home by a dog, an appearance of an injured woman, Michael is launched on a rollercoaster ride of a journey, joining a fight that has been going on, unbeknownst to him and the majority of the world, for centuries. Sometimes we discover our destinies in the most unlikely of places, and sometimes a piece of chalk is more powerful than it would seem.
I was chosen as a beta reader for this book and it was an honor to read it early! The Palladium is Greek mythology, meets urban fantasy, with sci-fi elements. It was honestly one of the most creative plots I have EVER read! I wish I could discuss the plot, surprises and details in more depth, but I don’t want to give anything away. Trust me when I say author Thorsten Brandl intertwines so many elements in such a creative way, into an absolutely riveting story! It was very exciting, fast-paced and you want to know what’s going to happen next. Elements from the beginning click in the end, there are some amazing quotes sprinkled throughout, and the creativity is beyond anything I could have imagined myself. Readers may recognize mythological and historical figures, tying those into the modern world (well, late 90’s). Which was cool. I originally rated this 4 stars instead of 5 because it is very plot-driven and action heavy, which left me feeling disconnected from Michael. I was along for the ride, as opposed to being connected to the MC. I changed it to 5 stars after sitting on it for a few days because it just sticks in your head so much and the concepts are just so wow! I concluded that it doesn’t have to be character-driven and have me super emotionally connected to the MC. Sometimes it’s refreshing to be in for one wild ride, and this sure accomplishes that! Brilliant writing and brilliant story!
Thanks to the author and publishing company for providing me with this ARC and sending some sweet merch along with it!!!
What would you do if you were suddenly told you have been chosen as a piece in a twisted game based on an ancient contract between a divine being and the realms of hell. A sort of chess game against overwhelming odds, with the fate of humanity as a whole hanging in the balance. A game in which your actions are supposed to determine much more than a check mate?
Would you get the hell out of dodge because that certain someone is definitely off their rocker? Or Believe and accept it, then do your best?
This is the question Michael Baker is faced with here. A down on his luck writer, who found himself drawn to an eccentric little hotel sheltering an ancient secret. He is all of a sudden forced to re-evaluate his beliefs and accept the impossible because, whether he likes it or not, he has no choice but to play. For the Palladium and for the world.
This is how Michael's story begins. One that had me hooked from the very first chapter and kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the night because I simply had to know what comes next. I'm not gonna tell you more about the plot because it's best you go into this blind and enjoy the ride, one clueless step at a time, alongside Michael. But I will tell you what to expect.
A fast paced edge of the seat adventure featuring a group of famous historical persons and mythological creatures that spans the boundaries of time and sort of erases the line between what's possible and impossible. A game of chance with choices more often than not based on desperation. Old-school warriors of the unfortunate kind that would never back down even if they knew they were fighting for a lost cause.
Vivid high-octane action scenes that make streets and buildings look like a playground from hell. A fascinating mystery to unravel, with so many little strands carefully interwoven to keep you on your toes till the very last chapter then give you a big reveal you will absolutely not see coming. And a hell lot more.
Palladium is one of the most unique books I have ever read and hands down one of the most intriguing.
A non-stop roller-coaster ride that combines urban fantasy with elements of Greek mythology and Dante’s Inferno to create a fantastic adventure unlike any other - according to the blurb.
A damn fine mix of edge-of-the-seat action-jam-packed urban fantasy with a touch of mythology and more than a few toes dipped into Dante's Inferno - according to me.
From wordbuilding to character development, narrative pace and prose, to plot and amped tension, you'll be hard pressed to find something to complain about. The author does a great job with them all. And don't even let me get started on the creativity and imagination buried in the pages here. Chef's kiss all the way. And I mean it!
Brilliant storytelling, a fascinating plot, irresistible mystery and badass awesome characters. This book has it all and more. It's a damn fine read and... hands down one of the best books I've read this year.
If you love urban fantasy and intriguing mysteries, give Palladium a try and you won't be disappointed. It might just blow all your expectations out of the water so... Expect the unexpected.
My expectations were middle-of-the-road for this one, and oh my gosh did it blow those out of the water! I’ve never enjoyed an ARC read so much as I did this one! I have a few critiques, but overall, this was a very well-written novel and I highly recommend it. The only reason I haven't rated this with five stars is because of the romantic subplot not being to my taste and because of the minor grammatical/spelling errors.
It’s not initially obvious, but this book takes place in Germany in 1996 (the epilogue takes place in 2021). It is mentioned that the characters are speaking in German, as one character is distinctly described to switch to “perfect English” when speaking to Michael, who lived in America for a while.
The characters were all delightful and believable to read, though my biggest criticism comes from the romantic interests within this book. It delves into soulmates, and while I’m not averse to romance in books, I am averse to that. I don’t believe in soulmates as a concept except in books where the plot revolves around the idea. If the book is mainly action, adventure, or otherwise, I don’t like it.
The main character, Michael, and the ensemble around him were interesting. Michael was a great protagonist, not overly powerful but still special enough to be the Chosen One, as it were. He spent a lot of time being confused so the reader could learn things alongside him, and I liked that it wasn’t overly expositional as it divulged this important information. As for the rest of the cast, I was reminded heavily of Michael Scott’s The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, in which gods and monsters and historical figures were used in the story. I liked the idea of these people being in the story, and while I’m not a history buff, it seemed to me that the author did his research.
The overall quality of the novel was good, but I found quite a few mistakes that slipped passed editing. It is written in third person limited, giving the reader insight into Michael’s thoughts though not relying on an unreliable narrator. At times, it focuses on other characters, specifically keeping them in shadows so the reader doesn’t have a clear idea of what’s going on—only some clues.
As I mentioned above, this novel surprisingly blew my expectations out of the water. It’s not often that I’m excited to read a sequel, but I’m genuinely curious as to where this story is going, and I will for sure be awaiting the next book by Thorsten Brandl. This is a great book for people who like to read books with mythical historical figures. I found hints of Percy Jackson, the Night at the Museum movie series, and video game mechanics throughout the story, all meshed together in a fun and dangerous adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Palladium is filled with elements from Dante’s Inferno, Greek mythology, urban fantasy and sci fi. While not my normal genre, this is one that I couldn’t put down. I will give you one better, after I read this I knew I had to buy it to keep it on my shelves because there will be more. The awards this book got are completely validated. A book filled with adventure (adult aged adventure) and some of my favorite historical characters including Billy The Kid and Joan of Arc. The descriptions of the people, places and actions on these pages were nothing short of cinematic. Get ready to cheer on Michael Baker and more importantly Shiksha! (you will love the dog)
• First of all I want to thank Thorsten for giving me the pleasure of beta-reading this book and for the infinite kindness shown in the process that reading and discussing a book brings to the table.
∆ When he first posted about the cover (isn't it gorgeous?) And the blurb, I was immediately attracted to the concept of this book. This book promised a little bit of Dante's inferno and Greek mythology among other things. So, of course, you can't blame a girl for falling in love 😫. But you know how books always promise things that sometimes they don't deliver? Well, forget about that fear. This one was everything I was expecting, wait, no. It was more! In this book, we follow Michael, a writer navigating a not-so-good moment, how he fits in the weirdest conceived gang I have ever read, the one that sealed my undying love for this book. I wish I could say more about this but I don't want to ruin the experience of discovering about each member. But I can say that three of my most loved figures appear in this book. So yeah, this book has it all. Love, friendship, purpose, and an amazing power system. On top of that, the writing is just la créme de la créme.
What a fantastic read! You had action, adventure, a secret society and a slew of mythological and historical figures! It was so much fun to read a modern day story with figures from the past! I had so much fun reading this! I highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers, fantasy lovers and anyone who love fiction in general!!
The Palladium follows a dispirited and lonely writer who’s trying to find his way back into life. He is lured to a bizarre hotel by the promise of a cash prize from a pirate radio station. With a bit of help from a curious bell hop, he stumbles into Wonderland just like Alice. From that moment on his life takes a series of supernatural turns, from slight to outlandish, that sets him on a wild and immensely entertaining journey. When a supernatural portal materializes in his living room and a woman jumps out and punches him in the chin, I knew I was hooked.
“Imagine it as a twisted game based on an ancient contract between a divine being and the realms of hell. And every person on this … planet, alive or dead, is not only a potential player but also the bet.” - The Palladium
Author Thorsten Brandl has created a story with an innate sense of mystery and intrigue. This urban fantasy novel exudes magic, action, and adventure throughout. Readers follow two main protagonists who separately are thrust into surreal situations before eventually coming together to embark on an epic journey.
I was enthralled with Michael’s story from the beginning. There was a palpable air of intrigue that was so fascinating. While I was a bit confused by the POV switch between chapters, I was excited to see that Cleo and Michael’s storylines collide. The story immerses the reader in the action and starts building the world’s lore right from the beginning. There are so many questions built into the storyline which, even when answered, lead to further questions. This left me always wanting to know.
Creative imagery and powerful metaphors are two elements that really stand out in this book. This is a unique urban fantasy novel with some intriguing mystical elements that is hard to put down. The writing is inventive and gives the whole story a magical atmosphere. There are many elements and locations throughout that are enhanced by the authors use of vivid imagery. Every character in the story has their own unique flair or feel. What’s interesting, and a nod to the authors writing talent, is that the characters are rarely simply described. Their uniqueness comes about naturally and through the story, which gives them surprising depth that I always relished.
The Palladium is wonderfully written and wildly imaginative. Thorsten Brandl’s novel reminds me of Jordanna Max Brodsky extraordinary reimagining of Greek mythology in her book ‘The Immortals’, but with the inherent fun of Dan Hanks ‘Swashbucklers’ novel. I heartily recommend this slick adventure novel for its creative use of mythology, history, exceptional character building, and relentlessly entertaining plot.
(I received a complimentary review copy of this novel from the author via Voracious Readers Only)
After giving up on the last book I tried to read, I wanted something that I could sink my teeth into and this book definitely delivered. From the first chapter I was hooked and intrigued! This book is exciting and dramatic and I loved its ideas and concept. I don't want to give anything away, but there were a few plot twists that completely surprised me and that I absolutely loved. I think this author writes very well, and I particularly appreciated the way the fight scenes were written. They were easy to follow and picture in my mind while still being very exciting and high stakes.
I loved that The reader found out about what was going along with the main character Michael. The story’s mix of myths, legends and what is true or not was fabulous. The story developed at a good pace and had you wanting to know what would happen next. Loved that Medusa got a happy ending and that the hero’s were given a second chance to defend earth. Would recommend reading this book if you love suspense, mythology, history and fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a great read for a snowy weekend in the cabin. I enjoyed the connection to the authors other book but this one stood on its own ( you don't have have read the other to enjoy). The author gave a story and life to mythical figures we all know in a fun modern way. I like the knod to his other book in the origin of the camera *wink*.. and look forward to seeing where the author goes next.
Palladium by Thorston Brandl is an urban fantasy novel that combines elements of Greek mythology with Dante's Inferno to create a thrilling and action-packed adventure. The story follows Michael Baker, a struggling writer who discovers an ancient secret and becomes embroiled in a battle to save mankind.
From the opening pages, the book grabs the reader's attention and never lets go. The story is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed and likable, and the mix of historical figures and legends adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
The author's use of mythology and fantasy elements is creative and well-executed, and the story is filled with plenty of surprises and unexpected turns. There are also moments of humor and romance that help to balance out the darker and more intense elements of the story.
Overall, Palladium is an enjoyable and engaging read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy, Greek mythology, and action-packed adventure stories. While it may not be for everyone, those who enjoy fast-paced, thrilling reads will find plenty to enjoy here. I would give this book 4 stars and recommend it to readers looking for a fun and exciting escape from reality
Wow! what happens now? Can someone make this a movie please!?
This was one of the most creative plots I have read, and i was absolutely hooked from the first chapter!
The Palladium is a fast-paced urban fantasy that combines elements of Greek mythology, demons, history, dantes inferno, and golden retrievers 🐶!
I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book, and I especially loved all the characters. Thorsten really gives a mix of historical and mythological characters in such a unique setting and does a great job in telling the story.
Overall, it was a fast-paced entertaining read that I highly recommend, and I'll definitely be reading more from Thorsten Brandl!
I enjoyed this book. Went in without any expectations and came out having been on an epic adventure. I totally believe the author, that the idea for this book came from a dream as the book had some very dream like qualities. Unique characters from the past and from legends. Strange portals and viscous demons. And the fact it was some other world game with rules and special powers, made for an exciting read. The writing was good and I enjoyed the story. The final battle was absolutely epic and really made the whole story top notch! I recommend this book to anyone looking for something a bit different than the usual “epic fantasy” and anyone who enjoys exciting good vs. evil battles for the fate of the world! I received this book from the author through Voracious Readers Only.
***I won a copy of this book through a LibraryThings's Early Reviewers Giveaway. My review is strictly voluntary.***
Reading this book was like finding a wonderfully surreal movie on a late late show that seems like a dream once you wake up in the morning. And that's meant in a good, totally awesome way. Books like this only come around once in a blue moon. So how to describe it? Well, you can't really. Maybe I could say it's a mythological time travel sci-fi fantasy dramatic love story, with lots of kick-ass action and adventure thrown in. Oh, and there's a dog. So there you have it. You'll either love it or you won't. I loved it.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙪𝙢 begins by introducing us to Michael Baker, a writer who uprooted his life in the United States to care for his ailing father in Germany. He finds himself at a swanky hotel known as The Orchids in his search to find a radio station that has a $500 prize just for showing up and repeating an odd phrase. He finds it and a whole lot more than he bargained for.
This is definitely a fast paced plot. Michael is a pretty sympathetic character and acts as the readers' window into all of the fantastical events that occur because he, much like us, is going in blind. All of the characters are easy to like which is always a plus.
The world building is a tiny bit too slow to start, but trust the process. Everything starts falling into place quickly as the story goes. Michael gets thrown in the deep end and thus so do we.
If you're looking for an action packed, fast paced urban fantasy to fall into, let it be this one. If possible, go in blind. It makes the experience that much better. I happily give 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙪𝙢 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I thought this book was pretty good. The basis of the story is that there is a group of beings that were evil while on Earth but have gotten a second chance to make things right. This group is called the Circle. They all have Greek letters designating who they are from Alpha to Omega. This group is to protect the Earth from demons and evil. The story starts at the End of Days. Michael Baker is an ordinary man who is desperate for money and hears on the radio that he can win $500 if he just comes to the radio station to claim it. He goes to the station and thus starts the series of events for the End of Days.
Sometimes life can be stranger than fiction. This was the case for the down-on-his-luck writer, Michael Baker. His adventure begins while looking for a radio station that doesn’t exist in the hope of claiming a prize promised. Lost and cold, Michael stumbles into the lobby of an expensive-looking hotel. This would be his initiation into a secret circle engaged in the ultimate battle between good and evil. Nothing Michael wrote in his fantasy stories could prepare him. Michael found himself fighting alongside historical and mythical warriors for the fate of humankind.
The Palladium is Thorsten Brandl’s second independently published novel. High in action and drama, this epic adventure is a real page-turner. Brandl offers a lot to the reader. From battles of good versus evil to Greek mythology, a bit of history, art appreciation, and a little Dante thrown in. Even though this book can be predictable at times, Brandl’s descriptive style and thrilling fight scenes pique the reader’s interest. Brandl offers a cast of memorable characters and much peril in this dream-like saga. Join Michael as he struggles against the hordes from hell in The Palladium.
The suspense is a work of art. I really liked how I was constantly and pleasantly surprised and then practically crying about the tragedies. Very well done and definitely a book that is not easily put down. Thank you!
Quite a wonderful twist on mythology,fantasy,sci-fi and one I hope will be part of a series. One of those I picked up with no real expectation......and then couldn't put down. Well done!
A solid 4 Stars for the storyline, mix of historical and mythological characters, action, and unique setup (and the awesome golden retriever sidekick). Although I love the idea of the MC and his love interest, I'd give 3 stars for the instalove. Intriguing book for sure, definitely a good start to a possible series.
Ok this book was so unexpectedly good. It's fast paced and it just keeps coming at you. I predicted none of it! It's a wild ride that feels like someone's dream written down on paper. It was so fun I devoured it.
Michael is just your regular guy with a heart of gold, not having a clue what to do but that doesn’t stop him from trying to save the world.
I received my copy from Love Book Tours as part of a promotional campaign and I so excited I signed up for this one!
This one was pure excitement from start to finish. I didn't know what was going to happen next!
Our main character, Michael Baker, an ordinary American ex-pat in the UK, follows a mysterious radio cast that very few others seem to hear to a hotel filled with wild, fantastical soldiers of God. This urban fantasy adventure is so wild, and so fantastic! I love that the author has taken the chosen one trope and actual applied it to an adult! That seems to be a pretty rare feat, mostly taken on in the young adult genre. Though, I guess there are other examples, now that I think of it. But I still appreciate adult fantasy books, it's always nice to see people closer to my own age getting their call to adventure.
It was also nice to see fresh characters called to the scene, and such a mixture! From Cleopatra and Medusa to Billy the Kid and Joan of Arc, you never knew who might show up next to join the party! And the quintessential fight of good against evil, not knowing if good was going to win - because really, good never seems to have the advantage does it? And it always seems to land on the lap of some ordinary guy with no real special skills. I really think someone needs to work on that system.
I really enjoyed the characterizations and the relationships between the members of the group. Especially considering the length of some of those relationships, the tension and love between them seemed very believable - as much as we mere mortals could possibly understand since we can't fathom such long lives. I especially enjoyed Joan, Medusa, and Lynch. And, of couse, Shiksha. But if you don't like the dog, who even are you?
I also really enjoyed the travel technology in this one. It seemed unique and fun to me. I don't like spoilers so I won't say more.
If you love a fast-past urban fantasy that doesn’t have a dull moment, you will love this one. It also features a ton of historical figures in a new light.
Content Warnings: Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Religious Idelogies
Be prepared for your expectations to fully be exceeded.
Having thrillers and true crime at the top of my genre list with a subtle dabble in fantasy every now and then, The Palladium captured my attention like no other. Thorston Brandl incorporated elements of Greek mythology and Dante's Inferno to create a truly one-of-a-kind urban fantasy adventure. Readers embark on a journey of following struggling writer, Michael Baker, as he discovers an ancient secret and races to save mankind.
This book grabbed me from the get-go, and I found myself not being able to put it down. There are twists, turns, and everything in between that makes it an enjoyable read for all. The characters are well-developed in which readers will quickly find themselves becoming attached. The elements of mythology and fantasy incorporated throughout make the story that much more complex and creative.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Palladium, and it has inspired me to check out other books in the urban fantasy genre. If you're a lover of urban fantasy, Greek mythology, and edge-of-your seat adventure stories, this is for you!
This book was different. The storyline was totally fantastical and I loved the addition of a wide range of historical figures and mythical creatures. The characters were fun and the story was intense and action packed. The concept of a secret society of historical figures who have been around for hundreds of years due to a second chance at life, to protect society from hordes of demons (gasps for air) was super fun and I was definitely in it. The only thing for me was I didn't feel the passion between Medusa and Michael and I really wanted to. I could tell how much she loved him but the whole soul mate thing just didn't jump out at me. But honestly with everything else going on in the book I was kept pretty busy. Thanks so much to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this book as it was not something I normally would've picked up but I will definitely be following the author from here on out.
I didn’t really know what to expect from this book, but it was incredibly fun! It took me a bit to get what was going on but as soon as that happened it was a fantastic ride! There is an incredible amount of details and world building built into a shorter book and it is done beautifully! The information when introduced is surprising and entertaining but never overwhelming. The cast of characters is really interesting and fantastical. Michael Baker is our main character, the chosen one who is ordinary and nothing special, but turns out to be exactly who is needed. The only thing that threw me off was the romantic subplot. And while I’m not the biggest fan of it, I don’t hate it either 😂 There is so much I could say about The Palladium but I’m not sure how to do it without spoilers. So I will leave it with you should read it and then read the next one as well! Which is my plan now 😂
This book is brilliant! Wow. First of all the storyline and concept are just so good. The opening page of the book says it was based on a real dream, I really hope that it true!
The story cleverly weaves together elements of fantasy with historical figures, both real and mythological.
The plot is somehow both complex and yet easy to follow. I absolutely felt that the world created could really exist, hidden alongside the one we inhabit.
I really liked all the main characters, especially Michael and Lynch. I hope if I'm ever lost and in need of a friend I find someone like Lynch.
The blurb says to "expect the unexpected" and that's definitely true!
The Palladium by Thorsten Brandl. This was a good read. I did like the cover and the blurb. It was a little slow to begin with, but then it picked up. I did like it when Michael met Cleo. I liked Shisa the dog and how Michael spoke to him. He would woof back. I did like Ian. I wasn't sure how I felt about Joan. I did love how they described the palladium. I could imagine it. It was like u was there watching everything happening. I didn't like the Dark suits or Cirriatto. I loved the fight scene. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
The Palladium was a high stakes full of adventure fantasy novel for fans of Greek mythology. With an incredible and exciting cast of characters, an adorable Golden Retriever and so many surprises throughout the story I was always at the edge of my seat to see what happens next. And I was never disappointed!
I really enjoyed my time reading this unique novel, I highly recommend it to fantasy and Greek Mythology lovers!