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The journey of Ike
Welcome to Alatria where chaos reigns. A land once plentiful brought to ruin by humanity's hubris. The old gods saw the actions of their creations and left, ashamed of what they had created. The lesser gods, now free from their bonds claimed the land for their own. Journey with Ike a young man searching for a way to stop the chaos that grips his world. He has always dreamed of being the hero but will he have the strength to take on the gods?
Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2022
About the author
Z. Martin
19 books62 followersZ martin. Where do you even begin to explain the entity that is this author. He has been known to haunt random bookstores, occasionally purchasing the odd book or two. Some say he writes horror stories while others say he reviews books he has read. Legends say if you speak his name thrice in a mirror he will appear (please do not attempt this he has been known to startle easy).
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 27, 2024
So… The Martin is sneaky.
(I say The Martin, because I keep involuntarily saying “Z. Martin” with a bad German accent. Even I am judging me for that one…)
When your entire back catalogue is horror, one might ignore the title, and assume you’re diving into a horror story. This is not a horror story.
What you get is a polytheist History of the Gods prologue, and then dropped right into a feudal fantasy quest, with promises of great things to come.
If you’re a fan of Hero’s Journey style storytelling, with aspects of magical realism, I’d say this one’s worth checking out.
I know it’s only been out a couple of months, but the next instalment of Ike’s journey can’t come soon enough.
(I say The Martin, because I keep involuntarily saying “Z. Martin” with a bad German accent. Even I am judging me for that one…)
When your entire back catalogue is horror, one might ignore the title, and assume you’re diving into a horror story. This is not a horror story.
What you get is a polytheist History of the Gods prologue, and then dropped right into a feudal fantasy quest, with promises of great things to come.
If you’re a fan of Hero’s Journey style storytelling, with aspects of magical realism, I’d say this one’s worth checking out.
I know it’s only been out a couple of months, but the next instalment of Ike’s journey can’t come soon enough.
August 29, 2023
I don't even know where to begin. When I finished reading The Journey of Ike, I was left begging for more. The world building was done beautifully. I absolutely loved Elora! I am anxiously awaiting to see where Ike's adventure leads him next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2023
This was a perfect quick read for fantasy beginners or to get you out of a reading slump. The author fashioned some great characters and even better world-building. I personally love stories with the central conflict surrounding gods and divine entities gone rogue. I would have liked it to be a bit longer so that the great characters and world-building could have been fleshed out a bit more, and the short length also made the plot feel rushed, but it’s still a story up to standard, especially for those who prefer short reads. Can’t wait to see more of Ike!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2023
Big world, little book
This was a fun book. The 74 page length is a double-edged sword. While I love being able to blast through a book in a few hours, I was left wanting to know more about this world and it’s inhabitants. Due to the length and pace, I found it difficult to get invested into the characters. If you are a reader who isn’t bothered by a fast paced story and enjoy those kind of rides, you’ll have no issues.
Aside from that, I thought everything else was great. What we are shown about this world and it’s landforms and biomes is colorfully rich and diverse and the characters are each unique and stand out. There are no boring characters here. There are gods and there is magic and there is emotional dilemma and plight. This tale is a journey of hardship and like those. I look forward to the second entry in the series. I personally want to see Ike use that sword he was gifted! I am interested to see what imaginative places we will get behold next.
This was a fun book. The 74 page length is a double-edged sword. While I love being able to blast through a book in a few hours, I was left wanting to know more about this world and it’s inhabitants. Due to the length and pace, I found it difficult to get invested into the characters. If you are a reader who isn’t bothered by a fast paced story and enjoy those kind of rides, you’ll have no issues.
Aside from that, I thought everything else was great. What we are shown about this world and it’s landforms and biomes is colorfully rich and diverse and the characters are each unique and stand out. There are no boring characters here. There are gods and there is magic and there is emotional dilemma and plight. This tale is a journey of hardship and like those. I look forward to the second entry in the series. I personally want to see Ike use that sword he was gifted! I am interested to see what imaginative places we will get behold next.
April 12, 2025
What if you found out everything you've been through was caused by...Chaos?
I just finished reading The Journey Of Ike a Fantasy book written by Z Martin. I read the AudioBook published by the author. An author gifted this to me. I listened to this book on Audible. It is Book One of a series.
This book is a must read if you like: Coming of age stories, epic journeys, and found family.
Ike is caught up in something so much bigger than himself, but he has no idea why. His life is a series of tragedies that lead him to his partner and ultimately to his destiny.
This book is a very concise telling of this epic story. It feels as though it is being told by the fire.
I wish there had been more!
Z Martin created such a unique God system. I haven't read anything like it.
I enjoyed Ike finding home.
I do wish it had been longer and there was more!
The narrator was complimentary to the story.
I really liked the stortline, but I wish it were longer!
Content Warnings: War, death, grief.
I just finished reading The Journey Of Ike a Fantasy book written by Z Martin. I read the AudioBook published by the author. An author gifted this to me. I listened to this book on Audible. It is Book One of a series.
This book is a must read if you like: Coming of age stories, epic journeys, and found family.
Ike is caught up in something so much bigger than himself, but he has no idea why. His life is a series of tragedies that lead him to his partner and ultimately to his destiny.
This book is a very concise telling of this epic story. It feels as though it is being told by the fire.
I wish there had been more!
Z Martin created such a unique God system. I haven't read anything like it.
I enjoyed Ike finding home.
I do wish it had been longer and there was more!
The narrator was complimentary to the story.
I really liked the stortline, but I wish it were longer!
Content Warnings: War, death, grief.
September 5, 2023
I was honored to be an ARC reader for this book. I am new to this author and his work. I found the world-building imaginative while also being believable. The characters are well-rounded, my favorite being Elora. I enjoyed following along this journey with Ike and Elora. This story is short for a fantasy novel, however, it’s not lacking in anything. So, if you’re looking for a quick fantasy adventure, this is your book.
August 31, 2023
3.75 stars rounded to 4.
I took a chance on this author from a tiktok where he was asking for ARC readers for his fantasy novella. This author’s normal genre is horror, so I was very curious how a fantasy book would play out.
I am so glad I decided to read this! The plot is fantastic, the world building was absolutely spot on and it painted the scene perfectly. I adored the characters this author has built, they are relatable and loveable, and while I’m not sure if there will be a romance down the track, there is a perfect mix of the female grumpy and male sunshine. I would assume if there is romance it will be fade to black as it does have a bit of a YA feel to the book, in case anyone is interested in that.
All in all, this was a very quick read I finished it in just a couple of days, and I was engaged the whole way through with what was happening. I’m excited to discover more from this author and in this series.
I took a chance on this author from a tiktok where he was asking for ARC readers for his fantasy novella. This author’s normal genre is horror, so I was very curious how a fantasy book would play out.
I am so glad I decided to read this! The plot is fantastic, the world building was absolutely spot on and it painted the scene perfectly. I adored the characters this author has built, they are relatable and loveable, and while I’m not sure if there will be a romance down the track, there is a perfect mix of the female grumpy and male sunshine. I would assume if there is romance it will be fade to black as it does have a bit of a YA feel to the book, in case anyone is interested in that.
All in all, this was a very quick read I finished it in just a couple of days, and I was engaged the whole way through with what was happening. I’m excited to discover more from this author and in this series.
August 31, 2023
Quick read
This book was a great short story fantasy read about choas and the gods. If you like fantasy or just getting started in fantasy this is a great read.
This book was a great short story fantasy read about choas and the gods. If you like fantasy or just getting started in fantasy this is a great read.
August 31, 2023
I devoured this book and I thought the plot was fantastic and the world building was beautiful and amazing!! This was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it.
October 24, 2023
Fans of the Dark Tower will love this!
First instalment of an immersive fantasy.
Meet Ike, displaced from his village after a massacre, moved on because of the ‘curse’ that the Gods have subjected him to, this young boy traverses unknown lands and threats, supported only by the kick-ass that is Elora. His youth lost in his quest.
Fantasy is not my normal read, but as Z. Martin is now on Amazon and KU, I’ve been on a bit of a binge. And I’m so glad I have!
Z’s world building is fantastic. While short, the characterisation of both Ike and Elora are well developed.
This is is the first in a series that will appeal to both adult and young adult readers of fantasy fiction.
First instalment of an immersive fantasy.
Meet Ike, displaced from his village after a massacre, moved on because of the ‘curse’ that the Gods have subjected him to, this young boy traverses unknown lands and threats, supported only by the kick-ass that is Elora. His youth lost in his quest.
Fantasy is not my normal read, but as Z. Martin is now on Amazon and KU, I’ve been on a bit of a binge. And I’m so glad I have!
Z’s world building is fantastic. While short, the characterisation of both Ike and Elora are well developed.
This is is the first in a series that will appeal to both adult and young adult readers of fantasy fiction.
June 9, 2025
Amazing opening
Already looking forward to book 2. Ike has one harrowing journey from beginning to end.
Finding his and Elora a safe way to their new home, he has to make a deal that may be his undoing.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
Already looking forward to book 2. Ike has one harrowing journey from beginning to end.
Finding his and Elora a safe way to their new home, he has to make a deal that may be his undoing.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 7, 2024
2nd read on audible! I am so excited it got released on audible. I am also the first person to review it (YAY) so if you love fantasy you will LOVE this book in any form. Nathan Helm is one of my top three narrators and he did the narration and it just gave it that extra special love! I wish I could give it ten stars. Right now on audible it is at a marked down rate so I HIGHLY recommend it.
https://www.audible.com/pd/B0D3G2RMHD...
Left me wanting more…
This is an arc I read. This book definitely left me wanting more! The beginning was a bit slow in the beginning but it all played in perfectly. I was confused why chapter 18 & 19 are on the same page but I just kept reading on.
I can’t wait for the second book of this series. I did feel like it wasn’t long enough, it had a few grammatical errors, but I loved it nonetheless. Definitely 5 stars and HOPEFULLY the second book in the series will be out soon.
https://www.audible.com/pd/B0D3G2RMHD...
Left me wanting more…
This is an arc I read. This book definitely left me wanting more! The beginning was a bit slow in the beginning but it all played in perfectly. I was confused why chapter 18 & 19 are on the same page but I just kept reading on.
I can’t wait for the second book of this series. I did feel like it wasn’t long enough, it had a few grammatical errors, but I loved it nonetheless. Definitely 5 stars and HOPEFULLY the second book in the series will be out soon.
September 5, 2023
Exciting and fun adventure!
Z Martin brings us a banger of a fantasy. I actually would have preferred for it to be longer. There were so many exciting things introduced from meeting a mysterious hod, to going to the Northern Kingdom of Rheikan. My favorite characters are Elora, and I. Very interested to learn more about Nikir. The plot was entertaining beyond measure and the characters were invigorating. I think there were a few parts that could have been better with show don't tell, but I'm not one who's really bothered by that stuff all that much. I appreciated the story and can't wait for more. Well done Mr. Martin. Keep up the excellent writing!
Z Martin brings us a banger of a fantasy. I actually would have preferred for it to be longer. There were so many exciting things introduced from meeting a mysterious hod, to going to the Northern Kingdom of Rheikan. My favorite characters are Elora, and I. Very interested to learn more about Nikir. The plot was entertaining beyond measure and the characters were invigorating. I think there were a few parts that could have been better with show don't tell, but I'm not one who's really bothered by that stuff all that much. I appreciated the story and can't wait for more. Well done Mr. Martin. Keep up the excellent writing!
March 11, 2026
Ike was used so often that I now hate that name. Everything was very rushed and I never was given an opportunity to care about the MC
October 7, 2023
LOVE!!!
Such a quick and fun read!! This is a short book, but it’s filled with so much action, magic, and gods!
This book was amazing adventure and though not normally something I would read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the second book!!! Z did such an amazing job telling the story of Ike and his adventure!!!
Please give this book a read!!
Such a quick and fun read!! This is a short book, but it’s filled with so much action, magic, and gods!
This book was amazing adventure and though not normally something I would read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for the second book!!! Z did such an amazing job telling the story of Ike and his adventure!!!
Please give this book a read!!
March 2, 2024
This was fun!
The one thing that kept running through my mind as I was reading this…’Poor Poor Ike.’ We get introduced to a protagonist who is thrown about by so many misfortunes from events so much bigger than himself. It’s also hard not to like him, because he doesn’t bemoan his misfortunes, and remain a victim of them. He grows stronger, and to my surprise, he retains a youthful trusting naivety. Although this is a short read, it leaves the clear impression that this is just the beginning, and that’s great because anyone will want more.
The one thing that kept running through my mind as I was reading this…’Poor Poor Ike.’ We get introduced to a protagonist who is thrown about by so many misfortunes from events so much bigger than himself. It’s also hard not to like him, because he doesn’t bemoan his misfortunes, and remain a victim of them. He grows stronger, and to my surprise, he retains a youthful trusting naivety. Although this is a short read, it leaves the clear impression that this is just the beginning, and that’s great because anyone will want more.
December 6, 2024
Outstanding story overall, the world building was great and I love the characters especially Ike and Elora!! I need more of this journey. Wish it wasn't so short but that's ok I know there will be more. The Narrator Nathan did and outstanding Job! Short and epic I loved it. Can't wait for more.
I received this novel for free and voluntarily wrote a review
I received this novel for free and voluntarily wrote a review
January 6, 2026
This short adventure hits everything I enjoy in a story: tragedy, intrigue, magic, and gods at odds. I read the whole story in one day, and only upset over the fact that I have to wait for it to continue. All I want is more.
February 27, 2024
This book is short and sweet. The characters are easy to love and easy to feel for. It feels like we're just getting started, and I'm excited to see where the story goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2024
The author did some great character building. It was way too short and can’t wait for more.
January 15, 2025
I didn't expect to like the book as much as I did. It had great plot and twists. Nathan did a great job on narrating. Looking forward to the next one.
September 29, 2023
This book was awesome! Too short though. I wanted so much more... However still amazing. Elora is awesome and I'm looking forward to seeing how Ike's journey (pun intended) progresses. The Gods of this world are definitely going to be awesome. From the little I've seen of them I can't wait for more. If you like epic fantasy and just fun adventure...I highly recommend this book!! Well done Z!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews