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Shadows in the Sand (Empyria, Book 1)
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Free today!Amazon US:
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Sand-...
New reviews just in:****
After reading a million and one fantasy books, this one is much different. The end half of the story has been well thought out and has been planted well in the first half, also having perspective from several characters gives much more depth to the whole story rather than just your typical one point of view.
More please, I need to know what happens !!!
***
This is the imaginative fantasy tale of a race hard pressed by a desert land and a lack of water. Recent geological activity has greatly reduced the city's water supply and has allowed a fearsome race of sand-dwelling creatures to encroach. The people of the city are divided into four groups, hunters, medics, craft workers and soldiers and the story follows a group of four who grew up together.
The author has created a great set-up here which is very promising but it is marred by some clunky sentences and rather wooden dialogue at times. I found these rather distracting. Michael Diack is a young author and I think experience will make his writing flow better. I hope he continues to write and on the basis of this book I think fantasy is his genre.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Sand-...
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Ignore the fact it's Friday 13th - today is your lucky day because my book is free (and over the weekend)Free: 13th to 15th Sept
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Sand-...
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
New reviews just in:
*****
A very intricate and thought-provoking fantasy story. It is very well written and had me gripped from the first page. It's not the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Ignore the fact it's Friday 13th - today is your lucky day because my book is free (and over the weekend)Free: 13th to 15th Sept
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Sand-...
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
New reviews just in:
*****
A very intricate and thought-provoking fantasy story. It is very well written and had me gripped from the first page. It's not the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. I look forward to the next book in the series.
New Review:3. I read this book in two nights. It was so good I didn’t want to stop! Normally I’m not a big fan of prologues in novels, but this one was done well and set the stage and tone of the book perfectly. It is an epic fantasy and therefore has a pretty big task of doing some convincing worldbuilding and selling us on the characters and creatures. Sometimes I read a fantasy and roll my eyes at just how cliché and stereotypical it all is. Like the author has a checklist of every fantasy cliché that must be fulfilled. I was SO happy it wasn’t like this in this book, and almost met like a different type of fantasy…the strangest feeling like it could be in the far future and distant past (at the same time) yet felt contemporary and modern…on a different world, yet somehow could see it as this one…it was the traits of the people that kept it grounded in reality, I think and made it so relatable no matter the bizarre circumstances. An enjoyable and entertaining read. (4 stars)
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Hello all,To celebrate the release of Book 2 in my fantasy series, I have made Book 1 free today.
FREE TODAY: Shadows in the Sand
Reviews for Shadows in the Sand (Empyria, Book 1):
“I am reminded of the early Dune novels by Frank Herbert as well as a bit of Tolkien when I read this book.”
“This is an exciting, action-filled tale, brilliantly and imaginatively plotted and written.”
“Fantastic read! His characters are very well developed and his descriptions are incredible. The plot is fresh and keeps you interested the whole time. This story really comes to life.”
Amazon US:
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Sand-...
And the final part of my fantasy series, The Light and The Glass, is now out for only 80p!
The Light and The Glass:
The elves and humans know that their fate is intertwined as they seek to survive the threat of enemies known and new. The seven stones of light, hidden by the wicked Mayer, hold the key to victory. But can they trust the renegade dragon brothers, Gorlyx and Brelyx, who offer their only hope of recovering the lost stones?
This is a story full of dilemma and heroic action providing a breathless conclusion to the Empyria fantasy adventure. Strewn with battles against the tightening grip of evil adversaries, thousands must die – but who will survive?
Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Light-Glass-f...
Amazon US:
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Glass-fan...
Free today again:http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Over 1400 downloads and number 3 in the epic free fantasy chart!
Only $0.99 for this weekend. Reviews:
I should start with a spoiler alert – 'Shadows in the Sand' ends at a perilous point, requiring the next book in the series. If you don't want want to read a gripping novel that is the first of a series, then you shouldn't start 'Shadows in the Sand'.
While most fantasy novels are set in worlds resembling medieval Europe, Empyria is much more primitive. Humans only exist in very small clusters of hunter-gathers, with very limited technology. Almost everything they encounter thinks that men are nothing more than another food item. When an earthquake shuts off the communities water supply, everyone must begin a process of moving to a new refuge … that is far from safe.
The world Micheal Diack has created is continually fascinating. The environment is so threatening, and mankinds technology so limited that I continually asked myself – would anyone actually be able to survive this?
Well worth reading for an adventure in a world unlike any other.
---
First, I love Athmane and Faria. I really like that they, Mary and Bayoud have known each other basically all their lives. It gives their bonds to each other a very lived in feel and the reader is able to focus more on the story unraveling than on the building of the characters relationships.
With a larger cast of characters like this it's easy for an author to loose a someone's place in the plot. To not mention them for too long and suddenly they're back in the story and we're all left scratching our heads trying to remember who this person is and what they mean to us. Michael didn't do that. He did a great job of giving us glimpses of the characters, creating tension around them and leaving us wanting more when he moved on to the next one. It creates that feel of a story within a story. My only complaint would be that the characters are a little bit flat. They're dialogue is stunted sometimes which leaves it feeling a little unnatural. I think Michael was more focused on the story unfolding and it's unique and exciting enough that one can forgive slightly flat characters.
If you're a fan of epic fantasy, this is a book you need to read.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E...
Recent reviews! 4 and 5 stars.This is a story like no other. I find myself saying this a lot lately. It could be due to the fact that fantasy stories are not my normal read. In my defense, I can only say, I was captivated. I could not stop reading about a breed of people that I knew was not real, that the entire was so far from reality, it was not funny. But the author did such a terrific job describing the environment, its inhabitants and all the perils the inhabitants went through, I just could not put the book down, even though I was exhausted from all the fighting, walking, and searching for water. Great read!
It's like Dune went viral. I'm kidding. It's good. It's original. I liked it. The world was carefully constructed without too much explanation pulling away from the story.
The story centers around a few thousand survivors who need to find a new source of water. The pool they depend on is running dry. they need to relocate to another area around Dunein. Shadows in the Sand is their struggle to survive.
New reviews:Michael Diack's Shadows in the Sand drew me in right from the beginning and never released it's grip. The book was so entertaining that I finished it in less than a week and eagerly await the next chapter in this saga.
Set in the primitive world of Empyria, the human race has dwindled to just a few thousand people. When all of the sudden their water supply is cut off they face extinction if they can not find a way to get more water. Leaving the city of Nimar will both be dangerous and challenging but with no other choice, they must. The main characters face an assortment of monsters and other creatures along the away, eventually forming an alliance with elves in time for their ultimate battle with the evil Sanghouls.
The action sequences flow and are wonderfully told. I was able to see in my head exactly what was going on. The characters were strong and well developed. This book is a must read for those who love a good fantasy/action story.
5 stars
I have been a long-time lover of fantasy books, starting with Piers Anthony and the Wheel of Time series. I can highly recommend this adventure. It's similar to Dune in some ways - wrapped in a desolate world where the constant quest for resources dictates the characters' actions. A great read for any fantasy lover!
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-fa...
New Review: 5 starsThis is an exciting story set in an unusual fantasy world in the desert. The four main characters are childhood friends and represent the different aspects of life in Nimar, the city where they live. We have a soldier, hunter, craftsman and medic. I liked the idea all the inhabitants of Nimar had to follow one of these four careers.
Nimar has run out of water, which spells death in a desert and in the pursuit of finding new sources of water, our heros come across all sorts of mythical creatures from giant serpents to friendly elves and horrible Sanghoulls.
This is a fast paced adventure and the fantasy world is brought vividly to life. The mixture of male and female heros plus their different skills stops this book becoming just an action adventure for the boys. There is plenty of battles but also romance and interesting scenes featuring the craft and medical characters.
If you enjoy fantasy you will love his book!
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
New 4 star review:Shadows In the Sand – Empyria – Book One.
“Shadows in the Sand” is the first part of a series of fantasy novels written by the young English writer Michael Diack.
It’s set in the ancient city of Nimar in Empyria, a desert land where the inhabitants are at risk, for the water supply is running out and it isn’t being replaced.
The writer’s expert knowledge of barren desert states comes through strong in his writing.
It reminds the reader of Tolkien’s stuff and with the fantasy genre enjoying a worldwide boom with a massive and growing following, this book will surely find a wide audience.
As you might expect there’s plenty of action with battles and fighting aplenty featuring fearsome creatures, monsters, elves, and warriors, and if that is your bag then you will surely enjoy this.
I have to confess that fantasy is not my favourite bookshelf, but once I’d got into this I enjoyed it.
Michael Diack is still at the beginning of his writing career and this is a very promising step forward, and it will be interesting to see what he writes and releases in the future.
New Review:In all honesty, I do not normally read this genre of books. But I enjoy reading talented authors and on a friend's recommendation I purchased it.
I was immediately sucked in by Diack's writing. It's precise, rhythmic, and detailed. The writing is sophisticated and mature. Diack has a great future ahead.
Soon, I got into the story and really enjoyed the character development. I felt like I knew Athmane. The plot captivated me, which surprised me because I normally don't get into fantasy. This one was awesome. Now I'm hooked and will have to read the others.
In short, I loved it. Michael Diack has a new fan.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Another new review:Shadows in the Sand is set in an apocalyptic world where human survivors eke out an existence amongst a harsh and brutal environment. In contrast to the exposition-heavy opening chapters the novel is extremely well written. It is also a largely based action tale, something rare for a first instalment of a fantasy series.
The plotline is beautifully simple. A tribe’s water pool is running dry and it is up to a hunter and tracker Athmane, along with his childhood companions, Faria, a craftsman, Bayoud a soldier and Mary a medic, to go into new lands and find out why.
This is no clichéd quest but rather a life and death mission. The desert however is full of perils such as sandghoulls and serpents which always keep the narrative fresh and exciting. The mood of the desert, especially at night; its beauty as well as terrible dangers are wonderfully evoked.
The work is very different from most fantasy novels and reminds me of one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time, Frank Herbert’s Dune, yet this time with the tale told from Arakis’ Fremen viewpoint. That is not to say this tale is derivative. The story is entirely the author’s own.
The one staple fantasy character the author does borrow is the elf. Yet the reader need not fear clichés for they serve to act as an important catalyst in the narrative as it is realised the two races must work together if they are to withstand an encroaching dark, malign enemy.
This first instalment of Michael Diack’s Empyria trilogy promises great things. The canvas grows increasingly broader throughout as the author creates the foundation for the second instalment. If Diack manages to keep the same atmosphere and mood without falling into the usual fantasy stereotypes I believe this trilogy will be something very special indeed and attract an army of fans.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
New Review:In Empyria it takes courage to live, and more than mere courage to challenge those who want to kill you. Athmane and his friends must take up that challenge or become the next victims. Forced to move they now face many unknown dangers. This story thrives on tension and danger. The sheer depth of “Shadows in the Sand” is simply amazing. This book exceeded all my expectations with its incredible story line that was highly imaginative, inspired and totally unique. The fast moving action pulls me along on a thrilling journey, which is full of vivid imagination and suspense. His characters are unique and original, yet seem simple when you realize that they aren't perfect. This is the beginning of book one where the journey begins. As a side note: the characters are not only likable, but are generally upstanding citizens with strong moral fiber. I like that. Also, there is fighting and death, but the scenes are not written too gruesome or gory. I like that as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Price drop for the coming winter months! Only $0.99.http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
thanks everyone!
Happy New Year everyone. New review:It usually takes me a while to be fully drawn into a story; not so with Shadows in the Sand; I was pretty much fully on board from page one. Was it the writer's infectious writing style? Or just my penchant for this kind of jump-ahead-to-the-past sci-fi? Set on another world, the struggles of the humans are reminiscent to our age of castles and moats. There's, what's more, as much fantasy as sci-fi, perhaps more, when you consider the traditional tropes of the either genre. Technically Game of Thrones is sci-fi too, but only in the sense that this one is; it's a fantasy set on another world in a primitive times. The forward momentum of this story, to my thinking, however, is a lot more pronounced than with Game of Thrones, if only because there isn't a cast of thousands to try and assimilate in record time.
The four leads are very likable and engrossing, the male hunter, and the female master architect and civil engineer, the solider and medic. Their lives and their challenges made for great drama. The one perk of writing sci-fi/fantasy in this vein is you also rope in historical fiction devotees so long as you render the period appropriate detail realistically and absorbingly, which this writer does.
The sense of adventure and danger oozes out of every page. As a fan also of stories set in the desert and of harsh-environments presented as a subordinate character in stories, I thought Shadows in the Sand definitely delivered.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
Only when Prince Viro, an elf of the southern lands, arrives in Nimar do the humans truly understand the threat to their existence. The two races must unite and reclaim the lost seven stones of light – the only weapon that can defeat the demonic shadow enclosing them.
As four of the city’s most talented young men and women, Athmane, Faria, Bayoud and Mary will be critical to Nimar enduring the perils, both natural and unnatural, that await them.
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Sand-Em...
This is a fantasy about friendship, love, action and an epic quest around the dangerous lands of Empyria. If you love fantasy, you'll love this.
Thanks,
Michael