Friday, November 23, 2012

~Ava's guest post/reviews/giveaway Guardian of the Seventh Realm series by J.W. Baccaro~


"Guardian of the Seventh Realm” is an epic fantasy series consisting of five installments involving action, suspense, drama, mysticism, romantic elements, and a story that many of us can relate to in regards to life’s journey.

Let me start off by saying that my series is not so much about magical powers, mystical creatures, or vexing kingdoms of men, centaurs or dwarves, or how many “magical” spells can this or that sorcerer cast. The theme of the tale revolves around courage, loyalty, beatitudes of the “Golden Rule,” banding together in times of darkness, and faith in something larger than we can see. Elements any one of us can relate to in everyday life and times of trial and tribulation.

I'd like to elaborate a bit on the Nasharin Race, a new class of warrior in my series!
The first book in the series is "Prophecy of the Guardian."

Nasharins are the main focus, and definitely the most exciting out of all the creatures. They are half-wizard/half-human hybrid warriors who love battle and crave energy, thirsting for it much like a vampire thirsts for blood. Nasharins are also feared by the Dark, but because of their untimely origin, and the deed that gave rise to them, the Light hates them. They are considered, "the Accursed Race."

Although what separates a Nasharin from most other creatures is its unique ability of Transformation—what each individual evolves into, controlled by will: an essence of extravagant power and beautified form most warriors cannot fathom. And at the same time, ironically, this power is used for the good of the earth, a factor those high among the Light often overlook.

In a nutshell, "Prophecy of the Guardian" is about a small group of companions and their race against the Dark to find four ancient wizard crystals of power. As is to be expected, they run into plenty of dangers and challenges.

To elaborate a little more, the story is mainly focused on Darshun Luthais. He is Nasharin, one of the last of his race, hungry for battle and eager to advance his Nasharin skills. At the same time, he is a happy-go-lucky kind of individual; quite in-tune with nature and the simple things of life, especially a good feast! But after witnessing a prophetic vision, and also the tragedy of his closest friend, he comes to learn that he is the fulfillment of an old forgotten prophecy, the Prophecy of the Guardian, the one who is said to bring about salvation to the earth, as it struggles to survive the war launched by Abaddon the Demon Lord—an adversary long thought to be deceased.

After the Earth-Wizard Mazarian reveals the prophecy to Darshun, proclaiming it is spoken about him, Darshun must seek out the four Wizard Crystals of the Elements (sacred weapons of immense power once used by the ancient Guardians of earth). His task is to locate the crystals and destroy them before the ruthless Cullach find them first, only to hand them over to the Demon Lord for global destruction.

But Darshun's true crisis lies against himself in the fact that he is called to be this “Guardian.” For Darshun not only has to walk the valley of darkness, but according to prophecy, he must surpass many trials, tribulations and tragedies, where if he fails, the world falls, as he had already witnessed in his vision. It is a heavy burden because of the closeness Darshun has to nature, and the inexperience he has to life. In time he begins to despair, growing all the more vulnerable to the evil forces that long to drag his soul into darkness.

There is one more element I wish to comment on. A lot of fantasy novels typically have multiple Gods and/or Goddesses, and that is great. I love that! But I wanted to do something a bit different. I really love the mythology of Judaism and Christianity, preferably the angelic lore, the creation story in the Book of Genesis, the Resurrection story of Christ, and even the idea that there is only “one” all-powerful entity or God who reigns supreme over all, etc. And just to be clear (so nobody gets the wrong impression), my books are not works of “Christian literature fantasy” by any means. I am just really in love with the lore of it, and also many other spiritual beliefs of mankind, including Buddhism and pre-Christian Celtic beliefs and folklore.

The point of this is to inform my readers, or anyone curious about the series; the many races of the Light in my world commonly worship the God of the Light, Abidan, (which in reality, is the Hebrew word for “father of judgment”). So, you get that monotheistic feel.

Another interesting factor is if it is a Patriarchy race speaking, such as the Elves, then Abidan is referred to as a “he,” where the Matriarchy Centaur race will refer to Abidan as a “she.” In other words, in the reality of the story, the God of the Light is neither male nor female. Abidan is an entity of almighty power and energy that often communicates with the Seventh Realm (earth), whenever a disharmony is in place. I had a lot of fun with this idea.
In closing, let me just say that “Prophecy of the Guardian” (book one), introduces the readers to the characters, the legends and myths of the world, and the Prophecy. It also tells about Darshun’s upbringing, and the warriors who help shape him, such as “Mirabel the Great” and Seth Caelen—Father to the animals of the woodlands.

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Siege of Darkness” (book two), is mostly about Darshun, his advanced power, his ultimate ego, and the consequences he brings to his people because of that ego. The book also reveals the adversaries of the series, and just how ruthless, evil and cruel they behave. It is a dark tale, but necessary in the process of Darshun’s growth. It’s also the first book where we meet the main adversary of the series, at least in the flesh, Abaddon the Demon Lord.
“The Coming of the Light” (book three), is more along the lines of “heroic” with “edge of your seat” type of battles, the progression of Darshun’s maturity, and even a touch of romance between Darshun and his elf-lady friend Kelarin.
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B & N:

"The Sword of Righteousness" (book four), is mostly about King Loreus - Ruler of Loreladia and his quest to unite the scattered races of the Light and charge into the artic lands of Syngothra in order to save Darshun from a deathly trap he and his companions are unknowingly walking into.
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And the finale of the series (my latest release) is "Rise of the Guardian."
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Buy links

Feel free to check out my website www.guardianoftheseventhrealm.com
Thanks for reading.


Reviews:

 


Prophecy of the Guardian (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #1)

An exciting, fun, adventurous, wondrous and magical read that is right up there with LOTR and GOT (I am a HUGE fan of both). As a matter of fact, if you are a LOTR or GOT fan I strongly recommend this book to you). It’s a great escape from everyday life :)


A wondrous group of people/beings are trying to save the world from the Dark. In order to accomplish this task they must find and destroy the Wizard Crystals of the Elements so the Dark ones have no chance to succeed. They have a long journey ahead of them and must be very cautious with who they trust for some are not at all what they seem to be. They face many dangers and learn many new things about one another, their history and their surroundings. The main character (Darshun) is young, but quickly maturing male who’s to be the Guardian he was born to be. He makes mistakes, loves to eat, enjoys the females and can be quite a pain at times. But he is the KEY to the success of their mission and is determined to make it happen!
There's a great world in these pages with such vigorous imagination, amazing mythical creatures, magic and strong original characters that snatch you into the pages and DO NOT let you go!


Siege of Darkness (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #2)

The adventure continues in the second book of the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series and what an excellent continuation it is, it took off perfectly from the last book in the series and left me wanting more!

Darshun is now back after visiting a sacred island to help bring forth his powers to a stronger level so he can defeat the Dark. Not much has changed since he left, but war is upon them and he feels as ready as he can be for any and all that’s to come his way. But what can he possibly do if his mind is elsewhere? Once again our dear Darshun gets side tracked and some even perish due to his absence of both physical and mental presence for the fight. He now finds himself in a place he does not want to be and feels as if he is destined to fail all.

Siege of Darkness had me laughing as well as crying quite a few times from many of the characters and their dealings. It also had me holding onto my seat in suspense waiting for what would happen next. J.W, Baccaro kept it going strong and I CANNOT wait to see what happens next with Darshun and his comrades! Any fantasy fan will enjoy indulging in Siege of Darkness :)



The Coming of the Light (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #3)
J.W. Baccaro continues with an amazingly strong series. More new characters have been introduced to us and much more has transpired. This is the most exciting, magnetic and intriguing of the series thus far. It has me hooked!

Talvenya finds out her dream has come true and by the hands of none other than Darshun. We also get to learn a lot about Talvenya, how she came to be and who (as well as what) she really is. She is fighting herself because of how she was raised and whom she was raised by. The light is trying to take her back. But she is resistant because of all of the anger and hatred she holds deep.

So far this is my favorite in the series. While there is much sadness within. It is evenly balanced with happiness. All of the original characters (that remain) have progressed, matured or gotten stronger from the beginning and all are very impressive in their ways of the light. My favorite part of all... We get introduced to a dragon! That's right and he is one mighty creature that I'm very happy to see is on the right side :)
The Sword of Righteousness (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #4)
Ok, this series just keeps getting better and better. J.W. picked up the pace even more with this one. It's full of non stop action, adventure and excitement then before as Darshun and his companions continue their quest for the light.

The guardian and his five companions defeat even more evil as they are progressing on their quest. They've also found allies in the dwarves (which I found a very humorous bunch). The king of the dwarves bestows gifts to Mirabel to help in the quest in the form of a sword (the Dragon Spirit Lance) and a shield for he feels Mirabel is master enough of mind and meditation to wield such tools.

Being the great king he truly is, Loreladia runs to the rescue to stop the elves from engaging in war against one another and bring peace as it should always have been.

So much more happens, but to tell it here will give away many suspenseful moments (which I do not want to ruin for anyone). Just be ready to be hooked and lose some sleep from the pull The Sword of Righteousness will have on you and your imagination :)

Rise of the Guardian (Guardian of the Seventh Realm #5
I'm sad to see the series at an end (or is it the end?) But so very glad that I can reread as many times as my heart desires! What a fantastical adventure I went on until the very end with the Guardian of the Seventh Realm series. This is a very strong written series that a fantasy lover does not want to let go of. Watching the Guardian grow and develop throughout the series was an experience I will never forget. So much sacrifice, love, fun, emotions of various sorts, heroism, action, adventure, success, failures, creatures of beauty and some of ugliness. All balanced out into one excellent series that I highly recommend for a great escape!

In  Rise of the Guardian Darshun has become a being none of us could ever phantom. He has grown and developed in so many ways since he truly accepted his calling of Guardian. The Great War is still upon them and many lives have been taken. Some have return to assist in the success of the light in battle. Many have reunited as it should be and became the best of friends, brothers and sisters, fighting on the same side for victory and peace. The Demon Lord Abaddon is not an easy foe to defeat. But the light will not give up until the task is done!

J.W. Baccaro, you have gained a fan. I will look for more of your works in the future; I am always looking for a great escape in a great book :)

Over all rating

5 Satin Pillows
Heat rating of 2 pillow mints

 

Now for the giveaway portion... J.W. is generously giving away to one person the first three books in the series, and a second person the first two books, all in ebook format. All you need to do is leave a question or comment below, along with your email address and you are entered to win. Winners will be chosen using random.org on Wednesday December 5, 2012. Good luck and thank you!

2 comments:

  1. enjoyed the post and the reviews sounds like a very exciting series. wish J.W all the best with the lastest. thanks for the chance. julie.beasley@btinternet.com

    ReplyDelete