Choice
/Desperate Echoes/book 1
by Lucius Tarquinius
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Pub Date 20 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 21 Jan 2025
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Description
Child sacrifice for magic, political intrigue, and war—what more could you want?
In a world where magical powers are only attained through a grim practice—child sacrifice—lies the high kingdom of Ustrabela. Amidst a decade-long interregnum, the realm teeters on the brink of chaos. Yet, a new peril looms as northern savage warlocks muster for invasion. The defense of the realm hangs in the balance, entrusted to the Order of God's Hand. However, their mission faces a dire setback as a cunning warlock named Odo absconds with crucial contracts essential for funding the campaign against the encroaching northern menace.
Enter Gerhard, a corrupt and lascivious archbishop. He offers to reveal the location of the knights who massacred Odo's family in exchange for the stolen contracts. Desperate to recover these documents, the Order dispatches three knights—Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin—on a mission to track down Odo and retrieve the contracts before the Order's funds are exhausted.
Failure is not an option. If Heinrich, Dietmar, and Gutwin do not succeed, Ustrabela and the southern realms will be left defenseless against the savage warlocks of the North. As the knights pursue Odo, they must navigate the treacherous political waters stirred by Archbishop Gerhard. Will they recover the contracts in time, or will they become ensnared in the archbishop’s schemes, leaving their homeland vulnerable to destruction?
Advance Praise
Carol Thompson for Reader's Favorite gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
"Tarquinius weaves a detailed, highly complex world where no one can be fully trusted. The political and personal power struggles create layers of tension as the knights navigate a treacherous journey. Gerhard, a morally corrupt archbishop, adds to the tension, pulling strings in the background with his own self-serving agenda. The action is intense, drawing readers into the urgency of the mission. Themes of sacrifice and betrayal are prominent, creating a morally gray world where the line between good and evil is often blurred. The world-building and narrative are well done, but potential readers should be warned that some parts may be unsettling. The story emphasizes brutality, corruption, moral ambiguity, and the darker aspects of human nature. Those sensitive to grim themes might want to approach it with caution"
K.C. Finn for Readers Favorite gave it 5 out of 5 stars
"Lucius Tarquinius invites readers into a richly detailed world where magic is intertwined with dark practices. The intricately crafted lore of this world is suitably dark and chilling from the very first page. It asks readers to reflect on moral dilemmas and harsh realities not usually found in the fantasy genre. The powerful central theme of sacrifice resonates throughout the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the cost of power and the ethics of their choices, enveloping them in a thought-provoking tension that leaves them never wanting to set the book down for too long.The intertwining plots of personal vendettas and political maneuvering also maintain an exciting level of conflict; these well-narrated elements also inform the attitudes of the bold, unique characters, shaped as they are by the machinations and dangers around them. Each knight is vividly drawn with unique traits and backgrounds, allowing for dynamic interactions that reveal their complexities, and some brilliant dialogue reveals so much of the characterization naturally. Overall, Choice is a must-read for fantasy fans everywhere and a great start to the Desperate Echoes series. I can’t wait to read more."
