If you are a fan of dark fantasy, you will be excited to hear about Jay Roland’s upcoming release, “Shadow of the Soul Blade.” This book is the first in a series called The Dark Thorne Chronicles and is set to be published in May 2023. Jay Roland is a new author in the realm of epic dark fantasy, but he is already making waves with his work, which has been influenced by the likes of Terry Goodkind, Jim Butcher, and Joe Abercrombie.
The story is set in the world of Ashana, which is full of peril and excitement. Ashana is a realm home to The Dark Thorne Forest, filled with sinister relics exiled from all of time and space. The Soul Blade, an ancient and deadly weapon, is one of these relics, and it has a dark and ominous history with the forest. The plot revolves around a group of individuals searching for ancient relics stolen from their people while being hunted by the one wielding the Soul Blade.
The book has four main protagonists: Bastian, Xander, Reinhardt, and Kumori. Bastian is a Selece from the northern tribe of Theshal and the son of the Theshal chief. He is a talented warrior and devoted friend, but he has much to learn about the world and the challenges it presents. His path through the book is one of self-discovery, and he is a character searching to secure his place amongst his people and the world.
Xander is an acolyte sorcerer who possesses extraordinary magical abilities. However, his lack of self-confidence threatens to be his undoing. Xander’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery as he overcomes the haunting horrors of his past and embarks on a journey of growth and self-worth. Readers will be captivated by Xander’s unpredictable nature, eagerly anticipating every twist and turn in his story.
Reinhardt is a new cadet in the esteemed Aestarian royal guard, known for his love of throwing dice and charming countesses. But when duty calls, Reinhardt must set aside his leisurely pursuits and join our heroes to protect his family’s honor. However, he is plagued with dark nightmares that threaten to consume him. Reinhardt must navigate the treacherous path ahead, all while aiding his comrades in their quest.
Kumori is a fallen guardian seeking redemption. Once a proud member of the Kai-Sho clan, Kumori now lives in disgrace after causing the eternal torment of the Nepharen. Driven by a desire for redemption, Kumori embarks on a perilous journey to undo the wrongs inflicted upon the inhabitants of the Yukari nation. After joining forces with our heroes, Kumori discovers that the secret to succeeding in the quest ahead is to prioritize the needs of others.
The four protagonists of “Shadow of the Soul Blade” embark on a dangerous but ultimately rewarding quest throughout the book to learn more about themselves, find atonement, exact retribution, and maintain their lives. Jay Roland has crafted a universe full of excitement and peril, and these protagonists are the ones who will lead readers on an expedition through that world.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is the character development. Each of the four main characters is unique, and readers will become emotionally engaged in their journeys. The characters have depth, and the reader experiences their failures and successes alongside them as the narrative progresses.
Another highlight of the book is world-building. Ashana is a world full of diverse peoples and civilizations that readers will enjoy discovering. Overall, “Shadow of the Soul Blade” is a promising addition to the world of epic dark fantasy. With a well-crafted universe and diverse characters, readers will surely be captivated by the story Jay Roland created. The book’s themes of self-discovery, redemption, and sacrifice are universal and relatable, making it an excellent read for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
One of the strengths of the book is the character development that takes place throughout the story. Each of the four protagonists has a unique backstory, motivations, and personality traits that make them distinct and interesting to follow. Bastian, for instance, is a young warrior still accepting his place in the world and leadership responsibilities. On the other hand, Xander is a talented sorcerer but struggles with self-doubt and trauma from his past.
Reinhardt is charming, but his love of leisure and pleasure is balanced by a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his family. And Kumori, the rogue seeking redemption, is haunted by past mistakes and driven by a desire to make amends for them. By exploring the inner lives of these characters and showing their struggles and triumphs, Jay Roland creates a compelling narrative that will keep readers engaged from start to finish.
Another strength of the book is the world-building. Ashana is a rich, detailed universe full of different cultures, creatures, and magical relics. The Dark Thorne Forest, in particular, is an intriguing location shrouded in mystery and danger. The relics hidden within its depths are imbued with powerful magic but possess a dark history that has led to their exile from the rest of the world. The Soul Blade, in particular, is a fascinating object with a complex and sinister history slowly revealed throughout the story.
Overall, “Shadow of the Soul Blade” is a must-read for fans of the epic dark fantasy genre. With its well-crafted universe, diverse characters, and compelling narrative, this book will surely be a hit when it hits shelves in May 2023. Jay Roland has proven himself a talented writer, and his debut novel is an impressive addition to the genre. Fans of Terry Goodkind, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Joe Abercrombie will find much to enjoy in this book, and its rich world-building and relatable characters will draw in newcomers to the genre.
In conclusion, “Shadow of the Soul Blade” is an exciting and engaging novel that will delight fans of the epic dark fantasy genre. With its well-developed characters, intriguing world-building, and thrilling plot, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for an adventure in a dangerous and exciting world. Jay Roland has created a fantastic universe with his Dark Thorne Chronicles, and readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.
The book is expected to be released mid-May 2023, and Jay regularly keeps his readers aware of his progress by posting updates on his website www.jayroland.net
