Avatars of Destiny: Nexus

The Bridge of Shadows

Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 03/09/2025
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Ess-Jee Rautenbach is an emerging voice in the fantasy genre, whose love for storytelling and exploration of the human spirit infuse his work with depth and wonder. With over a decade of experience in life coaching, Ess-Jee stands as a beacon of guidance for those seeking to navigate life's complexities. His journey through fitness management, pastoral counseling, and life coaching has equipped him with a unique set of skills to uplift individuals in their quest for personal and professional fulfillment.

A storyteller at heart, Ess-Jee draws inspiration from both fantasy realms and scientific wonders. His passion for bridging worlds—much like the Nexus Key—shines through in every page of the "Avatars of Destiny" series.

Rooted in the vibrant culture of South Africa, Ess-Jee and his wife Monique share a passion for empowering others. Their collaborative efforts have led to the creation of insightful content, including the "How to Stand for Your Marriage" book and the captivating "Avatars of Destiny" saga.

As a certified Life Coach and NBI Brain Profile Practitioner, Ess-Jee employs a personalized approach, utilizing innovative tools to unlock individual potential. His adeptness in crisis management, relationship building, and career advancement is complemented by a heartfelt dedication to enhancing social skills and overall well-being.

Recognized for his impactful work, Ess-Jee has been honored with the Most Dedicated Mental Health Coach (2022) and the MEA Market - African Excellence Award (2023).

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Avatars of Destiny: Nexus by Ess-Jee Rautenbach blends science fiction with fantasy and explores the clash between technology and magic as Nexus, an android infused with alien intelligence, challenges the fate of two worlds. Designed as a bridge between Earth and Elyria, Nexus perceives himself as something more—an arbiter of destiny with the power to reshape reality. Using time as his weapon, he embarks on a mission to reshape existence. The story is jam-packed with action, mind-bending time travel, and some really interesting philosophical themes. The story unfolds across multiple timelines and dimensions, creating a complex tapestry of events that challenges readers while surprising them with new revelations at every turn.

Author Ess-Jee Rautenbach shows exceptional creativity in this brilliant fusion of science fiction and fantasy elements. I was lost in the mesmerizing universe where technology and magic coexist in ways that make sense, but still leave plenty of room for surprises. Rautenbach's themes of destiny, free will, and the consequences of power show impressive depth and I was particularly captivated by the way the action sequences demonstrate these deep themes but stay fast-paced. There's never any sacrificing of the story's more emotional, slow moments though. Plenty of rich character development is consistent throughout the story, and this makes readers so much more invested in the emotional arc of the book. Overall, Avatars of Destiny: Nexus is an ambitious and rewarding read and I highly recommend it to fans of genre-blending speculative fiction.