By Ways Unseen

The Triumvirs Book 1

Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
353 Pages
Reviewed on 02/03/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite

Set in the medieval world of Oren, Daniel Dydek's By Ways Unseen is a magical tale of the adventures of Haydren, a young and ambitious swordsman. Initially, Haydren's sole goal is to prove himself as a skilled swordsman. Little does he know that he has a transformative destiny ahead of him. Lasserain, a dangerous mage, seeks to bring destruction to each province across the land. Simultaneously, Haydren's life is threatened by his rival, Guntsen, the power-hunger son of Earl Junei. After Guntsen poisons Junei, he collaborates with Lasserain to take Haydren's life. Through the guidance of an unknown voice, Haydren goes on a perilous quest to defeat Lasserain. He is joined by Geoffrey, a knight from Hodp, Sarah, a sorceress, and Pladt, a well-known archer. Together, they must overpower Lasserain's forces of darkness. Will their precarious quest end in triumph or failure?

In By Ways Unseen, Daniel Dydek skillfully combines personal agendas, fantasy, adventure, and mystery to produce an engrossing story that holds readers' attention throughout. The inclusion of magic, creature lore, and dragons helps intensify the suspense. Haydren and his companions are all fully developed, multi-dimensional characters. I love that each of them has an intriguing rationale for embarking on this grueling journey to confront Lasserain. Haydren is by far the most fascinating one of all. His determination to forge his own path, despite an alternative destiny unfolding before him, adds complexity to his story. This immersive tale completely comes to life due to Dydek's brilliant imagery and captivating writing style. The well-balanced pacing, a beautiful blend of contemplative moments, and action-driven sequences make this novel a must-read for fantasy lovers, with its unique characters and deft narrative.

K.C. Finn

By Ways Unseen by Daniel Dydek is a Christian fantasy and sci-fi novel that follows Haydren Loren, an orphaned swordsman with unfulfilled ambitions. When a mysterious voice calls him to confront a dangerous mage, Haydren must face a perilous choice between selfish pursuits and selfless duty. As his quest unfolds, he learns the cost of pride and the power of humility. Through carefully crafted world-building and thoughtful character development, the narrative explores faith and personal growth in ways that feel organic to the story. The blend of fantasy and science fiction elements creates a unique backdrop for this tale of spiritual and moral awakening.

Author Daniel Dydek offers a work packed with complex characters that evolve meaningfully. I loved the gentle pacing of the story as it introduces us to Haydren and his daunting quest. The world-building creates an immersive environment that serves the story's deeper themes without ever overwhelming them. I loved the level of detail in the lore and culture of the world around Haydren that influenced his attitude and behavior as he discovered new things. The action sequences flow naturally from brilliant character choices and, combined with smooth, realistic dialogue, maintain high stakes while advancing the plot. I was deeply moved by how naturally the quieter moments of spiritual reflection emerged from the events. The balance between external conflict and internal struggle keeps readers invested on multiple levels as the story builds. The integration of faith elements also feels authentic to the world and characters, which I appreciated. Overall, By Ways Unseen offers a refreshing and thoughtful take on the fantasy genre that will resonate with readers seeking both entertainment and spiritual depth, and I would certainly recommend it.

Ibrahim Aslan

Daniel Dydek's By Ways Unseen tells the harrowing tale of Haydren—a skilled but egotistical swordsman—thrust on a life-changing journey that will alter his destiny and soul. Having survived traumatic experiences as a child, Haydren becomes a bitter and cynical man. However, when a letter from his former instructor beckons him to travel to Frecksshire, this arduous journey jumpstarts a series of events. Haydren and his traveling companions undertake the impossible task of defeating Lasserain, a dangerous mage possessing the ability to level cities. Throughout their journey, Haydren is guided by a mysterious voice. Could this voice really be the voice of God? Even though the group may have differing ideals, can they successfully work together to rescue their world from the impending forces of evil?

In By Ways Unseen, Haydren is the imperfect protagonist who gradually grows into his destined role as a genuine hero. Even though his companions all undergo inner growth in their unique ways, Haydren is the character that experiences the most character development throughout the storyline. His rough-around-the-edges temperament softens somewhat as he ultimately embraces the humility he desperately requires to put the needs of others first. Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was the atmosphere of danger, suspense, and intrigue created by the different monsters that occupied this magical world. Daniel Dydek's world-building, on the whole, is quite astronomical. With its mix of dragons and goblins, this book has an enthralling Lord of the Rings feel to it. If you love fantasy adventures that integrate action, magic, and suspense, this novel will not disappoint.

Frank Mutuma

In By Ways Unseen by Daniel Dydek, Hydren is raised by adoptive parents who don’t know where he really came from. Currently, he is about to graduate from his training, but things start getting out of hand very quickly. When he goes to have a conversation with his adoptive parents about where they found him, they tell of a letter they had recently received, which urged him to return to Frecksshire with his extraordinary possession. What is this extraordinary possession, and what powers does it possess? Hydren also discovers under mysterious circumstances that someone wants to kill him. With the help of Sir Cullins, he escapes. How will things turn out, especially with Guntsen taking power?

By Ways Unseen by Daniel Dydek is wonderfully written with an engaging writing style and well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. I loved how vivid the descriptions of events and places were, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The book was also very subtle in the religious parts, which made it effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. The characters were well-developed, and the steady pacing also helped to keep the reader intrigued and eager to discover the next twist in the plot. The reader will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the work accessible to all kinds of audiences. By Ways Unseen is an amazing story, and I look forward to reading something else by this author.

Makeda Cummings

By Ways Unseen by Daniel Dydek is the compelling story of a swordsman-in-training on the path to righteousness, redemption, and heroism. Haydren Loren is a gifted young swordsman who doesn't know his true lineage. As he rises through the ranks, his greatest desire is for his skills and potential to be recognized by the Earl and his fellow counterparts. An enigmatic voice warns Haydren that his archnemesis, the Earl's son, is plotting against his life. With the assistance of schoolmaster Sir Collins, Haydren hastens to Frecksshire, the capital of Coberan Province. His adventures set him on the pathway to forging new friendships and accepting the inconceivable duty of defeating a treacherous and almost unstoppable mage. While peril descends on the provinces, can Haydren and his companions defeat this menacing enemy?

If you're a fan of fantasy-based, action-adventure books like The Hobbit, LOTR, and The Chronicles of Narnia, By Ways Unseen will pique your interest. It revolves around an intriguing medieval period brimming with magic, danger, spiritual elements, and profound life-altering events. Daniel Dydek's deft imagination breathes life into a vivid world occupied by mages, wizards, knights, dragons, fantastical creatures, and an ever-present threat that seeks to claim everything for himself. Throughout this nuanced tapestry, Haydren and his companions provide a bright contrast to the doom that threatens to consume them all. They are a living embodiment of hope in the face of despair. Even though our budding heroes do not always agree on their dissimilar perspectives and approaches to their situation, they must confront their common enemy, making their epic journey an absolute must-read.