Erik Meys: The Bracelets of Fury by Yevgeny Murenets is a fast-paced, action-packed fantasy that tells the story of Erik and his battle against evil forces in both human and demonic forms. Erik is an archaeologist who works at the University of London and deals with ancient antiques. One day, he finds an ancient manuscript and a mysterious book. This leads him and his colleague, Jake, on a relic-hunting mission to Yemen and then to Norway, where Erik finds the Bracelets of Fury, an ancient artifact that was passed on to Kzul'Azgaroth, the former ruler of the Nether Realm. This discovery draws the attention of Balgrim, a ruthless demon and general of the Nether Realm (Hell) who works for Infernus, an ambitious lord who wants to reclaim all ancient artifacts of power and start a catastrophic war against the Upper Realm (Heaven) and take control of the Earthly realm. As Erik learns more about the Bracelets of Fury and his true identity, he realizes that he plays a role in an eternal war between angels and demons. Erik, along with Valeria, Amelia, Riven, and even Lucifer himself, battles for their survival while also trying to stop the demons from getting the Bracelets.

This first installment in The Demonic Saga series is an absolute mind-blower. The actions and ancient myths were written like a movie—very detailed and engaging. The character development was exceptional, with each of them having a solid background that helped in making the book more grounded and easier to follow. It is also fast-paced and full of plot twists. The world-building was another highlight for me; the myths that showed the histories between the three realms—the Upper, Nether, and Earthly realms—and the story behind each of the artifacts were really engaging. There were also heartwarming and deeply human moments, like Erik and Valeria's relationship and Mia's jealousy. I recommend Erik Meys: The Bracelets of Fury by Yevgeny Murenets to readers who love dark fantasy novels with magic, demons, and action.

Erik Meys: The Bracelets of Fury is the first novel in The Demonic Saga by Yevgeny Murenets. The story follows young archaeologist Erik Meys. His story begins when he finds an ancient temple and discovers the Bracelets of Fury. These are one of six legendary artifacts forged by the Creator. Though designed for a being of immense mental strength, the bracelets behave unpredictably in Erik’s possession. They grant him incredible powers, but feed on his anger and awaken a dangerous darkness within him. As a sinister voice tempts him toward cruelty, demons catch wind of the artifact’s reappearance. Soon, Erik is hunted by the ruthless archdemon Balgrim, who seeks the weapon for his master. Forced into battle to protect himself and his loved ones, Erik must use the bracelets while resisting their corrupting influence. Can Erik fight against his own emotions and protect the people he loves? Or is it already too late for them?

Yevgeny Murenets' unique and incredibly entertaining story makes readers feel like they are right next to Erik as he struggles to protect the people he loves. I enjoyed the concept, execution, and the overall atmosphere. It was eerie with the perfect amount of fantasy added to the narrative. Erik is a relatable protagonist whose internal battle against the awakened darkness is as compelling as his external fight against the demons. I loved reading about his conflict with himself, how he tried to get control of things before they got out of hand, and the way he tried to make sense of what was happening before it all went to hell. The fast pace, plentiful action, and brilliant character development make this a must-read novel. Erik Meys is fantastic, and I cannot wait for more!