Kryn Darien stands on the cusp of reaching his goal, which he has pursued for over seven centuries. Once a humble and devout Soul Warden, Kryn promised his brother his soul would be in paradise after he died in the Oceanic Conflict. But when he confronts a wizard who had been killing travelers through a curse, he is faced with a magical mirror that shows him a vision of his brother in anguish. He is granted a boon for his service to the church, a visit to the Gardens of Eternity to search for his brother's soul. But Kryn has a latent magical aptitude, and the magic mirror has blessed him with visions. When he realizes, thanks to these visions, that the likeness of his brother in the Gardens of Eternity is not real, he sets out to discover the truth about the Seraphs and magic. In his quest, he learns about the true nature of the Seraphs, and the lies the church has been propagating. Alone and in hiding, he learns magic and becomes a powerful wizard with one goal: To save the souls of those he loves. But to do this, he might have to destroy the world as he knows it and maybe kill himself in the process.

Journey of Seven Circles is a spellbinding fantasy that will complement any fantasy lover's library. Russell Pike's epic novel touches the heart of the reader. Discovering that what you believe to be true and gives you hope is a lie by powerful entities who do not care about those they prey on creates a suspenseful background. Kryn Darien is a compassionate and loyal man, and this theme of compassion threads throughout the novel and is the basis for Kryn's quest. He sacrifices himself, his life dreams, and his true love to destroy those who call themselves gods and bring to the people he loved and served a true destination for their hopes of peace after death. The novel takes a hard look at the effect of disillusionment on a truly devout and honest person, how doubt and suspicion run through a person's core, and corrupt relationships. The novel is written in an easy-to-read manner, revealing pieces of the story at a pace that keeps the action flowing and the reader engaged. I was becoming anxious toward the end as there were only a few pages left and still so much story that needed to be told. But Russell is an exquisite wordsmith and does not disappoint. Journey of Seven Circles is a captivating read.

In a world riddled with ancient lies, Kryn Darien, a powerful wizard, prepares to unleash a spell capable of reshaping human existence. He was once a priest dedicated to the service of his people. His experience has transformed him into Kryn the soul warden, Kryn the betrayer, and Kryn the profane. As he prepares for this new mission, doubt creeps in, and he confronts unimaginable sacrifices and a conspiracy older than time. Can his determination to protect the helpless defy fate, even at the cost of his life? Journey of Seven Circles by Russell Pike invites readers into a richly imagined fantasy world of magic. The narrative primarily follows Kryn Darien, a soul warden who bears the burdens of his past as he ventures into the convoluted realms of magic while facing his failures and the immense power he seeks to harness.

Russell Pike skillfully establishes Kryn's character through his introspective thoughts and emotional depth, making him a relatable hero. The shadows of war that plague Kryn’s past become a backdrop for his present struggles and set the tone for his journey. The author deftly explores Kryn's motivations, fears, and aspirations, creating a sense of profound and resonating introspection. Each chapter not only moves the plot forward but reflects Kryn's evolving mentality, culminating in questions about destiny, sacrifice, and the moral implications of power. The structure of the narrative, particularly the concept of the “Seven Circles,” is a metaphor for Kryn's literal journey through magical realms and his inner journey to confront his own demons. Pike’s beautiful prose enthralls readers with vivid imagery, especially when detailing the magical constructs and the eerie beauty of Kryn's surroundings. The dynamics between Kryn, his loved ones, and his adversaries invite readers to ponder deeper philosophical questions about the nature of sacrifice and the inevitability of mortality. This novel offers a hero with as much power as he is internally torn. Journey of Seven Circles draws readers into the magical world the author has created.