Legend of the Ravaja


Fiction - Adventure
375 Pages
Reviewed on 11/26/2020
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Legend of the Ravaja by Julien LeVangie is a compelling science fiction novel with Christian themes that have you absorbed immediately. The plot centers around near-immortal gunslinger Tycho Pyron, whose ancestors are human, so this means he has a hair-trigger temper and a few other human traits. Reckless and misunderstood? Yes. And since he isn't fully human, he doesn't really get the concept of death and dying. He does, however, have a mentor that he looks up to like a father, and when this man is kidnapped, Tycho begins to understand the idea, at least on an intellectual level. Since he is indwelt by the spirit Shine, he has powers that mortals don't. He takes his healing gift for granted and doesn't realize there may be a bigger purpose for it.

LeVangie has created a world you enjoy being in. His writing is easy to like, the plot easy to comprehend. Even though some of the themes are dark and there is some violence, it isn't done in an exploitative way. It's offered to show the contrast between good and evil, life and death, etc. The premise for this novel is intriguing from the outset, and the uniqueness of it--a sci-fi gunslinger--piques the curiosity. But a story has to have more than just a great idea. It has to be well-executed, and this one is. I especially like the relationship between Tycho and his mentor. There is a lot of emotional drama in this journey, and the author handles it with balance. You will feel for the characters, especially Tycho, who has a unique nature that begs to be explored (and exploited, in a good way). The Christian themes are nice, the descriptions and details are vivid, and the adventure aspect will have you riveted. If you like your science fiction with deeper meaning, Legend of the Ravaja by Julien LeVangie hits all the buttons.

K.C. Finn

Legend of the Ravaja is a work of fiction in the adventure, action, and fantasy sub-genres, and was penned by author Julien LeVangie. This work is recommended for mature audiences owing to the presence of some graphic fantasy violence. The book follows a cynical gunslinger named Tycho Pyron who wields the power of the Shine. Possessed by this spirit of an empyrean godhead means his body is infused with abilities far beyond normal human capacity, though why he was chosen to have these powers is a question he never stopped to ask. When his mentor is kidnapped, a journey begins which will force Tycho to ask difficult questions about his powers and the world he lives in.

Author Julien LeVangie puts together a fantastic combination of fantasy and real-world influences to craft a fascinating and high impact adventure novel with stacks of action. One of the things which impressed me the most about this work was the quality of its worldbuilding, which transports us to an alternative world where danger looms in every dark corner. This is achieved not only through a masterful display of empathic and cinematic language but by the presentation of characters, who are realistic in thought, deed, and dialogue. Tycho is, of course, the prime example, but all of the darkly drawn figures we meet in this high-octane plot have intriguing backstories and impactful lines of dialogue to impart. Overall, I would certainly recommend Legend of the Ravaja as a slick, accomplished work of fantasy adventure that will surely entertain anyone who reads it.

Vincent Dublado

Legend of the Ravaja by Julien LeVangie is a Christian-inspired fantasy adventure about an impulsive gunslinger named Tycho Pyron. In the town of Sol Puesta where no one dared to venture outside their homes, Tycho stands out as he defies death, with little or no regard for his own safety because he does need it. Within him dwells the Shine, a power that proudly makes its presence known and protects him like a guardian angel, imbuing him with superhuman abilities that other mortals cannot fathom. But to what extent will his deific friend watch over him? He is unsure, and he does not know why he is chosen to wield such power. His ability is tested when Bill, his mentor, is abducted. And Tycho will come to understand death when the people he most cares about come close to it.

If you enjoy Legend of the Ravaja, you might decide that Julien LeVangie is a must-read author. This book can very well translate into a graphic novel or limited comic book series. As Christian undertones are present in the narrative, Tycho Pyron as a superhuman gunslinger gifted with self-regeneration is a hypothetical look at what God can really do if He chooses to meddle in human affairs. LeVangie is descriptive in action scenes, blending characters' thoughts and movements in the well-choreographed narration of gunfights that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read. With such detail, you may also choose to pass it up if you are squeamish about graphic violence. As a straight narrative, this novel will also appeal to comic book fans for its meta-human theme.

Rabia Tanveer

Legend of the Ravaja by Julien LeVangie is a mixture of fantasy and adventure as the author takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The story follows Tycho Pyron, a man unlike any other. He is possessed by a god called Shine, which leads to Tycho having the means to fight off even the most terrifying creatures and come out victorious. He is hotheaded and does what he feels is right because there is nothing that he cannot do. However, his world comes crashing down when his mentor and father-figure Bill is abducted, and he is left to make sense of his powers and their consequences alone. Tycho has to rescue Bill from the dangerous creature that kidnapped him and make sure he gets Bill back alive. Will Tycho be able to find Bill without guidance? What are his powers if he doesn't have the confidence to use them? Does he have what it takes to be the hero he was always meant to be?

Exciting and imaginative, Legend of the Ravaja by Julien LeVangie is a brilliant start to a series that is bound to be a massive hit. Tycho is the type of character that holds the story together and grounds the plot. He lures readers in, allows them an inside look into his mind, and shows them that he is the right person to count on. Tycho is too sure of himself at times, but he is vulnerable too. There are times when he is not sure if he is the right person, but he soldiers on and makes sure he keeps his head high so that he can fight. The narrative runs smoothly, the dialogues are executed perfectly, and the characters are developed to make the story interesting. This is entertainment at its best.