This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
My mind is a chaotic place to dwell. The dark thoughts that clamor for freedom spill out onto the pages of art. You have entered the mind of a Bipolar author. Many have inquired as to why I bother to write in the first place. Some say it is a dying art form, while others claim it is simply a waste of time if I want to be successful. Truth be told, I write because that is what I have been called to do. Mental illness is a topic that still has stigma attached to it and I wish to aid in the removal of said stigma. My novel Rise of the Abyss from The Search for Paradise series is my first step towards that. Diving into the depths of one's abyss is the best way to heal for all those involved. It is my greatest wish that you continue with me on this journey. There is more wisdom to be revealed and more healing to be done.
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The world of Lelanos was ruled by four powerful guilds in an impasse; the Lion in the north, the Fox in the east, the Elephant in the south, and the Crocodile in the west. The decimation of the Fox guild and the Lion guild’s declaration of war on the Crocodiles ended the stalemate. The two have been engaged in a bloody and heated war ever since, whereas the Elephants decided not to participate and became pacifists. Years later, James Ivory, reputable Judge and expected successor of the Elephant Guild, questions the tenets of his people, including his sanity. Jarvan Hartengale VII tries to prove himself a worthy future leader of the Lions, while Raven oracle Orianna Duskbringer seeks to escape from her abusive family and fulfill her deity’s prophecy. However, the mainlanders don’t realize that there’s a powerful being deep in the sea who has been waiting impatiently to conquer the world above.
Rise of the Abyss (The Search for Paradise, Volume 1) by Negus Lamont is an intriguing fantasy fiction filled with conflicts, conspiracy, and betrayals. The world-building is impressive, particularly how the guilds personify different animal symbols that shape their system of law and magic as well as the attributes of their members. The plot is intricate where the characters struggle with their own dissension and with others. I gravitated towards James Ivory’s gradual disillusionment with the Elephants’ tenets, his fragmented mind and the truth about the city he admires. I had a soft spot for the docile Orianna, who progressively becomes more courageous to do what she thinks is right. I look forward to reading her character development in the sequel. Overall, the nature of particular crimes might affect some readers, but this dark, complex fantasy is no doubt a fascinating read.
