A butterfly's wing is healed, and destiny unfolds. Follow the healer's path as he walks between Shadow and Light.
Fulgar Geth's life has been one of grief and hardship. With his strange abilities to heal and wield forces of magnetism, he is often shunned and misunderstood. Unable to catch a break by following society's rules, he and his lifelong friend Binny take to a life of vagabond thievery, hoping to scrape by until better days. Their dream: to follow the clues around an ancient talisman to a place of power, a power they believe will grant them a destiny free from the rule and control of others.
But circumstances take a turn for the worse, sending Fulgar into a tailspin of depression and regret that nearly costs him his health, his faith, and the woman he loves - a bright, spirited fugitive named Jinx, who has lost the memories of her past.
Meanwhile, a dangerous Shadow Mage pursues him, intent on harvesting Fulgar's powers. A mysterious order of protectors steps in to help guide Fulgar's path and fight the persistent presence of dark forces. With everyone's interests revolving around his powers, Fulgar must decide whom he can trust and what it truly means to have faith.
Join Fulgar and his comrades in a story of friendship, adventure, action, magic, and personal discovery in this prequel installment of the "Heroes of Time" series!
Kramer has a talent for writing spirited adventure, fisticuffs, magical encounters, and battle scenes that incorporate a wide cast of diverse characters, all spotlighted in the quest that Fulgar, Binny, and their new friend, Jinx, a young amnesiac shipwreck victim they rescue from slavery, must undertake. As they search for clues to the shrine—black sparkling metal they dub blarkle, a scroll from the underground caverns of a church, the reclusive Order of Aether Diamond cult—they also must dodge the violent bounty hunter Volk Vorovka and a whip-wielding sorcerer, in the process discovering what it really means to work together (and uncovering a spark of romance for Fulgar and Jinx).
The quest puts the entire group at risk, and, as the adventure wears on, Fulgar and Jinx work to jog her memory in hopes of learning who she really is—while Fulgar finds the inner strength to face some of his worst fears. Kramer deftly hits all the right fantasy notes, boosted with copious amounts of verve, betrayal, twists, and bravery against dark foes. Readers will embrace the impressive world building, imaginative magical skills, witticism, and suspense, all combining to make this well-crafted offering a hit for fans of adventure fantasy.
Takeaway: Adventure fantasy finds three opportunists on a quest for magical powers.
Comparable Titles: Elise Kova’s The Golden Guard Trilogy, Michael G. Manning’s Wizard in Exile.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
