by Mark Mills (Editor), Mark Mills (Illustrator), Mark Mills (Author)
Everybody is loving this book and fans are excitedly anticipating the release of book 2, "The Rings of Azimuth," in the summer of 2024.
It seems to start like a sword & sorcery, fantasy, D&D type of adventure story set on a planet far away like many other stories. Then layer upon layer of mystery gets added into the mix. A quirky, fairy-like character spouts references to 20th-century Earth TV commercials. Shrouded mysteries arise of a highly advanced civilization in this planet's history. Serious questions develop as to the true origins of the so-called "gods." Mysticism is real. Magic seems to be real. Magical and fantastic creatures abound as do opportunities for adventure, fame, glory, and plunder. But the world didn't naturally develop into this ... or did it? How long has it actually been this way and what is the real agenda behind the gods' involvement with the people?
Mystic, spiritual energy they call the Ruach has been pushed aside by this rustic civilization's obsession with adventurers, power, and favor of the gods. Doesn't spirituality always take a backseat to fame and fortune? But when legends of the past unfold and rivalries brew between gods and followers of the Ruach, four young people find their destinies intertwined. Strangers to one another, they fall into their journey by fate, it seems.
Ambitions are mixed and conflicted as a fabled relic turns into a quest for its companion pieces. When combined, this scepter could overpower the gods and uproot the reality of everything known to them.
Alex, Mila, Phelia, and maybe this guy Peter must work together and try to trust each other amid half-truths, intrigue, and misunderstandings to find these lost relics. But lacking clear direction in a land of magic, giant cats, fairies, tree-crunching beasts, megalomaniacs, and fire-breathing rabbits, while tasked with a mysterious mission they can't even agree on, how will they ever succeed?
The Rod of Truth, the first in a series of five, is an adventure of growing friendship, trust, and power that has become a fan favorite and is entertaining readers across genres. After a few chapters, the characters will start to feel like companions, and you won't want them to leave you behind as they face the dangers ahead. You, like others, will be demanding the second book as soon as it can be published.
The scheduled release date of Scepter of the Gods: The Rings of Azimuth is July 18, 2024.
Number of Pages: 404
Dimensions: 0.9 x 9 x 6 IN
Publication Date: October 17, 2023
