Book Review for Azaroth and Sefalin by Leonard G. Mokos
Azaroth and Sefalin, by Leonard G. Mokos, is an epic fantasy about two men, both of whom, despite the folly of their youth, have shown their loyalty to one another time and time again.
Azaroth is a middle-aged wizard whom, along with his companion Sefalin, set out to Lonsea, where the Coda Uma, a book that codes for the apocalypse, resides. In order to bring back his master’s past glories, Azaroth resolves to steal the book with his friend in toll. After a very amusing near-death experience, the two friends manage to retrieve the book and part ways. However, when word of the stolen book reaches Helix, a scorned Prince lusting for power, he scours the lands to find the thieves. With a kingdom falling, the undead marching on, and the enemy closing in, Azaroth and Sefalin discover that it is their friendship that helps one another, and, at the very least, makes life worth living.
I loved the dynamic between Azaroth and Sefalin. Whereas Sefalin is humorous, Azaroth is serious; Sefalin born with a silver spoon, Azaroth a lowly orphan. Even so, the two share a common trait that if their loved ones were demeaned or threatened, they would do anything to protect them, no matter the cost. Whether that means groveling at the feet of another king, or transforming into a monster, it’s clear they hold each other and their loved ones in high regard. This is shown many times over when they go to risk their lives for each other, when they are willing to even abandon others if only for the sake of an adventure they could go on together. It goes to show that they really are lifelong companions, and that they do have each other’s backs in the darkest of times, something Mokos illustrates fully.
Their relationship also shows a major theme in the book, that true friends will always stay by your side, no matter how badly you screw up. Personally, it reminded me of a comic I once read, of how a good friend would bail you out of jail, but a true friend would be sitting in the jail cell right beside you. Azaroth and Sefalin have been burned by each other’s actions, but even then, they still decide to go on their many misadventures together. It makes for a bittersweet ending, but I can’t imagine any other place for these two aside from together.
Overall, I would give this book a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The book’s meticulous details brought to life horrifying scenes that made me want more. The friendship between the two main protagonists, as well as the political battlefield waged behind the scenes, was well done. The book was thorough, and is recommended to those who enjoy adventure and dystopian genres.
