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Peril and Splendor: The Journey to Yragos
Legendary warrior, Ramsay Wick, has spent most of his life protecting the kingdom of Aegemald from the evils that inhabit the realm. As the leader of Team Leopadillo, he now faces the greatest challenge of his career – to find and kill the Alpha Dragon, whose mission is to torment mankind. Fortunately, he has a secret weapon in his arsenal.
Join the team of warriors and wizards on their nail-biting journey to the dragon’s lair where, confronted with an impossible choice, Ramsay will have to make a life-changing decision.
An action-packed fantasy for young adults!
Join the team of warriors and wizards on their nail-biting journey to the dragon’s lair where, confronted with an impossible choice, Ramsay will have to make a life-changing decision.
An action-packed fantasy for young adults!
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2023
7 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 28, 2023
I won a copy of this e-book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I'm wary of videogame-inspired books, with the medium being the message and all that, but the opening line in the preview grabbed my attention by being slightly problematic. Try it for yourself:
Did you spot it? Am I right?
One might wonder why I then entered the giveaway and, further, read the book, when I was dubious at the outset. After the first sentence no other errors announced themselves (well, maybe one), and it seemed at least midly entertaining, plus it was short. With most fantasy giveaways that I see where the book's appeal is, hmm, unclear, they tend to get to get a few hundred entrants, most of which are likely digital hoarders who sign up for any possible free book (ebooks from an established author will get a couple of thousand entries, while print giveaways from a self-published newbie will also get a couple thousand because even more hoarders want physical copies, and an actually popular author's print books will get tens of thousands of entries in comparison), but with a hundred winners they're lucky to see one or two reviews. If nothing else, I'm leaving a comprehensive, non-paid-vanity-review.
I'm giving this two stars, which is good! Per Goodreads this means "it's okay." That's a good thing. Wouldn't you want people to say your book is okay?
What makes the book okay? It absolutely meets the basic requirements: it's written with clarity, it has an acceptable story structure, it's thoroughly copyedited and properly formatted and the internal layout and design is to die for. I looked up the credited self-publishing services provider (myebook.online, based in the author's home South Africa) and they don't look like a predatory scammy/spammy vanity press of the likes of AuthorSolutions and its countless operating names and spinoffs (e.g. AuthorHouse, xlibris, iUniverse). Aside from the cover art they did a good job and hopefully their prices were reasonable.
Beyond the basics though . . . eh. It's like it took a standard fantasy adventure story outline, and filled it in to the barest extent. The book start mid-action; it builds to an inciting event for the main plot; there are obstacles to overcome on the characters' journey to fulfill their main mission. There's a balance of action and dialogue. There’s (attempted) comic relief. Technically there are character arcs, but as an example one character's arc is that he can jump higher by the end. If there's a checklist for this type of story, the boxes are all ticked. If you're learning to write, is this a good early effort? Yes. Is it then worth paying to publish it, and further pay to promote it? Opinions may vary. I often think of late that the concept of trunk novels needs to be refreshed for the zeitgeist.
If the goal was to replicate a video game in the form of a novel, it succeeds, but it's a terribly boring video game. Standard character classes, a basic "warrior's guild" mission structure, magic that doesn't go beyond lightning bolt, heal, and shield spells. NPC is met, new mission is started, mission is fulfilled, enemies are looted. At intervals they go to the market and upgrade their equipment by 10%.
All other aspects of the novel are equally dull. Characters are wooden and fully defined by their character class: paladin, healer, dwarf (yes that's a class, check your OG D&D) is the beginning and end of respective characters' personalities. Action is written invariably plainly, without emotion or consequence. Here is one of the better examples:
I can read it in videogame form as, "Ramsay presses the defend button, then the spin attack button. He takes damage. Eldon attacks. Wizard casts a spell. Healer presses the heal button." On a broader level it's not much better; the team gets a mission. They fulfill the mission. The next stage begins.
Dialogue is robotic. One small mercy is the restrained dialogue tags; thankfully no one grunts, shrieks, or asseverates. But even sticking to the basics, the tags are almost always unnecessary:
And the story . . . I think of the book as having a plot, but not quite a story. It's mostly lifeless and inconsequential. As a reader I am never shown reasons to care for the characters or the outcome. It's not totally devoid—there is some emotion given to the characters, e.g. the dwarf whose family is killed in the inciting dragon attack—and I've unfortunately read much worse, but what little exists is delivered so plainly and/or off-screen, and through the distant omniscient narrator lens, that it never rises above clinical interest, just another box ticked off on the "what should go into a book" checklist.
So, not a bad place to start writing, but perhaps not the place to start publishing.
And now, the cover, for which the added "Readers Favorite" sticker is not doing any favors:
It's genre-appropriate at a glance. What I really want to know is, what are the warrior and the dragon each fighting? Because they're not pointed at each other, that's for sure. And regarding the main figure of indeterminate gender:
The foot through the "O" is okay in concept, I suppose. I'm more concerned about the curvature of the belly (is that just the armor, or have there been a few too many nights swigging ale in generic fantasy taverns?) but most of all about why they're slicing themself in the forehead.
A loud clunk rings through the air as Ramsay blocks a mighty swipe from the Chimera with his shield.
Did you spot it? Am I right?
One might wonder why I then entered the giveaway and, further, read the book, when I was dubious at the outset. After the first sentence no other errors announced themselves (well, maybe one), and it seemed at least midly entertaining, plus it was short. With most fantasy giveaways that I see where the book's appeal is, hmm, unclear, they tend to get to get a few hundred entrants, most of which are likely digital hoarders who sign up for any possible free book (ebooks from an established author will get a couple of thousand entries, while print giveaways from a self-published newbie will also get a couple thousand because even more hoarders want physical copies, and an actually popular author's print books will get tens of thousands of entries in comparison), but with a hundred winners they're lucky to see one or two reviews. If nothing else, I'm leaving a comprehensive, non-paid-vanity-review.
I'm giving this two stars, which is good! Per Goodreads this means "it's okay." That's a good thing. Wouldn't you want people to say your book is okay?
What makes the book okay? It absolutely meets the basic requirements: it's written with clarity, it has an acceptable story structure, it's thoroughly copyedited and properly formatted and the internal layout and design is to die for. I looked up the credited self-publishing services provider (myebook.online, based in the author's home South Africa) and they don't look like a predatory scammy/spammy vanity press of the likes of AuthorSolutions and its countless operating names and spinoffs (e.g. AuthorHouse, xlibris, iUniverse). Aside from the cover art they did a good job and hopefully their prices were reasonable.
Beyond the basics though . . . eh. It's like it took a standard fantasy adventure story outline, and filled it in to the barest extent. The book start mid-action; it builds to an inciting event for the main plot; there are obstacles to overcome on the characters' journey to fulfill their main mission. There's a balance of action and dialogue. There’s (attempted) comic relief. Technically there are character arcs, but as an example one character's arc is that he can jump higher by the end. If there's a checklist for this type of story, the boxes are all ticked. If you're learning to write, is this a good early effort? Yes. Is it then worth paying to publish it, and further pay to promote it? Opinions may vary. I often think of late that the concept of trunk novels needs to be refreshed for the zeitgeist.
If the goal was to replicate a video game in the form of a novel, it succeeds, but it's a terribly boring video game. Standard character classes, a basic "warrior's guild" mission structure, magic that doesn't go beyond lightning bolt, heal, and shield spells. NPC is met, new mission is started, mission is fulfilled, enemies are looted. At intervals they go to the market and upgrade their equipment by 10%.
All other aspects of the novel are equally dull. Characters are wooden and fully defined by their character class: paladin, healer, dwarf (yes that's a class, check your OG D&D) is the beginning and end of respective characters' personalities. Action is written invariably plainly, without emotion or consequence. Here is one of the better examples:
Ramsay uses defensive magic to put a protective field around him and draws the attention of the rest of the enemies. He spins around with his sword attacking the enemies surrounding him. They retaliate by casting electric magic attacks at him to inflict paralysis. Ramsay staggers for a few seconds but is unaffected. Jonwido and Eldon have taken down two enemies, and now direct their attacks to the rest of the cult members in the room. Eldon strikes one down with his spear, and Jonwido blasts another one with a fireball. Only one enemy is left standing and Ramsay finishes him with a combination of sword slices.
I can read it in videogame form as, "Ramsay presses the defend button, then the spin attack button. He takes damage. Eldon attacks. Wizard casts a spell. Healer presses the heal button." On a broader level it's not much better; the team gets a mission. They fulfill the mission. The next stage begins.
Dialogue is robotic. One small mercy is the restrained dialogue tags; thankfully no one grunts, shrieks, or asseverates. But even sticking to the basics, the tags are almost always unnecessary:
“I give a compliment,” Eldon compliments.
“I reply to your compliment,” Ramsay replies.
“Question?” Chase asks.
“I answer your question,” Ramsay answers.
And the story . . . I think of the book as having a plot, but not quite a story. It's mostly lifeless and inconsequential. As a reader I am never shown reasons to care for the characters or the outcome. It's not totally devoid—there is some emotion given to the characters, e.g. the dwarf whose family is killed in the inciting dragon attack—and I've unfortunately read much worse, but what little exists is delivered so plainly and/or off-screen, and through the distant omniscient narrator lens, that it never rises above clinical interest, just another box ticked off on the "what should go into a book" checklist.
So, not a bad place to start writing, but perhaps not the place to start publishing.
And now, the cover, for which the added "Readers Favorite" sticker is not doing any favors:
It's genre-appropriate at a glance. What I really want to know is, what are the warrior and the dragon each fighting? Because they're not pointed at each other, that's for sure. And regarding the main figure of indeterminate gender:
The foot through the "O" is okay in concept, I suppose. I'm more concerned about the curvature of the belly (is that just the armor, or have there been a few too many nights swigging ale in generic fantasy taverns?) but most of all about why they're slicing themself in the forehead.
February 22, 2023
When you pick up a fantasy novel, you immediately transport yourself to a world of imagination in which anything is possible. There are dragons soaring above and breathing fire; there are uncharted territories just waiting to be discovered; and magic is a part of everyday life. You step into the role of the character in the tale, confronting seemingly insurmountable challenges while defending the values you hold dear. When you flip the pages, you enter a fantasy world where the seemingly impossible becomes achievable and the mundane becomes spectacular. While reading a fantasy novel, it's easy to get swept up in the action, the fascinating cast of characters, and the magical world that comes to life before your eyes.
Caleb Birch's "Peril and Splendor: The Journey to Yragos" is an enthralling work of fantasy that whisks readers away on an incredible adventure to a world of dragons, magic, and dangerous situations. The plot revolves around Ramsay Wick, a great warrior who has spent his whole life defending the kingdom of Aegemald from the many threats it faces. Ramsay is a skilled and courageous leader who exemplifies the qualities of bravery, dedication, and teamwork, and he is determined to protect the people of Nashia. As the leader of Team Leopadillo, he is now tasked with the most difficult duty of his life: tracking down and killing the Alpha Dragon, a creature whose only purpose is to inflict misery on humans.
The story contains everything that a good fantasy needs: magic, mystery, intrigue, unexpected twists and turns, and a hero who lives up to his name. I was completely captivated by this story. So many different events happen on Ramsay's journey that it compels you to keep reading. This book manages to be both complex and accessible at the same time. Told in a unique style, the narrative weaves together the threads of Ramsay's life into a story of adventure and character growth. The prose was straightforward and easy to follow, with memorable moments and interesting banter. Yet there was a complexity and depth to the story that will wrap the reader in a comfort that only original, great fantasy writing can do.
The world-building in this book is top-notch, and Caleb Birch creates a rich and immersive setting that feels both expansive and intimate. The fantasy elements are intricate and fascinating, with a strong emphasis on both the natural world and ancient lore. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and Ramsay is a relatable and likable protagonist who grows and matures throughout the story.
The plot is slow-burning, taking its time to establish the characters and setting before ramping up the tension and action in the later parts of the book. Caleb Birch’s methodical pacing is not one that unfurls at break-neck speed, but one that carefully crafts with the feel of relevant foreshadowing and well-balanced building of the characters and setting. There are moments of great intensity and high stakes, and the battle with the dragon is both thrilling and satisfying.
Venture into a world of fire-breathing dragons and mystical landscapes in this epic fantasy adventure! Follow the journey of the heroes as they navigate through dangerous terrain, battle ferocious beasts, and uncover hidden mysteries. With richly drawn characters, awe-inspiring magic, and breathtaking action, Peril and Splendor by Caleb Birch will transport you to a land beyond your wildest dreams. Don't miss out on this thrilling and unforgettable tale!
Caleb Birch's "Peril and Splendor: The Journey to Yragos" is an enthralling work of fantasy that whisks readers away on an incredible adventure to a world of dragons, magic, and dangerous situations. The plot revolves around Ramsay Wick, a great warrior who has spent his whole life defending the kingdom of Aegemald from the many threats it faces. Ramsay is a skilled and courageous leader who exemplifies the qualities of bravery, dedication, and teamwork, and he is determined to protect the people of Nashia. As the leader of Team Leopadillo, he is now tasked with the most difficult duty of his life: tracking down and killing the Alpha Dragon, a creature whose only purpose is to inflict misery on humans.
The story contains everything that a good fantasy needs: magic, mystery, intrigue, unexpected twists and turns, and a hero who lives up to his name. I was completely captivated by this story. So many different events happen on Ramsay's journey that it compels you to keep reading. This book manages to be both complex and accessible at the same time. Told in a unique style, the narrative weaves together the threads of Ramsay's life into a story of adventure and character growth. The prose was straightforward and easy to follow, with memorable moments and interesting banter. Yet there was a complexity and depth to the story that will wrap the reader in a comfort that only original, great fantasy writing can do.
The world-building in this book is top-notch, and Caleb Birch creates a rich and immersive setting that feels both expansive and intimate. The fantasy elements are intricate and fascinating, with a strong emphasis on both the natural world and ancient lore. The characters are complex and well-drawn, and Ramsay is a relatable and likable protagonist who grows and matures throughout the story.
The plot is slow-burning, taking its time to establish the characters and setting before ramping up the tension and action in the later parts of the book. Caleb Birch’s methodical pacing is not one that unfurls at break-neck speed, but one that carefully crafts with the feel of relevant foreshadowing and well-balanced building of the characters and setting. There are moments of great intensity and high stakes, and the battle with the dragon is both thrilling and satisfying.
Venture into a world of fire-breathing dragons and mystical landscapes in this epic fantasy adventure! Follow the journey of the heroes as they navigate through dangerous terrain, battle ferocious beasts, and uncover hidden mysteries. With richly drawn characters, awe-inspiring magic, and breathtaking action, Peril and Splendor by Caleb Birch will transport you to a land beyond your wildest dreams. Don't miss out on this thrilling and unforgettable tale!
August 23, 2023
Interesting story!
I personally liked how the story was written, the twists and plots, the suspense and the happy ending. It was so much fun to read how Ramsay and his comrades had victoriously fought the dragon (Chimera) until they killed him, and how the king recognized their bravery,hard work and efforts by rewarding them with a land and a chest of gold each. Finally,Ramsay found the love of his life (Irina) and both joyfully danced together to the beautiful song at the party.
I highly recommend this book!
I personally liked how the story was written, the twists and plots, the suspense and the happy ending. It was so much fun to read how Ramsay and his comrades had victoriously fought the dragon (Chimera) until they killed him, and how the king recognized their bravery,hard work and efforts by rewarding them with a land and a chest of gold each. Finally,Ramsay found the love of his life (Irina) and both joyfully danced together to the beautiful song at the party.
I highly recommend this book!
August 21, 2023
3.8 stars
May 9, 2024
Peril and Splendor by Caleb Birch is a short novel revolving around dragons, warriors, talking rabbits, giant monsters and whatnot. Easy story to glide through in one sitting.
It's one of the books by those "aspiring" writers hoping to get something published. Something, anything.
The writing felt raw, with a lack of visual elements at many places. Not a good thing for fantasy writing.
Then, the leading warrior is keen on taking up random fights, as if he wants to show off his skills to random bystanders.
The story is fast, too fast actually, as if the author is in a hurry to get to the end. The actual "mission" was written as way too easy than the missions leading to it.
As a reader, I wasn't able to enjoy it well.
Might be a good read for teens, especially boys, who love fast adventures and flashy stories, where the hero gets everything done in a swoop.
It's one of the books by those "aspiring" writers hoping to get something published. Something, anything.
The writing felt raw, with a lack of visual elements at many places. Not a good thing for fantasy writing.
Then, the leading warrior is keen on taking up random fights, as if he wants to show off his skills to random bystanders.
The story is fast, too fast actually, as if the author is in a hurry to get to the end. The actual "mission" was written as way too easy than the missions leading to it.
As a reader, I wasn't able to enjoy it well.
Might be a good read for teens, especially boys, who love fast adventures and flashy stories, where the hero gets everything done in a swoop.
July 31, 2023
This was a good reads giveaway!
Difficult to rate, it’s a very basic book the way it is written and yes it is a fantasy book but would better if put under a children’s book heading as it is written in a childish style!
Difficult to rate, it’s a very basic book the way it is written and yes it is a fantasy book but would better if put under a children’s book heading as it is written in a childish style!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews