What do you think?
The Monarchs
"A thought-provoking and spiritual dystopian quest." -Kirkus Reviews
". . . an uplifting, vividly imagined tale of human potential and the unifying power of empathy and love." -IndieReader
". . . an unforgettable page-turning novel featuring fascinating characters who live in a vividly described world." -Natacha Belair, Award-Winning Author of A Stellar Purpose trilogy
The eyes are the windows to the universe, if one knows how to look. For a select group of extraordinary children, this has never been more apparent.
Born into a world ravaged by war, Samuel Helen is among the first in a wave of "new youth" children who possess abnormally large eyes and breathtaking psychic abilities. But Samuel's powerful telekinesis cannot be managed by the team of scientists at General George Mabus's military facility. He finds his only solace in his sessions with his wise tutor, Walter, who introduces him to music and philosophy, and his cherished weekly visits with an ordinary orphan girl, Evelyn, in the neighboring village.
When a twist of fate sends Samuel and Evelyn into uncharted territory, Samuel is forced to confront dark shadows from his past in order to unlock the deepest wells of his psyche, even the universe itself, and discover deep spiritual truths while harnessing his abilities-and facing off with vengeful enemies.
He soon realizes that he is part of something much greater than he could have ever imagined . . .
". . . an uplifting, vividly imagined tale of human potential and the unifying power of empathy and love." -IndieReader
". . . an unforgettable page-turning novel featuring fascinating characters who live in a vividly described world." -Natacha Belair, Award-Winning Author of A Stellar Purpose trilogy
The eyes are the windows to the universe, if one knows how to look. For a select group of extraordinary children, this has never been more apparent.
Born into a world ravaged by war, Samuel Helen is among the first in a wave of "new youth" children who possess abnormally large eyes and breathtaking psychic abilities. But Samuel's powerful telekinesis cannot be managed by the team of scientists at General George Mabus's military facility. He finds his only solace in his sessions with his wise tutor, Walter, who introduces him to music and philosophy, and his cherished weekly visits with an ordinary orphan girl, Evelyn, in the neighboring village.
When a twist of fate sends Samuel and Evelyn into uncharted territory, Samuel is forced to confront dark shadows from his past in order to unlock the deepest wells of his psyche, even the universe itself, and discover deep spiritual truths while harnessing his abilities-and facing off with vengeful enemies.
He soon realizes that he is part of something much greater than he could have ever imagined . . .
406 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2024
About the author
Mark Sabbas
2 books2 followersMark Sabbas was raised in Katonah, New York, and has always felt drawn to the transcendent, receiving his degree in philosophy from Bucknell University with an interest in metaphysics. Mark writes about the intersection of science and spirituality on his website, nothingtodoubt.org. He also mentors for the Aramis Creative Learning Center and has coauthored several short stories in the Divinely Guided Children series, which have been made into a cartoon animation. Mark's first novel, The Monarchs, was released in June 2024 to favorable reviews and has since garnered multiple awards, including winning the Literary Titan Gold Book Award as well as the New Age Fiction category of the 2024 American Fiction Awards. Mark lives in Pineville, North Carolina, with his wife, Stephanie, and two dogs. He hopes to travel the world and one day the greater galaxy as we look toward a better future.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 29, 2024
The Monarchs, by Mark Sabbas, is one of the loveliest books that I have read in quite some time. The author takes readers on a spiritual and thought-provoking adventure filled with magic, peril, and so much love that you cannot help but feel good as you read the final page.
In The Monarchs, we follow the story of main character Samuel Helen, a child who was born into the world as one of a “new” group who arrive on earth with huge eyes and amazing psychic powers. These children who are already confused, scared, and not sure how to survive, are taken by a group of scientists to a military facility. Here they are forced to participate in numerous experiments as the scientists attempt to discover what powers they actually have and how those powers can be used to control others. Samuel’s only real hope in his life is his tutor Walter and a beautiful orphan girl named Evelyn, who lives in the next town and who he sees once a week during his work detail.
When a group of magical and very dark rebels attacks the facility, Samuel somehow escapes. He finds Evelyn and they run as fast as they can. When they are attacked by others, Evelyn ends up in a coma and Samuel is heartbroken. As he tries to figure out how to help her, he connects with Luna, an amusing and strange young woman who is, of all things given the world they live in, a pacifist. As they head off to find a sanctuary that Luna knows of where Evelyn can be helped, this journey of danger and self-awareness really takes off. Can Evelyn be saved and will Samuel learn how to use his power and ultimately, do the right thing with Luna’s help?
The Monarchs is an amazing story that is incredibly well-written. Mark Sabbas is able to create so many amazing worlds in the story and the writing is so descriptive that readers will feel as if they are actually there. Samuel is a fabulous protagonist and much stronger than he gives himself credit for. To see him grow and learn to accept his gifts is wonderful for the reader. All of the other characters in the book are also extremely well-developed and intriguing. We are able to learn much about and from Evelyn, even in her comatose state, due to the magic of the story. Evelyn is another really strong character that readers will love. There is really nothing about this book that will not be loved by adults and teens alike. It is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Monarchs is one that I would highly recommend to everyone, regardless of your age or what type of genre is your favorite. It is one that combines so many of a readers’ favorite things: magic—both good and bad, love, danger, fantasy, and so much more. It is a do-not-miss story and I cannot wait to see what happens with these characters next.
Quill says: There are very few books out there that can be considered truly beautiful and it is a pure joy to actually find one. The Monarchs is just such a book and following the characters on their journey is something that will make every reader feel good.
In The Monarchs, we follow the story of main character Samuel Helen, a child who was born into the world as one of a “new” group who arrive on earth with huge eyes and amazing psychic powers. These children who are already confused, scared, and not sure how to survive, are taken by a group of scientists to a military facility. Here they are forced to participate in numerous experiments as the scientists attempt to discover what powers they actually have and how those powers can be used to control others. Samuel’s only real hope in his life is his tutor Walter and a beautiful orphan girl named Evelyn, who lives in the next town and who he sees once a week during his work detail.
When a group of magical and very dark rebels attacks the facility, Samuel somehow escapes. He finds Evelyn and they run as fast as they can. When they are attacked by others, Evelyn ends up in a coma and Samuel is heartbroken. As he tries to figure out how to help her, he connects with Luna, an amusing and strange young woman who is, of all things given the world they live in, a pacifist. As they head off to find a sanctuary that Luna knows of where Evelyn can be helped, this journey of danger and self-awareness really takes off. Can Evelyn be saved and will Samuel learn how to use his power and ultimately, do the right thing with Luna’s help?
The Monarchs is an amazing story that is incredibly well-written. Mark Sabbas is able to create so many amazing worlds in the story and the writing is so descriptive that readers will feel as if they are actually there. Samuel is a fabulous protagonist and much stronger than he gives himself credit for. To see him grow and learn to accept his gifts is wonderful for the reader. All of the other characters in the book are also extremely well-developed and intriguing. We are able to learn much about and from Evelyn, even in her comatose state, due to the magic of the story. Evelyn is another really strong character that readers will love. There is really nothing about this book that will not be loved by adults and teens alike. It is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
The Monarchs is one that I would highly recommend to everyone, regardless of your age or what type of genre is your favorite. It is one that combines so many of a readers’ favorite things: magic—both good and bad, love, danger, fantasy, and so much more. It is a do-not-miss story and I cannot wait to see what happens with these characters next.
Quill says: There are very few books out there that can be considered truly beautiful and it is a pure joy to actually find one. The Monarchs is just such a book and following the characters on their journey is something that will make every reader feel good.
October 31, 2024
“The Monarchs” by Mark Sabbas is a thought-provoking and spiritual dystopian novel that takes readers on a deep, introspective journey. Set in a world devastated by war, the story follows Samuel Helen, a child born with abnormal psychic abilities and luminescent eyes that are said to be windows to the universe. His extraordinary powers of telekinesis are curious to a military facility intent on exploiting Samuel’s abilities. Yet, his journey of self-discovery, love, and the unifying power of empathy cannot be faltered no matter how far he is pushed.
Samuel’s struggle to navigate a world that treats him and others like him as experiments is both moving and intense in this beautifully written novel. Science fiction blends seamlessly with elements of philosophical and spiritual elements as the narrative unfolds into a quest for inner peace.
The character development in “The Monarchs” is one of the novel’s strongest features. Samuel’s relationship with the orphan girl, Evelyn, offers a tender counterbalance to the harsh realities of the military facility. Their connection becomes a symbol of hope and love in a world that otherwise seeks to suppress emotion and creativity.
Throughout the story, readers are invited to ponder universally tough questions such as the meaning of life and the responsibilities that come with great power.
The imagined world Sabbas creates is richly drawn with settings and characters that are both relatable and otherworldly. The writing is at times lyrical with Sabbas’s passion for spirituality shining through, specifically in Samuel’s inner reflections.
Despite the heavy themes in the novel, Sabbas does a tremendous job of keeping the story uplifting by focusing on the power of love, empathy, and human connection. Fans of dystopian fiction and stories that explore the intersection of science, spirituality, and human emotion, will thoroughly enjoy this memorable, page-turning novel. With echoes of classics like “His Dark Materials” and Harry Potter, it is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, making them reflect on their own potential and the strength found in unity and compassion.
Samuel’s struggle to navigate a world that treats him and others like him as experiments is both moving and intense in this beautifully written novel. Science fiction blends seamlessly with elements of philosophical and spiritual elements as the narrative unfolds into a quest for inner peace.
The character development in “The Monarchs” is one of the novel’s strongest features. Samuel’s relationship with the orphan girl, Evelyn, offers a tender counterbalance to the harsh realities of the military facility. Their connection becomes a symbol of hope and love in a world that otherwise seeks to suppress emotion and creativity.
Throughout the story, readers are invited to ponder universally tough questions such as the meaning of life and the responsibilities that come with great power.
The imagined world Sabbas creates is richly drawn with settings and characters that are both relatable and otherworldly. The writing is at times lyrical with Sabbas’s passion for spirituality shining through, specifically in Samuel’s inner reflections.
Despite the heavy themes in the novel, Sabbas does a tremendous job of keeping the story uplifting by focusing on the power of love, empathy, and human connection. Fans of dystopian fiction and stories that explore the intersection of science, spirituality, and human emotion, will thoroughly enjoy this memorable, page-turning novel. With echoes of classics like “His Dark Materials” and Harry Potter, it is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages, making them reflect on their own potential and the strength found in unity and compassion.
July 18, 2024
In a world where large-eyed, psychic children are tested in laboratories each Sunday, life is far from fun. Amidst the ruins of democracy and bombed-out cities, Samuel Helen embarks on a journey to a magical sanctuary, accompanied by a playful girl with unconventional pacifist tendencies. His quest is not only to save the girl he loves from a comatose state but also to escape the relentless rebels on his trail. Mark Sabbas' The Monarchs is a mesmerizing tale set in a chaotic yet magical and spiritual futuristic dystopia.
The book offers an intense emotional and mental journey unlike any other. Samuel's reflections and dreams seamlessly blend with reality in a mind-bending narrative that keeps readers guessing from start to finish. The Monarchs is filled with brilliant surprises and compelling clues. Just when Samuel's troubles seem to be over, unexpected attacks keep readers on edge, fearing for the protagonist's life. The villains are ruthless, willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals. One of the book's standout features is its impeccable world-building. From rich stories of past destructions to a deadly rebellious group and dystopian tyrants experimenting on children, Sabbas creates a vivid and immersive universe. The narrative smoothly integrates themes of black magic, the third eye, telekinesis, telepathy, love, empathy, friendship, enmity, and energetic healing. Fans of psychic and spiritual themes will find much to enjoy in this novel.
As an admirer of artistic novels, I appreciated the author's ability to describe mesmerizing scenes and weave therapeutic words. The Monarchs offers a thrilling adventure that excellently blends magic, danger, and love. This addictive, masterfully crafted world should not end with one story. I eagerly await its sequels, as Mark Sabbas has given readers a taste of a treat they didn't know they needed.
The book offers an intense emotional and mental journey unlike any other. Samuel's reflections and dreams seamlessly blend with reality in a mind-bending narrative that keeps readers guessing from start to finish. The Monarchs is filled with brilliant surprises and compelling clues. Just when Samuel's troubles seem to be over, unexpected attacks keep readers on edge, fearing for the protagonist's life. The villains are ruthless, willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals. One of the book's standout features is its impeccable world-building. From rich stories of past destructions to a deadly rebellious group and dystopian tyrants experimenting on children, Sabbas creates a vivid and immersive universe. The narrative smoothly integrates themes of black magic, the third eye, telekinesis, telepathy, love, empathy, friendship, enmity, and energetic healing. Fans of psychic and spiritual themes will find much to enjoy in this novel.
As an admirer of artistic novels, I appreciated the author's ability to describe mesmerizing scenes and weave therapeutic words. The Monarchs offers a thrilling adventure that excellently blends magic, danger, and love. This addictive, masterfully crafted world should not end with one story. I eagerly await its sequels, as Mark Sabbas has given readers a taste of a treat they didn't know they needed.
July 15, 2026
What stayed with me most after reading The Monarchs is that, despite its dystopian setting and extraordinary psychic abilities, the novel is ultimately about compassion. Rather than celebrating power for its own sake, Mark Sabbas explores how wisdom, empathy, and love become the true forces capable of transforming a broken world.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the emotional journey of Samuel. As one of the first generation of gifted "new youth," he could easily have been portrayed as a traditional superhuman protagonist. Instead, his greatest struggle is internal—learning to understand himself before he can understand the immense abilities he possesses. His relationship with Walter, whose lessons extend far beyond science into music and philosophy, gives the novel a reflective quality that elevates it above a conventional dystopian adventure.
I also appreciated the balance between action and spirituality. The military experiments, psychic conflicts, and unfolding mysteries provide plenty of momentum, but the story continually asks larger questions about consciousness, purpose, forgiveness, and humanity's potential for evolution. The result feels both imaginative and surprisingly hopeful, even as the world around the characters bears the scars of war.
Perhaps what impressed me most was the novel's willingness to embrace wonder. Rather than treating spirituality and science as opposing ideas, The Monarchs allows them to coexist, inviting readers to imagine a future where personal growth is every bit as important as technological or psychic advancement. It's an ambitious story that lingers because its biggest questions are ultimately about what it means to become fully human.
What makes the novel especially compelling is the emotional journey of Samuel. As one of the first generation of gifted "new youth," he could easily have been portrayed as a traditional superhuman protagonist. Instead, his greatest struggle is internal—learning to understand himself before he can understand the immense abilities he possesses. His relationship with Walter, whose lessons extend far beyond science into music and philosophy, gives the novel a reflective quality that elevates it above a conventional dystopian adventure.
I also appreciated the balance between action and spirituality. The military experiments, psychic conflicts, and unfolding mysteries provide plenty of momentum, but the story continually asks larger questions about consciousness, purpose, forgiveness, and humanity's potential for evolution. The result feels both imaginative and surprisingly hopeful, even as the world around the characters bears the scars of war.
Perhaps what impressed me most was the novel's willingness to embrace wonder. Rather than treating spirituality and science as opposing ideas, The Monarchs allows them to coexist, inviting readers to imagine a future where personal growth is every bit as important as technological or psychic advancement. It's an ambitious story that lingers because its biggest questions are ultimately about what it means to become fully human.
July 26, 2025
Mark Sabbas’ The Monarchs is pure and powerful. He’s crafted an unforgettable page-turning novel featuring fascinating characters who live in a vividly described world that I could clearly see in my mind’s eye. A must-read for fiction enthusiasts of all ages!
Filled with emotions and deep rooted truths, The Monarchs will keep you pondering long after the last page.
Filled with emotions and deep rooted truths, The Monarchs will keep you pondering long after the last page.
February 27, 2025
To Come
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews