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Vallmossa's Orb: Irlen
Bautash, the Great Red Dragon, has hunted down and killed all the mages, only one remains, Kalar. Kalar is young and untrained in his art, but he has the ability to master his craft. He discovers the truth about his ancestors and vows to seek revenge against the dragon.
He learns about the Orb, a magical relic crafted by the old mages which can be used to control a dragon and dominate it. He devises a plan to gather a party of specialist fighters and find the Orb to use it against the dragon, but unknown to him other dark forces are following his every move and will try to thwart him.
He learns about the Orb, a magical relic crafted by the old mages which can be used to control a dragon and dominate it. He devises a plan to gather a party of specialist fighters and find the Orb to use it against the dragon, but unknown to him other dark forces are following his every move and will try to thwart him.
- GenresFantasy
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
About the author
D.K. Blades
2 books18 followersI am a part-time writer residing near London with my wife and dog. Despite a demanding lifestyle I manage to get pen to paper usually late in the evenings.
My work is heavily inspired by authors such as Tolkien, David Eddings, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, and Terry Brooks, and I specialise in High Fantasy.
Throughout my full-time career, I have had the privilege of working in New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and across Europe. These experiences have introduced me to a wide variety of people, some of whom have influenced the diverse characters in my books. My writing often features intricate fight scenes and complex magical systems.
I began working on my first book in 2001, and what was initially a single project has since evolved into a series. The inspiration for the story originated from an image of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Meteora, Greece—an ideal setting for a stronghold and the focal point of my narrative.
After twenty years my first book is finished and published on Amazon Kindle. The second book in the series is in draft and waiting to be finished.
My work is heavily inspired by authors such as Tolkien, David Eddings, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, and Terry Brooks, and I specialise in High Fantasy.
Throughout my full-time career, I have had the privilege of working in New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and across Europe. These experiences have introduced me to a wide variety of people, some of whom have influenced the diverse characters in my books. My writing often features intricate fight scenes and complex magical systems.
I began working on my first book in 2001, and what was initially a single project has since evolved into a series. The inspiration for the story originated from an image of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Meteora, Greece—an ideal setting for a stronghold and the focal point of my narrative.
After twenty years my first book is finished and published on Amazon Kindle. The second book in the series is in draft and waiting to be finished.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 7, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book jumps right into a hard and mean world where almost everybody is already dead, and the danger does not waste any time. I liked how it does not hold your hand and explain every little thing. You have to keep up or get left behind. Kalar is young and untrained, but you can feel that fire in him even when he does not fully know what he is doing yet. The revenge angle feels earned and not just thrown in for drama. The story keeps moving and does not stall out, which I respect.
The orb part is where it really hooked me. The idea of something old and powerful left behind by people who knew what they were doing gives the story real weight. The planning, the gathering of fighters, and the feeling that someone is always watching from the shadows keeps the tension high. There is a sense the whole time that things can and probably will go sideways, and I liked that it does not feel safe or predictable.
Overall, this is a solid fantasy story with grit and momentum. It is not fancy, but it does not need to be. It knows what it is and sticks to it. If you like magic, danger, and a young person trying to step into something bigger than himself, this one is worth your time.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
This book jumps right into a hard and mean world where almost everybody is already dead, and the danger does not waste any time. I liked how it does not hold your hand and explain every little thing. You have to keep up or get left behind. Kalar is young and untrained, but you can feel that fire in him even when he does not fully know what he is doing yet. The revenge angle feels earned and not just thrown in for drama. The story keeps moving and does not stall out, which I respect.
The orb part is where it really hooked me. The idea of something old and powerful left behind by people who knew what they were doing gives the story real weight. The planning, the gathering of fighters, and the feeling that someone is always watching from the shadows keeps the tension high. There is a sense the whole time that things can and probably will go sideways, and I liked that it does not feel safe or predictable.
Overall, this is a solid fantasy story with grit and momentum. It is not fancy, but it does not need to be. It knows what it is and sticks to it. If you like magic, danger, and a young person trying to step into something bigger than himself, this one is worth your time.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
April 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
What to expect:
🐉 Last of his kind - Mage
🗡️ Revenge quest
🐉 Magical artefacts
🗡️ Dark forces
🐉 Found family
This was a good book.
Bautash, the Great Red Dragon, has hunted down and killed all the mages, only one remains, Kalar.
Our MMC Kalar is an untrained mage on a quest to find magical artefacts that will help him with his quest to kill the dragon Bautash.
Kalar slowly learns to hone his magic throughout the book.
Along the way he makes new friends to help him with this quest.
And all of these characters bring their own individual strengths to the group. But also some of their problems.
This books takes you on a well written and very descriptive journey.
The world building was fantastic!
The plot was great, the pacing was a little choppy but didn’t take away from the book.
The first book follows Kalar and his friends as they make their way from Irlen to Siador. Travelling for quite a while on the road and then across the sea.
The next book continues the journey to find the artefacts, so I will definitely be continuing this series.
Would recommend!
What to expect:
🐉 Last of his kind - Mage
🗡️ Revenge quest
🐉 Magical artefacts
🗡️ Dark forces
🐉 Found family
This was a good book.
Bautash, the Great Red Dragon, has hunted down and killed all the mages, only one remains, Kalar.
Our MMC Kalar is an untrained mage on a quest to find magical artefacts that will help him with his quest to kill the dragon Bautash.
Kalar slowly learns to hone his magic throughout the book.
Along the way he makes new friends to help him with this quest.
And all of these characters bring their own individual strengths to the group. But also some of their problems.
This books takes you on a well written and very descriptive journey.
The world building was fantastic!
The plot was great, the pacing was a little choppy but didn’t take away from the book.
The first book follows Kalar and his friends as they make their way from Irlen to Siador. Travelling for quite a while on the road and then across the sea.
The next book continues the journey to find the artefacts, so I will definitely be continuing this series.
Would recommend!
March 3, 2026
Vallmossa's Orb is an epic fantasy series perfect for early mid level to YA readers. The plot focuses on Kalar, the last mage, and his quest to destroy Bautash, the oppressive dragon who has been plaguing the land. He meets Cetarii who takes him in and shows him true kindness and friendship. To accomplish their goal, they recruit Tobet, Astiri and her friends to join them on their adventure from Irlen to Siador. The world building is descriptive and the story is interesting, while the magic system is pretty unique. I enjoyed seeing Cetarii grow in his confidence while working with the team. The first book ends as the travel from Irlen is completed, giving a definitive stopping point to the story, rather than a cliffhanger. I enjoyed sharing the tale with my son who liked the plot line and magic as well. I'll be interested to see how book two progresses the story.
March 31, 2026
Kalan, the first mage in decades, is destined to achieve what no one before him could: defeat the dragon Bautash. Joined by a mismatched band of allies, he sets out in search of powerful magical weapons, hoping to finally end the creature’s long reign of terror. Their plan comes together more easily than expected—until they attract the attention of the Guild, a ruthless organization determined to stop them at any cost.
Offering a blend of magic, adventure, and imaginative storytelling. I especially appreciated how easy-to-follow this story was, which made it fun to read aloud to my little one, who thoroughly enjoyed it as well. The book features engaging action scenes and lighthearted humor, particularly in the interactions between allies. Vallmossa's Orb is a great epic fantasy read for any age!
Offering a blend of magic, adventure, and imaginative storytelling. I especially appreciated how easy-to-follow this story was, which made it fun to read aloud to my little one, who thoroughly enjoyed it as well. The book features engaging action scenes and lighthearted humor, particularly in the interactions between allies. Vallmossa's Orb is a great epic fantasy read for any age!
June 7, 2026
This was one of those books that slowly pulled me in until I realized I was completely invested in what was happening. The fantasy setting is rich without feeling overwhelming, and I loved uncovering the mysteries piece by piece. There were dragons, danger, political intrigue, and plenty of moments that kept me wondering what was coming next. The world-building is detailed.
What I enjoyed most was the sense of adventure throughout. There was always something happening. The story felt real, and I found myself rooting for the characters even when I wasn’t sure. Started a little slower for me while I was learning but when I connected everything, I flew through the pages. The ending definitely left me curious about where the story is headed next. If you enjoy fantasy, dragons, unique worlds, with mystery and adventure, this one is worth checking out.
What I enjoyed most was the sense of adventure throughout. There was always something happening. The story felt real, and I found myself rooting for the characters even when I wasn’t sure. Started a little slower for me while I was learning but when I connected everything, I flew through the pages. The ending definitely left me curious about where the story is headed next. If you enjoy fantasy, dragons, unique worlds, with mystery and adventure, this one is worth checking out.
May 30, 2026
classic fantasy!
This story has amazing story building and character building. I love the classic fantasy vibes this gives.
It honestly seems like a really good match for Brandon Sanderson on world building so far.
It at one point it feels as if you are in the story riding along with Kalar and the gang. I’m really hoping to see a drastic character development in the second part with one particular member of our little family. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us!
This story has amazing story building and character building. I love the classic fantasy vibes this gives.
It honestly seems like a really good match for Brandon Sanderson on world building so far.
It at one point it feels as if you are in the story riding along with Kalar and the gang. I’m really hoping to see a drastic character development in the second part with one particular member of our little family. I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for us!
January 12, 2026
Book One: Irlen
This seemed to be one of the author's first books. Parts jumped around, and at times, the plot flow was choppy. The character development was inconsistent at times, and with the main character, it s seemed to go back and forth. More excitement could have been to the calling of the Raven and maybe a stronger bond between the MC and the thief! It's still a good read.
This seemed to be one of the author's first books. Parts jumped around, and at times, the plot flow was choppy. The character development was inconsistent at times, and with the main character, it s seemed to go back and forth. More excitement could have been to the calling of the Raven and maybe a stronger bond between the MC and the thief! It's still a good read.
May 14, 2026
I had so much fun with this book! It is high fantasy with high stakes, but it reads easily (isn't overcomplicated). Although there were times when it felt like it jumped around, and I had to fill in the blanks a bit myself, it was beautifully written and captivating from the very beginning. I am really looking forward to jumping into the second book!
May 18, 2026
I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. This is a story of adventure, magic and powerful dragons!
It’s a world building but full of action book which is pleasantly surprisingly! It ends leaving you with a lot of questions ready for the second book!
It’s a world building but full of action book which is pleasantly surprisingly! It ends leaving you with a lot of questions ready for the second book!
May 19, 2026
This reads like a classic fantasy story. It has mages and dragons and elves oh my! One thing that really stood out for me is the storyline isn’t overly complicated. Kalar is on a quest, he gathers allies, and they set out. Fans of more traditional fantasy should definitely check this book out.
January 29, 2026
I won this in a giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews