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Axtelera Ray: The Chronicles of Astrone
What if the mythology of our world...was just the history of theirs?
Demitra Hecataki is a spirited street magician from Greece who longs to escape her boring life in Athens. When she comes into the possession of a mysterious crystal on the night of her twelfth name day, it sets in motion a chain of events that are far beyond her control. Thrust into the strange world of Octavia, Demi will soon find herself in the midst of an adventure more dangerous than she had bargained for: one that could shape the future of an entire civilization.
Octavia is a technologically-advanced place where magic and science are fused seamlessly, and the nurturing of one’s soul can unlock its ancient secrets. The Earthborn speak of legends, of heroes and villains that once lived and ruled the Heavens and the Otherworlds; heroes and villains who, in eons past, were worshiped as gods. This mythology, however, is known by another name to the many races of Octavia. They call it history.
While humans entertain their young with fables of Ancient Egypt, Chinese folklore or fairytales from Celtic tradition, the Octavian museums display artifacts and weapons that once belonged to powerful kings like the Olympian Zeus and Odin the Allfather. But, the days of these renowned leaders are long gone, and Earth has forgotten about its alternate-dimensional sibling. Towering structures of gold and marble dominate the vast city skylines of Octavia where unlimited and renewable energy is sourced from celestial crystals, and majestic flying horses or colossal leviathans are the fastest way to travel between realms. It is a world where progressive societies of men, elves, shapeshifters, giants, centaurs, faeries, vampires, dragons and countless more ethnicities have formed a seemingly-harmonious civilization…one that was eventually doomed to unravel.
Little does Demi know that just as the Octavians of eons past possessed extraordinary abilities on Earth, so do the Earthborn in Octavia. A new era of superheroes has begun.
“The time has come for the Chosen to rise…”
Axtelera Ray: Rise of Astrone is a series of six books which blend global mythology, real historical events, science fiction and superheroes to create an epic fantasy saga. This preview of the first novel, 'The Chronicles of Astrone', mainly follows Demitra’s story arc. In addition, to better reflect the format of the final edition, the prologue and the last chapter are told from the point of view of other characters. This book draws heavily from Norse mythology, but also incorporates Germanic, Slavic, Celtic, Greek, Roman, Chinese and Native American lore to create a unique story that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Due for full release late 2015.
Demitra Hecataki is a spirited street magician from Greece who longs to escape her boring life in Athens. When she comes into the possession of a mysterious crystal on the night of her twelfth name day, it sets in motion a chain of events that are far beyond her control. Thrust into the strange world of Octavia, Demi will soon find herself in the midst of an adventure more dangerous than she had bargained for: one that could shape the future of an entire civilization.
Octavia is a technologically-advanced place where magic and science are fused seamlessly, and the nurturing of one’s soul can unlock its ancient secrets. The Earthborn speak of legends, of heroes and villains that once lived and ruled the Heavens and the Otherworlds; heroes and villains who, in eons past, were worshiped as gods. This mythology, however, is known by another name to the many races of Octavia. They call it history.
While humans entertain their young with fables of Ancient Egypt, Chinese folklore or fairytales from Celtic tradition, the Octavian museums display artifacts and weapons that once belonged to powerful kings like the Olympian Zeus and Odin the Allfather. But, the days of these renowned leaders are long gone, and Earth has forgotten about its alternate-dimensional sibling. Towering structures of gold and marble dominate the vast city skylines of Octavia where unlimited and renewable energy is sourced from celestial crystals, and majestic flying horses or colossal leviathans are the fastest way to travel between realms. It is a world where progressive societies of men, elves, shapeshifters, giants, centaurs, faeries, vampires, dragons and countless more ethnicities have formed a seemingly-harmonious civilization…one that was eventually doomed to unravel.
Little does Demi know that just as the Octavians of eons past possessed extraordinary abilities on Earth, so do the Earthborn in Octavia. A new era of superheroes has begun.
“The time has come for the Chosen to rise…”
Axtelera Ray: Rise of Astrone is a series of six books which blend global mythology, real historical events, science fiction and superheroes to create an epic fantasy saga. This preview of the first novel, 'The Chronicles of Astrone', mainly follows Demitra’s story arc. In addition, to better reflect the format of the final edition, the prologue and the last chapter are told from the point of view of other characters. This book draws heavily from Norse mythology, but also incorporates Germanic, Slavic, Celtic, Greek, Roman, Chinese and Native American lore to create a unique story that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Due for full release late 2015.
40 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Gallagher
6 books36 followersHey, I'm Maurice (Mo), and come from the town of Cumbernauld, Scotland. I'm a mathematics and economics graduate who got lucky and stumbled into a job as a travel writer for New Zealand-based tourism company, Citywalksz Ltd.
As an author, I am perhaps best known for my unofficial novelisation of the best-selling videogame 'Final Fantasy VII', but 'Axtelera Ray' is my first original venture alongside the project creator, Alroy Jovi.
I've been an avid fan of reading since I was a kid, and have grown to love popular fantasy sagas such as 'A Song of Ice and Fire', 'Lord of the Rings', 'Harry Potter' and 'His Dark Materials', as well as other fiction epics like the 'Millennium' trilogy or 'Jurassic Park'. I would currently count George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling among my biggest inspirations, not to mention my fellow Glaswegian and legendary comic book writer, Mark Millar.
To date, I have written two fanfiction novels (the retelling of 'Final Fantasy VII' which was featured on Kotaku in Dec, 2014) as well as been involved in featurette screenplays, blogging, film directing, script editing, website content and other various articles.
If you have any questions or would just like to say "hi", please do get in touch.
As an author, I am perhaps best known for my unofficial novelisation of the best-selling videogame 'Final Fantasy VII', but 'Axtelera Ray' is my first original venture alongside the project creator, Alroy Jovi.
I've been an avid fan of reading since I was a kid, and have grown to love popular fantasy sagas such as 'A Song of Ice and Fire', 'Lord of the Rings', 'Harry Potter' and 'His Dark Materials', as well as other fiction epics like the 'Millennium' trilogy or 'Jurassic Park'. I would currently count George R.R. Martin and J.K. Rowling among my biggest inspirations, not to mention my fellow Glaswegian and legendary comic book writer, Mark Millar.
To date, I have written two fanfiction novels (the retelling of 'Final Fantasy VII' which was featured on Kotaku in Dec, 2014) as well as been involved in featurette screenplays, blogging, film directing, script editing, website content and other various articles.
If you have any questions or would just like to say "hi", please do get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 25, 2015
India, 1923. Robin Windsor, a five-year old boy living in India, British father and Indian mother, plays with his ruby pendant. His little brother has a blue sapphire. His mother tells him the pendants have mystical powers that will bring him luck and he must never take it off.
Athens 2012. Demitra is celebrating her 12th birthday. She is shattered when her father is unable to come to her party. Something blue and shiny whizzes by her and gets stuck in a cake on her plate, which begins to glow. She ponders how the strange crystal came to her possession. Staring into the fireplace one day, the crystal begins to glow and a vortex is formed. Helpless, she is sucked into it. When she wakes, she finds herself in a small forest clearing. Touching the ground, veins of energy radiates from the spot and everything comes alive with blooming flowers. After walking for hours, she comes upon a small lake with an island. At the edge of the lake is a stone fountain from which oozes scarlet liquid. Beside the fountain is a statue of a soldier. A serpent monster emerges from the lake. Snatching the axe held by the statue, she attacks the serpent. Out of the forest comes a stranger and shoots the serpent with an energy rifle. Wanting to thank him, he reaches for her, purple light radiating from his fingers and tells her to sleep.
In the four chapters of ‘Axtelera Ray’ M.J. Gallagher teases the reader with a compelling tale of a magical crystal, a girl who finds herself transported to a strange land, and Norse warriors searching for a wondrous prize. Wonderfully written with flowing narrative and live dialogue, I was disappointed when I came to the end, wanting more. As a rule, I don’t read fantasy, but I was drawn into ‘Axtelera Ray’. Thinking this was a short story, I did not like having M.J. Gallagher release part of a full-length novel, leaving me feeling cheated. I don’t approve of this practice by a writer.
Athens 2012. Demitra is celebrating her 12th birthday. She is shattered when her father is unable to come to her party. Something blue and shiny whizzes by her and gets stuck in a cake on her plate, which begins to glow. She ponders how the strange crystal came to her possession. Staring into the fireplace one day, the crystal begins to glow and a vortex is formed. Helpless, she is sucked into it. When she wakes, she finds herself in a small forest clearing. Touching the ground, veins of energy radiates from the spot and everything comes alive with blooming flowers. After walking for hours, she comes upon a small lake with an island. At the edge of the lake is a stone fountain from which oozes scarlet liquid. Beside the fountain is a statue of a soldier. A serpent monster emerges from the lake. Snatching the axe held by the statue, she attacks the serpent. Out of the forest comes a stranger and shoots the serpent with an energy rifle. Wanting to thank him, he reaches for her, purple light radiating from his fingers and tells her to sleep.
In the four chapters of ‘Axtelera Ray’ M.J. Gallagher teases the reader with a compelling tale of a magical crystal, a girl who finds herself transported to a strange land, and Norse warriors searching for a wondrous prize. Wonderfully written with flowing narrative and live dialogue, I was disappointed when I came to the end, wanting more. As a rule, I don’t read fantasy, but I was drawn into ‘Axtelera Ray’. Thinking this was a short story, I did not like having M.J. Gallagher release part of a full-length novel, leaving me feeling cheated. I don’t approve of this practice by a writer.
July 10, 2016
***I received a copy of this preview in exchange for a fair and honest review.***
Axtelera Ray, written by MJ Gallagher and created by Alroy Jovi Prateek, grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn't let go. Such a tease, too, since it's just a preview. I want the whole book!
It is the year 2012, Athens, Greece and we begin the meat of the story by meeting Demitra, after a brief prologue that takes place India. A disappointing birthday ends on a mysterious note for young Demitra. She happens to be outside, having fled her party after getting the news her father would not be able to attend. This puts her in the perfect place, at just the right time, to end up the owner of a bluish crystal that fell into her lap out of the blue. Quite literally, in fact, as it rocketed over rooftops to end up in Demitra’s dessert.
She takes to wearing the jewel as a comfort, making a handmade beaded necklace to wear it on. Weeks pass with no further crystal weirdness. That is, no weirdness until the night of a penumbral eclipse. Demitra gets drawn into a parallel world where the mythology of Norse tradition isn't myth. It’s reality. Here the crystal has magickal powers, notably, the power to push back 'dark’ energy. What happens next? We'll just have to wait to find out. Arrggh!
Axtelera Ray, written by MJ Gallagher and created by Alroy Jovi Prateek, grabs your attention right from the start, and doesn't let go. Such a tease, too, since it's just a preview. I want the whole book!
It is the year 2012, Athens, Greece and we begin the meat of the story by meeting Demitra, after a brief prologue that takes place India. A disappointing birthday ends on a mysterious note for young Demitra. She happens to be outside, having fled her party after getting the news her father would not be able to attend. This puts her in the perfect place, at just the right time, to end up the owner of a bluish crystal that fell into her lap out of the blue. Quite literally, in fact, as it rocketed over rooftops to end up in Demitra’s dessert.
She takes to wearing the jewel as a comfort, making a handmade beaded necklace to wear it on. Weeks pass with no further crystal weirdness. That is, no weirdness until the night of a penumbral eclipse. Demitra gets drawn into a parallel world where the mythology of Norse tradition isn't myth. It’s reality. Here the crystal has magickal powers, notably, the power to push back 'dark’ energy. What happens next? We'll just have to wait to find out. Arrggh!
June 8, 2015
Have you been on the edge of looking for a new book? Trying to find something that just catches you at the heels and drags you away from reality? Well look no further. This is the one to read. Axtelera Ray: The Chronicles of Astrone is a sure fire book to read. Or at least the preview is amazing. I've been on the front lines of this book and I have to say I'm always on the tips of my toes waiting to read the next page. The way the author pulls you into story is exciting to say the least. But please don't take my words for it, jump in and try it out. The only thing you'll have to worry about is that this is only a preview. I'll be the first in line to get the book when it's completed.
June 7, 2015
Meet the next world-wide phenomena. This preview is sure to dazzle, delight, intrigue and leave you yearning for more. Get a taste of upcoming glory as you are transported to a place where mythological beings exist and meld with our world. On your brief journey, meet captivating characters and be drawn under their spell as the story unfolds. You are not going to want to miss this!
December 13, 2017
In this preview we met Demitra and Victor, two very different people who have never met an even live in complete different countries. They're drawn together by a strange event almost simultaneously, being struck by a large bright stone. They're then transported to Octavia where the majority of the story takes place. What blew me away about both of these characters is how fleshed out and flawed these two main characters are. They're complex and well written. The same can be said for the secondary characters. It's clear that Jovi and Gallagher put a lot of hard work into the creation of their cast.
Read the rest of my review at: https://www.sarahfoil.com/blog/a-revi...
Read the rest of my review at: https://www.sarahfoil.com/blog/a-revi...
April 14, 2018
Im not a huge fan of reading books, I like stories told in either movie or game format, though i have played numerious sessions of Dungeons and Dragons so I can still imagine a few things told to me without pictures and videos.
Since I read the authors novelisations of the much loved Final Fantasy VII game (I really enjoyed them) I thought I'd give Axtelera Ray: the Chronicles of Astrone a shot, and boy was i not disappointed.
The story is interesting, rich with lore from my favorite mythology: Norse, characters are well written, environements described in very good detail (especially in the later parts of the preview copy)
The main characters, Victor and Demitra are described in such a good way you can almost experience all their emotions as if you were in the world of Octavia itself.
The story has a steady flow and will keep you interested throughout the entire novel. The way that the author uses several characters view of the story (and even tells us about things happening outside the main characters point of view) makes it look like it's ready for movie and/or series adaptation, which is a huge plus in my opinion.
Since english isn't my native language it was a bit hard to read but do not fear, it's not that difficult that you don't know whats going on or where the events are taking place, be it a dining hall, council room or the streets of Brighton.
Axtelera Ray is a great read for anyone interested in sci-fi (yes Octavia is more high-tech than you think), superheroes or some kind of mytholgy. Especially Norse.
I highly recommend it.
Since I read the authors novelisations of the much loved Final Fantasy VII game (I really enjoyed them) I thought I'd give Axtelera Ray: the Chronicles of Astrone a shot, and boy was i not disappointed.
The story is interesting, rich with lore from my favorite mythology: Norse, characters are well written, environements described in very good detail (especially in the later parts of the preview copy)
The main characters, Victor and Demitra are described in such a good way you can almost experience all their emotions as if you were in the world of Octavia itself.
The story has a steady flow and will keep you interested throughout the entire novel. The way that the author uses several characters view of the story (and even tells us about things happening outside the main characters point of view) makes it look like it's ready for movie and/or series adaptation, which is a huge plus in my opinion.
Since english isn't my native language it was a bit hard to read but do not fear, it's not that difficult that you don't know whats going on or where the events are taking place, be it a dining hall, council room or the streets of Brighton.
Axtelera Ray is a great read for anyone interested in sci-fi (yes Octavia is more high-tech than you think), superheroes or some kind of mytholgy. Especially Norse.
I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews