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Tales of Tzoladia #4
Visionaries
"The only thing keeping that seal around his neck is his head. Heads are easily removed."
Time is running out. Tzoladia is under siege. Heads will roll.
As the prophecy unfolds, young people dream and old men see visions. Emperor Zoltov's forces move to exterminate the "Subhumans." Risky alliances are formed as Metlan's ambition propels him into places of mystery and murder. Brina and Amanki sail through a sea filled with enchantment and betrayal. Moshoi is dazzled by treasure as he faces the horrors of an evil empire. All forces converge on Tzoladia. Time for a showdown. Will mud, rocks, and trees come together at last?
Who will lose their heads?
Time is running out. Tzoladia is under siege. Heads will roll.
As the prophecy unfolds, young people dream and old men see visions. Emperor Zoltov's forces move to exterminate the "Subhumans." Risky alliances are formed as Metlan's ambition propels him into places of mystery and murder. Brina and Amanki sail through a sea filled with enchantment and betrayal. Moshoi is dazzled by treasure as he faces the horrors of an evil empire. All forces converge on Tzoladia. Time for a showdown. Will mud, rocks, and trees come together at last?
Who will lose their heads?
263 pages, ebook
First published January 15, 2018
2 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Denny
11 books64 followersR.A. Denny is a history buff with a law degree from Duke University. After many years of practicing criminal law, she retired to do what she loves.
She is the author of Pirates and Puritans, a historical fiction series, and Tales of Tzoladia, an epic fantasy series. She enjoys spending time with her family and looking for adventure.
She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel.
In 2018 she toured Morocco as part of her research for her book, The Alchemy Thief.
R.A. lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.
She is the author of Pirates and Puritans, a historical fiction series, and Tales of Tzoladia, an epic fantasy series. She enjoys spending time with her family and looking for adventure.
She has traveled to the ancient rock city of Petra on horseback, flown through the jungles of Costa Rica on zip lines, and visited the Great Pyramid on a camel.
In 2018 she toured Morocco as part of her research for her book, The Alchemy Thief.
R.A. lives in Delaware. As a child, she had two pet flying squirrels.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 25, 2019
*I received a free copy of this novel, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Emperor’s Vision is Book 4 in the 5-book Tales of Tzoladia series and I definitely advise that you read the books in series order, as each instalment picks up where the previous left off.
The individual story threads follow Amanki (‘Mud’ – the Webby race), Moshoi (‘Rocks’ – the Armored race), Brina (‘Trees’ – the Glider race), and Metlan (‘Grass’ – representing the human race, from the Samalitan lion-rider tribe). Three of the main characters are trying to unite the Tzoladian seals of their respective races in order to fulfil an ancient prophecy, to place the true Emperor on the throne. The fourth is trying to take the Emperor’s throne for himself.
At this point in the series, there is outright war between the Tzoladian empire and the other races, which the Emperor has variously labelled ‘animals’, ‘inferior’, ‘dangerous’ or ‘diseased’, whilst happily using their talents as soldiers, craftsmen and guards. Women and children have been surreptitiously slaughtered or starved, as the Emperor strives to weaken his perceived enemies and prevent the prophecy from ever coming to pass. The young heroes must face their own demons and temptations in order to unite against the cruelty and fight for what is right.
There is a strong religious theme to the series, as all of the various races and tribes have their own unique gods and rituals, but the main characters all follow the ‘one true god, Adon’, and regularly pray for his guidance in times of crisis.
Spiritual matters aside, this is a well-written fantasy adventure for teens upwards, that contains plenty of action and intrigue, and just a little, clean romance! The worldbuilding, with all of the different races and their unique anatomy and culture, is excellent, and the characters develop believably as the series progresses.
Recommended for fans of clean, Christian, epic fantasy, aged teen+.
Metlan wanted word of his exploits to reach the corners of the empire. Fame could be as rewarding as power. At this point, Metlan wasn’t even sure if there was a difference. What was one without the other?
The deal clinched, Metlan walked out into the cobbled streets of the mountain fortress to find a latrine. Peeking through the clouds, the new star shone down upon him, like a second moon. The wine and song had helped him to forget about the heavy price he might pay for his ambition. He glanced down at the blue cylinder seal dangling from his neck. So far, it had brought him nothing but good fortune.
He soon returned to the hall to continue to enjoy the rowdy company of the soldiers. It wasn’t until later that he noticed that Bladar and his horsemen had all quietly slipped away. The next day, they were nowhere to be found.
– R.A. Denny, The Emperor’s Visions
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The Emperor’s Vision is Book 4 in the 5-book Tales of Tzoladia series and I definitely advise that you read the books in series order, as each instalment picks up where the previous left off.
The individual story threads follow Amanki (‘Mud’ – the Webby race), Moshoi (‘Rocks’ – the Armored race), Brina (‘Trees’ – the Glider race), and Metlan (‘Grass’ – representing the human race, from the Samalitan lion-rider tribe). Three of the main characters are trying to unite the Tzoladian seals of their respective races in order to fulfil an ancient prophecy, to place the true Emperor on the throne. The fourth is trying to take the Emperor’s throne for himself.
At this point in the series, there is outright war between the Tzoladian empire and the other races, which the Emperor has variously labelled ‘animals’, ‘inferior’, ‘dangerous’ or ‘diseased’, whilst happily using their talents as soldiers, craftsmen and guards. Women and children have been surreptitiously slaughtered or starved, as the Emperor strives to weaken his perceived enemies and prevent the prophecy from ever coming to pass. The young heroes must face their own demons and temptations in order to unite against the cruelty and fight for what is right.
There is a strong religious theme to the series, as all of the various races and tribes have their own unique gods and rituals, but the main characters all follow the ‘one true god, Adon’, and regularly pray for his guidance in times of crisis.
Spiritual matters aside, this is a well-written fantasy adventure for teens upwards, that contains plenty of action and intrigue, and just a little, clean romance! The worldbuilding, with all of the different races and their unique anatomy and culture, is excellent, and the characters develop believably as the series progresses.
Recommended for fans of clean, Christian, epic fantasy, aged teen+.
Metlan wanted word of his exploits to reach the corners of the empire. Fame could be as rewarding as power. At this point, Metlan wasn’t even sure if there was a difference. What was one without the other?
The deal clinched, Metlan walked out into the cobbled streets of the mountain fortress to find a latrine. Peeking through the clouds, the new star shone down upon him, like a second moon. The wine and song had helped him to forget about the heavy price he might pay for his ambition. He glanced down at the blue cylinder seal dangling from his neck. So far, it had brought him nothing but good fortune.
He soon returned to the hall to continue to enjoy the rowdy company of the soldiers. It wasn’t until later that he noticed that Bladar and his horsemen had all quietly slipped away. The next day, they were nowhere to be found.
– R.A. Denny, The Emperor’s Visions
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
September 16, 2018
Visionaries is the penultimate book in this great series, often this is the time where book series' slow down by setting the scene for the big finale but that is most certainly not the case here. In a series where so many revelations have already been made I was surprised to find that there are yet more exciting twists, new characters and locations. Visionaries isn't confusing in this regard though, everything is finally starting to come together as the players converge on their final places.
We had the delightful revelation that Moshoi was still alive at the end of book 4, he was a character I much missed and his upset at finding Tuka the hero is understandable, he has suffered greatly yet his sacrifice seems to pale in comparison to Tuka's successes. I get the feeling however that Moshoi's maturity will win out over Tuka's naivety. Metlan also lost my vote in this book, any redemption he found in early books has been completely overshadowed by his thirst for power here. His complete disregard for others or their feelings hit quite hard after he had shown such promise, I'm wondering if a new situation he finds himself caught up in will come back to bite him for his ways. I'm not sure how I feel at the moment about the clear triangle approaching with Brina enamoured with both Amanki and Metlan, I usually hate triangles but Metlan has done nothing to be deserving of Brina; it's also all a bit more uncomfortable given that she is torn between twins.
Despite everything moving forward things still feel a bit fractured for the parties, Baskrod seems like he is losing control over the situation and for the first time, really doesn't feel quite so wise; indeed our travellers are starting to feel the same. I'm enjoying how they are beginning to come into their own independence with their quest, which is perhaps how things were meant to be. Everything rolls into a hugely satisfying conclusion though, despite ending on the expected cliffhanger. It's a brilliant set piece which is played out over consecutive chapters but in different points of view. I loved how this was visualised by the author. This book also continues with the more violent tone, which really doesn't pull any punches when it comes to graphic but it's thankfully not over the top.
I can't believe that I only have one book to go, I feel like I have come so far with these characters now. Their development is outstanding and our protagonists are coming so much into their own, I cannot wait to see how it all ends.
5*
We had the delightful revelation that Moshoi was still alive at the end of book 4, he was a character I much missed and his upset at finding Tuka the hero is understandable, he has suffered greatly yet his sacrifice seems to pale in comparison to Tuka's successes. I get the feeling however that Moshoi's maturity will win out over Tuka's naivety. Metlan also lost my vote in this book, any redemption he found in early books has been completely overshadowed by his thirst for power here. His complete disregard for others or their feelings hit quite hard after he had shown such promise, I'm wondering if a new situation he finds himself caught up in will come back to bite him for his ways. I'm not sure how I feel at the moment about the clear triangle approaching with Brina enamoured with both Amanki and Metlan, I usually hate triangles but Metlan has done nothing to be deserving of Brina; it's also all a bit more uncomfortable given that she is torn between twins.
Despite everything moving forward things still feel a bit fractured for the parties, Baskrod seems like he is losing control over the situation and for the first time, really doesn't feel quite so wise; indeed our travellers are starting to feel the same. I'm enjoying how they are beginning to come into their own independence with their quest, which is perhaps how things were meant to be. Everything rolls into a hugely satisfying conclusion though, despite ending on the expected cliffhanger. It's a brilliant set piece which is played out over consecutive chapters but in different points of view. I loved how this was visualised by the author. This book also continues with the more violent tone, which really doesn't pull any punches when it comes to graphic but it's thankfully not over the top.
I can't believe that I only have one book to go, I feel like I have come so far with these characters now. Their development is outstanding and our protagonists are coming so much into their own, I cannot wait to see how it all ends.
5*
September 30, 2019
I have been following this series for a couple of years now and am anxious to see how it will turn out. I love the characters, and how the various kinds of people are so different from the ones you usually find in fantasy novels.
The basic premise of the series is that years ago the Emperor Zoltov killed his brother Dazbun by locking him away in a tomb, or what Zoltov meant to be his tomb, and ever since Zoltov has been running the kingdom of Tzoladia into the ground in one way and another. There is a prophecy concerning three seals (carved cylinders of rock) which are to be brought together to end Zoltan’s rule and initiate the beginning of the rule of the rightful heir.
All the seals and all their deliverers are finally in Tzoladia, but they are not actually together, and not all the seals are in the possession of their own deliverers.
The theme of this book seems to be brothers. Moshoi, the Armored man, feels upstaged by his brother, Tuka, who carried the seal while he was buried beneath a rock slide. We also discover that Baskrod and Rhabdom are brothers.
Metlan and Amanki, who are not only brothers but twins, have an ever-stranger relationship, culminated when the Emperor attempts to have Amanki fed to a lion during a day at the races. Only the lion turns out to be Metlan’s lion, Pergassi. Thinking Amanki is Metlan, Pergassi refuses to eat him and turns on his ‘trainer’ instead. Then, during the race portion of the entertainment, while Bladar is competing against the popular local champion, Thrasher, the guards try to throw Amanki into the stadium to be decapitated by the contestants and have his head thrown into a basket (even the Romans have nothing on the Tzoladians when it comes to cruel games). But Bladar snags the guard instead and lobs his head into the basket. Amanki tries to run away, while Bladar rides up to the Emperor to accept his laurels and, incidentally, decapitate the Emperor as well. He then has Metlan proclaimed Emperor, and claims Brina’s seal from him.
So now, Metlan is the acting Emperor. But can he trust Bladar or any of his so-called allies? And Amanki is carried away from the stadium, but he appears to be ill. Can the Webby and Glider healers do anything for him? Will Zoe and Daqquara see their sons again? And will the seals ever be brought together again?
Can’t wait to read the next installment.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
The basic premise of the series is that years ago the Emperor Zoltov killed his brother Dazbun by locking him away in a tomb, or what Zoltov meant to be his tomb, and ever since Zoltov has been running the kingdom of Tzoladia into the ground in one way and another. There is a prophecy concerning three seals (carved cylinders of rock) which are to be brought together to end Zoltan’s rule and initiate the beginning of the rule of the rightful heir.
All the seals and all their deliverers are finally in Tzoladia, but they are not actually together, and not all the seals are in the possession of their own deliverers.
The theme of this book seems to be brothers. Moshoi, the Armored man, feels upstaged by his brother, Tuka, who carried the seal while he was buried beneath a rock slide. We also discover that Baskrod and Rhabdom are brothers.
Metlan and Amanki, who are not only brothers but twins, have an ever-stranger relationship, culminated when the Emperor attempts to have Amanki fed to a lion during a day at the races. Only the lion turns out to be Metlan’s lion, Pergassi. Thinking Amanki is Metlan, Pergassi refuses to eat him and turns on his ‘trainer’ instead. Then, during the race portion of the entertainment, while Bladar is competing against the popular local champion, Thrasher, the guards try to throw Amanki into the stadium to be decapitated by the contestants and have his head thrown into a basket (even the Romans have nothing on the Tzoladians when it comes to cruel games). But Bladar snags the guard instead and lobs his head into the basket. Amanki tries to run away, while Bladar rides up to the Emperor to accept his laurels and, incidentally, decapitate the Emperor as well. He then has Metlan proclaimed Emperor, and claims Brina’s seal from him.
So now, Metlan is the acting Emperor. But can he trust Bladar or any of his so-called allies? And Amanki is carried away from the stadium, but he appears to be ill. Can the Webby and Glider healers do anything for him? Will Zoe and Daqquara see their sons again? And will the seals ever be brought together again?
Can’t wait to read the next installment.
I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
May 31, 2018
I could not put book five down! Visionaries was full of suspense and action, leaving me craving and needing more.
The capital city is under siege by the "sub-humans" and the Emperor is being forced to make rash decisions. The battle (from book four) seems to have backfired on him - it has created Metlan's new position of power. Metlan has become a key figure in this series and we are left wondering where exactly his place will end up. He has a strong connection to the throne, has made others believe that he has completed great feats and has schemed with strong political alliances to ensure his future. I had originally really liked his character (and thought there could be more between him and Brina) but this book left me wondering about his character and his true actions. It is clear that the Emperor and his past mistakes have come back to haunt him and his time is up.
Our main characters (Amanki, Brina, Moshoi) are so close to finally coming together with the seals but yet are still so far! They have all made it to the capital but just not together and they are still missing one seal that was stolen by Metlan. You can feel the story coming to a climax and it is so exciting! There were several intense moments for Amanki that left you wondering if he would make it out alive but with his wit (and luck?) he finds a way to save himself (and his head!). While he was doubting his role in the beginning of the novel by the end, you can tell why fortune had chosen him to be a leader.
Visionaries is an intense installment in the Mud, Rocks and Trees series! You can almost see the ending in sight for our main characters but are not quite sure how it will end. You will not want to put this novel down.
June 21, 2019
This is the fourth in a series of YA adventures with at least one more to go. The series is one that I believe the YAs will thoroughly enjoy. I give it four stars.
Once again, our heroes, Amanki (of the mud people), Brina (of the tree people), and Moshoi,(a scaled humans) are trying to make sense of their assignment from the Creator. Adon asked that they carry their three blue cylinder seals to Tzoladia, the capital of the country. Much easier said than done. Brina's was stolen by Matlan of the Lion Riders; Amanki has his displayed for all to see; and Moshoi has his hidden under the fur of his pack animal, Star.
In the last book Matlan was crowned king of several of the people of Tzoladia, but he wants to be emperor. The present emperor seems to be short just one or two cards of a full deck, and he's ruled by his mother, a woman with vipers for pets. He feels a little guilty for stealing Brina's cylinder seals, but not enough to give it back. People might not think he was king material without it. Matlan also has discovered he is a twin to Amanki, the duck boy. They look alike from the ankles up, but Amanki has duck-like feet. Amanki has taken over a fleet of the emperor's ships.
Whew. I don't want to give it away, but there have been several battles going on, and it looks like maybe the emperor is winning. Or is he? Hard to tell from here.
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I received a free review copy of this book from the author, but my opinions remain my own.
Once again, our heroes, Amanki (of the mud people), Brina (of the tree people), and Moshoi,(a scaled humans) are trying to make sense of their assignment from the Creator. Adon asked that they carry their three blue cylinder seals to Tzoladia, the capital of the country. Much easier said than done. Brina's was stolen by Matlan of the Lion Riders; Amanki has his displayed for all to see; and Moshoi has his hidden under the fur of his pack animal, Star.
In the last book Matlan was crowned king of several of the people of Tzoladia, but he wants to be emperor. The present emperor seems to be short just one or two cards of a full deck, and he's ruled by his mother, a woman with vipers for pets. He feels a little guilty for stealing Brina's cylinder seals, but not enough to give it back. People might not think he was king material without it. Matlan also has discovered he is a twin to Amanki, the duck boy. They look alike from the ankles up, but Amanki has duck-like feet. Amanki has taken over a fleet of the emperor's ships.
Whew. I don't want to give it away, but there have been several battles going on, and it looks like maybe the emperor is winning. Or is he? Hard to tell from here.
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I received a free review copy of this book from the author, but my opinions remain my own.
November 5, 2018
The Emperor's Visions (Tales of Tzoladia Book 4) by R.A. Denny is a fast-paced, exciting read with a continuation of a deep interwoven plot.
The Good
-The most interesting, well-written book out of the series so far!
-All the character's stories are really coming together.
-Multilayered plots
-I read this book in three sittings, but I would have read it in one if not for time constraints.
-Continued depth of characters.
-Ex. Getting into the complex mind of Metlan gives a unique perspective of a character difficult to categorize as evil or good. Personally, I see him as a selfish person—his nature is utterly evil— in need of enlightenment in the one truth God (Adon).
The Bad
-N/A
The Unsure
-I dislike that the titles and covers changed for all the books.
-This is confusing for someone in the middle of reading them.
-Also, I thought I already read book four which was previously labeled Warriors
*My opinion: what I didn’t care for or do not prefer. This will not lower a rating unless it overly distracts from the story.
If you are reading through this series, don't stop now. Find The Emperor's Visions (Tales of Tzoladia Book 4) on Amazon.
The Good
-The most interesting, well-written book out of the series so far!
-All the character's stories are really coming together.
-Multilayered plots
-I read this book in three sittings, but I would have read it in one if not for time constraints.
-Continued depth of characters.
-Ex. Getting into the complex mind of Metlan gives a unique perspective of a character difficult to categorize as evil or good. Personally, I see him as a selfish person—his nature is utterly evil— in need of enlightenment in the one truth God (Adon).
The Bad
-N/A
The Unsure
-I dislike that the titles and covers changed for all the books.
-This is confusing for someone in the middle of reading them.
-Also, I thought I already read book four which was previously labeled Warriors
*My opinion: what I didn’t care for or do not prefer. This will not lower a rating unless it overly distracts from the story.
If you are reading through this series, don't stop now. Find The Emperor's Visions (Tales of Tzoladia Book 4) on Amazon.
February 4, 2018
The saga continues and the main characters get closer to crossing paths. By now it's easier to keep track of because even though there are still lots of characters, their viewpoints are starting to parallel as they get close to converging.
We get to see some more of the underlying emotions, are reminded that they are young and not fully mature and that just because they are chosen, it doesn't mean that they are perfect but they still happen to have what it takes.
Big things happened in this book which I won't spoil for you, it's still unpredictable which I love. Looking forward to reading the next installment soon.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
We get to see some more of the underlying emotions, are reminded that they are young and not fully mature and that just because they are chosen, it doesn't mean that they are perfect but they still happen to have what it takes.
Big things happened in this book which I won't spoil for you, it's still unpredictable which I love. Looking forward to reading the next installment soon.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 8, 2018
I found book one in this series as a freebie on Amazon. I loved it! So when the author saw my review and offered to let me read the remaining books in the series, of course I said yes. This one just kept getting better with each book. The characters are fleshed out, flawed, and feel like friends and family. The author has created a world where several races of people struggle to survive. "Visionaries" is the fifth book in the series and did not disappoint. There is a Christian viewpoint in these books, but they don't come across as cheesy or preachy. I give it five stars. Great epic fantasy!
November 4, 2018
The Emperor's Visions by Denny. Metlan continues his vision of being the Emperor of Tzoladia. He figures who he has to get rid of and others do it for him so he takes the advantage. The other characters each have their own chapters (which I found difficult to keep track of so I had to rewind to see who was talking). The pace of the story is good as things come to pass and the reader is still not told what the seals are for. I was given a copy by the author and this is my honest opinion of the story.
February 8, 2018
The 5th in the series. The anticipation for the climax in the 6TH and final book is building, yet the story is satisfying on its own. I love this series!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews