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Cerah of Quadar #1
A Dark Clock
Cerah Passel, a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, wants to dance and flirt with the young suitors vying for her hand. Instead, she must leave behind everything she knows to save her world from the greatest evil that it has ever seen. A Dark Clock is the first novel in the Tale of Cerah of Quadar series, and it explores the themes of coming of age, the discovery of love, and a struggle for gaining the self-confidence to achieve your goals. It will appeal to readers of all ages.
- GenresFantasy
536 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2017
About the author
S.J. Varengo
27 books40 followersScott James (S.J.) Varengo was born in 1960, in a city called New York. Two years later he formed a band called The Beatles [citation needed].
He returned to New York City to attend Fordham University (having been told it was a basketball powerhouse) before transferring to the State University of New York at Potsdam (having been told it was located in the tropics), from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in Art History.
Varengo loves to read (favorite authors include Craig A. Hart, Kurt Vonnegut, J.R.R. Tolkien and an up-and-comer named Ernie Heming-something-or-other), listen to music (when he writes, it's usually jazz - the rest of the time it's Tasmanian flute concertos), and walk along forested trails with his wife Kim and their dog Tanner. He lives in Baldwinsville, NY, a suburb of Syracuse, known for its picturesque setting and its friendly people. He has two adult children of whom he is obnoxiously proud.
His published works include a volume of short fiction, two fantasy novels, and an ever-growing list of spy/espionage novellas, which he co-writes with Craig A. Hart.
He returned to New York City to attend Fordham University (having been told it was a basketball powerhouse) before transferring to the State University of New York at Potsdam (having been told it was located in the tropics), from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in Art History.
Varengo loves to read (favorite authors include Craig A. Hart, Kurt Vonnegut, J.R.R. Tolkien and an up-and-comer named Ernie Heming-something-or-other), listen to music (when he writes, it's usually jazz - the rest of the time it's Tasmanian flute concertos), and walk along forested trails with his wife Kim and their dog Tanner. He lives in Baldwinsville, NY, a suburb of Syracuse, known for its picturesque setting and its friendly people. He has two adult children of whom he is obnoxiously proud.
His published works include a volume of short fiction, two fantasy novels, and an ever-growing list of spy/espionage novellas, which he co-writes with Craig A. Hart.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 12, 2018
‘The cave is home to darkness as well as light. You must allow yourself to experience all of it.’
New York author S.J. Varengo attended Fordham University and State University of New York earning a bachelor's degree in Art History. He has written a volume of short fiction WELCOME HOME, THE BEAUTY OF BUCHAREST, the Cerah of Quadar series of which A DARK CLOCK is volume 1, and has co-written several installments of the SpyCo espionage thriller series with Craig A. Hart.
Varengo has demonstrated his expertise in his works with Craig A. Hart – one of today’s master thriller writers – and he uses his skills well in penning this historical/fantasy/metaphysical tale. One of the many aspects that make this book significant is his use of a female superhero: without creating a strange feminine personality to lead his story he bows to the contemporary trend for placing women in the heroic roles in novels and films.
Varengo establishes this lead character I the first page of his story – ‘The mountain was called Arnon. It rose far higher than the other hills that encircled the city of Kamara. At this time of day, the orange rays of the star Vellus climbed up the western slopes slowly, almost begrudgingly, so that even when the base was in darkness, the high fields were still painted with light. Soon the sun would be gone though, and the cool of the evening would call any who had ventured away from the city back to their homes. But it did not call Cerah Passel. Cerah was the chosen one. She was the chosen one and it was a fact that never failed to infuriate her. “Chosen one!” She spit the words out as if she’d taken them with a mouthful of bitter wine. Why? Why had her father picked her? Early in the autumn, the day after her fifteenth birthday, just less than two years ago now, Jerund had chosen her to become the Passel’s agorrah shepherd. The family’s pod of agorrah, currently consisting of twenty-three adults and seven calves, was their major holding. It represented the largest portion of their annual income. She stood in the waning sunlight among the beasts in the mountain pasture, its tall grass brushing against her bare legs and casting growing shadows. She looked at them, seething.’
The synopsis distills the fantasy well – ‘A dark evil is rising…Many years of peace are about to be shattered…A prophecy has foretold the coming of a Chosen One…Soon, from the four corners of Quadar, dragons will shriek and the sound of steel upon steel will be heard. But first young Cerah Passel, a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, must come face to face with her destiny—that she has been chosen to save her planet from certain destruction.’
A strong new direct from a strong new author. This is a fast reading escape from the chaos of today’s messy world.
New York author S.J. Varengo attended Fordham University and State University of New York earning a bachelor's degree in Art History. He has written a volume of short fiction WELCOME HOME, THE BEAUTY OF BUCHAREST, the Cerah of Quadar series of which A DARK CLOCK is volume 1, and has co-written several installments of the SpyCo espionage thriller series with Craig A. Hart.
Varengo has demonstrated his expertise in his works with Craig A. Hart – one of today’s master thriller writers – and he uses his skills well in penning this historical/fantasy/metaphysical tale. One of the many aspects that make this book significant is his use of a female superhero: without creating a strange feminine personality to lead his story he bows to the contemporary trend for placing women in the heroic roles in novels and films.
Varengo establishes this lead character I the first page of his story – ‘The mountain was called Arnon. It rose far higher than the other hills that encircled the city of Kamara. At this time of day, the orange rays of the star Vellus climbed up the western slopes slowly, almost begrudgingly, so that even when the base was in darkness, the high fields were still painted with light. Soon the sun would be gone though, and the cool of the evening would call any who had ventured away from the city back to their homes. But it did not call Cerah Passel. Cerah was the chosen one. She was the chosen one and it was a fact that never failed to infuriate her. “Chosen one!” She spit the words out as if she’d taken them with a mouthful of bitter wine. Why? Why had her father picked her? Early in the autumn, the day after her fifteenth birthday, just less than two years ago now, Jerund had chosen her to become the Passel’s agorrah shepherd. The family’s pod of agorrah, currently consisting of twenty-three adults and seven calves, was their major holding. It represented the largest portion of their annual income. She stood in the waning sunlight among the beasts in the mountain pasture, its tall grass brushing against her bare legs and casting growing shadows. She looked at them, seething.’
The synopsis distills the fantasy well – ‘A dark evil is rising…Many years of peace are about to be shattered…A prophecy has foretold the coming of a Chosen One…Soon, from the four corners of Quadar, dragons will shriek and the sound of steel upon steel will be heard. But first young Cerah Passel, a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, must come face to face with her destiny—that she has been chosen to save her planet from certain destruction.’
A strong new direct from a strong new author. This is a fast reading escape from the chaos of today’s messy world.
April 16, 2019
Arnon mountain. Kamara (city). Jul Passel (wife/mother) died after having their daughter Cerah Passel.
Jerund Passel (widower, father), Beru Passel (eldest son/brother, masonry), Ketah Passel (daughter/sister), Tal Passel (11, son/brother) & Laran Passel (youngest son/brother) carried on.
Martan Passel (oldest son/brother) said the durra had dropped dead & would not strike again.
Kern (65+, timeworn healer) insisted the Passel family owed him nothing for taking care of the durra.
The durra had left its mark on Cerah’s forehead.
1 day returning to Kamara (city) Cerah was horrified. Nothing & no one existed now.
Kern arrived on Szalmi (tri-lizard dragon) & tried to comfort her.
Kern Yarrensleeve suggested they go to the Port of Harundy.
Beru had survived.
The journey began.
Slurr (randa) turned out to be quite the fisherman.
Palmantra (village) Rusted Blade Inn. Fodor Brazenshield welcomed the worry travelers.
Grenda (waitress) brought the stew, & ale was served.
Early AM. They were all given 4 krast’s to ride.
Jamari country. The next confrontation; 10 Jamari colorful dressed riders appeared.
Port of Harundy. Wendstadt Uvencill (stable owner) had bought the extra 10 krast’s from the 4 travelers.
Beru & Slurr found work.
Silver Cauldron alehouse. Later a deal was made with Captain Renton to take the 4 travelers
to Isle of Melsa (wizards).
Marta (craft, Pydgia). Krigar (1st mate) greeted them as the 4 came aboard.
Kern would assist Xareth (40+, healer). Slurr & Beru were deckhands. Cerah was assigned to Garl (cook).
Fast forward, what is going on with Slurr Jacasta & Cerah?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not my normal read so I will still rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Northern Lake Publishing LLC.; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Jerund Passel (widower, father), Beru Passel (eldest son/brother, masonry), Ketah Passel (daughter/sister), Tal Passel (11, son/brother) & Laran Passel (youngest son/brother) carried on.
Martan Passel (oldest son/brother) said the durra had dropped dead & would not strike again.
Kern (65+, timeworn healer) insisted the Passel family owed him nothing for taking care of the durra.
The durra had left its mark on Cerah’s forehead.
1 day returning to Kamara (city) Cerah was horrified. Nothing & no one existed now.
Kern arrived on Szalmi (tri-lizard dragon) & tried to comfort her.
Kern Yarrensleeve suggested they go to the Port of Harundy.
Beru had survived.
The journey began.
Slurr (randa) turned out to be quite the fisherman.
Palmantra (village) Rusted Blade Inn. Fodor Brazenshield welcomed the worry travelers.
Grenda (waitress) brought the stew, & ale was served.
Early AM. They were all given 4 krast’s to ride.
Jamari country. The next confrontation; 10 Jamari colorful dressed riders appeared.
Port of Harundy. Wendstadt Uvencill (stable owner) had bought the extra 10 krast’s from the 4 travelers.
Beru & Slurr found work.
Silver Cauldron alehouse. Later a deal was made with Captain Renton to take the 4 travelers
to Isle of Melsa (wizards).
Marta (craft, Pydgia). Krigar (1st mate) greeted them as the 4 came aboard.
Kern would assist Xareth (40+, healer). Slurr & Beru were deckhands. Cerah was assigned to Garl (cook).
Fast forward, what is going on with Slurr Jacasta & Cerah?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written fantasy book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great fantasy movie, animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. Not my normal read so I will still rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Northern Lake Publishing LLC.; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 25, 2018
A Dark Clock - a review by Rosemary Kenny
This is the first book in the Cerah of Quadar series by the wonderful S.J Varengo.
It tells the Lord of the Rings-type story of 17 year old Cerah Passell, aka The Chosen One, a myth she doesn't believe in, based as it is on old myths and legends of her people. Cerah's early life is as a agorah herder on the hillsides outside her home city, Kamara. Her mentor is the wizard Kern and a trilizard (dragon-were) youth, Szalmi's her companion. Once revealed as the Chosen One, Cerah is taken with Szalmi to the Isle of Wizards, to begin her training. On the way they meet Slurr, a warrior who intends to fight the reigning champion Baldoc. Having won the fight and gained many dans credits for his rebel group, Slurr embarks with Cerah and the others, being amazed that Cerah can overcome a huge sea-monster with just a stick, remain calm during a terrible storm and yet also be merely the ship's cook.
What happens when the trio meet Parnassus? What happens between Cerah and Slurr at this time?
What happens in the Cave of Sorrows? How does this change Cerah's belief in herself?
Who is the ancient enemy of the Quadari people? How was this entity imprisoned and by whom?
How does Cerah learn what the coming danger is? What is the Sarquahan and what can it do?
At times terrifying and at others almost sweet and romantic, this 5-star quest story will appeal to all fantasy thriller fans, rightly proving to be a great winner for the author. Get your copy today and tell all your friends.
This is the first book in the Cerah of Quadar series by the wonderful S.J Varengo.
It tells the Lord of the Rings-type story of 17 year old Cerah Passell, aka The Chosen One, a myth she doesn't believe in, based as it is on old myths and legends of her people. Cerah's early life is as a agorah herder on the hillsides outside her home city, Kamara. Her mentor is the wizard Kern and a trilizard (dragon-were) youth, Szalmi's her companion. Once revealed as the Chosen One, Cerah is taken with Szalmi to the Isle of Wizards, to begin her training. On the way they meet Slurr, a warrior who intends to fight the reigning champion Baldoc. Having won the fight and gained many dans credits for his rebel group, Slurr embarks with Cerah and the others, being amazed that Cerah can overcome a huge sea-monster with just a stick, remain calm during a terrible storm and yet also be merely the ship's cook.
What happens when the trio meet Parnassus? What happens between Cerah and Slurr at this time?
What happens in the Cave of Sorrows? How does this change Cerah's belief in herself?
Who is the ancient enemy of the Quadari people? How was this entity imprisoned and by whom?
How does Cerah learn what the coming danger is? What is the Sarquahan and what can it do?
At times terrifying and at others almost sweet and romantic, this 5-star quest story will appeal to all fantasy thriller fans, rightly proving to be a great winner for the author. Get your copy today and tell all your friends.
May 18, 2018
Peace reigns in Quadar but trouble is on the horizon.
Cerah Passel was the chosen one. Not that she wanted the sobriquet; her father had given her the title when he had assigned her the dirty, lonely, smelly job of tending the sheep. Soon however a calamity forces her and three other survivors to travel for safety to another land. As the well written and well edited story progresses Cerah grows into her calling of "Chosen One." She discovers that she has powers and talents far above ordinary and that other powerful people exist who are ready to help face and fulfil the prophecy of a young girl who would become a great leader.
The tale is exciting, fast moving and should hold the interest of young and older alike. New and interesting elements occur frequently, while the well being and events in the protagonists and supporting characters lives continue to keep the readers interest. I was impressed by the number of words used which I felt would challenge those teens and young adults whom I feel were the intended target audience. Many challenged this 76 year old reader. I was somewhat disappointed at the abrupt ending which came before the conclusion that the entire story had been moving toward. Thus it is only part one of a continuing series, if you are ready for such a story this is a grand beginning.
Cerah Passel was the chosen one. Not that she wanted the sobriquet; her father had given her the title when he had assigned her the dirty, lonely, smelly job of tending the sheep. Soon however a calamity forces her and three other survivors to travel for safety to another land. As the well written and well edited story progresses Cerah grows into her calling of "Chosen One." She discovers that she has powers and talents far above ordinary and that other powerful people exist who are ready to help face and fulfil the prophecy of a young girl who would become a great leader.
The tale is exciting, fast moving and should hold the interest of young and older alike. New and interesting elements occur frequently, while the well being and events in the protagonists and supporting characters lives continue to keep the readers interest. I was impressed by the number of words used which I felt would challenge those teens and young adults whom I feel were the intended target audience. Many challenged this 76 year old reader. I was somewhat disappointed at the abrupt ending which came before the conclusion that the entire story had been moving toward. Thus it is only part one of a continuing series, if you are ready for such a story this is a grand beginning.
May 18, 2018
Peace reigns in Quadar but trouble is on the horizon.
Cerah Passel was the chosen one. Not that she wanted the sobriquet; her father had given her the title when he had assigned her the dirty, lonely, smelly job of tending the sheep. Soon however a calamity forces her and three other survivors to travel for safety to another land. As the well written and well edited story progresses Cerah grows into her calling of "Chosen One." She discovers that she has powers and talents far above ordinary and that other powerful people exist who are ready to help face and fulfil the prophecy of a young girl who would become a great leader.
The tale is exciting, fast moving and should hold the interest of young and older alike. New and interesting elements occur frequently, while the well being and events in the protagonists and supporting characters lives continue to keep the readers interest. I was impressed by the number of words used which I felt would challenge those teens and young adults whom I feel were the intended target audience. Many challenged this 76 year old reader. I was somewhat disappointed at the abrupt ending which came before the conclusion that the entire story had been moving toward. Thus it is only part one of a continuing series, if you are ready for such a story this is a grand beginning.
Cerah Passel was the chosen one. Not that she wanted the sobriquet; her father had given her the title when he had assigned her the dirty, lonely, smelly job of tending the sheep. Soon however a calamity forces her and three other survivors to travel for safety to another land. As the well written and well edited story progresses Cerah grows into her calling of "Chosen One." She discovers that she has powers and talents far above ordinary and that other powerful people exist who are ready to help face and fulfil the prophecy of a young girl who would become a great leader.
The tale is exciting, fast moving and should hold the interest of young and older alike. New and interesting elements occur frequently, while the well being and events in the protagonists and supporting characters lives continue to keep the readers interest. I was impressed by the number of words used which I felt would challenge those teens and young adults whom I feel were the intended target audience. Many challenged this 76 year old reader. I was somewhat disappointed at the abrupt ending which came before the conclusion that the entire story had been moving toward. Thus it is only part one of a continuing series, if you are ready for such a story this is a grand beginning.
May 21, 2018
Epub version downloaded to my Kobo reader has the ISBN 9781718696846 (using the kindle cover)
On an Earth-like planet (not Earth, despite several familiar place names - two moons and different animals) a young girl grows up in a loving family. Selected by her widowered father to care for the family flock of animals she resents her status as the 'chosen one' but a series of events promote her to be the Chosen One, prophesised to save the world from evil...
So far so derivative. Where the book scores over some is that, other than humans and dragons, the animals mentioned are definitely not Earth-standard - a welcome change. Cerah is supported by a group of wizards who normally live in seclusion. There is a fairly standard creation myth and an explanation of the origins of the Dark Lord who will unleash his forces in Book 2. The 'Dark Clock' of the title is about the only mention of technology above basic levels and is a bit of an oddity.
This might have been tedious but it is very readable - and I'll probably pick up the conclusion when it is released.
On an Earth-like planet (not Earth, despite several familiar place names - two moons and different animals) a young girl grows up in a loving family. Selected by her widowered father to care for the family flock of animals she resents her status as the 'chosen one' but a series of events promote her to be the Chosen One, prophesised to save the world from evil...
So far so derivative. Where the book scores over some is that, other than humans and dragons, the animals mentioned are definitely not Earth-standard - a welcome change. Cerah is supported by a group of wizards who normally live in seclusion. There is a fairly standard creation myth and an explanation of the origins of the Dark Lord who will unleash his forces in Book 2. The 'Dark Clock' of the title is about the only mention of technology above basic levels and is a bit of an oddity.
This might have been tedious but it is very readable - and I'll probably pick up the conclusion when it is released.
July 28, 2018
Fifteen year old Cerah Passel's father designated her as the "chosen one" to replace her not quite competent older brother Beru and sent her off to mind the agorrah, large brutes herded for their milk. She is supported by Slurr, an orphan raised by Cerah's mother Jul, who, slightly older and less socialable, carries the milk back for sale to the inhabitants of Kamara. While tending the agorrah, the city of Kamarah is devastated in a fiery flash. A local healer, Kern, joins the trio of teens, leading them on a journey of discover for Cerah, who is not just more capable than the others but a real "chosen one." From there "A Dark Clock" becomes a pretty average fantasy pitting good against a dark evil, but the battle does not happen in this volume as S.J. Verango saves that for follow on works. The story involves a lot of training in wizardly arts and a description of the evil that will cause the impending war. Note: I received this book for free and am providing a not requested review.
June 18, 2018
Cerah is called the chosen one by her father but she doesn’t know what it means. She’s 16 and wants to dance and flirt with boys! Instead she must take care of the sheep up in the mountains which she hates. Her mother is gone and she longs for her father to show he loves her. When she is injured he is impatient for her to return. When the “healer” comes to help
And explains to her the importance of being the chosen one and how much stress he is under to keep their land and provide for his family she finally understands. It was a fast Paced but and well written. My only disappointment was I didn’t know it was only the first book in the series. I did enjoy it and look forward to the next book.
And explains to her the importance of being the chosen one and how much stress he is under to keep their land and provide for his family she finally understands. It was a fast Paced but and well written. My only disappointment was I didn’t know it was only the first book in the series. I did enjoy it and look forward to the next book.
May 28, 2018
Small Town Girl Makes Good
A fantastic beginning to a thrilling fantasy series. The fate of the known world rests in young Cerah's hands. With the help of the greatest wizards of Quadar, Cerah must learn how to use all the known magic and develop magic advances to overcome Pilka's Anger. S. J. Varengo's A Dark Clock is ticking away. What will happen next!
A fantastic beginning to a thrilling fantasy series. The fate of the known world rests in young Cerah's hands. With the help of the greatest wizards of Quadar, Cerah must learn how to use all the known magic and develop magic advances to overcome Pilka's Anger. S. J. Varengo's A Dark Clock is ticking away. What will happen next!
May 15, 2018
Excellent
Not my favorite genre, but well written. The main characters are well developed and easy to form an attachment to. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the realm of magic.
Not my favorite genre, but well written. The main characters are well developed and easy to form an attachment to. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the realm of magic.
May 21, 2018
Excellent allegorical story
Good story. I would have liked to have read a bit more conflict/struggle in the story line, however over all it was great to read a fine story with solid morals, no smutty language or implied sexual content and Magic!!!!!
Good story. I would have liked to have read a bit more conflict/struggle in the story line, however over all it was great to read a fine story with solid morals, no smutty language or implied sexual content and Magic!!!!!
August 18, 2018
One you don't want to miss
First I have to say this is a well written book. There curves, changes, and always a story line that moved forward. Characters that become life like as you go further into the story.
First I have to say this is a well written book. There curves, changes, and always a story line that moved forward. Characters that become life like as you go further into the story.
December 2, 2018
The CHOSEN One
Great writing! The imagination of man, oooh my! This is a great start of a fanciful story. The characters are great, the plot is wonderful, with a great easy flowing storyline. If you enjoy adventure , this is a series for you.
Great writing! The imagination of man, oooh my! This is a great start of a fanciful story. The characters are great, the plot is wonderful, with a great easy flowing storyline. If you enjoy adventure , this is a series for you.
July 18, 2022
Serah, Slurr
Serah is a mountain girl, and is currently a shepardess. She feels her father doesn't appreciate her work. Then suddenly everything is changed.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
Serah is a mountain girl, and is currently a shepardess. She feels her father doesn't appreciate her work. Then suddenly everything is changed.
Characterization and plotting are excellent.
August 30, 2018
This is an amazingly original story. The characters are believable and the writing flows easily and makes you believe you are in the story. I loved this immensely!
May 26, 2020
Great writing and character development. Enjoyable read
Read
April 21, 2019You Can Imagine
An enchanting, visionary story only to continue in book two. This story was hard to tell where & when it is taking place which I loved. Your imagination fills everything in to put you in its midst,
An enchanting, visionary story only to continue in book two. This story was hard to tell where & when it is taking place which I loved. Your imagination fills everything in to put you in its midst,
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews