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Aeonlith Chronicles #1
A Veil for the Vanguard
A magic user out of her element and a motley crew set out to search for a powerful magical artifact. Instead, they unravel long buried secrets that threaten to unleash all-out war.
Why her?
Kera has the least magic ability in the Citadel, and they choose her to head into enemy territory? Crazy!
To find the most powerful magical artifact ever known? Certifiably insane!
Not to mention the thing has been lost for over a century.
On top of that, she must team up with celebrated relic hunter, Jorthen. Intimidating? Just a little.
But Kera has no choice. The High Council has spoken. So she boards an airship with a motley crew who have secrets of their own— and little hope of success. What they discover is far beyond an artifact, uncovering dark secrets that could launch a global war.
Why her?
Kera has the least magic ability in the Citadel, and they choose her to head into enemy territory? Crazy!
To find the most powerful magical artifact ever known? Certifiably insane!
Not to mention the thing has been lost for over a century.
On top of that, she must team up with celebrated relic hunter, Jorthen. Intimidating? Just a little.
But Kera has no choice. The High Council has spoken. So she boards an airship with a motley crew who have secrets of their own— and little hope of success. What they discover is far beyond an artifact, uncovering dark secrets that could launch a global war.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultMagic
279 pages, ebook
Published February 18, 2020
81 people are currently reading
1547 people want to read
About the author
Danny F. Santos
10 books103 followersDanny F. Santos was born North of the wall in Toronto, Canada. When not running for his life from White Walkers he writes fantastic stories in far off lands or far off futures. Or far off lands in far off futures.
He runs primarily on coffee and beer. If you want to get specific, his favorite coffee brand is Kicking Horse Coffee out of Invermere, British Columbia. Yes, he visited the roastery. Yes, he got the t-shirt.
Beer wise, put a Muskoka Detour in his hand and he's a happy camper. Otherwise, any Belgian beer made by Trappist monks will do in a pinch.
When not writing about fantastic worlds, he writes music under the name Boomvang. He's also a terrible sailor, but he loves getting out on the lake anyway.
Finally, he is the proud owner of a 22lbs cat named George. The cat is a bit more Wookiee than feline at this point. Unfortunately, he doesn't make a good co-pilot when trying to escape the Empire in a YT-1300 Corellian light freighter.
Danny F. Santos still lives North of the Wall in Toronto, Canada.
It's cold and there are wolves after him.
He runs primarily on coffee and beer. If you want to get specific, his favorite coffee brand is Kicking Horse Coffee out of Invermere, British Columbia. Yes, he visited the roastery. Yes, he got the t-shirt.
Beer wise, put a Muskoka Detour in his hand and he's a happy camper. Otherwise, any Belgian beer made by Trappist monks will do in a pinch.
When not writing about fantastic worlds, he writes music under the name Boomvang. He's also a terrible sailor, but he loves getting out on the lake anyway.
Finally, he is the proud owner of a 22lbs cat named George. The cat is a bit more Wookiee than feline at this point. Unfortunately, he doesn't make a good co-pilot when trying to escape the Empire in a YT-1300 Corellian light freighter.
Danny F. Santos still lives North of the Wall in Toronto, Canada.
It's cold and there are wolves after him.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 17, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Characters that you can't help but like. Action from start to finish. What I also really enjoyed was the fact that I didn't have to read half a book just on back story. You were told what you needed to know as the story progressed. I won't go into the story except to say if you like action fantasy this is for you.
November 15, 2019
This is an excellent read !!
If you want adventure, deception, magic
and strong-willed people, here it all is.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter
of the story.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
If you want adventure, deception, magic
and strong-willed people, here it all is.
I'm looking forward to the next chapter
of the story.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
March 4, 2025
Sky Pirates vs Wizards... Or is it?
"A Veil for the Vanguard" jumps right into it. Leading the main cast into a situation that could start war.
Very fast paced, it explains as it goes. There is a history it does dip into, but leaves some as a mystery for what I hope is to revealed in later additions to the series. The worldbuilding is layered and integrated into the character's motivations. It is very plot driven. Excellent cast of characters but emotions aren't their strong suit. It does rely a little on the chosen one trope, but the chosen hero can't do it on her own and quickly finds refuge within the airship crew who she was initially leary of.
The story had plenty of adventure and high stakes. It leans heavily on the mechanics of the airship used to travel around to the different regions and the crystals used for magic. Giving a wizards vs pirates vibe.
I read through it really quickly, and will be starting the next soon.
"A Veil for the Vanguard" jumps right into it. Leading the main cast into a situation that could start war.
Very fast paced, it explains as it goes. There is a history it does dip into, but leaves some as a mystery for what I hope is to revealed in later additions to the series. The worldbuilding is layered and integrated into the character's motivations. It is very plot driven. Excellent cast of characters but emotions aren't their strong suit. It does rely a little on the chosen one trope, but the chosen hero can't do it on her own and quickly finds refuge within the airship crew who she was initially leary of.
The story had plenty of adventure and high stakes. It leans heavily on the mechanics of the airship used to travel around to the different regions and the crystals used for magic. Giving a wizards vs pirates vibe.
I read through it really quickly, and will be starting the next soon.
July 15, 2023
Vanguard of adventures to come
Looking for a fun fantasy novel with characters who feel grounded despite some high-flying magical exploits? Welcome to A View for the Vanguard, Book One of the Aeonlith Series by Danny F. Santos, which combines the best of swashbuckling adventure with a touch of the mystical.
At the heart of the series is Captain Fitch, a man living on the edge of solvency as captain of the airship Silent Star (think air-borne privateer’s galleon) that runs goods and more than a few stowaways between the bickering factions of the once-great Anuvalon Empire. As likely to run out of luck as he is the droll wind that keeps his ship aloft, Fitch leads an odd band of sailors into and out of danger, always hoping for an easy haul and never seeming to manage one.
Faced with yet another shortage of funds and supplies to keep his ship flying, Fitch is forced to welcome a familiar passenger who is hell-bent on being smuggled into a country that wants him dead. Jorthen is a Warden, part of a wizard-like community that has been tasked with keeping the peace between bickering nations but who are completely unwelcome in some regions. And yet it is directly into one of those regions that Jorthen demands Fitch take him, along with novice Warden and librarian Kera, whose sheltered eyes are soon to open wide. A challenging task in and of itself, but without knowing the details, Fitch understands that nothing in this world is ever straightforward. Despite his brave face, Fitch is confident that hell is about to break loose, and he can’t be certain he won’t be the one to cut the cord. (Anything more than that would spoil the fun.)
Santos does a wonderful job of giving us characters who are at once both unreal and completely real, characters with hidden agendas, unforgotten grudges, painful memories and a very human need to connect. But connection demands trust and outside of the crew of the Silent Star, trust is in short supply. As these characters navigate the twists and turns of their adventure as well as their relationships, we get a deeper glimpse into who they are. That said, Santos gives us just enough subterfuge that the reader never feels like they can fully relax.
Being an adventure yarn at its core, Vanguard’s narrative moves quickly, and pages will seem to dissolve as you are drawn into the story. And yet, Vanguard’s drive does not come at the expense of clarity or character development as Santos perfectly times our introduction to new characters and new locations, letting us get comfortable before inverting our understanding. Although Santos provides a map of the Anuvalon Empire for context and a glossary for quick reminders, I never really required either except for later reference or simply to enjoy his cartographic skills.
Vanguard is a fun romp and a worthy companion to its prequel An Overture for the Odyssey and Book Two: An Abyss for the Ashes. I greatly look forward to Book Three and onward.
Looking for a fun fantasy novel with characters who feel grounded despite some high-flying magical exploits? Welcome to A View for the Vanguard, Book One of the Aeonlith Series by Danny F. Santos, which combines the best of swashbuckling adventure with a touch of the mystical.
At the heart of the series is Captain Fitch, a man living on the edge of solvency as captain of the airship Silent Star (think air-borne privateer’s galleon) that runs goods and more than a few stowaways between the bickering factions of the once-great Anuvalon Empire. As likely to run out of luck as he is the droll wind that keeps his ship aloft, Fitch leads an odd band of sailors into and out of danger, always hoping for an easy haul and never seeming to manage one.
Faced with yet another shortage of funds and supplies to keep his ship flying, Fitch is forced to welcome a familiar passenger who is hell-bent on being smuggled into a country that wants him dead. Jorthen is a Warden, part of a wizard-like community that has been tasked with keeping the peace between bickering nations but who are completely unwelcome in some regions. And yet it is directly into one of those regions that Jorthen demands Fitch take him, along with novice Warden and librarian Kera, whose sheltered eyes are soon to open wide. A challenging task in and of itself, but without knowing the details, Fitch understands that nothing in this world is ever straightforward. Despite his brave face, Fitch is confident that hell is about to break loose, and he can’t be certain he won’t be the one to cut the cord. (Anything more than that would spoil the fun.)
Santos does a wonderful job of giving us characters who are at once both unreal and completely real, characters with hidden agendas, unforgotten grudges, painful memories and a very human need to connect. But connection demands trust and outside of the crew of the Silent Star, trust is in short supply. As these characters navigate the twists and turns of their adventure as well as their relationships, we get a deeper glimpse into who they are. That said, Santos gives us just enough subterfuge that the reader never feels like they can fully relax.
Being an adventure yarn at its core, Vanguard’s narrative moves quickly, and pages will seem to dissolve as you are drawn into the story. And yet, Vanguard’s drive does not come at the expense of clarity or character development as Santos perfectly times our introduction to new characters and new locations, letting us get comfortable before inverting our understanding. Although Santos provides a map of the Anuvalon Empire for context and a glossary for quick reminders, I never really required either except for later reference or simply to enjoy his cartographic skills.
Vanguard is a fun romp and a worthy companion to its prequel An Overture for the Odyssey and Book Two: An Abyss for the Ashes. I greatly look forward to Book Three and onward.
March 18, 2023
This is an incredible book. The author has weaved a fantastic tale here. The writing, the characters, the world building just pull you in and make you a part of the adventure. It's a great ensemble cast whose interactions and banter really make you connect with them. You care about what happens to them. When you can't decide which character you like most because they are all amazing in their own way, you know the author has done a good job. It's one of the things I like most about the book.
The author has also created a lot of lore in the book which gives him the ability to write many more stories in this world. While reading I found myself wanting to know more about the Necromage War, the Anuvalon Empire, the history of the Kneeling Knife and more.
I can definitely say I've found a new favorite author, a new favorite world to get immersed in and characters to love. Be sure to read An Overture for the Odyssey. It's the prequel novel. I read it before this book and that's probably the better order to read them but it can be read after this book. Also join the author's newsletter because you get some cool, high-rez colored maps of the world. He's gone to great lengths to create a huge world, bigger than what we see in this book, so that gives me hope of many more stories to come.
The author has also created a lot of lore in the book which gives him the ability to write many more stories in this world. While reading I found myself wanting to know more about the Necromage War, the Anuvalon Empire, the history of the Kneeling Knife and more.
I can definitely say I've found a new favorite author, a new favorite world to get immersed in and characters to love. Be sure to read An Overture for the Odyssey. It's the prequel novel. I read it before this book and that's probably the better order to read them but it can be read after this book. Also join the author's newsletter because you get some cool, high-rez colored maps of the world. He's gone to great lengths to create a huge world, bigger than what we see in this book, so that gives me hope of many more stories to come.
January 7, 2020
I’m not usually a fan of High/Epic Fantasy. Most of the time I find it dull, especially First In Series books. Authors tend to fill the book with backstories and only enough action for a new character to appear. Eventually the clan will reach a destination and the book will end.
Happily, this is not that type of story.
There is action straight from the start. We’re introduced to our main characters at the beginning . Their backstory is given as we go—no essays here!
My only complaint was the handling of the young DragonGuard. I felt like his character was wasted and I was a bit disappointed how things ended up.
Happily, this is not that type of story.
There is action straight from the start. We’re introduced to our main characters at the beginning . Their backstory is given as we go—no essays here!
My only complaint was the handling of the young DragonGuard. I felt like his character was wasted and I was a bit disappointed how things ended up.
February 19, 2023
An interesting epic fantasy. There's a large cast of important characters in this story: Jorthen, Kera, Fitch, Vessa, and Eleon to name a few. Jorthen convinces the Council to let him take Kera, a mouse of a librarian, on a quest to find the Keystone. There are plenty of betrayals along the way. Yet, the loyal remain so despite everything. Expect some significant characters to perish along the way.
The plot seems to be well thought out. Those characters who form bonds seem to do so naturally. Overall, it's a good read.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
The plot seems to be well thought out. Those characters who form bonds seem to do so naturally. Overall, it's a good read.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
June 1, 2020
Made me want to read more
I found this story refreshing--it was not dull or slow, and not frenetic or confusing. There was plenty of steady action for me who enjoys my books to move forward quickly. While there were plenty of special powers they weren't the only means to solve problems.
There are many unanswered questions, which makes me want to read more. I appreciated the avoidance of sex, foul language, and bloodlust. The book was more honorable than that, which is why I will look for the next book as well as the author's other writing.
I found this story refreshing--it was not dull or slow, and not frenetic or confusing. There was plenty of steady action for me who enjoys my books to move forward quickly. While there were plenty of special powers they weren't the only means to solve problems.
There are many unanswered questions, which makes me want to read more. I appreciated the avoidance of sex, foul language, and bloodlust. The book was more honorable than that, which is why I will look for the next book as well as the author's other writing.
September 15, 2020
Very enjoyable read so far. The characters are well developed and likable. It is very well written and leaves me yearning to keep reading as I find the time.
Basically, Jorthen, a Warden, must enter a city from which wardens are forbidden. He is sent with Kera, a low level mage who works at the local Atheneum, to find a missing relic, the Keystone Staff. In order to do so, they stow aboard an airship. But, who’s to know who can be trusted?
Basically, Jorthen, a Warden, must enter a city from which wardens are forbidden. He is sent with Kera, a low level mage who works at the local Atheneum, to find a missing relic, the Keystone Staff. In order to do so, they stow aboard an airship. But, who’s to know who can be trusted?
October 16, 2021
I'm so glad I dug this out of my TBR!! This is a great adventure story, full of magic, naive neophytes, wizened wizards, pirates and warriors. Everyone is keeping some kind of secret, but the rag-tag band manages to work together to protect the one person needed to keep the peace. There is great imagery in the story and the characters. Now I really need the other books to finish this tale!
* I was given a copy for an honest [always] review *
* I was given a copy for an honest [always] review *
July 4, 2023
I looked inside the Kindle read on Amazon
Danny F. Santos
A Veil for the Vanguard: An Epic Fantasy Novel (Aeonlith Series Book 1)
This is an epic(air-pick/peak) fiction on Aramkeen(Aram-kin for breast/be rest- kin) attack on the settlements like the Elderland(El-da-land with El for god or gourd as the palm wine gourd and da for father in ijaw language and kalabari language) with supposed attacks from the sky(reference to the top or limit pronounced lee meet)
Danny F. Santos
A Veil for the Vanguard: An Epic Fantasy Novel (Aeonlith Series Book 1)
This is an epic(air-pick/peak) fiction on Aramkeen(Aram-kin for breast/be rest- kin) attack on the settlements like the Elderland(El-da-land with El for god or gourd as the palm wine gourd and da for father in ijaw language and kalabari language) with supposed attacks from the sky(reference to the top or limit pronounced lee meet)
January 4, 2020
Received as a review copy, this an honest review. Jorthen is a Warden of Aeon and a relic hunter seeking the powerful artifacts of deep reverence. Seeking the Keystone Staff in Qattan is not only controversial but only the beginning of a war that could tear apart the world itself. But Jorthen needs the help of the librarian assistant Kera to find it- disrupting her quiet life and altering what she thought was her life. With the aid of Fitch and eclectic crew, nothing will be the same again. Epic fantasy at its finest filled with complex adventure, secrets and lies. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2020
I like the book. It jumps straight into action, but the characters are a bit difficult to get into as a result. Their backgrounds become apparent as the story evolves however. I found myself warming to the main characters. Santos has developed an interesting world and I look forward to finding out more about it. I think the coming war will be difficult.
December 29, 2020
This was a great read. Full of likeable characters that lead you on a fun journey. It has lots of action and heart. If I had to go into battle I would want this crew to be on my side. For even more fun you should sign up for Danny's newsletter and get the short stories that are part of this wonderful world. You will not be disappointed. It looks like a good place to visit and maybe even live. Try it you will definitely Like it and want to read so much more.
February 2, 2023
An amazing action-packed fantasy novel. This book was completely unexpected for me. I wasn't really sure that I would like it, but it was incredible. The storyline and plot twists almost every chapter is really mind-blowing. Though starting 1/3rd of the book was a bit slow but then you get to all those interesting plots and just can't keep the book down.
September 27, 2024
Summary: Good enjoyable fast moving swash-buckling adventure with a coming of age element. Highly recommended
Plotline: Fast moving but well thought out plot with layers of deception
Premise: Pretty good, interesting magic system, but a lot more to be learnt
Writing: The reader is right there in the action
Ending: Much more to come ...
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Fast moving but well thought out plot with layers of deception
Premise: Pretty good, interesting magic system, but a lot more to be learnt
Writing: The reader is right there in the action
Ending: Much more to come ...
Pace: Never a dull moment!
June 16, 2023
I absolutely loved it. Airships. Magic. A fast paced action adventure with the setting and qualities of an epic fantasy story. Kera is a young girl, your typical bookworm working in an arcane library. She's not great with magic but trying her best. And then adventure sweeps her off her feet, and she realizes she is a whole lot more. Nicely done!
November 30, 2019
wonderful crafting,and great world-building make this novel into a very enjoyable adventure that I would highly recommend.
March 13, 2020
Loved it!
Great characters. Great world building. Plot draws you in and submerges you into a quickly paced and exciting story line. Anxious for the next installment!
Great characters. Great world building. Plot draws you in and submerges you into a quickly paced and exciting story line. Anxious for the next installment!
May 25, 2020
great fantasy
From the first page to the last this well written action filled story was hard to put down. I am eager to read book 2.
From the first page to the last this well written action filled story was hard to put down. I am eager to read book 2.
June 13, 2020
A page turner
The story is one I could not put down. There are so many
Trials and errors. In the end good wins out
The story is one I could not put down. There are so many
Trials and errors. In the end good wins out
Read
September 12, 2021This book has great potential, but I think it needs to be revised. The airships are amazing! Santos has an incredible imagination that I find fascinating. But I found myself offended again and again by his treatment of his female characters.
A teenager who has spent her entire life in a library with an old man is able to turn on seductive charms in her time of need? The captain of a ship which was rightfully hers is condemned because she loved her ship more than she loved the man who wanted it? On a ship in which no one ever uses profanity in the hearing of other crew members, a woman confronted with her greatest fear throws out the f-bomb?
Other things were more easily dismissed although I confess that the wording towards the beginning when the librarian grabs the staff had me baffled as to what had happened to whom. They found the staff, but it wasn't the staff? And is there a gem for everything?
On the one hand I was curious to see how Santos ended this first book. Was the girl truly the man's daughter? I would have thought the librarian. But I never got that far. If you did, let me know whether I should go back and give it a try.
A teenager who has spent her entire life in a library with an old man is able to turn on seductive charms in her time of need? The captain of a ship which was rightfully hers is condemned because she loved her ship more than she loved the man who wanted it? On a ship in which no one ever uses profanity in the hearing of other crew members, a woman confronted with her greatest fear throws out the f-bomb?
Other things were more easily dismissed although I confess that the wording towards the beginning when the librarian grabs the staff had me baffled as to what had happened to whom. They found the staff, but it wasn't the staff? And is there a gem for everything?
On the one hand I was curious to see how Santos ended this first book. Was the girl truly the man's daughter? I would have thought the librarian. But I never got that far. If you did, let me know whether I should go back and give it a try.
November 8, 2021
Danny F. Santos must have a very unusual fantasy of really weird people and magic and finding things! This is what this book is about! I'm not one for far fetch magic,and crazy people but that's what I was reading. I kept reading to really see what is going on! Fast pace action reading,mystery,magic and everything you think doesn't make sense! The characters I have to say are very unusual for sure! The story and the writing I have to say was very good. Not my cup of tea read,but I did make it through.. Wizard and Warrior is part of the Aeonlith Chronicles
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews