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Sunspear Series #1
The Spinning of Deception
Eighteen-year-old Dante refuses to let evil conquer the galaxy. And the fact that his own father acts as the instrument of a dark lord’s unrelenting destruction only makes it harder. But when Dante learns of a mysterious warrior who has strange visions of his family, he discovers she may hold the key to defeating his father. As sinister attacks threaten more and more planets, he fears their purpose is to prepare for an ultimate showdown. But with clues scarce and the girl’s mission to help him turning deadly, Dante might be running out of time before those he swore to protect are doomed. Can the young hero unravel the mystery and win freedom for the universe? The Spinning of Deception is the enthralling first book in the Sunspear science fiction series. If you like epic tales of the battle against darkness, intriguing characters, and dangerous adventures, then you’ll love Elizabeth Lavender’s star-spanning saga.
- GenresFantasy
262 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2019
About the author
Elizabeth Lavender
4 books510 followersElizabeth Lavender is the author of the Sunspear series. Originally from the Alabama coast, she currently lives in the Dallas area with her husband, Jeff, and her two children. She has a Master’s in counseling from Dallas Baptist University and has studied psychology and English as well. She enjoys science fiction and fantasy and hopes to bring some of that same enjoyment to others.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 25, 2022
Spinning of Deception is the stunning first novel by Elizabeth Lavender. It is a complex, thrilling story of a group of Rebels opposing a tyrannical Dark Lord who seeks to control the Galaxy through the assertion of power. At the centre of this story is a young man, Dante, who has been secreted away with his Aunt in the Rebel camp after his mother was killed by his Father, who then joined with the Dark Lord. The other pivotal character in this story is a strange young woman, working with her two companions, known only as ‘The Girl’.
Whilst there are immediate comparisons to Star Wars, the story has its own very unique and rich world building and wonderful array of characters.
Whilst the story is primarily told from the point of view of Dante and The Girl, this is a multi-faceted universe, with an intricate and in-depth set of storylines that follow multiple different characters, including the Dark Lord, many of the Rebel faction, such as Dante’s Aunt Lana, and her husband Caleb, as well as The Girl’s mysterious companions Alika and Alena. It makes for a fascinating story as we are introduced to Dante and The Girl, and see them grow, come of age, and as this is done, we get to understand the Galaxy around them and the complex politics that they are involved in.
The Galaxy is at war, fighting for its own independence, with only a few planetary systems remaining free from oppression, but under constant attack.
We get to see how Dante is being trained to take on a leadership role, both in a combat capability as he learns to fight with the unique and powerful Sunspear, a legendary weapon that is rarely used anymore and belonged to an order that once acted as Guardians for the people, but no more. But Dante is also being taught Leadership from Lana, strategy and tactics from Caleb, and those military people around him.
Meanwhile, The Girl is also being trained, she is unique, gifted and extraordinary. She gets visions about Dante, and has a special link to him, but no one knows why or what that is. However, she may well be the key to helping him defeat his Father, who stands at the Dark Lords side as they continue to attack those that won’t submit to them. As such, The Girl, along with her companions and friends, Alika and Alena, train to bring out her potential. There is a lot more to her, I just don’t want to give away spoilers!!
This is the start to an epic saga, with some stunning world building. Each of the worlds and the locations are beautifully described, and the characters are brought to life in such wonderful detail. The descriptive work is captivating, adding so much detail to the story and allowing you to fully immerse yourself into Lavender’s Universe. The combat sequences are stunning, especially the melee combat with the Sunspears, which is one of the highlights of the book. The Sunspears are such a beautiful weapon, and used with stunning precision during the book.
However, it is the character work that really brings the story to life, Lavender’s character work is exceptional. This is a character driven story, with each of the major characters, not just Dante and The Girl, but Lana, Alika, Caleb etc, all come together to create this multi-faceted sci-fi thriller that is utterly captivating.
Watching the two different characters, Dante and The Girl during this story is a fascinating part of this story. They are in different circumstances, Dante with his Aunt Lana due to his situation, and The Girl initially with her family, but due to circumstances, she ends up with Alika and Alena. Those that ‘support’ both Dante and The Girl are that group of people that seem to rally and collect when the time is needed. Lana, the diplomat, but also a warrior in her own right. Caleb, a strategist, tactician, and gifted soldier and weapons master, which is why he is Dante’s Teacher. Caleb has an interesting past (no spoilers here). Whilst The Girl doesn’t start out with Alika and Alena, she is soon in their care. They train and teach her, care for her and support her, befriend her. They have a unique and powerful relationship. It is fascinating to watch.
This is the first book in the series, so it is really interesting watching these characters grow and develop, with the odd exploit of their potential capabilities (no spoilers), but we get hints of what they are capable of if unleashed and it will be fun to watch.
At the same time, we also get snippets of the Dark lord and his minions, so we get an understanding of the contempt they have for life, and those within what they consider the ‘Rebel Faction’.
Overall, this is a really fun story, as the characters see multiple different worlds, all with brilliant world-building, but each with its own unique mission for either the good or the bad. There are times that some of the planets have a real ‘Battlestar Galactica feel? When they first land on ‘New Caprica’ and attempt to colonise it. It makes for a captivating and fun read! Again, whilst there are the obvious links to Star Wars, this book has too much of its own story, with Lavender taking it and making it her own. If you like Star Wars, you will love this (Take it from a Star Wars nut, and someone who is already reading book 2!!), this is one series not to be missed!!
Whilst there are immediate comparisons to Star Wars, the story has its own very unique and rich world building and wonderful array of characters.
Whilst the story is primarily told from the point of view of Dante and The Girl, this is a multi-faceted universe, with an intricate and in-depth set of storylines that follow multiple different characters, including the Dark Lord, many of the Rebel faction, such as Dante’s Aunt Lana, and her husband Caleb, as well as The Girl’s mysterious companions Alika and Alena. It makes for a fascinating story as we are introduced to Dante and The Girl, and see them grow, come of age, and as this is done, we get to understand the Galaxy around them and the complex politics that they are involved in.
The Galaxy is at war, fighting for its own independence, with only a few planetary systems remaining free from oppression, but under constant attack.
We get to see how Dante is being trained to take on a leadership role, both in a combat capability as he learns to fight with the unique and powerful Sunspear, a legendary weapon that is rarely used anymore and belonged to an order that once acted as Guardians for the people, but no more. But Dante is also being taught Leadership from Lana, strategy and tactics from Caleb, and those military people around him.
Meanwhile, The Girl is also being trained, she is unique, gifted and extraordinary. She gets visions about Dante, and has a special link to him, but no one knows why or what that is. However, she may well be the key to helping him defeat his Father, who stands at the Dark Lords side as they continue to attack those that won’t submit to them. As such, The Girl, along with her companions and friends, Alika and Alena, train to bring out her potential. There is a lot more to her, I just don’t want to give away spoilers!!
This is the start to an epic saga, with some stunning world building. Each of the worlds and the locations are beautifully described, and the characters are brought to life in such wonderful detail. The descriptive work is captivating, adding so much detail to the story and allowing you to fully immerse yourself into Lavender’s Universe. The combat sequences are stunning, especially the melee combat with the Sunspears, which is one of the highlights of the book. The Sunspears are such a beautiful weapon, and used with stunning precision during the book.
However, it is the character work that really brings the story to life, Lavender’s character work is exceptional. This is a character driven story, with each of the major characters, not just Dante and The Girl, but Lana, Alika, Caleb etc, all come together to create this multi-faceted sci-fi thriller that is utterly captivating.
Watching the two different characters, Dante and The Girl during this story is a fascinating part of this story. They are in different circumstances, Dante with his Aunt Lana due to his situation, and The Girl initially with her family, but due to circumstances, she ends up with Alika and Alena. Those that ‘support’ both Dante and The Girl are that group of people that seem to rally and collect when the time is needed. Lana, the diplomat, but also a warrior in her own right. Caleb, a strategist, tactician, and gifted soldier and weapons master, which is why he is Dante’s Teacher. Caleb has an interesting past (no spoilers here). Whilst The Girl doesn’t start out with Alika and Alena, she is soon in their care. They train and teach her, care for her and support her, befriend her. They have a unique and powerful relationship. It is fascinating to watch.
This is the first book in the series, so it is really interesting watching these characters grow and develop, with the odd exploit of their potential capabilities (no spoilers), but we get hints of what they are capable of if unleashed and it will be fun to watch.
At the same time, we also get snippets of the Dark lord and his minions, so we get an understanding of the contempt they have for life, and those within what they consider the ‘Rebel Faction’.
Overall, this is a really fun story, as the characters see multiple different worlds, all with brilliant world-building, but each with its own unique mission for either the good or the bad. There are times that some of the planets have a real ‘Battlestar Galactica feel? When they first land on ‘New Caprica’ and attempt to colonise it. It makes for a captivating and fun read! Again, whilst there are the obvious links to Star Wars, this book has too much of its own story, with Lavender taking it and making it her own. If you like Star Wars, you will love this (Take it from a Star Wars nut, and someone who is already reading book 2!!), this is one series not to be missed!!
October 30, 2021
4.5/5 rounded up to 5!
The Spinning of Deception is a science fiction novel set in a galaxy of worlds who struggle to survive against the Dark Lord and his forces. The Sunspear warriors who follow the path of the ancient Elders are their only hope along with the rebels determined to protect them.
This novel is very much of a Stars Warsesque vibe, with young warriors learning from wise elders, a father turned to the dark ways and fighting against his only surviving son, and young Sunspear warriors learning the ways of the ancient path.
Even so, there is plenty of original content from the Girl who experiences the visions about Dante’s family, and the secrecy about her identity, to the mystery of what the Dark Lord’s forces are up to.
I struggled to get into the story to begin with, as the reported style of writing is not my preferred POV, I like to get into characters head, but that is my personal preference and once you get used to the style, the story line and the action take over and you are immersed in the adventure and the challenges the characters need to over come.
Both the Girl and Dante are wonderful characters you learn to love and cheer on, as are the many supporting characters around them. From Alika and Seth, the Sunspear elders, to Alena, Lana, Caleb and Ryan. All characters you will learn to love.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five was my personal struggle with the style, and the formatting. Every sentence is formatted the same, with no delineation between a scene or POV change, which was also a little confusing at times, when you were in a meeting room one moment and in the midst of a battle in the next sentence!
That being said, you should definitely pick up this book. It is a very enjoyable read. Can’t wait to start book two, and now book three is out as well, it must be time for a science fiction binge-read!
The Spinning of Deception is a science fiction novel set in a galaxy of worlds who struggle to survive against the Dark Lord and his forces. The Sunspear warriors who follow the path of the ancient Elders are their only hope along with the rebels determined to protect them.
This novel is very much of a Stars Warsesque vibe, with young warriors learning from wise elders, a father turned to the dark ways and fighting against his only surviving son, and young Sunspear warriors learning the ways of the ancient path.
Even so, there is plenty of original content from the Girl who experiences the visions about Dante’s family, and the secrecy about her identity, to the mystery of what the Dark Lord’s forces are up to.
I struggled to get into the story to begin with, as the reported style of writing is not my preferred POV, I like to get into characters head, but that is my personal preference and once you get used to the style, the story line and the action take over and you are immersed in the adventure and the challenges the characters need to over come.
Both the Girl and Dante are wonderful characters you learn to love and cheer on, as are the many supporting characters around them. From Alika and Seth, the Sunspear elders, to Alena, Lana, Caleb and Ryan. All characters you will learn to love.
The only reason I didn’t give a full five was my personal struggle with the style, and the formatting. Every sentence is formatted the same, with no delineation between a scene or POV change, which was also a little confusing at times, when you were in a meeting room one moment and in the midst of a battle in the next sentence!
That being said, you should definitely pick up this book. It is a very enjoyable read. Can’t wait to start book two, and now book three is out as well, it must be time for a science fiction binge-read!
January 29, 2022
Elizabeth Lavender is a new author for me, and the Sunspear Series Book 1, the Spinning of Deception is the first book by her that I have read. I will certainly read more.
There is a lot going on in Spinning of Deception. We have elements of technology and magic or mysticism, we have elements of wise elders teaching young learners, we have elements of clearly defined good and evil, we have mysteries to solve, battles to fight, and characters to get to know and become invested in.
Rather than follow the typical tenets of the apotheosis of the mythic hero, Lavender creates a very complex world and populates it with people we really can relate to. Rather than creating a Star Wars-esque universe, full of technological might and some (the Force) mysticism, BOTH magic and technology are more settings, backdrops if you will, for the story as it unfolds.
Initially, I was not sure what was going on. I was not sure about the characters, the settings if I could really become engrossed and captivated by the Sunspear world. But I found that the more I read, the more I could relate to the characters, from my own views of the world and experiences, and when I got to the point where I was crying when they cried - I knew I was hooked.
I think it is refreshing indeed to have a book without explicit blood, guts, and gore all over the pages. No sex. No curse words. But love, anger, angst, hurt, loss, kindness, ALL of the emotions are there, it's just the way they are spelled out. And against the backdrop of the world that Lavender takes us to, it all forms a very good read.
I suspect, between reading her bio and seeing an interview of Elizabeth Lavender, that her background in psychology and counseling plays a big role in her writing. She is a parent herself, but if one has worked with people at all from a counseling setting, one learns a lot about what impacts, effects, shapes, and drives us, and what we react to as people. She does a wonderful job of "writing from life". The complexities of good vs. evil, deceit, and wanting to do the right thing but being seduced and blinded by evil beings is extremely well done.
Unlike books that leave you on a cliffhanger ending, hoping you'll buy the next book of the series, this book ends at a very appropriate stopping point. Dante, our main character faces an impossible task. The Girl, as yet unamed, has visions of Dante, and unless you are a brick it's pretty clear that more than just heroics and visions are effecting her and her relationship with Dante. Our supporting characters are very appropriate, far from perfect, but doing what they can in their roles.
Another thing that I like about this book is that no one goes "Aha! What's going on here is XYZ!". No, the characters, sifting through terrabytes of data, cannot determine what the Dark Lord is doing. It is far more realistic. As an analyst myself, often needing to find an RCA (Root Cause Analysis), Elizabeth picked up some reality points from me for doing that well.
Yeah, okay. It DOESN'T have some of the things that we want in Space Opera: No cursing marines, no blasting lasers (mostly), and people actually DO get hurt - badly - and die in this story. They take time to recover. Instead, it is a more person-centric view of the world from many perspectives. I am reminded of young athletes, trying to improve themselves and win a medal or a title. They don't act like professional athletes, or bigshots, they are not those things. They are used to the daily grind of school, school, and more school (or work, work, and more work). Sometimes it's thankless, sometimes you don't know why you're doing what you're doing, but you do it because someone tells you to, or that's what you do.
The great thing about this gentle soul of an author, and her great imagination, is I could share this book with a kid, certainly a tween or older, and yet as a person many decades past that age, I can enjoy it too.
Candidly, this was about 4.5 stars for me. Some of that is due to the need for a little more proofing, some of it is simply seasoning and maturing as an author. But I am a very, very hard man to impress, and I really liked and was very impressed by The Spinning of Deception.
I have already gotten the next book, and I will read the 3rd. I highly recommend this book and this author.
There is a lot going on in Spinning of Deception. We have elements of technology and magic or mysticism, we have elements of wise elders teaching young learners, we have elements of clearly defined good and evil, we have mysteries to solve, battles to fight, and characters to get to know and become invested in.
Rather than follow the typical tenets of the apotheosis of the mythic hero, Lavender creates a very complex world and populates it with people we really can relate to. Rather than creating a Star Wars-esque universe, full of technological might and some (the Force) mysticism, BOTH magic and technology are more settings, backdrops if you will, for the story as it unfolds.
Initially, I was not sure what was going on. I was not sure about the characters, the settings if I could really become engrossed and captivated by the Sunspear world. But I found that the more I read, the more I could relate to the characters, from my own views of the world and experiences, and when I got to the point where I was crying when they cried - I knew I was hooked.
I think it is refreshing indeed to have a book without explicit blood, guts, and gore all over the pages. No sex. No curse words. But love, anger, angst, hurt, loss, kindness, ALL of the emotions are there, it's just the way they are spelled out. And against the backdrop of the world that Lavender takes us to, it all forms a very good read.
I suspect, between reading her bio and seeing an interview of Elizabeth Lavender, that her background in psychology and counseling plays a big role in her writing. She is a parent herself, but if one has worked with people at all from a counseling setting, one learns a lot about what impacts, effects, shapes, and drives us, and what we react to as people. She does a wonderful job of "writing from life". The complexities of good vs. evil, deceit, and wanting to do the right thing but being seduced and blinded by evil beings is extremely well done.
Unlike books that leave you on a cliffhanger ending, hoping you'll buy the next book of the series, this book ends at a very appropriate stopping point. Dante, our main character faces an impossible task. The Girl, as yet unamed, has visions of Dante, and unless you are a brick it's pretty clear that more than just heroics and visions are effecting her and her relationship with Dante. Our supporting characters are very appropriate, far from perfect, but doing what they can in their roles.
Another thing that I like about this book is that no one goes "Aha! What's going on here is XYZ!". No, the characters, sifting through terrabytes of data, cannot determine what the Dark Lord is doing. It is far more realistic. As an analyst myself, often needing to find an RCA (Root Cause Analysis), Elizabeth picked up some reality points from me for doing that well.
Yeah, okay. It DOESN'T have some of the things that we want in Space Opera: No cursing marines, no blasting lasers (mostly), and people actually DO get hurt - badly - and die in this story. They take time to recover. Instead, it is a more person-centric view of the world from many perspectives. I am reminded of young athletes, trying to improve themselves and win a medal or a title. They don't act like professional athletes, or bigshots, they are not those things. They are used to the daily grind of school, school, and more school (or work, work, and more work). Sometimes it's thankless, sometimes you don't know why you're doing what you're doing, but you do it because someone tells you to, or that's what you do.
The great thing about this gentle soul of an author, and her great imagination, is I could share this book with a kid, certainly a tween or older, and yet as a person many decades past that age, I can enjoy it too.
Candidly, this was about 4.5 stars for me. Some of that is due to the need for a little more proofing, some of it is simply seasoning and maturing as an author. But I am a very, very hard man to impress, and I really liked and was very impressed by The Spinning of Deception.
I have already gotten the next book, and I will read the 3rd. I highly recommend this book and this author.
February 17, 2021
I got roped into the book right away, which is nice. Lavender moves the story along with an engaging blend of character-driven and plot-driven storytelling. She quickly and easily creates characters with depth, yet are easy to get to know. The story moves along at a quick and easy pace that makes sense. Just an all-around great yarn.
I also enjoy this author's writing style; it's like nothing I've ever seen. It was like watching Dean Koontz and Charles Dickens collaborate on an epic sci-fi drama. It was really impressive! Elizabeth Lavender brings a unique voice to the genre; an increasingly rare accomplishment. Definitely worth reading!
I also enjoy this author's writing style; it's like nothing I've ever seen. It was like watching Dean Koontz and Charles Dickens collaborate on an epic sci-fi drama. It was really impressive! Elizabeth Lavender brings a unique voice to the genre; an increasingly rare accomplishment. Definitely worth reading!
December 9, 2019
Although I normally don’t read a lot of science fiction/fantasy, I became totally engrossed in this book despite a little magical intervention here and there. The characters are so unique and relatable, the reader becomes quickly invested in them. The reader is quickly drawn into the plot also and is kept on the edge throughout this epic tale of Good vs Evil.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of science fiction. This book is full of action, danger, intrigue, and surprise. The plot includes both heart-wrenching and heart-warming scenes that portray intense emotion. The plot of this book is carefully woven and crafted to a point which becomes the perfect stopping place for the reader to take a deep breath and eagerly anticipate Book II in the series.
It was especially nice to read a great book without profanity or graphic scenes of physical intimacy. This book is well-written and well-edited. Great Read!
I highly recommend this book to lovers of science fiction. This book is full of action, danger, intrigue, and surprise. The plot includes both heart-wrenching and heart-warming scenes that portray intense emotion. The plot of this book is carefully woven and crafted to a point which becomes the perfect stopping place for the reader to take a deep breath and eagerly anticipate Book II in the series.
It was especially nice to read a great book without profanity or graphic scenes of physical intimacy. This book is well-written and well-edited. Great Read!
February 16, 2026
The Spinning of Deception by Elizabeth Lavender is the first book in the Sunspear science fiction/fantasy series, launching an epic battle between light and darkness across the galaxy.
Eighteen year old Dante is determined to stop a rising evil threatening countless worlds, even though his own father serves as the dark lord’s most powerful weapon. When Dante learns of a mysterious warrior plagued by visions connected to his family, he begins to believe she may hold the key to turning the tide.
As devastating attacks spread from planet to planet, Dante races to uncover the truth behind the growing chaos. But with few answers and danger closing in, time may be running out for him and for everyone he has sworn to protect.
Filled with high stakes adventure, cosmic conflict, and emotional tension, The Spinning of Deception is a fast paced saga for readers who love heroic journeys and galaxy-spanning intrigue.
Eighteen year old Dante is determined to stop a rising evil threatening countless worlds, even though his own father serves as the dark lord’s most powerful weapon. When Dante learns of a mysterious warrior plagued by visions connected to his family, he begins to believe she may hold the key to turning the tide.
As devastating attacks spread from planet to planet, Dante races to uncover the truth behind the growing chaos. But with few answers and danger closing in, time may be running out for him and for everyone he has sworn to protect.
Filled with high stakes adventure, cosmic conflict, and emotional tension, The Spinning of Deception is a fast paced saga for readers who love heroic journeys and galaxy-spanning intrigue.
April 18, 2021
This novel fits nicely in the category of middle school or young adult fiction which is not something that I normally read myself. The style is easy, not cerebral or overly descriptive. If you’re a Star Wars fan, then this novel might be entertaining for you. The mystical warriors are not sworn to celibacy, though, which could make things interesting. Much consideration is given to the characters’ thoughts, emotions and their ability to express themselves, so one might enjoy the sensitive and romantic tones.
September 12, 2021
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
I am not the target audience. I would have skipped this contest if I knew it was a Young Adult book. I was looking for something a bit more adult.
I did not get a proper synopsis from the GoodReads page. This book is much more of a YA fantasy tale. Some light incidental sci-fi elements. I would hesitate to stick such a sci-fi label on this book. Dragged myself through about 40%. I don't think I will be finishing. Just not my type of reading. Dialog was too staged.
Go find your GoodReads.
I am not the target audience. I would have skipped this contest if I knew it was a Young Adult book. I was looking for something a bit more adult.
I did not get a proper synopsis from the GoodReads page. This book is much more of a YA fantasy tale. Some light incidental sci-fi elements. I would hesitate to stick such a sci-fi label on this book. Dragged myself through about 40%. I don't think I will be finishing. Just not my type of reading. Dialog was too staged.
Go find your GoodReads.
July 28, 2020
This book is a great science fiction pick. Great first book from an author local to me, excited to read the second in the series! You’ll enter into a world where the next neighborhood is on the next planet, and the next planet is just down the road. A world of war, secrets, and survival. A story where friends are your family and family is your worst enemy.
December 19, 2021
When you're told a lie and it changes you're life in numerous ways... Now wrap it in science fiction with realism and relatable and strange characters; it's completely engaging, action, heroics, heart wrenching & deceptions that play out in so many unexpected twists. It's a page turner and promises to be an outstanding series!
September 19, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Can't wait for book two!
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Can't wait for book two!
October 18, 2023
A Good Read!
I really enjoyed this book. There were parts throughout the book where I had trouble following the story, but overall, I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading the next book. 😀
I really enjoyed this book. There were parts throughout the book where I had trouble following the story, but overall, I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading the next book. 😀
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews