Crown of Vengeance

Fires of Eden #1

by Stephen Zimmer, Matt Perry (Illustrator), Amanda DeBord (Editor)

Strange mists engulf Janus Roland, Erika Laesig, Mershad Shahab, and others in a quiet midwestern U.S. town. In the new world of Ave, war looms over both Saxany and the Five Realms. The captivating Unifier attracts forces to fight in the skies, upon the seas, on land, and even in places non-physical in nature, with races familiar and new.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy

612 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and publisher of Seventh Star Press who resides in Lexington, Ky with his beloved and an office manager named Dubious the Cat. His literary work includes the epic fantasy Fires in Eden Series, the cross-genre Rising Dawn Saga, the sword and sorcery Rayden Valkyrie Tales, the horror genre Hellscapes short story collections, the cross-genre dystopian Faraway Saga series, and the steampunk Harvey and Solomon tales along with his new novellas featuring Rayden Valkyrie and Ragnar Stormbringer.

His movie credits include short films such as Swordbearer and The Sirens, and the feature Shadows Light. Forthcoming is Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart, a TV pilot project.

Visit Stephen online via his website at http://www.stephenzimmer.com
on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/stephenzimmer7
or twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/sgzimmer

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

...There is a risk involved in walking down the well-trodden paths of epic fantasy. On the one hand it provides an author with a number of elements that obviously appeals to many readers. On the other hand, there is the risk of writing a cliché story. Challenging the staples of epic fantasy has given us two of the most exciting bit series in epic fantasy. The Malazan Book of the Fallen, in which Steven Erikson challenges just about every epic fantasy cliché, and A Song of Ice and Fire, in which George R.R. Martin carefully avoids quests and black and white characterization. Zimmer tries to give his own twist to a classic epic fantasy tale and ends up with an unevenly paced and essentially unfinished first novel, full of characters insufficiently developed for me to really care about them. In short, I don't think Crown of Vengeance provides a solid foundation for a multi-volume fantasy series. I hope the author manages to solidify the story a bit in the second volume Dream of Legends. If not, this series is in big trouble.

Full Random Comments review

[Anne Patkau · Rating 1 out of 5]

Long-winded, filled with visions, I gave up and may not return, so posted in-progress. Nine our-world youths appear in a magical land ruled by a god-like leader. Two males are martial arts experts, one female is strong, athletic. Will the dropouts shape up or die? Theme possibly about belief. What is the crown and who needs revenge?

"The Unifier" is an unusually handsome 6'5" tall piercingly blue-eyed, permanently young, idolized leader who gazes at the vivid greenish-blue sky (Note important detail!) from his likewise impressive citadel, and ponders a significant change coming to his empire - visitors. Janus, deeply depressed over his father's death (and dead pets - really??), is invited to family cottage of always cheerful friend Kent by their pal Derek, skilled in martial arts, just back from four years military service but skeptical of current war. First generation American university student Mashad, bullied as a terrorist, fears for innocent relatives in helpless Iraq, unjustly bombed for oil (his opinion). Part-time school and work slacker Erin, bored with same old party locale, suggests camping Saturday in national forest. Digital musician Logan 28, after Chinese restaurant meal break from client projects, gives money to old beggar (we recognize unique description of Unifier), who returns an ambiguous blessing (of true perception?). Combative teen delinquent and martial arts enthusiast Ryan helps clean up Chinese restaurant of overworked responsible owner Lee Chen, improving influence.

Logan 28 still dreams of another world inside a closet (like childhood Narnia), commiserates nightly with friend Antonio (not to be confused with Ryan's drug-dealing pal Antoine) for "Something completely exciting" p37, and his sportscar headlights fail to cut dense fog. Derek takes speedboat onto lake with Kent and Janus, but silent white air stops them cold. Erin, stoned, points out heavy rising mist to friend Lyn, who has recently become annoyingly more serious. Mershad falls asleep studying in a secluded Lexington park, woken by intimidating friend Erika; the stunning intelligent tall strong perceptive social-work student, says "I always like the stories about going into other worlds" p46. After she concurs she "could use a decent adventure", magical silver droplets blanket them. Any surprise the wind reveals bright sun in strange green-blue sky and furry winged bat-foxes in big wild wood?

... unfinished ... page 46

Typos:
p 6 affects for effects

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Vengeance is a bold, elaborate undertaking. Epic fantasy it sure is with many characters and a grand story to go with. Stephen is clearly a details man. His characters are many but the details on them are all there. This first book is the foundation for the series setting up the story and characters it is in a sense detail upon detail, people, thoughts, views, history on a wide scale.

A group of people less than satisfied with their lot in life wishing to be elsewhere find themselves in a very curious mist that appears quite suddenly, when it recedes the find themselves in a new world. Has their wish come true? Is this world all they've been pining for? Not so much when they discover that the new world they find is on the brink of war. The Unifer an individual up to no good who wants to crush those who oppose him. After all it is a story of good vs evil as most are. Who will win, sides to take, being the best you can be these characters will face it all. Can they bring down the Unifer? Well it's only the first in the series but I do know I want to find out and plan on reading the rest. Dream of Legends is the sequel and another is coming in May.

I will admit that I am an impatient reader often with a book I'll be all are we there yet, are we there yet? I simply want to know the end and get fidgety. This book with it's length and detail I did that often. Having said that I enjoyed the book and love the story that Stephen has created. It is a book that I recommend to those who like epic fantasy, those who like clean reads no four letter words to be found. Those who like elaborate stories and really want a book to get lost in. I for one am pleased that I got to my friends book even if I had to put some review book to the side for a little while. And now back to my mountain of review books!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Janus Roland, Erika Laesig, Mershad Shahab, Logan, Ryan, Derek, Lee Chan and several others, there lives will never be the same. Everyone was attending to their every day lives and going about their business when a mysterious mist rolls in. When the mist clears, everyone finds that they had been transported to a strange new land. There they will meet dangerous enemies as well as make some new friends.

Crown of Vengeance is book one in the Fires in Eden. A new series by author Stephen Zimmer. This book started out a little slow for me but it quickly progressed into an exciting and fantastic reading adventure. I wasn’t really interested in every move that the characters made at the beginning. What I liked the most was when the story would switch there would be a break with the name of the character whose turn it was. This I found nice as there were so many different characters, I was afraid that I would become lost and by doing it this way, I did not become lost but was able to focus on what was happening at that moment and got to know the characters better.

The illustrations that Matthew Perry did were wonderful. Mr. Perry is very talented. He helped bring the story to life. For me to say so many great things about a fantasy book is an accomplishment as these types of books used to be towards the bottom on my list that I was willing to read. This book with the help of Mr. Zimmer has restored my faith that fantasy makes for some thrilling reading.

[cobwebmoth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful epic fantasy! When you read this book you can really tell that the author is building a strong foundation for the rest of the series. Multiple points of view, but never confusing. Incredibly detailed descriptions of weaponry and creatures. The author creates an awesome fantasy world, and also shows great insight into human emotion. A really good read! I can't wait for the next book in this series, due to be released this winter.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mershad Shahab has a little secluded place near campus where he likes to study and forget about things. He just wants to forget the routine of the day and other specters of trouble. For Janus Roland the lingering grief of losing his father still lingers like a hurricane making landfall. Janus’ friends are able to get him to venture out with them. As the night goes on Erika Laesig happens to come across Mershad in his little secluded area and joins him in conversation. Not far away, Lee Chan and a few other young adults are doing routine stuff. But as the night moves on, so does the fog that has been creeping across the campus landscape. For the most part, it’s just some fog that’s creeping around, nothing special. With each tick of the clock the fog becomes so dense that visibility is reduced to just a few feet ahead. This is beyond strange.

As the fog is thinning, Janus and his friends find themselves looking up into the bright skies of an incredible strange new world. Erika and Mershad are experiencing the same thing as well as another group of young adults who had been engulfed by the mysterious fog. There would be no way science could explain what happened. This group of young adults have been brought mysteriously to the fantastical world of Ave.

Janus, Erika, Mershad and the others find themselves in this strange world of Ave where the storm clouds of war are about to descend upon the Saxan Kingdom and the tribes of the Five Realms confederation. Invasion forces are massing under the hypnotic and charismatic voice of The Unifier, a mysterious silver tongued figure whose charm has swept across the region since his rise to power in the Gallean duchy of Avanor. This war will be fought on land and sea, even the skies will be filled with dreaded flying minions. This will be an epic clash of good and evil as the young adults from present day Earth have to come to grips with titanic odds as they venture across a world filled with more dangers than they could imagine.

Stephen Zimmer should be officially classified as one of the great storytellers of our modern times. He pens gripping novels with new twists to some commonly held ideas. The characters he creates are compelling and real which the reader will have no trouble relating to as one turns the pages. For reader, be warned, Crown of Vengeance is filled with high velocity action, buckle your seatbelts and be ready for a breathless adventure.

[Heavensent1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crown of Vengeance is book one in a new fantasy series called, "Fires In Eden".

When Lee, Ryan, Janus, Mershand, Ericka, Logan, Derek and a few others wish that something would happen in their lives that was extraordinary, they find themselves on a journey that promises just that.

The story sets out in modern times and each, for reasons of their own, is bored with life. When a unnatural and eery fog rolls in, each person soon realizes they aren't where they began and confusion and fear set in.

Each of them are now in another land, the land of Ave and in another time and they must use their individual abilities to survive. A few of them end up in the hands of the Onan, a tribe of the Five Realms and others arrive in the Saxan Kingdom. There is a war brewing as the powerful Unifer wishes to bring everyone under his one rule and destroy all those who oppose him.

The Unifer is determined to allow evil reign and with his charismatic appeal, it is hard to resist his charm as he uses all his resources to set a course of action that will bring many to their knees. The group of outsiders is a bane to his existence as they always seem to end up where they weren't needed and each, in their own way, work to divert the events that are occurring.

The war that is inevitable will be fought on land, in the air, water and even in other realms, as the Unifer works his silver-tongue and his magic to bring everyone to his heel. Will the group be able to set everything in order or will they be tempted to walk the path of the Unifer?

I had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't enjoy the long introduction to each of the characters, it took up almost half of the book. I thought there was a lot of useless information shared and felt that their introduction could have been simpler, for the information that was shared didn't help with the overall of the book's appeal.

However, whence the group travels through the fog, this is where things begin to pick up. The world building land of Ave was very well written. The people of Ave were believable and enjoyable to read and from there the stories flow picks up and you know longer feel the trudging pace of the modern day set up.

I loved the fantasy aspect of the novel, all the different types of creatures was fantastic, each explained with depth and clarity. I also enjoyed watching how each of the main characters interacted with the people of Ave, especially in the beginning when everything was new and proper etiquette had yet to be noted. Their confusion and fear is common place and each reacted as one should in their given situations. The elitist aspect of the book is something everyone can relate to, even in today's times and you cannot help but hating those who are in power.

The Unifer was a great antagonist. He was delivered in an intelligent and expressive way. The battle scenes were breath taking, allowing the reader to feel as if they were alongside the people, fighting their battle with them. And the overall outcome of the books plot left you begging for more. I am glad I continued to give this book my time, as I am now looking forward to reading Book Two in the Fires in Eden series.

[Ryan Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost never have time to read books anymore, but once I started reading Crown of Vengeance, I found myself squeaking time in whenever possible. After having my reading interrupted a million times, I finally convinced my wife and kids to leave me alone long enough so I could finish the book and boy do I have something to tell you.

If you grew up reading fantasy like myself, I’m sure you often found yourself day dreaming about whatever you just read, putting yourself in the world and fighting the bad guys (or good guys). Stephen Zimmer grew up doing the same thing, so it’s so surprise that he couldn’t resist writing a story about some chosen people who were going about their normal lives in Lexington, Kentucky when a fog comes out of nowhere and transports them to the world of Ave. Unprepared, and with no survival skills the people start off split up, but find themselves banded together and tossed into a boiling over conflict headed by a man known as the Unifier.

Even though I couldn’t find myself being able to finish the book as quickly as I had wanted, it wasn’t the writing that kept that from happening. I solely blame my hectic life for forcing me to only be able to nibble at this delicious story a few chapters at a time until I was able to finally just take the whole thing in a big final sitting. The characters are each so well done and given distinct personalities that I think gives the readers at least one person that us the reader can relate to. Zimmer is no slouch when it comes to details. Because I read before going to sleep, I often found myself having vivid dreams about the world of Ave. Not really the characters in general, but just the landscapes, which Zimmer painted in my head as if a picture with his words. I dug the different races and species that lived within the world of Ave, which had such a feeling of our world, but with a slight twist to make it just foreign enough.

I’ve always been a fan of epic fantasy, and starting of this new series with Crown of Vengeance didn’t let me down at all, I can’t wait to dive into (and hopefully finish much quicker) the second book in the series, Dream of Legends. You should definitely give this Pluto Award winning book a shot.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Stephen Zimmer creates a vivid and deeply imagined world in his Fires in Eden series, populating it with fascinating races and characters, and providing an enormous wealth of background history and culture. The evil Unifier, “[t]ruly... a vision of regality and grace, without equal,” is set to conquer all, with only a few small kingdoms still standing against him. A thoroughly convincing Saxon heritage, recreated in the Saxan people, would make a great, and wonderfully detailed, historical novel. But here be monsters, dueling semi-human species, and accidental invaders from the modern world, giving the whole a feel, and the length, of Stephen Donaldson’s Thomas Covenant chronicles.

Each of the modern day Americans has their own hangups, from Janus, who “loathed death,” to Mershad, whose blood relatives live in Iraq, to others struggling with “concepts of free will, gods, devils and destinies.” They make for an interesting crowd, and their travels and travails, in separated teams, feel oddly reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. There are hints of Game of Thrones too, in chapters told from the view-points of different characters. And there’s a D&D die-roll feel to quests and scripted meetings, making the story read like a well-watched, well-played game. Choose your own character, or play them all. Then as tension rises, readers, like the characters, will find themselves doubting that “any of the others had a slow heartbeat in the sharply heightened anxiety of the moment.”

The deceptive lure of peace, prosperity and order; the complex search for balance between free will and destiny; an almost seamless blend of religious symbols, ancient history, and modern fantasy; all lead to a long slow complex read, part one of a trilogy, well-plotted and slowly told for a long dark winter. Read a chapter a night perhaps, then sleep on it.

Disclosure: I heard about this in a blog tour, long ago, and I’m sorry it took me so long to get to read the book.

[Evangeline · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing I noticed when I started reading Crown of Vengeance is the rich descriptions and wide range of vocabulary employed. I was blown away by it. It's been a month since I read a rich literary work and I was astounded to find such a piece of work in a fantasy novel. Note to self: Never underestimate fantasy novels. The descriptions and imagery used were so good, I could imagine the scenes easily.

I did not particularly like the mundane beginning. At some points, I even thought that there was some sort of agenda and point of view, especially relating to stereotypes, being pushed through the revealing of the characters' background. Thankfully, the story started picking up after the first 50 pages where things started to complicate, problems appear.

The narrator of the story focuses on the many different characters throughout the book. The different focuses was written quite well, but many times, I found myself wishing that a certain character could have a longer focus. Since the story is quite lengthy, the many characters and their point of views can get quite confusing sometimes, especially when I forget a certain part of the story. I wanted to get to know more about the characters before all the drama starts. I wasn't given that chance. Nevertheless, each character has a unique method of dealing with issues and I liked reading about them. The ending is a little open-ended. There is the hint of a continuation in the sequel through the mystery of two characters in Janus' dream.

This novel is rather thick. I was surprised by its length since I hadn't checked the number of pages when I accepted it for review. Unless you are a fan of epic fantasy, you might get tired of the usual action and unworldly-like elements found in Crown of Vengeance. After finishing it, I couldn't wait to get back to earth and its simplicity.

[Alicia Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Zimmer sure knows how to weave a tale. Crown of Vengeance is a amazing story about a group of people who don't enjoy their lives and who really wish for more. I mean don't we all at some point? All of the sudden this mist appears and they walk into it. As soon as they do they are wisked away to another world, but is this world the one they have been waiting for, or is it worse then what they were already living? (Alright you know for a fact I'm not going to give any spoilers, so read this book to find out what happens!)

Stephen Zimmer is an amazing author, who can bring his characters to life right inside the pages of these incredible books. Crown of Vengeance was really hard to put down, even after I had finished it. I need more of this story.

This is a tremendous fantasy novel and defiantly a must read for anyone that loves fantasy novels!

I will say this though, the length was a bit to much for me at some points. Its over 500 pages long and when I first got the book I looked at it in a bit of shock. I couldn't wait to read it but the page number frighted me a bit. But, when I started Crown of Vengeance, I seriously couldn't stop turning the pages.

The plot along with its incredible thought out characters made this book majorly Epic for me and this book is only the beginning for this series!

[William Bentrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Vengeance by Stephen Zimmer

This book is an epic tale of morality and courage. An unlikely assortment of contemporary characters finds themselves in an alternate world immersed in monumental, sword wielding conflict.

The Unifier plans to unify the known world for the benefit of its inhabitants. That is his story and he is sticking with it. He is handsome, muscular, charismatic and dedicated, unbeknownst to his minions, to evil.

The motley cast from our world is thrust into a situation that strains their credibility and their sanity. Each one adapts to the new environment in their own way. Zimmer’s use of prose paints a clear and rich world but his characters are not memorable. The tapestry of the world and the story line are second to the individuals that populate this alternate world. I suspect each reader will be able to find a character they can identify with in this varied crew.

I found the description of the Unifier’s marching army extraordinary. Zimmer does a wonderful job in painting a full and very detailed panorama.

This is the first book in a series and details the beginnings of a cataclysmic clash between good and evil.

I recommend it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Zimmer has a wondrous imagination, and lets it run free with Crown of Vengeance. In a genera that has recently grown a bit formulaic and clichéd, Zimmer has managed to craft a new and excited addition to medieval fantasy literature. While there are hints of the author's influences (C.S. Lewis, Tolkien), nothing ever feels imitated or even borrowed. Zimmer's writing style, while not overly simplistic, is well paced and easy to follow, making it difficult story to put down. The tale is told through the eyes of a diverse ensemble of human characters who are mysteriously transported into a magical new world. The writing jumps quickly from the point of view of each lead character to the other, leaving very little time for lulls in each of their story arc. The array of characters and creatures are so wildly inventive and colorful, but written in a way that keeps them grounded and identifiable to the reader. I easily became invested in the journey.

Crown of Vengeance is exciting, original, and great deal of fun. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for fresh air within the genera.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What kid with an imagination hasn't thought about finding adventure in another world? Here, you are a student, a computer programer, or you work in a chinese restaurant. When you step through the fog into a new world, who you were may not be enough to keep you alive. You will face things you never dreamed of. There will be creatures big and small that will see you as their next meal. This is not a peaceful land either, and in war a side will have to be chosen. So you must ask yourself. How will I adapt? How will I be changed? Who will I become? Lastly I say enjoy the adventure, and I hope you make it to the end.

[Robin Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Zimmer is a master of words. He creates intricate people and places that are both wondrous and exciting. Beautiful imagery and amazing characters are found in this book. His detail is amazing he writes and you read and can picture the places in the story. He is making epic fantasy as a genre rock. I will say that is one and his others are hefty reads. This one was slower for me to get into then the other series but it was worth it to read through to the end. Wonderful fantasy book. Would recommend to anyone.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. So different compared to the fantasy books I read in the past months.

This is definitely a book for people who like character driven stories with gorgeous and detailed descriptions of a fantasy world and their inhabitants mixed with beings who follow devious plans who will face more resistance than expected.....
Read my full review of Crown of Vengeance.

[Gef · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since there are not half-star ratings, I'll go with three stars. I'm still not a fan of epic fantasies, but I keep trying. This story is sweeping and builds to a fair climax, and a prelude to what is coming in future installments. But, for a guy like me, it was hard to get hooked. Zimmer's talent and ambition need to be commended, however, as he writes not one series of books, but two at the same time. The man keeps busy.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, amazing to read and what an experience. Truely enjoyed it, jumped straight into the second one. Well done Stephen, I was truly chuffed. Find the full review here

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crown of Vengeance is a solid, imaginative and adventurous epic fantasy - well worth reading.

To read my full review, and an interview with the author go here:
http://bookwormblues.blogspot.com/201...

[Andrew Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An utterly engrossing read. The author does a great job of creating back stories that help you understand the motivations of all the major characters. Can't wait for the sequel to get here!

[Liana]

This book has a fantastic cover and a great title that makes people itch to read it. The summary sounds really cool! I would like to read this. I've always loved Epic Fantasy. (: