The Ricchan Chronicles | Author Anthony Avina's Blog

The Synopsis

Damien Flynn must ask a difficult question; At what point does one cross the line from inspirational leader to tyrant? How much blood must be spilled before the righteousness is irrevocably stained? What began as a fiery revolt against the oppressive rule of Braiton has turned into world-spanning upheaval. Deep-seated ambitions sprout across continents as powerful forces see the unrest in Riccha as the perfect catalyst for change. Would-be conquerors, opportunists, and desperate souls rush to cash in on a vacuum in leadership and growing uncertainty. The sharp blade of betrayal has dug deep. Every painful twist has opened both new wounds and opportunities. As contenders make their moves, who will master the game and who will fall? Find out in Stand: The Cost of War, sequel to the Ozma Finalist debut novel, Rise.

The Review

The author did such an amazing job of expanding upon the world-building and history-style storytelling within this fantasy world while infusing even more political intrigue and suspense. The true nature of war and rebellion takes center stage in this narrative as the author explores the cruelty and hardships that a war can bring, and how it impacts those fighting in that war.

Aside from the incredible genre-bending story that this narrative tells and the balance of political intrigue and action, what really drew me into this sequel was the balance of character development the author found. Showing the real consequences those who fought up till this point in the series not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well really added a depth and emotional pull, especially to a couple of characters who have become quite pivotal to the rebellion overall, and also exploring this world’s version of relations between the Indigenous people of the land and the warring factions of settlers from another continent was so inspiring and fantastic to see crop up in a fantasy-driven narrative.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking in its delivery, author Mark S. Moore’s “Stand: The Cost of War” is the perfect sequel and a must-read for fans of historical fiction meets fantasy. With a rich tapestry of cultures the author crafted and memorable characters you cannot help being attached to, the book’s shocking moments will keep you invested all the way through. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Synopsis

Finalist for the 2019 OZMA Fantasy Fiction awards, Chanticleer International Book Awards

Damien Flynn finds himself in the midst of growing turmoil that he foresaw but was not equipped to handle. Denied the quill for speaking his mind, he finds himself shackled to a path spiraling downward. A brush with death can do wonders to help one re-evaluate their priorities and their morals but it remains to be seen just how Damien will proceed with his newfound perspective on mortality.

Political espionage, assassinations, scandalous affairs, underhanded deals, and dirty politics threaten to plunge the known world into chaos with Damien Flynn in the middle.

A powerful general, buoyed by a second with fractured morals, provides early and tangible victories but success brings attention they may not be ready for. Erudite and ruthless cunning stalks the would-be revolutionaries with pragmatism and patience. A threat of extinction that looms over every step forward.

Damien Flynn must draw lots, he must choose a side; the wrong choice could end his life, so could the right one.

The Review

This was such an engaging and rich story. The way the author wrote this book readers were able to get the fantasy feel with this fictional world and countries that many readers will see mirror our own world, but the narrative also gives a healthy dose of history, drama, and action. As a fan of history and the American Revolution as a whole, the attention to detail the author brought out into this narrative shows the parallels between the real-life revolution that birthed the United States and the rebellion of Ricchan.

The novel’s heart however comes from its rich tapestry of characters. Not only are the interactions and bonds formed between these characters so inviting, but the complexity of this cast of characters is so profound to read as this first novel in the series comes to life. What was also amazing to see was how these characters on all sides of this conflict really highlight the concept of war and the horrors it always wrought in our own world are perfectly mirrored in this narrative, showing how these horrors can happen on either side of a conflict, and the “heroes” of war are not always as apparent as say WWII, where villains like Hitler and the Nazi Regime were so clearly outlined. More often than not, the true “villains” are those few in power who rule a people and force them into these conflicts.

The Verdict

A mesmerizing, action-fueled, and brilliant historical fantasy novel, author Mark Moore’s “Rise: Birth of a Revolution” is a must-read first novel of the author’s THE RICCHAN CHRONICLES series. The adrenaline-fueled narrative will keep readers not only entertained but engaged in the character’s overall arcs and a shocking twist ending will change the dynamics of the world the author has created leading into the highly anticipated sequel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10