Captivating fusion of sci-fi and fantasy where the reader is propelled into a universe on the brink of cosmic chaos.
Title: A Guardian’s Tale – Volume 1
Author: D. Jay Kay
Genre(s): Science Fiction
Word Count: 110,000
Publisher: Self-Published
Summary: For 2,500 years, the Ooracai & waged war secretly, taking care not to reveal their presence to humanity. However, as humanity advanced technologically, their ability to conceal their presence from humankind began to falter.
Special Agent Jesse Smalling and her partner Liz Washington are looking for Dominion assets buried deep in the US government. As they get closer to revealing their names, the Dominion decides they are getting too close and sends assassins to America to end their lives and put a stop to the investigation. The Guardians are standing guard over the two agents, only too aware of their danger.
There is a newly elected President in the Oval Office. President Mumford has a secret that could undermine his presidency and place the US and humankind in grave peril. The Dominion has compromised Mumford, and now he must decide if he will honor his pledge of allegiance, ignore the Dominion, and risk his life and his presidency.
My Review:
The Ooracai, a brilliant, willowy species, embarked on a journey of exploration, delving into the realms of art, philosophy, and culture. Valuing their intellectual prowess, the Ooracai’s innate curiosity drew them to explore their world, their universe, their own existence, and the possibility of life beyond their red sun. Yet, their tranquil existence came to a screeching halt as a sickness ravaged the cohabitants of their shared world. And in the wake of despair, thundered the drums of war.
Thomas Mumford, a devoted family man and struggling entrepreneur, finds himself thrust into the epicenter of an ancient conflict when a mysterious stranger offers him salvation. As Mumford grapples with the intricate web of political intrigue, he is burdened with safeguarding a two-thousand-year-old secret and must make a harrowing choice amidst a war whose complexities elude his grasp. His decision will not only shape the destiny of humanity but may also seal the fates of other worlds.
The author, D. Jay Kay, constructs an intricate world brimming with depth, where the tensions between alien civilizations entangled in perpetual warfare secretly spill onto Earth’s doorstep. From the alien landscapes to Earth’s diverse continents, Kay’s storytelling immerse readers in into this believable world. Though the pacing occasionally meanders, Kay deftly balances intrigue, ensuring readers remain captivated throughout the narrative.
Interweaving past and present, A Guardian’s Tale introduces a diverse array of complex characters. One of my favorite things about this story is delving into their motivations and histories. Whether human or extraterrestrial, each character has a certain complexity about them that makes the reader want to learn more. However, when you add in the separate timelines and large cast of characters, getting lost in the “who’s who” of characters can create a slight drawback to the reading experience. Some of the established characters, despite their initial importance, seem to fade into the background prematurely, only to reappear briefly towards the story’s conclusion. Larger casts tend to take away from the deeper dives into each individual character, so there are some small misses here and there, but not enough to take away from the overall feel of the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. A Guardian’s Tale Volume 1, offers a captivating tale that will fascinate readers who relish intricate world-building and epic sagas. As the first installation of an anticipated trilogy, this volume lays the groundwork for a saga with great potential. The journey has only just begun. (Received ARC from Reedsy)