Greetings, travelers! It’s been a busy week, and we’ve shown you stories that run the gamut from military to romance fantasies. We’re rounding out our promos for the week with a banger of a fantasy that has some tremendously-read visuals and is the kind of epic that you’ll no doubt be dreaming about long after you turn the last page. If that has you excited, read on to learn more about Quinine.
Having the feeling of a classic epic mixed with the sort of fantasy that you can only dream of, Raymond Duane’s Quinine is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. For one, it’s got a world that feels familiar, yet takes place on what is believed to be the sprawling hand of a tremendous goddess. This sort of grand scope is not a one-off in Duane’s presentation, mind you. The author has a vision for the world that is tremendous, as though there is no horizon that he can’t see past. But as much as things feel epic and boundless, there are still some familiarities that again evoke classic fare that you might have experienced over the last few decades. Quinine presents as a wittier barbarian archetype, and his foes are bombastic and thrilling. To some extent, it reminds of a famous warrior from Cimmeria, or a battle-hardened prince from Eternia. Fans of these classics will no doubt be ecstatic about getting another character who can remind of these time-tested champions of fiction.
Ever since his startling birth at Eternal Spring when he arose from the Soul Pool as a crying infant where before only souls had emerged from the Reincarnation Maze, Quinine has lived as the most powerful threat to Negater’s struggle to return the universe to Eternal Darkness.
For this special volume, researchers have diligently corrected and edited two previously published accounts and included newly discovered truths about the mysterious myths and ancient legends that surround Quinine’s life.
The adventure begins when Goddess’ chosen warrior is ambushed by Reflexia, the Castle Mistress, and a friend is captured. Quinine’s desperate rescue mission leads him to a fight against magick that nearly traps him forever and finally to a fantastical confrontation against Sindra, The Golden Nail, a sorceress of incredible power. They clash with legendary swords within the very heart of the Essentia, combat fated to decide the course of Creation.
Spectacle is wonderful in fantasy, but in the case of Quinine, there’s substance beneath it as well. You never get a sense that anything the author worked on was anything but meaningful. Language and prose flows cleverly, and at a cadence that is perfect for the content. And the world itself grows out with poise and deft control by the creator. This is pulp fantasy, but it is as far from schlocky as you can get. All in all, it’s a great experience that fans of fantasy will no doubt enjoy. Raymond Duane has written plenty of Quinine adventures before, so there is hope that another is right around the corner. If you’re eager to dive into this fantastic universe, don’t wait. Check out Quinine by Raymond Duane on Amazon today!
