Freetings travelers, and welcome to another stop through the Otherworld. We’re going to be taking our journey through a portal today, to a mystical world called Eloria. It’s been billed a bit as an intersection between Narnia and Middle Earth, but I think you’ll find that it also has modern sensibilities as well, and it might be just the sort of thing you’re looking for. Read on to learn more about The Last Shadar (The Tribulations of Eloria Book 1).
Author Dan Rendell wears his love for fantasy on his sleeve in his wonderful debut The Last Shadar (The Tribulations of Eloria Book 1). The author begins his tale by introducing readers to an everyman hero, Jack, who becomes the perfect guide to a world beyond our own. Jack is disillusioned with our world, and when the magnificence of another calls out to him, its pull is too strong to ignore. Rendell puts together an entertaining world that feel familiar, as classic fantasies of our past, but there is one tremendous difference in Eloria: they are aware of humans and our world. It may not seem like anything worthy of note, but it gives things a breezier feeling, and the focus can be put instead on Jack’s impression of the fantasy world that extends before him, though of course seeing a human in the flesh does leave the people of Eloria curious indeed.
Jack Campbell is miserable. After quitting his job, he finds himself on the brink of a nervous breakdown, but things go from bad to worse when he loses his way in a local forest and stumbles into the magical world of Eloria. Together with the beautiful and enchanting elf, Sarina Starborne, he must explore this strange land, encounter new allies and enemies; navigate the ways of the elves, and discover the hidden purpose of his journey. His decisions could shape the future of their world, but can he live with the consequences?
Rendell usually plays with lighter fare in his book, but he’s not afraid to handle darker material. But it seems he is aware that, especially in these trying times, an escape is something that’s needed, and Eloria makes for a wonderful spot to take a holiday—at least in most cases. As it is reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia as well, there are some spiritual elements, but it never becomes too heavy-handed or preachy. It can be enjoyed by anyone who has a love for whimsy and who believes worlds could exist beyond our own. And itis accompanied by lovely pictures which help paint the visuals of Eloria, enhancing the reader’s imagination. If all this sounds like it is something you would enjoy, don’t hesitate. Check out The Last Shadar (The Tribulations of Eloria Book 1) on Amazon today!
