Vassal of El [Paperback]

Gloria Oliver (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 19, 2008

Violently ripped from his people at a young age and never quite fitting in with those who took him in and helped him, Torren has spent most of his life avoiding his past, traveling as a sword for hire. Yet a chance meeting with a young woman pursued by unknown assailants changes everything, an act of grudging kindness driving him toward having to face all he’d rather leave forgotten, the reasons behind the girl’s pursuit clues to a long-buried mystery tied to his past.

Acknowledging only what he must while fighting feelings he long thought dead and buried, and driven to fulfill a duty he never thought would be his, Torren once more cuts his ties with all he knows, convinced he can never return to what was, no matter how much others might wish otherwise. Yet, divided within, dreams of doom and betrayal filling his nights, he waits, unable to move on despite his intentions.

Matters grow more complicated as his heritage seeks him out, not willing to let him go. Not only does it seem that the evil from the past is about to be repeated, his people possibly destroyed from within, but this time it is somehow connected to the impending war of two Lander countries, the impact of which would be felt throughout the world. Torren must push his pain behind him and act, his unique inhabiting of two vastly different worlds possibly the only thing able to prevent war and genocide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Fine fantasy novel which quickly engages and holds the reader's hunger for the resolution of love conquering evil. -- Crystal Reviews - Viviane Crystal

Vassal of El is a wonderful combination of fantasy story and murder-mystery (ok, to be pedantic, almost-murder-mystery). -- Eternal Night

You will simply will not want to put it down. -- Scribesworld - RM Blacketer --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Teaser

"So, look who we have here."

Torren turned to the side, recognizing Elon’s voice. "What do you want?"

The young flyer gave him an unpleasant smile. "We’re doing our duty to our God, as we should. Though I very much doubt it is what you’re doing."

Torren glanced upward toward the nearest spire looking for the guard but found the spot empty.

One of the four laughed. "Tyo, I think he’s looking for you."

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the one directly behind him was wearing armor and was armed. He cursed quietly to himself. He had the knife in his boot, but it would be hard to reach it in such close quarters. "I ask you again, what is it you want?"

"I’ve already told you," Elon said, smiling widely, "we’re here to do El’s work." The smile died. "You may think you’ve fooled everyone, but you’re wrong. Some of those old fools may be willing to believe anything just to allay their fears, but there are those of us who’d rather reveal the truth instead." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 306 pages
• Publisher: Zumaya Publications, LLC (November 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934135992
• ISBN-13: 978-1934135990
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,621,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gloria Oliver lives in Texas making sure to stay away from rolling tumbleweeds, freak storms, and bowing to the wishes of her feline and canine masters.

She is the author of In the Service of Samurai, Vassal of El, Cross-eyed Dragon Troubles, Willing Sacrifice, and The Price of Mercy, all fantasy and YA fantasy novels.

She's also a member in good standing of EPIC and BroadUniverse, but hasn't yet made it onto the list for Cat Slaves R Us.

For sample chapters, free shorts and more information, please come visit her at www.gloriaoliver.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightened reading!, April 5, 2006

By 

Fantasy Novel Review "FNR" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vassal of El (Paperback)

reviewed by Angela Wilds for fantasynovelreview.com

Of all the gods, El is the one who totally understands and loves humans. He alone gave up his powers to live among and gain understanding of them. This made the Mother very joyous indeed! Her pleasure in her son was a wonder to behold.

Valum grew jealous of El and used his power to give El a human gift, the gift of fear. El ran and ran and ran until he fell exhausted. When he awoke, he was safe and warm. A group of villagers had taken him in and cared for him. El stayed with them and learned from them. Then when he returned to his powers, he granted them a wondrous gift, the gift of wings and floating islands to live on. These were his chosen people.

Time passed, as it always does. The Chosen forgot their humble beginnings and began to look at the Humans as lesser beings. The Humans envied and feared the Chosen with all their privileges. Now rumors of a possible war are circulating. Torren is going to check it out and maybe find work as a mercenary.

Torren is being tormented by nightmares! How hard he has worked to forget the past and banish those dreams! Just when he thinks he's succeeded, the dreams come back with a vengeance! Suddenly fate, in the form of a gangly young girl, jumps in and spins his world out of kilter. Torren rescues the young girl, Larana, from the people who killed her adopted aunt and is plunged headfirst into dealing with his past...and all its memories! One cannot help but feel his pain and confusion.

Ms. Oliver fabricates a wonderful new world filled with mortals, gods, and angels. This story makes the reader take a look at mankind's tendency to accentuate the differences in beings and overlook the common ground. Enlightened reading!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely!, March 26, 2006

By 

S. Hunt "Sailorcelestial" (Bethany, Louisiana United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vassal of El (Paperback)

I finished Vassal of El in one day, less than one day, actually. I fell in love with the world, the characters, the mythology, the interactions between the two major races. Definitely recommend this book!