Fantasy series continues with ‘Mortals & Deities’

Fantasy lovers rejoice. The new kid on the block is back.

Las Vegas author Maxwell Alexander Drake broke into the fantasy ranks with his novel “Farmers & Mercenaries,” the first in the six-part Genesis of Oblivion saga. And now he returns with book two, “Mortals & Deities.”

“Mortals” begins where “Farmers” leaves off, with young Alant Cor being betrayed by his Elmorian teachers. The Elmorians, alienlike creatures, think that their test of shoving Alant into the Essence Node has killed the young man, but instead, it has transported him home and imbued him with power, turning him into the Mah’Sukai, the first in thousands of years.

Alant isn’t the only Cor to develop new power. His brother Arderi joins the secretive Tat’Sujen Order. He learns how to Meld the Essence, but with his new ability comes responsibility and he’s sent to hunt and kill the new Mah’Sukai, who Arderi is told is now a monster, not a man.

Also on the hunt for Alant is Elith, a gray-skinned assassin schooled by the Revered Father to slay the Mah’Sukai. She has trained all her life for this one mission, but once finally in pursuit of her quarry, she begins to doubt the motives of her master.

The lion-man Klain keeps watch over his master’s son, the fierce warrior developing a soft spot for the boy. When Rohann Vimith launches what seems to be a foolhardy expedition to find the ancient city of Sar’Xanthia, Klain has no choice but to join the doomed band as Rohann refuses to leave his son home.

It will be during the search for Sar’Xanthia that all their destinies collide. While Elith, Klain and the Cor brothers all are slaves in some fashion, they will be forced to choose whether to serve their masters or follow their hearts, a dangerous quandary.

Drake again offers fantasy lovers an action-packed adventure populated with intriguing characters, each a hero in his or her own way. Themes of family, friendship and loyalty layer the novel that carries overtones of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Star Wars.” Drake also seems to pay homage to some of the genre’s legends through names, such as Sar’Xanthia, perhaps giving a nod to Piers Anthony’s fantasy world Xanth.

“Mortals & Deities” offers much to lovers of this genre; it begins with a map and ends with a glossary, after all. And though the author does create his own language, the strange words and names aren’t much of a stumbling block for those new to epic fantasy.

Drake’s thrilling adventure inspires readers to root for their favorite hero or hope for a villain’s demise. The diverse and dangerous world of Talic’Nauth captures the imagination, transporting readers to a land they might not want to leave. No need to worry just yet. Book three is scheduled to be released this summer.