July 17, 2017
In a world where ancient races still dwell, the events of an age-old prophecy begin to stir.
From the pages of an antique tome, there is much the ancients themselves have yet to learn.
The time has come for the Keys of the Origin to play their part in restoring balance to Aeldynn; but how will their choices affect the outcome?
Two young men; one a righteous law-abiding servant to the people, the other a distinguished outlaw, don’t yet realise they are to play a part in a foretold bid for the future of Aeldynn.
Fate leads them down a road they would never have dreamed of following; a road that leads them into a struggle to bring the world back into a state of balance from the precipice of madness and desolation.
It is not only Zehn and Larkh who are fated to take on the malevolent forces of Aeldynn; there are others who must join with them as they are coaxed into the embrace of the ancient Nays and the fabled Drahknyr, who are also entangled in the masterful puppeteering of a renegade sorceress hell bent on reviving the greatest threat of all; Alymarn
“A Beautifully Crafted World
I've been reading this on and off for a long time, and each time I dip into it I'm greeted with wonderfully painted characters and landscapes, engaging storytelling, and brilliantly choreographed action. Although the character names can be quite hard to pronounce at first, a sensation that's reminiscent of The Silmarillion, you'll soon find yourself rattling them off without a problem, and that they aren't bland in the first place helps to create a very real image of the world, the people, and the lore within. I'm in love with the story so far, and I'm seeing many ways it's only going to be getting better.” – Amazon Customer
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LORE
Aeldynn’s Creation & the
Prophecy of the Kaesan’Drahknyr
For balance to falter, it only takes one small measure to tip the scales.
Nays Proverb
In a year and era unknown, the world of Aeldynn was built upon a celestial crystal foundation, a pillar system called Aevnatureis. As it is written, it is the source from which all spiritual and magical energy originates on the middle and higher planes. Far below it, beneath a passable mirror realm called Dyr’Efna in the netherworld of Ne’Vedanhyr, exists its counterpart – Phandaerys. Both pillars form the shape of gargantuan obelisks, though their crystals spread outward from their base across the realms above and below, from ethereal Valdysthar down to unholy Dhavenkos Mhal.
Nays lore states that the Origin called the gods into existence; those who first descended upon the surface of Aeldynn, along with the two original dragons bound by scriptures of balance called the Taecade Medo. As all forms of life above Dyr’Efna were born of the energy of Aevnatureis, so did Phandaerys mimic as a bitter and corrupt reflection.
The first races on Aeldynn were either immortal or significantly long-lived, having descended in succession through the Thean Hierarchy of Deities. There were three at the peak: Raiyah, Lyte, and Velhana. One after the other, Raiyah was given charge of the Nays; Lyte; the elves – of which the first were the Kensaiyr – and Velhana; the Fey. The first of the Fey were the Aurentai. As the Nays began to flourish, the Origin were said to have made their plans clear to Raiyah, and bestowed upon her the gift of the Drahknyr.
The Drahknyr, empyrean warriors bearing colossal white-feathered wings, were born into physical form via the Nays. It is said the Origin claimed it was the only way in which they could acquire a physical existence, but the power they harboured often took its toll on the mothers who carried them for a year.
Records also mention that following the Drahknyr’s original trial, they have since been born infertile as it is believed Aevnatureis was once forced to bestow too great a power upon one such offspring. There is balance in all things, but if that balance wavers, control can easily be lost to one extreme or the other. In addition to this, their existence is inextricably bound to combat, meaning it is their lifelong duty to be engaged in or ready for combat. The legend of Alymarn supports these claims as it is written his birth and subsequent actions brought down catastrophe upon Aeldynn.
Legends also state that once the Drahknyr’s weapons and armour are forged, they are soul or perhaps spirit-bonded to their user, so only they may use them. This also means such armour and weaponry, along with their wings, may be summoned into their corporeal form or banished from wherever they may be.
At that time, there was a prophecy passed down from the Origin to the Sun Goddess Raiyah that foretold seven greater Drahknyr; the elite of the elite. They were the Kaesan’Drahknyr. It was to be that their maximum efficiency could reach the very limit of Aevnatureis’ natural power. They would govern all other Drahknyr, serve as guardians of Aeldynn and of the Nays, and rain down destruction on the chaotic forces that threatened all life.
In the War of the Black Sun that followed generations later, the Nays and the Drahknyr engaged in an all-out battle with the Aurentai, the Star Goddess Velhana’s prime Fey race. At the climax of the war, Aevnatureis suffered a rupture. All of nature was disrupted as a result, and the Kaesan’Drahknyr laid down their lives to restore it. Now more than three thousand years have passed.
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“Melissa A. Joy has clearly invested a lot of her soul into this book, as demonstrated through the creation of a clear and exciting new world, right down to a new language, lore, alphabet, numbers, and even sea shanties. The book comes with a handy pronunciation guide at the back so there’s no debate over how the new language and incredible character names should sound. Characters have their own strongly formed personalities, quickly coming to life in your mind. A full tale yet to come of epic proportions involving magic, elves and dragons- not to be missed by fans of Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, or for those looking to advance from Harry Potter into a more mature fantasy world. It’s easy to immerse yourself in this fantastic world, rich in detail, and become familiar with the characters as their stories develop and histories are revealed.” - Alice
Melissa A. Joy is a new fantasy author who challenges the conventional expectations of fantasy and takes them to a whole new level. It is no secret that she believes in the existence of all things fantastical, and that anything is possible.
She began building the world of Aeldynn and started writing seriously aged approximately 13, and has since developed it into something truly magical worth sharing. From the glorious winged Drahknyr and wise and fearsome dragons to pirates of the high seas and a world rich with history and lore, her imagination could be said to be limitless.
When she isn’t locked in a reverie about what’s going on in the world of Aeldynn, she’s probably out sailing the high seas on a tall ship, playing Final Fantasy XIV or perhaps dressed up in costume at an anime convention.
“…beautifully constructed and wonderfully executed… I was immediately attracted to this novel, it is epic, it is involving and the magic system is beyond cool… The world that Melissa describes is a beautiful place as a reader to be, every part of the world is so believable I found myself dreaming of the places in Aeldynn! This is partially due to the well timed placing of lore and history throughout the novel… If you like your fantasy epic, beautifully constructed and so believable then you will love this book, I did what more can I say?” – Direstraits291
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“This book was a real revelation. Such a refreshing change from the standard storylines
and cliches of other books. It offers so much in colour, tone, imagination and creativity.” - Amazon Customer
“The depth and detail the author goes into is incredible and the years of work she has put into the book shows.” – Nanabell
“An exceptional book that I would happily recommend to readers young and old that enjoy a good fantasy novel. Very well thought out, brilliantly written, and I eagerly await the next installment!!” – Jessica Parker
“I got this book the day it came out and read it in a week. I felt like I was there the whole time. The way it's been written just....I've not seen writing like that in a long time. Keep it up can't wait for book 2!!!” – Amanda
“It's AMAZING! Packed with detail and unique and fascinating characters. A TV series adaptation would be awesome! I hope the next book is released soon!” – Angel Rose aka Moondragon
“This has been one of my favorite reads of this year so far...” - Direstraits291