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Nexus Moons, Book One of the Graal Trilogy
NEXUS MOONS is the page-turning first novel in the Tales of Graal series.
All Jarek Verity wanted was to find his nephew and have family again. Instead, a powerful sorcerer not only spirits away his oldest friend, but threatens Jarek’s entire world with evil be Terry Brooks, Robert Jordon, or David Eddings, you’re sure to love how this first book in the Tales of Graal series blends those writer’s best traits into a fast-paced, rich charactered romp.
Buy this book today, and start enjoying this epic fantasy adventure.yond comprehension. Accompanied by two fledgling magi, Jarek sets off on a chase through Graal’s dangerous wilds, hoping beyond hope to rescue his friend. Will he overcome the devilry he encounters, or will he and his entire party lose their lives?
Five Star Review
Reviewed by John Grossman, The Book Commentary
Ron Root's Nexus Moons is the opening book in the Tales of Graal Series, promising adventure in a fantasy world. The tale unfolds in a richly imagined world where magic and the mundane intersect. It follows the story of Jarek Verity, a Royal Magus seeking his long-lost nephew, Gresham. Instead, a powerful sorcerer abducts his oldest friend and threatens Jarek’s world with unimaginable evil. With two fledgling magi by his side, Jarek embarks on a perilous chase through the treacherous wilds of Graal. Will they overcome the dark forces that lurk ahead, or will they lose everything in their quest? The plot thickens as Jarek confronts the dangerous and oppressive forces of the One Church while navigating the treacherous tides of familial loyalty. The narrative is woven through a series of encounters that build suspense, from the silent struggles within the confines of society's laws to the looming threat of dark magic represented by the enigmatic Zakarah. If you love books by Terry Brooks, Robert Jordan, and David Eddings, then Nexus Moons will delight you.
The author’s gift for character shines in this first installment of the series. Jarek Verity is a complex character caught between his magical heritage and his family's perils. His determination to save his nephew and search for his sister, Bronwyn, who the One Church has claimed, showcases his troubles and strength. Gresham, portrayed as the reluctant heir of his mother’s legacy, struggles with the confusion of newfound powers, challenged by the shadow of his lineage. The juxtaposition between these two men is compelling, highlighting the themes of heritage, duty, and self-discovery. The setting, ranging from the bustling seaport of Portsmouth to the foreboding marshes of A’ryth, offers more than a mere backdrop; it reflects the internal conflict faced by characters navigating a world ruled by rigid laws and unfathomable forces. The natural elements, particularly the nexus of the moons, become critical to the unfolding events, symbolizing both hope and peril. The outer conflict is stark: Jarek faces the One Church’s oppressive grip, personified by the Chevaliers and their Grand Inquisitor. The inner conflict is equally compelling, portraying Gresham’s struggle with his identity and the awakening of magical powers he does not yet understand. This duality paints a portrait of a world fraught with tension where magic can be both a blessing and a curse. Root’s prose is imbued with a wittiness that often lightens the tension without detracting from the dramatic weight of the narrative. He deftly employs humor in exchanges, as seen when Jarek muses, “The idea of having kin again seemed a treasure forever lost.” This self-deprecating acknowledgment of his journey evokes empathy while maintaining engagement. The dialogue sparkles with a life of its own, drawing readers further into the intrigue as characters reveal their motivations and weaknesses. Overall, this tale is a gorgeous offering that opens the enthralling series.
Nexus Moons Reviews
A Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review of Nexus Moons
Nexus Moons is the first book in the Tales of the Graal series by Ron Root. Jarek Verity is a sorcerer of the Royal Court and he is on his way to look for his nephew. He has no idea the search for a family member will turn into a search for his friend Lavan who went missing in the most mysterious way. Being a sorcerer of the Royal Court gives him a lot of power and sway, but even he will need help to find his friend who seems to have been taken away by the evil Zakarah. On the flip side, his nephew Gresham is helping his crush Rayna find her mother. While Jarek and Rayna are looking for two very different people, the search brings them to the same place: A’ryth. What will happen when their paths cross? Can they help each other in finding the people that are missing?
Nexus Moons by Ron Root is an epic fantasy with masterful world-building and incredible characters. It is a complex story with layers upon layers of plot that you will enjoy uncovering. Jarek is a smart man and the main protagonist of the story, but my heart belonged to Rayna and her need to find her mother. Her story was very compelling and even though she and her ragtag group of friends weren’t really skilled enough for such a quest, their determination was commendable. I enjoyed how driven each of the many characters was. Rayna and Gresham’s chemistry was great. Jarek’s need to find his friend before it was too late was very well conveyed. The world-building was brilliant, the pace was incredible and the characters grew as the story progressed. This is a fantastic start to a series.
Another Five Star Review
In Ron Root's Nexus Moons, when a magical experiment goes disastrously wrong, Lavan, headmaster of an arcane arts university, finds himself in deep peril. His research suggested a power similar to the ancients could be found at the time of a Nexus moon, and he intended to investigate, luring his old friend, Magus Jarek Verity, along. Back in their acadamy days, the two had been inseparable, so his chance arrival had only added more excitement to what he thought he would uncover.
Unfortunately, when things go wrong they go wrong in the most catastrophic way. During his experiment, Lavan is tricked and dragged into a dimension parallel to their own. Distraught, Jarek will do everything possible, risking life and limb in an attempt to return his friend. In doing so, he uncovers things he never dreamed possible; myths made flesh and terrors thought fables. There is no guarantee he will succeed -- what he will attempt is unprecedented and he may even change everything people thought they knew in the process.
Nexus Moons is book one in Ron Root's Tales of Graal series. From berserkers to magi, monsters to alternate existences, there is something for everyone who enjoys a good fantasy read. Following the arc of several main characters, you are drawn into a world of magic and control, where to practice can sometimes be viewed as heresy by those worshipping the One God. On a quest to save the headmaster, Jarek is forced to confront things he thought were impossible, creatures he thought were but fables, and he is not alone. Uncovering a new power, Jarek's newly claimed nephew also has a secret, a power he is just coming into which sends him fleeing for his life, lest he be charged for something of which he is innocent. The gripping third-person narrative will keep the reader engaged and invested, and the growth and development of characters will not leave them wanting. I loved the speech and mannerisms, specifically the integration of old-world phrases and insults rarely seen in today's books. Action, mystery, looming threat, and danger drive the plot forward as kinship is forged and rekindled in unexpected ways.
A Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review of Nexus Moons
Nexus Moons is the first book in the Tales of the Graal series by Ron Root. Jarek Verity is a sorcerer of the Royal Court and he is on his way to look for his nephew. He has no idea the search for a family member will turn into a search for his friend Lavan who went missing in the most mysterious way. Being a sorcerer of the Royal Court gives him a lot of power and sway, but even he will need help to find his friend who seems to have been taken away by the evil Zakarah. On the flip side, his nephew Gresham is helping his crush Rayna find her mother. While Jarek and Rayna are looking for two very different people, the search brings them to the same place: A’ryth. What will happen when their paths cross? Can they help each other in finding the people that are missing?
Nexus Moons by Ron Root is an epic fantasy with masterful world-building and incredible characters. It is a complex story with layers upon layers of plot that you will enjoy uncovering. Jarek is a smart man and the main protagonist of the story, but my heart belonged to Rayna and her need to find her mother. Her story was very compelling and even though she and her ragtag group of friends weren’t really skilled enough for such a quest, their determination was commendable. I enjoyed how driven each of the many characters was. Rayna and Gresham’s chemistry was great. Jarek’s need to find his friend before it was too late was very well conveyed. The world-building was brilliant, the pace was incredible and the characters grew as the story progressed. This is a fantastic start to a series.
Kin's Quest, Book Two of the Graal Trilogy
KIN'S QUEST, the exciting sequel to Nexus Moons, is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats.
Gresham and Rayna lost all hope of someday finding their missing mothers. But hope is renewed when a mysterious missive arrives containing a stolen map hinting where they might be found. Unknown to our heroes, Ravens, a secretive sect of the One Church, are desperate to recover their missing map and will do whatever is necessary to retrieve it—murder notwithstanding.
The ensuing quest to find their mothers is fraught with danger. Rayna must evade the Ravens who will stop at nothing to retrieve the map they are sure she possesses. Meanwhile, following the map, Gresham journeys to an off-world dimension full of strange and dangerous creatures, one of which is capable of robbing a magus of his magic.
Don’t miss out on owning this exciting second entry in the Tales of Graal series. Order now and add it to your library.
Read the following reviews below, then click on the order icon if interested.
Kin's Quest Reviews
5-Star Review By John Grossman: The Book Commentary
In Kin's Quest, Ron Root delivers a rich canvas of adventure, familial longing, and conflict within the fantasy realm of Graal. This sequel to Nexus Moons expands upon the established universe while allowing new readers to dive into a story that stands alone. Rayna, Gresham, Hagley, and Jarek arrive in Suzerain, the royal seat of Graal, where Rayna learns from her friend Friar Luc about a map that could lead her to her mother; Gresham hopes to find his mother as well. However, the Ravens, a group of religious extremists from the One Church, also covets the map for their sinister purposes and will stop at nothing to claim it. As Rayna and Gresham navigate dangers and intrigue, they must protect the map and uncover their family histories while threats to their lives increase with every step they make.
This fantasy tale is wonderfully rendered as the second entry in the series featuring the newlywed couple, Gresham and Rayna. Their quest to reconnect with their mothers starts with a compelling premise — the discovery of a stolen map. The map introduces an element of mystery and intrigue into the narrative as it draws the attention of a dangerous sect. The author uses this plot element to build suspense, pulling readers in with finely woven threads of mystery. The characters are richly drawn, and their determination to locate their mothers is illuminating. With his unwavering loyalty and willingness to risk everything for Rayna and their unborn child, Gresham embodies the archetype of a heroic figure. Despite the vulnerability implied by her pregnancy, Rayna's strength and resolve deepen her character arc, a woman not just defined by her circumstances but actively participating in her fate. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Friar Luc and the complex Uncle Jarek, enrich the story’s emotional depth. Luc’s role as a friend who uncovers the coveted map introduces a sense of hope and excitement. At the same time, Jarek’s mastery of sorcery grounds the magical elements in personal stakes and responsibility. Each character has a distinctive voice that shines through the dialogue, allowing readers to engage with their personalities deeply.
The world of Graal is vibrant and multifaceted, painted with political intrigue and magical wonder. Root's skillful worldbuilding is evident in the intricate power dynamics, particularly exemplified by the zealous One Church and its antagonistic role. The church’s intentions and the cultural elements of Graal are layered into the narrative, suggesting a world where faith intersects with authority and control. This tension not only elevates the stakes for the protagonists but also establishes a moral dimension to their quest as they navigate the consequences of their choices in a landscape rife with zealotry and danger. The conflict in Kin's Quest is phenomenal, the worldbuilding is unique and immersive, and the characters are unforgettable.
4 out of 4 Rating by OnlineBookClub
From Scott of OnlineBookClub.org: Congratulations on the perfect 4/4 rating that your book earned from our professional review team. Our reviewers are very tough. Most books we review do not get a full 4/4 rating. You have achieved something genuinely impressive. Be proud.
*** The Review ***
Kin's Quest by Ron Root draws you into the amazing fantasy world of Graal, where an unsuspecting orphan named Gresham learns of his magic ability. After being found by his Uncle Jarek, Gresham travels to Suzerain to train to become a battle mage. He hopes to earn magus status in order to have a higher social standing in society to provide a better life for his pregnant wife Rayna. With Rayna secretly being highborn, Gresham is desperate to prove himself worthy of her, especially when others doubt him. The couple embarks on a long and dangerous journey when Rayna receives a map of her missing mother's whereabouts. The map was a possession of the One Church; now they are after the pair to retrieve the map before anyone can decipher it.
This is the second book of the Tales of Graal. I thought the summary of the first book, in the beginning, was helpful. This novel can definitely stand on its own if you haven't read the first. I enjoyed the medieval theme and speech. The author did a great job portraying the world of Graal with detailed descriptions, maps, and character development. All the different characters were easy to keep organized and I thought they all added to the story perfectly. Hagley was one of my favorite characters because I related to his personality the most. He added humorous moments with his mix of fear and the thrill of adventure. I also enjoyed the brotherly type friendship between Hagley and Gresham. Draper was another character I liked because he brought a lot of mystery to the story. It was fun trying to guess what his true intention was.
I have nothing negative to say about this book. It kept my interest throughout the story so much I did not want it to end. Root made it intriguing with the scandals and suspense while incorporating the value of friends and family.
5-Star Review by Jessica Barbosa for Readers’ Favorite
Kin's Quest is Book Two of the Tales of Graal and the sequel to Nexus Moons by Ron Root. Gresham had always assumed himself kinless. His mother had been denounced as a heretic and seized while his father had been killed trying to protect her. Raised poor, he always considered himself lowborn but having a Sorcerer of the King’s Court, Jack Verity, for an uncle, suggested that it might not be so. At least that was what his wife, Rayna, believed. Unlike him, Rayna was of noble birth but she considered herself parentless as well, despite having a father that provided her with a monthly stipend and an education. Gresham and Rayna were both motherless, they did not remember their mothers who disappeared when they were both young. However, the arrival of a mysterious letter and map gives them a chance to find their mothers. They embark on a dangerous journey that pits them against a rogue sector of the One Church known as the Ravens. Will Gresham and Rayna find who they are looking for and get through their quest unscathed? Find out and read Kin’s Quest!
Kin’s Quest, by its name, centers around Gresham and Rayna’s perilous adventures as they seek their missing kin. The novel is a steady-paced experience that draws you in with its exciting plot and distinctive characters. Kin’s Quest caught my attention from the first chapter: The Rider. Friar Luc accidentally comes into possession of a map and a letter which is the starting point to Gresham and Rayna’s quest. From then, this book takes us on a dangerous, engrossing adventure. As Gresham and Rayna go forth on their search for their missing kin, they grow together and become stronger. It was truly invigorating to read their determination as they pushed through their perilous journey. With the detailed descriptions of the settings and the feisty, interesting characters, it was easy to visualize the entire book. It was like I was watching a movie play out in my head. Ron Root has managed to create an entertaining, fantastical novel that constantly had me turning the pages in curiosity as to what happened next. Truly brilliant work, a good job!
5-Star Review By Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite
Kin's Quest is an intriguing second entry in the Tales of Graal series by Ron Root. In this adventure, Gresham and Rayna go on a quest to find their lost kin. In Graal, Rayna is keen on re-establishing contact with a father who has been away since she was a child. An unexpected clue leads the hero and the heroine on a trail fraught with mystery and danger as they embark on the journey to find their mothers who have disappeared mysteriously. But they have something wanted by the powerful one Church — the Ravens. Can they succeed on this quest in a world of magic and powerful enemies who rob others of their magic?
Ron Root is an author with the gift of transporting readers to another land. The author creates a world that abides by a unique set of rules. The different groups or types of people inhabiting this magical world are excellently described and the author integrates them into the conflict in a masterly manner. The characters are multidimensional and I loved the way Ron explores their natures, allowing the magical and the existential realities of their worlds to come out brilliantly in the story. The plot is deviously written as readers encounter two forlorn souls, Gresham and Rayna, who set out to find their lost ones and endure many challenges.
The satisfying ending of this gorgeous tale also offers a bold promise for an even greater adventure. Apart from the key characters, there are supporting characters like Draper and Jorin who aroused my curiosity and I want to see what happens in the next entry in the series. Kin’s Quest is a magical tale with nuanced characters, balanced writing, and slices of well-crafted scenes that touch the reader to the core.
The Minstrel's Song. Book Three of the Graal Trilogy
Sully Rigby is stunned to receive a summons to Graal’s royal court where he’s told to lead a band of misfit magicians against a mysterious army invading Reyka’s southern kingdoms, one advancing toward Graal with alarming speed.
Putting his adventure to song is Lyssa, a wandering minstrel full of secrets she’s loathe to share. Fascinated by what she is sure will become a ballad of the ages, she joins Sully’s band of outlier magicians as they bravely confront this demon-led incursion.
The adversity these outliers face exceeds what they could imagine. Will they remain at Sully’s side, or will they leave him to stand alone against a beast from Hell intent on subjugating all they hold dear?
The Minstrel's Song Reviews
Readers' Favorite Review by Bryone Peters
By John Grossman: The Book Commentary
The Minstrel's Song, Ron Root invites readers to the rich world of Graal. This third book in the Tales of Graal delivers a tale of magic, adventure, and self-discovery. It follows Sully Rigby, a character thrust into an unexpected leadership role amid an impending invasion by a demon-led force. Root excels at creating tension and urgency, beginning with Sully's summons to the royal court and culminating in a journey fraught with danger and enchantment. The stakes are high—Sully must rally a band of misfit magicians to confront an enemy unlike any they have faced before. The character of Lyssa, the enigmatic minstrel, augments the entertainment and intrigue. Her desire to transform their escapades into song suggests a yearning for glory, connection, and understanding. The interactions between Sully and Lyssa are underscored by a chemistry that evolves throughout their perilous journey, highlighting themes of bonding and romance in mounting chaos. Root's portrayal of their relationship captures the pulse of the story and the dynamics of coming-of-age, a thread that resonates strongly as the characters confront their fears and discover their strengths.
Readers will enjoy exploring camaraderie in this narrative, but they will be blown away by the author’s skillful handling of conflict. Ron Root creates a diverse cast of characters—each with unique abilities and each so profoundly flawed. However, the narrative does not shy away from the grim realities of their quest, with the loss of a healer within their ranks powerfully illustrating the price of heroism. Such moments introduce pathos and fill the narrative with humanity and realism. Root’s exceptional storytelling enchants with its blending of fantasy and romance, creating an immersive world that captures the imagination. The dialogue is intriguing, and the descriptive prose transports readers into the vibrant landscapes of Graal. The Minstrel's Song is a captivating journey with ingeniously crafted themes of magic, danger, and romance that transcend the typical boundaries of fantasy. Root's deft exploration of characters and intricate plotlines renders this installment a standout in the series, inviting readers on a thrilling adventure where love, destiny, and courage intertwine. It is a page-turner for fans of fantasy.
5-Star Review by OnlineBookClub
5 out of 5 stars
The Minstrel's Song: Book Three of the Tales of Graal by Ron Root is a tale of magic and adventure. Sully Rigby and some others were entrusted to bring an end to a demon after bad news about a demon-possessed invader was brought by Affonso to the ears of King Aldridge, Marshal Booker, Archimage Hagley, and others in a meeting. In the course of the adventure, Sully was encountered by a runaway whose name is Lyssa, a minstrel who never wanted to leave his side and claims she wants to put his adventure into a song.
I like many things about this book. The tale was quite engrossing and worth the read. I appreciate the author's time invested in writing this book, as is portrayed by how the author wrote the words the characters spoke as if that's how they sounded. The narrative was just long enough to make me empathize with the characters as if I were part of the adventure. The narrative weaved in enough background information about the characters for a better experience for readers. The tale was so much like a movie that I began to wonder if the book was a transcript of a movie. The theme of love is also an intricate part of the narrative.
In the course of their adventures, one of the team members dies while trying to heal an enemy. Faced with certain vicissitudes, the mates were separated at one point or another. As well, certain historical facts were unraveled to aid their conquest. Ultimately, the demon was killed by one who was cursed for not attending to his destiny in killing a previous demon because he feared death.
I don't dislike any aspect of this book. Though the book was a bit long, it gave me just enough time to get acquainted with the characters and grasp critical background information about them. After the end of the book, the author listed some terms, places, and their meanings, as well as the characters of the book, and used a few statements to talk about them. I noticed only a few errors while reading this book, which suggests that it was professionally well-edited.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for the reasons I mentioned above. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy themes of magic and adventure.
LYSSA
Five Star Readers’ Favorite Review by Essien Asia
When word reaches Graal of the fall of Spania and Eireann to an unknown army, panic grips the people. Whispers are making the rounds that the lords of these great kingdoms yielded without lifting a finger to defend their realms.
They may be correct that magic is involved in the battle, but they do not know that the demon behind the attack has plans that pale compared to the people's worst fears. Their only hope lies in an ancient prophecy and a young lad who desires nothing more than to join the King's guard in Ron Root's The Minstrel's Song. Sully comes into his own in the third book of The Tales Of Graal by Ron Root.
This novel boasts an impressive cast of characters, complete with backstories that are easy to follow. I especially like the use of a lyrical version of old English that gave this book something of a magical quality. The storyline is supposed to be a classic fantasy adventure, but I have to admit I am more than impressed to see the way Root weaves a complicated love story into an adventure fit for the silver screen. Root's unique approach to telling this story filled it with so much suspense I could not put the novel down without knowing what happened in the next chapter. The Minstrel's Song is a fantasy genre fan's idea of perfection.
JORUM
A Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review of The Minstrel's Song by K.C. Finn
The Minstrel's Song is the third book in the Tales of Graal series. It is suitable for both YA and adult readers alike and was penned by author Ron Root. We find ourselves catapulted right into the action when Sully Rigby is unexpectedly summoned to Graal's royal court. Tasked with leading a group of unconventional magicians, Sully must confront a mysterious and rapidly advancing enemy force threatening both Graal's and Reyka's southern kingdoms. The story gains new resonance through Lyssa, a secretive wandering minstrel who documents the journey in song. As she becomes entangled in Sully's quest, their band of misfits faces an unexpected challenge: a demon-led invasion that tests their mettle and unity. The odds seem insurmountable, and the characters must grapple with personal and collective struggles.
Author Ron Root has crafted a work that brings together elements of fantasy, science fiction, and adventure in ways that are familiar to fans of the genres but also contain new twists and original riffs on the classic that elevate the work and make it feel fresh and unique. Root introduces characters with unique backgrounds and motivations, giving depth to their interactions and decisions. I felt especially drawn to Lyssa as more of her past began to unfold and account for her personality and attitude along the way. The narrative's pacing keeps readers engaged, while the overarching theme of unity and sacrifice adds emotional resonance to the plot. Overall, I would highly recommend The Minstrel’s Song for readers who desire an immersive experience, drawing them into a world of magic, peril, and the power of shared purpose. I can’t wait to see what else this series has to offer.
SULLY