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Elthea's Gambit (The Story of Elthea's Realm) Paperback – May 15, 2018

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 15 ratings

The future of our world hinges on the outcome of a struggle between good and evil waged in a faraway land. The day of reckoning approaches.

Devastating cyberattacks threaten the Earth, while the Bots, beings created by Earth’s malware and virus software, launch a new assault on Elthea’s Realm. Members of the Utopia Project are once again called back to this land. Their lives have become entwined with the Bots in a way they can neither understand nor control.

Philip Matherson and his fellow team members, along with their Astari friends, face an enemy that is more powerful and destructive. The Bots have gained control of the Elementals — the natural forces that provide life. As the Bots gain strength on Elthea, they continue to overpower the Earth, making it imperative the utopia team defeats them in this distant land.

They are not alone in this life-or-death battle against the Bots. The band of companions finds solace and assistance from a village of humans, a Stonewraith whose race can glean knowledge from stones, a long-dead civilization known as the Draas, and the Valnorians in their Sacred Forest.

They risk everything in a desperate quest to subdue their enemy once and for all. Together, they stand against the might of the Bots, but it is Philip Matherson who risks more than anyone can realize.

"...an absorbing saga that is full-faceted, hard to put down, and packed with a nice juxtaposition of action and psychological insight." --- Donovan's Literary Services
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"What occurs in the land of Elthea mirrors and holds dangerous implications for the future of Earth, and so Philip Matherson and his team become involved in a life-or-death struggle to save more than one world in a vivid quest that will especially please readers of the 2017 saga begun in Elthea's Realm. There's no better device for immersing new and former fans than use of the first person to draw in all readers as the protagonist reflects on past, present, and future conflicts, providing the personal angle that brings the story to life: "I often thought about her during quiet moments like this, remembering all we had lost. A year ago our lives were full of promise, a chance for a new beginning. But that had been shattered in one terrible moment. Was I the cause, a fatal flaw in my soul, or could there be another explanation for the darkness in my heart? Did our foe return, and unbeknownst to me, plant the seeds of destruction in my thoughts?" What with being ripped from his familiar world, transported to another realm to undertake a special mission, and facing circumstances beyond his control and comprehension, Philip's relationship with Cassie has been assaulted. They can no longer pick up the pieces, assimilate their experiences, and remain a couple. This is just one of the potential tragedies explored in events that bring Philip to the brink of disaster in more than one way. His first-person reflections and encounters impart a "you are there" feel to the storyline, giving it a robust and familiar feel that allows outside viewers to become immersed in events that would otherwise feel complicated. Sci-fi and fantasy readers seeking the kind of world-building chronicle that easily blends a complex setting with personal transformation and achievement will relish Philip's return to action in this second book of a growing Elthea's Realm series which concludes in a satisfying fashion but leaves the door open for more." --- Donovan's Literary Services
"Elthea's Gambit is a tale which opens with the Earth threatened by cyber attacks, while sentient malware beings, the Bots, wage their battle on Elthea's Realm, involving members of the Utopia Project in a struggle for power and control. Between Philip's personal revelations, fast-paced action, world-changing Bots, and ancient races; sci-fi and fantasy readers receive a storyline that flows smoothly for both new arrivals and prior readers. Attention to detailed descriptions of the conflicts between the protagonist and the Bots create vivid moments throughout the storyline that intersect nicely with discussions of trust, love, and fate. The result is a compellingly absorbing saga that is full-faceted, hard to put down, and packed with a nice juxtaposition of action and psychological insight."
--- California Bookwatch

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st edition (May 15, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1718753268
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1718753266
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.79 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 15 ratings

About the author

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John Murzycki
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Not long ago, I spent my days as a marketing and sales manager, crafting messages for corporations, primarily tech companies. What I really wanted to do was write fiction—the magical kind that would take readers to imaginary worlds.

So I left corporate life behind and never looked back. Now I mull over enchanted realms and unlikely heroes who defend others against malevolent beings. I wrestle with words and fret about phrases, rewriting them until they evoke just the right emotion. “What if…” is always on my mind as I develop twists and turns in a storyline.

This is the stuff of dreams, a life I always desired.

I make my home in the charming state of Massachusetts. To learn more about me, visit my website at johnmurzycki.com and subscribe to my newsletter, where I will periodically ramble about bookish topics.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
15 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's suspenseful plot and fast-paced story. They find it enjoyable, entertaining, and ahead of its time. The visual quality is described as vivid and imaginative. The characters are relatable and develop throughout the book.

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8 customers mention "Plot development"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot exciting and suspenseful. They appreciate the fast-paced story and visually appealing world. The book blends science fiction and fantasy elements, immersing readers in an engaging world. Many readers recommend it as one of the best sci-fi novels they have read.

"...creating exciting, interesting settings, but also adding a level of complexity to the plot that surpasses volume one...." Read more

"...since we last saw Phil and his friends and luckily the story moves the Elthea quickly to get the action started...." Read more

"...Elthea's Gambit is fantastic but believable. Exciting and suspenseful! Terrifying and terrific...." Read more

"...I really enjoyed how you tied the two books together and continued growing the plot. I look forward to the next one." Read more

7 customers mention "Enjoyment"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining, fantastic, and suspenseful. The book is amazing for adults and teens.

"...Author John Murzycki really hits his stride in this volume, creating exciting, interesting settings, but also adding a level of complexity to the..." Read more

"Fantastic! Elthea's Gambit is fantastic but believable. Exciting and suspenseful! Terrifying and terrific...." Read more

"John, This book was a very fun read. It's a great follow-on to Elthea's Realm...." Read more

"I had the honor of editing this fantastic novel, the second in the Elthea’s Realm series...." Read more

4 customers mention "Visual quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the vivid descriptions and beautiful illustrations of characters and landscapes. They find the book imaginative, creative, and classy.

"...Additionally, the writing is crsip and efficient and beautifully descriptive. I just did not want to put this book down!..." Read more

"...--much like with the Astari the new characters and landscapes are richly described and vividly brought to life...." Read more

"...Classy -- love the part where 'prophecy' is both used and defined at once. And after a long build-up, the ending doesn't disappoint!" Read more

"In an entertaining, creative and imaginative way John Murzycki once again brings us into the fantasy world of Elthea where in Elthea's Gambit we not..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters relatable.

"...Exciting and suspenseful! Terrifying and terrific. The characters are relatable; during and after reading, the Elthea's Gambit characters lives..." Read more

"...The new characters drew me in and I was genuinely upset when one of them made a departure, feeling that I would miss my new, interesting friend...." Read more

"Great second book, it carries over knowing the same characters but adding some new ones...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2023
    Good connection to series
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2020
    I loved this book! I wish I could give it an extra star. As much as I enjoyed the first book, Elthea's Realm, I like this one even more. Author John Murzycki really hits his stride in this volume, creating exciting, interesting settings, but also adding a level of complexity to the plot that surpasses volume one. In Elthea's Gambit we see characters being forced to reckon with what it truly means to be human and wrestle with the human condition. Additionally, the writing is crsip and efficient and beautifully descriptive. I just did not want to put this book down! I really hope there will be a volume 3, because if this book is any indication of John Murzycki's future as a writer, it seems like his work will just get better and better.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018
    Once again Murzycki has immersed the reader in the engaging world of Elthea. Much has changed since we last saw Phil and his friends and luckily the story moves the Elthea quickly to get the action started.

    Instead of simply retreading previous ground with the Astari, the author has expanded upon the Elthea we encountered in the first book by adding new locations and several new lifeforms. This deeper world-building is a welcome development--much like with the Astari the new characters and landscapes are richly described and vividly brought to life.

    The modern technological menace of the Bots makes an interesting contrast with the very organic feel of Elthea and her people. Readers will find a lot to like with this interesting blend of Sci-fi and Fantasy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2020
    Fantastic!
    Elthea's Gambit is fantastic but believable. Exciting and suspenseful! Terrifying and terrific.
    The characters are relatable; during and after reading, the Elthea's Gambit characters lives will symbolize the reader's life.
    Enmeshes some of our earth's actual cultures and environments, with the fictional cultures and environment of Elthea's Realm.
    Great vivid descriptions of some character self struggle that may be metaphors for our own self struggles.
    Classy -- love the part where 'prophecy' is both used and defined at once.
    And after a long build-up, the ending doesn't disappoint!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2018
    John, This book was a very fun read. It's a great follow-on to Elthea's Realm. I really enjoyed how you tied the two books together and continued growing the plot. I look forward to the next one.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2018
    I had the honor of editing this fantastic novel, the second in the Elthea’s Realm series. It is hard to say which one I enjoyed better, but I believe this one had my heart. The new characters drew me in and I was genuinely upset when one of them made a departure, feeling that I would miss my new, interesting friend. I give this book my highest recommendation for sci-fi, although I think anyone would enjoy this book even if that is not their favorite genre. Elthea’s Realm should definitely be read first to avoid confusion and to be properly thrilled by continuing themes.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2018
    The exact sequel to Elthea’s Realm that I was hoping for and I can’t wait for the author to release the next book in this series! I read this book in 2 days - I could not stop turning each page! The plot is so fast-paced and the world that the author has created is visually brought to life through his descriptive words. The plot continues to deepen from the first book and leaves me wanting to know how things will continue to unfold and what is in store for Phil. Amazing book for adults and teens - you won’t regret picking up this series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2018
    In an entertaining, creative and imaginative way John Murzycki once again brings us into the fantasy world of Elthea where in Elthea's Gambit we not only witness the battle against the Bots to save Elthea we become a part of the battle to save Elthea and earth and observers into the battle between good and evil that is within all of us

    If you haven't read the first book in the series you may want to consider reading Elthea's Realm first. Both books are a very enjoyable read.