What happens in Tah'afajien when ambition overrides caution in a too-powerful man, while spiritual matters lead others astray?
Author Joshua Banker releases debut novel
Author Joshua Banker announces the release of his first full-length work, Not Gods But Monsters. Banker's first foray into speculative fiction contains elements of science-fiction, horror and fantasy, and is at once a quest tale, a coming-of-age story, and a reflection on a society and culture that might look a little like our own. Richly-drawn characters and an intricately-built world make Not Gods But Monsters both a thrilling and a thought-provoking read.
In the fictional realm of Tah'afajien, young Jehn Brumal, is forced from her home when a private army destroys the village of Vertegarte. Jehn doesn’t know who they are, or why they bring automaton soldiers, but she discovers that they seek her mentor, Marianus O’mas.
When she is reunited with O’mas, a former spymaster and retired officer of the Verenigen military, the pair set off to meet his associates from the war: gun-for-hire Zoe Agilis, strongman Zed Muntanya, scholar Flynn Earrele, archer Callie Evans and nihilistic assassin Kyote Kurttsen.
O'mas fears that industrialist Zane Grymore is stockpiling weapons for a potential coup. Even more troubling is Grymore’s recent obsession with imbued ores, rare stones that have magical properties, and the Byrael, a pantheon of mystical deities said to have created mankind.
Jehn, O’mas and their allies are directed to an ancient ruin known as the Stairwell of the Byrael, where, it is said, man can commune with the gods. The truth they discover within the aeons-old structure reveals that Grymore’s actions have the potential to destroy the world.
Banker's goal is to create a wholly unique and complete world for the reader to discover. He says, "I wanted this world to be rooted in reality, and feel similar to Europe at the time of the Industrial Revolution--around the turn of the 19th century. At the same time, I incorporated elements of pulp horror, modern fantasy and social science fiction to pay homage to my influences and make it a more colorful place."
About the Author
Joshua Banker was born in Greece in 1973. He grew up in the San Francisco area before moving to Chattanooga where he attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and received a BFA in Graphic Design. After moving to Charlotte, NC, he ran an independent entertainment review website from 1999-2006. Now living in Greenville, NC, his day job is graphic designer and analyst for a Fortune 100 company. Josh is a writer, painter and illustrator, loves all things H.P. Lovecraft, is married and has two cats and a dog.
Publication Details
September 3, 2016
Trade Paperback ISBN 1537411381 - CreateSpace $17.99 USA https://www.createspace.com/6524432
Trade Paperback ISBN 1537411381 - Amazon $17.99 USA
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Gods-Monsters-Joshua-Banker/dp/1537411381/
Kindle eBook $7.99 USA
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Gods-Monsters-Joshua-Banker-ebook/dp/B01LI0RN4G/
