Ancient records kept by Lan, the Prince of Atlantis, tell us a tale of beings from another universe whose struggles helped shape earth’s legends. Tashar-City Of Mystery (Book 1) starts this recollection by introducing our heroes: Dragon Wizard, Trax, Krena, V-bot, Ja’ Ti, The Twins (Lan & Tia), and Princess Celeste. We also meet their nemesis Dark Shadow.
Whether you enjoy reading science fiction, fantasy, and/or young adult stories you will be tantalized by its magic, technological gizmos, action, and suspense.
This book awakens us to an extraordinary legacy filled with awesome technology and unforgettable characters while bringing us to a universe of inspiration.
PRELUDE:
Welcome to my world. Enter a place of knowledge that few have been given, where beasts soar, evil is present, and good stands guard. Though there are many universes and many creatures there are none like the humans I’ve encountered. Humans are quite unique. They are powerful in magic, ingenious with tools, and persistent with determination.
My people have wonderful traditions. It is this overwhelming sense of obligation to my heritage that I keep records of events that have changed so many. These stories are meant to awaken those who have forgotten and inspire where hope has dwindled away.
I am Lan of the Atlantian Royal House of Whintler. Though I am revered by my people it is my hope that the legacy of three humans be remembered most.
Excerpt
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Sample from Chapter 1:
He stomped his feet and moved his muscles along his spine until it reached his tail in a
wave-like motion, “It will be the testing of fire my brothers that will bring forth our guide!” As the beast sucked in air and while standing on his two hind legs, his lungs filled and his chest grew.
The apprentice then said to himself, “It is now or never! I guess my love was wrong." After closing his eyes, "Fena, they are vicious without reasoning.” It was then that he ran towards the frozen children.
The red dragon stared in surprise as his mouth filled with colors of red and yellow and then bright blue. Then the air around his mouth stilled and silence shouted in everyone's mind. “Whooorrr,” the quietness broke as the deafening propulsion of intense heat flamed its way towards the children.
His velvet blue robe covering his arms slipped to his elbows exposing his golden palms and forearms as he extended them. “No!” The apprentice yelled while freezing air, glittered with white, flew from his left hand meeting the flames.
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Sample from Chapter 14:
“Release them!” A confident and commanding voice said loudly.
The metallic gray floor opened and two predatory adult K' Anbers weighing about five hundred pounds each jumped from the darkened pit with ease. They landed on all four of their powerful legs as they sniffed the air, left and right. They have entered a very large arena where a blackened figure continued to taunt them, “Hurry you ugly beasts!”
These X' Ian saber toothed felines layered with dark green scales and having poisonous fangs galloped with speed and sinew that their sharp claws tore into the metal flooring with each step. As they loomed the dark humanoid they tried to pounce him but his speed and precision were too impeccable. He lept into the air causing his disposition to be in between the mighty hunters feeling their warm breaths but for a moment. While in mid-air he placed his fisted hands together in front of him and a narrow black staff with very sharp ends formed. It was then that the darkened staff elongated piercing the beasts’ scales and lungs with unconstrained. The barbarous animals roared with agony. The dark humanoid, with superhuman strength, dropped to the ground and knelt on one knee. He carried the heavy dead creatures at each end of his impressive staff. After his double pointed staff retracted back in his hands he wiped their blood on the floor.
Regaining his composure he uttered, “Enter my arena.”
Professional Reviews
Exciting Read!
When Star Wars was first released in 1977, it didn't take long for it to become a phenomenon. Like the echoing of Vader's machine innards -- and his dark garb so does Dark Shadow call the good guys 'to dark side,' in his quest for control over the universe. This adventuresome, journey of the author to uncover the possible roots of this legendary race begins with an overview of the ancient to most recent tale and representations of Tashar. The author’s vivid descriptions of the ancient cities are used to validate that a flesh-and-blood, historical Dark Shadow did exist. A galaxy in turmoil as a secessionist movement threatens to expand. Phoenix succeeded with his deep probes into and bonds with the minds of some of the characters. The many background details of the characters, and their musings on them, were much appreciated. Everything from infiltrating an empirical prison facility, escaping space cruisers, to destroying an Empirical star ship, barehanded of course. The action never stops and you hardly ever get lost. In a trilogy Tashar Book One: City of Mystery should make great competition to the great master, Lucas. ~Betsie
A World of Worlds!
What I enjoy most about science fiction is that, if written well, the world is not fiction to the heart – it jumps, and grinds, and fills the atmosphere with a smack of reality that cannot be denied. This is such a story. Exciting and full of mystery and grit! Anyone for a dragon ride?! ~Dinah Roseberry
Dragons, Wizards, Shape-shifters! Oh my!
Dragons, Wizards, and Shape-shifters! Oh my!
This is a sci-fi/fantasy story that is rife with colorful descriptions of ancient civilizations, alien races, space flight, and the fight for freedom. Fast paced and energetic, Mr. Phoenix has crafted a tale that begs for a continuing series… which he promises is in the works. Young adults should enjoy this. ~Douglas Boren
This is a sci-fi/fantasy story that is rife with colorful descriptions of ancient civilizations, alien races, space flight, and the fight for freedom. Fast paced and energetic, Mr. Phoenix has crafted a tale that begs for a continuing series… which he promises is in the works. Young adults should enjoy this.
Reviewed by christine phillips
1/10/2003
waiting....waiting...waiting patiently of course for the second book.
Reviewed by Dinah Roseberry
1/10/2003
What I enjoy most about science fiction is that, if written well, the world is not fiction to the heart – it jumps, and grinds, and fills the atmosphere with a smack of reality that cannot be denied. This is such a story. Exciting and full of mystery and grit! Anyone for a dragon ride?!
Reviewed by Lee Garrett
12/25/2002
Finally, a writer who understands...
This book is everything science fantasy is supposed to be about. Marc Phoenix understands that "over-the-top" is the only way to tell a really good story. The reader forgives everything but boredom, and there's no chance of that with this work. A masterpiece!!!!! I look forward to more.
Your books sounds so alive! For an author to make his characters come to life in only a few excerpts, makes one want to dive into the book to see what real adventures are hidden there. Good luck my friend!
Reviewed by Mike Purfield
11/7/2002
"...'Tashar' is the most imaginative sci-fi/fantasy book I have read in a long time, at times I thought it might be too imaginative for it's own good, focusing more on visuals than story, but I was wrong as I kept reading..."
~Mike Purfield / b-independant.com
Reviewed by Ian Shires
11/1/2002
"A story of Atlantis, magic and technology, monsters and men. A well crafted world and well told, aimed at the imagination of the Fanboy set. As it is the first of a series, it will be interesting to see the world develop." - Editor of Obscurity Magazine
Reviewed by colleen gosse
9/27/2002
Marc that sounds awesome! while i was reading it i could almost hear someone readin it aloud..it is ver dscriptive and sounds entrancing.
Reviewed by Betsie
7/5/2002
When Star Wars was first released in 1977, it didn't take long for it to become a phenomenon. Like the echoing of Vader's machine innards -- and his dark garb so does Dark Shadow call the good guys "to dark side," in his quest for control over the universe.
This adventuresome, journey of the author to uncover the possible roots of this legendary race begins with an overview of the ancient to most recent tale and representations of Tashar. The author’s vivid descriptions of the ancient cities are used to validate that a flesh-and-blood, historical Dark Shadow did exist. A galaxy in turmoil as a secessionist movement threatens to expand.
Phoenix succeeded with his deep probes into and bonds with the minds of some of the characters. The many background details of the characters, and their musings on them, were much appreciated. Everything from infiltrating an empirical prison facility, escaping space cruisers, to destroying an Empirical star ship, barehanded of course. The action never stops and you hardly ever get lost. In a trilogy Tashar Book One: City of Mystery should make great competition to the great master, Lucas.
Reviewed by Dan Blackston
6/19/2002
'"TASHAR: City of Mystery", reminded us how thrilling and fun SF novels are supposed to be...'~ Editor of www.sfreader.com
Reviewed by Rajesh
6/12/2002
"Very original content and as I was reading this book the animated feature was playing in my mind." Rajesh V Shah, President & CEO MUV Studios, India
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