Regular contributor to Kalkion, Jerome Brooke has had his book, The City of the Mirage published by Books to Go Now, the digital book publisher. The fantasy novel is the first in the series, Myths of the Divine Astarte, where an American pilot is shot down in the desert and finds himself in a strange land ruled by Astarte the Immortal Queen. He is called by the Queen to fight for her against her brother in the Battle of the Myths.
The Divine Astarte is the ruler of many worlds of the multiverse, of space, time and planes of reality. She is one of the last of her ancient race, a race of beings who had gained power like unto the gods. Her rivals are always at war with her. Astarte is worshipped as the Destroyer of Worlds in the temples of her empire. She is protected by her legion of shield-maidens.
A beautifully crafted piece of epic writing with classic Shakespearean style dialogue of the likes of “Tomorrow we shall strike!” said the Queen. “We are ready, My Liege!” Mr Brooke describes a world of warriors in the desert, battling strange beasts with a hooked beak and fighting wars for their Queen. The landscape, culture and architecture reminds one of old Persia, Greece and ancient Egypt, but with enough otherworldliness to satisfy fans of fantasy and Sci-Fi.
Mr Brooke's writing is faultless, his descriptions of this other world come dusted in a fine coating of sand, his action scenes drip with blood and clear precise telling, and Astarte the Immortal Queen is sexy and powerful. Everything adds up to great read. It is available to buy at Amazon.
