The Astral Paradox

Forging Valerence, Book 2

By: Cailan Wilkinson

Narrated by: Zack Federici

The astral is a dangerous place, and starwalking through it becomes perilous as a paradox is revealed.

The stars have set a daunting quest before Travis, building a shrine in each of the ten fiefs will be a perilous endeavor, made even harder by the wars breaking out within Valerence. Still he must attempt to persevere if he is to grow strong enough to take his revenge against Malistith. In Skelous, Jason Valien works to amass a fleet with which he hopes to retake his family’s throne and rebuild The Valien Empire. While in Reef Shore, Lithen Umbrille struggles to maintain a fief fractured by a war which is taking a heavy toll on its people. In the Lesterlands, Lord Fallith’s dark secrets are discovered and the Lintrus and Destros armies invade the Lesterlands from the north and south. Conflict consumes Valerence from within, even as the expedition force arrives in Luria only to discover a startling truth. The Lurian threat is not as it seemed, and Dane is faced with several difficult truths which he must either make his peace with, or step down a dark path which can only lead to one place.

Reality begins to bend as pressure builds and an ancient prophecy is laid before The First Starwalker.

©2023 Cailan Wilkinson (P)2023 Cailan Wilkinson

Epic!

This series has some of the best characters I’ve read in years. The dialog is phenomenal and the various dynamics between characters are great. I love the directions Travis and Ronan are heading in and Jervis is just as fascinating as he was in book 1.

Great follow up, I can’t wait for the next one!
(Please make book 3 longer then this one)

Wonderfully Vivid!

This series is wonderful! It has great characters, unique concepts and LitRPG elements, and lots of fantastic world building. A few more of the Fief’s are explored in this book and just as in book one they each feel unique with their own themes and cultures. Travis is more prominent in this book then he was in book one and that’s mostly a good thing as he stands out more. The slight downside being that we get less of Ronan. Though Ronan does have some great character moments in this book and has a very satisfying arc.
A lot happens in this book and it’s all very engaging and thrilling. Side note though, please add a few seconds between chapters so the chapter title doesn’t play directly after the last sentence of the previous chapter. Otherwise great job!
This has become one of my favorite series and this book also ties into the authors other series which is pretty neat.
Easy recommendation to anyone who enjoys well written fantasy with GameLit elements.