Paragon Exordium

By: Mikel Melwasul

Narrated by: Cormac Brennan

Paragon Exordium is an easy-to-listen-to character-driven fantasy novel that combines classic magical elements with a modern-day setting full of non-stop action, world-building, and high stakes.

-In Paragon, Georgia, the battle for survival has begun.

After the Shattering, everything changes. When technology falters, the remnants of humanity must unite against an onslaught of creatures beyond their wildest imaginings. Basilisk, orcs, elves, dwarves, and other terrifying creatures now populate the planet.

With the creatures causing havoc, strangers are forced to join forces. Private military officer Peter Blair grapples with enigmatic dreams brought on by a black sword, and his inability to save everyone. While journalism student Sarah Young discovers newfound magical powers and the responsibility they bring. With refugees flooding in and danger on the rise, Peter and Sarah must embrace their new reality or risk surrendering Earth to the Fae - losing everything they hold dear.

Fans of The Walking Dead and Lord of the Rings will be enticed by this genre-bending epic that rings with themes of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery.

After 6 years of writing/editing, Mikel and David have completed the first installment in their Apocalyptic Epic Military Rural Fantasy. A story like no other.

©2023 Mikel Ballard (P)2024 Mikel Ballard

great performance, room for writing style to improve

overall very creative and entertaining. some of the prose was a little rough. needed a little more show not tell.

Quality of Sound and Story

This book has been on my mind since I finished it a couple of weeks ago. The intricate fantasy woven into an urban world, the complex characters, the humor, relationships...this book is the opposite of cliche, slow, and rushed. It's everything you want in a story to get lost in.

The apocalypse comes to Georgia

First, I did receive this book for free from the author and was asked to review it honestly and I'll be completely honest. I enjoyed this book quite a lot. there were a couple of things in the narration pronunciation wise that drove me insane. The strongest part of the story was the middle. it started out a little rough and jumping around too much. I can't spoil the ending few hours but they were also not as strong in my opinion The story is Tolkien style fantasy mixed into a modern day setting with as much gunplay as swordplay. The characters are enjoyable and the world is well built. I found the narrative was well built but too driven by coincidence. it earned its 4 star rating. I will be reading the next book when it becomes available.

I forgot to breath

Paragon Exordium brings fantasy to a modern-day setting with lovable characters and a thrilling, well-paced plot. I couldn’t hit pause on this audio book. The story of Paragon Exordium left me breathless, and I eagerly await the next book in the series.

Great story and performance

Great story that was well told, not feeling amateurish at all.

The narrator struggled to voice a few of the female characters, but he made an effort, and his accent work and sound effects were fantastic.

Incredible voices, even better story

Absolutely phenomenal book. The cultures are unique, their feuds believable, the characters both lovable and hatable as appropriate. Can't wait for the sequel!

The voice acting was stellar as well. The only criticism I could give is I didn't love the babysitter's voice at the very beginning, but every other character's voice had a charm and inflection that made them truly unique and helps immerse you in the author's story.

Modern Fantasy

if you ever wanted to live in a world where your favorite fantasy creatures and human kind interact this is the book for you. Perfect blend of fantasy elements with modern technology and tactics. As you follow the main character as the entire world as he knows is turned upside down and he's forced to navigate this new reality where the things he thought could never be are in fact real. Loved the book excited to see what's to come.

Like Stormligh Archives meets Steelheart

The balance between simple yet visual prose, world building, and plot structure reminds me of Brandon Sanderson. Refreshing. And the audio proformance is on point.

classic and modern

loved the classic fantasy feel mixed with the modern apocalypse setting. Great for fans of Tolkien and Sanderson who love the world building and thorough nature of high fantasy but still want something easily accessible in terms of reading level.

good story, q but predictable at times

I liked the story overall. Characters were decent and saw some good development. Felt predictable at times. I'll probably check out the next in the series.