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Formats
Paperback Book Details
  • 04/2014
  • 9781500282844 1500282847
  • 107 pages
  • $7.99
Dylan Saccoccio
Author
The Tale of Onora: The Boy and the Peddler of Death (Volume 1)
At the core of this tale is a love story that spans a lifetime, wrapped in a gritty, epic, real man's fantasy that anyone can sink his or her teeth into. It is a beacon of truth in an enslaved world suffering from moral relativism and willful ignorance in the presence of Knowledge. For the mature fans of Harry Potter, A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Elder Scrolls, Legend of Zelda, Guild Wars, World of Warcraft, Fable, and Dragon Age, The Tale of Onora follows the journey of a young orphan after his village is destroyed and he is forced to grow up in a dangerous world. As he navigates through different walks of life, he begins to uncover a conspiracy as to why his village was destroyed. Before he can put the pieces together, his fate is sealed by a terrible war. In the storm of chaos that follows, his actions turn him into a legendary hero.The more renowned he gets, the closer the source of evil is drawn to him. The more he fights for the truth, the more of an outlaw he becomes. In Book One, a boy at the brink of adulthood travels beyond the ruins of an ancient elven city, to The Crown of The World in the far north. It is there where he meets his father for the first time, in search of the answers and reasons his mother refuses to discuss. At the risk of his life, he learns that finding the truth requires knowing The Tale of Onora.
Reviews
Anne Mari Andersland - 5 Stars

Do you want to escape your every day life? Want to be a part of a magical world and lose yourself in a language filled with life, colours and emotions? The Tale of Onora gives you that - and more. The words draw you in, pages become places and you stand face to face with things you haven't seen before. Put aside your fear and your boredom! Start to read The Tale of Onora and be happy there will be more books to come!

Author Dean C. Moore - 5 Stars

Fans of Robert Jordan and Terry Brooks, and of classic, epic fantasy in general, should feel very at home here. I felt carried along in something huge and momentous from the first page. The story functions effectively on more than one level; dispensing deep philosophy in easy to understand terms one minute, and dishing out intense action-adventure drama the next. My favorite kind of story!

It’s worth mentioning that this is one of those period piece novels that allows you to better understand the world you’re living in today. “To become a master of equipoise (the form of magic the father is teaching the boy), you must avoid anyone who tries to lead you altogether, including me. We’ve recently come out of an age of division where, for centuries, they have broken us down so that we wouldn’t know how to be in balance with each other or with nature.” And so in a couple brief sentences the author sums up my view of the times we’re going through now just as readily as he describes his own times.

Thanks to the meticulous attention to world building with each chapter it doesn’t take long for the fantasy realm to become fully immersive. In addition, I enjoyed the way the writer delineated the different forms of magic and how they worked and related to one another in this world. I can’t wait to see this stuff unleashed as we head into book 2 and act 2 of his story arc. With these characters’ various forms of magic, moreover, come entirely different ways of seeing the world. This makes being inside their heads not only a whole lot of fun but a mind-altering experience, akin to dropping acid and other forms of fast-tracked enlightenment, lol.

That the author is part philosopher king, part great storyteller is a realization that comes to the surface time and again. Some favorite quotes stitched seamlessly into believable character conversation: “To become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion;” “The ruling class frightens its population with staged bloodshed, and then corals them towards tranquility by offering a solution that tricks them into exchanging freedom for security.” Wow, I don’t think even George Orwell could have topped that.

In this coming of age story, a father mentors his son who aspires to lead his people in how to avoid the sins of his forefathers, distilling profound Platonic philosophy into terms a child can process. If Einstein is to be believed, this capacity to take the most complex notions and simplify them is the mark of real genius.

As with Terry Brooks, I can see teens and young adults really relishing this coming of age story of a boy who would be king, as he learns to harness and direct the powers of the gods. Moreover, anyone who grew up with a troubled father-son relationship ought to take a look at this one that serves as one of the core story threads and learn from it. I can just as easily see more mature readers enjoying the deeper insights into life that so clearly mirror our current age, with lines like “Take your place amongst us and bid farewell to the eye of light, along with its illusory gods of slavery.” You know, the one percent the ninety-nine percent have been demonstrating about? The corporate middle management types you’ve been squirming under… Another line that could just as easily be a battle cry for an Occupy Movement demonstration: “There are two ways to enslave a nation, one is by the sword, the other is debt. If you control the money supply, you control the people.” Or how about: “Our wealth was accumulated over centuries through theft, cloaked under the guise of law and justice. Our power was amassed by the unwitting consent of a population whose minds were drowned in an ocean of fear.” Exchange “our” for “your” and you have another Occupy Movement rally poster.

Because the master-apprentice dynamic between father and son in The Tale of Onora devotes itself to the issue of how natural born leaders can keep from repeating the mistakes of their forefathers, this book becomes a primer for the new Renaissance age taking root in our times. Ours too is a world struggling to move in the direction of an age of equanimity where enlightenment shapes reason and casts away the derisive and divisive habits of our predecessors. The Tale of Onora addresses the issue of how we can awaken the greatness in ourselves so that we can shine that light on others, and not cast them into darkness with our own relative brightness. I can’t think of a better theme for an epic fantasy book, or any book, in this day and age.

Other incidental observations: there was a lot of lovely descriptive writing. I.e. “Billowing clouds worshipped the milky-silver glow of the full moon…”

As to my nitpicks, there was a fair amount of exposition that could have been better delivered by way of dialogue and in a way that was more organic to the story. The occasional use of adages seemed ill-advised, such as Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage…” I can’t imagine there was a Shakespeare in this realm. Very compelling action sequences and chapters full of excellent character dynamics and dialogue altered with descriptive passages which interrupted the flow of the action, perhaps trying to introduce too many facets of this rich, textured world too soon. But honestly, some of the most successful fantasy books in this genre, such as Game of Thrones, are all far guiltier of these sins. I doubt loyalist fans of epic fantasy will be put off one bit. There was also a little too much jumping around from character to character instead of staying with one for a while, for my tastes. But again, this is precisely the technique employed in Game of Thrones with its virtual rolodex of names to process. By the second half of the book, however, I ceased to be overwhelmed and started settling into these characters, curious to see how their paths would cross, and the effects they would have on one another.

One last note: the reader should realize that, much as with the first book of Game of Thrones, this book is an act 1 introduction to this author’s world; its job is to introduce the key characters and give us a sense of the conflicts ahead, which it definitely does.

Author Raine Hollister - 5 Stars

I was truly sucked into this novel's world of magic, mystery and fantasy. Walking through this story, I could identify what it's like to live in our parent's shadow, of knowing heartbreak and bitterness. The Tale Of Onera is a well-written story with great characters, emotional resonance and vivid imagery. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Bookolio Blog - Joseph Phillips - 5 Stars

OhMyGod. This book was pretty much, literally perfect. The words and sentences throughout the whole book were written so beautifully and so fluidly that putting down the book or to stop reading was un-acceptable; the book called to me to read more and I did.

Brooks E Hansen - 5 Stars

If you want to get lost in a land far, far away, where 'snowflakes fall like angels from heaven' and the 'black deeds' of wizardry fuelled by the 'vengeance of hell' 'wander the halls of your dreams', then this carefully crafted tale is for you. The detail is spectacular and the themes of life, love and truth are presented in a fabulously thought-provoking, almost enigmatic way, that makes you feel like you have been let into a wonderful secret.

Christina Kossenjans - 5 Stars

I am very pleased with the product. The plot was amazing and it was very well written. I love fantasy books so this was just the best! I cannot wait for the next one!

Christopher Taylor - 5 Stars

Wonderfully written stories capture your imagination with grand visions as the characters become more than names on paper. Dylan has crafted a story that leads you into a dark world. The Tale of Onora: The Boy and the Peddler; is beautifully sculpted and will call you back for more. I'm hooked. This is a precious gem in the vast amount of books out there, this story is one to treasure.

D.R. - 5 Stars

Dylan Saccoccio is a gifted author whose elegant prose draws you effortlessly through the richness of his enthralling story world at a brisk, yet comfortable, pace. His artfulness at painting a vivid picture within the reader's mind - through the wielding of clever, creative, and powerful descriptives and comparisons - delivers to the reader a fantasy world fully formed, intriguing, and endlessly exciting. His complex characters spring forth from the pages of this first installment of Dylan's debut novel and beg to adapted to the Big Screen. I eagerly await to delve into the second installment, "The Tale of Onora: The Girl with the Solar Eyes (Volume 2)" and continue on with this epic journey. Many thanks to the author for such an enjoyable read!

Danielle Bauza - 5 Stars

I was so glad when I was asked to read this novel. From the first paragraph of the foreward I was hooked. The way the author writes is completely captivating. You can feel for the characters and its like you are in their world. I am an avid Harry Potter fan and I feel that this book is next to follow in those footsteps. It won't be long in my opinion before this author is at the top of the world and this book and the rest will be everywhere. Once I picked this novel up in a couple hours I finally finished it and put it down immediately telling fellow friends and relatives that love to read to check it out. Really looking forward to reading more from Mr. Saccoccio.

eBook Fanatic (UK) - 5 Stars

Beautiful word choices and technically flawless writing. The author has mastered the use of imagery and like so many of us writers, he is guilty of over embellishing at times, but when the exposition is this good we can forgive him. There were lapses of showing rather than telling but the loving attention to quality held my interest. The author has a distinct and compelling voice which is something I always look for, because so much of what is published nowadays is identikit nonsense. The action is well-depicted and there is depth to the narrative which tackles real world political issues in its fantasy setting. You may need to persevere until you adapt to the elaborate style but please ensure you do. Overall this is a very good ebook and a worthwhile purchase.

Erica Rose - 5 Stars

I am in love with this book! Started and finished within a few hours and am greatly looking forward to Book 2. Dylan's writing is so beautiful, exquisite really, and it's a lovely read. I felt a range of emotions whilst reading it, had goosebumps, my heart was racing, and I even got a bit teary eyed at one point. Dylan is incredibly talented and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us in the next few books!

J.D. Richards - 5 Stars

I love this story!! Right from the beginning I was hooked. Dylan's writing style draws you in and the story flows from scene to scene without getting you lost. A definite must read - can't wait to read the next book!!! ;)

Jasmine Heathcote-Curtis - 5 Stars

SUPERB!! Just fantastic. Beautifully written. It makes you escape completely, it transported me to a whole new world that i never wanted to leave. I couldn't put it down. for anyone who ives to read just give it a go you will not be disappointed!! happy reading.

Jolene Cecil - 5 Stars

If you are a fan of The Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings or indie fantasy you should take the time to read Dylan Saccoccio’s epic fantasy, The Tale of Onora. This book stimulates one's imagination and with the authors attention to detail of the realms/worlds he created you are instantly hooked in this adventurous tale.

His worlds and characters are beautifully woven together giving you the feeling that you are part of their adventure. While in the mix of interesting characters and intricate timelines, we are introduced to a boy who is trying to find his place in such a complex world. I very much enjoyed the dialogue between the boy and his father, the wise words the father spoke are right on point with today’s society. “When everything you love is gone, when the ways of life you cherished have been destroyed, you shall discover that you cannot eat wealth or power. I endured such terrible realizations. It would be wise of you to learn from my past” such powerful words.

The Tale of Onora comes to an abrupt halt which left me feeling a bit perplexed, I thought I missed a few pages but this was the authors plan; to suck you in and wanting more.

I really do hope that Dani (Fairy /Maibrar) plays a vital role in the next book, I really enjoyed her spunky spirit.
 

Josette - 5 Stars

I had to take my time reading this because it was well detailed, and thought out. If you love world of warcraft; final fantasy games; or harry potter you will love this book. I really enjoyed how descriptive the context was; it allowed me to connect with the story more personally.

Joy's World - 5 Stars

This book unlike its author did not make me feel warm and fuzzy. Instead it sank sharp hooks into me from the first sentence retracting slowly long after my Kindle's screen was black on my nightstand. I was immediately transported into another realm, immersed into the characters life. The book introduces you to key characters in the story, and the ending leaves you anxious for more.
This is the first book of this genre I have read. I was pleasantly surprised, at to how quickly I was taken in by the story. It is cleverly written, describing the characters and surrounding in such detail, that I could easily picture everything .
I also enjoyed the underlying message, laced throughout the book. Touching on some of the biggest issues that plague our society today. This is a fantastic book, with many great lines running throughout it. I can not wait for the next installment. I highly recommend this book, to anyone that enjoys this genre, and to others that have not yet discovered the extraordinary genre of fantasy.

Julie Ferrier, France - 5 Stars

Hey there !

Today, let’s forget about tribal management and values and notions to focus on a great book written by an even greater author.

Few months ago, I had the pleasure to discover Dylan Saccoccio on Twitter and I must say, this is the best online meeting I ever had !

Not only he is very available man but he really is a thinker, someone very open-minded and gifted with a huge consciousness of Life and Universe.

So when I learned he was writing I already knew that I would talk about him.

I discovered his first book, The Tale of Onora: The Boy and the Peddler of Death then and – as expected – this really is a must read !

 

Most of the reviews will tell you he is inspired by Tolkien and George R. R. Martin and indeed, if you are fan of those authors, you will definitively like The Tale of Onora.

Because of the Universe and the plurality of the characters, you will be charmed and you will end the book so quickly you will only want to read it again or rush to buy the second part of the story (The Tale of Onora: The Girl with the Solar Eyes).

 

But what makes these books a must read is philosophy behind it.

Maybe it wasn’t planed (I doubt about it though) but you can feel the maturity, the consciousness, the growth desire behind the words.

Of course, you will read a story, id est, a tale of another world, but still so many details, so many emotions, so many points of view will make you think about our universe, because, from time to time, some situations will make you wonder “ain’t I living something close enough ?”.

 

Lots of great books quietly talk about corrupted politicians, treason, power… but in a way that you can care about the character as a spectator.

In this case, you will live the story, breathe the same air, see the same world, fear or hate the same things because you will not only look at every character, you will be part of each one of them.

Maybe it’s because Dylan Saccoccio found himself after September 11th 2001, maybe it’s because the critics and reactions are universal, in both cases, this book can teach you a lot, starting with understanding the Laws of Nature, listening to understand and not to respond, questioning everything, seeking the Truth.

 

So I won’t tell you to read this book because it’s a deserving heir of Tolkien or G. R. R. Martin or whoever but because if you do turn those pages, not only you will dream but you will find answers to your own questions.

5.00/5 (100.00%) 

Kendyl Malfroy - 5 Stars

This book is so captivating. When I first started reading it, I was truly shocked about how the great author writes. He uses very professional words, and you can picture every little detail in your mind, I completely forgot where I was at because I was literally sucked into the story. It has a great plot, and it is really hard to put down. It makes you wonder about what will happen next, and you just want to keep reading forever and ever. I really think that this book should be read all over the world, and that we should make it the next big thing. It reminds me of something like Lord of the Rings, and it should be way more popular, maybe one day it can even be made into big motion pictures! I try to get fans of Harry Potter and other popular series to read this book, and everyone that read it enjoys it as much as I did. I even did my school project on this book, and it was one of the best presentations I've done! I can't wait to see what happens!

Kris (@zombieobrien) - 5 Stars

This book is fantastically colorful. When you read it, you dive head first into an epic world that you do not want to leave, I promise you. Every aspect of this book will draw you in. It is filled with such vibrant life and many messages that you can learn from and hold on to. A tale of self discovery, redemption, trials and tribulations, intense battles, beautiful magic, and much much more. Dylan Saccoccio will not let you down. The Tale of Onora, I will be reading again, it's that good!!

Kristina Chandler - 5 Stars

The Tale of Onora has a very relaxed pacing, showing the full beauty of a world of fantasy and wonder, without forgetting that even in light, there is still a shadow of darkness. I read over it multiple times to take in the more exotic world that was shown to me, for both the war and blood, as the light and magic. I would, and probably am going to show others this book, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys complex stories with bright, beautiful, and sometimes dark characters and plots.

Kyle Bailey - 5 Stars

This book is awesome. The details in the story are amazing, it is like all of my interests rolled into one. It has bits and pieces of everything I enjoy. For instance, I really enjoy Skyrim, and this book has cool magic scenes. Overall it is a well rounded book. I am looking forward to reading the next story.

Lanie's Book Thoughts Blog - 5 Stars

This book definitely reminds me of the Hobbit story, but instead of the focus on Bilbo its focused on Thorin. Just less orc an gobliny, if you will. I did enjoy it, I thought it was well written and very creative. For a fantasy it was well paced as your being drawn into the story.

On a side note, this book does jump POVs so you get a better understanding of the world an story. I don't think its hard to follow, but you do need to pay attention to catch all the little details that connect the dots. That was one of my favorite things in this book, I loved picking up on the subtle hints.Altogether, I think the author is extremely talented and has a very unique story on his hands. Maybe this will be the next Lord of the Rings or even Wheel of Time story, who knows. Honestly though, I think the descriptions in this book are far better an paint a better picture of whats happening. I'm glad I picked this up, and will probably pick the next one up as well. I'd recommend this to fantasy lovers, and to readers who want a story thats a bit more involved.

Lost Haven - 5 Stars

I believe that imagination was given to us to compensate us for what we are not, for things we cannot be or do. In his book, Dylan Saccoccio has undoubtedly succeeded in compensating for that! Although, it's a fantasy book, it felt so real to me as I found myself relating to the emotional roller-coaster that some of his characters underwent! There is no better read than one that you have actually lived through, at least partially! It makes you feel that you're not alone, that someone else was there too, and there is great comfort in that!

Dylan's emotional maturity has brought tears to my eyes and made my heart skip a beat while reading some of his passages! His vivid imagination and rich command of the language have turned the reading experience into a 3D surround-system movie theater. This page-turner is guaranteed to take you on an audio-visual joy ride to undiscovered territories!

Unlike other fantasy books, the book is considerably shorter, yet it is nothing short of EPIC!

Martin Phillips - 5 Stars

Dylan Saccoccio had me the oment the dark cloaked figure at the walls began insolently causing destruction of epic proportions that only studio created natural disaster movies offer viewers today. I was able to feel the eloquently woven roots and branches of the emotions that created this figure so bent on ultimate revenge. Turning to other characters, their histories, in brief and the emotions and magicks that were part of their daily lives, and losses, sparked my imagination and hunger for completing the read. I am sold. Dylan's literary world, characters, their histories, the roots of their stories and their motivations have me aching for more! Well done!

Molly Draney - 5 Stars

An enchanting debut by a talented and promising new author. Dylan Saccoccio’s highly imaginative worlds and the principles by which they operate are captivating in their detail and social implications. Complex and enigmatic characters lead us to question the nature of right and wrong, which can too often become indistinguishable, both in their world and our own. I loved the rich and evocative imagery in this book: “Without the amity of timing, a person who would have loved you more than anything, forever, may sail right past you and into the ocean of what could have been, and you are left wondering while you drown in the void of your solitude.” Truths revealed through beautiful language get me every time - I can’t wait to read the next installment of this spellbinding tale!

Pia-Aurora Storm-Olsen - 5 Stars

I'm usually more of a period drama reader, but there is something about Dylan's way of writing. The way he describes the souroundings, the characters and so on really gets to you, it's like your a part of their world. He just steals your attention and leads you into his universe, it's a gripping story and a fantastic book! It's a must read for anyone who likes to read. It's that simple. So make sure to find yourself a copy, you wont regret it.

Raine - 5 Stars

Fantastic new series! I shall be reading this book again soon as I loved it. Not going to give a single thing away here. Has the bar been risen for future fantasy epics? I think it has!

Ryan Childress - 5 Stars

Masterfully written. The messages of liberty, redemption and moral courage are delivered in a wonderful, refreshing manner that is generally unheard of in literature today.

In a society where all types of media pander to the lowest common denominator, Mr. Saccoccio uses a wide palette of beautifully descriptive vocabulary that allows you to feel as though you are watching the events play out right in front of you. This is a great read, and I anxiously look forward to the next installment.

S. Barr - 5 Stars

The Tale of Onora transports the reader to another world--another time. Although it is set in a fantasy realm, the plot and dialogue are relevant to our world--our times. The author, Dylan Saccoccio expertly and thoughtfully weaves the threads of a world that we've not yet seen before. From the first line, I was intrigued. I find myself going back to it again and again, and each time, I find something new and exciting to pull me back into this fantasy world.
The Tale of Onora is a well-written novel that provides the reader a welcome escape into a realm of magic, mystery, and fantasy.

Sebastian Mark Kadey - 5 Stars

Never in my life has the written word drawn me in so completely. From the very first word my reality was realigned and I was at once all and none of the characters at the same time. It was almost as if the author had taken my life and set it in a fantasy world. This isn't you typical review because this novel turned out to be such a personal experience for me. I will say that this a novel that I will return to over and over again as I believe something new will be revealed to me each time I read it. I'll leave you with these words from the novel as a teaser, words that I am sure I will be pondering for days to come.

"Did you become the man you wished to be?" the boy asked.
The man was quick to shake his head. "No, I couldn't be further from it."

Do yourself a favour and take the risk, you might find more that you expected to.

Seth Groth - 5 Stars

What can I say without spoiling the book? One word comes to mind... EPIC! A great fantasy tale that keeps you wanting more! The story kept me glued to the book, I would have finished it in a day if I did have to go to work. He created a beautiful world with beautiful characters. It's been a long time since a story has kept me this interested & wanting more, more, MORE! I really got into the characters & that is a huge part for me to really enjoy a story as much as I enjoyed this. I highly recommend this book to fans of any sci-fi/fantasy book, game, movie, etc... my only complaint is that it ended :) Thank you Dylan for making such a wonderful book! The next one can't come soon enough.

Stephanie Oneill - 5 Stars

This deserves so much more than 5 stars! Fellow Harry potter fans and games of thrones fans sink your teeth into this! Have not finished it yet but completely hooked......Dylan Saccoccio is solely responsible for my not having any sleep tonight!

Tara Chandler - 5 Stars

I immensely enjoyed reading this, it is beautifully written, and once I had started reading it I didn't want to put it down. The book is fast paced, and the characters and descriptions of the different places draw you in, and leaving you wanting more. I would definitely recommend ToO, and I cannot wait for book 2.

Thomas S. Malinowski - 5 Stars

What a most luxorious treat this was. The many races of Caliphweald also boast differing uses of magic. With varying viewpoints, this didn't make me dizzy one bit. The author creates an intense, descriptive world and it's fitting to see it through different characters.

"Magic does not allow those who possess it to remain anonymous. It craves renown. It is alive whether one chooses to harness it or not, and like all things living, magic wants to be loved. It yearns to manifest itself and be displayed, which is why elementalists also make the best performers."

Great quote which sums up how some of the featured characters use magic to their own devious or dutiful ends.

I highly recommend this and look forward to the next chapter.

News
01/30/2015
Ten Minute Interviews: Dylan Saccoccio

"Shit happens. Allow for it to happen in your work, because if you, as the writer, didn’t see it coming, then your audience certainly won’t either."

http://tenminuteinterviews.com/dylan-saccoccio/

Formats
Paperback Book Details
  • 04/2014
  • 9781500282844 1500282847
  • 107 pages
  • $7.99
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