Read Your Writes Book Reviews: THE CHRONICLES OF ORDI: THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE LOST GEMS by Alex Zenk ~ Guest Post & Giveaway

The Chronicles of Ordi: Brotherhood of the Lost Gems
by: Alex Zenk
Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Publisher: Defiance Press & Publishing

In a world where ancient magic is fading and darkness grows, one dwarf mage stands between his realm and destruction.

Ordi, a gifted mage with the rare ability to command all elemental magic, is summoned by his king on a perilous quest. Accompanied by his loyal posh hound Mira and his warrior brother Verdun, Ordi must recover the legendary Otthroite Gems—powerful artifacts thought lost to time.

As they journey through forbidden forests, abandoned dwarven cities, and haunted valleys, they discover these gems are the only hope against the rising threat of the long-banished Dark Lord. With each step, they uncover secrets of ancient magic and face betrayals that test the bonds of brotherhood.

Rich in world-building and filled with magical encounters, "The Chronicles of Ordi" blends classic fantasy elements with fresh perspectives on courage, loyalty, and the price of power.

Alex discusses the world he created for The Chronicles of Ordi: Brotherhood of the Lost Gems

The world of Asheros evolved out of trial and error. I spent several weeks considering the names and locations in my world. The world came into focus perfectly after I wrote a short chapter. I was able to convey my thoughts to a map designer. This map, featured at the book’s front, is more than a visual aid; it’s a narrative backbone, guiding the characters across rugged mountains, whispering forests, and sunlit plains without bogging down in precise travel distances.

This was instrumental in the sequence of my story, as my characters go on journeys across the land. I wanted to stay as true to the terrain as possible, while being vague on travel distance. The world was the easy part; it was everything else that proved to be a challenge. I wrestled with what kind of magic system I wanted, whether the magic should be complicated or simple. Should I name every spell, or keep them nameless? In the end, I found a balance between the two and created a unique system of magic. While it is true that there is nothing new under the sun, my approach to crafting this world was detailed. I aimed to offer something distinct from the typical modern spice fantasies while providing readers with a compelling story. As I was writing, I would picture the Brotherhood traversing across Asheros on the big screen. What sort of visual triggers would there be? What would it feel like outside? Is there a wind? Is the water cold, etc. I want the reader to feel like they are traveling along Ordi.

The battle intensified. The witch's minions—a mix of twisted abominations and resurrected corpses—swarmed the clearing. Galen led the paladins in a valiant charge, striking down skeletal warriors only for them to rise again. Ordi and the mages unleashed torrents of arcane energy, incinerating the dark creatures. Despite their best efforts, the witch's power seemed endless. She began summoning more skeletons to add to the chaos of the battle. Mira charged in, pounding and ripping bones apart. The skeletons reformed effortlessly, keeping her busy.

The skeletons pressed in, their bony fingers scraping and clawing, as Ordi and Mira fought back to back, the sounds of battle filling the clearing. Ordi summoned bolts of arcane magic that pierced through the skeletal frames, incinerating them to ash, but it was a fleeting victory. The skeletons reformed with unnatural speed, their rattling bones an unsettling soundtrack to the ongoing fight.

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Alex Zenk brings a fresh voice to the world of epic quests and magical realms. Born and raised in the midwest, Alex's love for fantasy was kindled early by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and nurtured through years of immersive role-playing games. As a pastor by day and a storyteller by night, Alex brings a unique perspective to his writing, weaving themes of morality, redemption, and the complexities of good and evil into his narratives.

Drawing inspiration from his experiences in World of Warcraft, Alex has crafted a rich and immersive world in his debut series, "The Chronicles of Ordi." His background in theology and his deep understanding of human nature inform the complex characters and intricate plot lines.

When not writing or tending to his pastoral duties, Alex can be found exploring the natural beauty of Iowa with his family, using these adventures to fuel his imagination and inspire new fantastic landscapes. With plans for multiple books set in the world of Asheros, Alex Zenk is poised to make a significant impact on the fantasy genre, offering readers a blend of classic epic fantasy with a modern, thoughtful twist.

Places to find Alex Zenk:

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