Writing fantasy fiction is not everyone’s cup of tea. The possibilities are endless, for fantasy fiction is, well, a fantasy! It is a figment of your imagination, and your imagination is infinite. However, in the creative realm, as the number of possibilities increases, so does the margin for error. Finding the sweet spot, the right colors, and the aesthetic becomes particularly difficult, keeping you from finishing your masterpiece.
One book on the horizon is set to revolutionize the genre with its delivery and host of compelling characters. Dan O’Mahony presents The Fifth Cycle: A New Hero is Forged, now available on Amazon. But how does this author stand out with his writing?
Let’s find out.
Premise
Nowadays, authors have stopped taking risks, playing it safe with the premise of their stories. Since the fantasy fiction genre is so difficult to execute, authors prefer a conventional approach to remain relevant. Dan O’Mahony has us delve into the life of thirteen-year-old Colin Caufield, who realizes that he is the reincarnation of the Irish legend CuChulainn. The story centers around Colin’s conviction to restore power to the Irish gods through The Fifth Cycle. Dan authentically portrays the Irish legend in his world-building and has Colin thrive in the coming-of-age setting, where many authors fail.
Characters
The characters are where Dan truly shines as an author. Unlike most books where the story is mainly centered around the protagonists, Dan ensures that it’s not just Colin but the side characters as well that leave their mark.
Firstly we have Scathach, CuChulainn’s legendary trainer, then the squad under the crew. Moving on, we have the loyal Breccan, who accompanies Colin every step of the way. Alaynna dazzles audiences with her beauty and the right amount of edginess, making her a force to be reckoned with. Out of the bunch, we also have Niall, who adds a bit of friction to Colin’s story. Each character is well-balanced and pushes Colin to be the best version of himself.
Duality
You can’t write a great story without a notion of duality. Almost every other book has a hero-villain narrative. But in Colin’s case, the threat may be closer than he thinks. With great power coursing through his veins, he is also prone to a berserker state called “Warp-spasms,” where him being a hero becomes a threat to all those around him.
This very irony is powerfully depicted in Dan’s book, adding depth to the story and the character in question.
The Fifth Cycle: A New Hero is Forged brims with potential and all the makings of exhilarating fiction.
Will Colin succeed in his journey and become the hero he is destined to be? You can find out by grabbing your copy of the book from Amazon. For more exciting content on the series, visit the author’s website and subscribe to his newsletter.
Don’t let the Warp-spasms get to you.
