Welcome to my MTMC Tours stop for Heroes of the Empire: The Cavalier by Israh Azizi!
Two searching hearts. Two perilous paths. Heroes of the Empire: The Cavalier is book one in a YA Fantasy Adventure series from PageTurnerPress LLC.
Time to get lost in a fantasy of raging powers and complex characters, with a rich yet ferocious world that leaps off the page. This one gave me all the Ember In The Ashes vibes and it’s dark with those touches of light as our two characters fight to stay afloat. Lots of intrigue too and splashes of shadowy power. I loved getting to meet Natassa and Velamir (and Jax!! love Jax) and being swept into their world. Their lives are anything but easy. Right up front Velamir is delivering dark-yet-dangerous-boy-with-a-tragic-past while Natassa is captivating us with her indomitable courage. It’s definitely setting up for the sequels too, so if you’re after a new fantasy series to follow, this is it.
They were happy as they were. Rich and without fear. They didn’t want to change.
Read This Series If You Like…
- fantasy books that are strong on the stabbiness
- princess fighting the system and the wickedness coursing through her family
- action and epic scenes
- complex fantasy worlds that feel really vast
- political intrigue and morally grey dynamics
- main characters on opposite sides of the war
Vast world-building with plenty of action and characters to root for, perfect for fans of YA fantasy.
Thanks to MTMC Tours & visit my instagram for the INTL Giveaway!
It was the curse of being a Shadow Manos. Eventually, toward the end of his days, the shadow would triumph and take the last of his life and sanity.
Hi Israh, I’m so thrilled to have the chance to chat with you about your epic book, Heroes of The Empire! Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey, from first seed of an idea to finished novel in our hands?
ISRAH: Hi there! Thanks for having me. I’m grateful for my publishing journey. Though there were many obstacles, I have learned and grown so much. Since I was little, reading was like breathing for me. My passion for it started to turn to words on paper as I created my own stories. My mom encouraged me, often assigning my brother and me writing projects. One day, I reopened a forgotten story I had been working on with my brother. The idea of an orphan boy with courage to stand alone against the darkness. The idea tugged at my mind as more and more parts of the story sprang to life. It took many long years, much love and support from my family, and so much learning until Heroes of the Empire was born.
Such an exciting origin story!! What drew you to writing fantasy and what was your favourite part of creating your world?
ISRAH: I’ve always enjoyed reading the fantasy genre, the idea of a fictional world where anything was possible. Books like Ranger’s Apprentice and The Hobbit were inspiring for me. My favorite part of the writing process is definitely the characters. I love exploring their personalities and backstories. I try to make them as raw and real as I can.
Ahh I grew up reading Ranger’s Apprentice too. 🏹 Can you introduce us to Velamir and Natassa? Who are they and what are they like?
ISRAH: Natassa longs for freedom and a chance to choose her own path. Velamir is haunted by his past and daunted by his future when he’s sent on his first mission. They are two people wanting to change the evilness in their world and yet are on completely opposing sides.
When do you usually write and what is your writing space like?
ISRAH: I would love to write more during the day but usually find myself at my desk in the evenings. My writing space is a bit disorganized. There’s always a cup of coffee beside me, a stack of notes and books scattered about. And, of course, a few snacks.
Cannot be without the writing snacks 😩🙌🏻 Can we beg for a hint about what you’re working on next?
ISRAH: I’m currently editing book 2 in the Heroes of the Empire series as well as writing book 3 and some other projects.
Sending all the good vibes for the sequels then!! And lastly! What have been some of your favourite author moments so far?
ISRAH: Definitely the moment I held my book in my hands for the first time. It was surreal to see it finalized and ready to be revealed to the world.
Thank you so much for all these amazing answers, Israh. And congrats again, on Heroes Of The Empire being out in the world ✨💛
Title: The Cavalier (Heroes of the Empire #1)
Author: Israh Azizi
Publication Date: November 22nd, 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Purchase a copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Add on Goodreads!
She calls the Empire home. He pledges to bring its downfall.
Death is Velamir’s close acquaintance. As a student in the Chishman academy, he cannot escape the brutal war. When he’s sent on a mission with three fellow academy cadets, Velamir returns to the Empire, the land of his birth. Calamity befalls the group as they trek through enemy territory, and Velamir learns a part of his past that makes the mission far more personal. Burdened with the deaths of the unavenged and the chance of losing his own life, Velamir must decide if revenge is worth the cost.
Natassa knows her role well: The silent and obedient girl. The one who looks away from the torture her father, the emperor, inflicts on the Empire’s inhabitants. The princess. But she’s a shackled prisoner, and somewhere under the mask is a spark of rebellion. When she learns of her father’s intention to marry her to a man she loathes, Natassa crafts a risky plan of her own—one dangerous enough to get her killed.
Two searching hearts. Two perilous paths. Velamir must find the courage to face his past and Natassa must find the strength to face herself before the war consumes them both.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Israh Azizi resides in the land of ten thousand lakes with her family and five cats. Since she was a little girl she has been a lover of words and fanciful tales. It was her dream to one day share a story of her own with the world. With sheer determination, lots of love, and a decent amount of caffeine, she managed to make that dream come true. Besides reading and writing, she has a dizzying number of hobbies, some of which include bossing around her younger siblings, experimenting with new baking recipes, and playing board games with her family and close friends. When life’s plot twists don’t cross her path and her fingers aren’t dancing across the keyboard building a fantastical adventure, she can usually be found in a quiet corner with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee. Website | Instagram | Goodreads
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