Strump: A World of Shadows
Michael Alexander Beas
Xlibris, 445 pages, (paperback), $23.99, 9781493148219 (Reviewed: February, 2014)
Michael Alexander Beas gets right to the dense details in his ambitious fantasy novel Strump: A World of Shadows. Within the very first paragraphs of the first in a scheduled trilogy, Beas describes a detailed world with an extremely detailed history. That approach sets the tone for this involved story set in a faraway fantasy realm called the Blue Kingdom.
A prologue spells out a complex origin story: An epic battle between forces of good and evil hinged on a game known as Strump and its playing pieces, each with magical powers. The noble King Aerostat won that battle, secured the important game pieces and divided the Blue Kingdom into four separate realms. Aerostat’s fellow heroes in the battle for the future of the world include mice, mermen and pixies, and the king divides the kingdom between these races.
As in the most standard fantasy works, that tale is just the backstory for a much larger story of good versus evil. After King Aerostat dies, his sons Prince Gorgan and Prince Alexander vie in an epic battle for the game’s pieces. That struggle holds huge consequences for the Blue Kingdom and pulls in an imaginative cast of pirates, sorcerers, talking animals and magical pixies.
Beas’ attention to the smallest detail of his imagined world is impressive, and he offers a tight narrative style that helps keep the story moving. That’s no small task, considering the breadth of this work, which spans more than 400 pages. In fact, though, that sheer density may be the work’s greatest downfall. The amount of lore, legends and mythology within the first 50 pages is difficult to remember and makes persevering through the entire tome challenging.
That said, the characters and plot structures are bound to appeal to hardcore fans of the fantasy genre. Beas has created a wide-ranging tale that, while missing the mark for casual fantasy readers, should appeal to the most hardcore fans of epic fiction.
Also available in hardcover.
Michael Alexander Beas
Xlibris, 445 pages, (paperback), $23.99, 9781493148219 (Reviewed: February, 2014)
Michael Alexander Beas gets right to the dense details in his ambitious fantasy novel Strump: A World of Shadows. Within the very first paragraphs of the first in a scheduled trilogy, Beas describes a detailed world with an extremely detailed history. That approach sets the tone for this involved story set in a faraway fantasy realm called the Blue Kingdom.
A prologue spells out a complex origin story: An epic battle between forces of good and evil hinged on a game known as Strump and its playing pieces, each with magical powers. The noble King Aerostat won that battle, secured the important game pieces and divided the Blue Kingdom into four separate realms. Aerostat’s fellow heroes in the battle for the future of the world include mice, mermen and pixies, and the king divides the kingdom between these races.
As in the most standard fantasy works, that tale is just the backstory for a much larger story of good versus evil. After King Aerostat dies, his sons Prince Gorgan and Prince Alexander vie in an epic battle for the game’s pieces. That struggle holds huge consequences for the Blue Kingdom and pulls in an imaginative cast of pirates, sorcerers, talking animals and magical pixies.
Beas’ attention to the smallest detail of his imagined world is impressive, and he offers a tight narrative style that helps keep the story moving. That’s no small task, considering the breadth of this work, which spans more than 400 pages. In fact, though, that sheer density may be the work’s greatest downfall. The amount of lore, legends and mythology within the first 50 pages is difficult to remember and makes persevering through the entire tome challenging.
That said, the characters and plot structures are bound to appeal to hardcore fans of the fantasy genre. Beas has created a wide-ranging tale that, while missing the mark for casual fantasy readers, should appeal to the most hardcore fans of epic fiction.
Also available in hardcover.
ForeWord Reviews - Clarion Book Review by Shelley Mae Hazen
"Beas has crafted an epic fantasy with storybook-quality adventure."
"Devotees to the high-fantasy genre will be delighted by the imaginary world conjured by Michael Alexander Beas inStrump: A World of Shadows, which explores the well-trod good- versus-evil theme in a unique and sweeping fashion...."
"Strump—the first in a promised trilogy—delivers storybook-quality adventure and heroics in the face of evil forces. Those who enjoy multiple-POV novels, fantastical worlds, and storied mythologies will enjoy Beas’s introduction to his trilogy...."
- Shelley Mae Hazen
- Shelley Mae Hazen
http://ritzherald.com/lifestyle/item/211-strump-a-world-of-shadows-by-michael-alexander-bears
STRUMP:A World of Shadows by Michael Alexander Beas
- Written by Erich Rüters
- font size decrease font size increase font size
In the recent years there has been a strong public clamor for stories that take place in a medieval concept.
Series like Game of Thrones continue to capture the imagination of millions of viewers all around the world.
This is largely due to the fact that castles, sword fighting, valor, honor and strength will never grow old-fashioned.
A World of Shadows written by Michael Alexander Beas promises to provide excitement, a world of enchantment and wonder; it promises to recapture the imagination of readers and has proven to provide numerous tales that are sure to get the audience asking for more.
It was inspired by an enchanted game called Strump, this was a concept that was patterned upon ancient Game Pieces, the Shadow Lord, which was a major character in the story aims to reunite the Game Board of Strump with the sole purpose of reuniting the anachronism of the shadows once again.
If the reader is looking for a story that dwells around good and evil, then this is the book to explore. It is filled with struggle, action and is clad in the armor of deceit, but also still focuses on the quest for glory.
Characters like Prince Gorgan and Prince Alexander adds much needed spice to the story as they fight each other for the keys of the throne of Blue Kingdom.
The reader who is in search for mystical powers would appreciate how the writer explores the possibility of the magical board game called Strump.
Story highlights:
The book is reminiscent of plots from stories like Harry Potter; the search for truth is a central focus on the story.
However, the book focuses more on familiar mystical characters like pirates, sorcerers, pixies and mice instead of creating new fantasy characters.
This book has the inner workings of J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, and “Lord of the Rings”, this book will not fail readers who are accustomed to fantasy fiction characters that are diminutive of the humanoid race.
The book is also including the search for a rightful king; certain incidences in the story will leave the reader guessing who should be the best ruler of the area.
There is no easy way to discern who will be the rightful ruler since the characters are thrown into various alliances and broken loyalty over the series of chapters.
Who should read this book?
This book would be a definite hit for young adults and elders alike, it is complete with innocent yearnings of man, but is also complete with a much darker plot that older readers seem to crave.
The author studied various plot stories and strived to create a map of legendary fantasy books, this was inspired by the masters of creating a new magical world that people would be excited to join in. The author was keen on introducing historical details in the book to make it more interesting on every page.
It is a most promising book that could also build its own set of fan fiction followers. It has included all of the needed formula to make it work.
Series like Game of Thrones continue to capture the imagination of millions of viewers all around the world.
This is largely due to the fact that castles, sword fighting, valor, honor and strength will never grow old-fashioned.
A World of Shadows written by Michael Alexander Beas promises to provide excitement, a world of enchantment and wonder; it promises to recapture the imagination of readers and has proven to provide numerous tales that are sure to get the audience asking for more.
It was inspired by an enchanted game called Strump, this was a concept that was patterned upon ancient Game Pieces, the Shadow Lord, which was a major character in the story aims to reunite the Game Board of Strump with the sole purpose of reuniting the anachronism of the shadows once again.
If the reader is looking for a story that dwells around good and evil, then this is the book to explore. It is filled with struggle, action and is clad in the armor of deceit, but also still focuses on the quest for glory.
Characters like Prince Gorgan and Prince Alexander adds much needed spice to the story as they fight each other for the keys of the throne of Blue Kingdom.
The reader who is in search for mystical powers would appreciate how the writer explores the possibility of the magical board game called Strump.
Story highlights:
The book is reminiscent of plots from stories like Harry Potter; the search for truth is a central focus on the story.
However, the book focuses more on familiar mystical characters like pirates, sorcerers, pixies and mice instead of creating new fantasy characters.
This book has the inner workings of J.R.R Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, and “Lord of the Rings”, this book will not fail readers who are accustomed to fantasy fiction characters that are diminutive of the humanoid race.
The book is also including the search for a rightful king; certain incidences in the story will leave the reader guessing who should be the best ruler of the area.
There is no easy way to discern who will be the rightful ruler since the characters are thrown into various alliances and broken loyalty over the series of chapters.
Who should read this book?
This book would be a definite hit for young adults and elders alike, it is complete with innocent yearnings of man, but is also complete with a much darker plot that older readers seem to crave.
The author studied various plot stories and strived to create a map of legendary fantasy books, this was inspired by the masters of creating a new magical world that people would be excited to join in. The author was keen on introducing historical details in the book to make it more interesting on every page.
It is a most promising book that could also build its own set of fan fiction followers. It has included all of the needed formula to make it work.
"Emotionally charged"
"You won't be able to put it down!"
"Nothing is like STRUMP: A World of Shadows"
Award Winning News Journalist, Talk Show Host, National Spokesperson - Ed Tyll
Strump - A World of Shadows by Michael Alexander Beas
The genre of fantasy fiction has proved quite a popular one over the past few years. J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" and J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series received a very good response from the audience. Readers' engagement with these novels was such that it compelled authors to write sequel after sequel in order to satiate their curiosity and imaginative pleasures. The credit definitely goes to these legendary authors who with their superior skills of writing have made fantastical elements and mythical creatures appear real.
As most of us, fans of fantasy fiction, sit preoccupied with the fictional diminutive humanoid race, the Hobbits, the next breathtaking saga is already on its way to becoming world-famous. There is a new book in the market titled Strump - A World of Shadows.
Strump: A World of Shadows - Snippet of its Storyline
The novel is a fantasy fiction packed with humans, Mermen, pirates, sorcerers, pixies and mice. The setting of novel is a mystical world called Strump. There are two fictional kingdoms in the land - the Blue Kingdom and the Old Kingdom. They unite the past and the present into an exciting adventure to decide who will be the right king. Throughout, allegiances are made and broken and the loyalty of characters is tested.
On the occasion of the death of King Aerostat II, the king of the Blue Kingdom, his two sons vie for keys to the throne. The Shadow Lord unites a magical game board called Strump with the intent of casting the Blue Kingdom into a world of shadows which will bring death and destruction. He brings back the old world, the World of Shadows.
The novel brims with excitement, adventure, suspense and unique characters. It has gripping story and countless twists and turns. It is likely that Hobbit, Harry Porter and Narnia fans will like the book.
The Author
Michael Alexander Beas is a resident of Waxhaw, North Carolina. As far as his professional career is concerned, the job positions he has held till date have been remote from the art of writing novels. Beas has an Associate Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. He has worked at banks, telecommunications and commercial insurance companies marketing company merchandise to customers. Although employed in the commercial sector, Michael Alexander Beas always had a liking for writing. However, he was unable to pursue it due to hectic work schedules.
Strump - A World of Shadows is his first fiction novel. It makes a good read for young adults and elders alike. It was released on December 30, 2013. So, you can see it's not very old. It has 445 pages. The book has been published by Xlibris Corporation. The movie, The Hobbit: The Desolation of the Smaug was released on 13rd December, 2013. Thus, Beas' Strump - A World of Shadows will draw heavy comparisons with the Hobbit series; a series regarded a benchmark in fantasy fiction.
Will it the book be able to transport us into an alternate world like most of its predecessors did? Will this first-time author be able to carve a place for himself alongside authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling? Only time will tell. Till then let's read and enjoy the book and hope for more.
Click here to know more on Strump: A World of Shadows.
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Up and Coming Author Launches Book One of a New Fantasy Fiction
publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.
Michael Alexander Beas’ ‘Strump: A World of Shadows’ to Take Fiction Lovers by Storm
North Carolina (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
First-time author Michael Alexander Beas debuts with a brand new fantasy fiction, titled “Strump: A World of Shadows”. While “The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug” is ruling the box office, Beas is taking humble steps in creating the next breathtaking saga that could take fantasy fiction lovers by storm and carve for himself a place among legendary authors like J. R. R. Tolkien and J. K. Rowling.
“Strump: A World of Shadows” takes place in a mystical world known as Strump, where two fictional Kingdoms, The Blue Kingdom and Old Kingdom, connect the past and present into an adventure to see who will become the true and rightful King. With many characters being tested and choices made, allegiances challenged, broken, made or re-made, loyalty and integrity become the radiating theme that shines throughout the tale.
Upon the death of King Aerostat II, two brothers fight for the keys to the throne of their father’s Blue Kingdom. Through a labyrinth of lies and deceit, the Shadow Lord uses the older of the two brothers to unite a magical Game Board called Strump. If successful, a shadow uprising would bring death and destruction upon all the inhabitants of the Blue Kingdom.
The search for truth in “Strump: A World of Shadows” becomes an enchanted adventure where readers can join humans and mermen, pirates and mice, sorcerers and pixies, as they make alliances to defend their Kingdom before it falls into “a world of shadows”. Beas has seamlessly blended a truly magical world, intriguing characters, gripping storyline with countless twists and turns, and powerful lessons into one thrilling tale.
“Writing a fantasy novel has always been one of my heart’s desires. However, actually sitting down and doing so was another story. I had many ideas so I began to write them down. Then I conjured up a map and started to write. I also, read a great deal of legendary fantasy books and did my best to learn from the masters,” says Beas. “Hopefully it will be a new magical world that [readers]…share with their children, family and friends alike.”
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.
About the Author
Michael Alexander Beas holds an associate’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in business management; none of which has anything to do with writing novels. He spent over a dozen years working in banking, telecommunications and commercial insurance. In those industries, he dedicated the bulk of his time selling products and services to customers. He has always enjoyed writing but busy schedules never gave him the time needed to follow the dream of completing a novel. Then one day, life gave him the opportunity to fulfill that dream. Beas lives in Waxhaw, N.C. with his family.
Strump: A World of Shadows * by Michael Alexander Beas
Publication Date: December 30, 2013
Trade Paperback; $23.99; 445 pages; 978-1-4931-4821-9
Trade Hardback; $34.99; 445 pages; 978-1-4931-4822-6
e-book; $3.99; 978-1-4931-4823-3
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.
For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free
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