The Song of the Defiler is a fantasy novel by Comox Valley writer Ken Schultz set in a world where a bitter war has raged between the Abrhaani and the Eniila for generations.
Both cultures are so busy trying to destroy each other that they do not notice that an ancient evil has awakened. The Nethera are awake and are about to consume them both — unless someone can bring them together to stand against the forces of evil.
Rehaak, the Abrhaani Scholar and Laakea, the young Eniila Warrior, are men on the run, outcasts from their cultures. Rehaak has been exiled from the Abrhaani society as a heretic. Laakea is fleeing his father who is honour bound to kill him.
They meet by accident and form an unusual bond. Together with Isil, an older woman with a dark secret, they attempt to find the knowledge their peoples have lost through centuries of warfare and chaos.
Can they find the Aetheriad, the ancient manuscript, which may contain knowledge they need? Does this ancient tome contain the information they need to summon the Aethera, the powerful ancient enemies of the Nethera as they suspect, or is it a hopeless waste of time?
The lack of answers plagues their quest. Assassins dog their steps. Their peoples refuse to listen to their warnings. What can three mismatched outcasts do against such insurmountable obstacles?
Will they be able to unite their people to defeat the Nethera, or will the cult of assassins cut them down before they can complete their mission?
One reviewer commented: “Though it is classified as fiction or fantasy, there are a lot of life lessons and deep meanings. It reminded me of the importance of accepting people for who they are, appreciating their differences, and keeping the faith, no matter what little zingers life throws at you.”
Schultz has written stories since he was old enough to hold a pencil and has always dreamed of writing a full-length novel. He moved to the Comox Valley just over two years ago to have more free time to pursue his passion for writing.
The Song of the Defiler is the first of a series of books in progress that are the culmination of a dream made possible by his move to the Valley.
His angst-filled teen years led him into the realm of poetry, however The Lord of the Rings caught his imagination in high school and the fantasy genre became, and remains his favourite story medium.
He has written a number of short stories and technical manuals while waiting to fulfill his dream of writing a large, complex narrative like his present series The Songs of Aarda.
He describes himself as a driven, existentialist. He has plunged into a wide variety of occupations and activities that have given him a broad, deep understanding of the world, himself and other people.
That is why complex characters are always the central focus of his stories. People have sometimes described him as a “walking encyclopedia.”
His varied interests have given him a broad knowledge of diverse subjects, which provides him with a unique perspective and voice in his writing.
The book is available online at www.amazon.com.
— Ken Schultz
