Order of Light: Book Two of New Blood

The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk.
Can a mysterious Order help him repair the damage of choosing happiness over duty?

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Award-Winning Epic Medieval Fantasy

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Top Book (Rated #1), Amy's Bookshelf Reviews 2024 • 2023 The BookFest Award Winner • 2022 International Firebird Book Award Winner • 2021 Runner-Up Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book of the Year, OnlineBookClub.org • July 2021 Top Pick, BooksShelf.com

Despite the Guardian of Maarihk being condemned as anathema, and his very existence relegated to legend, Natharr resumes his ancient responsibilities as Mankind's protector. He joins with a mysterious Firstborn companion, Ellis the Elder, to journey into the snowy reaches of Biraald, where his Sight promises he will find those who secretly adhere to the ways of the Olde Gods.

Although Biraaldi bloodlines show their Firstborn heritage more clearly than even in Maarihk itself, the two nations have never enjoyed peace. It has been far worse since the rise of Brandt the Usurper to Maarihk's throne. Natharr and Ellis must navigate the threats not only against the Firstborn, but the Maarihkish, as they seek out the sympathizers he Saw who are brave enough to resist Maarihk's tyranny. Only then can the damage be repaired from when Natharr chose personal happiness with Darshelle and the young crown prince over his weighty responsibilities as Guardian of Maarihk.

Reviews of Order of Light

• 5/5 Stars — "The more I read, the more I realize that no other epic fantasy story has procured my full investment like the New Blood Saga! The world-building expands [in Order of Light], new characters are introduced and the scope of things to come is greatly built upon with extra heaps of shocks and twists. At this rate, Kilpack is well on his way to writing one of the greatest epic fantasy tales of all time! The prose is magnificent and captivating with a healthy dose of description and character beats. Fans of Wheel of Time will find everything they love — and more! — but tweaked to perfection. The plot had me at the edge of my seat as these characters that I’ve become so attached to were put through harrowing and very unexpected events. I also love the additional concepts of magic being explored, it’s unique and fits well with the other elements of this world. I may have to reschedule some upcoming reads and make time for the next book in this series because this is fantastic work!"— Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, Canada)
• 5/5 Stars — "W. D. Kilpack III's Crown Prince captivated me. His vivid descriptions plunged me into a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and emotions. I devoured the first book in the New Blood Saga, desperate to see where the tale would lead. So, it was with bated breath that I cracked open Order of Light, the series' second instalment. Kilpack doesn't disappoint. The themes that resonated in Crown Prince deepen and twist in Order of Light. He has a way of making words just flow vividly on the page. On page 106 of my Australian paperback version, a revelation about Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, floored me! His journey of self-discovery weaves flawlessly with the Crown Prince's own remarkable growth. New fantastical creatures emerge from Kilpack's boundless imagination. The Quiet One and Bu, meticulously detailed in all their wonder, are testament to his storytelling prowess. But fear not, I won't spoil the magic! Suffice it to say, fans of epic fantasy, your search is over. Kilpack is your new literary lord. From exhilarating battle sequences to poignant moments of reflection, Order of Light is a masterpiece. If I could, I’d give it a six! Both it and Crown Prince deserve a place on your bookshelf. Trust me, you won't regret immersing yourself in Kilpack's world." — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia)
• 5/5 Stars — "W.D. Kilpack III writes a fascinating epic-fantasy tale with Order of Light. Kilpack is a magnificent writer and storyteller [with] a grand imagination and talent for showing ... an incredible story [that] I couldn't put it down. Enter the author's brilliant world, where humanity is dependent on the Guardian of Maarihk [who] has to enlist the assistance of Ellis the Elder. The story is filled with intrigue, magic [and] survival [in] a world where bloodlines mean something more than family. Building of this world is fantastic and deeply imaginative. This story is a definite attention grabber [and] very unpredictable ... my favorite kind! This was definitely a page-turner! I look forward to reading more of this author's work. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Order of Light is a definite recommendation." — Amy's Bookshelf Reviews
• 5/5 Stars — "What an incredible story! A brilliant followup to an amazing first book. One of the most well-written and well-developed stories I have ever come across. A poignant, sensational, and captivating novel that will take [you] on a turbulent-but-fantastic journey full of ups and downs and shocks and thrills galore! Order of Light is compelling thanks to enthralling moments as well as the unpredictable nature of the book that will have you turning the pages with haste from beginning to end ... The reader is taken on an exceptional journey that is continuously evolving. Order of Light is a remarkable, fascinating, and addictive read with a unique premise as well as the excellent literature. Kilpack is an incredibly talented author who clearly knows how to write unique-but-engaging stories. What I loved most about Kilpack’s writing is his remarkable descriptions because they genuinely amazed me! Order of Light is a marvelous, stellar, and supreme book that will entertain, delight readers from start to finish. Five stars!" — RedHeadedBookLover.com
• 5/5 Stars — "Order of Light by W.D. Kilpack III is a fabulous book. It is magical and captivating. I was immersed in the story from the beginning till the end. The characters and the plot were both so well-written that [it] made me feel I was with them. A wonderful novel that I enjoyed 100% and recommend to all. " — BooksShelf.com
• 5/5 Stars — Order of Light is "just as good [as Crown Prince], just as quick-paced. Kilpack has an amazing ability to storytell. That's an amazing quality that makes you want to read one more page, one more chapter. This lovely book has events and descriptions that make the reader become invested in the characters and, thus, the story. I can't wait for the next book!" — Clairey Reads (Coventry, England)
• 5/5 Stars — "A great followup to Crown Prince [which was] one of the most fantastic fantasy books that I have read so far! New characters are introduced and I'm impressed by his storytelling ... from characterization to event building ... everything is lucid. I'm eagerly waiting for book three." — Just Pratibha (India)
• 4/5 Stars — "W.D. Kilpack does it again with Order of Light. Following on from the fantastic Crown Prince, we get to find out more about Ellis and Natharr as they go on their quest to find the sympathisers they need to get the Prince back on the throne. In a supposedly sleepy village is where they find the people they are looking for, who have been under the careful watch of the garrison for years. However, behind closed doors, there is a different story to tell and Natharr has to work out how they can use this to their advantage. A great fantasy book with all the world-building you'd expect from this author. Getting more back story and introducing different, important characters and how they've been affected gives you even more insight into where this story is heading. I really enjoyed this book!" — Books with Gina (England)
• 3/4 Stars — Order of Light's "best part is vivid description. Each character is outlined with distinct traits ... these details bring them to life, making them more realistic and relatable. I recommend this series to those who love fantasy novels, especially ones with medieval elements." — OnlineBookClub.org
• 4/5 Stars — "The author writes beautifully, with swaths of description and rhetoric, prose equal to the stories intricacies. Although Fantasy is not my favorite genre, I really enjoyed Order of Light! If Fantasy is your thing, then you will be in your element!" — Daisy Hollands (Shropshire, England)