Review by Donovan’s Literary Services:
“What occurs in the land of Elthea mirrors and holds dangerous implications for the future of Earth, and so Philip Matherson and his team become involved in a life-or-death struggle to save more than one world in a vivid quest that will especially please readers of the 2017 saga begun in Elthea’s Realm.
There’s no better device for immersing new and former fans than use of the first person to draw in all readers as the protagonist reflects on past, present, and future conflicts, providing the personal angle that brings the story to life: “I often thought about her during quiet moments like this, remembering all we had lost. A year ago our lives were full of promise, a chance for a new beginning. But that had been shattered in one terrible moment. Was I the cause, a fatal flaw in my soul, or could there be another explanation for the darkness in my heart? Did our foe return, and unbeknownst to me, plant the seeds of destruction in my thoughts?”
What with being ripped from his familiar world, transported to another realm to undertake a special mission, and facing circumstances beyond his control and comprehension, Philip’s relationship with Cassie has been assaulted. They can no longer pick up the pieces, assimilate their experiences, and remain a couple. This is just one of the potential tragedies explored in events that bring Philip to the brink of disaster in more than one way.
His first-person reflections and encounters impart a “you are there” feel to the storyline, giving it a robust and familiar feel that allows outside viewers to become immersed in events that would otherwise feel complicated.
Sci-fi and fantasy readers seeking the kind of world-building chronicle that easily blends a complex setting with personal transformation and achievement will relish Philip’s return to action in this second book of a growing Elthea’s Realm series which concludes in a satisfying fashion but leaves the door open for more.”
Review by California Bookwatch:
“Elthea’s Gambit is a tale which opens with the Earth threatened by cyber attacks, while sentient malware beings, the Bots, wage their battle on Elthea’s Realm, involving members of the Utopia Project in a struggle for power and control. Between Philip’s personal revelations, fast-paced action, world-changing Bots, and ancient races; sci-fi and fantasy readers receive a storyline that flows smoothly for both new arrivals and prior readers. Attention to detailed descriptions of the conflicts between the protagonist and the Bots create vivid moments throughout the storyline that intersects nicely with discussions of trust, love, and fate. The results is a compellingly absorbing saga that is full-faceted, hard to put down, and packed with a nice juxtaposition of action and psychological insight.”