Title: The Last Sovereign
Author: A.J. Bugayong
Publisher: Independently publishedÂ
Genre:Â Fantasy
First Publication:Â 2023
Language:Â English
Book Summary: The Last Sovereign by A.J. Bugayong
A tale of lost kingdoms, unbreakable destinies, and the impending return of evil, The Last Sovereign is the beginning of an epic fantasy series, perfect for fans of perilous adventures and dark fantasy.
Open the rift. Take the Throne.
When the Fadean Horde descended upon the world, their merciless campaign left nothing but carnage and devastation in their wake. Monstrous abominations, colossal predators, and demented gods unleashed their fury upon the Waking World, claiming a third of its population. Heroes rose to vanquish Ras’Drayev, the Sovereign of the Abyss, scattering the Horde to the far corners of the world. But the evil that wrought such destruction never truly dies.
The fallen god’s return looms, and only one person can stop him: Lana Tel’redor, a small-town adventurer and the last true bloodline of the Sovereign of Mankind. She must ascend to godhood to face the Horde and its acolytes, but many fear that her quest will only lead to Ras’Drayev’s hastened return. Her path to divinity will be dark and treacherous, and the consequences of failure will be catastrophic for all.
Book Review: The Last Sovereign by A.J. Bugayong
A.J. Bugayong’s debut fantasy novel, The Last Sovereign, introduces readers to a richly crafted world still reeling from an ancient war between humanity and dark forces known as the Fadean Horde. Set predominantly in the recovering lands near the cursed Kalar Forest, the novel follows Lana Tel’redor, a young terramancer struggling with her destiny as the last descendant of mankind’s greatest champion. Through Lana’s adventures and personal journey, Bugayong launches an epic saga that promises great peril, intrigue and adventure in subsequent volumes.
The Last Sovereign wastes no time pulling readers into its immersive fantasy setting, still scarred by horrors known as the Endless Night. Long ago, the tyrannical god Ras’Drayev and his monstrous Fadean Horde laid waste to over a third of the human population before being vanquished. Yet the palpable taint of that ancient evil remains, threatening to resurrect once more through Ras’Drayev’s growing influence over Lana’s psyche. Bugayong deftly utilizes flashbacks and sinister dreams to slowly reveal the apocalyptic scope of this dark past, making the stakes of Lana’s burgeoning destiny feel epic and ominous.
While gripping from the onset, Bugayong also takes care to gradually unfold the complex workings of this post-war world. Lana resides in the frontier-like town of Maraz, situated on the edge of the mysterious and corrupted Kalar Forest. Through Lana’s eyes, readers are introduced to the various factions that have risen in the aftermath, such as the Mancer Authority of the Phoenix Empire and the Phoenix Legion peacekeeping force. Political intrigue also emerges through mentions of restrictions recently placed upon heroes by the Mancer Advocate. Bugayong economically seeds lore and foreshadowing about both Lana’s royal lineage and the broader state of the human lands without confusing new readers.
At the center of this well-painted setting stands Lana herself, the book’s main protagonist. As the descendant of the renowned ‘Sovereign Slayer’ King Filius, Lana faces constant pressure and expectations that she seemingly rebels against. Trained from a young age by Filius’ allies like Captain Wayward, Lana possesses immense magical potential and physical prowess. Yet she also struggles with inner demons and her place in the world, craving adventure and independence over a gilded legacy. Readers are instantly drawn to Lana’s complexity and defiance of stereotypes, making her journey of self-discovery equally compelling.
Much of the intrigue in the early chapters comes from Lana’s first major quest into the corrupted Kalar Forest. Tracking missing travelers, Lana bravely pushes deeper into increasing danger and corruption than most would dare. Here, Bugayong displays a masterful ability to steadily raise tension through ominous descriptions of the forest’s unnatural state. The harrowing battle against the massive Nansi hive especially showcases Lana’s grit and strength while also demonstrating the author’s talent for vivid action scenes. More mysteries are also uncovered, such as the disturbing ruins of Ras’Drayev’s former Black Citadel that seem tied to Lana’s growing nightmares.
Where some fantasy authors may info-dump or rush exposition, Bugayong engages readers through skillful world-building within the compelling frame of Lana’s adventure. Plot points are carefully drip-fed to maintain an air of mystery, constantly hinting at the looming return of Ras’Drayev without detracting from Lana’s personal story. Political intrigue is likewise introduced through Captain Wayward’s concerns instead of long expositional monologues. Even secondary characters like Initiates Ari and Pako are painted with enough personality in brief scenes to feel fully formed. Bugayong’s naturalism makes readers feel fully immersed within this living, breathing setting.
It is in the climactic moments of Lana’s confrontation with the Nansi swarm that The Last Sovereign truly earns its title and sets the stage for future volumes. Confronting death, Lana taps into a terrifying ancient power seemingly connected to Ras’Drayev himself. While forcing her to question her destiny, this display of raw strength also propels her legend among citizens of Maraz. Most importantly, it hints that Lana may be the only one who can stop the maddened god from fully resurrecting. This cliffhanger ending leaves readers desperate to explore Lana’s divinity and continue her conflict against the spreading malevolent influence.
From a technical standpoint, Bugayong’s writing is polished and engrossing. Fluid prose immerses readers in vivid sensory details without wordiness. Well-paced storytelling alternates between suspenseful action and quiet character moments. Plot threads are carefully doled out to keep readers guessing without resorting to hollow cliffhangers or cheap surprises. Complex yet relatable characters are deftly developed throughout rather than info-dumped all at once. Subtle foreshadowing of deeper lore and Ras’Drayev’s multifaceted threat enhance speculation around the greater meta-narrative.
Overall, The Last Sovereign marks A.J. Bugayong as an author to watch within epic fantasy. He has crafted a richly compelling new world still scarred by ancient evil, with vast potential for darkness, magic, and heroism. The introduction of Lana Tel’redor as a complex female protagonist fighting against expectations makes this an especially refreshing addition to the genre. With mysteries barely scratched and an ominous antagonist’s return on the horizon, readers will be eagerly anticipating the next volume. The Last Sovereign is a phenomenal beginning to what promises to become an epic fantasy saga spanning war, duty and the true meaning of destiny.
