- Recommended Age Range: 10 and up
- Formats: E-Book
- Approx. Length: 7,111 Words
- Story 2 of the Lastenberg series.
The tales of Lastenberg relate the hero’s on-going battle against evil.
Lastenberg is summoned to protect the inhabitants of Dathzon every few hundred years or so, when no one else can find a way to save the world. Each short story in this collection tells one of those times and his struggles to protect the land from perils. Though the world he saves changes as decades pile, the hero never dies.
Samples
“In their hearts they wondered how the ocean smelled, how a distant range of mountains glistened when touched by ice, and how the world of yore sounded when graced with abundance.”
Most of the people longed to see the outer lands. In their hearts they wondered how the ocean smelled, how a distant range of mountains glistened when touched by ice, and how the world of yore sounded when graced with abundance. Everyone had lived in Ettron Forest and Gonith Plains for as long as anyone could recall. In the center was The Mountain, a single peak that held a temple at its summit. There The Staff of Hope was sheltered, which held back the darkness from consuming their small refuge. The Dark Dirt had long before consumed the rest of the world. But all that had changed.
~ from Ere The Dark Dirt
The sky was clean and the crown of the world shone again of gold. For a time far too long the skies of Dathzon had been murky with death. It was the night that would not leave the horizon. Yet now it seemed to the people who lived their lives in the shadow of The Mountain, a new age was arising and a new brighter morning had been born. Right they were, for the sun ascended with hope steering the way. The sight was one unseen for many a year prior. Dawn stretched from horizon to horizon, painting the heavens with rainbow hues. It may not seem like a rare sight to you, but for the people of Dathzon it was the first time they had ever seen the glory of sunrise so full. And they cherished it.
The Land of Dark Dirt held no sway over the world anymore. It was gone. The once impermeable clouds now showered down as rain into the barren lands, and rivers flowed where only blackness had clogged their way. Mountains rose from obscurity in the far distance for the hearts of adventurers to absorb. Up to this day the people knew but a single mountain, that which they dwelled around. They knew little even of the white snow adorning others of grander stature.
A new world blossomed, and everyone who stood to watch it was breathless in awe. After all, unexplored wilderness is the most magnificent part of a world rich with life.
These were the days after The Dark Dirt. And they were void yet full of wondrous beginnings. The days ere The Dark Dirt were nothing the same, filled with lives but gathering death everywhere. The time during the darkness held a careful line between life and death, for each ruled parts of Dathzon.
Honors & Praise
“Lopez maintains a consistent epic feel throughout the book. From the characters’ language to their culture, the author has created a unique magical world with endless possibilities. The book covers the topic of human materialism and thirst for power.”
“For three centuries, humans have lived in a magic bubble, safe from the Dark Dirt, a darkness that consumes everyone in its path. The hero Lastenberg finally vanquishes the darkness and releases them from the bubble, but no one knows how long it will take for the Dark Dirt to be cleansed from the outer realms of the world. Lastenberg leaves the people in the now renewed land of Dathzon, gives them a second chance at life, and warns them to discipline themselves and not release any evil they cannot control. Many people want to venture into the unknown, gather treasures and dwell in vast lands, but they all agree to give nature time and space to heal. Will this peace last? Read Ere the Dark Dirt (Lastenberg Book 2) by Rafael Lopez to find out.
Ere the Dark Dirt by Rafael Lopez is an epic fantasy novel that will introduce you to a captivating story and cast. The legendary Lastenberg is a mysterious archer who is summoned every few hundred years to defend the people of Dathzon. Lopez maintains a consistent epic feel throughout the book. From the characters' language to their culture, the author has created a unique magical world with endless possibilities. The book covers the topic of human materialism and thirst for power. The people of Dathzon have been freed and given a chance to learn from their mistakes, but they still want more. The author explores the greedy nature of man and the destructive consequences that can follow. I loved this book and hope to read more from this series because Lastenberg is one of the most intriguing characters I have ever encountered.”
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite
♥
“Also a must read by Rafael are, ‘OPON-HUL’ and ‘Ere The Dark Dirt’, from the LASTENBERG tales. Rafael is a (brilliant] young man and author.”
Quinn Cullen
Amazon Review for A World Of Words
Purchase / Review / Spread The Word
E-Book
Related Books
A part of The World Of Eath Project by Rafael Lopez
