Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs is a captivating
novel that takes readers through myth, mystery, and the
supernatural. This gothic narrative, set against an ancient and
mystical backdrop, explores identity, power, and human frailty
themes. Through the lens of dark fantasy, Kalòs weaves a timeless
story filled with classic gothic elements such as ominous castles,
shadowy figures, and spectral beings that linger on the edge of
perception. Gothic Dark Tale is an evocative read, perfect for dark
fantasy and gothic literature fans.
One of the outstanding features of Gothic Dark Tale is its stunning
illustrations by Luce, which enhance the haunting atmosphere. Each
illustration serves as a window into the world Kalòs has crafted,
bringing characters and scenes to life with an otherworldly, almost
ethereal quality. These portraits capture the essence of each
character and set the tone, making the narrative immersive and
visually captivating. The art complements the gothic style,
providing moments of visual introspection that connect with the
dark themes. Kalòs’s writing is richly descriptive, evoking a sense of
dread and wonder reminiscent of classic gothic literature. The prose
is lyrical, almost poetic, reflecting the themes of fate, love, and loss.
Kalòs’s atmospheric storytelling and Luce’s extraordinary
illustrations create a book that is as visually striking as it is
narratively engaging. This tale of shadows and secrets is a literary
masterpiece, highlighting the beauty of gothic storytelling and the
art of visual storytelling woven seamlessly into a narrative tapestry.
Kalòs is among the ranks of Poe, Shelley, Stoker, and Gaiman. An
incredible book.
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs is a dark and
mysterious tale of good versus evil, love versus hate, and
humanity’s continual search for meaning. Seneslaus Iulius Taranis
faces a thousand years of existence due to a pact signed by his
father, the Dacian King Diurpanus. Although he is fortunate to have
the love, understanding, and wisdom of a wonderful mentor in the
Atlantean master Deceneus, that support was only to last for thirtyseven
years before he was faced with a journey of discovery with
only his one true faithful companion beside him, the beautiful
Arabian stallion Fu’Ad. Set between 37 BC and 963 AD, the pair
roam the earth encountering strange lands, mysticism, lust, weird
dreams, and illusions, always ultimately seeking the right to die.
The story will uncover the deepest and darkest mysteries of the
cosmos, creation, evolution, and the ascent of humanity.
Ultimately, it is a journey of redemption for Seneslaus, humanity,
and you, the reader.
Every once in a while you come across a book that knocks you out
of your earthbound apathy and simple daily existence. Gothic Dark
Tale is such a story; author Kalòs will challenge all your senses, and
preconceptions, and stimulate your mind in unexpected ways. The
author is a true master of the written word and much of the prose is
almost poetic in its descriptive beauty. I found myself marveling at
the intensity of color and sensory overload generated by the
narrative. I particularly appreciated that many of the encounters
Seneslaus and Fu’Ad experienced on their journey were rooted in
historical happenings and were readily identifiable. The inclusion of
historical philosophical thought emphasized the believability of the
adventure and Seneslaus’ journey. I found myself wondering just
how I would react when faced with the certainty of a thousand
years of existence and how I would have coped with the many trials
placed in the hero’s path. I also loved the search for a utopian-style
land that he attempted to create. The illustrations are absolutely
superb and add to the enjoyment of the narrative. This is one of
those stories that begs for a second reading to ensure nothing of
value was missed the first time around. Any book that makes a
reader think and ponder as much as this one did is well worth a
highly recommended rating.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs weaves a gothic
tapestry of mystery and spiritual pursuit through the life of
Seneslaus Iulius Taranis, who, bound by a cursed pact, journeys
through history to redeem humanity's lost spirituality. Set against a
historical backdrop from 37 B.C. to 963 A.D., Seneslaus's quest
spans cultures, seeking enlightenment and self-discovery through
encounters with ancient wisdom and mystical landscapes. This
intricate, genre-blending novel immerses readers in a haunting,
sensual, and philosophically rich exploration of human purpose.
Author Kalòs's storytelling combines poetic beauty with gothic
suspense, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and
otherworldly, and I found myself totally sucked into the beautiful
use of language and atmosphere immediately. The author's deep
understanding of ancient spirituality infuses the narrative with
layers of symbolism and meaning, inviting readers to reflect on
their own journey and the grand scheme of what we go through as
human beings. This is strongly evidenced in the close narration of
different moments of discovery during Seneslaus's quest, and I
found the character portrayal captivating, bringing Seneslaus's
psychological struggles and spiritual aspirations to life in vivid,
emotionally resonant detail. The seamless blending of some very
well-researched historical details with imaginative new takes on
traditional mythos makes this novel a distinctive and immersive
read that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page.
Overall, Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager is a haunting and
thought-provoking exploration of humanity, philosophy, and
emotion, and I would certainly recommend it.
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Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs takes readers on
an epic journey through time, delving into themes of destiny, love,
power, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The story
focuses on Seneslaus Iulius Taranis, a man cursed with an
unnaturally long life due to his father's treacherous deal with the
dark force, Asmodeus. With the guidance of his mentor, Deceneus,
a wise figure from Atlantis, Seneslaus navigates a world rich in both
historical and mythical landscapes. This novel blends spiritual
quests with intense personal struggles as Seneslaus seeks
redemption and love while wrestling with the heavy burden of his
curse. It paints striking scenes of ancient civilizations and
interweaves philosophical reflections with mystical elements, all
while highlighting humanity's capacity for destruction and renewal.
I found Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager to be an ambitious
and thought-provoking story, full of depth and complexity. The
intricate plot demands attention to fully appreciate the layers of
mythology, history, and philosophy that Kalòs skillfully intertwines
throughout the narrative. The pacing, while deliberate, fits perfectly
with the sprawling timeline and epic scope of the tale. The
characters, especially Seneslaus and his loyal companion Fu'Ad, are
vividly developed, embodying symbolic significance that enhances
the novel's impact. Themes of love, power, and redemption are
explored with care. Despite the use of literary language and
complex messages, I found it a compelling read. The illustrations
and the font types blend well with the story and the settings. Also,
the imaginative scenarios and historical overlaps keep the story
engaging. Gothic Dark Tale lingers in the reader's mind, prompting
reflection long after the last page, and it is likely to resonate with
readers who relish deeply philosophical, genre-defying narratives.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Gothic Dark Tale by Kalòs follows the journey of Seneslaus,
beginning with the tragic history of Diurpanus, who betrayed and
lost everything in his pursuit of power, leading to his vengeful
transformation. Seneslaus, raised in seclusion by Deceneus, learns
about history, philosophy, and the natural world. Over time,
Seneslaus tries to reconcile his personal guilt, emotional isolation,
and the weight of his father’s past, including a dark pact.
Seneslaus’s journey takes him through multiple cities and cultures,
where he faces a gauntlet of suffering. He seeks redemption in the
creation of a peaceful society, away from violence and greed.
However, his issues continue, including a tragic love affair with
Leandro that leads to devastating consequences. It is not the first,
nor the last. Seneslaus continues in his search for purpose,
forgiveness, and, ultimately, peace.
“You have achieved a feat that is insurmountable for almost all
human beings.” Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs
is a literary fiction novel brimming with prose that draws readers
into what genuinely feels like a Greek tragedy written anew. Every
landscape, from the warm sand of the Frisian Sea to the mystical
gardens of Babil, is textured and alive, allowing readers to linger in
the story’s settings as more than mere backdrops. I liked the
symbolism, such as a wolf that is incredibly important, serving as a
metaphor for guidance, fate, and spiritual enlightenment. The
inclusion of creation, evolution, and interconnectedness,
punctuated by time-traveling and even spacecraft, challenge the
boundaries of the physical. Overall, Seneslaus’s resolution toward
grief, remorse, and quest for atonement turns this epic tale into a
meditative look into the human condition.