Blurb:

Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, embarks on perhaps the most daring expedition of the Kingdom of Esenworth so far. His mission is to try to earn the blessing of the Reverend Sven, who is none other than his love’s father, probably the most influential man in the realm. But on his journey beset by fierce storms, he and his men encounter something that could shake to the core not only their faith, but their very concept of the world as well. Meanwhile, far from the oceans, his love, Emma, is trying to disentangle herself from the spider’s web of intrigue and scheming, into which she is being drawn ever deeper by Erick the new king.

And the dark clouds just keep gathering above – ancient beasts, stranger than ever, appear at sea, on land and even in the skies more and more frequently. They roar with a metallic screech, their eyes glow with an unnatural light, their skin hard and rigid as armor.

Can order be upheld in this age blind to divine prophecy, in the largest kingdom of the North, where the monarch’s mind is coming undone just like reality itself?

Our heroes must struggle ceaselessly to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins. But what are they going to do once they have the answers?

Review:

In Norbert Zsivicz's "Sealed Empire," readers are treated to a unique concoction of fantasy and science fiction, where the boundaries between the two genres blur in an interesting narrative dance.

At its core, "Sealed Empire" presents a world divided, not just geographically but thematically as well. The tale unfolds with Edward, a sailor embarking on a perilous journey across the northern seas, entangled in both the mysteries of the deep and the complexities of human relationships. Meanwhile, political intrigue simmers in the background as Emily, his love interest, navigates the treacherous waters of courtly life and forbidden love.

The opening scene of "Sealed Empire" thrusts readers into a whirlwind of drama and spectacle, a grand overture to the epic saga that unfolds. As Edward and his comrades confront a titanic steel monstrosity amidst the tumultuous northern seas, the stage is set for a narrative of staggering proportions. With each clash of metal and surge of waves, Zsivicz's pen conjures a cinematic masterpiece, immersing readers in a world alive with peril and wonder. Amidst the chaos, every detail is carefully etched, each moment pulsating with palpable tension. It's a testament to the author's artistry that amidst the fury of battle, the scene remains coherent and captivating, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's imagination. Indeed, it's a dazzling display of storytelling prowess that sets the tone for the gripping odyssey that lies ahead.

What distinguishes "Sealed Empire" is its fusion of two seemingly disparate worlds — one steeped in the mystique of medieval fantasy, the other pulsating with the energy of advanced technology. As the story progresses, the lines between these realms blur, inviting readers into a mind-bending exploration of perception and reality.

Blending science fiction and fantasy is akin to orchestrating a delicate dance between two distinct worlds, each with its own rules, aesthetics, and conventions. In "Sealed Empire," Norbert Zsivicz undertakes this ambitious task with admirable gusto, weaving together elements of magic and technology to create a tale that is both immersive and expansive. However, like any intricate fusion, there are moments where the seams strain under the weight of divergent genres. At times, the clash between the fantastical and the futuristic threatens to disrupt the narrative flow, leaving readers momentarily adrift in a sea of conflicting imagery and themes. While Zsivicz ultimately succeeds in maintaining the balance between these disparate elements, there are instances where the struggle to reconcile the two genres detracts from the overall coherence of the story. Nevertheless, such moments are fleeting, and the strength of the author's vision ultimately shines through, guiding readers on a captivating journey through the interwoven realms of science fiction and fantasy.

Zsivicz crafts a narrative rich in depth and complexity, introducing a diverse cast of characters whose perspectives weave together to form a tapestry of intrigue and adventure. However, navigating these perspectives can prove challenging, as the book eschews traditional chapter numbering in favor of character names, adding an extra layer of immersion for the reader.

The true genius of "Sealed Empire" lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Just as the characters grapple with the mysteries of their world, so too are readers drawn into a web of uncertainty and revelation. The journey towards the final twist is marked by anticipation and intrigue, yet the revelation itself may leave some readers yearning for a deeper foundation. While Norbert Zsivicz deftly plants seeds of mystery throughout the narrative, there's a lingering sense that more could have been done to fully prepare readers for the climactic revelation. The twist, while undeniably intriguing, arrives with a degree of suddenness that may leave some craving additional foreshadowing and setup. Like a magician unveiling their grand finale without the necessary preamble, the impact of the twist may be somewhat diminished by its abrupt arrival. Nevertheless, the strength of the story's premise and the richness of its world-building ensure that even if the final twist falls slightly short of expectations, the journey to get there remains a compelling and rewarding experience.

"Sealed Empire" ventures into dark territory with a scene of graphic depiction of SA that may give pause to sensitive readers. Personally forewarned, I was able to navigate past this scene, though others may find themselves reconsidering their engagement with the novel entirely. What's particularly disappointing is that this graphic moment ultimately feels like a narrative dead end, offering little in the way of substantive enrichment to the overall story. While the inclusion of such content may serve to underscore the book's gritty realism, its execution may leave readers questioning its narrative necessity and impact. Thus, while "Sealed Empire" offers a riveting tale of fantasy and science fiction, this particular detour may prove more off-putting than illuminating for some readers.

In conclusion, "Sealed Empire" offers a fascinating blend of fantasy and science fiction, delivering a narrative that is both accessible and thought-provoking. Whether you seek the comfort of familiar medieval settings or the thrill of futuristic intrigue, this book promises a journey worth embarking on. So, dive in and discover the secrets of the Sealed Empire for yourself.