The International Impact Book Awards announced the winners of their most recent book competition. Winning in the Epic Fantasy category was Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood by Utah author W.D. Kilpack III.
Kilpack said, "Seeing some of the past winners, it's a real honor for my name to be on that list. It's always amazing to have someone recognize the value of my work, but this feels a little more significant to me coming from an organization like this. It's incredibly gratifying."
Crown Prince is the first of the eight-book New Blood Saga, which centers around Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk. He is one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be. He adheres to his sacred duties even in the centuries since the Firstborn were forced to the brink of extinction by the Aa. Natharr still stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. He spends decades planning, even for saving the life of the newborn Crown Prince, Vikari, so he may one day reclaim the throne of the land where Mankind was created in the time when the Olde Gods walked.
The International Impact Book Awards is a prestigious platform that welcomes submissions from self-published authors, traditional publishing houses, and innovative publishers alike. Entrants can be print or e-book format, because the organization seeks to recognize and celebrate "impactful stories that resonate with excellence." According to their Web site, "Winning an International Impact Book Award is more than an accolade – it’s a testament to the quality and significance of your work."
USA Today best-selling author K.C. Finn said, "Author W.D. Kilpack III presents an atmospheric and immersive journey into a richly crafted fantasy world, balancing a strong character-led adventure with a wider web of plots, setting up a highly complex and enjoyable fantasy saga to follow. There’s a clear flair for character, dialogue, and attitude from the start, with Natharr's intense presence affecting all who encounter him and making for some really dynamic clashes. The weightiness of his responsibilities and the depth of the world-building immediately gripped my attention and, as the story unfolded, the way the characters’ attitudes and actions were shaped by the realism of the worldbuilding was totally compelling. This book delivers on every promise of pulse-pounding adventure — thanks to the swift pacing of the plot, coupled with dark storytelling, strong descriptive skills, and captivating character development that balances emotion with duty well. Overall, I would certainly recommend Crown Prince as an incredible opener to an exciting new fantasy series, and I’m all the more eager to continue exploring this fantastical realm."
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