2024 The BookFest Award Winner • 2023 International Firebird Book Award Winner • April 2022 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com • 2022 Finalist Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book of the Year, OnlineBookClub.org

The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can an ancient force, lost aeons past, overcome fate?

Despite growing power of the forces of chaos, there is a glimmer of hope as Natharr realizes that there are also forces of order in play. It is made plain when he and his comrades escape the faceless realm and Natharr's Sight is released. It reveals just how strongly the world needs the Guardian of Maarihk and the return of the legendary Knights of Ril to the land where Mankind was created. Racing for home unwittingly leads to unearthing an ancient force created by the Olde Gods, believed lost aeons past.

Meanwhile, Darshelle and the crown prince struggle to make the most of their lives without Natharr's protection. Forced to make their own way, the fruit of Quiet One's efforts comes fully to bear, as Nathan and his summoned companion reawaken the animus of the ancient wood. The ramifications are horrible and far-reaching, changing their world forever.

Reviews

• 5/5 Stars — "Demon Seed by W.D. Kilpack III is a fantastic and sweeping novel, and it goes from strength to strength in this incredibly ambitious series. Natharr is unique from other classically sighted characters in the genre in that his memory is not recalled; it is inflicted. His agency is ripped away, and, physically, he is thrust into thirst, constriction, loss of motor control, and sensory distortion, and Kilpack makes the reader feel it in crushing, visceral detail. The world-building is excellent, the standout for me being Darshelle and the ancient wood, tactile and cinematically described. “There was never any high wind … when it rained, the drops were large, like coins, and they fell all in the same direction: straight down.” I love the dynamic between Bu and Nathan. Bu is a summoned Demon bound through a blood rite. There is a massive twist at the end, but readers are fortunate in that book four, Rilari, is already out." — Asher Syad for Reader's Favorite
• 5/5 Stars — "Demon Seed is the thrilling and fast-paced third book in the New Blood Saga ... Kilpack does not disappoint! Demon Seed is a shocking and brilliant tale that will reintroduce readers to characters we have come to love/be invested in. In this third book, the stakes are as high as ever and the story the reader is taken on will enthrall, captivate and excite its readers ... Kilpack from the beginning hooked me and kept me enchanted to the very end. I have to recommend Demon Seed to readers that love epic fantasy! Demon Seed is one that is full of shocks, thrills, and twists and turns galore that will keep you on edge from beginning to end. [It] is an incredibly suspenseful novel. [Demon Seed] did not let me down, this saga has not lost its momentum or uniqueness. Kilpack is an exceptional author [who] knows how to flawlessly transport his readers into the story. The descriptions are phenomenal. Demon Seed is a magnificent and entertaining book that will easily entertain its readers for many hours! That is why I of course have to award this incredible book five stars!" — RedHeadedBookLover.com
• 5/5 Stars — Demon Seed "is one hell of a ride and it simply cannot be described in just a few sentences. It just can’t! The author’s forte is his descriptive prowess when presenting a scene. Case in point, the meeting with Drah in the cave. I will not spoil it here for future readers but it is outright scary. Then Natharr acquires a new 'fan,' which requires a diplomatic touch. Add to that the moment when Nathan realises what he has become and how he struggles with all that it means with all of its far-reaching ramifications. The way the book manoeuvres through its many intricate facets left me exhausted but still wanting more! New characters intermingled with old characters. New revelations concerning Nathan were presented in ways that were fascinating, intriguing, and scary, all at the same time! Demon Seed is deep, raw, powerful, and entertaining. It is worth the time of starting with book one, Crown Prince, and relishing every page!" — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia)
• 5/5 Stars — Demon Seed is "an immersive story, the world building vast, the characters and their relationships deeply developed. The attention to detail is part of the fun, and it’s easy to forget the real world when reading. These factors do lend toward a moderate pace, not a bad thing for most fantasy readers. The book is still divided by two strong subplots. The first centers on Natharr. He and his Order of Light are finding their way in a changed world, with new psychic skills, new peoples and beings, and for those who enjoy dragons, there be dragons! Relationships are changing, and I’m not always happy about it. That’s one of the compelling things about dark fantasy – unpredictability. Authors don’t mind when the heroes are flawed, when they defy readers' expectations, and break their hearts. It’s a love/hate thing that keeps me glued to the pages. The other subplot is the crown prince Nathan’s story. I just knew Nathan was naively heading into serious peril. He just can’t see it, and it’s breathtaking to watch. Poor Darshelle is a mess, and I really felt for her. I want her to make it. I want Nathan to get a grip – but he’s a teenager – enough said. Like previous books, this installment of the story doesn’t have a distinct conclusion and should be read in order as part of a single, ongoing epic tale. Part of the danger of a long series like this is that it will sag in the middle or lose some of its cohesion. That hasn’t happened!" — D. Wallace Peach, author of The Shattered Sea Duology
• 5/5 Stars — "Piece by piece, a beautiful world comes alive! I really enjoy how the story transforms into a puzzle that reveals itself as I read further. With each chapter, I felt like I was discovering another part of the world the author built. A fantastic read!" — Lia Christie
• 5/5 Stars — "W.D. Kilpack III writes another remarkable epic tale! In Demon Seed, the reader is brought into a fantastical world of chaos. What an incredible world built by Kilpack! I am a big fan of his and read whatever he writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Natharr discovers that forces of order still exist, leading him to uncover an ancient power. However, there is more to the story: Darshelle and the crown prince are left unprotected. It is a long but worthwhile read. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down! Natharr develops throughout the story, as he encounters things that are unpredictable, even to this reader. The author's technique of creating magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. Demon Seed is a definite recommendation!" — Amy's Bookshelf Reviews
• 4.5/5 Stars — "The New Blood Saga continues to capture readers with interesting character and plot developments enriched with nuance and authenticity. I have come to deeply appreciate the detailed prose that is both immersive and does not overextend its welcome. With each instalment, Kilpack takes you on an intimate journey with these characters that twist and turn in such surprising ways. I can’t help but continue to see where things will go! At the same time, new characters and settings are introduced and the world-building beautifully expands, enhancing the scope of this EPIC fantasy world."— Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, Canada)
• 4.5/5 Stars — "An enthralling installment in the New Blood Saga that takes readers on a thrilling journey! Kilpack masterfully weaves together elements of fantasy and adventure, immersing readers in a richly imagined universe where forces of chaos and order clash in an epic battle. Natharr's growth as the Guardian of Maarihk is compelling, and his internal struggles add depth to his journey. The supporting characters, such as Darshelle and the crown prince, bring their own perspectives and challenges ... that readers can invest in. Kilpack's prose is evocative and vivid ... the descriptions of the ancient forces and the consequences of their awakening are haunting and thought-provoking. Demon Seed is a must-read for those seeking a thrilling and immersive fantasy reading experience! Kilpack's skillful storytelling will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this gripping saga!" — Just Pratibha (India)
• 3/4 Stars — "I love the values taught in [Demon Seed, such as] loyalty [and] the true meaning of love! Events in the story come to life! Demon Seed is well recommended to lovers of adventure and suspense ... the story will keep [you] till the very end!" — OnlineBookClub.org

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