What is your stance?
The Empress’ Palace
The Nehel Series Book 2
By Joseph Kopel
Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure
Four years following the first book’s events.
Empress Nehel must navigate the complexities of ruling a Jyistereerk at war — the Deken Karsaker — while facing personal struggles and unforeseen circumstances.
The balance, once restored, shatters again with the loss of the continent of Ryza, all while a lost realm to the Gesha revives. Yet, a conspiracy within the Kingdom of Fenn ignites doubt as Nehel faces harsh decisions in the tragedy’s aftermath.
A story of coming of age, first love, and personal growth. This gripping tale will leave readers on the edge of their seats as they journey through a world of magic, intrigue and unexpected twists.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DQV34TSP
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222740098-the-empress-palace
Four years ago, Empress Nehel’s coronation marked the establishment of the Jyistereerk. The Deken Karsaker had not yet gained control, as the Korbas continued to resist the imperial forces and taint the land. Thus, a war without war. The current was the Tikl the Second of Nehel.
The sound of the doors being kicked open by the hooded man echoed through the tavern, halting the music and conversation, and plunging the room into a tense stillness. As a storm raged in the background, all eyes remained fixed on him.
Droplets of water fell on the wooden floor from his soaked black cloak. The mysterious male began walking across the tables. He seemed to search for something, or someone, with a rough brow.
The commensals from different races and genders assumed he was heading to the counter to order a drink, but he roamed around the tavern, disrupting the waitresses’ work as they balanced brew mugs on their trays. In the end, they saw him come to a halt at a particular table tucked away in a corner.
He stood at that exact spot, the sound of a cane hitting the floor reverberated, causing him to turn his gaze towards its holder—an elder with a disfigured face that revealed the effects of his corrupted soul. “So long time, and so far, yet, you have persisted in the search, Master,” accompanied by a nod and a menacing grin, he spoke in a voice that seemed to echo from the depths of a cavern.
Alessandro Eskar, Pillar of the Jyistereerk, lowered his hood and fixed him with a suspicious gaze. “I would keep searching for you until the last corners of Sankaris, Lord Rim,” a hoarse voice emerged from him as he replied, his words were with distrust. “Ever since our last meeting in the Dri, I have been determined to make amends for my failure with the treaty, as I promised the Divine Empress.”
Kong Rim’s eerie grin vanished as he scrutinized Alessandro, examining every part of him. “Youhave grown into a mature man,” the old man pointed at him with his cane, emphasizing each word. “I could not help but notice how much more determined and confident you have become since our time in the villa, in stark contrast to your insecure past.”
“Do not speak about me,” he warned, “as I request your presence. The Divine Empress will ensure justice is served!” Some commensals left the tavern in fear as they heard the Master’s firm and authoritarian voice, feeling a chilling tension.
“The only justice in this land is Ardek Korba! Lord of the Netherworld!” His grin appeared again, but more malevolent than before. “I must warn that the death of me will cause the utter ruin of your niece’s existence!”
Rim’s eyes turned fiery red as he shifted into a menacing black dragon, prepared to launch an attack on Alessandro, while the witnesses shrieked in terror. Determined to end him, the grotesque Korbeen jumped from his chair.
Kopel, Joseph. The Empress’ Palace: Tikl the Second of Nehel (The Nehel Series Book 2) (p. 4-6). Kindle Edition.
The Empress’ Journey
The Nehel Series Book 1
Amid turmoil and despair, a new hope arises as a young empress.
The Gesha obliterated the once thriving but ailing Kingdom of Aranka, triggering an imbalance in Sankaris. Epidemics, wars, pollution, and madness plague the land as the protagonists pursue for answers.
A glimmer of faith spreads throughout the maimed world as the Promise. Her rise to power brings a much-needed balance, ensuring a fresh start and the dawning of a new era.
Will she unravel the mysteries behind these afflictions and restore the balance to Sankaris?
Join this captivating tale of humanity, resilience, determination, and the search for truths in a world gripped by darkness.
Disclaimer: The Ebook version is intentionally simplified for easy access on different devices and doesn’t have interior designs. The contents remain unchanged from the printed version.
Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CPLDZKR9
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-empress-journey-tikl-the-first-of-nehel-by-joseph-kopel
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203297039-the-empress-journey
Book Trailer:
The Promise has to accept her stance.
“I am just a small girl with all the burden of an empire.”
Beings of pure evilness.
“I had an encounter with a wraith of nightmarish malevolence!”
Tests of loyalty.
“Do not ya see, indeed, the Promise is with this knight?”
The Gesha (Prologue)
So many stories about the Gesha spread throughout Sankaris. Unfolded in different accounts, but the same culmination.
Though restricted to half a continent, the influence reached all over the world.
None of the four moons were visible that night as dark clouds gathered over the ailing Kingdom of Aranka.
A realm so cursed by the plague and the sudden death of two monarchs in a short time.
The thunderstorm came afterward.
A massive roar echoed from the clouds, even in distant places on three continents.
The sound was too bizarre to be a rumble of thunder.
The blazing white lightning impossible to see fell to the ground somewhere in Aranka. A burning reverberation resonated, shrieking.
The powerful earthquake trembled the underground.
Twisted and massive, rapid winds danced along with the fire. It lasted a moment in time but seemed an eternity.
Then, void. Silence, darkness. Without a trace, the clouds vanished, unveiling the night sky with the imposing moons of No Sak and No Nunn.
By the morning, when the sun arose, Aranka was no more.
Nothing.
All existence of a realm gone.
Life became dead. Sand only sand. Desert.
A kingdom obliterated.
Everyone knew the morning sensed strange.
A severed balance immutably maimed Sankaris.
Excerpt from: Kopel, Joseph. The Empress’ Journey: Tikl the First of Nehel (pp. 7-8). Joseph Kopel. Kindle Edition.
“I have a feeling there is more you wish to reveal. Have you forgotten?” she said with a fixed stare. “What is my life stance?”
“Aye, Lakia,” he smiled with apprehension. “You were born as the Promise of the Jyistereerk, an empress entrusted with bringing balance to this ill world.”
The girl, feeling a sense of tranquility, turned her gaze towards the majestic Karekall Mountains. She understood what dwelt beyond the formidable mountains and knew her purpose. Still, an essence of chilling mystery hid behind.
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About the Author
Joseph Kopel is an imaginative author who has transitioned from Sci-Fi to Space Opera and now ventures into the realm of Fantasy with his debut in the genre.
What began as a hobby has grown into thirty-five years of writing. Being bilingual, he switched between English and Spanish. The greatest influences on him were the Latin American literature in Mexico City’s libraries and the most famous American Sci-Fi authors.
When he is out of any fantastic realm to be in the world of reality, he enjoys his time with his wife, three kids, and his two pets.
Currently, he lives in Northwest Missouri, in a small peaceful country town of only 250 people.
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