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Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood

International Impact Book Award • The BookFest Award • International Firebird Book Award • Runner-Up Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book of the Year, OnlineBookClub.org
The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Will his Sight be true? Or will his impure Firstblood prove the ruin of us all?
Natharr is Guardian of Maarihk, 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 how to save the life of the newborn Crown Prince Vikari so he may one day reclaim the throne of the land where Mankind was created, back in the time when the Olde Gods still walked.

About the Author

W.D. Kilpack III, MPC, PSMC, is an award-winning and critically acclaimed science-fiction and fantasy author, with works appearing in print, online, radio and television, starting with his first publication credit at the age of nine, when he wrote an award-winning poem. As an adult, his first three novels, Crown Prince, Order of Light, and Demon Seed each received the International Firebird Book Award and the The BookFest Award, while Crown Prince won the International Impact Book Award. Demon Seed and Rilari were both Editor’s Choice on BooksShelf and, Order of Light and Rilari were Top Picks. He also received Honorable Mention from L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest for his novella, Pale Face. In total, his books have received 24 awards. He has been editor and/or publisher of 19 news and literary publications, both online and in print, with circulations as high as 770,000. He is a partner in Safe Harbor Films, LLC, where he does their screenwriting and oversees their marketing efforts.
He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westminster University. As an undergrad, he double-majored in communication and philosophy, while completing the Honors Program. As a graduate student, he earned a master of professional communication with a writing emphasis. He was also a high-performing athlete, qualifying for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling.
For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He is an accomplished cook and has cooked nearly every type of food on a grill. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he continues to live, consult and educate.

 

Litlinks Review

Crown Prince: Book One of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III is a compelling fantasy novel and the first installment in the New Blood Saga. The story weaves a rich tapestry of high-stakes drama, intricate world-building, and character-driven conflict. The protagonist, Natharr, is the Guardian of Maarihk, tasked with protecting humanity and ensuring the survival of the titular Crown Prince Vikari, whose destiny ties deeply to the fate of their world. The narrative explores themes of prophecy, duty, and resilience.

Kilpack’s skillful world-building and his ability to create an immersive atmosphere is something that kept me hooked on to this one. The story starts with a gripping sequence involving the birth of the Crown Prince amidst peril, setting the tone for a saga full of tension and grandeur. Natharr’s stoic demeanor and his sacred duty as a seer add depth to his character, making him a compelling focus for the tale. Critics have highlighted the Shakespearean gravitas of the narrative, with its mix of dark storytelling and emotionally charged moments.

The book’s pacing and descriptive prose garnered my attention, drawing me into its intricate plots and the struggles of its characters. However, the inclusion of mature themes and some violence suggests it’s best suited for older teens and adults.

For fans of epic and character-driven fantasy, Crown Prince offers a fascinating journey and sets the stage for an engaging saga.

It’s won accolades such as the International Firebird Book Award and The BookFest Award, further cementing its appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. You can find more about the book and purchase options on our Featured Book section and also on platforms like Amazon and the author’s official website (Featured Authors).

 

Country of Origin

USA

Available Formats

ebook, paperback