{"id":1447,"date":"2023-04-11T19:23:14","date_gmt":"2023-04-12T00:23:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/?page_id=1447"},"modified":"2023-09-01T10:17:21","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T15:17:21","slug":"corrupted-realms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/corrupted-realms\/","title":{"rendered":"Corrupted Realms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Corrupted Realms: Award Winning Dark Fantasy Series by T.B. Phillips<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Winner: Silver Medal 2022 ELit Awards (Popular Fiction)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Winner Bronze Medal 2022 Elit Awards (Fantasy\/Science Fiction)<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Who doesn't enjoy a good dark fantasy that pits faries against banshees? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here's a fantasy novel series with richly developed world building, enduring characters, a few laughs, and surprises around every turn! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story is simple, with a strong female protagonist who doesn't need saving - her realm is depending on her <\/em>to save it.<\/em> Alistaria, a product of human and fae, crosses through realms to weather the Tempest, a magical storm that cleanses the human realm every thirty days and keeps the shadow realm at bay. It was created by the man responsible for the decay and eventual destruction of her realm, her human father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wrote Corrupted Realms during the Covid 19 pandemic, desperate for a vacation to another world. I pulled creatures from celtic lore and legend, mythological beings like the puca, cat sith, Tuatha de Dannan, leprechauns, fairies, and banshees. I wanted the action to pump the heart, something a lot of fantasy novels fail at when trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throw in mythological creatures, a pair of bungling human theives with odd luck, and Corrupted Realms <\/em>becomes a fast, fun read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I truly hope you enjoy this tale, and promise so much more is yet to come .I imagine at least three novels, a collection of one-shot comic books, a comic series, and graphic novel depictions of the realms. Books One and Two are written, and Book Three is expected by the end of 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Tom \"T.B.\" Phillips (World Builder, Weaver of Tales, Fancier of Fantasy)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Wailing Tempest<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Corruption is the Price of Balance, and Realms are Crumbling\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our story begins long after a monster crossed through an open portal \u2013 a human filled with greed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His presence wreaked havoc on two lives and left behind a dire war. Blinded by conceit, he led his own world to prosperity but corruption is slowly destroying the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now the realm is stained and hearts are filled with hatred, fear, and vengeance. Only one girl can travel through the portal, and she must journey to the human realm in an attempt to set things right. Alistaria, the daughter of arrogance, must challenge Lord Radviken, the man who stole away balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Death, Darkness, and Destruction are personified in a fantasy tale full of frightening creatures and supernatural suspense! Prepare your mind for mythological crossover, thrilling depictions, and epic unraveling in this second book in the Corrupted Realms Saga!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Enjoy an excerpt from Wailing Tempest!<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter One<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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I was young when he arrived in Fainnotheria, infantile of mind and na\u00efve in my own form. I lacked the confidence only experience brings and yearned not for wisdom but instead for ignorant rebellion. My reflections upon his arrival are filled with wonder \u2013 trepidation for the fate of my people \u2013 but wonderment for the knowledge I gained by his meeting. Oh, that he had never crossed through the Fainnen Ring. <\/em><\/p>\n\u2013 Lamentations of Nastauria<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The forest darkened, marked by the incoming horde filtering the sun. Alistaria lifted her eyes, too terrified to look away from the shadow of death. Fear descended upon her, and the scores of wings buzzed against her ears. Their vibration matched the rapid pulse of her heart, throwing her into panic and sending her running toward the city walls. With a leap she was airborne \u2013 her own wings outstretched and beating with a flurry. She gained speed \u2013 careful not to fly too high or reveal her fleeing form to the invaders above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Skygate closed slowly as she made her approach, and stalwart guards braced against the pending attack. They waved wildly, urging the girl toward safety. Looking behind she saw others of her kind following. She was not alone when tending the roots, and frightened faces shared her urgency. This was not the first time the invaders had caught them unaware, and they each knew what would happen if caught. She landed beside the soldiers and turned to aid those who lagged behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young Fainne \u2013 her cousin Restarian, she recognized \u2013 had flown too high and his delicate frame was caught by muscular arms. They pulled on him as he struggled, bringing him toward needle-sharp teeth craving a chance to tear his flesh. Strong jaws bit at his neck as he writhed, thrashing and kicking while wrenching his body from their death grip. He luckily broke away and plummeted toward the canopy below \u2013 his mighty wings flapping to regain lift and escape to safety. The effort proved hopeless as two more pairs of arms plucked him from the air, lifting him high toward a waiting mass of hungry vermin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alistaria took three steps and tried to surge to her cousin\u2019s aid. She lunged into the air but returned to her bare feet when strong hands grabbed her wings. She turned to meet the eyes of the sentry \u2013 cool blue and intently focused with warning. He pointed to the East and the girl relaxed. The Kern had released from their perch and streamed upward with silvery spears aimed forward. She watched as the elite warriors, clad in shimmering golden armor, collided with the Banshee invaders and their primitive weapons of bone and iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soldier, wearing the silver armor of the city guard, urged her inside. \u201cHurry,\u201d he begged. \u201cSeek safety within and let the Kern do their work. We must secure the Skygate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI will,\u201d she promised, but her feet lingered and her eyes remained fixed on the battle above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The golden armor of the Fainnen elite glistened as they weaved in and out of their attackers \u2013 clashing wildly with the charcoal grey skin of the Banshees. The delicate features and small bones of the Fainne made them appear far nimbler than the heavier Deamhan \u2013 whose jagged jawlines and pronounced cheekbones appeared more demonic than fae. The Kern darted in and out \u2013 their agility a weapon against their larger foe.
\u201cHurry,\u201d the sentry begged. \u201cWe must shut the Skygate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cShut it,\u201d she said without diverting her brown eyes from the melee. \u201cRestarian needs my help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two Kern had pulled the attention off her friend, and his attackers danced in the air with their spinning weapons. The boy struggled, and the larger of the Banshees turned his body just in time to counter a thrust of a silver spear. The tip caught the meat of Restarian\u2019s wing, causing him to cry out and tear it further. He tumbled from the arms of the laughing Deamhan, and plummeted to the forest floor \u2013 crashing against clawing branches that ripped his skin while cushioning impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alistaria dove downward through the canopy, ignoring the shouts of the blue-eyed guard. She reached Restarian and landed softly upon bare feet beside him \u2013 barely disturbing the moss as she settled. All around the boy the green lichen had been painted red with his blood. His eyes were closed, and his breathing labored as she knelt beside him with concern. She gently checked his neck for injury and found his back had broken from the impact. It was a killing blow, and he should have been left for S\u00edth Morkur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hiss from the ferns roared the arrival of a Banshee. His massive chest heaved as he lumbered toward her, breathing deep before bellowing an alarm to his counterparts above. She would be overrun by his kind before long, and she must deal with him quickly if she were to save her friend. She raised her hand to summon any lingering power she could draw from the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A silver blur streaked past as a newcomer rushed the attacker. Flying at full speed his shield met the Deamhan\u2019s chest, knocking his wind and interrupting his hellish scream for aid. Both Fainneshee and Banshee sprawled onto the ground, tumbling and rolling \u2013 coming to rest in the undergrowth of the forest floor. The larger of the two was the first to recover and rushed the newcomer. Shocked, Alistaria watched as her savior \u2013 the guard from the Skygate above \u2013 regained his own footing and flashed a silver sword to parry a heavy blow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cHurry,\u201d he commanded through gritted teeth. \u201cHeal him so we may flee!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She nodded and bit her lip slightly while focusing on Restarian\u2019s injuries. She knew she shouldn\u2019t try to heal him, no matter their relationship. He was dying, and therefore his soul belonged to the S\u00edth and his flesh to the Ganshees. But besides the heir to the throne, he was her friend, and she must try. It was good they lay on the forest floor; the healing powers residing in the roots of the great trees would channel easier as she worked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron and Fainne silver crashed as fighting raged, but she ignored their clatter. Her concentration only broke when the flittering of tiny wings buzzed all around. Cursed Ganshees, Alistaria thought, waving her hands and shooing them off her friend. The horrible little creatures dispersed, but several remained, biting at Restarian\u2019s golden skin with sharp teeth laid out in rows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vile critters lacked noses, but they could sense his dying flesh from miles away. If left to work, they would devour and clean an entire carcass in less than an hour. She mustn\u2019t allow them to do the same to her friend. Fed up with their harassment, she summoned a bit of power from the mighty roots thrumming below her knees. Channeling it through her hand she zapped each one with a fairy bolt, sending them scurrying off to watch the battle above and bite at fresh wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lifeforce remained in Restarian\u2019s limbs, but was severed cleanly within his spine. Should he actually survive, he may neither walk nor fly unless she acted quickly. She closed her eyes and allowed the vibration of the forest to pass through her thoughts. The resonance hummed a tune of life for Fainne healers, allowing them to mend and heal but not to resurrect those who ceased to live. That art belonged to another \u2013 stolen long ago from her kind. She was a novice in this craft and focused on the severity of the boy\u2019s wounds. It was possible she was not skilled enough to mend him completely, but she must try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A second Banshee had landed beside the first and the pair converged on the sentry, driving him closer to Alistaria. \u201cDo it,\u201d he called with urgency. \u201cDo what must be done and let\u2019s be gone from this place.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI need a moment longer,\u201d she pleaded. The resonance had tuned with Restarian\u2019s pulse, vibrating invisibly beneath her hands held an inch above his neck. Soon the bones within responded, crackling as they popped into place and restoring the pressure around his nerves. The boy gasped and she shushed him reassuringly. \u201cRest easy,\u201d she cautioned, \u201cI\u2019m not finished.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He grunted and closed his eyes against the pain as she urged blood to again flow into the damaged areas. His wings fanned and air fed new growth that seemed to accelerate around the gash from the spear. The healing succeeded, and the boy would fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow!\u201d the soldier cried, pointing toward the sky. Three more Banshees swooped down to aid the others. He parried a thrust from one of his attackers and countered with a slash across an exposed hamstring. The beast fell to the ground and roared. He spun and blocked a blow from above, falling to one knee and bashing his shield into the knee of his foe. Bones shattered and the Deamhan screamed displeasure into the sky \u2013 causing others of his kind to turn toward them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alistaria jumped to her feet and reached for Restarian\u2019s hand, half-dragging him behind as she abruptly flew skyward. He beat his wings with purpose as he followed, ignoring both pain and the terrifying screech of trailing Banshees. Alistaria glimpsed beneath them and smiled with satisfaction as the sentry followed. He surged upward and past \u2013 clearing their way to the Skygate. Before long they had reached the portal and tumbled inside as a panting heap. The waiting guardsmen slammed the heavy door shut behind them, locking it into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she untangled her limbs from the others, she noticed piercing eyes casting judgement upon her actions. They were deeply set in a hallowed face, anciently carved and more distinguished than the younger Fainne. She blanched under the king\u2019s stare, suddenly hotly aware of the recklessness of her actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFoolish child,\u201d he sneered with displeasure. \u201cYour brashness could have caused them to breech the city.\u201d He gestured to the shimmering dome set atop the ramparts. \u201cThis shield has lasted centuries \u2013 older, even, than I. The Banshees have never enjoyed success in their raids, yet you nearly invited them inside Fainnotheria.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alistaria felt her knees weaken and her wings began to tremor, urging her to take flight and flee the royal chastisement from her grandfather. Yet she planted her feet and drew tall in his presence. The girl stood in his full gaze and raised her chin. With indifference to his rank she exclaimed, \u201cMy brashness saved your grandson\u2019s life, King Betarian. You should be thanking me instead of criticizing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanking?\u201d He blinked in surprise at her boldness. \u201cGaw!\u201d He spat. \u201cI believe you are as dangerous to our court as your mother. She was your age when she betrayed us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A woman\u2019s voice interrupted the king. \u201cWould you have rather driven me from court, Betarian? If I recall it was your fondness for me that allowed me to remain. I dearly called you father at one time in case you\u2019ve forgotten. Or is it simply,\u201d she asked with an eyebrow raised, \u201cyou\u2019ve reserved more punishment for the daughter I was, than the criminal I became, and you so grievously blame?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He spun in anger to meet the eyes Nastauria. The woman was a force to be reckoned with when docile, but her words flowed torrential when riled. \u201cI punished you enough,\u201d he proclaimed. He waved to his grandson who jumped to his feet and hurried to the king\u2019s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome,\u201d Betarian ordered. \u201cExplain your role in this foolishness.\u201d The monarch then turned on his heel, striding off to find a better vantage point to view the battle raging above. Restarian glanced at Alistaria only once as if to offer a grimace of both sorrow and thanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Nastauria waited until the king and her nephew had departed. Then she turned to the blue-eyed sentry standing near the Skygate. \u201cYou rescued my daughter,\u201d she offered without even glancing at her daughter. \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Torian,\u201d the guard crisply replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you for coming to her aid, Torian,\u201d she said with both an air of regality and the smile of a grateful mother. That bearing would never be lost, despite that her titles and inheritance were stripped forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was my honor, my lady.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDid you know she was my daughter when you followed her to the forest floor?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonestly, no,\u201d he admitted. \u201cI saw only a Fainne in trouble and lending aid at the same time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen why didn\u2019t you leave her to the Banshees and Ganshees? If she had died there, her soul belonged to S\u00edth Morkur.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes flicked toward Alistaria and returned to meet her mother\u2019s. The woman\u2019s stare was as intense as the king\u2019s. With candor he answered, \u201cI admired her loyalty to her friend and\u2026\u201d He paused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nastauria \u2013 impatient and not willing to draw out the conversation \u2013 demanded, \u201cand what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI also admired her boldness, my lady.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman nodded and motioned for Alistaria to follow. Once she was alone with her daughter she said, \u201cYou acted bravely, and of that I\u2019m proud. But your grandfather and I each sensed your healing of Restarian. That was how we were summoned in case you were wondering. Be careful with that,\u201d she cautioned, \u201ca healing of that strength could draw nearer those who would do you harm. Especially,\u201d she added with concern, \u201cif you steal what belongs to the S\u00edth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mother. I will be more cautious in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the future?\u201d Nastauria chuckled. \u201cIn the future I\u2019d advise you not to risk your life so recklessly.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The girl could only nod her head. There were no words with which a worthy argument could be made. \u2003<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Contributing \u201cMr. Phillips Delivers Bigly! Wow! What it felt like to be enveloped in the high-octane imagination of T.B. Phillips!\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\u2014 Eric Madeen, Professor of Literature, Tokyo University<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cIncredible World Building!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Amazon Reviewer<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Corrupted Realms: Award Winning Dark Fantasy Series by T.B. Phillips Winner: Silver Medal 2022 ELit Awards (Popular Fiction) Winner Bronze Medal 2022 Elit Awards (Fantasy\/Science Fiction) Who doesn't enjoy a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1647,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1447"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1447"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1707,"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1447\/revisions\/1707"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tbphillips.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}