Friday, May 2, 2014

The Trials of Caste by Joel D. Babbitt Excerpt


Title: The Trials of Caste
Author: Joel D.  Babbitt
Genre: Fantasy

A Game of Destiny, a Throne, a Paladin, a Prophecy... and Kobolds

In this explosive first novel in the Paladin of a Hidden God Series, the ancient game of destiny known as the Trials of Caste shows the Will of the Gods and reveals the Hand of the Fates.

A fresh voice in the Fantasy genre, Joel Babbitt’s story of Durik the kobold and his companions is genuine, triumphant, and absorbing.  In two days and two square miles of caverns, Joel takes the reader deep into the heart of a tribe in turmoil.  Looming insurrection, insurgent pacts, ancient powers, noble designs, and young aspirations combine to make the unforgettable coming-of-age tale of Durik the kobold and his companions.

With their year of training now past, Durik and six other young warriors are about to undergo the Trials of Caste where all of them will strive for the coveted position of elite warrior and the prestige and power that comes with it, though only one will win.  Simultaneously, a deadly conspiracy threatens to destroy their tribal leaders and seize the throne for its own evil purposes.  Durik and his six companions must each chose sides as the actions of an insurgent pact bring a day of decision for all the children of Kale.  Yet through it all, as if from beyond where the ancestors go, an ancient power calls to Durik, strengthening him as he and his closest companions risk everything to fight against this encroaching evil.



Author Bio
Joel Babbitt is an officer in the U.S. Army and a bishop in his church.  He has spent his entire adult life living and teaching principles of leadership and team building in a warrior environment.  Joel and his family live in Maryland, USA.

(Joel and his interior illustrator Anna Cate in 2006)

Follow the author at:
@AuthorJoel on Twitter

Excerpt 

It was at that exact moment that the dour Troll decided he had had enough.  No matter what was delaying his warriors under the trainers stand behind him, he had to take action.  Drawing his sword, he turned and barked “Death to Lord Karthan!”  Without even seeing if his warriors were with him, Troll leapt at Lord Karthan, sword held high and ready to strike.
Khazak Mail Fist, however, had been waiting intently for Troll to make his move.  Drawing his own sword and spinning to face him in one fluid motion, the chamberlain blocked Troll’s strike, their swords ringing loudly in the massive cavern of the arena.
At the crack of the two blades meeting, everyone instantly began to move.  

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