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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