THE EMISSARY is an epic story of love reborn through the ages. Combining great writing with deep philosophical thought. The award-winning authors blend spirituality, fantasy, and adventure into a sprawling novel that explores humanity’s desire to create a golden era of peace and prosperity. It is an unforgettable tale of eternal love, betrayal, and the hope that binds us all.
The Emissary is Book 1 in The One Great Year Series and has been optioned for Film and/or Television development.
Published: October 9th 2018
Publisher: Waterside Press
Genre(s): Fantasy
Pages: Paperback 452
When the world collapses from a Golden Age into one of chaos and strife, mankind’s salvation lies in the hands of eternal Emissaries― guardians chosen to protect the secrets of a sacred, ancient civilization and to guide humanity back to enlightenment even as its darkest hour approaches.
A timeless tale of love reborn through the ages.
Marcus and Theron are two lovers bound by an eternal and unshakable bond. As a series of catastrophic events nearly destroys their world, the two along with a chosen few become Emissaries destined, over the course of 13,000 years and through many reincarnations, to lead humanity into an era of peace and prosperity as foretold by the Elders of their race. But the forces of evil have taken possession of one man, Helghul, who relentlessly pursues Marcus and Theron through time, determined to destroy them and ruin all hope for salvation. The Emissary tracks Marcus’s epic adventure across centuries of human civilization to present day, where envoys of darkness gather threatening to bury the life-giving secrets of Atitala forever.
Good and evil come to blows and the future of mankind hangs in the balance.
“It must be the Willowy Man!” Theron whispered. She had heard her mother, White Elder, mentioning him the night before, in strangely hushed tones. The Willowy Man was legendary in Atitala though he had never visited in their lifetime. He was the Tunnel-Keeper, facilitating between the realms of Inner and Outer Earth and navigating the ley lines, also known as fire lines, by way of the electric currents within the Earth’s magma. The young ones stared, wide-eyed and curious. “Strange that he should venture to Outer Earth. I wonder why he’s here. It must be something important,” Theron said. Helghul moved closer to listen, and Theron followed while Marcus lagged behind. The smaller boy admired his daring friends for their confidence, but his nature was more reserved. White, Grey, Yellow, and Red Elder were in deep discussion with Willowy Man but noticed the youngsters and permitted them to listen and observe. The innate wisdom and creativity of children was highly valued in Atitala, and the Elders encouraged them to contribute should they have something insightful to add. Great things were expected of Marcus, Theron, and Helghul, and it was synchronistic that the three brightest learners among the young should pass by at that moment. “The Tunnel-Keeper is rightly concerned,” Yellow Elder said gravely. Despite being aged and frail in appearance, Yellow Elder embodied the warrior energy. In the Golden Age, strength was demonstrated philosophically, not by brute force. “The fall is imminent,” said Grey Elder. He was the Elder of architecture and mathematics, responsible for teaching the design of the universe and its ever-fluid balance. “I must begin moving the atlantium back to Inner Earth,” Willowy Man said solemnly. “It will be a powerful blow to everyone living in Atitala,” White Elder said. Atlantium crystal was mined in Inner Earth and was a power source that created free, inexhaustible, clean energy by harnessing the Earth’s magnetic field. It allowed the holder to control gravity and movement and provided all of the power to the city. It was responsible for miraculous advances in flight and was used in the building of all the great architectural structures in Atitala, including the perfectly designed White Pyramid. “Life in Atitala will be profoundly different without atlantium,” Red Elder said. Atlantium was an essential tool in the Golden Age. The youngsters listened in rapt silence, their heads spinning with the ramifications of that change. “We will return the atlantium and honor our agreement with the Inner Earthlings,” said White Elder. “Perhaps it can be delayed; we don’t know how quickly things will decline,” Yellow Elder suggested. “The request to return the atlantium comes from the Inner Earth Council,” said White Elder. “We will honor it. The decline has grown increasingly evident. The fall may come sooner and more suddenly than expected.” “What of the Emerald Tablet?” Grey Elder asked, referring to the most sacred and powerful artifact in Atitala. It was made of solid atlantium and was imbued with wisdom that gave it properties and abilities far beyond a simple shard. “The Emerald Tablet will remain in your care,” said Willowy Man. “We will protect your generous gift,” White Elder assured him. “May the Tablet’s light guide your people in the darkening,” said Willowy Man. White Elder turned to Theron and her friends. “Have you any questions? Anything to add?” she asked. Theron struggled to offer something meaningful, but she felt only concern about the coming changes, and this “low level” thinking was far from anything she wanted to share with her enlightened mother. “Why must the atlantium be moved?” Helghul asked.
“The technology must be protected. As the Great Year descends, consciousness will decline. As people and civilization grow darker, the atlantium could be used to destroy the living planet,” Yellow Elder replied. The lines mapping his face rested softly, with no sign of stress. “Our way of life and level of conscious awareness will be devastated and forgotten,” White Elder said. “Atitala will be destroyed?” Theron asked, visibly alarmed. “Eventually all things change from one form into another,” White Elder continued calmly. Theron admired the serenity of her mother’s countenance but couldn’t match it. Destroyed! Atitala will be destroyed! How can she be so composed? Theron thought. Once again she had failed to act as her mother did, though it was Theron’s ever-pressing goal to do so. “What if it doesn’t have to be that way?” Helghul interjected, turning to Willowy Man. The visitor had been listening carefully and had, without bias, formed an impression of the trio. “What do you propose?” Willowy Man asked, pleased with the discourse. “Use the fire lines!” Marcus and Helghul said in unison. If one had the expertise, telluric currents could be accessed and traveled at incredible speed, from Inner to Outer Earth, belying the illusion of material solidity. They knew it was the knowledge of these currents that allowed the Tunnel-Keeper to travel through solid stone from Outer to Inner Earth. “If you can transport the atlantium to Inner Earth for safe-keeping, why not move the people?” Helghul continued. “If thoughts create reality . . . and we think it possible . . . is it not worth the effort?” Marcus reasoned. “If manifesting an alternative were possible, the Elders would certainly do so . . . wouldn’t you?” Theron asked, looking to her mother. Surely White Elder and the others would have considered every benevolent possibility. They would not surrender Atitala and her citizens carelessly. “The probability of the Age declining is high, and the Elders are bound to the evolution of consciousness,” Willowy Man answered. Marcus studied the Elders, one by one, noticing the calm acceptance in their eyes. “We are not Elders. So we are not bound,” Marcus said. “The Ages of the Great Year descend, and your ability to create reality declines with them. You would not be the first to attempt their derailing. One may delay the inevitable, but it certainly remains . . . inevitable,”
Delightfully fun fantasy story
The Emissary by Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio was a delightfully fun epic fantasy adventure. I found myself fascinated and had a wonderful time reading this story.
I really liked the premise behind this series. I thought the concept was really intriguing and unique. Some parts were kind of confusing in the beginning and things seemed a bit forced at times, but I felt that the story as a whole was really enjoyable and interesting. The world-building was beautifully intricate, detailed, and dazzling. There were so many things to explore and understand that I felt somewhat overwhelmed here and there, but I truly liked reading about the ancient mythology and the war between good and evil. Once I was more into the story, things started to fall into place and I was absolutely captivated. I also really liked the idea about eternal love and two tortured souls reincarnated time after time struggling to find each other. There was something utterly moving and inspiring about the Emissaries fighting to save society and battle evil over and over again. It’s meaningful and thought-provoking and left me eager for more.
I really can’t say too much without giving anything away. It’s definitely one of those books that you just have to experience for yourself… layer by layer until it completely consumes you. I honestly don’t think I have read anything quite like this before and the ending really had me thinking. This book was without a doubt an exciting and fascinating tale and I really liked the plot, characters, and overall message of story about life, hope, humanity, and love.
Tamara Veitch and Rene DeFazio created a wonderful and thrilling tale that will keep you guessing and glued to the pages. The story was engaging, unique, and mesmerizing and I had a great time going on this adventure. If you love fantasy, mythology and romance, then this book is perfect for you!
I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would like to say thanks to Rene and Tamara for doing this short interview.
What was your inspiration for the One Great Year Series?
Rene was backpacking around the world and while traveling he was reading Graham Handcock’s book, Fingerprints of the Gods. Hancock describes an alternative history suggesting that advanced civilizations once existed on the planet but has been lost from modern historical record or relegated to myth. Rene wrote a treatment placing two soulmates, within this lost, ancient world and though the characters are torn apart during great cataclysm, it does not end their journey. They are reincarnated through time as memory of their ancient world is lost. Marcus has past-life memory and Theron does not. And he pursues her. Years after Rene was first inspired he pitched the idea to his co-author Tamara, and The One Great Year Series was born.
Describe this book in 3 words.
Reincarnation fantasy adventure
Have you always loved writing?
We have both always loved to write beginning with poems, lyrics and theater plays in high school. We continued to work on our craft in University and film school respectively, but our writing went to a whole new level once we partnered to pen The One Great Year Series.
What is your favorite part about being an author/writer?
The freedom to do what we love and hopefully change the world for the better before our time here is over.
What are some of your current favorite TV shows?
Our novels are currently being developed for a Netflix-type series, so we’ve been watching a lot of television lately! Rene enjoys Game of Thrones, Ray Donovan and Star Trek Discovery. Tamara’s favorites include travel shows, The Crown, Downton Abby, anything historical fiction as well as comedies.
Rene DeFazio was born and raised in Canada and currently resides in the Vancouver area with his wife and writing partner Tamara Veitch. Rene is an actor and producer with numerous film and television roles to his credit. A world traveler and lifelong adventurer, Rene has called upon his unusual and exciting experiences in co-creating The One Great Year novel series. His tireless research and first hand knowledge of exotic locations, customs, sights, and smells help to bring this epic story to life.
Tamara Veitch is a writer, mural artist, and mother of three. She grew up in Canada and attended Simon Fraser University, studying English, psychology, history and General Arts. Tamara has had a lifelong interest in spiritual wisdom and has carefully researched ancient teachings from many traditions to ensure historical accuracy throughout The One Great Year Series.
Tamara and Rene have completed Book I and II in The One Great Year Series and are currently working on Book III. To maintain a dynamic and authentic presentation of the ancient secrets at the core of their writing, they travel to exotic locations in search of esoteric knowledge and cultural insights that will inspire readers everywhere.
I hope you enjoyed reading my review and the author interview. Don’t forget to add this book on your TBR.
Have a wonderful day lovelies!
Sincerely Karen Jo 