Scepter of the Gods — Mark Mills

While this story initially appears to be a sword & sorcery, fantasy, D&D type of adventure story set on a planet far away like countless others, layer upon layer of mystery gets added into the mix with references to 20th century Earth TV commercials, shrouded mysteries of a highly advanced civilization, and serious questions related to the true origins of the so-called gods. Mysticism is real. Magic seems to be real. Magical and fantastic creatures abound as do opportunities for adventure, fame, glory, and plunder. But how long has it actually been this way and what is the real agenda behind the gods' involvement with the people? The Ruach is a mystic spiritual energy pushed aside by this rustic civilization's obsession with adventurers, power, and favor of the gods. But when legends of the past unfold and rivalries brew between gods and followers of the Ruach, four complete strangers find their destinies intertwined. Strangers to one another, they fall into their journey by fate, it seems. Ambitions mix and conflict as a swiped relic turns into a quest for its companion pieces. When combined, this scepter could overpower the gods and uproot the reality of everything known to them. Alex, Mila, Phelia, and maybe this guy Peter must work together and try to trust each other amid half-truths, intrigue, and misunderstandings to find these lost relics. But trapped in the middle of nowhere, in a land of magic, giant cats, phaeries, tree-crunching beasts, megalomaniacs, and fire-breathing rabbits, while tasked with a mysterious mission they can't even agree on, how will they ever succeed? The Rod of Truth is an adventure of growing friendship, trust, power, and deceit sure to entertain readers across genres. After a few chapters, the characters will start to feel like companions, and you won't want them to leave you behind as they face the dangers ahead. You, like others, will be demanding the second book as soon as it can be published. The scheduled release date of Scepter of the Gods: The Rings of Azimuth is June 18, 2024.