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A Road to the Throne: Rise with Honour by Matthew Sciriha and published by Lulu is the story of a young man, Lereon Altaros, who must use his intelligence to cope with being exposed to society much later than most people are. He is burdened with the responsibilities of leadership and struggles to handle them, but he has never had to face any form of pressure.

In this fantasy novel, Orin Fillingle, a mage and part of Lereon’s father’s old council, helps Lereon bring peace to the kingdom and believes that over-thinking and over-analys-ing can sometimes result in a lack of action.

Nora is a demon who was also part of the old council. She exhibits traits one would expect from a creature of dark nature, including a love of death and killing, but she is also in love, showing that even the darkest of characters can hold a light for good.

The author says his story takes roots from traditional fantasy storylines, but adds realism elements, such as strategy, the pressures of leadership and heroism that comes from selflessness.

“It shows us the psychological growth of someone that is forced to stand and risk their life despite not being prepared for it so they can do what is right and do some good,” Sciriha says.

“I think it’s a different app-roach to traditional stories of heroism and bravery. It also has a message that shows how compassion can sometimes be the way forward.”