It's Publication Day for Birth of the Mortokai by D.G. Palmer.
Currently residing in London, England, D.G. Palmer writes in the Spec Fiction genre, using his imagination to create vivid worlds and captivating characters.
An avid reader and player of video games, in the past, he was part of table top roleplaying groups where he nurtured his storytelling by penning several story arcs.
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About the book
Daniel Welsh was born different—and to Daniel, to be different means to be alone. But what if he’s wrong?
Born an albino with a photographic memory, Daniel Welsh never expected to fit in. Yet, when he is approached by Trinity—a young girl who definitely isn’t human—she reveals a whole new world where he might just belong. Ariest is a place where his features aren’t a disability or the mark of a freak, but rather a trait of powerful mages born of human-faerie unions. His father is a renowned war hero and swordsman, his mother is a human doctor, and that makes him a powerful mage that’ll tip the scales. Magic is real—and so is the threat it brings.
Trinity and her father, a battle mage, aren’t the only ones to have discovered Daniel and his gifts hidden in the human realm.
The Shade have awakened.
Enemies to the fae realm long thought dead have been lying in wait for their moment to strike. Young mages like Daniel are the perfect morsel for their starving appetites and they start their killing spree without delay with the nearest unsuspecting mage boy. Daniel cannot sit idly by while monsters take innocent lives, so he will embrace a destiny he is only just beginning to understand... even if it means losing a life that’s finally worth living.
Birth of the Mortokai is a young adult coming of age fantasy adventure novel. Trigger warning: this novel contains descriptions of albinism, a real genetic disorder that affects 1/17,000 persons worldwide per year.
I think it's fair to say that Daniel has a tough life. His albinism makes him a target for bullies and he has become used to being alone. When a young girl called Trinity befriends him and introduces him to a whole new world Daniel discovers a new path for himself.
Being drawn into a world of magic, fae, bizarre creatures and beings of all shapes and sizes gives him a new perspective on his life. He evolves into someone he always was on the inside, but now others can see it too.
Although I commend the author for creating a character who has to deal with discrimination, bullying and constant harassment, due to his genetic disorder, I did have some reservations. In many cultures and countries, albeit it for the most part in Sub-Saharan African communities, especially East African communities, albinos are a target.
They are persecuted and hunted, then caught, sold, tortured and killed. They are presumed to be cursed or bring bad luck. There is a belief, a superstition, that their body parts carry magical powers, ergo using a part of them in a potion or spell makes them a highly sought after commodity.
So, creating a main character with albinism and magic sort of plays into those superstitions, myths and the very real threat people with this genetic disorder face in Sub-Saharan African communities. This book may not be circulated there, but it's something to consider.
Aside from that I like the idea of a character who doesn't fit into what is considered the stereotypical norm. It is a better reflection of society and readership, and gives readers who are considered slightly different a chance to be the hero in the story.
It's a YA fantasy, suitable for both younger and older readers. A story infused with Potteresque magic and a tale of the underdog who came, saw and conquered.
Buy Birth of the Mortokai:The First Chronicle of Daniel Welsh at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: DGP Creative Solutions; pub date 1 Aug. 2019. Buy at Amazon com.
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