Gothic Dark Tale

The Legend of Voyager

Fiction - Mystery - Historical
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 12/16/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs is a dark and mysterious tale of good versus evil, love versus hate, and humanity’s continual search for meaning. Seneslaus Iulius Taranis faces a thousand years of existence due to a pact signed by his father, the Dacian King Diurpanus. Although he is fortunate to have the love, understanding, and wisdom of a wonderful mentor in the Atlantean master Deceneus, that support was only to last for thirty-seven years before he was faced with a journey of discovery with only his one true faithful companion beside him, the beautiful Arabian stallion Fu’Ad. Set between 37 BC and 963 AD, the pair roam the earth encountering strange lands, mysticism, lust, weird dreams, and illusions, always ultimately seeking the right to die. The story will uncover the deepest and darkest mysteries of the cosmos, creation, evolution, and the ascent of humanity. Ultimately, it is a journey of redemption for Seneslaus, humanity, and you, the reader. 

Every once in a while you come across a book that knocks you out of your earthbound apathy and simple daily existence. Gothic Dark Tale is such a story; author Kalòs will challenge all your senses, and preconceptions, and stimulate your mind in unexpected ways. The author is a true master of the written word and much of the prose is almost poetic in its descriptive beauty. I found myself marveling at the intensity of color and sensory overload generated by the narrative. I particularly appreciated that many of the encounters Seneslaus and Fu’Ad experienced on their journey were rooted in historical happenings and were readily identifiable. The inclusion of historical philosophical thought emphasized the believability of the adventure and Seneslaus’ journey. I found myself wondering just how I would react when faced with the certainty of a thousand years of existence and how I would have coped with the many trials placed in the hero’s path. I also loved the search for a utopian-style land that he attempted to create. The illustrations are absolutely superb and add to the enjoyment of the narrative. This is one of those stories that begs for a second reading to ensure nothing of value was missed the first time around. Any book that makes a reader think and ponder as much as this one did is well worth a highly recommended rating.

Carol Thompson

Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs is a captivating novel that takes readers through myth, mystery, and the supernatural. This gothic narrative, set against an ancient and mystical backdrop, explores identity, power, and human frailty themes. Through the lens of dark fantasy, Kalòs weaves a timeless story filled with classic gothic elements such as ominous castles, shadowy figures, and spectral beings that linger on the edge of perception. Gothic Dark Tale is an evocative read, perfect for dark fantasy and gothic literature fans.

One of the outstanding features of Gothic Dark Tale is its stunning illustrations by Luce, which enhance the haunting atmosphere. Each illustration serves as a window into the world Kalòs has crafted, bringing characters and scenes to life with an otherworldly, almost ethereal quality. These portraits capture the essence of each character and set the tone, making the narrative immersive and visually captivating. The art complements the gothic style, providing moments of visual introspection that connect with the dark themes. Kalòs’s writing is richly descriptive, evoking a sense of dread and wonder reminiscent of classic gothic literature. The prose is lyrical, almost poetic, reflecting the themes of fate, love, and loss. Kalòs’s atmospheric storytelling and Luce’s extraordinary illustrations create a book that is as visually striking as it is narratively engaging. This tale of shadows and secrets is a literary masterpiece, highlighting the beauty of gothic storytelling and the art of visual storytelling woven seamlessly into a narrative tapestry. Kalòs is among the ranks of Poe, Shelley, Stoker, and Gaiman. An incredible book.

K.C. Finn

Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs weaves a gothic tapestry of mystery and spiritual pursuit through the life of Seneslaus Iulius Taranis, who, bound by a cursed pact, journeys through history to redeem humanity's lost spirituality. Set against a historical backdrop from 37 B.C. to 963 A.D., Seneslaus's quest spans cultures, seeking enlightenment and self-discovery through encounters with ancient wisdom and mystical landscapes. This intricate, genre-blending novel immerses readers in a haunting, sensual, and philosophically rich exploration of human purpose.

Author Kalòs's storytelling combines poetic beauty with gothic suspense, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and otherworldly, and I found myself totally sucked into the beautiful use of language and atmosphere immediately. The author's deep understanding of ancient spirituality infuses the narrative with layers of symbolism and meaning, inviting readers to reflect on their own journey and the grand scheme of what we go through as human beings. This is strongly evidenced in the close narration of different moments of discovery during Seneslaus's quest, and I found the character portrayal captivating, bringing Seneslaus's psychological struggles and spiritual aspirations to life in vivid, emotionally resonant detail. The seamless blending of some very well-researched historical details with imaginative new takes on traditional mythos makes this novel a distinctive and immersive read that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page. Overall, Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of humanity, philosophy, and emotion, and I would certainly recommend it.

Chad Richins

Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs takes readers on an epic journey through time, delving into themes of destiny, love, power, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The story focuses on Seneslaus Iulius Taranis, a man cursed with an unnaturally long life due to his father's treacherous deal with the dark force, Asmodeus. With the guidance of his mentor, Deceneus, a wise figure from Atlantis, Seneslaus navigates a world rich in both historical and mythical landscapes. This novel blends spiritual quests with intense personal struggles as Seneslaus seeks redemption and love while wrestling with the heavy burden of his curse. It paints striking scenes of ancient civilizations and interweaves philosophical reflections with mystical elements, all while highlighting humanity's capacity for destruction and renewal.

I found Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager to be an ambitious and thought-provoking story, full of depth and complexity. The intricate plot demands attention to fully appreciate the layers of mythology, history, and philosophy that Kalòs skillfully intertwines throughout the narrative. The pacing, while deliberate, fits perfectly with the sprawling timeline and epic scope of the tale. The characters, especially Seneslaus and his loyal companion Fu'Ad, are vividly developed, embodying symbolic significance that enhances the novel's impact. Themes of love, power, and redemption are explored with care. Despite the use of literary language and complex messages, I found it a compelling read. The illustrations and the font types blend well with the story and the settings. Also, the imaginative scenarios and historical overlaps keep the story engaging. Gothic Dark Tale lingers in the reader's mind, prompting reflection long after the last page, and it is likely to resonate with readers who relish deeply philosophical, genre-defying narratives.

Jamie Michele

Gothic Dark Tale by Kalòs follows the journey of Seneslaus, beginning with the tragic history of Diurpanus, who betrayed and lost everything in his pursuit of power, leading to his vengeful transformation. Seneslaus, raised in seclusion by Deceneus, learns about history, philosophy, and the natural world. Over time, Seneslaus tries to reconcile his personal guilt, emotional isolation, and the weight of his father’s past, including a dark pact. Seneslaus’s journey takes him through multiple cities and cultures, where he faces a gauntlet of suffering. He seeks redemption in the creation of a peaceful society, away from violence and greed. However, his issues continue, including a tragic love affair with Leandro that leads to devastating consequences. It is not the first, nor the last. Seneslaus continues in his search for purpose, forgiveness, and, ultimately, peace.

“You have achieved a feat that is insurmountable for almost all human beings.” Gothic Dark Tale: The Legend of Voyager by Kalòs is a literary fiction novel brimming with prose that draws readers into what genuinely feels like a Greek tragedy written anew. Every landscape, from the warm sand of the Frisian Sea to the mystical gardens of Babil, is textured and alive, allowing readers to linger in the story’s settings as more than mere backdrops. I liked the symbolism, such as a wolf that is incredibly important, serving as a metaphor for guidance, fate, and spiritual enlightenment. The inclusion of creation, evolution, and interconnectedness, punctuated by time-traveling and even spacecraft, challenge the boundaries of the physical. Overall, Seneslaus’s resolution toward grief, remorse, and quest for atonement turns this epic tale into a meditative look into the human condition.