EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

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.

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 thirtyseven

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.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

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.

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

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.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

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.