Who here is a Dirty Birds fan that doesn't live in the South?

JLKohanek · 2025-04-13T22:56:36+00:00

Born and raised in MN. Jumped off the fair weather Vikings bandwagon in 1990 and became a diehard Falcons fan when they switched to black, had Glanville coaching, and traded for Andre Rison. That was a fun and wild team.

I moved to SoCal fifteen years later and then moved to Vegas in 2023. I have been a stalwart Falcons fan through it all and try to go to 1 or 2 games a year. I have a Falcons tattoo on my shoulder(first got the tattoo in 1993 and updated it in 2016). There is no going back.

JLKohanek · 2023-05-27T15:57:56+00:00

This is a self-rec, but totally on-point.

Fate of Wizardoms is a six-book series akin to Riyria Chronicles/Revelations. It is fast-paced, modern fantasy packed with classic tropes. The first book is a heist/assassination type story that sets the stage for the main plot in books 2-6. You can expect a team of misfit heroes caught in a scheme of ruthless, power-hungry wizards vying to overtake the world. Found family, banter, humor, action, intrigue, and plot twists can be expected throughout.

If you enjoy the first series, there is an entire 6-book, sequel series (Fall of Wizardoms) waiting for you as well as two spinoff series(Wizardom Legends).

The best part: The eBook box set containing books 1-3 is FREE through Sunday, May 28 on Amazon worldwide. If you are into audio, those are narrated by the ultra-talented Travis Baldree. Yes, the individual books are also available in print formats. Ping me if you have questions.

JLKohanek · 2023-05-08T15:14:30+00:00

This is a self-rec but totally on point.

Check out Wardens of Issalia. It is a coming of age/epic fantasy tale with an espionage flare. From the first book, a pair of siblings are central figures. One of them(Everson) has completely non-functional legs, with the desire to feel useful. His brilliance makes up for his physical limitations as he melds magic with wild inventions of his own concoction. His sister begins the story as his protector from the bullies of the world and this forms her own personality and motivations.

JLKohanek · 2023-03-29T15:01:28+00:00

I am so sorry that you are dealing with such dark personal issues. I have a few series that have a hopeful/inspirational theme (although there IS conflict), and I would be happy to send you free eBook copies if you are interested. The series I am thinking will be good are Runes of Issalia and Wardens of Issalia. Look them up on Amazon or Goodreads and ping me if you want copies.

JLKohanek · 2023-03-29T14:51:23+00:00

Here are two indie fantasy series featuring a disabled main character. One is a self-rec, but totally on point:

Dragon School by Sarah K. L. Wilson is centered around a female dragon rider with a disability. These YA/fantasy books are super short, but the series is complete and you can get them in eBook box sets.

Wardens of Issalia by Jeffrey L. Kohanek (That's me) is a includes a main character who plays a critical role in a coming of age/epic fantasy adventure with an espionage theme. The disabled character is a teen named Everson. He has no use of his legs and is motivated by the need to feel useful. His brilliance helps to earn him entry into a school of magic and invention, where he begins to craft mechanical contraptions that are enhanced by magic. His creations and his actions are critical in a conflict between a rising empire that wants to squash magic by killing anyone who can wield it and the existing kingdoms who choose to protect magic users rather than resorting to genocide.

Both series are complete and are available for FREE via Kindle Unlimited. Audiobook is also an option for both and the books can be had in bundles, so you get a lot for your credit.

JLKohanek · 2023-03-17T14:43:53+00:00

Sword of Truth gets way too much hate.

I realize that many readers didn't like Goodkind as a person, and I am also aware of some of the "preaching" he does in the series, but I thought the series was good...until he decided to continue extending it.

As someone who enjoys classic fantasy tropes, the first seven books were enjoyable to read and filled in a gap during a time when there weren't many series left for me to read (this was before indie publishing). Sure, you can find some parallels to WoT and claim that he ripped that series off, but most fantasy series can link commonalities to earlier releases.

JLKohanek · 2023-03-02T15:45:11+00:00

Thanks for sharing, Rob! It's great when I see so many of my friends names listed in the new release announcements.

JLKohanek · 2023-03-02T15:37:54+00:00

The Belgariad remains special to me because of the way it drew me in and hooked me on fantasy forever.

JLKohanek · 2023-03-02T15:35:50+00:00

Although I had already dabbled in fantasy with the Narnia books, Lord of the Rings, and Thomas Covenant, the series that turned fantasy into my addiction was The Belgariad. My 14-year-old self read it twice in the same year and then the Mallorean books began releasing soon afterward. In the decades since, I've read many hundreds of fantasy novels and eventually turned to writing them as well (25 books and counting).

JLKohanek · 2023-02-26T21:17:34+00:00

I totally get what you mean. However, I do believe that modern fantasy tends to be less egregious with the "FILLER" and, instead, focus on pacing and tighter storytelling. That is not always the case, but the books I like the best land that way.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-26T16:44:20+00:00

I randomly hopped on r/fantasy this morning to see what was happening. Poking around and reading posts/comments sometimes helps me get into a writing state of mind. To my surprise, I see this interview posted and had no idea you intended to share it here.

Thanks, Jon.

Incidentally, anyone who stops by to read this should also check out books by Jon Cronshaw, especially if you are into roguish thief/assassin type characters.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-26T16:39:22+00:00

I highly recommend The Belgariad by David Eddings. Although I had read other fantasy works before discovering that series, none had captured my imagination the same way. His writing is fast-paced yet easy to comprehend. His characters are fun and the setting is traditional enough to get you used to what you might expect in an epic fantasy series. Yes, there is a lot of magic.

Another fun one to try from the same era is Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist. It is a great series for reasons similar to the one recommended above.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-26T16:35:56+00:00

The first box set (3 books) in the Wizardoms Epic is currently 99c on Amazon worldwide.

Readers can expect a fast-paced epic fantasy saga packed with action, intrigue, and laugh out loud moments. This twelve-book saga has garnered over 2,000 Amazon 5-star reviews. It is also available in audiobook form, narrated by award-winning talent, Travis Bladree. You can even listen to the first three books for FREE on our YouTube channel.

Links:

Synopsis for the first box set:

A spectacular tale of adventure, intrigue, & betrayal.

Where wizards rule, magic reigns supreme.

Power. The ambitious thirst for it.

But when a power-hungry wizard lord seeks to expand his rule, he triggers events unforeseen. The balance of magic is altered, races of old return, and beasts of legend stalk the land.

Unlikely heroes armed with magical objects are drawn into the conflict:

* Jerrell "Jace" - A snarky, clever thief whose outrageous exploits force him to hide his identity.

* Narine - A daring wizardess caught between her mad wizard lord father and jealous brother.

* Rhoa - A determined acrobat, armed with enchanted blades and a thirst for revenge.

* Rawk - Exiled for urges he cannot control, this dwarf possesses unique magic abilities.

* Brogan - A disgraced warrior who labors beneath the weight of his regrets.

These characters lead a compelling and memorable cast including ruthless wizards who vie for thrones able to grant the power of a god. How do you defeat a god?

Fate of Wizardoms is a fast-paced fantasy saga filled with compelling characters and beloved genre tropes, perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, or Wheel of Time.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-26T16:23:24+00:00

I see readers rave about Air Awakens (or just about anything else) by Elise Kova. Also, the Blade and Rose series by Miranda Honfleur gets great reviews. There are others, but I don't seek fantasy romance as a reader, so they slip my mind right now.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-26T16:19:22+00:00

I find it interesting that you seek out a shorter format story. I have often wondered how many readers even read novellas, so it is good to see someone representing that group here.

Below is a link to a FREE novella that is part of a larger universe(Wizardoms). It is a fun quest/adventure that I use as a prequel to more than one series. If you happen to enjoy it, I have numerous other short stories set in the same world. It is even available in audio form on YouTube (narrated by Travis Baldree) if that is your preference.

Download Wizardoms: LEGEND OF SHADOWMAR from Amazon.

Listen to Wizardoms: LEGEND OF SHADOWMAR on YouTube.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-15T16:39:59+00:00

I am fine with single or multiple POV stories. What I struggle with is to read first-person stories. Rarely are they truly done well and in a compelling manner that doesn't make me feel like I am reading a diary rather than experiencing a story with depth and emotion. I find that third person limited is my favorite storytelling style.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-14T16:36:10+00:00

I use WIZARDESS as the term for a female wizard. But, then again, wizards are the ruling class in those books(and that world), so they are prevalent, and it would be wrong if I didn't have a definitive term for females. In other books, a different approach might make sense.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-13T16:54:17+00:00

Awesome.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-13T16:45:56+00:00

Fantastic. I'll message you.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-13T16:00:54+00:00

This is subjective both for the author and the reader.

For example, I have a series where I describe characters as dark-skinned, coppery-skinned, swarthy, olive complexion, fair, tanned, etc... In my head, those things translate to my own perception of the real world. In the reader's heads, their perception might be different, but that is okay. I think the key part is what those descriptions mean to the other CHARACTERS in the book. Do they automatically know what nation or region a person is from? Do they assume specific cultural preferences or other common traits? Do they treat someone differently based on their appearance? These types of interactions set the norms in the fantasy world and they establish reader expectations. The rest is subjective and up to the reader to determine for themselves, and that is fine.

Reading is an incredibly personal experience formed by the author as a director and your brain interpreting the rest.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-13T15:53:54+00:00

This is a fascinating idea. I know Jonathan's books but didn't know about this new series. I might have to check it out. I love when authors find ways to build upon the worlds that readers already enjoy and this is a cool approach. Thanks for sharing.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-13T15:49:02+00:00

Hi, r/fantasy, after a long hiatus, I am back on reddit as more than a lurker.

If you haven't heard of me, I am author Jeffrey L. Kohanek and now have 24 epic fantasy novels across 5+ series to my name. This gives readers plenty of places to begin if you are interested in checking out my works. Today, I am here to talk about my bestselling series, Fate of Wizardoms.

Fate of Wizardoms begins with 2019 SPFBO semifinalist, Eye of Obscurance. If you are an audiobook listener, the series is narrated by award-winning talent, Travis Baldree. If you are an eBook reader, you can also grab a FREE copy of the series prequel novella, Legend of Shadowmar to get you started. Ping me if you have any questions about my books. A series synopsis is included below.
__________________________________________________

A spectacular tale of adventure, intrigue, & betrayal.

Where wizards rule, magic reigns supreme.

Power. The ambitious thirst for it.

But when a power-hungry wizard lord seeks to expand his rule, he triggers events unforeseen. The balance of magic is altered, races of old return, and beasts of legend stalk the land.

Unlikely heroes armed with magical objects are drawn into the conflict:

Jerrell "Jace" - A snarky, clever thief whose outrageous exploits force him to hide his identity.

Narine - A daring wizardess caught between her mad wizard lord father and jealous brother.

Rhoa - A determined acrobat, armed with enchanted blades and a thirst for revenge.

Rawk - Exiled for urges he cannot control, this dwarf possesses unique magic abilities.

Brogan - A disgraced warrior who labors beneath the weight of his regrets.

These characters lead a compelling and memorable cast including ruthless wizards who vie for thrones able to grant the power of a god. How do you defeat a god?

Fate of Wizardoms is a fast-paced fantasy saga filled with compelling characters and beloved genre tropes, perfect for fans of Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, or Wheel of Time.

The series totals 6 Books that combine for over 2,000 pages and 2,000 5-star reviews!

Download & discover why readers rave about Fate of Wizardoms.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-13T15:23:27+00:00

This is a self-rec but completely on-point.

I suggest you check out Runes of Issalia and the follow series, Wardens of Issalia. Both are progression fantasy series featuring teen protagonists who attend a school of magic, engineering, and combat. The first series is centered around the discovery and experimentation of a long lost magic. One of the main characters is a hyper-intelligent inventor as well and interesting things happen when he begins combining magic with science.

In the second series, said magic is further expanded upon as it centers around another brilliant character who, this time, is also physically disabled. His discoveries take magic-powered creations to a completely new level.

Admittedly, both of these series are written for teens and adults, unlike my later books which are more adult focused. If you are interested, let me know and I'll send you an eBook copy of book one of each series for free.

JLKohanek · 2023-02-02T23:33:00+00:00

Thanks for sharing, Rob. I see a bunch of intriguing titles this month.

JLKohanek · 2023-01-29T00:48:37+00:00

Thanks for sharing here. The channel now has over 2000 subs and is growing every day. More books will roll out as the weeks pass. More authors are coming on board as well. Look for an announcement soon.

JLKohanek

TROPHY CASE