Andrew and I were discussing what Maleki's mom, Odesha, should look like here are some of the options
A Pretty Ogre
When I first started writing Maleki, I was surprised at how easy the process felt. I had a first draft after only a few months of working on it very part-time. I wondered how it was that people spent years working on a single book. Well, here I am, years later, and Maleki is still not out. I've learned that it is actually the editing of a book that is hard, not the initial writing (at least for me).
I initially dropped Maleki for a time after it went through its first round of edits. As my first book, the rough draft was really, well, rough at times. Having written first drafts for several more books and having studied the craft a bit more, I think my newer work is better. I believe something that also helped me was simply reading more in general.
If you didn’t know, the creators of The Realms of Manetera are actually involved in another project: Leafbound Review. The goal of LBR is to help authors get their first book review. You can find the site here:
Anyway, back to me. The first round of comments from my editor for Brotherhood of Light is in! It is now up to me to incorporate them into the next version of the book. I hope it won't be much longer until I'm ready to publish. I’ll try to keep everyone updated on that process here.
If you are looking for a fresh take on the fantasy genre, look no further than "Maleki: The Realms of Manetara." This isn't your typical story of knights in shining armor; it is a unique journey that explores identity, belonging, and the complicated nature of peace between vastly different races.
Here is why this 2022 "Must Read" belongs on your bookshelf:
The story follows Maleki, a character who defies every fantasy stereotype. Standing at a staggering 8 foot 7, he is a handsome half-ogre who was raised among humans but finds himself seeking his own path. He isn't the mindless brute most humans expect; he is literate, thoughtful, and travels with a mysterious book known as The Lexicon.
Maleki’s journey is made all the more entertaining by his companion, Gulpag, a wingless, three-foot-tall Imp. Their dynamic—pairing a soft-spoken giant with a fire-wielding creature of chaos—provides both humor and heart as they navigate the treacherous landscapes of Manetara.
From the blistering heat of the sandy deserts to the mysterious green-lit underground cities and the frigid northern tundras, the setting of this book is vast and varied. You will encounter:
Drow Statesmen navigating high-stakes political alliances.
Orc Raiders looking for a new purpose beyond the sea.
Ancient Golems that roam the sandstone wastes.
At its core, Maleki asks what it means to truly belong. Whether it is Maleki trying to find a place where he isn't viewed as a "devil," or the ogress Marsha representing her tribe in a complicated diplomatic council, the book dives deep into the struggle of overcoming prejudice to build a unified future.
"Wow, Just Wow" — A Must Read Half-Ogre Related Book.
Here are two AI generated cover concepts for a sequel to Maleki. Let me know which one you like best!
I’m thrilled to share a quick update: I think the book Maleki is nearly ready for release! I’ve finally gotten through nearly all of my editor's comments. Hopefully they feel the same! After this last check, it's just the final polish with my proofreader, and then—we are off to the races!
Granted, I have been thinking this for quite a while at this point. It is a little funny; years ago I finished the first draft and thought, 'Ha, writing a book is so tough.' Little did I know, writing a book indeed isn’t that hard, but editing one is entirely a different story. So people say that if I plotted the book, it would be different, but really, I’m not entirely sure. Most of the issues with my story were not of plot, but rather of being intimate in the details of it. In any case, I think the book is fully fleshed out now, which is great.
I can’t wait for you all to finally see the end of Maleki’s tale (or perhaps just the beginning?) and follow his brutal, eye-opening journey. Get ready for a story about outcasts, cults, and more.
Thanks for sticking with me on this long journey. To celebrate the finishing line being in sight: What’s the one thing you can’t wait to read about Maleki and his world?
Ready for a fantasy adventure unlike any other? Immerse yourself in the rich world of Manetera with Maleki, the thrilling tale of one half-ogre’s quest to find his destiny and uncover a conspiracy that could change everything.
Maleki is more than a hero’s journey—it’s a search for truth. Our story begins with Maleki, a lonely half-ogre in the desert, who dreams of a mysterious glowing book. This isn’t just a dream, but a calling. He finds the book, and it sets him on a path to find the enigmatic being known as Dracena on the distant island of Dreskorn. What starts as a simple search for purpose becomes a perilous voyage that reveals a hidden conflict and a deep-seated conspiracy.
As Maleki travels across Manetera, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including an eccentric imp and a powerful drow who challenge his understanding of the world. He discovers that the very identity he's been wrestling with—his heritage as a half-ogre—is a central part of a larger plan by a cult that wants to eradicate all non-humans. Maleki is not just a participant in this adventure; he is at the very heart of the conflict.
This book is perfect for readers who love a good mystery and are looking for a fantasy story that isn't afraid to ask big questions about identity, belonging, and the nature of truth. Follow Maleki as he navigates a world filled with danger and intrigue, and help him unravel the secrets of his past to secure a future for all.
Andrew and I were discussing what Maleki's mom, Odesha, should look like here are some of the options A Pretty Ogre B Full Ogre C Less ...
