This past week we gave the spotlight to Gravitas, Christopher Russell’s Dark Fantasy novella, in the A Tale of the Constella series. Our Roadies brought a wide selection of content to this show with their reviews, interviews and more. Now it’s time to bring the show to an end and it’s my pleasure to present you with the encore. And don’t forget about the giveaway!
Shall we?
Christopher Russell (native of Williamsburg, VA) is a 29-year-old mechanical and aerospace engineer (graduate of the University of Virginia) who has loved reading since the day he picked up a book and writing since he could scrawl his first letters. After voraciously consuming titles from every genre—ranging from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings—he decided to combine the expertise from his professional education, passions, and Christian faith into fantasy epics bridging the gap between magic and science. He currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his loyal dog, Vallen, named after the protagonist of his first work. For behind-the-scenes information on all of Christopher Russell’s works, visit christopherrussellauthor.com.
Connect with Christopher Russell
History has weight behind it. The power to crush an empire . . . or birth it anew.
Nowhere is this more true than the Republic of Lestadt, an island nation founded upon the bones of tyrants and sustained by the might of Gravitas. This magic is the manifestation of the past, drawing upon the heritage of relics and heirlooms to bend the forces of nature. The more storied an artifact, the more power it commands.
Yet after 300 years of prosperity, Lestadt is crumbling. Revolutionaries gather in the docklands, seeking restitution for the crimes of the ruling oligarchs. A mysterious augury pronounces the nation’s doom.
Desperate to save themselves, Lestadt’s Court of Magisters turns to Lord Fixer Scraw for salvation. The deformed man may be ruthless in his methods, but he has never failed them. With a powerful Gravitas relic in his scarred hands, unlimited resources at his disposal, and a depraved plan taking root in his mind, can Scraw stop the revolution and save Lestadt?
Or will the cure be worse than the disease?
Click on the blog name to read their full review or other content!
NOVEMBER 3RD – THE KICKOFF
Whispers & Wonder – interview + IG spotlight @whispersandwonder
NOVEMBER 4TH
Westveil Publishing – review + IG spotlight @thewestveilarchives
“If you like a heavy helping of dark in your dark fantasy, read these books! Christopher Russell knows how to use a pen and use it well! Or let’s face it, probably a keyboard. It’s 2021 after all. Either way, this is like grimdark level dark fantasy, which I don’t enjoy, but dang is it well done!”
@Lilybug_reads – IG spotlight
NOVEMBER 5TH
Beneath A Thousand Skies – review
“This is a snack-sized book that takes a bite out of your soul, and my only complaint is that I want more – and I have no words for how delighted I was by the author’s note and to know that this isn’t the end of what Russell has planned in this world. Not for the faint at heart, and a true plunge into the heart of tyranny, but Gravitas is a fantastic read.”
@apocketfuloftomes – review + IG spotlight
“I would love to see a novel set in this world as it has a lot of potential and I can’t get enough of the magic system! If you love dark fantasy, give this one a chance. You won’t regret it 😉”
NOVEMBER 6TH
The Pufflekitteh Reads – spotlight
@Chapter.mjthomas – review + IG spotlight
“I think this is probably the first time I come across a hero who is so deranged, evil and arrogant, that he might as well be the Villian of the story. I mean, what just happened?”
NOVEMBER 7TH
Witty and Sarcastic Bookclub – review
“The magic system is where this book really shines. I refuse to explain it (I would bungle things horribly), but I loved the way the acquisition of this magic was used to show the depths to which some people were willing to sink. This book is harsh, so be aware of that. It you don’t mind taking a walk on the grittier side of fantasy, I recommend adding Gravitas to your “to be read” list.”
@curlytopreads – review + IG spotlight
“I really enjoyed the blend of magic and steampunk that was woven throughout this story. The cruel twist at the end had me on the edge of my seat. I found the concept of Gravitas and how it is used so fascinating and I hope to learn more about it in future installments.”
NOVEMBER 8TH
Book and Nature Professor – review + IG spotlight @bookandnatureprof
“
Gravitas is an excellent epic and grim dark fantasy novella. Mr. Russell’s prose hits hard and sharp, keeping the reader engrossed throughout the story. There are twists and turns, magic, world building and character development packed into a well-paced and well written novella. I highly recommend Gravitas and hope to read more about A Tale of Costella.”
Grab a copy of Gravitas!
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