Ryan D Gebhart

“Splendor of Dawn is the beginning to a promising fantasy series. For a young reader interested in a world that has significant depth, this book can occupy an expansive imagination. The fact that Gebhart spent an extended period of time pouring over the language and ideas is rather obvious and well rewarded when looking at the extensive level in which he manages to create this fictional world, complete with its own caste system and set of species.

There's something magical about the concept of Devlyn as the protagonist, a young boy who's forced to recognize the traditions of his race, who has more resources than he knows and is inspired to expand his own skills for purposes greater than himself. I wish Gebhart the best of luck and success in continuing this series, and I hope that he will continue to take his time developing the language and characters in his forthcoming books as he did this first one.

For a few points of improvement, though they seem fairly concrete, the amount of characters in the book is almost frightening for a general reader. Gebhart is brilliant to include appendices that honor and clarify the depth, yet I wonder if each character was absolutely necessary, or if he could have found a way to simplify the number of important people. This book is for the serious fantasy reader, tasked with juggling a multitude of facts. And yet, though I ask for less impactful characters, I hoped Gebhart would take the fantastical world into his own hands. To fall completely into the world of elves, dwarves, and humans is to exist in a presently overwhelmed genre. As the series moves forward, Gebhart should consider opening up the book to new creatures that aptly present his expansive imagination.”

"In Splendor of Dawn (The Jewel of Life: Part One), a fantasy novel written by Ryan D Gebhart, we are presented with a world rich with magic and mystery, one that we uncover as we look at it through Devlyn’s eyes as mystical truths unfold. The title for the novel seems to this reader to be stunning and captivating, providing the reader with a suggestive entry point to the work that establishes keen alignment with the genre and sets the reader up with strong expectations. The characters here are fully realized, vivid and alive, directing the action with trackable motivation which the reader can believe. And, the hallmark of well drawn characters, they often do surprising things making them very human, which can be rare. The dialogue here is particularly solid, sounding realistic and still readable, aiding the characterization and adding layers of nuance to the proceedings. An ear for dialogue is a wonderful thing in a writer and, throughout, scenes come alive and motivation seems earned as a result of believable dialogue. The overall design of the book is professional. It features an interior layout that is crisp and clean with text design on each page that is readable and presented soundly. It may seem minor, but getting the interior in order is an important step in getting the reader hooked and able to enter into the flow of the work! Also, the cover image for the book is sweeping and pleasing, a nice blend of imagery and color."

“Devlyn Telvin lives a mundane but tiring life as an orphan and ward at the abbey school of Cor’lera. Like other elf descendants in town, his kind is frowned upon by humans. Everything changes when he sees a mysterious phoenix in the sky. When an elf named Velaria Treyven secretly arrives in the village, she tells a different story about elves, particularly about the truth behind Devlyn's allegedly criminal family. Determined to find out more about his background, he accepts Velaria's offer to leave Cor’lera, followed by his cousin Alex. With shadow elves, dragons, dwarves and much more, Devlyn and Alex discover a world filled with wonders and dangerous situations beyond their imagination. Splendor of Dawn is the first book of The Jewel of Life series by Ryan D Gebhart.

Engaging from the start, Ryan D Gebhart’s Splendor of Dawn has an interesting premise and a multifaceted plot. The world-building is fascinating and complex with familiar elements that fantasy fans will appreciate. The characterization is solid; Devlyn is easy to root for with his cousin Alex giving him familial support and providing humor along the way. They both have their coming-of-age journey, albeit in different ways. That said, I gravitated towards Velaria Treyven, who becomes the boys' guardian, mentor, and at times a wiser, older sister during their adventure. Pacing differs in some parts of the story as the plot gradually reveals different but connected events as the tale unfolds. Even though naturally gifted, young Devlyn still has lots to learn especially when he arrives at Gwilnor, a special learning institution for wielders alike. Overall, this first installment of The Jewel of Life series is an enjoyable read and will easily appeal to its intended readers.”

“Shadow of the Lost: A Novel in the Jewel of Life series by Ryan D. Gebhart is a captivating fantasy with a strong and deftly written conflict. When we meet Jaerol Solaris and Kiron, they are a very happy couple, having spent the night before together and looking forward to the great tournament, little knowing that they will have to face each other. Shocked when they discover that they are paired, they know one of them must die. Jaerol wants to elope with his boyfriend, Kiron. But it is too late when Kiron gets his lover, Jaerol, to kill him. What follows is a painful journey filled with guilt, self-loathing, and the struggle for emotional healing. Can Jaerol ever love anyone else again? Can he overcome the loss and trauma and open his heart to someone else?

There is so much to enjoy in Ryan D. Gebhart’s Shadow of the Lost, especially the meticulousness and the skill with which the protagonist is written. The reader is immediately pulled into his world and the reversal he makes from someone reveling in love to one tormented by guilt and hatred, not only for killing his boyfriend but equally for those who made him kill Kiron. This makes the narrative poignant and immersive. The author skillfully explores the mindscapes of the protagonist, giving readers a picture of his psyche. The internal conflict is powerfully written, following Jaerol as he struggles to move on. Even him going to the temple will touch emotional chords in readers. The characters are rock-solid and one of my favorite characters was Liam. I enjoyed the way the author writes the relationship between Liam and Jaerol. This is a mesmerizing story with themes of adventure, love, loss, grief, guilt, and healing. It is passionate with a setting that is exciting for fans of fantasy.”

“Shadow of the Lost: A Novel in the Jewel of Life series by Ryan D. Gebhart is a coming-of-age story that deals with heartbreaking loss, grief, and the protagonist’s journey towards acceptance. Jaerol Solaris's world is complete with Kiron, the love of his life. They love each other deeply. In fact, Jaerol thinks he cannot live without Kiron. On the day of the Grand Tourney, they are excited about the competition after spending an evening together, but when they realize that they are paired in the deadly games, they know that one of them must kill the other. Being the stronger one, Kiron gets Jaerol to kill him, and it is too late when Jaerol realizes what he has done. Stricken by pain and grief, he moves to the temple, but can he open his heart to anyone, even to the patient and supportive Liam?

Ryan D. Gebhart crafts a wonderful fantasy tale with a great setting and characters that readers will love. Jaerol is a complex character and the complexity in his nature is written into his struggle to reconcile his warrior nature as a Cyndinari and the tenderness of his heart that is equally sensitive. The setting is well-written and the conflict explored at different levels. While the protagonist has his personal struggles with accepting the loss of the man he has always loved, there are clashes when it comes to the relationships between the different groups of people that inhabit the entire island of Cynethol, from temple knights to shadow elves, to goblins. The author writes compelling characters and readers will enjoy reading about the interactions between the protagonist and characters like Liam, Bastien, Renaud, and Stephen. Shadow of the Lost is an enthralling, skillfully plotted, and passionate tale that keeps the reader turning the pages; it is emotionally rich and features elegant prose that lures the reader deeper into the intricate plot.”

“Shadow of the Lost: A Novel in the Jewel of Life series by Ryan D. Gebhart is a heart-wrenching, poignant fantasy tale that starts with a compelling premise. Readers encounter Jaerol Solaris and his boyfriend Kiron exulting in their being together and looking forward to the violent competition ahead: a great day for Broid, for the entire island of Cynethol, and for the Erynien Empire. The Grand Tourney is at the center of everything, and while they know there are candidates who literally obliterate their opponents, they are not worried. Until the dreadful moment when they learn that they have been paired and will be fighting each other. One of them must die. Being the stronger person, Kiron chooses to be the one to die, and it is too late for Jaerol to do anything about it. Can he live without the man who has been everything to him, the love of his life? Even joining the temple, will he find solace, and will his heart ever open to love again the way he has loved Kiron?

This is a mesmerizing fantasy tale with a great storyline, same-sex relationship themes, action, and romance. But what is fascinating about the story is how Ryan D. Gebhart builds the protagonists. Jaerol is a fighter, a Cyndinari, and the offspring of those who value courage in the face of danger. But his heart is soft, won over by the love he has for Kiron. Being made to kill the one person who matters most to him upends his life and he goes through the phases of denial, anger, negotiation, depression, and acceptance. The author captures his emotional and inner world with such vividness that readers understand his pain as intimate and deeply human. Other characters like Liam, Bastien, Renaud, and Stephen are fully drawn as well, and I enjoyed how the author uses the connection between Liam and Jaerol to build suspense in the story. There were moments I wanted to see what will happen between the two, and even after the unprecedented kiss, their journey continues to intrigue the reader. One is very patient; the other is struggling with his past, one he couldn’t let go: “I loved him and the world made me kill him…”

Shadow of the Lost: A Novel in the Jewel of Life series has impeccable world-building and readers get a clear idea of the different kinds of people and creatures living in the different segments of this world, from temple knights to shadow elves, to goblins and more. It is a novel with unforgettable characters, a fascinating world to navigate, and a conflict that grows stronger with each page turned. The writing is top-rate and the drama never diminishes.”

Great story - I loved it so much I sent a copy to my niece.

“One part Tolkien, one part Harry Potter, one part Avatar the Last Air Bender and 2 parts completely new world, Gebhart has created a wonderful story of adventure, magic, and discovery. Sprawling lands and a rich, deep-rooted magic fills the pages of Splendor of Dawn as this high fantasy world comes alive. Devlyn never knew his family or his origins until he meets the mysterious and regal Velaria. Under her guidance, Devlyn starts on a journey to better understand his place in the world and to learn just how important he is in it.”

“It has been an absolute joy watching Gebhart grow in his writing. Burning Desire is further proof that he has a bright future!

There are a number of twists and turns in the book that will keep you extremely interested. Additionally, Gebhart is gifted at character development. He builds characters that you immediately fall in love with and root for.

His architectural background shines through when he is building the places the characters visit. It is very easy for the reader to visualize each building, landscape, and battle. I find it very comforting in having an author so gifted in building. There are several books that I have read and found it extremely difficult to visualize people and places because they didn’t give enough detail – don’t have to worry about that with Gebhart!

I am so invested in this story and can’t wait to read the rest of it. #TeamRusyl”

“I think this book was probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. I definitely recommend reading this.”

“Gebhart’s first step into fantasy reminds one of a modern Tolkien, a tighter Martin, and begs to be read by those looking for a real adventure. The start of a promised seven book epic, his characters are easy to fall in love with and the journey makes the reader want to know more about each place visited. The world is vivid and the stakes are high. It’s easy to see that Gebhart has a passion for the world he has created and that he is generous to share this passion with each person who reads the book. Prepare for a fun journey - it’ll change how you see what’s possible in epic fantasy.”

“What a great book! The story was compelling. I couldn't help but continue reading to find out what would happen next. The characters were intriguing and continued to grow with the story. The world building was fantastic. I felt as if I were right there seeing the landscape and towns with the characters. I can't wait to read the next book!”

“If you’re looking for something new and exciting to read, check out this up and coming author, Ryan Gebhart. I couldn’t put the book down. Well written and thought out. It’s nice to see a young author with such excitement and enthusiasm. Can’t wait to read book 2!”

“A reader is brought into an expansive world of mystery and magic. From the orphan protagonist's journey to learn more about his outlaw family to the political intrigue between warring factions, Splendor of Dawn (Jewel of Life)'s reminds me of a world that is a cross between Lord of the Rings and Elder Scrolls: Skyrim. Its a LotR quality story with a Skyrim-esque political backdrop that touches on racial tensions and political plots coupled with the story of magic wielders who have been forced underground.

A page turner that introduces a world of magic, intrigue and adventure.”

“Great Book!!! A must read, look forward to reading more from this author”

“Splendor of Dawn is a well written and engaging read. The story kept my interest and I looked forward every time I picked the book up to read what happens next. If you like fantasy mixed with a quest to know oneself then this is the book for you. I highly recommend it and I look forward to the other books forth coming in this trilogy!!”

“This book is a great introduction to the world, characters, and myths that left me eager for the next one.”

“I’ve finally found a new favorite series! The Jewel of Life: Splendor of Dawn has it all - adventure, magic, politics, mystery, and romance. The author weaves a rich tapestry of geography, history, and new vocabulary to create an imaginative and wonderful new world in which the reader can happily get lost. The vivid descriptions of architecture transport the reader to awe-inspiring settings. Before you know it, it will be past your bedtime, but your investment in the fate of our heroes will propel you forward and as the mysteries of this curious world unfold, the story will grip you further. I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!!”

“A highly engaging and immersive experience. Not a frequent fantasy reader myself, I found the Jewel of Life very accessible. A particular strength is the world building. Places and persons exist in a well developed world. The best example of this is the author's descriptive use of architecture to distinguish and add richness to the various locations. Looking forward to the next book in the series.”

“They say that you write what you know. Discerning your place in the world, the beauty of natural law, and the light that dwells in the depths of each of us are all so beautifully described. I particularly enjoyed the immersive world and the interior dialogue of the protagonist which was always insightful.”

“I could not put it down! Book 2 takes you on a much deeper understanding of this beautiful world. As you read it you bond with these wonderfully written characters, viscerally experience the conflict that is developing, and wish you could experience Devlyn’s growth. Definitely recommend this series for those looking for adventure and depth.”

“I bought this one at Balticon I never get time to read my hard copy books. I carried this one in my car so I had something to read whenever I was waiting for someone.

I must say that I really enjoyed it. It had every type of fantasy character going and some variations of the one's that we thought we knew. I liked the old world setting and had a chance to get familiar with most of it. I would definitely recommend it and read more by this author.”

“Gebhart continues the journey of Devlyn and company in the fourth book of his Jewel of Life series. With a body that is broken and seemingly against all the odds, our main character must discover what he is capable of and to what limits he can push himself. Fast paced and filled with conflict, Gebhart marries multiple character arcs with ease and keeps you reading until the very end. This book stands out in the best way from the rest of the series by diving deep into the psyche of characters growing up and learning who they are meant to become. Full of intrigue, and yet wholesomely relatable, the Jewel of Life series continues to impress!”