This second volume in The Valor of Valhalla series does not disappoint, as the author continues to explore realms uncertain on either side of the veil. David’s tectonic tale proceeds with a distinct air of approaching doom in The Sands of Akhirah. Pressing issues in the material world demand his attention, including mourning the painful loss of Rose, a girl who was as close as family to David. But what fuels him is a need to find answers and an increasing drive for revenge. With threats emerging on several fronts, David uncovers startling truths that he’ll have to face head on. Unprecedented dangers will have readers journeying with our increasingly powerful protagonist to an ancient land filled with secrets, as well as encountering unexpected adventures in far-flung corners of the earth where mortal man fears to tread. The clamorous movement of the plot never slows, and battles between demons and angels are only the beginning of the tension and struggle in this encompassing saga.

Like concealed rocks waiting to ensnare unsuspecting sailors, The Sands of Akhirah begins as a metaphysical exercise in cognizance but quickly erupts into delightful pandemonium. More formidable than any single man ought to be, David Dolan proves to be a thorn in the flesh for those bent on destruction and darkness. But David is no longer an ordinary man. As he evolves into a willful crusader, his real-world obligations and his otherworldly aspirations struggle for dominance, creating unease and pressure that is unrelenting. And he’s not the only character who develops newfound confidence and power, qualities that are essential if humankind is to survive what’s in store. 

One aspect of this series that outshines others in this daring genre is the sharp intersection of the known and the unknown, the modern versus that which is endless. Imagine using human tools such as the cell phones and government databases in the pursuit of unearthly entities. Or debating the value of renting an Airbnb in the Middle East when eternal issues are at stake. This constant, bizarre contrast adds harrowing realism to a novel deep in the fantasy domain. Despite a tense atmosphere and the ethereal nature of the cast and locations, the author keeps a firm command of the environment, helping readers feel tethered to something they can comprehend. With concepts and ideas that have been part of human culture for ages, diverging myths, gods, fables and legends integrate into one singularly unsettling story. If escape is at the top of your to-do list, The Sands of Akhirah is your first-class ticket!