Age of Affiliaton by J. B. Tallis

I am happy to share the news that another of Creative Services Yorkshire's clients has published their debut novel.

It was a joy to work on Jack's fantasy novel with him and am looking forward to receiving my signed copy, and seeing my name in the dedications section, when I meet with him this week.

About the author

J. B. Tallis is a fantasy author and English teacher based in West Yorkshire, UK. He has long aspired to write a novel that inspires his students and encourages a love of storytelling.

A father and husband, he enjoys writing, playing the piano and guitar, and once dreamed of becoming a rockstar. These days, he is just as content with a round of golf or a quiet pint with a good book.

Age of Affiliation is his debut novel, with a sequel already in development alongside other stories.

You can follow his work on:

Instagram: @j.b.talliswriter

TikTok: @j.b.tallisauthor

"United you shall prosper, divided you shall fall.”

For the first time in their lives, Milo and his siblings, Elyssia and Rinus, are forced apart.

Heirs to the throne of Mecuria, each must prove to their father they are worthy to rule. Milo is the determined heir, driven by duty and the desire to unite those around him. Rinus, the defiant rebel, refuses to be controlled by crown or expectation. Elyssia, a gifted scholar, searches for truths buried deep within the shadows of history.

In a world where the chosen are bound eternally to powerful familiars, destiny is never simple. As the distance between the siblings grows, so too do the cracks within the kingdom itself.

First reader review: The first thing that struck me about this YA adventure, this coming of age story is how skilled JB was at grasping and expressing the character's voices from the very beginning. There was nothing tentative about it, and that makes it a seamless start to it.

His prose is neat, clean and very smooth, without unnecessary embellishments, which again, makes for a smooth reading, especially for high school readers who are just dipping their toes into fantasy reading.

It's the story of three siblings and how they're navigating their first steps into adulthood. Nothing wild here.

The real crux of the story is HOW they navigate those steps, and that's where JB shines, because the characters feel very human and believable. Their follies are all understandable for their age, and their idealism as well.

I am especially fond of Milo, who kiiiiinda is our MC (sorta?), his upright nature and front-footed approach to problems makes him a refreshing change to the modern trend of tentative and anxious youths. In part reflecting his upbringing, as he is the one _expected_ to succeed his father, the King.

I also want to praise JB for his unflinching approach to how he wanted some things.

The Familiars are a great success in this story, I think they provide a good mix of of the familiar (no pun intended) and the novelty of their usage.

If you're looking for a book that feels both known and new at the same time. A book that's ready to be consumed by either Young Adults or Adults who are still young at heart (hello!), then this is a great option.

4.4

Jack's novel is available to purchase on Amazon now: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.eu%2Fd%2F09DrWhJv%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqcIiRacn7N5MKuCRO2ab-e9MD5q4kg_lm_ydGbO1R9T654ikQYQ53GUGQVK_aem_Vq3yQa2v6V-qgZtNlFBSAg&h=AUARGgqCb3s9ZDucM9gkPDHlNUyQ71t2ST662-GOt1CSpD4SRmzZLVTKT4wA15joTA5vt_vaAl5g0MdMA1GX1IMydpizwCdzcz4suN0t2DxUGZVkK3zQbIkIpgVfs82Uu30cutuQH5k8frBdnVENyoLP7_19sw&__tn__=%2CmH-R&c[0]=AUC149WxArx1usOXnNrnEWegL0xHNC_RKIli56bK3p4Ds4bGtekNM7RU87VOWwhewIUegrFngkutv6cO9A3pNjof6s1GDTm7atHVmaK2Ue--YLYG0R8281tm0QfjiQvigNRqIdCstI7vMDiVGPEBwgE9u6yOydSDEIYX0_9apddP4nWGkC4