Fargo, ND -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/03/2015 -- While most authors use their first novel to do nothing but simply test the literary waters, B.R. Maul is quickly discovering that a debut release also provides an opportunity to rival a genre's bestsellers. 'In the Land of Magnanthia', part one of the 'Portals, Passages & Pathways' series, sees Maul pit good against evil in a wholly unique new way.

Having created an engrossing world and filling it with characters readers can relate to with chilling accuracy, Maul thrusts them into a brutal war that urges all involved to uncover their true life's purpose.

Synopsis:

Simon Whittaker lives an ordinary teenage life until the most powerful ring in the land of Magnanthia chooses him to become its guardian.

Swept away to this mysterious world that is in the midst of a brutal war, Simon must place his life in the hands of a master swordsman, ranger, high cleric, and wizard sent to help him.

While King Elderten has ordered death to the realm's nine guardians, the group he believes is responsible for the kingdom's devastation, Simon remains the only hope for those who believe the guardians are innocent.

Meanwhile, Jak Jakobsin has been recruited from Earth by Bedlam's evil overlord in the West. He plans to use Jak, along with his undead army, to build a force so powerful that Magnanthia will be his forever.

Prepare for a breathtaking climax as two different paths are set in motion.

"This adventure is a tightly-woven canvas of authentic characters, deep allegories and thrilling escapades," explains the author. "I've become aware of much stagnancy in the fantasy genre due to shallow storylines and characters difficult to relate to. I wanted to provide readers with something they won't find elsewhere. The land of Magnanthia, while embodying traditional elements of fantasy that readers crave, also introduces gripping new creatures and concepts."

Continuing, "Many have already described it as a cross between 'The Chronicles of Narnia', 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Harry Potter'. What more could an author ask for? Stay tuned, because this is only just the beginning of the saga!"

Since its release, the novel has garnered a string of rave reviews. One reader comments, "In the Land of Magnanthia (Portals, Passages & Pathways #1)by B.R. Maul is a great fantasy, action, adventure story that any age would love to read. The book is a bit long for some (470 pages) however, there is never a time where the story is boring or uninteresting. There is always something going on."

Marissa DeCuir adds, "Plan to take the day to read, because I'm not sure you'll want to put the book down - except maybe just to take a break so you can have it last longer! The author does an amazing job at describing beautiful scenery so easy to imagine, and want to live in! The dual point of views and flashbacks give it a little something extra."

'Portals, Passages & Pathways: Book 1: In the Land of Magnanthia (Volume 1)' is available now: http://amzn.to/1DsifyN

About B.R. Mau
A fan of fantasy fiction since he was a child, B.R. Maul has always enjoyed a good story, whether it came in the form of books or role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons.

Maul has lived in the heart of the Red River Valley for most of his life. He was born in Fargo, N.D. in 1974. A house fire changed his family's course when he was a child, and in the early '80s, his parents took over a small family business in Moorhead, MN, where he remained for his school years.

Maul holds an undergraduate degree in secondary English education with an emphasis in creative writing. He spent a few years working as a substitute teacher, and since fall 2013, he has dedicated all of his time to writing.

Maul lives in Fargo with his wife and three kids.