April 2024 Reader's Favorite, BooksShelf.com Cover Contest • April 2024 Top Choice, BooksShelf.com • November 2023 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com In the absence of the Guardian of Maarihk, the Usurper's venom has extended beyond the Gulf of Braag, seeding unrest and hatred for all things Maarihkish. Natharr and the Knights of Ril must overcome malice and the ramifications of Ellis the Elder's boundless past that even Sight cannot reveal. The Rilari stand alone in a world in turmoil as they discover the tremendous reach of the Usurper's vizier. Even the endowments of the Daemons of Order are unable to withstand the ravages of fighting to survive on Rilari loyalties. Meanwhile, Nathan and his summoned companion must rely on the teachings of both Natharr and Quiet One to carve out their place in the Maarihk Empire. Skill with a sword is only the beginning of their treacherous path, as fraught with peril as Darshelle's as she flees the animus of the ancient wood. Reviews • 5/5 Stars — “Rilari [is] an emotional odyssey that will leave you breathless. Buckle up for a story that throws you headfirst into the world of the Rilari, where humanity’s fate rests on the shoulders of a courageous, yet relatable, leader – Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk and Knight-Marshal of the Knights of Ril (a.k.a the Rilari). Kilpack masterfully crafts Natharr as a hero brimming with both strength and vulnerability. He’s a leader who inspires with his bravery, lightens the mood with his cheeky side, and grapples with his own emotions, particularly with his relationships. Chapter 13, aptly titled “Well Come,” stands out as a prime example of Kilpack’s exceptional writing. The descriptions of the Knights of Ril facing their adversaries are so vivid, you’ll feel the chill of cold rain, the steel of battle tactics and the agony of loss alongside them. Dive into the New Blood Saga, and I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. I loved the book!” — Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) • 5/5 Stars — “Rilari thrilled, shocked, and entertained me from the very first page! Utterly brilliant! An incredible story full of action and adventure ... with beloved characters [that] must overcome and fight in a world of turmoil! Rilari is a magnificent story full of many exciting moments. Readers will be kept on edge. They will feel compelled to keep reading. That is the sheer beauty of this novel! W.D. Kilpack III effortlessly took me on a thrilling journey, kept me intrigued as well as entertained. It is the kind of book that is impossible to put down, and when I had to, I longed for it! I wanted to be reunited with the story I had grown to love and the characters I had become invested in. Kilpack has written an unforgettable novel that features heavily on its characters and themes. His characters are superb, and I think every reader will be able to invest in them. They are believable, and their narratives jump right off the page and into the reader’s mind. If you are tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with Rilari. I promise you that you will not be disappointed! Five stars from me!” — RedHeadedBookLover.com • 5/5 Stars — "Embark on a captivating journey with W.D. Kilpack III's Rilari: Book Four of New Blood, a tale that expertly weaves tension, mystery, and awe-inspiring heroism. Kilpack's world-building skillfully combines politics, magic, and ancient lore, creating a rich tapestry for readers to explore. The characters, especially Natharr and the Knights of Ril, are well-developed, and the dynamic between Nathan and his summoned companion adds depth and heart to the story. Kilpack successfully incorporates profound themes of resilience and unity into the gripping plot, leaving readers emotionally connected. Riliari is a triumph, offering an enthralling adventure filled with courage and the enduring spirit of humanity." — BooksShelf.com