
Primeval Origins: Rise of Serpents is the third book in the Primeval Origins series from Author B A Vonsik, which ask the burning question; “what if all our legends and myths about man’s creation are true?” Rise of Serpents takes us from the near future, 2030’s, when man is not only experimenting with genetic enhancement but is also openly embracing the idea of cybernetics, also known as transhumanism, back to the origins of humanity when Gods and Ancients strode the world with their power and domination over all living things. Two men Rogaan, the half-Tellen, searching for his father who is held captive and Aren, the Evendiir are thrown together as allies, on a mission that perhaps neither of them fully understands nor grasps the enormity of the foes they will face. Both of them are more powerful than they realise and they will need to be as they come face to face with some of the most powerful beings and creatures of these ancient times. They must face and defeat those that seek what they possess, including the most feared of them all, the one who calls himself The Vassal. The legendary Shunned, Luntanus Alum is holding Rogaan’s father prisoner and it will take all of the pair’s Agni magic to find a way forward.
This story is definitely one for the reader’s who seek true epic fantasy. Author B A Vonsik has created, in Primeval Origins: Rise of Serpents, a world in which all of our most fantastical nightmares and legends about the past and the origins of humanity have come true. Evil Gods and powerful, magical rulers hold sway over a cowering populace. Simply put, this is the eternal battle of Good vs Evil played out on an epic stage across epochs. I haven’t read the first two volumes and, in many ways, I wish I had as I felt overwhelmed and a little lost at times as the characters, familiar to readers already, no doubt, emerged and took their place in the narrative. The author has a superb and engaging style which keeps the reader riveted and turning the page. The fight scenes (and there are plenty of them) were incredibly descriptive and realistic. One could almost hear and feel the magical power in the air. I particularly enjoyed the relationship and angst between Rogaan, his “former” friend Pax, and Pax’s sister Suhd. More than the epic fantasy, for me, this was one of the main cores of the story, along with the developing friendship between Rogaan and Aren. If epic fantasy is your thing then I have little doubt this book will sustain you and give you plenty to think about, even if it left me a little bereft of understanding.
