James Chinery Pens BAND & BLESSING

"Bane & Blessing," the first in a series of fantasy novels by James Chinery was recently published via Halo Publishing International. The main characters, Lazarus, Anselm and Mikal face a variety of challenges, adventures and fantastic conflict when dealing with the realities of a world where not everything is black and white.

"I have been a fan of fantasy and sci-fiction since I was a young boy reading Lord of the Rings," said James Chinery, author of "Bane & Blessing." "I wanted to create a fiction world in which characters are faced with decisions and an understanding that life isn't always easy. There is good and bad and sometimes the lines are blurred. In Bane and Blessing magic isn't evil; it is how people chose to use their magic that becomes good or evil."

In "Bane and Blessing" one of the main characters, Anselm Van Helflyn, who is a newly consecrated mage of the Antiochim, is sent out on a mission to investigate reports of dark magic being practiced in Askani. What he finds will shake the continent, challenge theologians and threaten the peace between man and elf that has existed for a hundred years. Has dark magic returned to Superion? The Superion Union declares no, but the evidence proclaims a more sinister truth.

"In all my readings over the years, I realized that, with the exception of the 'Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis, there aren't any fantasy adventure books that depict religious leaders and religious beliefs as a positive influence. As a Lutheran minister, I wanted to create a book that wove a fairer representation of religious beliefs while also recognizing that no one person or idea is perfectly good. However, in 'Bane & Blessing' readers will find that the evil characters are truly evil."

Although the book has only been available for a short time, readers are already sharing their comments via social media. One reader says: "In 'Bane and Blessing,' the author has created not just a story, but an entire world called Superion set in an austere, medieval era. It is an epic story where the actions of the characters matter to the fate of the entire world."

A reader on Barnes and Noble had this to say: "As the story unfolds, it shows how newly consecrated magician, Anselm Van Helflyn, is sent out on a mission to investigate reports of dark magic that were practiced in Askani. What the magician finds out will challenge everyone including the ordinary person and theologian. It will threaten the peace between man and elf too. It would seem that dark magic has returned to Superion."

"I really enjoyed working with Jim on his first novel, 'Bane & Blessing,'" said Lisa Umina, publisher and founder of Halo Publishing International. "Jim's love of adventure in a fantastical world comes alive on the page and his unique background adds an element of history and religion that inspire readers to look for connections between fantasy and reality. I look forward to reading his next installment."

"Bane & Blessing" is available via Amazon and Barnes and Noble; $15.95 for paperback and the e-version is available for $6.99.

* Paperback: 300 pages
* Publisher: Halo Publishing International (December 11, 2015)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1612444393
* ISBN-13: 978-1612444390

About James Chinery:
James Chinery is a former occupational therapist and now full-time pastor and chaplain who has always wondered if there were one or two hobbits lurking in his ancestral tree. He lives in Frankenmuth, MI, with his wife, three children and two unruly yet goodhearted chocolate labs. His interests include fishing, hunting, homeschooling, reading and doing his best to live as both sinner and saint.

About Halo Publishing International:
Halo Publishing International is a self-publishing company that publishes adult fiction and non-fiction, children's literature, self-help, spiritual, and faith-based books. We continually strive to help authors reach their publishing goals and provide many different services that help them do so. http://www.HaloPublishing.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 - USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

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