Fantasy Trilogy by Jeff Wheeler

[Soluna]

I just finished reading a fantasy series by Jeff Wheeler called the Muirwood Trilogy. I enjoyed the story immensely - and the theme that crops up regarding a 'Blight' in the form (this time at least) of a plague, and it's purpose being the regeneration of the population by culling the "sour grapes", definitely had me thinking of some parallels.
I have read a few stories recently which definitely leave me thinking that people are connecting dots, perhaps at least subconsciously.
The author seems deeply inspired by historical quotes, which he liberally includes although altered for context within his story world.
The over-arcing theme is that his characters are in their 'second life' on his world. They have no memory of their first life in Idumea, and through the choices they make they are, in a way, finding their way back. The 'creative force' - or magic - that they encounter is called the 'Medium', which they must learn to be tamed by, so when they return to Idumea, in turn they can tame it. The balancing force are called the Myriad ones, or Unborn - who are called this because they are described as being 'too evil to be born', they appear in the form of spirits. They are described as sucking the life force out of the world.

His website is : http://www.jeff-wheeler.com/

A short excerpt from his 'Manifesto on Virtue':

When I was in college at San Jose State, I took Latin classes from Marianina Olcott. That is where I learned about the Roman concept of Virtus (pronounced “where-tuus”). It was a trait that the Romans respected, but it did not mean just virtue. It included other qualities too: prudentia (prudence), iustitia (justice), temperantia (self-control), and fortitudo (courage).

As I look around in the world today, I see that these traits are no longer honored and respected as they were in the past. Maybe that is why I love reading and why I have certain favorite movies I watch over and over again. You see, in my favorite books and films, the stories that grab me are about Virtus. All right, they can be cheesy sometimes. But I love that moment in Return of the Jedi when Luke throws down his light saber and tells the Emperor he failed to turn him to the Dark Side. That despite everything that will happen to his friends and (gulp) his “sister”, he surrenders and takes the blast of Force lightning full in the chest. That is Virtus.

If you're looking for an enjoyable story to read during some quiet time I would recommend these =)