Brief

A nerdy millionaire ex-military man signs up to be a part of a virtual reality simulation game set up by company to test out the game. Unbeknownst to him, he really gets transported into an alternate world where the simulation is extremely immersive and real. In order to genuinely test out the game and save the main characters, Gilraën, the archer-mage sent to save the kingdom must do what was prophesied; defeat Lord Beckworth and restore peace and prosperity in Umbeqjaralii.

What We Liked

This story immediately captures the attention of any reader who is into video games and fantasy movies or novels. A VR experience that immerses you deeply into a video game to the point you are the character you choose or are given, is an experience every avid gamer wishes to have. I see this having a combined fanbase of both women and men since the story caters to the gamers and also the feminist side of fantasy by having a female protagonist in a virtual reality video game. A woman coming to the rescue of a King and Prince and a whole kingdom is very empowering for this day and age.

Film: With having three books in total, Gilraën and the Prophecy would do great as a trilogy movie series. Whether it is big screen or small screen, the movies with their mythical creatures always have a way of attracting a certain amount of audience. A stellar cast and crew can also have the potential to bring in award nominations for VFX or production design.

TV: Seeing as there are two more books to the series, the show will have a varied audience and fanbase as multiple seasons for a show. Especially with an action filled and female driven storyline, the demographic would be large and inviting. The wealth of detail provided in the book and building the world of Umbeqjaralii and the Guilds, characterization of the sorcerers or even the mythical creatures, it was done very well. From video gamers to fantasy lovers, the show would have viewers across the board.

Key points: 1. Fantasy meets reality
2. Medium Budget
3. Potential for large fanbase and franchise
4. Female protagonist
5. Diversity encouragement

Synopsis

The story begins with Tony Richardson, who is a millionaire game player who came upon his fortune by competing in virtual reality game contests with his friends, Reuben, Greg, and Linda. Tony used to be in the military where he learned most of his survival tactics and game play skills. After winning a lot of competitions and earning so much money from them, to become a millionaire, Tony and his friends get the news about a gaming company hosting a VR immersive experience that Greg signs them up for.

Waking up soaking wet and groggy, Tony wakes up to see that he is now doing the test run for the game. But, he notices that his character, Gilraën Gulámae, is a woman and is capable of not only sorcery but also is an excellent archer. After composing herself, Gilraën marches towards the nearest town when she gets tracked by another sorcerer who immediately notices she is to be brought to the kingdom where she was excepted. The sorcerer then leaves her to get acquainted with her staff and help in her quarters. The one thing that surprises the entire kingdom is that Gilraën is an elf, and a high elf at that. Which means she is Queen Gilraën Gulámae of the Elves of the Green Mountain-Maidstone Forest. , there to serve and protect the kingdom.

Gilraën gets the chance to interact with Prince William and his sorcerers, of which were Master Talbot, Prince William’s most trusted adviser/sorcerer/friend in his council. Master Talbot then introduced Gilraën to all of his sorcerers later on. A few of them were to teach and train Gilraën on sorcery and how to become a mistress of the sorcerers guild. The next day, the Masters took turns in teaching and training Gilraën on her skills. Master Chin, although very mean and rude, taught Gilraën to use all kinds of weapons an Elf can withhold and withstand using, which included javelin, spears, slings, archery, etc. While learning through Master Chin, Gilraën meets an amazing archer named Harold. Soon they become good friends and Harold introduces Gilraën to his squad. In order to learn as much sorcery as possible, Master Talbot trains Gilraën more on how to control her thoughts and shield her mind while penetrating and stealthily spying on others for any loose cannons in the kingdom. Both Gilraën and Master Talbot get carried away and Gilraën arrives late at her next lesson on sorcery with Master Norton. Unimpressed already by her tardiness, Master Norton begins his lesson on fading while striding in her Sorcerer’s Walk.

After being summoned back home, Gilraën makes sure to convince the entire courtroom that regardless of classes in this war, everyone must work together to defeat the common enemy. Unable to digest this, General Abuahad challenges Gilraën for another mock battle with her own technique and others agree, so that they also have proof that sorcerers should be in the front line of the battle to help out as much as possible. Agreeing to a mock battle, Gilraën prepares her comrades, her archer squad the Ghillies, so that they understand this may as well be the actual battle because all of the events are getting very close. As the mock battle begins, Gilraën walks over to the ‘enemy’ lines to see their formation so that she can return and inform her squad as to how to attack. Seeing this, Master Talbot and Prince William understand it indeed is important for a sorcerer to be present in battle as it not only gives advantage but also because Beckworth also has sorcerers in his mix of men in battle.

As they get ready to make sure the Guilds and towns were safe from Beckworth's wreckage, they had liberated Higgleston, ensuring the loyalty of the kings subjects. Gilraën had led her cavalry in battle and had defeated the enemy. She had now killed six of lord Beckworth’s precious sorcerer's. she had met an old friend and had gained a powerful ally. And, she had infiltrated and been accepted by a powerful guild, whose true power was hidden, and undiscoverable by the chauvinistic society in which it was embedded. The enemy had been defeated for now. In the meanwhile, the elves of the realm all congregate to be greeted by the Seeress who bestows upon them the news that an Elvin Queen has descended to take down the Adjudicars’ plan to decimate every continent and world they get their hands on. Understanding this is their only chance of survival and vengeance against the Adjudicars, the Elvin kings and queens unite to orchestrate a masterful plan to take down the Adjudicars.

About The Author

Dr. Joanne Reid is a retired collegiate educator, scientist, entrepreneur and computer geek. She is a prolific writer, including more than twenty research papers in the areas of critical thinking and cognition; Caledonian Chronicles, a brief history of ancient Scotland; World Union, a techno-thriller trilogy. Gilraën and the Prophecy is her first venture into Gamelit epic fantasy. Joanne is married to her partner of forty-three years, who is a retired college professor. They refer to themselves as the Pair-A-Docs.