Title: The Ancient Manuscripts of a Toxic Wizard Family
Author: Daisan the Coward
Publisher: Great Writers Media
ISBN: 978-1955809795
Pages: 140
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction & Fantasy
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

Read Book Review

Whether you are a creative-minded individual or more logical in your approach to life, we all at one time or another have created something. Whether it’s as simple as creating a baked dish, creating a work of art, or perhaps a novel, or of course one of the best creations we as a people can offer, life, creation is inherently a part of who we are. Sadly, but nevertheless true, so too is destruction. As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.

In author Daisan the Coward’s The Ancient Manuscripts of a Toxic Wizard Family, the author explores the concept of creation through the eyes of a few individuals who are granted immortality on a new world. Each coming to the world with their own unique personalities, these immortals must contend with evolving life in a more fantasy-driven narrative, after a magical professor who views himself as a god grants his most favored student the opportunity to create life in an alternate version of a young Earth. Faced with the consequences of her actions and her own morality, each decision she makes, as well as the decisions of those other immortals she comes across, will dictate the outcome of the world.

This is definitely a unique and unparalleled fantasy-driven narrative. A blend of magic, sci-fi, and an atmosphere that felt like being in a 90’s acid-punk rock video, the author has perfectly balanced the creation of a new mythology before the readers’ eyes and character-driven narrative. What stood out was the unique POV that each chapter took, utilizing journals, written-documents and personal accounts from several characters over this world’s history to account for the planet’s development. The way the author seemed to allow the reader to see the world develop almost in real-time as the story progressed was interesting, and protagonists Gavin and Angela and their role in the world felt so witty yet challenging all at once.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy twisted and fun fantasy-driven narratives with a mature twist. While the language and tone of the story was definitely more driven towards adults, the world-building and mythos behind this narrative was very sci-fi and fantasy geared, making this a well-rounded novel. As a fan of these genres, I was fully invested throughout this narrative as the world began to grow, as did the civilizations which rose and fell around the protagonists.

A memorable, brilliant, and entertaining read, author Daisan the Coward’s The Ancient Manuscripts of a Toxic Wizard Family is a must-read novel. The story is original and felt alive as it delved into this new fantasy world, and the mystery behind the “gods” and the creation of this alternate earth was definitely thought-provoking and enthralling all at once.