- Literary Titan Book Award 2025 Winner - The gods are calling—will you answer? Filled with stunning illustrations , this book invites you to step into the magical world of Illuminaria and join the Zodiac Legion. Your training begins now! The gods have chosen only the most promising individuals to master the power of magic, and the guardians of Illuminaria have deemed you worthy to stand among them. Like every great mage before you, your journey begins as a novice. To prepare you, the Zodiac Legion has built nine schools to hone your skills and awaken your arcane potential. Within this index of ancient knowledge, you’ll uncover Illuminaria’s timeline, the nine arcane disciplines, and the secrets buried by the gods. Dive into mysteries such as: Telekinesis —command objects with the sheer force of your will. - Nature —control the essence of life that sustains Illuminaria’s balance. - Death —peer beyond the veil separating the living from the dead. But magic has not always existed. Long ago, in a time before magic, the Precursors—a forgotten civilization—constructed awe-inspiring cities and artifacts. Through ingenuity and discovery, they unlocked the first magic, turning frailty into unimaginable power. Then, they vanished, leaving behind only their secrets. Now, it’s your turn to unearth those secrets, master your craft, and claim your power bracelet—the ultimate symbol of your mastery. Your magical education begins here. Are you ready to answer the call? Reviews The "Tales of Illuminaria" is exceedingly rare, as we - as readers - do not get many fantasy worlds illustrated, least of all in such a gorgeous manner. The artwork, combined with the rich lore, makes for an excellent final product and I recommend this book - and series - to all those looking for a story with dedicated world-building, including visual references and historical documentation. - Jordan Durfee / Amazon verified review The second book in the world of Illuminaria series is just as intriguing as the first. David Catuhe, or Deltakosh, is a treasure for anyone with a deep-seated love for fantasy. As someone who grew up devouring Piers Anthony's Xanth series, this book resonates with that same sense of wonder and magic. What sets his books apart is its breathtaking art, which not only complements the storytelling but also vividly brings the world of Illuminaria to life. Each illustration feels like a window into this mythical realm, making the intrigue of its lore and the mysteries of its gods tangible. - Justin Harris / Amazon verified review Magic Compendium is a treasure trove for fantasy lovers, world-building enthusiasts, and tabletop RPG players looking for inspiration. Readers who enjoy in-depth magical systems, philosophical musings on power and responsibility, and mysterious lore will find it particularly compelling. As a Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, I could hardly wait to start incorporating some of this fantastic content into my campaign. Whether you're a seasoned mage-in-training or a curious novice, Magic Compendium casts a spell with its rich history, mysterious artifacts, and intricate magical theories. I highly recommend it to middle graders and veteran fantasy readers alike, and to RPG players of all ages. - Christine Rodriguez / Reedsy Discovery In my opinion, few works captivate the imagination quite like "Magic Compendium" in fantasy literature. I liked the way the author begins the book in the opening pages, which made me feel I was not just reading a book but answering a call to destiny. It was the time to prepare for the magical journey that lay ahead. So much so, that I found myself transported to a world where arcane arts reign supreme and the call of the gods echoes through time. - John Johnson / Goodreads What struck me first was how real this world felt. The depth of thought put into the history of magic—how it started with the Zodiac Legion, how humans struggled to harness it, and how the first magic schools formed—gave the sense that Illuminaria had existed long before I picked up the book. The section detailing how different types of magic evolved was especially immersive. For example, the explanation of telekinesis —starting from merely nudging objects and culminating in grand telekinetic engineering feats—made me wish I could enroll in one of these schools myself. The writing here is methodical but never dry. It reads like a textbook, yet with the heart of a storyteller who genuinely loves the world he's built. - Literary Titan