(PRLeap.com) "Maleficium", a new book by J. M. Pepe, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.In the mysterious kingdom of Goldenpeak, two princesses journey to the edge of a forbidden forest, only one returns. Princess Ayla, now grown, has lived most of her life in the shadow of grief after the tragic disappearance of her sister, Thiea, believed lost forever to the forest's cursed inhabitants.
As the kingdom faces an encroaching darkness from the woods, Ayla crosses paths with Mychael, a noble-hearted knight-in-training and the son of a royal commander. His courage, kindness, and deep curiosity draw Ayla's attention, and as their bond blossoms, so too does the threat looming at Goldenpeak's gates.
Haunted by the past and driven by a sense of duty, Ayla sets out to uncover the truth behind her sister's fate and the mysterious tensions rising between the kingdom and the ancient forest. Her quest will unravel long-buried secrets of her family's lineage and challenge everything she believes about loyalty, power, and faith.
"Maleficium", the debut fantasy novel by J.M. Pepe, is a sweeping high fantasy inspired by medieval classics such as Le Morte d'Arthur and the cautionary tales of the Brothers Grimm. Set in a richly imagined world modeled after 15th- and 16th-century Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, the novel explores the devastating consequences of fear-driven superstition and religious persecution, echoing real-world parallels drawn from the infamous Malleus Maleficarum and its role in European history.
With vivid world-building and deep thematic undercurrents, "Maleficium" is more than a fantasy; it is a timely reflection on the importance of religious freedom and the perils of suppressing belief in the name of power.
About the Author
J.M. Pepe grew up in a creatively rich household-his mother a medical professional, his father an educator of early civilizations-where a deep appreciation for art and history was encouraged from a young age. A recipient of the Connecticut Outstanding Achievement in Fine Arts Award and a former creative student at Yale, Pepe went on to earn his MFA in Production Design from the Academy of Art University. His films, known for their historical authenticity, have received international recognition.
Now based in Florida, Pepe continues to pursue his passion for storytelling, design, and world culture. A former competitive fencer, he has traveled extensively through Russia, Poland, Germany, Italy, France, and Morocco-experiences that have deeply influenced his artistic and literary work.
"Maleficium" is a 364-page paperback with a retail price of $37.00 (eBook $32.00). The ISBN is 979-8-89027-444-1. Published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For members of the press, to request a review copy or author interview, please visit https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/pages/media-requests or to buy the book, visit our online bookstore at https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/maleficium
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Natasha Hlinka
Dorrance Publishing
http://www.dorrancepublishing.com
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