An Epsom writer's Japanese-inspired epic follows Akio, raised to obey an Empire, until one act of compassion changes everything. Book one of a planned series.

This is a sponsored feature for Spirit Walker: Rise of Akio by Epsom author George Thorne.

An Epsom author has published his debut novel, and it arrives with a tagline that sets the tone: born of flame, forged in shadow, destined to challenge an Empire.

Spirit Walker: Rise of Akio is a Japanese-inspired epic fantasy by George Thorne, an independent author based here in Epsom. It is book one of a planned series.

The story

The novel follows Akio, a young man raised by an Empire that taught him obedience above everything else, until one act of compassion forces him to question the person he has been taught to become.

Thorne describes the book as a story centred on hope, choice, sacrifice and redemption, themes he is carrying forward as he develops the wider Spirit Walker series.

A local author’s leap

Independent publishing is a leap of faith: no publisher’s marketing budget, just the author, the book and the readers it can find. Since publication, Thorne has been working to introduce the novel to readers, including an animated trailer for the book, a rarity for an independent debut.

If you read it, tell him what you thought. For an independent local author, a review from an Epsom reader counts double.

What readers are saying

Since this feature went live, readers have written to Epsom Today about the book. Their comments are printed here in their own words.

“I bought the Kindle version to read on holiday. I was grabbed by the artwork, which looks fantastic, so I read the intro and thought I would give it a go. Loved it. Great story, love the characters, and really left looking forward to the second book. Well done George on your first novel.”

Mark Hurst

“Congratulations to George Thorne on his first novel, Spirit Walker: Rise of Akio. I bought the hard copy and genuinely enjoyed every moment of it. It’s an easy and enjoyable read, but what really kept me turning the pages were the unexpected twists and the feeling that you never quite know what is going to happen next. It draws you into the story and makes you want to keep reading to discover what comes next. A fantastic first novel and a great choice for anyone who enjoys an exciting story with mystery, adventure and plenty of surprises. Well done, George! I’d definitely recommend giving it a read.”

Nargiza Petriti

“I bought Spirit Walker: Rise of Akio and I’m already halfway through and, honestly, I’m really enjoying it. The story pulls you in from the beginning. There’s always something that makes you wonder what is going to happen next, so you keep wanting to read just one more chapter. Even though it’s fantasy, the world feels so real that you can almost imagine yourself there alongside the characters. What makes it even more special is knowing that the author is local. We’re very lucky to have such a talented writer right here in our community, creating stories that can take readers somewhere completely different. If you enjoy fantasy, adventure and stories that make you want to keep turning the pages, I’d definitely recommend giving Spirit Walker: Rise of Akio a read.”

Micheal Ellul

“I came across Spirit Walker: Rise of Akio after seeing some great reviews and decided to give it a try, and I’m really glad I did. It completely pulled me into its world. The story is strong, emotional and full of moments that make you feel as though you’re right there alongside the characters. I genuinely found myself getting lost in the story and not wanting to put it down. A really enjoyable read and one I would definitely recommend to fantasy fans.”

A reader who writes as Born Of The Mark

Read it yourself? Write to hello@epsomtoday.co.uk and we will add your view.