Kilpack's Rilari Wins International Firebird Book Award

West Jordan, Uta. — Speak Up Talk Radio announced the winners of the most recent International Firebird Book Awards. Amongst the winners was Utah author W.D. Kilpack III for his epic/dark fantasy novel Rilari in the Dark Fantasy category.

Kilpack said, "It's very gratifying to have my work recognized. Whether it's readers telling me how much they enjoyed it or winning an award, it's so incredibly satisfying. It's just humbling."

Rilari is the fourth of the eight-book New Blood Saga, which centers around Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk. He is one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. In Rilari,In the absence of the Guardian of Maarihk, the Usurper’s venom has extended beyond the Gulf of Braag, seeding unrest and hatred for all things Maarihkish. Natharr and the Knights of Ril must overcome malice and the ramifications of Ellis the Elder’s boundless past that even Sight cannot reveal. The Rilari stand alone in a world in turmoil as they discover the tremendous reach of the Usurper’s vizier. Even the endowments of the Daemons of Order are unable to withstand the ravages of fighting to survive on Rilari loyalties. Meanwhile, Nathan and his summoned companion must rely on the teachings of both Natharr and Quiet One to carve out their place in the Maarihk Empire. Skill with a sword is only the beginning of their treacherous path, as fraught with peril as Darshelle’s as she flees the animus of the ancient wood.

Authors and publishers from around the world submitted their work to the International Firebird Book Awards. Two judges from a select panel of 25 judges read each book in its entirety, and independently score each entry. All judges commit to a set of standardized criteria that evaluates the quality of the writing as well as production aspects. Only entries with the highest of scores are awarded the coveted Firebird.

This is the fourth award Kilpack has received for Rilari. The first was when it was named Editor's Choice by BooksShelf.com, the second when it was named a Top Choice by BooksShelf.com, and the third when it was a Reader's Choice in the BooksShelf.com Cover Contest. Kilpack has published seven novels, which have earned 26 book awards to date, including the The International Impact Book Award, The BookFest Award, and Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future Contest. His sci-fi novella, Pale Face is currently in movie development.

According to Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, Canada), "Rilari is an excellent instalment in the New Blood Saga, providing thrilling action, heartfelt sorrow and much more! Rilari expands heavily upon the world-building and magic contained within the New Blood Saga. The Rilari themselves are a perfect source for the intricacy, nuance and overall development of the story through these elements. Also, if you enjoy travel and exploration of new lands and cultures then you will love this book. I am amazed with how well Kilpack portrays each member of the Rilari. Despite the extensive cast of characters, I am becoming quite familiar with most, if not all of them. Now, while I enjoyed my time with the Rilari, I was also itching to get back to some other characters that I had become intimately invested in. Let’s just say that things took quite the turn here and I eagerly await the next book. It will be a tough wait, indeed!"

According to BooksShelf.com, "Embark on a captivating journey with W.D. Kilpack III's Rilari: Book Four of New Blood, a tale that expertly weaves tension, mystery, and awe-inspiring heroism. Kilpack's world-building skillfully combines politics, magic, and ancient lore, creating a rich tapestry for readers to explore. The characters, especially Natharr and the Knights of Ril, are well-developed, and the dynamic between Nathan and his summoned companion adds depth and heart to the story. Kilpack successfully incorporates profound themes of resilience and unity into the gripping plot, leaving readers emotionally connected. Riliari is a triumph, offering an enthralling adventure filled with courage and the enduring spirit of humanity."

In a prepared statement, Patricia J. Rullo, founder of the Firebird Book Awards, said, "Our judging panel grew again and includes a diverse group who represent a cross-section of ages, cultural heritage, race, religion, gender, and experience. At Speak Up Talk Radio, the mission is to offer authors a welcome place to promote themselves and their books via book awards, podcast awards, radio interviews, audiobook production, voiceover marketing tools, and podcasting services."

Kilpack is an award-winning and critically acclaimed internationally published writer, with works appearing in print, online, radio and television, starting with his first publication credit at the age of nine, when he wrote an award-winning poem. As an adult, he has been editor and/or publisher of 23 news and literary publications, both online and in print, with circulations as high as 770,000. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Westminster University. As an undergrad, he double-majored in communication and philosophy, while completing the Honors Program. As a graduate student, he earned a master of professional communication with a writing emphasis. He was also a high-performing athlete, qualifying for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling. For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he continues to live, consult and educate. For more information go to www.Kilpack.net.

The International Firebird Book Awards welcomes author submissions from all genres; mainstream, independent, and self-published are welcome. For more information go to www.speakuptalkradio.com.