Hey everyone, Civilization Ex here with a review for Dor Vahdor: Lost Legends and Sagas
of Preflood Earth, a new fantasy epic written by the longtime friend and supporter of the
channel Lazarus Master Fox, in which he explores and expands upon the mythologies surrounding
pre-flood Earth.
A sprawling tale, to be told through a continuing series, Volume I focuses on Creation, Angels
and War, where Lucifer the light-bringer, greatest and most blessed of the Angels, led
a bloody rebellion in defiance of the creator El Adonai, who made the universe and everything
within.
Inspired by authors like JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis and Robert E Howard, who similarly used Christian
and Pagan lore as a basis for their writings, Volume I of Dor Vahdor brings forth a unique
interpretation of ancient traditions, from El Adonai’s first creation, to the Great
War in Heaven and formation of Earth.
A gripping tale, brimming with interesting characters, as well as stunning maps and illustrations
by the artist G. Eric Boireau, Dor Vahdor left a lasting impression, so captivating
one can’t help but eagerly await the next volume in the series.
Those familiar with my Game of Thrones reviews know that I tend to forgo the more traditional
recap and review style, in favor of highlighting my favorite scenes, and so in that same vein,
here are my top 10 moments from Dor Vahdor Volume I.
Number 10: Lucifer’s Creation and the 7 Realms of Shamayim
Despite being the main villain for the series, the fallen Angel Lucifer, chief adversary
to the Creator, quickly became my favourite character, as it was utterly fascinating to
see his gradual decline from the greatest and most devout worshipper of El Adonai, to
a disillusioned rebel seeking the leadership of Shamayim, the name given to the seven realms
of heaven.
Although the book starts with an interesting look at El Adonai and the beginning of time,
it was the creation of Lucifer and formation of the 7 realms which stood out to me as the
first great moments of the story.
Not only was the Light-bringer born from a drop of the creator’s blood, but he was
then given a position supreme importance, when El Adonai plucked 7 feathers from his
wings, each a different color, and used them to form the 7 realms of Shamayim.
Although other Angels were named as leaders of these realms, Lucifer stood above them
all as Chief Prince of creation, only second in might and authority to the Almighty One,
El Adonai.
Number 9: The Face of Lucifer After forming the realms of heaven and populating
them with beings of free will called Angels, El Adonai largely took a step back and left
his creations to govern themselves.
With the Almighty One distancing himself from the Angels, Lucifer became the most visible
face of authority within Shamayim, held in such high regard some started to consider
him a being of equal status to the Creator.
Lucifer however, did not yet view himself in such a light, and was instead eager to
demonstrate his devotion to El Adonai through the construction of a great house of worship.
However the Creator did not approve and so a disheartened Lucifer was prepared to abandon
the plan, until approached by his most loyal friend and devoted follower, the cherub Matmonel.
Convinced that the Almighty One would change his mind once he saw the magnificence of the
temple and great statue they would fashion in his likeness, the Light Bringer rededicated
himself to the project.
Though Lucifer planned to leave the statue faceless, as nothing could compare to the
image of the Creator, the Light Bringer was once again swayed by Matmonel, who insisted
he could make a face worthy of this grand construction.
When at last the great house of worship was completed, half of all the Angels in Shamyim
gathered for the opening ceremony, where Matmonel unveiled his work, revealing the face of Lucifer
atop the great statue.
While some in the crowd, like the Archangel Michael, were appalled by this display of
vanity, many more were entranced by the beauty of this image, as was Lucifer who loved what
he saw, growing increasingly addicted to the attention and adoration of the other Angels.
Number 8: The Lost Faith of Magdiel Having reached the greatest of heights by
completing the house of worship, Lucifer felt dragged to his lowest point when gracefully
rebuked by El Adonai for his disobedience.
Though the Creator did not punish his beloved Prince, Lucifer was passed over, for the newly
revealed position of Elect One, who would represent the Creator and was therefore above
the Light Bringer in authority.
Needing time to contemplate his future, Lucifer sought solitude, which then tested the faith
of his ten closest followers who were left without the guidance of their revered leader.
Though 9 of these 10 never wavered from their devotion, trusting that the Light Bringer
would return and bring them to glory, Magdiel grew frustrated as he believed they were abandoned,
and was ready to walk out on his comrades.
Yet similar to doubting Thomas who did not initially believe in the resurrection of Jesus,
Magdiel was brought back into the fold when Lucifer returned with a renewed spirit and
determination.
Number 7: Rebellion and the Five Headed Beast Returning to his followers, Lucifer revealed
what he accomplished during his time away, taking his followers to an underground fortress
lair, where he unveiled a grand army of warrior Angels armed with deadly weapons of war.
Conducting a blood sacrifice, Lucifer slit the throat of an Angel clad in white before
transforming into a terrifying Five Headed Beast who yelled out in defiance: “Let there
be rebellion!
Let there be oblivion!
Let there be a great war in heaven!
Unleash the legions to battle!”
Number 6: The Rescue of Anakel With well over half of all Angels initially
devoted to the Light-bringer’s rebellion, while roughly 1/3rd stayed out of the fighting,
those still Faithful to El Adonai were swiftly defeated in many of the initial battles, as
they were not trained, armed or prepared for war.
Nevertheless, the Faithful fought on as best they could, with Anakel and Samuel leading
their armies in defence of the Third Realm Shehaqim, where they put forth a fierce resistance
that might have done great damage to the enemy, if not for the betrayal of Morel, chieftain
of Ophanim Angels.
When the Ophanim unexpectedly joined Lucifer’s forces, the Faithful were slaughtered, with
Anakel harpooned by great javelins and taken alive.
Though Samuel managed to escape, his wrath could not be contained upon learning his friend
was captured, suffering torture and enduring mockery.
Embarking upon a daring rescue mission, Samuel tore his way through the enemy, ripping apart
rebels with his bare hands until at last reaching and liberating Anakel.
Number 5: Lucifer and Michael in Single Combat After the fall of the fifth realm Maon, the
Archangel Michael, a cherished leader and commander of the Faithful, refused to flee,
remaining to face Lucifer in single combat.
Although he fought valiantly and with all his heart, he was ultimately bested and given
a final chance to surrender and swear fealty to the Rebel Prince.
Despite being at the mercy of his enemy, Michael steadfastly refused to consider betrayal and
accepted his impending death.
Yet Lucifer did not kill him, instead deciding that Michael should endure a more humiliating
fate.
Therefore the Light Bringer cut off his enemy’s wings and mounted them to his standard, before
releasing the Archangel back to the Faithful, bloody and broken, as a warning of their impending
doom.
Number 4: Lucifer and Cassiel in Single Combat Having conquered nearly all of Shamayim, the
seventh realm Aravoth was all that stood between Lucifer and victory.
Yet Aravoth was protected by the titanic, 8 winged, obsidian Seraph Cassiel, who oversaw
the grand stairwell gate leading to the Large White Throne of El Adonai.
Created with immense power and skill, Cassiel was the greatest warrior in creation after
the Light Bringer, and so stood ready to defend his realm.
Unlike the battle with Michael, this foe would not be easily bested; therefore when Lucifer
engaged Cassiel in single-combat, the confrontation was brutal and lasted for eons.
But in the end, the Chief Prince was victorious, granting his opponent one last chance to surrender
and join the rebellion.
When Cassiel refused, Lucifer pierced his chest using the Seraph’s own spear, hurling
him over the mountain side.
With his enemies defeated, the Light Bringer transformed into a terrible beast with 5 heads,
razor talons, great curved horns and fangs sharper then steel, becoming Lucifer Seraphant
in his moment of triumph.
Number 3: The Lion and the Beast With Shamayim conquered, the Faithful army
defeated, and El Adonai believed to have fled, Lucifer Seraphant sat victorious upon the
Large White Throne as his legions cheered and worshiped his glory.
Yet their joy was short lived, as the Creator soon re-emerged in the form of a mighty winged
Lion, roaring so loudly it silenced the rebels, cast them down and struck fear into their
hearts.
Tackling Lucifer Seraphant, the Lion tore off his heads and consumed his adversary whole.
The Lion then spewed forth the Light Bringer, who watched in horror as his assailant transformed
into El Adonai.
Realizing his conquest was all but defeated, Lucifer made a final, desperate attempt to
assert his dominance by challenging the Creator to single combat.
El Adonai accepted and named the wounded Archangel Michael as his champion.
Yet this would not end like their previous battle, as El Adonai revitalized and empowered
his champion, who then used his new found strength to defeat Lucifer once and for all.
With the Light Bringer bested, the Elect One came forth upon a chariot of fire and with
Michael at his side swept over rebel forces, ending the war.
Number 2: Defiant Until the End With the war lost and his armies disbanded,
Lucifer was taken captive but held in luxurious surroundings while treated as an honoured
guest.
El Adonai hoped this would give him time to reflect upon his actions and seek forgiveness
for his many mistakes.
Yet this did not occur, as Lucifer remained defiant until the end and refused to consider
repentance, instead growing bitter and resentful during his captivity.
When the Creator finally visited, giving him a chance to leave the darkness and return
to the light, Lucifer scorned his offer, cursed his mercy, and yelled out in rebellious hatred,
vowing to remain the adversary and enemy of El Adonai for all eternity.
Number 1: Satan’s Second Invasion Having refused the Creator’s mercy, Lucifer
and his followers were exiled from Shamayim, doomed to dwell in the furthest reaches of
the firmament, loathing each passing moment until the day of final judgement, when they
would be cast into the eternal torment of Gehenna.
In addition to their banishment, they were each stripped of their names and given new
designations for their rest of their existence.
Wandering aimlessly along the edges of creation, Lucifer now called Satan became a petty, bitter
shell of his former self, yet still commanded the loyalty of the fallen angels, who soon
informed him that El Adonai had brought forth yet another creation, forming the realm Terra
and a being known as Man, fashioned in the image of the Almighty.
Realizing this presented him with an opportunity to inflict further malice upon his hated enemy;
Satan sent his follower Matmonel, now called Mammon to summon his legions, while he set
forth for Terra, seeking to glimpse upon this creature called Man.
Hope you enjoyed that list of the top ten moments from the epic fantasy series Dor Vahdor:
Volume I.
Although it covered most of what I considered the best moments from the book, it really
can’t compare with reading the story or listening to the wonderfully narrated audiobook,
seeing the amazing artwork, listening to the original, beautifully composed score and experiencing
this great adventure for yourself.
So if you’re interested ordering the book or audiobook for yourself, which I highly
recommend, please check out the links in the description below, or else search for Dor
Vahdor through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Audible and Kindle.