Kilpack's Rilari Wins International Firebird Book Award

WEST JORDAN, Utah - Jan. 23, 2025 - PRLog -- Speak Up Talk Radio announced Utah author W.D. Kilpack III's fantasy novel Rilari won the International Firebird Book Award 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."

Rilari is the fourth of the eight-book New Blood Saga, which centers around Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk. In this role, he has Sight to see what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. In Rilari,in the absence of the Guardian, the Usurper's venom has extended beyond the Gulf of Braag, seeding unrest and hatred for all things Maarihkish. Natharr and the Rilari 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.

Works from around the world were submitted 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. Only entries with the highest scores are awarded.

This is the fourth award Kilpack has received for Rilari (https://tinyurl.com/3hd35e8u). 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. 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. I eagerly await the next book!"

Kilpack is an award-winning author with works appearing in print, online, radio and television. He was also a high-performing athlete, qualifying to represent the USA in Greco-Roman wrestling. For 25 years, he was a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. For more 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 go to www.speakuptalkradio.com.