BlueInk Review

Pandora’s Box: Triforce is a spiritual fantasy focusing on the magical exploits and morally righteous, interventionalist activities of protagonists Sunita and Darth.

Mystical maverick Darth, aka Sirius Black, is on a quest to retrieve a magical MacGuffin called the Infinity Stone. His quest, fraught with peril, leads him to a realm troubled by iniquity. He provides support to the local populace, who are struggling to subsist under increasingly burdensome circumstances. As a result, he’s imprisoned by a corrupt prince, forced to work as an indentured labourer.

Meanwhile, Sunita, Lady of Berkana, has been dispatched to the realm by The Sage
Order that she represents, to oversee a sacred ritual in the company of the monarchy-a ritual that will help rid the kingdom of a supernatural plague devastating its populace. To expose the corruption festering at the realm’s core, Darth will require Sunita’s support. Generally, this is an enlightening work that satisfactorily blends elements of history and Eastern spiritualism with the romantic adventuring of Western fantasy. The central narrative, focusing on the meddlesome antics of Darth and Sunita, is packed with social-political intrigue and action. The novel’s spiritual and earthly realms are impressively realized, brimming with
creative detail and esoteric wonder.

Diverse characters populate the story, including beguiling Darth, villainous Prince
Edward, licentious princess Ursula, and morally upstanding Berkana assistant, Katanya. Sunita is the character most likely to appeal to readers, however, as her self-actualization journey is the most relatable.

Overall this is an immersive, illuminating read, overflowing with ideas and imaginative feats that should appeal to a broad range of genre fans.

Pacific Book Review

Reviewed by Liz Konkel

Author Alan Davis weaves personal experience into fantasy with life lessons and
spirituality at the essence of this alternative historical adventure. Real history serves as the foundation for a fantastical world which unfolds as an adventure searching for a mysterious stone; with events that draw together a group of unlikely companions. A near-death encounter brought Darth into the presence of Sunita who was studying to be a sage. Together, they devise a plan to rid the land of evil and work with surprising sources such as Ursula (a princess eager to
learn what Sunita has to teach) and Katanya who is exploring the true meaning of love.

This world is a unique exploration that’s rooted within a spiritual and metaphysical
reality, which weaves between our world and the Spirit Realm. Religion provides a backdrop to the adventures through heavenly angel characters and examination of religions. The storytelling has a consistency of spiritual understanding seen through the characters’ own journeys and through how they perceive the world around them. The story begins by introducing Sunita studying to be a sage which sets the tone of the world and also creates the basis journey that will transpire through the mention of seeking the path to happiness and a bit later through how
Darth allows his path to determine his destiny. Sunita is an intriguing choice of character to introduce the world as she gave up everything (including her children) to become a sage and dedicate herself to this path. She has a weight on her that haunts her with guilt but she truly believes in the quest she is on and is genuinely passionate about imparting all she has learned to others. Her excitement about opening a new chapter of self-discovery reflects the other journeys throughout the story.

The story has a hybrid format that blends real historical elements with an alternate
fictional reality, to create an original fantasy world. Subtle commentaries are woven throughout various themes including virtue, love and sex, misogynistic nature, romance, relationships, desire, and spirituality. Each of these elements overlap in the characters’ arcs with significant moments that create a poignant lesson such as true love’s kiss, wanting someone as a greatest love, a genuine moment between Katanya and Heschel as they talk about becoming a better self because of love, Ursula taking lessons from Sunita in sexuality and being desired.

Art is scattered throughout which gives the story a variety of vivid photographs (by
Davis and Doug Brumfield) and lovely artwork (by Leesa Wiykovics) that showcase real and metaphoric images such as a tree, stained glass depicting our burdens, the cross that Darth prays upon, and the runes they’re trying to be worthy enough to retrieve. These visuals provide an aesthetic that compliments the unique storytelling. A specific moment that incorporates the title explains Darth as someone who is a venture to get to know, compared to the feat of opening Pandora’s Box. Davis has a series of these moments where the characters are facing their own box which contains their understanding of virtue, holiness, spirit, life, and desires. Pandora’s Box is a unique hybrid form of storytelling which blends elements of history, fantasy, and spirituality into a journey that focuses on religion, relationships, self-discovery, and the soul.

The US Review of Books

Reviewed by Gretchen Hansen

“Thousands of memories from past lives full of love and happiness were known to them.”

This intense, complex novel spans two fictional worlds- one physical and one spiritual. Darth, a renowned sage, is deep into his pursuit of the Infinity Stone. He endures many tests on this journey that push him to the limit. His incredible strength and mystic presence reveal his identity to more than just his fellow mystics. This brings unwanted attention to himself and suffering on a grand scale. Those who would harm him have no idea how he is tied to the spiritual world.

Darth has a unique network of friends, including world leaders, sages, and common
villagers. Sunita, the newly selected Lady of Berkana, will be his most important ally, at least in this realm. She left the modern world to travel, study ancient faiths, and discover her power. Understanding the other world, referred to as TON, gives Sunita a balanced perspective. Her wisdom will be needed as the kingdoms she travels to are falling into a time of turmoil.

The author’s novel is packed with action. The classic theme of quests for a magical icon (actually a quest to discover oneself) filters through both the adventures and the romance. The idea of having a soul mate, a companion for eternity, is key to Darth’s success. This volume, part of a trilogy, has rich ties to history, mythology, and philosophy cleverly woven together in a dense narrative. Davis presents a magical, interesting world with vibrant settings, intelligent dialogue, and curious subplots. A host of vivid, dynamic characters carry the readers through fantastical journeys and intrigues. As an award-winning writer, Davis boldly threads his unique perspective into a story filled with tales of humans and celestial beings. His book will appeal to a wide audience, especially science fiction, historical fiction, and mythology fans.

Alan Davis’ romance is a tribute to the power of true love and spirituality, a testament to the healing power of genuine devotion and connection. The novel should appeal to any reader with even the slightest sense of romance, and fantasy fans may enjoy the fresh approach to characters who exist between heaven and earth.

The US Review of Books
Reviewed by Gabriella Tutino

 A novel that mimics the format of an epic, this story focuses on the love that developed between the two Celestial Messengers, Penti and Sirius, and the trials and tribulations they went through. While this novel seems to be the second book in a series, prior knowledge isn’t necessary, as the characters are introduced with plenty of backstory to keep readers up to speed.

While Penti tells her tale of training as a Celestial Messenger and falling in love with Sirius, she is also recounting many of the lessons that she learned as a student to Siena. Several of these lessons of mindfulness and inner strength tend to be highlighted or bolded so that the story almost doubles as a self-help guide while sharing Penti and Sirius’s story of love.

Pacific Book Review
Reviewed by Allison Walker

A young celestial messenger named Siena sees a couple so pure in their love for each other she cannot resist asking her mentor more about the man and woman. Their names are Sirius and Penti, her mentor Nazilla tells her. And if you want to hear their love story, you’ll have to ask Penti yourself. Thus begins Siena’s journey with kindhearted and lighthearted Penti, and the telling of a love story of the truest hearts imaginable. As celestial beings, Penti and Sirius train for lifecycles as instructors of others, or for reincarnation. They train for life in the physical realm, toward spiritual growth and development, and to resist the influence of the dark ones so they may remain vessels for goodness and light. Every pain and sadness they endure, both separately and together, brings them closer together, and closer to their Lord and His Lady.

Pandora’s Box: Stay In or Expand is surprising, a combination of different mythos and religion, and a wholly unique universe and experience. Gaia of the Earth trains students in Anatomy, while the Winged Being Gabriel fortifies their minds against the dark ones. The structure is complex without being overwhelming, and brings out the best of many different mythologies. Each new instructor is a surprise from a new fable, yet Davis brings them all together for the same purpose. 

Fans of fantasy and readers of all ages can enjoy Pandora’s Box: Stay In or Expand. Readers won’t find a purer and more wholesome story. Pandora’s Box is a book I would trust my children to read by themselves. Every struggle the characters endure teaches a lesson, and each lesson is a journey toward spiritual enlightenment. It’s a journey with noble purpose and happy endings.

Clarion Review
Reviewed by Letitia Montgomery-Rogers

Pandora’s Box is a sprawling novel that works to cover humanity’s major physical and spiritual developments in the span of Darth’s journey. Interested in human culture and personal development alike, Davis fictionalizes what is biographical and veneers the personal with the mythological to create a window into the difficult questions every person must face.

The US Review of Books
Reviewed by Michael Radon

At face value, the story of Darth is a fictional tale of self-improvement until such time that the obstacles to one’s goals can be removed, and the hero is deemed worthy. Beyond that framing device, however, this book is chock full of spiritual wisdom, history, and philosophical reflections that extend off the page and Darth’s ordeal and reach directly out to the readers themselves. The story itself is classic, and the character of Darth is both a figure that the audience can aspire to emulate while also showing off his moments of temptation and opportunities for growth. Containing both nuggets of wisdom for the soul to process as well as descriptions of physical exercises involving yoga and massage, the author’s book offers a visceral, real experience for the reader who chooses to be inspired by Darth’s journey and follow along rather than merely reading this as a story.

Pacific Book Review
Reviewed by Jennifer Weiss

Every once in a while you come across a book that resonates with you, a book that stands out from the rest and seems to demand to be read. Pandora’s Box by Alan Davis is just that book. Davis does a great job and drawing his readers in and holding their attention until the very last word. Once readers finish this book, they will feel a sense of satisfaction and a desire for wanting more novels from Alan Davis. It’s hard not to want to just gobble up his work. The fantasy world Davis presents to readers is vivid and interesting, compelling and beautiful. Readers get to sit back and watch as Darth develops into a stronger character; with each story he learns and each trial he overcomes.

Davis spends a lot of time setting up his images and describing the world which he is creating. This makes it easy for the readers to put themselves into the story, to feel as if they are walking alongside Darth and listening to the stories being told. Because Davis puts in a lot of detail and description, it does feel as if the story takes a little slower to build up and take off, but once it does readers will be unable to put this book down. It’s reminiscent of a coming of age type of story where one man discovers the power within himself and the power within those around, even for a brief period of time. While certain parts feels reminiscent of other tales, Alan Davis has created a story which in its entirety is unique and stands out among the rest.
Many fans of science fiction and fantasy will fall in love with Alan Davis’ novel Pandora’s Box. They will get pulled into the story, and be unable to let go until the very end. If a young reader is just entering into the genre, this would be a good book for them as well. Davis is a fantastic storyteller and does everything right to give his fans a tale which will wow them and leave them wanting more. Overall it’s a great read and deserves a spot on an avid reader’s bookshelf.