The Book That Survived 200 Rejections

I didn’t expect to be here.

But then again, neither did Maurus—the lion cub at the heart of Death Knell Chronicles: Redemption.

He watched his home burn. I watched my inbox fill with rejection after rejection.

200+ agents and publishers passed on this book. Some said it was “too niche.” Others never responded at all. I get it—it's not your average fantasy novel. It's not about prophecy or saving the kingdom. It's about surviving what breaks you, and what happens when revenge becomes the only thing that keeps you breathing.

So I published it myself. Not for sales. Not for hype. Just because the story mattered—and I refused to bury it.

Since then, the reviews have started to roll in.

“A compelling fantasy epic… delivers both thrills and emotional resonance.” — Readers’ Favorite

“Captivating and unforgettable… a story of loss, loyalty, and the fire of revenge.” — Booknerdection

“An action-oriented fantasy adventure enlivened by an assortment of mythical creatures…” — Kirkus Reviews

That means the world to me. Because someone out there is getting it—feeling it.

If you’ve ever loved a fantasy story that hurt a little, or seen yourself in a character who lost everything and still fought back, this might be the book for you.

Death Knell Chronicles: Redemption is just the beginning. Book 2 will come—eventually. But for now, I’m working on something very different: a project management guide that’s as raw and realistic as this novel. It’s called RealPM, and it’s the next fight I need to win.

Thanks for being here. And if you’ve read the book… thank you for giving it a chance.

—J. Maldonado