The modern world once again succumbed to a depressing period, the Second Dark Ages, when an unknown catastrophe occurred. Humans lost their technology, kingdoms and city-states become the remnants of civilization, enduring corruption, bigotry and constant threat by rampaging ruffians. Unknown to the humans, a group of people known as the Immortals, people with the gift of eternal life, silently watch the falling of men. For thousands of years, they hide their existence well, for revealing themselves to mortals would only bring them more trouble. The Immortals already have their hands full with their own internal conflicts among themselves. In S.L. Figuhr’s Immortalibus Bella, the first installment of its series, we follow the story of Mica, a member of a small trio of Immortals, who has an important and dangerous quest. He must search for an enemy who holds a valuable ancient artifact, the key to his quest's success.

To be frank, with a title such as Immortalibus Bella, I thought it would take me some time to understand the dystopian world in S.L. Figuhr’s novel. It was not the case at all. The alternate reality was fascinating and I was able to imagine every scene vividly as they were written in flawless detail. The protagonist, Mica, was a man hell-bent on finding an old enemy to ensure his long-time quest would not fail, much to the annoyance of his brother, Colin, and his friend, Eron. The dialogue was dark, gritty, convincing, and funny at the same time. The plot was suspenseful and I had a hard time taking a break from reading this book. S.L. Figuhr is definitely another gem in the dystopian genre and I look forward to the next volume.

Immortalibus Bella by S. Figuhr is an interesting mix of genres and ideas. We have a future in which technology has been destroyed and forgotten. The story starts with the focus on three friends entering a small town that is isolated and not really foreigner friendly. I have seen this opening used successfully in many Westerns; it works in this fantasy scenario, too. The initial focus is on three friends, actually two brothers and their friend. The trio is immortal, but of course, there are rules and limits to their condition. The three are searching for another immortal who looks like a young boy but is in reality a very depraved individual who dabbles in the sleazy side of the supernatural. When a female vampire enters the town and crosses paths with the three friends, the story snowballs toward its inevitable conclusion.

I like fantasy and I particularly like stories about long-lived creatures in primitive cultures. In my opinion, the secret to the success of such stories is often attributable to characterization. If we like and can sympathize with the main characters then we are in for a pleasant read. In Bella, or The Duchess Illyria Caladonea Maison du Corbeau as she is known in this story, S. Figuhr has created a character with huge potential. She is a vampire but she doesn't feed indiscriminately. She cares for the humans around her who deserve her kindness. The writing in Immortalibus Bella is solid and I would like to know more about the characters.

Mica, Colin and Eron are on a quest, a quest they have followed for several years. Nicky is a young boy, at least to all appearances he is. But Nicky actually isn’t young at all. He’s actually quite old and he’s more than capable of taking care of himself. On their travels they've encountered some interesting characters and towns but none quite so interesting as the one they've just entered. The sheriff and plenty of others are out to get them and, as a result, Eron determines to get out as quickly as he can. But there is evil about and a prophecy that says the castle on the other side of the forest, a castle no one else can see, holds the answers they seek in Immortalibus Bella.

Immortalibus Bella is the story of three men who are not men at all and one woman with uncertain origins. It is a story of adventure and mystery, one of immortals and evil so dark and treacherous that even those immortals are terrified of it. I was drawn into this story from the beginning. The characters are believable throughout the story and, even though they are immortals, they are also subject to some human conditions as well which definitely help you to stay interested in what they’re going through. The crooked characters are wonderfully crafted and it’s always a toss-up whether the new character to be introduced will be good or evil. You just never can tell with this book by S.L. Fighur.