New Christian Fantasy Fiction Novel, 'The Last Of The Thirteen', Released By Author John DeFilippis

    WILMINGTON, NC, June 19, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Crossroad Press has released John DeFilippis' latest novel, 'The Last of the Thirteen'. 'The Last of the Thirteen' is the fourth and final volume of DeFilippis' epic fantasy series, 'The Medallion of Mavinor'. John's works have been compared to 'The Lord Of The Rings' and 'Game Of Thrones'.

Picking up where "The Crusade Against Darkness" left off, the new fantasy fiction novel follows the crusaders' plight as they aim to defeat Malgyron's forces and eradicate the darkness once and for all. While some go their separate ways to fulfill specific roles that have been assigned to them, others march together to wage an epic battle that could well determine the fate of the world. But as the conflict comes to a head, all of them realize one thing--they will need more than just courage and might to win the day. For the most lethal weapon they wield is neither sword nor shield, but rather the faith that resides deep in their hearts.

"It's been a joy to build this world and develop these characters over the course of the last several years," DeFilippis said. "There is nothing more satisfying than seeing it through to the end and realizing that the dream has been fulfilled."

DeFilippis had long wished to write a series of fantasy novels, ever since he read 'The Lord of the Rings' series as a young boy back in the 1980's. Two decades would pass before he finally developed the concept for his epic tale, and immediately he began putting outlines together for each of the books. That process in and of itself took several years, and it wasn't until after losing his job during the Great Recession that DeFilippis finally found the time to write page one.

Now, five years and 378,000 words later, his series of four books is complete and his lifelong goal has been attained. But that certainly doesn't mean that DeFilippis is planning to put his pen down any time soon. "I'm just getting started," he said. "It's been a fantastic journey, and although I'm ready for a break from the world I created, I'm sure there will be more stories to tell."

"Readers will enjoy this book," DeFilippis continued, "whether they're looking to strengthen their religious faith, be inspired in some way, or simply just searching for an exciting fantasy novel that features death-defying adventures and battles with mythical monsters. Laid on a strong moral foundation, this series is laden with Christian themes, biblical references, and aspects of spirituality that will make it appealing to any Christian reader, even those who otherwise might not be interested in the fantasy genre. But the religious overtones are also subtle enough that anyone who wishes to read it purely as a thrilling, epic adventure story can do just that."

Dr. John DeFilippis is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below. All of DeFilippis' titles are available in print, ebook and pdf formats at Crossroad Press. More information is available at John DeFilippis' website at http://www.DrJohnDeFilippis.com.

Dr. John DeFilippis grew up in the Greenville section of Jersey City, graduating from Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School in 1984. In 1988 he graduated from Saint Peter's Prep and went on to study at Rutgers College in New Brunswick, New Jersey. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, Dr. DeFilippis attended the School of Theology at Seton Hall University for three years, from 1993 to 1996. During this time he earned his master's degree in theology and discerned a call to the Catholic priesthood. After ultimately deciding that he did not have a religious vocation, Dr. DeFilippis transitioned into the field of education.

He taught for four years at both the elementary and secondary levels, and earned a second master's degree in educational administration. In 2000 Dr. DeFilippis made yet another transition, this time accepting an offer to become an academic administrator at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City. He would spend the next seven years there, and in 2007 he completed his Ph.D. in educational leadership at Seton Hall University. After finishing his doctoral degree, he accepted an offer to become a director in the Division of Academic Affairs at New Jersey City University.

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