A former regional press journalist has won praise from an internationally-renowned author for his debut novel.

Alex Willmott’s book Selah: A Rebellious Hope has been published as an e-book and fantasy author GP Taylor was so impressed with the tale he wrote the foreword to it.

The book is a hard-hitting fantasy based in an ancient realm and follows the footsteps of one man who has entered a world he does not recall, in his search for clarity and identity.

Alex, who worked as a district reporter for the Lancashire Telegraph for two years, has been likened to C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien for the book, described in one review as “a high octane Aesop’s Fable”.

GP Taylor, who is known for his bestselling work Shadowmancer, said: “As an author I get hundreds of requests to write the foreword to a new piece of fiction. It is something I almost always refuse.

“But, this book was different. The voice within it spoke to me so I could not refuse. I had to do something to encourage others to read it and be changed by it. Selah has the great sensation that it is not just a novel but the impartation of some hidden truth.”

Said Alex: “I’m really excited about the early feedback from national journalists but mostly from one of my literary heroes, G.P Taylor.

“I remember when Shadowmancer was released and I was inspired by Graham’s passion for character and riveting plot. To be likened to him is a serious compliment.

“Selah is an idea I had just after I graduated in 2005 and I hope it brings a bit of grit and adventure to the fantasy genre, which seems to be overrun by vampires biting teenage girls.”

A review by the Press Association said:  “Willmott plunges his reader into a dark, mysterious world, which he brings to life with vivid description. His fast-moving plot leaves the reader little time to draw breath.

“Willmott’s world has shades of both Lewis’ Narnia and Tolkien’s Middle Earth as the forces of darkness and light collide.”

“The narrative climaxes in an epic battle on which the fate of this apparently mythical place hangs. However, there is a dramatic twist, which makes this adventure very real.”

Alex studied theatre at Hull University before carrying out journalism training in Sheffield. The book is available to download from Amazon.