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Labyrinth of Labyrinths #2
Eye of Dominion
Alloria returns to the planet of her birth, triggering dark forces that begin to influence her brother, Yrion.
His fears nettled, Yrion is driven onto a path for dominion that involves those beyond the realm of the living and a pursuit across the far reaches of the universe in a fight for survival.
The magic continues in “Eye of Dominion”� and that’s the truth.
His fears nettled, Yrion is driven onto a path for dominion that involves those beyond the realm of the living and a pursuit across the far reaches of the universe in a fight for survival.
The magic continues in “Eye of Dominion”� and that’s the truth.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2015
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
David Staniforth
8books222followersI’ve been inventing stories as far back as I can remember (mostly to keep me out of trouble), but began writing seriously after finishing an English studies BA as a mature student. My writing is influenced by so many things: a love of reading all genres; films; music; raising my two daughters; hill walking; and much, much more. I tend to take all I know, throw it into a setting and see what comes out.
My first four books were all fantasy, but then a new story entered my mind that insisted on being a psychological thriller. Just like raising children, a story insists on being what it was always meant to be: Characters will behave as they want, and plots will demand to go in a certain direction. All I do as an author is transfer their antics into writing and then release them into the world to see what readers make of them.
I have more fantasy tales to tell and more thrillers too. I can’t promise all readers that they will like my stories, but I can promise one thing: I will never publish anything that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed myself.
My first four books were all fantasy, but then a new story entered my mind that insisted on being a psychological thriller. Just like raising children, a story insists on being what it was always meant to be: Characters will behave as they want, and plots will demand to go in a certain direction. All I do as an author is transfer their antics into writing and then release them into the world to see what readers make of them.
I have more fantasy tales to tell and more thrillers too. I can’t promise all readers that they will like my stories, but I can promise one thing: I will never publish anything that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed myself.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 2, 2015
I had the honor of beta-reading Eye of Dominion (Labyrinth of labyrinths, #2) for David Staniforth. That experience in no way alters my ability to write an unbiased review.
This is my second ever fantasy read. The first was Mr. Staniforth’s Alloria, the initial book in this series, which I read as part of my “sample all genres� self-challenge. I surprised myself by immensely enjoying that story, and I was very open to reading another fantasy by the same author. Could Mr. Staniforth wow this nonfantasy reader to the same heights as he did with Alloria? YES, he could, and he did! It was hook, line and sinker as I was once again sucked into this magical world with Alloria, Bainberry, and Nathan.
The story picks up close to where the first tale left off. The main plot of Eye of Dominion revolves around the quest of Yrion, Alloria’s brother, to become the most powerful wizard of the universe and our heroes� efforts to thwart him. Along the way we are introduced to a most colorful cast of characters, including nonhumans such as butter nymphs, a guttwraith, and a being that is half wizard and half water nymph. Through Mr. Staniforth’s power of portrayal, I could visualize these creatures quite clearly in my mind. The narrative prose is lyrical and melodic and conjures up strikingly rich, vivid imagery. I must say that Mr. Staniforth along with William Kent Krueger are the only two authors whose writing styles truly and consistently move me.
I do not want to give away any of the storyline. I will say that the main themes of the tale include the old classics love vs. hate and good vs. evil, which Mr. Staniforth presents in a refreshing, compelling manner. Other themes include the strengths of family bonding and close friendship, which are played out beautifully in this book. Coming of age issues are present as are subtle hints of young romance.
There are twists and turns aplenty and I must say the reader needs to be paying attention to catch all the nuances. There are several thrilling scenes befitting those of best-selling books in the thriller genre. We are also treated to many touching moments which made me want to get up and find somebody to hug. Through the course of the story, I laughed, cheered, and experienced both palpitations and warming of my heart.
Eye of Dominion was a joy to read. I highly recommend it to all readers; you do not have to be a fantasy fan per se. In fact, I strongly encourage nonfantasy readers to give this little series a try to see what you might be missing. Though both Alloria and Eye of Dominion can be read as stand alones, the reading experience will be much richer if the novels are read in order. Kudos to Mr. Staniforth for pulling off a magnificent followup to his award-winning Alloria. I eagerly await book 3.
This is my second ever fantasy read. The first was Mr. Staniforth’s Alloria, the initial book in this series, which I read as part of my “sample all genres� self-challenge. I surprised myself by immensely enjoying that story, and I was very open to reading another fantasy by the same author. Could Mr. Staniforth wow this nonfantasy reader to the same heights as he did with Alloria? YES, he could, and he did! It was hook, line and sinker as I was once again sucked into this magical world with Alloria, Bainberry, and Nathan.
The story picks up close to where the first tale left off. The main plot of Eye of Dominion revolves around the quest of Yrion, Alloria’s brother, to become the most powerful wizard of the universe and our heroes� efforts to thwart him. Along the way we are introduced to a most colorful cast of characters, including nonhumans such as butter nymphs, a guttwraith, and a being that is half wizard and half water nymph. Through Mr. Staniforth’s power of portrayal, I could visualize these creatures quite clearly in my mind. The narrative prose is lyrical and melodic and conjures up strikingly rich, vivid imagery. I must say that Mr. Staniforth along with William Kent Krueger are the only two authors whose writing styles truly and consistently move me.
I do not want to give away any of the storyline. I will say that the main themes of the tale include the old classics love vs. hate and good vs. evil, which Mr. Staniforth presents in a refreshing, compelling manner. Other themes include the strengths of family bonding and close friendship, which are played out beautifully in this book. Coming of age issues are present as are subtle hints of young romance.
There are twists and turns aplenty and I must say the reader needs to be paying attention to catch all the nuances. There are several thrilling scenes befitting those of best-selling books in the thriller genre. We are also treated to many touching moments which made me want to get up and find somebody to hug. Through the course of the story, I laughed, cheered, and experienced both palpitations and warming of my heart.
Eye of Dominion was a joy to read. I highly recommend it to all readers; you do not have to be a fantasy fan per se. In fact, I strongly encourage nonfantasy readers to give this little series a try to see what you might be missing. Though both Alloria and Eye of Dominion can be read as stand alones, the reading experience will be much richer if the novels are read in order. Kudos to Mr. Staniforth for pulling off a magnificent followup to his award-winning Alloria. I eagerly await book 3.
August 2, 2015
It was my honor and privilege to be one of David Staniforth’s beta readers for the second book in his Alloria fantasy series, Eye of Dominion. The draft needed very little tweaking; at times I became so immersed in the story that I forgot that I was supposed to be looking for “problem� areas. Consider that a high compliment, David.
This book picks up where the first leaves off; therefore, I strongly recommend that you read Alloria (Labyrinth of Labyrinths) prior to diving into the sequel. It is a fabulous fantasy adventure. Book two is equally superb. Mr. Staniforth once again has filled the pages with vivid images of magic, drama, humor, and emotion. His rich characters come to life as they battle for power, for love, and for survival.
Alloria (Ally), under the tutelage of her birth father, the First Wizard Ymarid, begins to gain knowledge and experience in the ways of magic. Her brother Yrion also has a guide � a puppeteer � Glebester. This loathsome character gives the story plenty of “yuck� factor. Glebester preys on Yrion’s jealousy of his sister, and the stage is set for a classic conflict, which provides the central theme of the saga.
The action builds slowly and deliberately, but it is a delightful journey, as Staniforth embellishes the sojourn with scenes and characters that are unique and colorful. There are fanciful images, such as the “butter nymphs,� and descriptions of Fluffy, the guttwraith, that are totally precious! However, there are also some dark, evil occurrences that evoke a sense of tension and sadness.
When the expedition culminates at last, I felt invested in the outcome. I was fairly certain of the outcome, yet I waited with bated breath. Staniforth has written a marvelous mystical scene that is simply beautiful, one that sums up the relationship Alloria has with her friend and guardian Nathan.
As in the first book, the friendship between Ally and Nat is endearing. Their playful teasing, loyalty, and deep devotion to each other continues to inspire. I appreciated watching Alloria grow from a bratty “tweenie� to a mature young lady as the situation required.
The other characters who are central to this tale are Yrion and his father Ymarid. The reader will have to decide whether Yrion is truly evil or is simply a misguided puppet of Glebester. His progression is markedly different from that of his sister’s. Ymarid evolves from the somewhat stiff royal figure we met in the first book into an understanding, compassionate man. One of my favorite quotes in the entire book is this sentence to his daughter: “I love you too� And that is the truest of truths I’ve ever uttered.�
Danger, whimsy, humor, darkness, action, fantasy, family, love…Eye of Dominion has it all. I should add that David also created the stunning cover himself. What a talented man! Thank you, David Staniforth, for this wondrous gift you’ve given us. You should be extremely proud of this creation. And that’s the truth!
5 stars
This book picks up where the first leaves off; therefore, I strongly recommend that you read Alloria (Labyrinth of Labyrinths) prior to diving into the sequel. It is a fabulous fantasy adventure. Book two is equally superb. Mr. Staniforth once again has filled the pages with vivid images of magic, drama, humor, and emotion. His rich characters come to life as they battle for power, for love, and for survival.
Alloria (Ally), under the tutelage of her birth father, the First Wizard Ymarid, begins to gain knowledge and experience in the ways of magic. Her brother Yrion also has a guide � a puppeteer � Glebester. This loathsome character gives the story plenty of “yuck� factor. Glebester preys on Yrion’s jealousy of his sister, and the stage is set for a classic conflict, which provides the central theme of the saga.
The action builds slowly and deliberately, but it is a delightful journey, as Staniforth embellishes the sojourn with scenes and characters that are unique and colorful. There are fanciful images, such as the “butter nymphs,� and descriptions of Fluffy, the guttwraith, that are totally precious! However, there are also some dark, evil occurrences that evoke a sense of tension and sadness.
When the expedition culminates at last, I felt invested in the outcome. I was fairly certain of the outcome, yet I waited with bated breath. Staniforth has written a marvelous mystical scene that is simply beautiful, one that sums up the relationship Alloria has with her friend and guardian Nathan.
As in the first book, the friendship between Ally and Nat is endearing. Their playful teasing, loyalty, and deep devotion to each other continues to inspire. I appreciated watching Alloria grow from a bratty “tweenie� to a mature young lady as the situation required.
The other characters who are central to this tale are Yrion and his father Ymarid. The reader will have to decide whether Yrion is truly evil or is simply a misguided puppet of Glebester. His progression is markedly different from that of his sister’s. Ymarid evolves from the somewhat stiff royal figure we met in the first book into an understanding, compassionate man. One of my favorite quotes in the entire book is this sentence to his daughter: “I love you too� And that is the truest of truths I’ve ever uttered.�
Danger, whimsy, humor, darkness, action, fantasy, family, love…Eye of Dominion has it all. I should add that David also created the stunning cover himself. What a talented man! Thank you, David Staniforth, for this wondrous gift you’ve given us. You should be extremely proud of this creation. And that’s the truth!
5 stars
September 27, 2016
As I wrote in my review for the first book in the series ... Alloria, I am sorry I dragged my heels getting into this. I don't care much for fantasy but after finishing the first in the series I couldn't wait to jump into the second and I think I liked the second even more than the first. Staniforth creates a wonderful world where a labyrinth connects other planets/worlds. It takes magic to travel in the labyrinth and Alloria has it with a green amulet. The problem in this book is that her brother by birth has been influenced by evil and found a way to make the replica amulet as powerful as the original. Alloria travels with her companions from the first book, Bain and Nathan. She also picks up an animal friend, one that supposedly cannot be tamed but she does it. I like how Alloria's relationship with her birth father grows while at the same time she maintains her strong commitment and love for Mama and Pappa the parents she knew growing up. I have to say again that I don't usually like fantasy books so that made this one stand out all the more.
October 6, 2016
With Magic holes, Palaces, Monsters and Wizards, this makes for a wonderfully entertaining adventure. Once again David Staniforth has dazzled and amazed me with this fabulous story. We all want to be taken away to another world when we read, and he has certainly achieved this for me. Alloria is beginning to find her power. At the moment it only seems to come when she really needs it, and that’s normally when she’s angry. Her father Ymarid is slowly starting to teach her, but as he says most children will start to learn when they are 4-years-old. However, with Alloria being in another world being looked after by her adoptive parents Bessy and Thomas, she has a bit of catching up to do. Her brother Yrion seems happy to wait to become first wizard when his father is ready to pass it on, however Yrion is still in the clutches of Glebester, and he’s not happy to wait for that to happen. He wants Yrion to get hold of this sister’s fake amulet, and to do this he will have to pretend to like her and her friends. Glebester convinces him that since the council are the ones to pick the first wizard, he may have heard that Alloria has a better chance of obtaining this honour than her brother. Nat and Alloria can already sense that Yrion isn’t genuine, and they are certainly on their guard. Luckily for them both that they have Bainberry, Nat’s sword and the Amulet to help them along the way. I love the attention to detail that that this Author puts into the characters, and his wonderful imagination with all sorts of interesting and mesmerising magic. A great read, that is easily worth the 5-star rating.
August 5, 2015
I know that all lovers of the first book in this fantasy series, Alloria, will leap on this with delight. It’s been a while coming. However, all the great characters are there. David Staniforth can create the most evil baddies, the most delightful children � while not making them emetic � and the most trustworthy friends and colleagues. Once again we meet Alloria and her brother, who is under the influence of the most repulsive villain of all time, Glebester. I felt sorry for her brother, Yrion, who was tempted by power before he realised the price he would pay. Alloria and Nat become a little closer as they grow up together. And Bane is just big, irrepressible Bane. Got to love him! They travel the Labyrinth and are instrumental in bringing justice where Yrion and Glebester have wrought evil. Ymarid, her father, at times seems like a feeble old man but we witness his power and above all, his love.
The author is particularly skilled at drawing a fantasy world the reader can almost see, smell and touch. He’s a gifted descriptive writer but doesn’t use it to pad out a floppy plot. The writing lifts and carries a complex stories with all the traditional themes you’d expect in a book of fantasy. A new world, new creatures but above all, compassion and friendship. I love it!
The author is particularly skilled at drawing a fantasy world the reader can almost see, smell and touch. He’s a gifted descriptive writer but doesn’t use it to pad out a floppy plot. The writing lifts and carries a complex stories with all the traditional themes you’d expect in a book of fantasy. A new world, new creatures but above all, compassion and friendship. I love it!
March 4, 2017
Wow another great book - just as good or even better than the first one. The characters are so believable & there are times when the reader's anxious about the outcome. Couldn't put it down. Surely there'll be more to come.......?
January 16, 2016
Thank you very much Mr David M.Staniforth for giving me an advanced copy of this amazing book :)
Alloria was the first of Mr Staniforth's books i ever read, I fell in love with the characters and really liked the author's style.
I was looking forward to read the second part, i was really excited when i got it and knew without doubt that i'll love it, which i did very much :)
The beginning was a bit slow paced, but that didn't make me enjoy it less, for me it felt like meeting old friends. Many small incidents happened in this part that seemed to bring no immediate consequences but turned out to be really important and i liked that, how i kept thinking why the author mentioned this, what has it to do with the story..
The second half of the book, i held my breath!! It was really great, every bit of it! The labyrinth was an amazing experience, all those different worlds, different people, creatures!! Mr Staniforth has a beautiful way in painting these worlds,he made the labyrinth seem real to me!
Many unexpected twists made the book more interesting and made me feel i wasn't reading fast enough to figure out what was happening!
The end was difficult to bear but bound to happen!! It was the logical thing! It made me think about the choices everyone make in his life and the consequences of each, how they can alter the future!
That glimpse of the future of Alloria and Nathan intrigued me :) Will that eventually happen or you have more surprised for us Mr Staniforth?
Can't wait to read Alloria 3!!!
At the end, all i can say is that i'm really glad i discovered your books Mr David!! They are outstanding!!! I recommend them to all my friends :-)
Alloria was the first of Mr Staniforth's books i ever read, I fell in love with the characters and really liked the author's style.
I was looking forward to read the second part, i was really excited when i got it and knew without doubt that i'll love it, which i did very much :)
The beginning was a bit slow paced, but that didn't make me enjoy it less, for me it felt like meeting old friends. Many small incidents happened in this part that seemed to bring no immediate consequences but turned out to be really important and i liked that, how i kept thinking why the author mentioned this, what has it to do with the story..
The second half of the book, i held my breath!! It was really great, every bit of it! The labyrinth was an amazing experience, all those different worlds, different people, creatures!! Mr Staniforth has a beautiful way in painting these worlds,he made the labyrinth seem real to me!
Many unexpected twists made the book more interesting and made me feel i wasn't reading fast enough to figure out what was happening!
The end was difficult to bear but bound to happen!! It was the logical thing! It made me think about the choices everyone make in his life and the consequences of each, how they can alter the future!
That glimpse of the future of Alloria and Nathan intrigued me :) Will that eventually happen or you have more surprised for us Mr Staniforth?
Can't wait to read Alloria 3!!!
At the end, all i can say is that i'm really glad i discovered your books Mr David!! They are outstanding!!! I recommend them to all my friends :-)
August 24, 2015
I was given a copy of this ebook in return for a review.
Firstly, this cover is just epic. Got to be one of my favourites and just adds to the awesomeness of this book.
I really enjoyed Alloria so was fully expecting to like this book as well and I wasn't disappointed. David Staniforth keeps getting better and better and this is my favourite book by him so far.
The characters were brilliantly consistent with the first book and I was very pleased to see Fluffy was back. I like how a small side plot in book one was taken to fill the mainplot in this one, although I missed all the explorative nature of the first one. This one focused more on relationships and learning over the discovery of new planets, almsot glossing over that but I still enjoyed what I was given.
Plotwise it was very nicely paced, nothing too fast but also nothing too bogged down by description. There were also some great character points of view that added to the story. The previous books lore was also built on really nicely giving the feeling of learning along with Alloria about her powers and the possible things that can happen in her world.
Occasionally the book was a little predictable, although this isn't always a problem with a book, but at other points it was also brilliantly surprising and there were a few twists and solutions to problems I didn't see coming.
All in all a really good read and I'll definitely be wanting to read any more the author writes.
Firstly, this cover is just epic. Got to be one of my favourites and just adds to the awesomeness of this book.
I really enjoyed Alloria so was fully expecting to like this book as well and I wasn't disappointed. David Staniforth keeps getting better and better and this is my favourite book by him so far.
The characters were brilliantly consistent with the first book and I was very pleased to see Fluffy was back. I like how a small side plot in book one was taken to fill the mainplot in this one, although I missed all the explorative nature of the first one. This one focused more on relationships and learning over the discovery of new planets, almsot glossing over that but I still enjoyed what I was given.
Plotwise it was very nicely paced, nothing too fast but also nothing too bogged down by description. There were also some great character points of view that added to the story. The previous books lore was also built on really nicely giving the feeling of learning along with Alloria about her powers and the possible things that can happen in her world.
Occasionally the book was a little predictable, although this isn't always a problem with a book, but at other points it was also brilliantly surprising and there were a few twists and solutions to problems I didn't see coming.
All in all a really good read and I'll definitely be wanting to read any more the author writes.
August 20, 2015
I love this series! Eye of Dominion is a wonderful follow-up to Alloria (Labyrinth of Labyrinths #1). The story picks up with the group now settled in Xsanderumn. Thomas and Bessy are finding they are both welcome and needed in the new place. Bainberry is overseeing Nathan’s training and still keeping a protectors eye on Alloria. While Alloria and Nat continue to try to figure out what their new roles mean, Yrion’s story comes to the front in this book and the path the story takes is unexpected and suspenseful. Yrion’s character is slowly revealed with more layers than you would expect- he’s complex and dark, and most of all, realistic. I love Staniforth’s writing. As in Alloria, he presents beautifully written observations and insight into the characters- giving them authenticity. He has a knack for painting great visuals with words. Especially with Glebester who is gloriously nauseating! This book is a bit darker than the first, but a necessary progression. The plot moves along easily and delves deeper into the magical aspects of the labyrinth and the evil plan Vrengin set in motion. I’m so glad I stumbled upon Alloria and have had the pleasure of reading this series. My hope is that we won’t have to wait too long for more adventures� “and that’s the truth!�
August 8, 2015
Originally posted on my blog:
I'd like to begin by taking a few moments to express my love for this gorgeous cover! It's certainly very striking and I love the way that it has 'Alloria' in the smoke coming out of the eye. Very clever!
I have been eagerly awaiting this book since reading Alloria last year. Now that it's here, I am happy to announce that it is even better than I thought it would be! I loved being thrown back into the magical world of Alloria, Nathan and Bainberry. Staniforth is without a doubt a skilled writer and certainly never fails to draw me into a story. While reading this, I found myself laughing out loud, cheering, sitting on the edge of my seat, and with tears in my eyes.
Like in 'Alloria', throughout this story we are yet again introduced to some fantastic characters that are both believable and interesting (and, of course, there was plenty of my favourite character, Bainberry!). Staniforth's descriptions allowed me to effortlessly create vivid pictures in my mind of these characters; even those that were non-human! I adored the descriptions of Fluffy, the Guttwraith, and look forward to more appearances in the future!
There were plenty of twists and turns in this book, and I took a few days to think about what I had read before writing this review, not just because so much happens, but also because so much is expertly woven into the story. These snippets are easy missed but so thought-provoking when these elements click in your mind! A truly beautifully written story!
All in all, a beautiful tale of friendship, family, love and magic. I've laughed, cheered, waited with baited breath and cried. Fabulous descriptions and believable, interesting characters. I cannot recommend this enough!
I'd like to begin by taking a few moments to express my love for this gorgeous cover! It's certainly very striking and I love the way that it has 'Alloria' in the smoke coming out of the eye. Very clever!
I have been eagerly awaiting this book since reading Alloria last year. Now that it's here, I am happy to announce that it is even better than I thought it would be! I loved being thrown back into the magical world of Alloria, Nathan and Bainberry. Staniforth is without a doubt a skilled writer and certainly never fails to draw me into a story. While reading this, I found myself laughing out loud, cheering, sitting on the edge of my seat, and with tears in my eyes.
Like in 'Alloria', throughout this story we are yet again introduced to some fantastic characters that are both believable and interesting (and, of course, there was plenty of my favourite character, Bainberry!). Staniforth's descriptions allowed me to effortlessly create vivid pictures in my mind of these characters; even those that were non-human! I adored the descriptions of Fluffy, the Guttwraith, and look forward to more appearances in the future!
There were plenty of twists and turns in this book, and I took a few days to think about what I had read before writing this review, not just because so much happens, but also because so much is expertly woven into the story. These snippets are easy missed but so thought-provoking when these elements click in your mind! A truly beautifully written story!
All in all, a beautiful tale of friendship, family, love and magic. I've laughed, cheered, waited with baited breath and cried. Fabulous descriptions and believable, interesting characters. I cannot recommend this enough!
August 4, 2015
This is the sequel to Alloria, the tale of Alloria finding out she is the first wizard's daughter. They think they have vanquished the villain in the first book, but it seems his spirit is still alive. Alloria has join her father Ymarid, and their protectors Bane and Nathan and venture back into the labyrinths to visit other worlds to save their world.
This story is about Yrion, Alloria's brother who is jealous that she has returned. Yrion is under the influence of Glebester, one of the most gross characters I've ever read. I really disliked reading about his "seepages" to say the least. His hold over Yrion was very powerful
I enjoyed this story, even though its intended audience is the teen YA market. It had enough grown up intelligence without talking down to the younger audience.
This story is about Yrion, Alloria's brother who is jealous that she has returned. Yrion is under the influence of Glebester, one of the most gross characters I've ever read. I really disliked reading about his "seepages" to say the least. His hold over Yrion was very powerful
I enjoyed this story, even though its intended audience is the teen YA market. It had enough grown up intelligence without talking down to the younger audience.
August 18, 2015
I've been looking forward to reading this book since about two seconds after I finnished reading the first book in the series. I was most certainly not disappointed; this book was worth the read for sure!
It's well-written, has a nicely paced plot that keeps you interested and entertained from start to finnish, and contains a fantastic cast of believable characters.
It's well-written, has a nicely paced plot that keeps you interested and entertained from start to finnish, and contains a fantastic cast of believable characters.
January 14, 2016
Eye Of Dominion was great. If you like fantasy books this is for you. It continues the story of Alloria and her traveling companions. It was fun reading with a gentle touch . Love loyalty and family are important to us all and this is shown in the book. Young readers will enjoy these books also. Clean handling of relationships. Thank you David for a great adventure.Alice
August 5, 2015
Review to follow, but I loved this book
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