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Recommend this book:
Sara's Fear
Elementals Book 1
K. C. Roy
2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Everything changes for Sara when she becomes the subject of a recent transfer's assault. For an introvert like her, being the center of attention for such a newsworthy thing as an attack is the last thing she needs. Shortly after, Sara finds out she belongs to a family and a community of gifted beings, which she has trouble believing. Accepting that her dog and her one friend, Bobby, are not who they seem to be also proves challenging. However, more shocking surprises lie in wait for her as she discovers more about herself, her abilities, and the hostile yet magical world of supernaturals. Sara's Fear, Book 1 in K. C. Roy's Elementals series, captivates readers with a sensational tale about a young heroine who faces both life-threatening danger and thrilling adventure after discovering she's part of a secret supernatural society.
Thank goodness for stories like Sara's Fear since they offer you an opportunity to experience grand adventures and fantasies from the comfort of your home. Roy's sophisticated worldbuilding had me in a blissful world of imagination. Colors are used to represent different amazing magical abilities, known as essence. Additionally, everything connects smoothly, and the book's magic is neatly intertwined with the characters and the dangers. For example, Sara is targeted because of how powerful she could be; working on her magic and combat skills will help her survive the enemy's sinister plots. Readers who enjoy young adult fantasy, adventure, and action should prepare for an immersive experience that rivals the best in these genres. Imagine running from killers, jumping off a cliff, and controlling the trees to break your fall. There's plenty more where that came from in K. C. Roy's masterpiece.
Everything changes for Sara when she becomes the subject of a recent transfer's assault. For an introvert like her, being the center of attention for such a newsworthy thing as an attack is the last thing she needs. Shortly after, Sara finds out she belongs to a family and a community of gifted beings, which she has trouble believing. Accepting that her dog and her one friend, Bobby, are not who they seem to be also proves challenging. However, more shocking surprises lie in wait for her as she discovers more about herself, her abilities, and the hostile yet magical world of supernaturals. Sara's Fear, Book 1 in K. C. Roy's Elementals series, captivates readers with a sensational tale about a young heroine who faces both life-threatening danger and thrilling adventure after discovering she's part of a secret supernatural society.
Thank goodness for stories like Sara's Fear since they offer you an opportunity to experience grand adventures and fantasies from the comfort of your home. Roy's sophisticated worldbuilding had me in a blissful world of imagination. Colors are used to represent different amazing magical abilities, known as essence. Additionally, everything connects smoothly, and the book's magic is neatly intertwined with the characters and the dangers. For example, Sara is targeted because of how powerful she could be; working on her magic and combat skills will help her survive the enemy's sinister plots. Readers who enjoy young adult fantasy, adventure, and action should prepare for an immersive experience that rivals the best in these genres. Imagine running from killers, jumping off a cliff, and controlling the trees to break your fall. There's plenty more where that came from in K. C. Roy's masterpiece.
Recommend this book:
The Golden Alicorns
Catherine Banks
2023 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Alicorns is a fantasy romance by Catherine Banks. Nadia wanted to join one of the magic guilds. By joining a guild, Nadia hoped to fill the void of not being part of a loving family. Nadia met Dart and three brothers while she waited for the ceremony to display her magic power and choose a guild. Most scanners could not detect Nadia’s magic because Norma, a demoness stole Nadia’s magic when she was young and sealed it in a magical container. When Nadia’s magic level was finally revealed, the guild she wanted to join did not make her an offer. Nadia decided to join the Golden Alicorns Guild as she had seen the camaraderie between the members.
Catherine Banks outdid herself with The Golden Alicorns. It was out of this world, and I was intrigued from the start. The author created a fantasy environment with interesting worlds and fairy tale characters. The fascinating revelations during the story were interesting and exciting. Magic, humans, and gods were intertwined throughout, and everything was clearly explained. The writing style was descriptive, and it was easy to visualize. The story was fast-paced, and with all the action, there was never a dull moment. The characters were brilliant and authentic. I enjoyed Nadia’s journey to become who she was meant to be. The interaction between Nadia and Norma, the demoness, was entertaining. This is an excellent fantasy novel and much more than I expected.
The Golden Alicorns is a fantasy romance by Catherine Banks. Nadia wanted to join one of the magic guilds. By joining a guild, Nadia hoped to fill the void of not being part of a loving family. Nadia met Dart and three brothers while she waited for the ceremony to display her magic power and choose a guild. Most scanners could not detect Nadia’s magic because Norma, a demoness stole Nadia’s magic when she was young and sealed it in a magical container. When Nadia’s magic level was finally revealed, the guild she wanted to join did not make her an offer. Nadia decided to join the Golden Alicorns Guild as she had seen the camaraderie between the members.
Catherine Banks outdid herself with The Golden Alicorns. It was out of this world, and I was intrigued from the start. The author created a fantasy environment with interesting worlds and fairy tale characters. The fascinating revelations during the story were interesting and exciting. Magic, humans, and gods were intertwined throughout, and everything was clearly explained. The writing style was descriptive, and it was easy to visualize. The story was fast-paced, and with all the action, there was never a dull moment. The characters were brilliant and authentic. I enjoyed Nadia’s journey to become who she was meant to be. The interaction between Nadia and Norma, the demoness, was entertaining. This is an excellent fantasy novel and much more than I expected.
Recommend this book:
 rises to his new responsibilities, leading his troops brilliantly in the border skirmishes against the nomads despite being outnumbered in hostile terrain. Weary but not defeated, Cas ret...){kind=link}
FitzDuncan's Gambit
The FitzDuncan Series Book 5
John J Spearman IV
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
FitzDuncan's Gambit by John J. Spearman IV is the fifth book of The FitzDuncan Series. After being declared the legitimate son of a lord, Casimir FitzDuncan (Cas) rises to his new responsibilities, leading his troops brilliantly in the border skirmishes against the nomads despite being outnumbered in hostile terrain. Weary but not defeated, Cas returns home to his wife, Lucy, who has grown into her unique abilities just like Cas. Soon he must set off again with his friend Lord Rawlinsford (Freddy) to a foreign country to retrieve pieces of rare tan-zyan, playing a dangerous game that can cost them their lives. In the meantime, Cas travels to Easton Manor with his former foe-turned-companion Fenwick, the Royal Assassin, and finds himself having to rescue the daughter of a noble he was accused of kidnapping all those years ago.
Although low on fantasy, FitzDuncan's Gambit contains plenty of political intrigues, compelling relationship dynamics, and thrilling battle sequences to satisfy the appetites of readers who enjoy stories set in medieval worlds. The one thing that John J. Spearman IV excels in above all is his portrayal of medieval warfare battle tactics. Every action sequence in this book is vividly described, with a logical structure around it that raises the stakes and make the narrative feel authentic and immersive. Character interactions are genuine and the dialogue gives the impression that these characters have known each other for a long time. I enjoyed this installment and recommend that for the best reading experience the books of this series should be read in the order of publication.
FitzDuncan's Gambit by John J. Spearman IV is the fifth book of The FitzDuncan Series. After being declared the legitimate son of a lord, Casimir FitzDuncan (Cas) rises to his new responsibilities, leading his troops brilliantly in the border skirmishes against the nomads despite being outnumbered in hostile terrain. Weary but not defeated, Cas returns home to his wife, Lucy, who has grown into her unique abilities just like Cas. Soon he must set off again with his friend Lord Rawlinsford (Freddy) to a foreign country to retrieve pieces of rare tan-zyan, playing a dangerous game that can cost them their lives. In the meantime, Cas travels to Easton Manor with his former foe-turned-companion Fenwick, the Royal Assassin, and finds himself having to rescue the daughter of a noble he was accused of kidnapping all those years ago.
Although low on fantasy, FitzDuncan's Gambit contains plenty of political intrigues, compelling relationship dynamics, and thrilling battle sequences to satisfy the appetites of readers who enjoy stories set in medieval worlds. The one thing that John J. Spearman IV excels in above all is his portrayal of medieval warfare battle tactics. Every action sequence in this book is vividly described, with a logical structure around it that raises the stakes and make the narrative feel authentic and immersive. Character interactions are genuine and the dialogue gives the impression that these characters have known each other for a long time. I enjoyed this installment and recommend that for the best reading experience the books of this series should be read in the order of publication.
Recommend this book:
Mark of a Crescent Moon
Clara Fay
2023 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite
Fleur La Salle had been raised by her loving grandparents Eileen and Joe Lewis in the beautiful town of Antigonish. She had moved away to marry Arthur Boden but her marriage eventually fell apart. She realized how much better she was away from her passive-aggressive, jealous ex-husband who never supported her passion for painting. It has been one year since Fleur moved back to her hometown. After her divorce, things seemed to be looking up for her but then strange dreams started to haunt her sleep. What are these dreams trying to tell her and where will they lead her? Read Mark Of A Crescent Moon by Clara Fay to find out!
Mark Of A Crescent Moon was a fantastical and intriguing novel. The lyrical narrative and beautifully portrayed setting transported me into a fairytale-like world. Reading about Fleur’s hometown from her point of view relaxed me. When I closed my eyes I could almost see myself admiring the sun across the bay and smelling the wildflowers in the air. Clara Fay knows how to paint a beautiful picture with words. The plot, characters, and exquisitely depicted settings enthralled me. The deeper I read, the more engrossed I was with this beautifully written tale! Fleur was an intriguing character. She was warm and passionate about what she loved. Her passion was what drew me into her story. I felt sad for her when she remembered what she was like before she met her husband and before her love and confidence had slowly been whittled away by his jealousy and actions. I saw her haunting dreams to be an opportunity for her to get back something she lost and maybe even gain something new. Magical and suspenseful, Clara Fay's Mark Of A Crescent Moon took me on an unforgettable adventure of romance, magic, and so much more! Excellent work!
Fleur La Salle had been raised by her loving grandparents Eileen and Joe Lewis in the beautiful town of Antigonish. She had moved away to marry Arthur Boden but her marriage eventually fell apart. She realized how much better she was away from her passive-aggressive, jealous ex-husband who never supported her passion for painting. It has been one year since Fleur moved back to her hometown. After her divorce, things seemed to be looking up for her but then strange dreams started to haunt her sleep. What are these dreams trying to tell her and where will they lead her? Read Mark Of A Crescent Moon by Clara Fay to find out!
Mark Of A Crescent Moon was a fantastical and intriguing novel. The lyrical narrative and beautifully portrayed setting transported me into a fairytale-like world. Reading about Fleur’s hometown from her point of view relaxed me. When I closed my eyes I could almost see myself admiring the sun across the bay and smelling the wildflowers in the air. Clara Fay knows how to paint a beautiful picture with words. The plot, characters, and exquisitely depicted settings enthralled me. The deeper I read, the more engrossed I was with this beautifully written tale! Fleur was an intriguing character. She was warm and passionate about what she loved. Her passion was what drew me into her story. I felt sad for her when she remembered what she was like before she met her husband and before her love and confidence had slowly been whittled away by his jealousy and actions. I saw her haunting dreams to be an opportunity for her to get back something she lost and maybe even gain something new. Magical and suspenseful, Clara Fay's Mark Of A Crescent Moon took me on an unforgettable adventure of romance, magic, and so much more! Excellent work!
Recommend this book:
Price of Innocence
Sonder's Song Book 1
Michelle Piper
2023 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Price of Innocence is the first entry in the Sonder's Song series by Michelle Piper. It is a wonderfully plotted and skillfully written opening into an epic fantasy series that will surely grab the attention of fans of the genre. A ruthless and merciless queen, Aspera, is responsible for the fall of Sosten. With the help of four criminals, she destroys the descendants of Auza-Verndari, taking the last of the descendants into her palace, the infant Sonder. Sonder grows up knowing another captive, a Lorist princess called Rhianwyn. As they become aware of the evil orchestrated against their families, can they gain the support of the only existing Black Knight who once protected Auza-Verndari and who is now the most trusted of the Queen's men? And can Bran be strong enough to honor the truth and serve justice?
Price of Innocence is loaded with mystery, suspense, and enough intrigue to keep readers turning the pages. The characters of Sonder and Rhianwyn are stunningly imagined and inspire empathy in readers. Readers instinctively love these characters and want to see them succeed against the queen. The writing is excellent with details that enrich the narrative. This is a tale of power and wickedness with the aim of an evil queen to bury her treachery. The plot is unpredictable and keeps readers turning the pages as they want to know what happens next. This novel is a fantasy that beautifully imagines a world in which vulnerable characters struggle against the machinations of evil. It is an immersive read with unforgettable characters.
Price of Innocence is the first entry in the Sonder's Song series by Michelle Piper. It is a wonderfully plotted and skillfully written opening into an epic fantasy series that will surely grab the attention of fans of the genre. A ruthless and merciless queen, Aspera, is responsible for the fall of Sosten. With the help of four criminals, she destroys the descendants of Auza-Verndari, taking the last of the descendants into her palace, the infant Sonder. Sonder grows up knowing another captive, a Lorist princess called Rhianwyn. As they become aware of the evil orchestrated against their families, can they gain the support of the only existing Black Knight who once protected Auza-Verndari and who is now the most trusted of the Queen's men? And can Bran be strong enough to honor the truth and serve justice?
Price of Innocence is loaded with mystery, suspense, and enough intrigue to keep readers turning the pages. The characters of Sonder and Rhianwyn are stunningly imagined and inspire empathy in readers. Readers instinctively love these characters and want to see them succeed against the queen. The writing is excellent with details that enrich the narrative. This is a tale of power and wickedness with the aim of an evil queen to bury her treachery. The plot is unpredictable and keeps readers turning the pages as they want to know what happens next. This novel is a fantasy that beautifully imagines a world in which vulnerable characters struggle against the machinations of evil. It is an immersive read with unforgettable characters.
Recommend this book:
Children of Alpheios
Diana Fedorak
2023 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Children of Alpheios by Diana Fedorak raises thought-provoking questions about genetics. Welcome to Alpheios, a genetically engineered colony. Like most mothers, twenty-one-year-old Alina had her baby, Mandin, at Genodyne, a pristine and heavily protected building impervious to the storms. However, Genodyne’s lab tests found a genetic anomaly in Mandin that draws the interest of the colony’s central corporation. It appears this mutation came from Alina’s father and remained undetected, as Genodyne did not initially search for it. In Mandin, the mutation has moved to a new level. As her protective maternal instinct kicks in, Alina will do anything to protect her baby and, in the process, keep the children of Alpheios safe.
The preciousness of human life and its preservation are overarching themes in Children of Alpheios. It also shows that evolution must be allowed to take its course without artificial intervention, as humans must continue to develop to meet the demands of changing environments. Diana Fedorak’s tale has the potential to pose profound scientific and philosophical questions about medical ethics and humanity’s future. It may be highly speculative, but it is serious storytelling with valid arguments, well-placed in a character-driven plot. Children of Alpheios gives you a compelling reason to read it because you are treating yourself to a well-written story that adequately explores the gift of being human and what we can do to embrace our humanity.
Children of Alpheios by Diana Fedorak raises thought-provoking questions about genetics. Welcome to Alpheios, a genetically engineered colony. Like most mothers, twenty-one-year-old Alina had her baby, Mandin, at Genodyne, a pristine and heavily protected building impervious to the storms. However, Genodyne’s lab tests found a genetic anomaly in Mandin that draws the interest of the colony’s central corporation. It appears this mutation came from Alina’s father and remained undetected, as Genodyne did not initially search for it. In Mandin, the mutation has moved to a new level. As her protective maternal instinct kicks in, Alina will do anything to protect her baby and, in the process, keep the children of Alpheios safe.
The preciousness of human life and its preservation are overarching themes in Children of Alpheios. It also shows that evolution must be allowed to take its course without artificial intervention, as humans must continue to develop to meet the demands of changing environments. Diana Fedorak’s tale has the potential to pose profound scientific and philosophical questions about medical ethics and humanity’s future. It may be highly speculative, but it is serious storytelling with valid arguments, well-placed in a character-driven plot. Children of Alpheios gives you a compelling reason to read it because you are treating yourself to a well-written story that adequately explores the gift of being human and what we can do to embrace our humanity.
Recommend this book:
Curse of the Fallen
Fallen Light
H.C. Newell
2023 Finalist
398 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
H.C. Newell’s Curse of the Fallen features Neer’s quest to rid herself of a curse placed on her by the Order of Saro’s High Priest. The curse prevents Neer from using her magical abilities without alerting the mercenaries to her location. Neer is accompanied by Loryk and Gil as she searches for the arun, an artifact that could break the curse. After Neer manages to teleport with her friends to Vleland, they enter a magical cave. She learns that to use the arun, she must go through the Trials of Fire. Gil is unable to go with Neer, but Loryk refuses to part from her. As they travel, they encounter Klaud, an elf who is also going to the trials. They journey together, meeting people who are on the hunt for invading elves and magic wielders. Loryk's abilities as a bard prove to be far more valuable than anyone anticipated.
H.C. Newell exceeded my expectations with this epic fantasy. Every page is filled with vivid depictions of the characters and their surroundings. I felt like I was walking with the travelers. Neer’s determination and compassion are unrivaled by her companions. Klaud’s intentions were admirable but he is self-centered. Loryk was brave to stay with Neer, especially since he didn’t have any magical abilities and was an average person. This made his character relatable as he voiced his fears and attempted to prevent Neer’s emotions from misguiding her. Neer's point of view, in my opinion, focused on her emotional pain. The cliffhanger ending was completely unpredictable and left me desperate to read the sequel. The Curse of the Fallen is highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantasy stories with intrigue and well-developed characters.
H.C. Newell’s Curse of the Fallen features Neer’s quest to rid herself of a curse placed on her by the Order of Saro’s High Priest. The curse prevents Neer from using her magical abilities without alerting the mercenaries to her location. Neer is accompanied by Loryk and Gil as she searches for the arun, an artifact that could break the curse. After Neer manages to teleport with her friends to Vleland, they enter a magical cave. She learns that to use the arun, she must go through the Trials of Fire. Gil is unable to go with Neer, but Loryk refuses to part from her. As they travel, they encounter Klaud, an elf who is also going to the trials. They journey together, meeting people who are on the hunt for invading elves and magic wielders. Loryk's abilities as a bard prove to be far more valuable than anyone anticipated.
H.C. Newell exceeded my expectations with this epic fantasy. Every page is filled with vivid depictions of the characters and their surroundings. I felt like I was walking with the travelers. Neer’s determination and compassion are unrivaled by her companions. Klaud’s intentions were admirable but he is self-centered. Loryk was brave to stay with Neer, especially since he didn’t have any magical abilities and was an average person. This made his character relatable as he voiced his fears and attempted to prevent Neer’s emotions from misguiding her. Neer's point of view, in my opinion, focused on her emotional pain. The cliffhanger ending was completely unpredictable and left me desperate to read the sequel. The Curse of the Fallen is highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantasy stories with intrigue and well-developed characters.
Recommend this book:
Benyu Born of Ash
The Ischyró Chronicles, #1
Katie Feavel
2022 Gold Medal
420 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Katie Feavel’s Benyu, Born of Ash is an intense fantasy story about the outcast Roan. The story opens with Roan being expelled from school for harming another student. Roan can manipulate water, and if not controlled, she can burn others. After being expelled, Roan’s father takes her on a trip into the woods to teach her how to use weapons instead of her magical strength. Ten years pass by. Roan trades her life to General Galin for her people to never know any pain. However, Roan cannot read and signs a blood contract. When she returns home, Roan discovers she is to be Galin’s bride, and the young members of her village train for future unions with Woodlanders. After Roan kills Commander Izra, the King’s only daughter, they place her on trial. The Crow Priest, Talc, tortures her until she dies. However, Talc revives her and begins implanting a sinister message in Roan’s mind.
Benyu, Born of Ash is a fantasy story that leaves no doubts about how Roan tends to be stubborn. She is constantly criticized for making plans that tend to cause a larger catastrophe. I questioned why her father didn’t attempt to teach her how to read instead of teaching her how to wield normal weapons. I think Roan should have investigated several situations she encountered instead of acting irrationally. However, this increased the suspense, and Roan’s development is easy to see. The vivid imagery shows the brutal environment, and I could almost smell the sulfur in the swampland she had to travel through. Talc was my least liked character as he preys on people’s emotions. He made the perfect villain for the story. The execution of the ending is perfect for leading into a sequel. My recommendation of Katie Feavel’s Benyu, Born of Ash is for readers who enjoy fantasy stories with strong female heroines who grow mentally. Unexpected plot twists fill this novel, and I enjoyed the unpredictable events that unfolded from Roan’s actions.
Katie Feavel’s Benyu, Born of Ash is an intense fantasy story about the outcast Roan. The story opens with Roan being expelled from school for harming another student. Roan can manipulate water, and if not controlled, she can burn others. After being expelled, Roan’s father takes her on a trip into the woods to teach her how to use weapons instead of her magical strength. Ten years pass by. Roan trades her life to General Galin for her people to never know any pain. However, Roan cannot read and signs a blood contract. When she returns home, Roan discovers she is to be Galin’s bride, and the young members of her village train for future unions with Woodlanders. After Roan kills Commander Izra, the King’s only daughter, they place her on trial. The Crow Priest, Talc, tortures her until she dies. However, Talc revives her and begins implanting a sinister message in Roan’s mind.
Benyu, Born of Ash is a fantasy story that leaves no doubts about how Roan tends to be stubborn. She is constantly criticized for making plans that tend to cause a larger catastrophe. I questioned why her father didn’t attempt to teach her how to read instead of teaching her how to wield normal weapons. I think Roan should have investigated several situations she encountered instead of acting irrationally. However, this increased the suspense, and Roan’s development is easy to see. The vivid imagery shows the brutal environment, and I could almost smell the sulfur in the swampland she had to travel through. Talc was my least liked character as he preys on people’s emotions. He made the perfect villain for the story. The execution of the ending is perfect for leading into a sequel. My recommendation of Katie Feavel’s Benyu, Born of Ash is for readers who enjoy fantasy stories with strong female heroines who grow mentally. Unexpected plot twists fill this novel, and I enjoyed the unpredictable events that unfolded from Roan’s actions.
Recommend this book:
Dreams of the Dying
The Dark Corners of Our Minds (Enderal)
Nicolas Lietzau
2022 Silver Medal
826 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Dreams of the Dying: The Dark Corners of Our Minds by Nicolas Lietzau is a fantasy novel derived from the gamer's realm of Enderal, but remains wholly independent of it. In many ways, the game is provided with more flesh from the book than the book gets from the game...and that's a good thing. The flawed protagonist is Jespar Dal'Varek, with a laundry list of mental health issues and addictions that plague him, who is pulled to the Tahiti-ish islands of Kalay where the dominoes really start to tumble. The king is comatose, the kingdom is ravaged by political and socioeconomic disparity and is on the brink of war, and Jesper is entrenched quite literally in the dreams of the dying. Adventure, love, cataclysmic ideology differences, nightmares, magic, culture, and a big, bad antagonist all come together in this wildly ambitious novel. “I want him to look all those orphans in the eye and explain to them why his lust for power was more important than their parents’ lives.” Her hand clenched her goblet so hard that Jespar almost expected it to bend under her pressure. “I want him to see what he’s... done.”
I don't even know where to start except to point-blank say this book is a masterpiece. The worldbuilding alone is mind-boggling and is enhanced by dancing shifts in narrative. Two points of view provide the eyes and ears for the reader in Dreams of the Dying, and Nicolas Lietzau has executed both to a degree of perfection I haven't come across in a long time. There is, of course, Jesper, but there is also another character who is revealed to us only as “the man.” The character development extends beyond the two mains and at times feels even more alive: a woman named Lysia—who is worthy of her own spin-off, and a compatriot named Kawu. It's a marvel that Lietzau brought such life to otherwise ancillary characters, and so deep is the enmeshing of a reader into a culture and landscape that he even created an entire language for it. There so many directions to go in here and I am beyond chuffed that this is only the beginning of a new reading adventure.
Dreams of the Dying: The Dark Corners of Our Minds by Nicolas Lietzau is a fantasy novel derived from the gamer's realm of Enderal, but remains wholly independent of it. In many ways, the game is provided with more flesh from the book than the book gets from the game...and that's a good thing. The flawed protagonist is Jespar Dal'Varek, with a laundry list of mental health issues and addictions that plague him, who is pulled to the Tahiti-ish islands of Kalay where the dominoes really start to tumble. The king is comatose, the kingdom is ravaged by political and socioeconomic disparity and is on the brink of war, and Jesper is entrenched quite literally in the dreams of the dying. Adventure, love, cataclysmic ideology differences, nightmares, magic, culture, and a big, bad antagonist all come together in this wildly ambitious novel. “I want him to look all those orphans in the eye and explain to them why his lust for power was more important than their parents’ lives.” Her hand clenched her goblet so hard that Jespar almost expected it to bend under her pressure. “I want him to see what he’s... done.”
I don't even know where to start except to point-blank say this book is a masterpiece. The worldbuilding alone is mind-boggling and is enhanced by dancing shifts in narrative. Two points of view provide the eyes and ears for the reader in Dreams of the Dying, and Nicolas Lietzau has executed both to a degree of perfection I haven't come across in a long time. There is, of course, Jesper, but there is also another character who is revealed to us only as “the man.” The character development extends beyond the two mains and at times feels even more alive: a woman named Lysia—who is worthy of her own spin-off, and a compatriot named Kawu. It's a marvel that Lietzau brought such life to otherwise ancillary characters, and so deep is the enmeshing of a reader into a culture and landscape that he even created an entire language for it. There so many directions to go in here and I am beyond chuffed that this is only the beginning of a new reading adventure.
Recommend this book:
A Spell of Rowans
Byrd Nash
2022 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Spell of Rowans is a work of fiction in the fantasy genre. It is aimed at the adult reading audience and was penned by Byrd Nash. The book follows the Rowan siblings as they deal with the fallout of their mother’s death. Not a mother they will miss terribly, but one whose influence saw the siblings develop unique magical abilities which they must use to survive as a murder inquiry begins in which they are all potential suspects. As the police get ever closer to the wrong conclusion and the townsfolk their mother tormented begin circling around, their lives are complicated further by an old flame who knows the truth of their powers.
There’s a lot of heart in this story about three siblings recovering from the traumatic upbringing they received at the hands of their mother. While the three siblings have magical abilities, the human connections and sense of healing are fought for and earned throughout the story, bringing a real sense of wonder. A testament to Byrd Nash’s gift for prose is that in a fantasy world, the everyday human moments are the ones that feel the most magical. The Rowan siblings, particularly middle child Victoria, are well-considered characters who are easy for readers to bond with as they move forward on their recovery journey after a traumatic childhood. The subject matter of A Spell of Rowans is challenging, and Nash is wise to include a trigger warning in the blurb. But do not let that deter you as the subjects are treated tastefully and respectfully. This is a wonderful read that I recommend to all.
A Spell of Rowans is a work of fiction in the fantasy genre. It is aimed at the adult reading audience and was penned by Byrd Nash. The book follows the Rowan siblings as they deal with the fallout of their mother’s death. Not a mother they will miss terribly, but one whose influence saw the siblings develop unique magical abilities which they must use to survive as a murder inquiry begins in which they are all potential suspects. As the police get ever closer to the wrong conclusion and the townsfolk their mother tormented begin circling around, their lives are complicated further by an old flame who knows the truth of their powers.
There’s a lot of heart in this story about three siblings recovering from the traumatic upbringing they received at the hands of their mother. While the three siblings have magical abilities, the human connections and sense of healing are fought for and earned throughout the story, bringing a real sense of wonder. A testament to Byrd Nash’s gift for prose is that in a fantasy world, the everyday human moments are the ones that feel the most magical. The Rowan siblings, particularly middle child Victoria, are well-considered characters who are easy for readers to bond with as they move forward on their recovery journey after a traumatic childhood. The subject matter of A Spell of Rowans is challenging, and Nash is wise to include a trigger warning in the blurb. But do not let that deter you as the subjects are treated tastefully and respectfully. This is a wonderful read that I recommend to all.
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