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Souls of Aredyrah #1
The Fire and the Light
In a world divided by superstition and fear, two boys, one an outcast, the other a fallen prince, make a disturbing discovery: not only are their histories forged, but their opposing beliefs are found on lies. Set in a world that hints of our own mythologies, this award-winning fantasy explores the trials that Dayn and Reiv (Ruairi) face as the deceptions they unravel threaten an empire and jeopardize a population enslaved by hate.In the world of Aredyrah, the greatest threat does not come from outside invaders. It comes from the souls that already dwell there. And for Dayn and Reiv, that will test everything they have ever believed...even about themselves.
392 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2006
11 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Tracy A. Akers
5 books62 followersTracy A. Akers is an award-winning fantasy author who makes her home in the rolling hills of Pasco County, Florida. Like her favorite Hobbit, she lives at the base of a hill, (the tallest one in the county, in fact) and can frequently be found there, spinning tales of fantastic beings and lost realms.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 10, 2013
The Fire and the Light by Tracy A. Akers Book One of the Souls of Aredyrah Series (Souls of Aredyrah #1)
^SPOILERS AHEAD^
The Fire and the Light by Tracy A. Akers is a book about a prince and a boy who look very different from others in their respective cultures and all they want is to be seen like everyone else. In the beginning, Dayn of Kirador, is being chased by a gang of boys because he was speaking with their leaders (Sheireadan) sister, Falyn. Sheireadan always bullies Dayn because he looks different from everyone else. He believes Dayn to be demon spawn. After chasing Dayn out of the city, he knocks him down and throws manure on him. Sheiradan also urinates on Dayn and reminds him to stay away from his sister. Dayn goes home and his sister Alicine, asks him what happened. Dayn goes in the house where his mother and father want to know what happened. Dayn tells them but notices the Spirit Keeper, Eileis was at the house. Dayn questions his parents about why he is so different from everyone else. He asks if he was their actual child. His father becomes irate and makes him go over the Written Word until the wee hours of the morning. After he goes to his room, he can’t sleep so he goes to his window for some fresh air. He hears his father and the Spirit Keeper talking in hushed tones. Dayn is stunned to overhear that he is not their child. For the next year, Dayn keeps what he heard to himself. Alicine makes him promise he will go to the Summer Fires Festival so he could see he crowned Maiden. During the festival he stands up for himself after Sheiradan starts with him again for speaking with his sister Falyn. After the altercation, Dayn decides he needs to leave Kirador and go to the cave where his birth mother gave him to his father (Gorman). However, Alicine knew something was wrong and ended up going after Dayn.
Next you have the prince of Tearia, Ruairi, getting ready for his engagement ceremony. Even though he is going to marry the girl of his dreams, Cinnia, he feels like he is part of “a dog and pony show.” After the ceremony Ruairi is in Labhras (Cinnia’s fathers) office speaking with his brother Whyn. Ruairi started messing with scrolls that were in the room, and the scroll caught on fire, which then set the home on fire. Ruairi ends up saving Cinnia’s life but burning his hands severely. He was then found to be impure (a Jecta) and lost everything. He was disowned by the royal family, no longer engaged to Cinnia,(That duty was then handed down to his brother Whyn) his named was changed to Reiv, and now is a foreman over the fields. The day of the wedding between his brother and Cinnia, he escapes from his apartment (where he was being watched by the royal guards)and leaves through the city gates with a horse named Gitta.
Alicine finds Dayn and decides to stay with him. They both go into the cave and find drawings and trinkets left by someone. Dayn picks up a bottle and puts it in his pocket. Alicine asks if they can turn back and go home but they proceed through the cave and get to the other side where there are fields of flowers. Alicine has never seen the flowers but is intrigued by them. They take off their shoes and run through the flowers but notice someone is coming towards them on a horse. Ruairi sees Dayn and Alicine and mistakes them for Jecta. Ruairi speaks with them and decides that they are thieves.(for stealing the flowers ,the bottle and the brooch that Dayn’s father gave him before the festival.)Ruairi ends up taking them back to his apartment instead of jail because of his brother Whyn’s wedding.
During this time, Brina, Ruairi’s aunt, comes to see him. She inquires about the two people in his apartment. Brina looks at Dayn and observes the birthmark on his neck. She is astonished at what she sees because it is the same mark her son(who everyone believes is dead) had on his neck. Dayn finds it hard to believe that Brina is his mother but later accepts the notion. After making a plan for Dayn and Alicine to leave the city and go to Pobu, Ruairi, Dayn and Alicine are arrested for being thieves and are then sentenced by the Priestess to “fade away” in Pobu. While there, a friend of Brina’s, Nannaven(a Spirit Keeper, healer)takes them in and puts them to work. Alicine works as Nannaven ‘s assistant, Dayn works with the blacksmith Gair, and Ruairi becomes a shell seeker. Nannaven realizes that Dayn and Ruairi are part of the Prophecy and the Unnamed One would show them the way.
Tracy A. Akers has written a story with characters that are well developed. You definitely see how Ruairi grows throughout the book. He is such an arrogant, ill-mannered, disrespectful person at the beginning of the book but slowly changes and is a different person by the end. The same goes for Dayn. He is such a mild mannered character but slowly starts to grow a backbone and stands up for himself and his beliefs. They both see things that are wrong and the need for change. The story is told from alternating perspectives. Since the story is told with the alternating perspectives, you become so immersed in their world. You become a part of the story. You are concerned about the outcome of the story. Akers unites two story-lines into one with superb word building, an amazing, picturesque world that was mystifying and captivating. Akers is able to capture the reader and hold their interest with the action and adventure in the plot. You also have a little romance thrown in for good measure. The book was delightful to read and should not be missed.
4.5 stars
I did win this book through Goodreads Giveaway and I would like to thank the author for sending me the book. I have given the book a fair and honest review.
^SPOILERS AHEAD^
The Fire and the Light by Tracy A. Akers is a book about a prince and a boy who look very different from others in their respective cultures and all they want is to be seen like everyone else. In the beginning, Dayn of Kirador, is being chased by a gang of boys because he was speaking with their leaders (Sheireadan) sister, Falyn. Sheireadan always bullies Dayn because he looks different from everyone else. He believes Dayn to be demon spawn. After chasing Dayn out of the city, he knocks him down and throws manure on him. Sheiradan also urinates on Dayn and reminds him to stay away from his sister. Dayn goes home and his sister Alicine, asks him what happened. Dayn goes in the house where his mother and father want to know what happened. Dayn tells them but notices the Spirit Keeper, Eileis was at the house. Dayn questions his parents about why he is so different from everyone else. He asks if he was their actual child. His father becomes irate and makes him go over the Written Word until the wee hours of the morning. After he goes to his room, he can’t sleep so he goes to his window for some fresh air. He hears his father and the Spirit Keeper talking in hushed tones. Dayn is stunned to overhear that he is not their child. For the next year, Dayn keeps what he heard to himself. Alicine makes him promise he will go to the Summer Fires Festival so he could see he crowned Maiden. During the festival he stands up for himself after Sheiradan starts with him again for speaking with his sister Falyn. After the altercation, Dayn decides he needs to leave Kirador and go to the cave where his birth mother gave him to his father (Gorman). However, Alicine knew something was wrong and ended up going after Dayn.
Next you have the prince of Tearia, Ruairi, getting ready for his engagement ceremony. Even though he is going to marry the girl of his dreams, Cinnia, he feels like he is part of “a dog and pony show.” After the ceremony Ruairi is in Labhras (Cinnia’s fathers) office speaking with his brother Whyn. Ruairi started messing with scrolls that were in the room, and the scroll caught on fire, which then set the home on fire. Ruairi ends up saving Cinnia’s life but burning his hands severely. He was then found to be impure (a Jecta) and lost everything. He was disowned by the royal family, no longer engaged to Cinnia,(That duty was then handed down to his brother Whyn) his named was changed to Reiv, and now is a foreman over the fields. The day of the wedding between his brother and Cinnia, he escapes from his apartment (where he was being watched by the royal guards)and leaves through the city gates with a horse named Gitta.
Alicine finds Dayn and decides to stay with him. They both go into the cave and find drawings and trinkets left by someone. Dayn picks up a bottle and puts it in his pocket. Alicine asks if they can turn back and go home but they proceed through the cave and get to the other side where there are fields of flowers. Alicine has never seen the flowers but is intrigued by them. They take off their shoes and run through the flowers but notice someone is coming towards them on a horse. Ruairi sees Dayn and Alicine and mistakes them for Jecta. Ruairi speaks with them and decides that they are thieves.(for stealing the flowers ,the bottle and the brooch that Dayn’s father gave him before the festival.)Ruairi ends up taking them back to his apartment instead of jail because of his brother Whyn’s wedding.
During this time, Brina, Ruairi’s aunt, comes to see him. She inquires about the two people in his apartment. Brina looks at Dayn and observes the birthmark on his neck. She is astonished at what she sees because it is the same mark her son(who everyone believes is dead) had on his neck. Dayn finds it hard to believe that Brina is his mother but later accepts the notion. After making a plan for Dayn and Alicine to leave the city and go to Pobu, Ruairi, Dayn and Alicine are arrested for being thieves and are then sentenced by the Priestess to “fade away” in Pobu. While there, a friend of Brina’s, Nannaven(a Spirit Keeper, healer)takes them in and puts them to work. Alicine works as Nannaven ‘s assistant, Dayn works with the blacksmith Gair, and Ruairi becomes a shell seeker. Nannaven realizes that Dayn and Ruairi are part of the Prophecy and the Unnamed One would show them the way.
Tracy A. Akers has written a story with characters that are well developed. You definitely see how Ruairi grows throughout the book. He is such an arrogant, ill-mannered, disrespectful person at the beginning of the book but slowly changes and is a different person by the end. The same goes for Dayn. He is such a mild mannered character but slowly starts to grow a backbone and stands up for himself and his beliefs. They both see things that are wrong and the need for change. The story is told from alternating perspectives. Since the story is told with the alternating perspectives, you become so immersed in their world. You become a part of the story. You are concerned about the outcome of the story. Akers unites two story-lines into one with superb word building, an amazing, picturesque world that was mystifying and captivating. Akers is able to capture the reader and hold their interest with the action and adventure in the plot. You also have a little romance thrown in for good measure. The book was delightful to read and should not be missed.
4.5 stars
I did win this book through Goodreads Giveaway and I would like to thank the author for sending me the book. I have given the book a fair and honest review.
July 26, 2014
It took me awhile to first read this book because I wasn't sure if it was quite for me. Awhile ago I picked it up and read the first few pages but put it down. Thankfully though I picked it back up again this summer. This is the story about a whole other world in which two countries are separated by mountains. The countries don't know about each other, or at least the general population doesn't. The viewpoint switches around the two main characters. This book is about the changes that happen throughout the two main characters. It was really enjoyable to read once the story picked up. The ending left me wanting to know what happens next. I hope for the next books that the action picks up because this book felt like it was a lot more setup for what is to come.
August 25, 2013
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. (i.e. DESTINY wants me to read this book.)
Reminiscent of authors:
Stats: Multiple viewpoints, all third person
Tags:
I'm going to update my review as I read the book!! Why? Because it's fun~
08/24/2013 8:59 PM
I gotta say, I can see how avoiding my homework will lead to more First Reads books getting reviewed. It's a quick, easy read so far, gotta say I rolled my eyes a couple of times at some cliches.
DISCLAIMER: I FREELY USE AND ABUSE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR MY OWN AMUSEMENT
Reminiscent of authors:
Stats: Multiple viewpoints, all third person
Tags:
I'm going to update my review as I read the book!! Why? Because it's fun~
08/24/2013 8:59 PM
I gotta say, I can see how avoiding my homework will lead to more First Reads books getting reviewed. It's a quick, easy read so far, gotta say I rolled my eyes a couple of times at some cliches.
DISCLAIMER: I FREELY USE AND ABUSE THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR MY OWN AMUSEMENT
August 22, 2012
What a terrific book for any middle school or young teen! Great world building and a cast of characters that were so real, they kept talking to me even after I closed the book. My favorite character was Dayn. He was the perfect combination of confused teen and reluctant hero. However, I also really enjoyed Ruairi's snarky attitude (not without just cause), too.
I can see why this book (the first in a series) has won so many awards! I recommend this for anyone who enjoys high fantasy with some rock-solid characters.
I can see why this book (the first in a series) has won so many awards! I recommend this for anyone who enjoys high fantasy with some rock-solid characters.
August 4, 2013
At first I was timid to read the book, since it started off as any normal medieval magical realm book would, but slowly as the book went on I became hooked. The character development was not what I expected, and each character, even some of the minor ones developed in ways that I did not expect. Plus the plot took you in different directions, not realizing who they were actually talking about, and then turning to be another one. Overall, a wonderful book, and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one.
March 18, 2014
I'm all about descriptions and this book is full of them. Not to the point where you feel like you're being told everything. The flow of the narrative as well as the characters (flawed and very believable) made this an enjoyable read.
I would recommend this book to young adults and adults alike. I didn't feel like the author just slapped a story together and put it out there. The storyline was well done and I would definitely be willing to read more books in this series.
I would recommend this book to young adults and adults alike. I didn't feel like the author just slapped a story together and put it out there. The storyline was well done and I would definitely be willing to read more books in this series.
June 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well defined and from the start I wanted to learn more and see what happened to them. The story flows well and I found myself being taken on a journey that a lot of people can relate to. The descriptions bring the places to life while not taking from the characters. I would definitely recommend this book and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 12, 2016
I loved it. I met the author(Tracy A. Akers) at a reading fair. She signed my copy but, I only got one book(because of mom). I can't wait to read more. I have fallen in love with this book. It meets all of the areas I love to read and I connect to some of the characters, I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Now, to find the rest of the books.....
April 18, 2013
An engaging page turner, you won't want to put this one down. I loved it as an adult reader with a young heart. My two teens, a boy and girl, both devoured it.
November 30, 2014
Amazing read.
Loved this book, about to start book 2. Very well written. Kept my attention from the first page to the last.
Loved this book, about to start book 2. Very well written. Kept my attention from the first page to the last.
July 17, 2013
Got this one free for kindle. Not bad, if a bit predictable. Nice treadmill reading.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews