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Lyra
A teenage assassin, a demanding father, What will she do when her most trusted betrays her?
Hiding what she wants is second nature to Lyra. Raised as the only child, and a lowly daughter of the head of her clan, Lyra dreams of being an assassin.
When her father commands the first assassin class in twenty-years to assemble, Lyra jumps on the chance to join them on the sly.
When her classmates have gone missing on their last assignment, she is despondent. Mounting evidence suggests the missing class may be linked to something much more personal than she imagined.
Desperate. Guilty. Devastated.
Her only recourse is to do the unthinkable -- resort to sabotage to unravel the mystery.
Lyra must become the villain to be a hero.
Hiding what she wants is second nature to Lyra. Raised as the only child, and a lowly daughter of the head of her clan, Lyra dreams of being an assassin.
When her father commands the first assassin class in twenty-years to assemble, Lyra jumps on the chance to join them on the sly.
When her classmates have gone missing on their last assignment, she is despondent. Mounting evidence suggests the missing class may be linked to something much more personal than she imagined.
Desperate. Guilty. Devastated.
Her only recourse is to do the unthinkable -- resort to sabotage to unravel the mystery.
Lyra must become the villain to be a hero.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
1 person is currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Blood
32 books275 followersIn spite of a busy life wrapped around a military husband, two young children, a dog, bunnies, and a day job, Claudia Blood manages to pen cozy, urban, and science fantasies.
My upcoming books:
A Christmas Tail, Horizon Echo, and Scale of the Dragon
My upcoming books:
A Christmas Tail, Horizon Echo, and Scale of the Dragon
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 23, 2023
This book is part of the Renegades Rising series and the main character is teenage Lyra, the Clan Wagyu leader’s daughter, who wants to become an assassin and get out from under his control. When he suddenly announces the first assassin class to assemble in over twenty years, this is her chance. Candidates come from each of the clans and form a drove, and Lyra joins them on the sly, proving that she is worthy of being amongst them. Jacob Limousin is made the leader of the drove by unanimous vote by the other candidates. The others are twin brothers, Meeko and Yaholo Brahma, Rue (Rueshaw) Simmental and Mishima Dexter. Each of them have different skills and could learn a lot from each other. They have no idea of what is expected of them and what training they will receive, but Lyra is the one to inform them that her father is leaving it up to them. Not what should happen at all! The Clan Wagyu were the only ones that could call for a drove and were supposed to be in charge of their training. Lyra points out how they can take part in everyday training with the rest of the villagers and then ask for one to one training from the village masters. Without her, they would have been clueless.
Three years later, their training is deemed over and Grandin Wagyu sets them their first challenge, that without Lyra’s knowledge, they would have no chance of actually completing. By working in teams they can get to each of the different areas to collect their items and return successfully, turning them over to Clan Second Devon, who wouldn’t take umbrage at Lyra’s presence. Their final challenge involves obtaining black venom stones from a dragon’s nest, which the can will locate and send them to within six months. But the Clan Leader, Lyra’s father, has other ideas about the success of the drove and his actions will leave her absent as they are sent to the dragon’s nest. She returns to find them missing, presumed dead and her father ready to marry her off to another clan! She has only a limited time to discover what went on and her father’s part in it, but in the same time will learn some other secrets, which could change her life forever. So much more happens to the rest of the drove as they follow one member’s suggestion to recover from what happens to them, but that leaves them in an even more precarious position and Lyra in an even worse one! A shocking twist to the end of the story and Lyra’s father messing with parts of her future. Links to Ravenne come at the end as the story ends some fifteen years later. I received an ARC copy of this book for BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Three years later, their training is deemed over and Grandin Wagyu sets them their first challenge, that without Lyra’s knowledge, they would have no chance of actually completing. By working in teams they can get to each of the different areas to collect their items and return successfully, turning them over to Clan Second Devon, who wouldn’t take umbrage at Lyra’s presence. Their final challenge involves obtaining black venom stones from a dragon’s nest, which the can will locate and send them to within six months. But the Clan Leader, Lyra’s father, has other ideas about the success of the drove and his actions will leave her absent as they are sent to the dragon’s nest. She returns to find them missing, presumed dead and her father ready to marry her off to another clan! She has only a limited time to discover what went on and her father’s part in it, but in the same time will learn some other secrets, which could change her life forever. So much more happens to the rest of the drove as they follow one member’s suggestion to recover from what happens to them, but that leaves them in an even more precarious position and Lyra in an even worse one! A shocking twist to the end of the story and Lyra’s father messing with parts of her future. Links to Ravenne come at the end as the story ends some fifteen years later. I received an ARC copy of this book for BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 26, 2024
This novella has a lot of potential. There's an interesting future world, set a century into Earth's future and quite a fascinating idea for an adventure story with quite a well-thought-out villain. Unfortunately, this felt like reading an extended outline. There is so much scope to build the characters and deepen the world building, not to mention working with some of the excellent themes the author only barely touches on. I wanted to know how Lyra's mother's death affected her and how her thoughts about the tragedy and unfolding information informed her thoughts and actions going forward. She witnesses atrocities and is a victim of a psychopath’s machinations, but apart from “wanting revenge”, she never engages with what is revealed. I kept feeling I wanted to knowore about her wants, dreams, doubts and fears because these elements to better understand her character were completely lacking in the story. The same goes for Jacob.
All in all, the idea is interesting, but this iteration feels like all I've got are the bones of a story. What it needs is more meat and lifeblood, and less of the random bullet points at the start of each chapter, which make absolutely no sense from the perspective of this story on its own. They seem relevant to the main series that this is an extended prologue for.
All in all, the idea is interesting, but this iteration feels like all I've got are the bones of a story. What it needs is more meat and lifeblood, and less of the random bullet points at the start of each chapter, which make absolutely no sense from the perspective of this story on its own. They seem relevant to the main series that this is an extended prologue for.
April 22, 2025
Book is addictive, grabs you and pulls you in very good plot and character development. Ends on a cliff hanger, book is kinda heartbreaking. Dystopian fantasy. Very good
Heartbreak, betrayal, teamwork, enhancement, death, loss, baby, colony,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Heartbreak, betrayal, teamwork, enhancement, death, loss, baby, colony,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2025
Lyra: A thrilling Science Fantasy Prequel by Claudia Blood is an amazing Female Science Fantasy. The story is entertaining, interesting, thrilling, exciting and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2023
Renegades Rising by Claudia Blood is a thrilling and captivating prequel that takes readers on an adrenaline-fueled journey through a world of teenage assassins and betrayal. This science fantasy novel introduces us to Lyra, a young and ambitious protagonist who dreams of becoming an assassin. However, her path takes an unexpected turn when her most trusted ally betrays her.
Claudia Blood skillfully creates a rich and immersive world where secrets and intrigue reign supreme. Lyra, raised as the only child and overshadowed by her demanding father, navigates a complex web of deception and hidden desires. When her classmates mysteriously disappear during a mission, Lyra is determined to uncover the truth. As mounting evidence suggests a personal connection to the missing assassins, she is faced with desperation, guilt, and devastation.
In her quest for answers, Lyra finds herself resorting to sabotage, blurring the lines between hero and villain. Blood masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to unravel the mystery alongside the resilient protagonist. The emotional depth of Lyra's character shines through, as she grapples with the weight of her choices and the consequences they entail.
Renegades Rising is the first book in a five-book series, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it sets the stage for an epic adventure that will continue in subsequent installments. Claudia Blood's writing is engaging and propulsive, delivering a blend of action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Lyra's journey.
For fans of gripping science fantasy and captivating coming-of-age tales, Renegades Rising is a must-read. Its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and the promise of a larger story arc make it an enthralling introduction to a series that holds great promise. Prepare to be swept away into a world where loyalty is tested, secrets abound, and the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.
Claudia Blood skillfully creates a rich and immersive world where secrets and intrigue reign supreme. Lyra, raised as the only child and overshadowed by her demanding father, navigates a complex web of deception and hidden desires. When her classmates mysteriously disappear during a mission, Lyra is determined to uncover the truth. As mounting evidence suggests a personal connection to the missing assassins, she is faced with desperation, guilt, and devastation.
In her quest for answers, Lyra finds herself resorting to sabotage, blurring the lines between hero and villain. Blood masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to unravel the mystery alongside the resilient protagonist. The emotional depth of Lyra's character shines through, as she grapples with the weight of her choices and the consequences they entail.
Renegades Rising is the first book in a five-book series, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone, it sets the stage for an epic adventure that will continue in subsequent installments. Claudia Blood's writing is engaging and propulsive, delivering a blend of action, suspense, and thought-provoking themes that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Lyra's journey.
For fans of gripping science fantasy and captivating coming-of-age tales, Renegades Rising is a must-read. Its well-crafted plot, complex characters, and the promise of a larger story arc make it an enthralling introduction to a series that holds great promise. Prepare to be swept away into a world where loyalty is tested, secrets abound, and the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred.
May 31, 2023
Well, this took me awhile to get around to reading (sorry it was late!) and holy heck was it worth it. I'm new to Claudia Blood's work but the level of authority, craft, world-building and vibrancy in her characters has blown me away. I mean wow.
There's a lot to unpack in this book - family relationships and expectations, self-doubt, suspicion and attraction. And they're all vying for priority position here. I mean it's non-stop tension and intrigue - but in a really really good way! Definitely a recommendation for this one - get lost with Lyra! You'll love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's a lot to unpack in this book - family relationships and expectations, self-doubt, suspicion and attraction. And they're all vying for priority position here. I mean it's non-stop tension and intrigue - but in a really really good way! Definitely a recommendation for this one - get lost with Lyra! You'll love it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2023
I've read several books written by Claudia Blood; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the prequel for the Renegades Rising Series; it is a new series. It can be read as a stand-alone but would be best if you read them in order.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the prequel for the Renegades Rising Series; it is a new series. It can be read as a stand-alone but would be best if you read them in order.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews