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Katera Rising: Book one
Old and powerful magic has been uncovered and it is essential to free the world. The problem is no one knows how to use it.
In a world of sorcery and oppression, a young woman named Claire bears the burden of a nameless existence. Known only as 1408 to her captors, she represents the second generation enslaved by the ruthless sorcerer, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Shadowsoul.
But fate takes an unexpected turn when Claire stumbles upon a glimmer of hope—a family heirloom with mysterious powers that defy comprehension. With each discovery, she unveils a hidden truth that could shatter the emperor’s iron grip on their realm.
As Claire's journey unfolds, she finds herself distracted by thoughts of a woman whose presence grows more tantalizing with each passing day. Trapped by the cruel hand of fate, Claire's yearning for freedom extends beyond the clutches of her captors. She longs for more than the life she has been handed so far.
But the Emperor is not one to yield easily. With his ferocious beasts, boundless power, and vast resources at his command, he will stop at nothing to maintain his dominion and obliterate any threats to his world order. And now, Claire, an accidental escapee, finds herself thrust into the heart of a magical conflict, holding in her possession something the emperor believed lost and fears above all else.
Join Katera Rising and embark on a thrilling journey through a land of shadows and secrets. Will Claire's courage and the mysterious powers of the family heirloom be enough to challenge the emperor’s reign? Can love and determination triumph against overwhelming odds?
Discover the answers in this captivating tale of defiance, destiny, and the enduring human spirit.
In a world of sorcery and oppression, a young woman named Claire bears the burden of a nameless existence. Known only as 1408 to her captors, she represents the second generation enslaved by the ruthless sorcerer, the self-proclaimed Emperor of Shadowsoul.
But fate takes an unexpected turn when Claire stumbles upon a glimmer of hope—a family heirloom with mysterious powers that defy comprehension. With each discovery, she unveils a hidden truth that could shatter the emperor’s iron grip on their realm.
As Claire's journey unfolds, she finds herself distracted by thoughts of a woman whose presence grows more tantalizing with each passing day. Trapped by the cruel hand of fate, Claire's yearning for freedom extends beyond the clutches of her captors. She longs for more than the life she has been handed so far.
But the Emperor is not one to yield easily. With his ferocious beasts, boundless power, and vast resources at his command, he will stop at nothing to maintain his dominion and obliterate any threats to his world order. And now, Claire, an accidental escapee, finds herself thrust into the heart of a magical conflict, holding in her possession something the emperor believed lost and fears above all else.
Join Katera Rising and embark on a thrilling journey through a land of shadows and secrets. Will Claire's courage and the mysterious powers of the family heirloom be enough to challenge the emperor’s reign? Can love and determination triumph against overwhelming odds?
Discover the answers in this captivating tale of defiance, destiny, and the enduring human spirit.
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2023
98 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 20, 2025
Really Good
I forgot to come back and complete a review after I started book #2, and I am almost done with it.
This Shadowsoul series is so good, and Claire's unwavering in her pursuit in her quest. I especially love the innocent way she thinks about her developing feelings for Lexa.
I forgot to come back and complete a review after I started book #2, and I am almost done with it.
This Shadowsoul series is so good, and Claire's unwavering in her pursuit in her quest. I especially love the innocent way she thinks about her developing feelings for Lexa.
September 24, 2024
Part 1 of several…
I wasn’t aware when I started this that it was part of a trilogy (at least) and only books 1 & 2 are available presently. Had I known I might not have started as I am not good at waiting! That said, this is an engaging read which hits the ground running, with our heroine, human Claire, Immediately having to fight for her life in a gladiator ring. Claire lives in a dark underworld where she’s known by a number, rather than by her name. This world is filled with fantastical beasts - there are goblins, three headed cerebi, chimera’s, jiggler dogs, river eels and more! The terrain is also unforgiving with toxic rivers and lethal rock falls and this underground world is ruled over by an evil warlord, Emperor Darkmor. When Claire escapes her gladiatorial life she almost immediately encounters a rebel group, lead by the alluring Lexa. But this is just the start of Claire’s troubles to come as she, Lexa and a small group of rebels embark on a quest to find a set of magic crystals (which it is thought may provide the key to bringing down Darkmor). And meanwhile, Darkmor is chasing Claire due to something to do with her lineage, her blood…
The action in this is practically non-stop as the quest participants encounter all kinds of difficulties, one after another with barely any break. You can feel the closeness between Lexa and Claire growing, but there’s no actual romance between them in this first book. This is well put together and if you like fantasy and want a lot of action and danger with a splash of sapphic romance spreading over a series, then this will probably fit the bill very well. I may however take a break and wait for the third (and final?) book to be released, before reading on!
I wasn’t aware when I started this that it was part of a trilogy (at least) and only books 1 & 2 are available presently. Had I known I might not have started as I am not good at waiting! That said, this is an engaging read which hits the ground running, with our heroine, human Claire, Immediately having to fight for her life in a gladiator ring. Claire lives in a dark underworld where she’s known by a number, rather than by her name. This world is filled with fantastical beasts - there are goblins, three headed cerebi, chimera’s, jiggler dogs, river eels and more! The terrain is also unforgiving with toxic rivers and lethal rock falls and this underground world is ruled over by an evil warlord, Emperor Darkmor. When Claire escapes her gladiatorial life she almost immediately encounters a rebel group, lead by the alluring Lexa. But this is just the start of Claire’s troubles to come as she, Lexa and a small group of rebels embark on a quest to find a set of magic crystals (which it is thought may provide the key to bringing down Darkmor). And meanwhile, Darkmor is chasing Claire due to something to do with her lineage, her blood…
The action in this is practically non-stop as the quest participants encounter all kinds of difficulties, one after another with barely any break. You can feel the closeness between Lexa and Claire growing, but there’s no actual romance between them in this first book. This is well put together and if you like fantasy and want a lot of action and danger with a splash of sapphic romance spreading over a series, then this will probably fit the bill very well. I may however take a break and wait for the third (and final?) book to be released, before reading on!
November 21, 2025
4.5 stars
A very nice, very compelling read. It wasn't flawless, like it needed a little more editing with a scene that repeated itself and Claire knowing people's names before they introduced themselves, but the world was very intriguing and surprising, the battle scenes were epic and thrilling, the characters were all distinct and lovable and the romance was a very well-written slow burn. I loved watching Claire and Lexa start getting to know each other and then care for each other. Also, I quite liked the fact that they were both physically strong women and capable warriors; it's a pretty rare combination in my experience. The writing was perfect for the tense battle scenes, but there were instances where I felt like it was moving too quickly or too abruptly from one subject to another
Still, I've finished the book a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it and I'm very much looking forward to reading the sequel so, yeah, I really enjoyed it.
A very nice, very compelling read. It wasn't flawless, like it needed a little more editing with a scene that repeated itself and Claire knowing people's names before they introduced themselves, but the world was very intriguing and surprising, the battle scenes were epic and thrilling, the characters were all distinct and lovable and the romance was a very well-written slow burn. I loved watching Claire and Lexa start getting to know each other and then care for each other. Also, I quite liked the fact that they were both physically strong women and capable warriors; it's a pretty rare combination in my experience. The writing was perfect for the tense battle scenes, but there were instances where I felt like it was moving too quickly or too abruptly from one subject to another
Still, I've finished the book a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it and I'm very much looking forward to reading the sequel so, yeah, I really enjoyed it.
March 21, 2025
Must read
If you are looking for a well-written, action-packed novel, this series is for you. I couldn't recall the summary, so I entered this journey blindly and was graciously rewarded for it.
Characters are well-developed without being too detailed that it takes away from the relationships and plot, both of which are fantastic.
I can't wait to see if I'm right about possible, future couples, if there's a traitor in the midst or something magical that keeps them on the run. The new characters appear to know much more than has been revealed.
I can't wait to read the next book and hope there's at least one more after it.
As for grammar, editing, and such, I found few errors aside from quotation marks instead of apostrophes and two spots where the author clearly changed directions and forgot to delete the previous section, leaving duplicitous content that's been worded differently. These are very rare.
Overall, I give it a solid 9/10 and recommend it to anyone looking for a page-turner.
If you are looking for a well-written, action-packed novel, this series is for you. I couldn't recall the summary, so I entered this journey blindly and was graciously rewarded for it.
Characters are well-developed without being too detailed that it takes away from the relationships and plot, both of which are fantastic.
I can't wait to see if I'm right about possible, future couples, if there's a traitor in the midst or something magical that keeps them on the run. The new characters appear to know much more than has been revealed.
I can't wait to read the next book and hope there's at least one more after it.
As for grammar, editing, and such, I found few errors aside from quotation marks instead of apostrophes and two spots where the author clearly changed directions and forgot to delete the previous section, leaving duplicitous content that's been worded differently. These are very rare.
Overall, I give it a solid 9/10 and recommend it to anyone looking for a page-turner.
February 23, 2024
A ride that just doesn't stop
I finished reading the Rand Series (Silvia Shaw) and was looking for something along those lines and stumbled across this one. This one feels darker than the Rand series and filled with way more obstacles and action.
I never felt like it let up which can be a good thing. I craved the slow moments where the characters interacted and some of the world's lore came out. There was just too little of that for me and at the end I was left with a few questions...how did the humans get in the caverns, enough to be that many, and how did the gems get down there? From the lore that is revealed topside still exist...
Maybe book 2 will reveal more.
I liked it and am hooked to see where Claire and her merry bunch of rebs go.
I finished reading the Rand Series (Silvia Shaw) and was looking for something along those lines and stumbled across this one. This one feels darker than the Rand series and filled with way more obstacles and action.
I never felt like it let up which can be a good thing. I craved the slow moments where the characters interacted and some of the world's lore came out. There was just too little of that for me and at the end I was left with a few questions...how did the humans get in the caverns, enough to be that many, and how did the gems get down there? From the lore that is revealed topside still exist...
Maybe book 2 will reveal more.
I liked it and am hooked to see where Claire and her merry bunch of rebs go.
May 19, 2024
3½⭐ Great story, but...
This is the first book in a series that took about ¾ of the way through before I realized it's a *dystopian* quest/fantasy novel. There are some internal conflicts and/or inconsistencies where things aren't known that *should* be, or *are* known that shouldn't. I have a really analytical mind, so I don't think these things would be obvious to everyone. It definitely needs better editing with some typos, but even more with punctuation. Listening by text-to-speech helps get away from these things, which makes it a more enjoyable read.
I like the characters and story, and plan on reading the next book. If you can, or do, ignore the things I mentioned, you'll love it.
This is the first book in a series that took about ¾ of the way through before I realized it's a *dystopian* quest/fantasy novel. There are some internal conflicts and/or inconsistencies where things aren't known that *should* be, or *are* known that shouldn't. I have a really analytical mind, so I don't think these things would be obvious to everyone. It definitely needs better editing with some typos, but even more with punctuation. Listening by text-to-speech helps get away from these things, which makes it a more enjoyable read.
I like the characters and story, and plan on reading the next book. If you can, or do, ignore the things I mentioned, you'll love it.
May 22, 2023
Adventure, rebellion and a sprinkling of romance makes this book an excellent pick! The unusual magic and landscape combined with the engaging interactions between characters, human and non-human, is really engaging.
It’s great to see such a great, tasteful book involving building a lesbian romance while working to save themselves, and hopefully the world.
I just finished it but I can’t wait to read it again! Definitely my new favourite book!
It’s great to see such a great, tasteful book involving building a lesbian romance while working to save themselves, and hopefully the world.
I just finished it but I can’t wait to read it again! Definitely my new favourite book!
November 25, 2023
Katera
Very original with wonderful characters and dialogue. Quite an adventure. I couldn’t put it down. The relationship developing between Lexa and Claire is beautiful and sincere. If you love magic and adventure and two people in the mist of saving the world falling in love, then read this!!
Very original with wonderful characters and dialogue. Quite an adventure. I couldn’t put it down. The relationship developing between Lexa and Claire is beautiful and sincere. If you love magic and adventure and two people in the mist of saving the world falling in love, then read this!!
March 3, 2024
Intriguing with a dash of Sass
This was definitely a book I had a hard time putting down. Can't wait to read the next installment and I'm excited to see the world they explore some more.
This was definitely a book I had a hard time putting down. Can't wait to read the next installment and I'm excited to see the world they explore some more.
April 19, 2024
Thrilling
In a world filled with darkness and tyranny, finds willful band of strangers to fight evil to rebel against its chains. To rise amongst the ashes of darkness and despair into hope and light.
In a world filled with darkness and tyranny, finds willful band of strangers to fight evil to rebel against its chains. To rise amongst the ashes of darkness and despair into hope and light.
November 5, 2023
A good one
What are you waiting for, do yourself a solid and snag this read. Nice flow, good characters, enjoyable story. 📚
What are you waiting for, do yourself a solid and snag this read. Nice flow, good characters, enjoyable story. 📚
June 4, 2024
I’m very invested in this world and Lexa and Claire! They don’t get together in this book but the chemistry is definitely there! About to read the next book now!
September 18, 2025
Interesting
I love a good adventure story and this one is loaded. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.
I love a good adventure story and this one is loaded. I am looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews