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Tranquility #1
Tranquility's Blaze
"What will I do? What I do best. I'll find him and I'll kill him. And then I'll kill Garran's murderer."
Even if the killer is my sister.
A half-breed and a female, Lady Bethany clawed her way to the ranks of the Elven Service's top military elite. They only knew her as their champion against Magic, and not the daughter of a Goddess.
She'd expected a long, rewarding life protecting those under her care. But that was before her twin sister returned from exile, addicted to brutal Magic and human sacrifice, twisted inside, and abusing ancient prophecies to overthrow their mother and destroy everything Bethany holds sacred.
The world will burn in flames and innocents will die, unless Bethany can stop it. Unless she can take the life of her own sister.
Even if the killer is my sister.
A half-breed and a female, Lady Bethany clawed her way to the ranks of the Elven Service's top military elite. They only knew her as their champion against Magic, and not the daughter of a Goddess.
She'd expected a long, rewarding life protecting those under her care. But that was before her twin sister returned from exile, addicted to brutal Magic and human sacrifice, twisted inside, and abusing ancient prophecies to overthrow their mother and destroy everything Bethany holds sacred.
The world will burn in flames and innocents will die, unless Bethany can stop it. Unless she can take the life of her own sister.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2012
183 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 10, 2019
In this book's defense, I'm not the target audience. The story is definitely driven by the romantic relationship instead of the plot, which appears and disappears as needed leading up to a rather abrupt climax.
Basically everyone in the book had incredibly mercurial emotions and they spent most of their time sniping at each other. The platonic camaraderie rang authentic to me but I didn't like the romantic relationship. Some rough language choice and the highest number of malapropisms in recent memory. Given the author's opinions, I was surprised by just how casually the book treated rape.
Line recorded for posterity: "[He] was missing from her bed now, having risen with the ding-dong of the dawn bells."
Basically everyone in the book had incredibly mercurial emotions and they spent most of their time sniping at each other. The platonic camaraderie rang authentic to me but I didn't like the romantic relationship. Some rough language choice and the highest number of malapropisms in recent memory. Given the author's opinions, I was surprised by just how casually the book treated rape.
Line recorded for posterity: "[He] was missing from her bed now, having risen with the ding-dong of the dawn bells."
April 27, 2012
Lady Bethany is the first Lady Champion of the Knights. And she has a secret that will destroy her if it ever gets out. But when her sister, Sarissa goes mad from Magic use and tries to destroy everything Bethany holds dear, she has no choice but to embrace her true nature. Even if it means unleashing her own powers on an unsuspecting world.
Tranquility's Blaze is a fantastic, epic fantasy with some of the best characters I've ever read. It's funny and heartbreaking and romantic and brutal at the same time. Bethany, the main character, may be half-elf, but she's entirely human in her emotions and vulnerability. She's created a wall around herself (for good reason) that seems impenetrable, but when she meets Arrago, she starts to change. It's amazing to see her let her guard down, and the relationship between the two makes each of them stronger and more "human".
The other heroes have equally compelling back stories that all fit nicely in the backdrop of war that Ball creates. Each of them are real people, with real pain and real dreams. By the end of the book they all felt like good friends and I desperately wanted all of them to find their happy endings.
And don't get me started on Sarissa. Crazy doesn't even begin to describe her madness. But even then, you still get a sense of who she is, behind all the evil. She's the best kind of villain - nuanced and real.
I was hooked from page one and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ball weaves touching scenes into the midst of horrors of war and creates a world and characters I can understand fighting for. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Tranquility's Blaze is a fantastic, epic fantasy with some of the best characters I've ever read. It's funny and heartbreaking and romantic and brutal at the same time. Bethany, the main character, may be half-elf, but she's entirely human in her emotions and vulnerability. She's created a wall around herself (for good reason) that seems impenetrable, but when she meets Arrago, she starts to change. It's amazing to see her let her guard down, and the relationship between the two makes each of them stronger and more "human".
The other heroes have equally compelling back stories that all fit nicely in the backdrop of war that Ball creates. Each of them are real people, with real pain and real dreams. By the end of the book they all felt like good friends and I desperately wanted all of them to find their happy endings.
And don't get me started on Sarissa. Crazy doesn't even begin to describe her madness. But even then, you still get a sense of who she is, behind all the evil. She's the best kind of villain - nuanced and real.
I was hooked from page one and couldn't wait to see what happened next. Ball weaves touching scenes into the midst of horrors of war and creates a world and characters I can understand fighting for. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
June 27, 2012
I had high expectations for this book and after finishing it last night, I was disappointed. Bethany is the daughter of the prophecy being half human and half goddess and she is third in command at the Elven Military Elite forces. She is a strong no nonsense kind of woman who never had time for love or romance and was more comfortable taking down an enemy soldier. Her younger sister Sarissa who has succumbed to the the evil of magic, been banished and is now determined to kill her sister and the prophecy. There was no real reason why the revenge and Sarissa even herself was not sure why she harboured such hatred for her sister apart from envy. Aside from the phrases at the beginning of each chapter there is no real explanation offered as to what the prophecy said, does Beth save the world, destroy it and can it be stopped? Beth hates that she is the one and hides from the responsibility of it all her life and only a trusted few know the truth. One of them is not Arrago who comes to the the military forces to learn to fight but instead ends up having feelings for Bethany. The battle scenes are far and few between and even the end seems to be anti-climatic and I thought there would have been more of a fight between the sisters. No real build up to the end and no cliff hanger so it falls a little flat for me. The goddess Apexia seemed quite happy to let her people fend for themselves and I was disappointed with the ending as I had thought more of Arrago but maybe he is redeemed in the next book.
July 1, 2017
Half elf Lady Bethany trains recruits at the knight school when she gets a letter to say her betrothed Garran has been murdered. It’s complicated… he’s a king, and married (with her permission) but finding a piece of parchment inside his body is odd. And it bears lines from a prophecy that few people know is believed to relate to her.
Her sister Sarissa is one of them. Her twin, born after her and thus out of the prophecy, to her eternal resentment. And it is kind of eternal. They are the children of the goddess, Apexia.
***
This was in a boxed set: Witches and Warriors: 6 Fantasy Novels
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Ah, the only sword wielding female cover model. The face on a thousand covers. I think she was even Kate Daniels on one of the Ilona Andrews covers. Plus, Bethany is a red head. The cover model is not.
Wait, they kill King Garran, his sons, their wives, the grandchildren etc but leave his widow alive so she can write chatty letters to Bethany? *frowns*
She’s going to put trousers on her ethics? Breaching… there are a lot of these kind of editing mistakes. She ‘weaved’ when it should be wove. ‘Forth’ when it should be fourth.
No. That’s really NOT a good idea. Armour is custom made. You can’t fight in armour that doesn’t fit you. It would be worse than useless. Plus, they don’t stop to get their special magic blessed blades. And they’re possible going to face magi who can only be killed by a blessed blade. It’s just dumb.
She does this over and over. Mouths off and gives away MORE information.
She’s over a hundred years old and makes super basic mistakes.
I don’t want people to know I’m magic, she wails when her IDENTICAL twin is running around casting magic and murdering people. She calls the goddess Mother. She locks herself in a special room in the temple of Apexia to talk to her mother. Honey, they KNOW.
Someone prints a copy of the prophecy and she runs around like a headless chook trying to burn all the prints - which, by the way, just gives it credence.
She is a half goddess who has visions that she takes notice of EXCEPT when they show her with Arrago. You shouldn’t pick and choose your visions, you know?
I was suprised when a harbour showed up outside the temple. Wait… has that always been there? So the worldbuilding felt… spotty.
For the elite fighters, they lose a lot of battles and they make really dumb tactical decisions.
And if her sister is half goddess, can she even die? Doesn’t she just go to live with mother? I’m sure she’ll be real pleased by that.
And there’s a suggestion that Arrego, Bethany’s human lover, is also a child of Apexia. At least the goddess and an old man are talking about Arrego and why the old elven priest looked after him and then this exchange happens.
Incest for the win. It’s a given in most god pantheons… but still… which of her many children are they talking about? She has dozens according to her detractors from various different fathers. Is the blessed bit only applying to the twins? Arrago doesn’t look like an elf how can he be the elven king of the prophecy?
I don’t know… I still can’t tell if the prophecy even applied to the twins and which was which: the viper or the diamond.
So, all in all, it was a bit meh. If only Bethany had been as decisive as her twin.
2 stars
Her sister Sarissa is one of them. Her twin, born after her and thus out of the prophecy, to her eternal resentment. And it is kind of eternal. They are the children of the goddess, Apexia.
***
This was in a boxed set: Witches and Warriors: 6 Fantasy Novels
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Ah, the only sword wielding female cover model. The face on a thousand covers. I think she was even Kate Daniels on one of the Ilona Andrews covers. Plus, Bethany is a red head. The cover model is not.
Wait, they kill King Garran, his sons, their wives, the grandchildren etc but leave his widow alive so she can write chatty letters to Bethany? *frowns*
He wasn’t worth breeching her ethics over.
She’s going to put trousers on her ethics? Breaching… there are a lot of these kind of editing mistakes. She ‘weaved’ when it should be wove. ‘Forth’ when it should be fourth.
Bethany watched the remaining soldiers mount their horses. Some sported ill-fitting armor and weapons that she knew weren’t their own. When Jovan had given the order, she rushed through the corridors, shouting at on-duty guards and off-duty knights to fall in behind her. There had not been enough time for some to get their things from their rooms. Eve’s life, and the life of her girls, were more important than cozy outfits.
No. That’s really NOT a good idea. Armour is custom made. You can’t fight in armour that doesn’t fit you. It would be worse than useless. Plus, they don’t stop to get their special magic blessed blades. And they’re possible going to face magi who can only be killed by a blessed blade. It’s just dumb.
She does this over and over. Mouths off and gives away MORE information.
She’s over a hundred years old and makes super basic mistakes.
I don’t want people to know I’m magic, she wails when her IDENTICAL twin is running around casting magic and murdering people. She calls the goddess Mother. She locks herself in a special room in the temple of Apexia to talk to her mother. Honey, they KNOW.
Someone prints a copy of the prophecy and she runs around like a headless chook trying to burn all the prints - which, by the way, just gives it credence.
She is a half goddess who has visions that she takes notice of EXCEPT when they show her with Arrago. You shouldn’t pick and choose your visions, you know?
I was suprised when a harbour showed up outside the temple. Wait… has that always been there? So the worldbuilding felt… spotty.
For the elite fighters, they lose a lot of battles and they make really dumb tactical decisions.
And if her sister is half goddess, can she even die? Doesn’t she just go to live with mother? I’m sure she’ll be real pleased by that.
And there’s a suggestion that Arrego, Bethany’s human lover, is also a child of Apexia. At least the goddess and an old man are talking about Arrego and why the old elven priest looked after him and then this exchange happens.
“You were always sly, Mistress Apexia,” he said, smiling once again. “Then answer me the riddle. Who is the father of your blessed offspring?”
She narrowed her eyes. “To tell you would endanger your life and that of my children.” Her voice remained soft and kind. “What is your second request?”
Arragous pulled his afghan tighter. “I’m sick of being old. Let me die.” She thought for a moment before she nodded. If he were about to die, telling him would do no harm. Leaning close, she whispered into his ear. His eyes widened and Arragous let out a ragged laugh. “Of course. I should have known it was him.”
Incest for the win. It’s a given in most god pantheons… but still… which of her many children are they talking about? She has dozens according to her detractors from various different fathers. Is the blessed bit only applying to the twins? Arrago doesn’t look like an elf how can he be the elven king of the prophecy?
I don’t know… I still can’t tell if the prophecy even applied to the twins and which was which: the viper or the diamond.
So, all in all, it was a bit meh. If only Bethany had been as decisive as her twin.
2 stars
April 19, 2020
Link to my original review from 2015:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2LZCKQ...
Full text of my review below:
Honestly I was hoping for a really good read when I got this book. The reviews made it out to be a great tale of a strong woman but I really didn't see it that way.
The story is about a woman who is the daughter of a god who has an evil magic possessed twin sister. There isn't nearly enough information about their relationship. Only that they hate each other but love each other. But really they hate each other. The entire book is confusing and fast paced. While fast paced can be good, in this case it isn't. There aren't really any battle scenes or any real training scenes until the very end and it happens out of nowhere.
Even all of this wasn't a big deal to me. I could read it and still be entertained. My biggest problem with this book was a certain scene placed kind of in the beginning. There is a rape scene. And while I'm not saying the author shouldn't have written it in, I think the author could have done it a lot differently. I don't take rape lightly and that is how I felt when reading this scene. It was written as though it was no big deal. To be perfectly honest, it was completely disgusting how it was written. I was appalled by how loosely the word was thrown around in the book. And the rape scene itself was done in very VERY poor taste. I understand the need for details but this scene in my opinion was done badly. The evil sister just looks at the victim and asks "You don't mind if he rapes you now, do you?" And then let's her husband rape this girl with disgusting detail that could have been written differently with more dignity. And earlier before all of that happens, she tells her husband to send in people to rape the women prisoners she has. And then thinks a moment and adds that she wants the men raped too because she's all for equality.
I feel that that entire section of the book could have been done with a little more class. It really ruined the book for me. I continued to read it because I was interested in the developing relationship of Arrago and Bethany but honestly, even that relationship fell flat for me. Bethany herself wasn't as strong of a character as the reviews led me to believe. She was alright but I felt her character development was lacking.
I thought the story had a lot of potential but the writing ruined it for me. I can't bring myself to read the rest of the series. I hope the writing got better but I'm moving on from this author.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2LZCKQ...
Full text of my review below:
Honestly I was hoping for a really good read when I got this book. The reviews made it out to be a great tale of a strong woman but I really didn't see it that way.
The story is about a woman who is the daughter of a god who has an evil magic possessed twin sister. There isn't nearly enough information about their relationship. Only that they hate each other but love each other. But really they hate each other. The entire book is confusing and fast paced. While fast paced can be good, in this case it isn't. There aren't really any battle scenes or any real training scenes until the very end and it happens out of nowhere.
Even all of this wasn't a big deal to me. I could read it and still be entertained. My biggest problem with this book was a certain scene placed kind of in the beginning. There is a rape scene. And while I'm not saying the author shouldn't have written it in, I think the author could have done it a lot differently. I don't take rape lightly and that is how I felt when reading this scene. It was written as though it was no big deal. To be perfectly honest, it was completely disgusting how it was written. I was appalled by how loosely the word was thrown around in the book. And the rape scene itself was done in very VERY poor taste. I understand the need for details but this scene in my opinion was done badly. The evil sister just looks at the victim and asks "You don't mind if he rapes you now, do you?" And then let's her husband rape this girl with disgusting detail that could have been written differently with more dignity. And earlier before all of that happens, she tells her husband to send in people to rape the women prisoners she has. And then thinks a moment and adds that she wants the men raped too because she's all for equality.
I feel that that entire section of the book could have been done with a little more class. It really ruined the book for me. I continued to read it because I was interested in the developing relationship of Arrago and Bethany but honestly, even that relationship fell flat for me. Bethany herself wasn't as strong of a character as the reviews led me to believe. She was alright but I felt her character development was lacking.
I thought the story had a lot of potential but the writing ruined it for me. I can't bring myself to read the rest of the series. I hope the writing got better but I'm moving on from this author.
September 22, 2013
I can't say that I loved any of the characters, but you know, it does not matter. Which is weird cos here I thought I need to cheer someone on...but, yes there is a but. I really hated the baddie, I guess that is why the characters worked for me ;) I put all energy on Sarissa. She was one evil B! An awesome evil character to hate.
Ok so we got Bethany who is all FIGHT! And can kick anyone's ass. She is also the daughter of a Goddess and has her own prophecy....I do wonder how that will turn out. I shall not mention something but how I wonder.
Right, then there is her evil twin sister Sarissa. Evil, so very evil, you would not even believe how evil this woman is! It was great, cos a good fantasy book should have someone evil that you want to see fall into hell.
There is fighting, wanting someone, and hints of the prophecy and of course Sarissa being evil. I wanted to know more about their mother and I also wanted to know more about a people called Rygents. A fascinating world.
The end, oh the end, do not leave me like that.
Ok so we got Bethany who is all FIGHT! And can kick anyone's ass. She is also the daughter of a Goddess and has her own prophecy....I do wonder how that will turn out. I shall not mention something but how I wonder.
Right, then there is her evil twin sister Sarissa. Evil, so very evil, you would not even believe how evil this woman is! It was great, cos a good fantasy book should have someone evil that you want to see fall into hell.
There is fighting, wanting someone, and hints of the prophecy and of course Sarissa being evil. I wanted to know more about their mother and I also wanted to know more about a people called Rygents. A fascinating world.
The end, oh the end, do not leave me like that.
May 27, 2020
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/blaze-by-kr...
This makes for a solid enough bit of fantasy, though I am not certain it stands up to scrutiny. For instance, it’s well into the book before we discover Bethany actually had another sister, Drea, one who was not quite so gloriously barking mad. This was a “Wait, what?” moment, and something you think might have been mentioned when discussing her twin.
The other demerit is for Sarissa. Not that she’s a bad villainess. Quite the contrary: she’s so good at being bad, she’s an amazing scene-stealer. I’d rather have read more about her…ah, interesting world-view, rather than the Bethany-Arrago romance, which never manages to be convincing [I’ve always felt any human/elven romance is going to be on shaky ground, due to the difference in lifespans]. At the risk of treading on spoilers, it’s a real shame it turns out Sarissa isn’t quite the big bad she’s initially painted. That’s a pity, and significantly decreases the odds of me going back for subsequent volumes.
This makes for a solid enough bit of fantasy, though I am not certain it stands up to scrutiny. For instance, it’s well into the book before we discover Bethany actually had another sister, Drea, one who was not quite so gloriously barking mad. This was a “Wait, what?” moment, and something you think might have been mentioned when discussing her twin.
The other demerit is for Sarissa. Not that she’s a bad villainess. Quite the contrary: she’s so good at being bad, she’s an amazing scene-stealer. I’d rather have read more about her…ah, interesting world-view, rather than the Bethany-Arrago romance, which never manages to be convincing [I’ve always felt any human/elven romance is going to be on shaky ground, due to the difference in lifespans]. At the risk of treading on spoilers, it’s a real shame it turns out Sarissa isn’t quite the big bad she’s initially painted. That’s a pity, and significantly decreases the odds of me going back for subsequent volumes.
June 23, 2012
Oh, I do want more from Bethany and this fantasy world.
***** Full Review *****
In a world where woman are thought to be the baby producers of more males, Bethany holds the third highest position in the most powerful army in the world, The Elven Service of the Silver Knights. She is also much more than anyone realizes, having only a select few know that her blood is mixed with that of a goddess' along with her elf origin as well, these two things and the first born of the Goddess makes Bethany to fit in a prophecy. Bethany receives an urgent letter during the new spring session of fresh human recruits, a letter that tells of her Kings, and betrothed, death. This is the start of the foretold prophecy and Bethany is thrown off a little by this, as she fears losing what she has built as a normal life for herself. Bethany finds there is one recruit not ready for the service of knight, and finds her heart softens to help this young human who was raised by Elven monks as she helps prepare him for next years recruit time and keeping an eye on him after her vision. Bethany's world might change forever while she fights to prevent the visions she sees, and the magic users, lead by her twin sister, who are coming for her.
Bethany figures out it's her sister who is killing and coming for her with her dark magics. She is the only one that knows enough about the prophecy and who the people are that could fit the pieces, along with the magic notes and happenings; her exiled twin sister. Now, with her "protector" dead Bethany is vulnerable to the Viper, whoever it is, to kill her. And she won't be the liberator of the world as thought. There is a dark magi on the lose and Bethany wants to find him (or her) for the death of Garren, and passing a magic text to an initiate inside the Temple of Tranquil Mercies, home to the Goddess of Apexia.
This has an older fantasy feel to it for me, a deep feeling and meaning behind it, yet there is a newer take to it as well. We have a prophecy, a strong soldier, gods, and magic. We have Bethany, a strong female, and a potential love for her. This love could open her up to understand more than she expected, especially about a people that she grew to hate for what they did in the past. But, how will he react to her heritage, this is why Bethany doesn't want to acknowledge that side of her so she can live as normal a life as possible.
We have a few views of magic here. The magic is described as being dangerous and the dark is deadly to who you are as it eats away inside to take over twisting all thoughts. We have the dark magic, which is used and grown more by Bethany's twin sister, Sarissa. Then we have the Rygents, which are a group of people who's god died for them leaving a touch of his powers in them. They range from healers to those how can see into ones thoughts. And lastly we have the Power which Bethany possesses, being the eldest child to a goddess.
I found I would sit down with my two hour block of reading time and before I knew it, It was gone! And I'm completely bummed I had to stop reading to go to bed so I could get up to do that dreaded work thing in the morning.
This character driven fantasy novel hit the spot for me. I had all I love in fantasy here; magic- good and bad, prophecy the main character is fighting - to just be normal, fighting and bloodshed. Not everything is perfect and happy. And left me wanting to keep reading this series. The world building is done nice and neat through the characters and their personalities and heritage.
We mostly see through Bethany's eyes in the book. But we do get a few different point of views, which are short, but helps us learn about the other characters and Bethany too. They are: Arrago, Sarissa, Apexia, and Amber. Sounds strange, but once you get going, you will see what we learn. I loved the strength in Bethany to be a hard character, but she quickly became one that I thought had more heart to share and she was just afraid to do so. I enjoyed the friendship she has with Javon and Kiner. The three carry one tormenting each other, but also are not afraid to tell Bethany the way it is either, even if it means a fat lip.
I have to mention the chapter headings, or phrases. This has to be parts of the prophecy, and as a fantasy sucker, I LOVE it. I love having these present, and I did go back through just to read them all when I was done.
I ended the story looking forward to the next book. I need more of these characters. I have my suspicions with Arrago. There is more of a reason and bigger plan with him, especially if Apexia is involved. And I want to see where Bethany goes after this fireworks of an ending, it sure ended with a bang.
***** Full Review *****
In a world where woman are thought to be the baby producers of more males, Bethany holds the third highest position in the most powerful army in the world, The Elven Service of the Silver Knights. She is also much more than anyone realizes, having only a select few know that her blood is mixed with that of a goddess' along with her elf origin as well, these two things and the first born of the Goddess makes Bethany to fit in a prophecy. Bethany receives an urgent letter during the new spring session of fresh human recruits, a letter that tells of her Kings, and betrothed, death. This is the start of the foretold prophecy and Bethany is thrown off a little by this, as she fears losing what she has built as a normal life for herself. Bethany finds there is one recruit not ready for the service of knight, and finds her heart softens to help this young human who was raised by Elven monks as she helps prepare him for next years recruit time and keeping an eye on him after her vision. Bethany's world might change forever while she fights to prevent the visions she sees, and the magic users, lead by her twin sister, who are coming for her.
Bethany figures out it's her sister who is killing and coming for her with her dark magics. She is the only one that knows enough about the prophecy and who the people are that could fit the pieces, along with the magic notes and happenings; her exiled twin sister. Now, with her "protector" dead Bethany is vulnerable to the Viper, whoever it is, to kill her. And she won't be the liberator of the world as thought. There is a dark magi on the lose and Bethany wants to find him (or her) for the death of Garren, and passing a magic text to an initiate inside the Temple of Tranquil Mercies, home to the Goddess of Apexia.
This has an older fantasy feel to it for me, a deep feeling and meaning behind it, yet there is a newer take to it as well. We have a prophecy, a strong soldier, gods, and magic. We have Bethany, a strong female, and a potential love for her. This love could open her up to understand more than she expected, especially about a people that she grew to hate for what they did in the past. But, how will he react to her heritage, this is why Bethany doesn't want to acknowledge that side of her so she can live as normal a life as possible.
We have a few views of magic here. The magic is described as being dangerous and the dark is deadly to who you are as it eats away inside to take over twisting all thoughts. We have the dark magic, which is used and grown more by Bethany's twin sister, Sarissa. Then we have the Rygents, which are a group of people who's god died for them leaving a touch of his powers in them. They range from healers to those how can see into ones thoughts. And lastly we have the Power which Bethany possesses, being the eldest child to a goddess.
I found I would sit down with my two hour block of reading time and before I knew it, It was gone! And I'm completely bummed I had to stop reading to go to bed so I could get up to do that dreaded work thing in the morning.
This character driven fantasy novel hit the spot for me. I had all I love in fantasy here; magic- good and bad, prophecy the main character is fighting - to just be normal, fighting and bloodshed. Not everything is perfect and happy. And left me wanting to keep reading this series. The world building is done nice and neat through the characters and their personalities and heritage.
We mostly see through Bethany's eyes in the book. But we do get a few different point of views, which are short, but helps us learn about the other characters and Bethany too. They are: Arrago, Sarissa, Apexia, and Amber. Sounds strange, but once you get going, you will see what we learn. I loved the strength in Bethany to be a hard character, but she quickly became one that I thought had more heart to share and she was just afraid to do so. I enjoyed the friendship she has with Javon and Kiner. The three carry one tormenting each other, but also are not afraid to tell Bethany the way it is either, even if it means a fat lip.
I have to mention the chapter headings, or phrases. This has to be parts of the prophecy, and as a fantasy sucker, I LOVE it. I love having these present, and I did go back through just to read them all when I was done.
I ended the story looking forward to the next book. I need more of these characters. I have my suspicions with Arrago. There is more of a reason and bigger plan with him, especially if Apexia is involved. And I want to see where Bethany goes after this fireworks of an ending, it sure ended with a bang.
July 16, 2021
Awfully casual and disrespectful about rape consider Ball's whole social media/reddit posts but ok.
Also? Bethany is one of those people who would treat waiters like shit just as she treated her admins like shit until she hired hot guy. I could not roll my eyes any harder.
Also? Bethany is one of those people who would treat waiters like shit just as she treated her admins like shit until she hired hot guy. I could not roll my eyes any harder.
May 1, 2012
I had the privileged of reading a small part of the earliest drafts of this novel. When I got word Tranquility's Blaze had been accepted for publication I couldn't wait for a chance to see how it turned out. It has more than lived up to the promise. From the angst filled opening to bittersweet conclusion, it kept we hungering to see where Krista would take the story next.
December 10, 2020
Blaze (Tranquility) (Volume 1), by Krista D. Ball, is the first book in the “Tranquility” series. (It is also found in: Beginnings: first novels in multiple series by Krista D. Ball.) Lady Champion Bethany is third in command of the elven Service (she’s Elorian, or a half-elf, herself). Lately they’re taking in humans for training from a neighboring kingdom as part of an attempt at diplomacy. She finds herself taking an interest in one of them–Arrago–and isn’t sure why. He’s never held a sword before, so he can’t enter training right now. Instead, since she goes through aides like water, she hires him to be her aide. She also has a “fit” in which she experiences visions including him. That part is because, as only a few people know, she’s the eldest daughter of the Goddess Apexia. Unfortunately, Bethany’s twin sister, Sarissa, who was exiled years ago for studying forbidden magic, has returned. And she plans to bring Apexia’s temple down around the ears of the elves. Not to mention killing off all of Bethany’s friends, and stealing dangerous magical texts from the temple.
I had a weird time with the growing affection between Bethany and Arrago. She’s 133; he’s 20. Admittedly 133 is young for an elf or Elorian, but she also comes across as older. He’s fairly sheltered and naive, which doesn’t help the discrepancy. So it was a little hard for me to buy into the relationship and the pair’s supposed chemistry. What I really love, though, is the fact that Bethany is the temperamental warrior, and Arrago is really happier being a clerk than picking up a sword (he’s also fussy enough to be very good at it). It’s a wonderful turnabout from the usual fantasy cliches.
I found the pacing and narrative clumsy and cumbersome at first, with way too much rumination and background-explaining. Also, a large part of the beginning of the book was spent on the details of how recruits are trained, which becomes almost entirely irrelevant when Arrago drops out to be Bethany’s aide. I feel like anything that’s had that much wordage spent on it should play a greater role.
I didn’t like the fact that everyone was either celibate outside of marriage or “a whore.” I see too much “women who have sex are whores” in real life that I don’t want to see it in my escapism.
With all the things above that I didn’t like, I expected to give the book a 3/5. But the further I got, the more the writing smoothed out and settled into its groove, and the more “alive” the characters felt. Ultimately, what really shows that it worked out well is that I’m interested in reading the next book!
Serious content note here for rape, on the page (but handled well–ie, not in any way lurid). Also, child death and abortion.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/12/r...
I had a weird time with the growing affection between Bethany and Arrago. She’s 133; he’s 20. Admittedly 133 is young for an elf or Elorian, but she also comes across as older. He’s fairly sheltered and naive, which doesn’t help the discrepancy. So it was a little hard for me to buy into the relationship and the pair’s supposed chemistry. What I really love, though, is the fact that Bethany is the temperamental warrior, and Arrago is really happier being a clerk than picking up a sword (he’s also fussy enough to be very good at it). It’s a wonderful turnabout from the usual fantasy cliches.
I found the pacing and narrative clumsy and cumbersome at first, with way too much rumination and background-explaining. Also, a large part of the beginning of the book was spent on the details of how recruits are trained, which becomes almost entirely irrelevant when Arrago drops out to be Bethany’s aide. I feel like anything that’s had that much wordage spent on it should play a greater role.
I didn’t like the fact that everyone was either celibate outside of marriage or “a whore.” I see too much “women who have sex are whores” in real life that I don’t want to see it in my escapism.
With all the things above that I didn’t like, I expected to give the book a 3/5. But the further I got, the more the writing smoothed out and settled into its groove, and the more “alive” the characters felt. Ultimately, what really shows that it worked out well is that I’m interested in reading the next book!
Serious content note here for rape, on the page (but handled well–ie, not in any way lurid). Also, child death and abortion.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/12/r...
January 21, 2022
Ball, Krista D. Blaze. Tranquility No. 1. Kindle, 2016.
Krista Ball is an author who has found a happy home in self-publishing. She is a prolific writer of fantasies and does not keep her readers waiting too long for the next installment. Low-priced electronic copies make selling series a better bet for the author than stand-alone novels. This is a trend I regret, but it is an inevitable part of the minimally advertised self-publishing world where one book must sell the next. Blaze is the first volume of a now 10-part series. It is powered by good world-building. We have elves, more or less in the Tolkien mold. Their enemies are magicians who practice the dark arts. No white here. Lady Bethany, our heroine, is the half-breed daughter of an elven goddess who has worked her way to the top ranks of the elven army. To complicate matters, she must keep her semi-divine status on the down low, and her chief opponent is her sister, who has become an able practitioner of magic. And, oh yes, somebody just discovered the explosive properties of black powder. Add some erotic moments, some court drama, and some battles, and there you have it. Sword, sandal, and wand fantasy is not my favorite genre, but Ball’s prose is not bad, and she tells a readable tale. 3.5 stars.
Krista Ball is an author who has found a happy home in self-publishing. She is a prolific writer of fantasies and does not keep her readers waiting too long for the next installment. Low-priced electronic copies make selling series a better bet for the author than stand-alone novels. This is a trend I regret, but it is an inevitable part of the minimally advertised self-publishing world where one book must sell the next. Blaze is the first volume of a now 10-part series. It is powered by good world-building. We have elves, more or less in the Tolkien mold. Their enemies are magicians who practice the dark arts. No white here. Lady Bethany, our heroine, is the half-breed daughter of an elven goddess who has worked her way to the top ranks of the elven army. To complicate matters, she must keep her semi-divine status on the down low, and her chief opponent is her sister, who has become an able practitioner of magic. And, oh yes, somebody just discovered the explosive properties of black powder. Add some erotic moments, some court drama, and some battles, and there you have it. Sword, sandal, and wand fantasy is not my favorite genre, but Ball’s prose is not bad, and she tells a readable tale. 3.5 stars.
March 4, 2018
Twin daughters born to the Goddess Apexia, one imbued with power as the daughter of prophecy whilst the other is just a common half breed who is so envious of Bethany's power that she takes to studying evil magic which was not allowed in the elven territories. She was caught with magical books and was exiled whilst Bethany became known as the lady champion reaching the highest ranks of the army and living in the temple teaching new recruits. She is known as the diamond but she does not want to fit into the role proclaimed by the prophecy and she fought this with all her might. Her sister on the other hand is forever scheming and getting stronger in her evil magic which she gains through sacrifice of animals and humans alike! She threatens all that Bethany stands for and unless the diamond can kill the viper all will be lost but she is her twin! This is a very stong book of love, magic, deceit, war and loss! It is revenge which keeps Bethany going after all the losses she suffered at the hands of her warped twin. Dying to read the second book, Grief as there is still so much which needs to be tackled by Bethany!!
March 8, 2019
Most folks started with Krista here and I went in reverse.
So, like her other books, this is some good fun. Good characters, fun interactions, interesting premise, and a somewhat new take on elves. They're usually taller than humans, long-lived, can even get old and wrinkly, and their ears aren't just pointy human ears. On top of that, their senses are much sharper, and their caloric needs are much higher (which, as someone who is Giant, I can appreciate).
So, in the meat of things, Bethany is a hardass with a sense of humor, a facet important to her given that her mother is a goddess. Her cohorts have a nice swashbuckling range to them. One is very Aramis. One is, of course, Old Captain. The old priests. The recruits. And Arrago, who gets to be a farmboy-turned-temple orphan who isn't a chosen one and doesn't immediately become a bad ass. Which is cool.
If you like character-driven stories with action and romance, Krista's gonna have you covered pretty well whatever flavor you like it in.
So, like her other books, this is some good fun. Good characters, fun interactions, interesting premise, and a somewhat new take on elves. They're usually taller than humans, long-lived, can even get old and wrinkly, and their ears aren't just pointy human ears. On top of that, their senses are much sharper, and their caloric needs are much higher (which, as someone who is Giant, I can appreciate).
So, in the meat of things, Bethany is a hardass with a sense of humor, a facet important to her given that her mother is a goddess. Her cohorts have a nice swashbuckling range to them. One is very Aramis. One is, of course, Old Captain. The old priests. The recruits. And Arrago, who gets to be a farmboy-turned-temple orphan who isn't a chosen one and doesn't immediately become a bad ass. Which is cool.
If you like character-driven stories with action and romance, Krista's gonna have you covered pretty well whatever flavor you like it in.
August 16, 2018
This is book 1 in the Tranquility series, and it's a fast-paced introduction to a world that we learn some about, but you can tell there is a whole lot more bubbling under the surface, and I would *love* to know all about it. I found this a fun, reasonably fresh take on a reluctant chosen one trope (I'm not using trope as a bad word here). I found the main character (aka our chosen one), to be interesting. Yes, she's tough-as-nails and can do what it takes....usually. However, she is also a person who has feelings, and sometimes that means she isn't as tough as she purports herself to be. I find this a much more believable take on a main character than the "strong woman = never having emotions" cookie cutter we often see. That said, I do think the fast pace of the book sometimes means there are shortcuts through character and plot development, leaving us wanting a bit *more* showing rather than telling.
March 12, 2020
I admit that I couldn't finish the volume as I didn't feel engaged by the story. Two major story lines seem to be competing for the reader's attention -- the Magic vs Power conflict, and the Beth and Arrago romance. The magic conflict has potential to be exciting, but it is constantly overshadowed by romance. It is quite hard to feel something for the latter as there wasn't much building of how they fall for each other, but I felt their romance was regularly presented abruptly in between drama. Right now, I think it has to be decided whether this is to be a fantasy supported by a romance, or a romance supported by fantasy...
April 13, 2021
This book just didn't do anything for me. It had a really cool concept but honestly it left something to be desired. I can't quite put my finger on what didn't work for me but I just kinda didn't care about anything in this book. I didn't feel like I had any sense of the characters outside of a few basic traits and the worldbuilding while it started off good it went downhill quickly. The ending also slightly disappointed me. The beginning was stronger and it gave me hope so that was good. Won't be continuing in this series.
May 8, 2017
What a great book this turn out to be. I really enjoyed reading this book and will soon start book 2. I was very glad that I got it and started to read it, it took me to another land with good and evil all around. The main characters you'll root for them and fall in love with them. Great writing keeps you reading and the story flowing. Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 3, 2018
Not my genre
I feel this should be in the romance section. It is certainly not a fantasy novel, just because magic is mentioned, in one of the thinnest plots I have read for a long time. Does not justify it being called fantasy. I have given it three stars, but I am definitely not the one to judge its literary merits.
I feel this should be in the romance section. It is certainly not a fantasy novel, just because magic is mentioned, in one of the thinnest plots I have read for a long time. Does not justify it being called fantasy. I have given it three stars, but I am definitely not the one to judge its literary merits.
March 9, 2018
Intriguing fantasy
I picked this book up on sale and will definitely be looking at the next one in the series. The main character gives us a glimpse of what living under a known prophecy must be like and you can’t help but empathize with her while also laughing and crying as the story unfolds.
I picked this book up on sale and will definitely be looking at the next one in the series. The main character gives us a glimpse of what living under a known prophecy must be like and you can’t help but empathize with her while also laughing and crying as the story unfolds.
March 26, 2018
Holy hell hang on for a wild ride
I give this a 5 rating. Holy hell does this author have you on the edge of your seat from beginning 2 end. Our main characters you either hate or love them. Intriguing is not a strong enough word for this fantasy world coming to life. Book 2 is on my list in April.
I give this a 5 rating. Holy hell does this author have you on the edge of your seat from beginning 2 end. Our main characters you either hate or love them. Intriguing is not a strong enough word for this fantasy world coming to life. Book 2 is on my list in April.
March 5, 2020
Questions answered.
The first part of the book felt a bit confusing as if this was the middle of a series. These are not caricature characters. They have secrets. They change and grow. Soon I was devouring this original soon to be epic story. Warning: kidnapping and rape trigger.
The first part of the book felt a bit confusing as if this was the middle of a series. These are not caricature characters. They have secrets. They change and grow. Soon I was devouring this original soon to be epic story. Warning: kidnapping and rape trigger.
October 15, 2023
Wonderful, Fast Paced Adventure!
Blaze, written by Krista D. Ball, is book one of her Tranquility series. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The story had me hooked from beginning to end and left me wanting to know more about these characters and their world. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Blaze, written by Krista D. Ball, is book one of her Tranquility series. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The story had me hooked from beginning to end and left me wanting to know more about these characters and their world. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 25, 2017
Sooooo boring
I just couldn’t get through it - the boredom factor was off the charts. You can’t write a book on a labored and boring premise and expect it to be engaging. It was not - beyond boring.
I just couldn’t get through it - the boredom factor was off the charts. You can’t write a book on a labored and boring premise and expect it to be engaging. It was not - beyond boring.
February 11, 2020
Loved it
Krista Ball has an exciting future as an author and I wish her every success! I am rarely emotionally impacted as I was after finishing "Blaze". Rather than espousing all things she did right I just ask you to read her work.
Krista Ball has an exciting future as an author and I wish her every success! I am rarely emotionally impacted as I was after finishing "Blaze". Rather than espousing all things she did right I just ask you to read her work.
April 6, 2021
This was definitely a unique story. I think I'm hooked. I can't wait for more Lady Bethany. I want the background on her sister, also. She has me conflicted. Evil is not born, it is made. I want her story. Wow! This is some good storytelling. Brava, Ms. Ball, brava.
January 2, 2018
Compelling. Brutal. Powerful.
December 18, 2017
The story needed some polishing (and editing). Read like a first draft. I liked the premise of the story but things just happened too conveniently.
January 29, 2018
Blaze
I could not stop finding out more and more about Lady Bethany. Violence, drama, romance and a great take on Goddess nature.
I could not stop finding out more and more about Lady Bethany. Violence, drama, romance and a great take on Goddess nature.
August 21, 2018
I can't say I truly enjoyed this. Too many tangents and none are very clearly explained. Not sure about continuation of the arc but - in a pinch - anything's possible.
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