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The Heart of Quinaria #1
Of Thieves and Shadows
Some secrets are best left to the shadows. But shadows have a mind of their own.
The ancient land of Quinaria teeters on the brink of war, as its most precious resource is unearthed and exploited. Three nations have maintained tenuous peace for centuries, but as the life-giving nevethium dwindles, rumors of an ancient evil long thought dead spread like wildfire.
Elaysia never wanted to lead. As the high chieftain's only surviving heir, she's thrust into a role that jeopardizes the already fragile peace. A deadly attack on the day of her induction strengthens her resolve-and her suspicion that her parents' murders and these disturbing rumors are connected.
With newfound companions, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. But as they unravel layers of secrets, they find themselves in the clutches of a dictator whose unethical nevethium experimentation threatens to bring about a new world of terror and violence.
Elaysia and her allies could be all that stands between war and a dying world-if their conflicting ambitions don't destroy them first.
The ancient land of Quinaria teeters on the brink of war, as its most precious resource is unearthed and exploited. Three nations have maintained tenuous peace for centuries, but as the life-giving nevethium dwindles, rumors of an ancient evil long thought dead spread like wildfire.
Elaysia never wanted to lead. As the high chieftain's only surviving heir, she's thrust into a role that jeopardizes the already fragile peace. A deadly attack on the day of her induction strengthens her resolve-and her suspicion that her parents' murders and these disturbing rumors are connected.
With newfound companions, she embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. But as they unravel layers of secrets, they find themselves in the clutches of a dictator whose unethical nevethium experimentation threatens to bring about a new world of terror and violence.
Elaysia and her allies could be all that stands between war and a dying world-if their conflicting ambitions don't destroy them first.
488 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2023
41 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
About the author
B.S.H. Garcia
5 books117 followersB. S. H. Garcia writes speculative fiction for the morally gray: epic stakes, nobledark characters, and just enough grief to leave a hangover. After all, is a story any good if you aren't questioning your own morality and whether you'd actually have the guts to unravel whatever power structure someone thought was a good idea?
As a child, she began dissecting such questions in her backyard with stick swords and library books, eventually earning an English Writing degree from the University of Colorado (which no one asked for, but she’s still proud of). She’s wandered from Oregon to New Zealand chasing stories, whispering plot twists to trees, drinking horn in hand, and pretending she’s not eavesdropping on the universe.
By day, she manages a household. By night, she invents worlds on fire. Occasionally, she sleeps.
Get your free prequel novelette, From the Ashes, at www.bshgarcia.com. All she asks in return is your soul (or maybe just your email).
As a child, she began dissecting such questions in her backyard with stick swords and library books, eventually earning an English Writing degree from the University of Colorado (which no one asked for, but she’s still proud of). She’s wandered from Oregon to New Zealand chasing stories, whispering plot twists to trees, drinking horn in hand, and pretending she’s not eavesdropping on the universe.
By day, she manages a household. By night, she invents worlds on fire. Occasionally, she sleeps.
Get your free prequel novelette, From the Ashes, at www.bshgarcia.com. All she asks in return is your soul (or maybe just your email).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 27, 2024
This review was originally posted on Before We Go Blog
To say that Of Thieves and Shadows is an incredibly ambitious and impressive debut would be a huge understatement. Filled with rich cultures and lore, vivid settings, diverse characters, and plenty of imaginative races and creatures, this sprawling multi-POV fantasy story of truly epic proportions kicks off The Heart of Quinaria series with an absolute bang.
For centuries, the land of Quinaria has been in a state of tenuous peace, but all that is about to crumble as rumours of an ancient evil long presumed banished are starting to stir again. Led by the rare human-nyrian hybrid Elaysia, a ragtag group of unlikely allies are launched into a dangerous quest which finds them at the centre of a web of ruthless political machinations and centuries-old schemes. It’s up to them to uncover the truth and save their world from a catastrophic war, if only they can keep their own secrets, insecurities, and hidden agendas from bringing them down first.
Of Thieves and Shadowshits the ground running with an incredibly gripping, dark, and ambiguous prologue that just immediately hooked me. And before you can even start to process those mind boggling events, the focus shifts and we are smoothly transported into one of my favourite types of settings ever: a sprawling tree-city.
Right from the get-go, the intrigue, tension, and stakes are just sky-high, which resulted in me devouring the first 150 pages in one morning (no, I truly have no regrets).
While Garcia nails pretty much every aspect of her storytelling, it was without a doubt the imaginative and breathtaking world building that kept me glued to the page. I simply cannot overstate how incredibly impressed I was by the richness of this world, both in terms of its breadth and depth. This is on par with the greats of the genre (think Lord of the Rings or ASOIAF), but because it is not your typical medieval Europe-inspired fantasy, Of Thieves and Shadows feels exciting, refreshing, and ultimately just stands out from the crowd.
From the imaginative settings, to the deep lore and history, to the intricate and tense political landscape, to the conflicting religious views, and to the plethora of diverse cultures, creatures, and races; everything was just so wonderfully well-realised and organically introduced.
I especially loved the subtle Buddhist influences and the big emphasis on nature in this story, and was filled with wonder by the concept of the highly coveted and mystical nevethium sources. Oh, and we’ve got cute baby stormbirds as animal companions (which I honestly would have loved to see even more of!!). I mean, what else could you wish for?
What’s more, we get to explore this stunning world in all its glory through the eyes of our six compelling and diverse protagonists. The multi-POV storytelling structure is just executed to perfection in Of Thieves and Shadows, with each character providing a fresh perspective through their unique cultural backgrounds, worldviews, and life experiences. Themes of duty, honour, fate, freedom, morality, and mental health were all explored with surprising depth, and added so much heart to this exhilarating story.
I did end up preferring some characters over others, with the more morally grey/complex characters quickly gaining my favour (looking at you Davier and Konar), but they all had a very interesting journey and satisfying character arc.
Now, there were some moments where the fast-paced nature of this quest fantasy hindered my personal enjoyment a little bit. The passing of distance and time felt a bit rocky and unclear to me at times, and especially in the beginning there were some life-altering and world-shattering events that either happened off-page or were brushed over quite quickly.
However, the world building and character development didn’t suffer a single bit from the faster pacing, so ultimately I feel like I can only applaud Garcia for how well she balanced this entire story. Every single aspect of this narrative is masterfully and intricately tied together, and seeing everything converge in the end was satisfying beyond belief. Heck, I didn’t even feel like I was very emotionally invested throughout this entire tumultuous journey, until I got to the end and was hit straight in the feels by all the brutal twists and turns.
All in all, this was an incredibly gripping, exciting, and promising fantasy debut that just kept me turning the pages. And after that shocking epilogue, I have a feeling we have barely scratched the surface and things are only going to explode from here. If you are looking for a fast-paced epic fantasy with immersive world building, lots of travelling, complex character dynamics, ruthless political scheming, cute baby animal companions, and numerous jaw-dropping revelations, then you have to pick up Of Thieves and Shadows. Highly recommend!
*********************
Second read 2024: The audacity of this book to be even better on re-read!! Having now read the two prequel novellas, I loved seeing the easter eggs and having an even better grasp on the rich lore and history of this epic world. Can't wait for book 2, this series is quickly shaping up to become a new favourite!
To say that Of Thieves and Shadows is an incredibly ambitious and impressive debut would be a huge understatement. Filled with rich cultures and lore, vivid settings, diverse characters, and plenty of imaginative races and creatures, this sprawling multi-POV fantasy story of truly epic proportions kicks off The Heart of Quinaria series with an absolute bang.
For centuries, the land of Quinaria has been in a state of tenuous peace, but all that is about to crumble as rumours of an ancient evil long presumed banished are starting to stir again. Led by the rare human-nyrian hybrid Elaysia, a ragtag group of unlikely allies are launched into a dangerous quest which finds them at the centre of a web of ruthless political machinations and centuries-old schemes. It’s up to them to uncover the truth and save their world from a catastrophic war, if only they can keep their own secrets, insecurities, and hidden agendas from bringing them down first.
Of Thieves and Shadowshits the ground running with an incredibly gripping, dark, and ambiguous prologue that just immediately hooked me. And before you can even start to process those mind boggling events, the focus shifts and we are smoothly transported into one of my favourite types of settings ever: a sprawling tree-city.
Right from the get-go, the intrigue, tension, and stakes are just sky-high, which resulted in me devouring the first 150 pages in one morning (no, I truly have no regrets).
While Garcia nails pretty much every aspect of her storytelling, it was without a doubt the imaginative and breathtaking world building that kept me glued to the page. I simply cannot overstate how incredibly impressed I was by the richness of this world, both in terms of its breadth and depth. This is on par with the greats of the genre (think Lord of the Rings or ASOIAF), but because it is not your typical medieval Europe-inspired fantasy, Of Thieves and Shadows feels exciting, refreshing, and ultimately just stands out from the crowd.
From the imaginative settings, to the deep lore and history, to the intricate and tense political landscape, to the conflicting religious views, and to the plethora of diverse cultures, creatures, and races; everything was just so wonderfully well-realised and organically introduced.
I especially loved the subtle Buddhist influences and the big emphasis on nature in this story, and was filled with wonder by the concept of the highly coveted and mystical nevethium sources. Oh, and we’ve got cute baby stormbirds as animal companions (which I honestly would have loved to see even more of!!). I mean, what else could you wish for?
What’s more, we get to explore this stunning world in all its glory through the eyes of our six compelling and diverse protagonists. The multi-POV storytelling structure is just executed to perfection in Of Thieves and Shadows, with each character providing a fresh perspective through their unique cultural backgrounds, worldviews, and life experiences. Themes of duty, honour, fate, freedom, morality, and mental health were all explored with surprising depth, and added so much heart to this exhilarating story.
I did end up preferring some characters over others, with the more morally grey/complex characters quickly gaining my favour (looking at you Davier and Konar), but they all had a very interesting journey and satisfying character arc.
Now, there were some moments where the fast-paced nature of this quest fantasy hindered my personal enjoyment a little bit. The passing of distance and time felt a bit rocky and unclear to me at times, and especially in the beginning there were some life-altering and world-shattering events that either happened off-page or were brushed over quite quickly.
However, the world building and character development didn’t suffer a single bit from the faster pacing, so ultimately I feel like I can only applaud Garcia for how well she balanced this entire story. Every single aspect of this narrative is masterfully and intricately tied together, and seeing everything converge in the end was satisfying beyond belief. Heck, I didn’t even feel like I was very emotionally invested throughout this entire tumultuous journey, until I got to the end and was hit straight in the feels by all the brutal twists and turns.
All in all, this was an incredibly gripping, exciting, and promising fantasy debut that just kept me turning the pages. And after that shocking epilogue, I have a feeling we have barely scratched the surface and things are only going to explode from here. If you are looking for a fast-paced epic fantasy with immersive world building, lots of travelling, complex character dynamics, ruthless political scheming, cute baby animal companions, and numerous jaw-dropping revelations, then you have to pick up Of Thieves and Shadows. Highly recommend!
*********************
Second read 2024: The audacity of this book to be even better on re-read!! Having now read the two prequel novellas, I loved seeing the easter eggs and having an even better grasp on the rich lore and history of this epic world. Can't wait for book 2, this series is quickly shaping up to become a new favourite!
Read
October 10, 2025I can't believe it's release day.
This story is the product of twelve years of daydreaming and another five and a half years of brainstorming, world-building, drafting, revising, and polishing—all over and over and over again. She’s so different from what I first imagined all those years ago, but her heart and themes are the same. You’ve likely read the blurb if you’ve scrolled down this far, so I’ll tell you a few things Of Thieves and Shadows is not:
• She’s not: your traditional westernized medieval fantasy. She doesn’t have castles and knights in shining armor, nor does she have princesses and dragons (I do offer solid alternatives, though).
• She’s not: an all-male, all-white, all-hetero-normative cast. If diversity is not your thing, there are plenty of books that fit those parameters.
• She’s not: good vs evil, dark vs light. She’s a study of morality, an observation of characters and nations with clashing beliefs and goals.
• She’s not: smutty, even though there are adult themes and situations. And while there is some romance, it’s not the primary plot.
• She’s not: light fantasy. While epic, she crosses into darker subject matter as the story progresses, and this will only increase later on in the series.
• She’s not: a single POV. I can’t stress this enough. If you don’t like multiple POVs (there are six here), this will probably not be a good fit for you.
• She’s not: without her triggers, so here they are:
o Drugs/alcohol (both referenced and on page)
o Violence/gore/blood/death
o Sacrifices/cult stuff
o Death of minors
o Mention of suicide
o Slavery/prejudice
o Cursing
If you’re still with me, then I invite you into Quinaria with open arms. Keep your lips sealed, your heart open, your mind on guard.
And question everything.
This story is the product of twelve years of daydreaming and another five and a half years of brainstorming, world-building, drafting, revising, and polishing—all over and over and over again. She’s so different from what I first imagined all those years ago, but her heart and themes are the same. You’ve likely read the blurb if you’ve scrolled down this far, so I’ll tell you a few things Of Thieves and Shadows is not:
• She’s not: your traditional westernized medieval fantasy. She doesn’t have castles and knights in shining armor, nor does she have princesses and dragons (I do offer solid alternatives, though).
• She’s not: an all-male, all-white, all-hetero-normative cast. If diversity is not your thing, there are plenty of books that fit those parameters.
• She’s not: good vs evil, dark vs light. She’s a study of morality, an observation of characters and nations with clashing beliefs and goals.
• She’s not: smutty, even though there are adult themes and situations. And while there is some romance, it’s not the primary plot.
• She’s not: light fantasy. While epic, she crosses into darker subject matter as the story progresses, and this will only increase later on in the series.
• She’s not: a single POV. I can’t stress this enough. If you don’t like multiple POVs (there are six here), this will probably not be a good fit for you.
• She’s not: without her triggers, so here they are:
o Drugs/alcohol (both referenced and on page)
o Violence/gore/blood/death
o Sacrifices/cult stuff
o Death of minors
o Mention of suicide
o Slavery/prejudice
o Cursing
If you’re still with me, then I invite you into Quinaria with open arms. Keep your lips sealed, your heart open, your mind on guard.
And question everything.
May 19, 2023
4.5 rounded up
A huge thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Of Thieves and Shadows by B.S.H. Garcia was one of the most incredible indie debuts I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
This multi POV, multi species story was the definition of epic fantasy.
We follow Elaysia and several companions as they seek to uncover the truths of a world on the edge of war. The peace of the lands have been teetering on the edge and without action it could all crumble around them. As a new and reluctant leader Elaysia doesn’t always make the right choices or understand what the consequences may be, but far out was it entertaining to watch.
There was so much I loved here, each of our characters had their own motivations and Garcia has gone to great links to keep them individual. The stakes were constantly high, there was enough action with good character development pacing but for me, it really came down to the worldbuilding.
You know me, I’m a world building guy and far out did this author build a world dripping in history, machinations and culture. Taking inspiration from a number of world events and cultural law had this book feeling close to home but still oh so fantastical.
I’m shocked that this is a debut, this feels like a second or even third series of a seasoned author. I cannot wait for book two already!
Keep an eye out for this one releasing in June!
A huge thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Of Thieves and Shadows by B.S.H. Garcia was one of the most incredible indie debuts I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
This multi POV, multi species story was the definition of epic fantasy.
We follow Elaysia and several companions as they seek to uncover the truths of a world on the edge of war. The peace of the lands have been teetering on the edge and without action it could all crumble around them. As a new and reluctant leader Elaysia doesn’t always make the right choices or understand what the consequences may be, but far out was it entertaining to watch.
There was so much I loved here, each of our characters had their own motivations and Garcia has gone to great links to keep them individual. The stakes were constantly high, there was enough action with good character development pacing but for me, it really came down to the worldbuilding.
You know me, I’m a world building guy and far out did this author build a world dripping in history, machinations and culture. Taking inspiration from a number of world events and cultural law had this book feeling close to home but still oh so fantastical.
I’m shocked that this is a debut, this feels like a second or even third series of a seasoned author. I cannot wait for book two already!
Keep an eye out for this one releasing in June!
November 22, 2025
A gripping new high fantasy in a lavish and richly developed setting, populated with beings and races that turn the usual classic fantasy tropes on their heads (with humans being the minority and unique races like the beridians, a species of humanoid lions)...
With resources dwindling, a corrupt empire seeks new lands to conquer, and old powers awaken as a young leader newly come to her position struggles to prove worthy: the characters are compelling and believable (favourite has to be Lumira, but Zavik is a close second and Elaysia is a compelling heroine, haunted by her parents' deaths, wanting answers and to prove herself, even as a decadent empire threatens her lands with conquest... For a first novel, Garcia has written a blinding opening start to this series, and I'm already eager for a sequel!
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this are my own.
With resources dwindling, a corrupt empire seeks new lands to conquer, and old powers awaken as a young leader newly come to her position struggles to prove worthy: the characters are compelling and believable (favourite has to be Lumira, but Zavik is a close second and Elaysia is a compelling heroine, haunted by her parents' deaths, wanting answers and to prove herself, even as a decadent empire threatens her lands with conquest... For a first novel, Garcia has written a blinding opening start to this series, and I'm already eager for a sequel!
Disclaimer: I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this are my own.
December 21, 2023
Awesome start to a dark series!
Dark intent & political greed threaten a precarious peace. With her nation threatened a new leader will brazenly venture into the heart of danger.
Gripping brutal action, unique ominous world. Differing views & ideals individualize extraordinary characters. Great!
Dark intent & political greed threaten a precarious peace. With her nation threatened a new leader will brazenly venture into the heart of danger.
Gripping brutal action, unique ominous world. Differing views & ideals individualize extraordinary characters. Great!
September 5, 2023
Follow me on Twitter: Twitter.com/wolfmantula
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Kindle eBook
What a debut by BSH Garcia! I had already had this lined up to read, but after reading From the Ashes prequel novella, I got even more excited to see what was in store for me two-thousand plus years later. One of the best things I can say is that this did not feel like a debut novel, it felt more like a seasoned author adding another strong addition to her belt with an epic tale with great character work and incredible world building. Garcia’s biggest attribute is her attention to detail in her world-building and that reminded me of my favorite read from last year, which was also a debut novel, The Drowned Kingdom by P.L. Stuart. Both shower you in beautifully intricate details that bring an unforgettable world to life.
I love that Garcia pulls from historical events, places and peoples to deliver such a unique fantastical tale. Based on the cover art, one might think it has some Egyptian flair to it, but after watching a few videos before reading this, I found out that this has a lot more in common with the Polynesian culture than it does Egyptian, which made it even more interesting for me, because that’s not really a culture that you get to read about very often. There’s a lot of history that can be pulled from these areas and Garcia did a fantastic job of working that in to create a world filled with rich history. There’s also some Eastern and European culture as well, which helps with giving a very diverse set of characters.
”Just because you can't see your purpose right now doesn't mean it doesn't exist. As long as there's life, there's hope.”
Speaking of the characters, this story has multiple POV’s and all the characters were very strong and each brought something a little different to the table, but I liked Davier the most, because he had a very compelling arc that I connected with the most and gave me excitement every time he was on the page. I really enjoyed what Garcia was able to do with making multiple races and having the humans not be the dominant one. Her take on the different types of species was very interesting, like an elven-like species called Nyrian’s, who aren’t your typical elves, and then a humanoid lion species called Beridian’s that I just thought was so cool, because like the Polynesian culture I mentioned earlier, it’s just not something you see very often.
Garcia plunges the reader into a world that is not easy for any of the characters involved, it was a great action-packed quest that dealt with corruption, racism a dwindling resource of nevethium, and an old evil rises that set the stage with some wild twists and turns that kept me engaged from page to page, and even caught me off guard with it being a little darker than I was expecting. Quinaria is full of dangers both close and far away, and Garcia is just getting started!
For more reviews, go to: https://wolfmantula.com/recent-posts/
MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: Kindle eBook
What a debut by BSH Garcia! I had already had this lined up to read, but after reading From the Ashes prequel novella, I got even more excited to see what was in store for me two-thousand plus years later. One of the best things I can say is that this did not feel like a debut novel, it felt more like a seasoned author adding another strong addition to her belt with an epic tale with great character work and incredible world building. Garcia’s biggest attribute is her attention to detail in her world-building and that reminded me of my favorite read from last year, which was also a debut novel, The Drowned Kingdom by P.L. Stuart. Both shower you in beautifully intricate details that bring an unforgettable world to life.
I love that Garcia pulls from historical events, places and peoples to deliver such a unique fantastical tale. Based on the cover art, one might think it has some Egyptian flair to it, but after watching a few videos before reading this, I found out that this has a lot more in common with the Polynesian culture than it does Egyptian, which made it even more interesting for me, because that’s not really a culture that you get to read about very often. There’s a lot of history that can be pulled from these areas and Garcia did a fantastic job of working that in to create a world filled with rich history. There’s also some Eastern and European culture as well, which helps with giving a very diverse set of characters.
”Just because you can't see your purpose right now doesn't mean it doesn't exist. As long as there's life, there's hope.”
Speaking of the characters, this story has multiple POV’s and all the characters were very strong and each brought something a little different to the table, but I liked Davier the most, because he had a very compelling arc that I connected with the most and gave me excitement every time he was on the page. I really enjoyed what Garcia was able to do with making multiple races and having the humans not be the dominant one. Her take on the different types of species was very interesting, like an elven-like species called Nyrian’s, who aren’t your typical elves, and then a humanoid lion species called Beridian’s that I just thought was so cool, because like the Polynesian culture I mentioned earlier, it’s just not something you see very often.
Garcia plunges the reader into a world that is not easy for any of the characters involved, it was a great action-packed quest that dealt with corruption, racism a dwindling resource of nevethium, and an old evil rises that set the stage with some wild twists and turns that kept me engaged from page to page, and even caught me off guard with it being a little darker than I was expecting. Quinaria is full of dangers both close and far away, and Garcia is just getting started!
December 29, 2023
This is one that I had been looking to reading for a while. I really like the cover on it, it really drew me to the book when I first saw it, and reading the synopsis, I thought it was one that could be quite good for me. What I got from the story wasn't really what I was expecting, but definitely in a good way.
There was some very expansive worldbuilding here. Sometimes a book can go into the worldbuilding a little bit too much and it can be a bit overwhelming when everything is brand new and there's nothing that's ‘normal’—often people will just go to your common elves and dwarves and orcs and things like that. This is one of those books that breaks the norm in that sense. It allows the author to explore and to create a little bit more and there were loads of little creatures and whole fantasy races that are very unique to this world.
There are ‘monsters’ that come into it as well and I like how the author brought all this worldbuilding together, because it wasn't one of those books that for me made it overwhelming, it was all integrated really nicely, it played into the story quite well. They were just little things that didn't take up too much space, but they just heightened the worldbuilding because you could see all of these things that were around the characters but yet the characters are still the core of the story rather than it being a story built on worldbuilding.
I thought the story itself did jump around a little bit for me in a couple of places, there were a couple of bits that I thought were, not necessarily far-fetched—bearing in mind it’s a fantasy novel—but just weren't what I was expecting. However, it was a very good story with some good characters. I feel like when I continue reading the series as more books come out, I could really get involved in the story that the characters are telling.
So I had a really good time with it overall, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series and to expanding my knowledge of this world.
There was some very expansive worldbuilding here. Sometimes a book can go into the worldbuilding a little bit too much and it can be a bit overwhelming when everything is brand new and there's nothing that's ‘normal’—often people will just go to your common elves and dwarves and orcs and things like that. This is one of those books that breaks the norm in that sense. It allows the author to explore and to create a little bit more and there were loads of little creatures and whole fantasy races that are very unique to this world.
There are ‘monsters’ that come into it as well and I like how the author brought all this worldbuilding together, because it wasn't one of those books that for me made it overwhelming, it was all integrated really nicely, it played into the story quite well. They were just little things that didn't take up too much space, but they just heightened the worldbuilding because you could see all of these things that were around the characters but yet the characters are still the core of the story rather than it being a story built on worldbuilding.
I thought the story itself did jump around a little bit for me in a couple of places, there were a couple of bits that I thought were, not necessarily far-fetched—bearing in mind it’s a fantasy novel—but just weren't what I was expecting. However, it was a very good story with some good characters. I feel like when I continue reading the series as more books come out, I could really get involved in the story that the characters are telling.
So I had a really good time with it overall, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series and to expanding my knowledge of this world.
May 29, 2023
If you like epic fantasy, then this is the book (series) for you. It has an eclectic cast of characters, who are all wonderfully individual.
The premise centres on a very current topic, with Quinaria’s precious resource being exploited, being comparable with that of Earth’s depleting fossil fuels.
Then there are layers upon layers of detail which give this story, and its world, a genuine depth. The worldbuilding, vivid imagery, and lore add to the authenticity, not unlike the style of Tolkien.
There are mysteries, morally-grey characters (my favourite), magic, and legends, which all add to the rich tapestry.
If you like to be immersed in a sophisticated story on an epic scale, with beautiful writing, then give this one a go.
I’m sure that different readers will have their own favourite characters. Personally, I’m torn between one morally-grey fella and a chap with the purest of hearts #iykyk
And now I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
The premise centres on a very current topic, with Quinaria’s precious resource being exploited, being comparable with that of Earth’s depleting fossil fuels.
Then there are layers upon layers of detail which give this story, and its world, a genuine depth. The worldbuilding, vivid imagery, and lore add to the authenticity, not unlike the style of Tolkien.
There are mysteries, morally-grey characters (my favourite), magic, and legends, which all add to the rich tapestry.
If you like to be immersed in a sophisticated story on an epic scale, with beautiful writing, then give this one a go.
I’m sure that different readers will have their own favourite characters. Personally, I’m torn between one morally-grey fella and a chap with the purest of hearts #iykyk
And now I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 11, 2023
4.5-Star
Of Thieves and Shadows was my 15th SPFBO-9 read. This one has been creating a bit of buzz around the Twitter and Discord book communities since the entries were announced. I placed it in my top 20 to read from this round of the competition as I was a bit excited for this one myself.
This read didn't disappoint. It started a bit slow for me but it didn't take long to get the story and the characters rolling once we got beyond the initial introductions. I also wasn't sure how I felt about some of the characters early on but I really grew to enjoy them throughout the book. I'll touch more on this in the character development section.
The pacing did seem to start a little slow for me and I did struggle with some names early on. But it didn't take me long to get used to them and feeling the pace picking up after our initial introductions to the story, world and it's characters. The pace felt good for the first half of the book. By the second half though, things really ramp up and in turn my desire to read this one increased as well. I burned through the second half in almost a weekend as I found myself wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
The world building was unique for me. The more fantasy books I get under my belt, I begin to see a lot of the same themes. But I felt the author did a really good job with this in creating her own world populated with politics, religion, regions, cultures and creatures. Once our main parties leave their starting points in the story, we really start to see how grand a scale this world is and still has the potential to be.
The character development was done really well for me. As I mentioned I wasn't sure how to feel about some of the characters early on. A couple were just kind of annoying to me. Not due to how the author created them, but in their own attitudes and actions. I'm sure these were by design though as we get to see so many characters grow throughout this story. One common theme I've had in recent reads was untrustworthy characters. This continues with Of Thieves and Shadows. And we have more than one character that follows into this category. Even by the end of book one here, I still have some suspicions of a character or two.
I loved the ending of this book. I would definitely advise fellow readers that if it's in the first half of the book and you're wondering there things are going or if the pacing is going to pick up, please stick it out! The author is going to get us to that destination and then some by the end! I'm excited to see where this series goes from here. It certainly has potential to become a favorite.
I'd recommend Of Thieves and Shadows to lovers of fantasy that enjoy those political twists and lean a bit into the darker side of things as well.
Of Thieves and Shadows was my 15th SPFBO-9 read. This one has been creating a bit of buzz around the Twitter and Discord book communities since the entries were announced. I placed it in my top 20 to read from this round of the competition as I was a bit excited for this one myself.
This read didn't disappoint. It started a bit slow for me but it didn't take long to get the story and the characters rolling once we got beyond the initial introductions. I also wasn't sure how I felt about some of the characters early on but I really grew to enjoy them throughout the book. I'll touch more on this in the character development section.
The pacing did seem to start a little slow for me and I did struggle with some names early on. But it didn't take me long to get used to them and feeling the pace picking up after our initial introductions to the story, world and it's characters. The pace felt good for the first half of the book. By the second half though, things really ramp up and in turn my desire to read this one increased as well. I burned through the second half in almost a weekend as I found myself wanting to find out what was going to happen next.
The world building was unique for me. The more fantasy books I get under my belt, I begin to see a lot of the same themes. But I felt the author did a really good job with this in creating her own world populated with politics, religion, regions, cultures and creatures. Once our main parties leave their starting points in the story, we really start to see how grand a scale this world is and still has the potential to be.
The character development was done really well for me. As I mentioned I wasn't sure how to feel about some of the characters early on. A couple were just kind of annoying to me. Not due to how the author created them, but in their own attitudes and actions. I'm sure these were by design though as we get to see so many characters grow throughout this story. One common theme I've had in recent reads was untrustworthy characters. This continues with Of Thieves and Shadows. And we have more than one character that follows into this category. Even by the end of book one here, I still have some suspicions of a character or two.
I loved the ending of this book. I would definitely advise fellow readers that if it's in the first half of the book and you're wondering there things are going or if the pacing is going to pick up, please stick it out! The author is going to get us to that destination and then some by the end! I'm excited to see where this series goes from here. It certainly has potential to become a favorite.
I'd recommend Of Thieves and Shadows to lovers of fantasy that enjoy those political twists and lean a bit into the darker side of things as well.
July 20, 2023
In this epic fantasy debut, B.S.H. Garcia creates a whimsical world reminiscent of great fantasies such as Avatar: The Last Airbender or The Dark Crystal, while incorporating her own unique touch to pen a unique story with an unforgettable cast.
Reluctant High Chieftain Elaysia doesn't really want to rule over the Twelve Trives, as is her birth right and duty, and she definitely doesn't want to be involved in the next big historical moment. But trying to run away from her fate proves unsuccessful, and she soon finds herself being at the centre of what might be what sparks the conflict that will either make or break Quinaria's pace and balance: the Az Zar nation's greed threatens to wage war if their demands aren't met, but complying would mean destroying the environment forever. With the help of some friends and allies, Elaysia will try to understand exactly what's going on with Az Zar, and how to save her world from the threat of powerlust.
This was one complex, multilinear book, filled with different perspectives that allowed us to see the world Garcia has built from a variety of angles. We follow most of the main cast, which enriched the narrative and didn't allow for a single moment of boredom! If I had to choose a favourite, it might be Lumira, since she was pretty neat in terms of the choices she made and how she followed through after giving her word.
In opposition, it was really hard for me to connect with Elaysia, which ended up making me take a star out of my rating. She made rash, impulsive choices, and while some might be expected due to her young age and her not wanting to be a chief, others were downright surreal to me. I don't understand what kind of person would just put a total STRANGER in charge of a mythical creature that's been lost for ages, or elect that very same STRANGER to look after her position instead of someone whom she actually knows to be prepared for the position. It's not a matter of character, it's a matter of basic common sense? I did not understand Elaysia's actions and choices, and it really took me out of the story many times and even made it hard to enjoy some parts, or accept how the plot moved forwards.
Davier's arc was quite moving, in contrast, and I really liked him as a character. I hope we can keep exploring his point of view in future installments, because he's quite a promising guy with quite some potential.
The plot was enjoyable, and easy enough to follow without losing complexity or nuance. I was really happy to follow the incursion into Az Zar, and to explore the lands to the north with Jakki. All the subplots contributed to the whole of the story in some way, which helped me not feel like a single page was just a filler.
All in all, this was quite a strong debut, and I will definitely be reading the next installment(s).
Reluctant High Chieftain Elaysia doesn't really want to rule over the Twelve Trives, as is her birth right and duty, and she definitely doesn't want to be involved in the next big historical moment. But trying to run away from her fate proves unsuccessful, and she soon finds herself being at the centre of what might be what sparks the conflict that will either make or break Quinaria's pace and balance: the Az Zar nation's greed threatens to wage war if their demands aren't met, but complying would mean destroying the environment forever. With the help of some friends and allies, Elaysia will try to understand exactly what's going on with Az Zar, and how to save her world from the threat of powerlust.
This was one complex, multilinear book, filled with different perspectives that allowed us to see the world Garcia has built from a variety of angles. We follow most of the main cast, which enriched the narrative and didn't allow for a single moment of boredom! If I had to choose a favourite, it might be Lumira, since she was pretty neat in terms of the choices she made and how she followed through after giving her word.
In opposition, it was really hard for me to connect with Elaysia, which ended up making me take a star out of my rating. She made rash, impulsive choices, and while some might be expected due to her young age and her not wanting to be a chief, others were downright surreal to me. I don't understand what kind of person would just put a total STRANGER in charge of a mythical creature that's been lost for ages, or elect that very same STRANGER to look after her position instead of someone whom she actually knows to be prepared for the position. It's not a matter of character, it's a matter of basic common sense? I did not understand Elaysia's actions and choices, and it really took me out of the story many times and even made it hard to enjoy some parts, or accept how the plot moved forwards.
Davier's arc was quite moving, in contrast, and I really liked him as a character. I hope we can keep exploring his point of view in future installments, because he's quite a promising guy with quite some potential.
The plot was enjoyable, and easy enough to follow without losing complexity or nuance. I was really happy to follow the incursion into Az Zar, and to explore the lands to the north with Jakki. All the subplots contributed to the whole of the story in some way, which helped me not feel like a single page was just a filler.
All in all, this was quite a strong debut, and I will definitely be reading the next installment(s).
April 16, 2023
In this tale, Garcia has brought to life a new epic fantasy which left me feeling awe struck. Of Thieves and Shadows constructs a world of different races and species, challenging the typical rhetoric of fantasy. I won't reiterate the blurb, but I will say that each character, immersed in their own histories, motivations, and circumstance, bring to life everything epic fantasy should be. Evolved. Relevant. Aesthetically sound. I highlighted quite a few passages in this book, but but here's one I tucked away.
"Fear, like physical pain, is a warning, her father used to say. It's the spirit's way of protecting you. But you have to decipher threat from insecurity."
In short, I loved this book and think it is not only a brilliant debut, with promise of further brilliance to follow, but a brilliant book full stop. I look forward to everything the author releases next.
"Fear, like physical pain, is a warning, her father used to say. It's the spirit's way of protecting you. But you have to decipher threat from insecurity."
In short, I loved this book and think it is not only a brilliant debut, with promise of further brilliance to follow, but a brilliant book full stop. I look forward to everything the author releases next.
August 31, 2024
Guys, GUYS!! If you’ve been wandering through BookTok, Goodreads, Amazon and/or local bookstores searching for the next big story….let me just stop you right there, because Of Thieves and Shadows is IT. It’s the first in its series The Heart of Quinaria and you need to read it NOW. You’ve got adventure, epic battles, mystic beings, religious cults, expansive world building and fascinating mythology. There’s complicated and compelling relationships, love tension, inspiring friendships, new discoveries and mystery around every corner. Garcia tackles hot topic issues like racism, government corruption, environmental degradation, and religion in such a fresh and poignant way that really makes you stop and think. It’s almost impossible to put into words everything that I loved about this book because there is SO much in it to love.
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Imaginative and unique world building that just brings you right in to wonders of Quinaria. The writing is descriptive and paints a picture for you as you walk the streets of Orillon, or maneuver about the living trees in Agaas. Garcia literally plops you into her world and takes you for the ride of a life time.
2. Characters that tug on your heartstrings in every way possible. You’ll love them, love to hate them, hate to love them, everything under the sun. They draw you in and you just have to see what they’re going to do next! It’s honestly hard to pick a favorite because they’re all so wonderfully written and relatable. That being said, Lumira and Zavik have my whole heart.
3. A fast paced plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!! You enter this story via 6 POVs so you get a fascinating and broad scope on everything that is going on in Quinaria. I’m not exaggerating when I say the plot, world-building, characters and writing are on par with big names like George RR Martin, Tolkien and CS Lewis.
I could go on forever about how much I love this story honestly and how excited I am for the rest of the series to drop. It really was such a fresh fantasy epic. And when I say that I mean, the beings, the world itself and the plot is just so refreshing because it doesn’t feel or read like other fantasy series out there today. I wholeheartedly hope that this series gets picked up by HBO or Netflix because I think seeing it come to life on screen would be really incredible. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes, and knowing Garcia, it will be somewhere epic! A definite MUST READ!
Here’s what you can expect:
1. Imaginative and unique world building that just brings you right in to wonders of Quinaria. The writing is descriptive and paints a picture for you as you walk the streets of Orillon, or maneuver about the living trees in Agaas. Garcia literally plops you into her world and takes you for the ride of a life time.
2. Characters that tug on your heartstrings in every way possible. You’ll love them, love to hate them, hate to love them, everything under the sun. They draw you in and you just have to see what they’re going to do next! It’s honestly hard to pick a favorite because they’re all so wonderfully written and relatable. That being said, Lumira and Zavik have my whole heart.
3. A fast paced plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!! You enter this story via 6 POVs so you get a fascinating and broad scope on everything that is going on in Quinaria. I’m not exaggerating when I say the plot, world-building, characters and writing are on par with big names like George RR Martin, Tolkien and CS Lewis.
I could go on forever about how much I love this story honestly and how excited I am for the rest of the series to drop. It really was such a fresh fantasy epic. And when I say that I mean, the beings, the world itself and the plot is just so refreshing because it doesn’t feel or read like other fantasy series out there today. I wholeheartedly hope that this series gets picked up by HBO or Netflix because I think seeing it come to life on screen would be really incredible. I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes, and knowing Garcia, it will be somewhere epic! A definite MUST READ!
June 1, 2023
Rating: 4.8/5
I really, really enjoyed reading this book. This world was so interesting to me and the characters were so well written that I didn't want the book to end. This was a high fantasy, epic adventure filled with intrigue and anxiety-inducing tension, that pulls you in from the first page.
It follows Elaysia, the high chieftain of the Apaasutai people. They are having issues with their enemies the Az Zarians causing Elaysia to embark on a great adventure to spy on her enemies and find out anything she can to figure out whether or not to wage war on them. Along the way, she finds eggs from a species thought long extinct, and makes comrades that fight alongside her.
This book had such beautiful writing and amazing imagery. The only thing that I could really find at fault with it, is that at times, I felt like it suffered from too many points of view. At one point in the book, there were six different characters doing different things and it was hard to keep up with. Other than that, though, this book was amazing and left off on such a cliffhanger that my mouth physically dropped open. I can't wait for the physical copy to come out so I can tell everyone about it!
I really, really enjoyed reading this book. This world was so interesting to me and the characters were so well written that I didn't want the book to end. This was a high fantasy, epic adventure filled with intrigue and anxiety-inducing tension, that pulls you in from the first page.
It follows Elaysia, the high chieftain of the Apaasutai people. They are having issues with their enemies the Az Zarians causing Elaysia to embark on a great adventure to spy on her enemies and find out anything she can to figure out whether or not to wage war on them. Along the way, she finds eggs from a species thought long extinct, and makes comrades that fight alongside her.
This book had such beautiful writing and amazing imagery. The only thing that I could really find at fault with it, is that at times, I felt like it suffered from too many points of view. At one point in the book, there were six different characters doing different things and it was hard to keep up with. Other than that, though, this book was amazing and left off on such a cliffhanger that my mouth physically dropped open. I can't wait for the physical copy to come out so I can tell everyone about it!
August 19, 2024
Of Thieves and Shadows by B.S.H. Garcia - First book in The Heart of Quinaria series
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense.
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
I enjoyed reading this story, but there are a LOT of moving pieces...so you have to pay attention. There were times where I had to reread a paragraph or a few pages, just to make sure I was following the story correctly. This is NOT a knock on the author's talent as a writer, but that her story is not a simple one...and the reader has to vigiliant while reading.
Oh, there is one thing that has been frustrating me, but this is a personal pet peeve. I wish authors would go back to numbering their chapters. I love that the chapters are headlined with who the POV character is, but man, please number the chapters. Ugh.
That said...I really enjoyed the main character, Elaysia. She's a mixed breed, and becomes the chief of her clan, but this story is not easy for her. She has some MAJOR lows, with a few highs (even those are tainted with betrayal). All that you can ask for in an Epic Fantasy novel/series.
I also enjoyed her friends and companions, Jakki and Lumira. They also have POV chapters, for what would a Fantasy novel be...without the band spitting up.
The "bad guys" are truly bad. The All-Sovereign and the Lord Priestess. The big question is "who's the power?"
Lastly, the connections with the two prequels is very interesting. Not where/what I thought was going to happen. Interesting how the hero of their own story, can turn out to be the villians in another story. So interesting.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns, the friendships and banter, and even the frustrations that happen in friendships. They felt real and the world felt lived in
War is coming, and the events of this book is JUST the beginning. Hang on, for it seems like it's going to be a bumpy ride.
I was able to snag an eArc, so...I will be reading it Post Haste.
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense.
Medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
I enjoyed reading this story, but there are a LOT of moving pieces...so you have to pay attention. There were times where I had to reread a paragraph or a few pages, just to make sure I was following the story correctly. This is NOT a knock on the author's talent as a writer, but that her story is not a simple one...and the reader has to vigiliant while reading.
Oh, there is one thing that has been frustrating me, but this is a personal pet peeve. I wish authors would go back to numbering their chapters. I love that the chapters are headlined with who the POV character is, but man, please number the chapters. Ugh.
That said...I really enjoyed the main character, Elaysia. She's a mixed breed, and becomes the chief of her clan, but this story is not easy for her. She has some MAJOR lows, with a few highs (even those are tainted with betrayal). All that you can ask for in an Epic Fantasy novel/series.
I also enjoyed her friends and companions, Jakki and Lumira. They also have POV chapters, for what would a Fantasy novel be...without the band spitting up.
The "bad guys" are truly bad. The All-Sovereign and the Lord Priestess. The big question is "who's the power?"
Lastly, the connections with the two prequels is very interesting. Not where/what I thought was going to happen. Interesting how the hero of their own story, can turn out to be the villians in another story. So interesting.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns, the friendships and banter, and even the frustrations that happen in friendships. They felt real and the world felt lived in
War is coming, and the events of this book is JUST the beginning. Hang on, for it seems like it's going to be a bumpy ride.
I was able to snag an eArc, so...I will be reading it Post Haste.
April 30, 2024
Of Thieves and Shadows explores the lands of Quinaria and the dark secrets held there. It follows high chieftain Elaysia and a group of allies as they attempt to stop an impending war. It's a dark book full of violence, mystery and tense scenes, but there are also sprinklings of hope in it.
It is also one of the best debuts I've ever read.
I was absorbed from the very first page, sucked into the land of Quinaria with Garcia's ambitious worldbuilding. There are a multitude of lands and cities, characters from different races (beridians are awesome) and epic, magical history. Garcia obviously spent a lot of time and effort to build this grand world, and how she managed to intertwine this with rich character development and heart-stopping action scenes absolutely amazed me.
The pacing never slowed for a second. Every page was integral to the plot. And the writing was so beautiful - especially the dialogue which was captivating, sharp and realistic - written with great care. The violence ramped up as the story progressed, but Garcia was careful not to over-describe it, which actually helped to make it even more visceral and cinematic in my head. That doesn't mean she shied away from violent scenes though - there were some really brutal moments, especially in the third act.
If I were to be really picky, there were six POVs which felt like a lot to take in at first, especially as a couple of the characters felt quite distant. Thankfully, all of the POVs developed massively and I ended up caring about all of their individual stories. In particular, there were a couple of characters who I didn’t care for much at the beginning but grew to be amongst my favourite characters by the end.
Of Thieves and Shadows completely blew me away. Wonderful characters, a gripping plot with some interesting twists, fierce action scenes and deep, rich worldbuilding make this an absolutely incredible book. I can’t wait to read about what comes next for the Stormriders, and Garcia should be incredibly proud with the world she has created.
It is also one of the best debuts I've ever read.
I was absorbed from the very first page, sucked into the land of Quinaria with Garcia's ambitious worldbuilding. There are a multitude of lands and cities, characters from different races (beridians are awesome) and epic, magical history. Garcia obviously spent a lot of time and effort to build this grand world, and how she managed to intertwine this with rich character development and heart-stopping action scenes absolutely amazed me.
The pacing never slowed for a second. Every page was integral to the plot. And the writing was so beautiful - especially the dialogue which was captivating, sharp and realistic - written with great care. The violence ramped up as the story progressed, but Garcia was careful not to over-describe it, which actually helped to make it even more visceral and cinematic in my head. That doesn't mean she shied away from violent scenes though - there were some really brutal moments, especially in the third act.
If I were to be really picky, there were six POVs which felt like a lot to take in at first, especially as a couple of the characters felt quite distant. Thankfully, all of the POVs developed massively and I ended up caring about all of their individual stories. In particular, there were a couple of characters who I didn’t care for much at the beginning but grew to be amongst my favourite characters by the end.
Of Thieves and Shadows completely blew me away. Wonderful characters, a gripping plot with some interesting twists, fierce action scenes and deep, rich worldbuilding make this an absolutely incredible book. I can’t wait to read about what comes next for the Stormriders, and Garcia should be incredibly proud with the world she has created.
September 20, 2024
Read this book! Of Thieves and Shadows is a revelation—sometimes surprising, sometimes sinister, but always well-crafted and entertaining. We are witnessing the debut of a new talent in the fantasy genre. I'm excited to see where this series goes and what new novels are on the horizon from B.S.H. Garcia.
November 15, 2023
Contrary to popular wisdom, I judge books by their cover and I’m happy to report that Of Thieves and Shadows backs up its fantastic façade with more than 500 pages of engaging content.
It’s a complex tale in the grand tradition of epic fantasy, with multiple POVs, layers of intrigue and a lusciously detailed setting which must have taken many years to develop.
As well as the gorgeous cover, I was attracted to this book by its premise. A world on the brink of war over a dwindling vital resource, uneasy allies having to join forces on a quest and rumours of the return of an ancient evil. What’s not to love?
With that promise of all sorts of gripping tension, I set off on what proved to be a satisfyingly multi-stranded adventure full of twists, turns, mystery and wonder.
First and foremost, this book is in the mould of the gargantuan worldbuilding exploits of Tolkien, Jordan et al. Garcia has created something very impressive in the scale and detail of the ancient land of Quinaria and its inhabitants.
One of the many joys of fantasy, particularly the epic variety, is discovering imaginative world settings and Quinaria offers imagination and depth in bucket-loads, with different races, cultures and nations and distinct societal structures, beliefs and politics to give the world an authentic, lived-in feel.
The fictional world is inspired by real world lands, cultures, events, folklore and myths and features distinct but unified tribes, several nations and a wonderful array of different races such as feline-esque beridians and elf-like nyrians.
If you love maps and other resources in your fantasy reads, Garcia also has you covered. In the book itself there is a packed glossary, cast list and explanation of the races, tribes, nations and divinities and her website has a scalable world map.
The world feels like a huge labour of love and that effort has paid off in creating a very solid foundation and large canvas for the storytelling.
Which brings me to the plot, which was no mere shadow of what was promised by the book’s synopsis.
There is political intrigue, ambition and treachery as we encounter circles within circles through the perspectives of six point of view characters.
Elaysia is the human-nyrian main protagonist, a young, naive and impulsive chieftan’s daughter thrust into a leadership she didn’t want.
The other POVs are her nyrian adviser and guardian, two tribal friends who follow their new leader with more than a little love, an empire soldier on a secret mission and a kick-ass beridian thief.
It’s a diverse cast and through their stories we encounter brutal violence and the greed for power as their journeys take them through some dark places, which Garcia handles well and with nuance.
It may be epic fantasy but it’s not ye olde good versus evil. This book is all about shades and there are different takes on morality in a clash of cultures and beliefs, nicely expressed through the characters.
The prologue sets a very dark tone with a Sword and Sorcery vibe to the proceedings and it’s clear from the off that we’re in for some high-stakes action.
I liked the underpinning geo-political backdrop of Quinaria’s fragile peace starting to fracture as the world’s supplies of Nevethium become scarcer.
Nevethium is a source of energy and health and therefore is highly treasured, so it’s no surprise that war looms over such a crucial commodity.
It’s a nice take on real world issues and provides a great bedrock for the plot to unfold, driven by the greedy aspirations of those who want to control, and in some cases corrupt, its power.
Another classic element of epic fantasy is the quest trope and Garcia includes this with an enjoyably uneasy fellowship of allies with conflicting ambitions.
It all makes for a spider’s web of conflict and tension as we unpeel the layers to discover the secrets of what’s hidden in the shadows.
With this blend of character dynamics, political cut and thrust and supernatural threat, the book provides an enthralling reading experience.
The pace fluctuates in a nice rhythm to allow for the plot set-up, character development and world discovery, building to crescendos as we race through the action sequences.
And it left me wanting more, as all good books should do.
I highly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy who love intricate worldbuilding featuring different races and cultures and multiple POVs.
An ancient evil is stirring in the Heart of Quinaria and this epic tale stirred all the right emotions in this reader.
It’s a complex tale in the grand tradition of epic fantasy, with multiple POVs, layers of intrigue and a lusciously detailed setting which must have taken many years to develop.
As well as the gorgeous cover, I was attracted to this book by its premise. A world on the brink of war over a dwindling vital resource, uneasy allies having to join forces on a quest and rumours of the return of an ancient evil. What’s not to love?
With that promise of all sorts of gripping tension, I set off on what proved to be a satisfyingly multi-stranded adventure full of twists, turns, mystery and wonder.
First and foremost, this book is in the mould of the gargantuan worldbuilding exploits of Tolkien, Jordan et al. Garcia has created something very impressive in the scale and detail of the ancient land of Quinaria and its inhabitants.
One of the many joys of fantasy, particularly the epic variety, is discovering imaginative world settings and Quinaria offers imagination and depth in bucket-loads, with different races, cultures and nations and distinct societal structures, beliefs and politics to give the world an authentic, lived-in feel.
The fictional world is inspired by real world lands, cultures, events, folklore and myths and features distinct but unified tribes, several nations and a wonderful array of different races such as feline-esque beridians and elf-like nyrians.
If you love maps and other resources in your fantasy reads, Garcia also has you covered. In the book itself there is a packed glossary, cast list and explanation of the races, tribes, nations and divinities and her website has a scalable world map.
The world feels like a huge labour of love and that effort has paid off in creating a very solid foundation and large canvas for the storytelling.
Which brings me to the plot, which was no mere shadow of what was promised by the book’s synopsis.
There is political intrigue, ambition and treachery as we encounter circles within circles through the perspectives of six point of view characters.
Elaysia is the human-nyrian main protagonist, a young, naive and impulsive chieftan’s daughter thrust into a leadership she didn’t want.
The other POVs are her nyrian adviser and guardian, two tribal friends who follow their new leader with more than a little love, an empire soldier on a secret mission and a kick-ass beridian thief.
It’s a diverse cast and through their stories we encounter brutal violence and the greed for power as their journeys take them through some dark places, which Garcia handles well and with nuance.
It may be epic fantasy but it’s not ye olde good versus evil. This book is all about shades and there are different takes on morality in a clash of cultures and beliefs, nicely expressed through the characters.
The prologue sets a very dark tone with a Sword and Sorcery vibe to the proceedings and it’s clear from the off that we’re in for some high-stakes action.
I liked the underpinning geo-political backdrop of Quinaria’s fragile peace starting to fracture as the world’s supplies of Nevethium become scarcer.
Nevethium is a source of energy and health and therefore is highly treasured, so it’s no surprise that war looms over such a crucial commodity.
It’s a nice take on real world issues and provides a great bedrock for the plot to unfold, driven by the greedy aspirations of those who want to control, and in some cases corrupt, its power.
Another classic element of epic fantasy is the quest trope and Garcia includes this with an enjoyably uneasy fellowship of allies with conflicting ambitions.
It all makes for a spider’s web of conflict and tension as we unpeel the layers to discover the secrets of what’s hidden in the shadows.
With this blend of character dynamics, political cut and thrust and supernatural threat, the book provides an enthralling reading experience.
The pace fluctuates in a nice rhythm to allow for the plot set-up, character development and world discovery, building to crescendos as we race through the action sequences.
And it left me wanting more, as all good books should do.
I highly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy who love intricate worldbuilding featuring different races and cultures and multiple POVs.
An ancient evil is stirring in the Heart of Quinaria and this epic tale stirred all the right emotions in this reader.
May 13, 2025
This was a strong debut with some impressive worldbuilding in particular, Garcia took a swing for the fences and for the most part pulled it off.
Quinaria (which I kept reading as Quinoa)
feels vast, lived-in, and extremely detailed. The political intrigue was sharp and engaging, and I appreciated the multiple POVs even if it took me a bit of time to settle into the rhythm.
Elaysia is a great leading lady, and Jakki's sass was a highlight. Some of the characters were less impactful than others, and I confess Konars chapters felt a little clunky to me.
The story is super ambitious, and sometimes it felt like it was juggling too much at once. I think there was perhaps a little too much lore at times.
Still, I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel and novellas. Garcia has laid the groundwork for a compelling series and the writing itself was very well crafted.
Quinaria (which I kept reading as Quinoa)
feels vast, lived-in, and extremely detailed. The political intrigue was sharp and engaging, and I appreciated the multiple POVs even if it took me a bit of time to settle into the rhythm.
Elaysia is a great leading lady, and Jakki's sass was a highlight. Some of the characters were less impactful than others, and I confess Konars chapters felt a little clunky to me.
The story is super ambitious, and sometimes it felt like it was juggling too much at once. I think there was perhaps a little too much lore at times.
Still, I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel and novellas. Garcia has laid the groundwork for a compelling series and the writing itself was very well crafted.
July 10, 2023
Featuring engaging characters in a phenomenonally crafted world, Of Thieves and Shadows is BSH Garcia's debut novel.
Wrapped in an absolutely gorgeous cover is an epic - and at times, dark - adventure delivered through expertly crafted, beautiful prose. The descriptions are tight, emotive, and easy to read, vividly illustrating the world without being lost to "fluff."
Speaking of: Garcia's take on world building is unique and refreshing, having drawn inspiration from indigenous cultures rather than default to the medieval European settings found throughout much of the fantasy genre. Everything from the lore to the landscape, the races and religion, are so well-realised that it makes for an immersive read. The effort and attention to detail that has gone into creating Quinaria is second to none.
The cast of characters are engaging and each of the five POVs likeable, despite all being driven by their own vices and motivations that at times run at odds with their companions...
With so many characters to follow, I could see how it may be possible for readers to become lost in the middle of the book as the plot branches in several directions all at once; however all the threads combine for an epic finale ready to pull you through to the next installment.
Overall this was an ambitious and exciting read and I cannot wait to see what's yet to come in the Heart of Quinaria.
Wrapped in an absolutely gorgeous cover is an epic - and at times, dark - adventure delivered through expertly crafted, beautiful prose. The descriptions are tight, emotive, and easy to read, vividly illustrating the world without being lost to "fluff."
Speaking of: Garcia's take on world building is unique and refreshing, having drawn inspiration from indigenous cultures rather than default to the medieval European settings found throughout much of the fantasy genre. Everything from the lore to the landscape, the races and religion, are so well-realised that it makes for an immersive read. The effort and attention to detail that has gone into creating Quinaria is second to none.
The cast of characters are engaging and each of the five POVs likeable, despite all being driven by their own vices and motivations that at times run at odds with their companions...
With so many characters to follow, I could see how it may be possible for readers to become lost in the middle of the book as the plot branches in several directions all at once; however all the threads combine for an epic finale ready to pull you through to the next installment.
Overall this was an ambitious and exciting read and I cannot wait to see what's yet to come in the Heart of Quinaria.
September 26, 2024
2nd review coming soon! I reread one novella and this one to prepare for the Of Love and Loss. The best reading experience I have had in a while.
(1st review 2023) This was the greatest epic fantasy adventure I have been on in a long time. Garcia's writing and storytelling are outstanding.
From prologue to epilogue, this story is so intricately woven together through multiple POV. I was completely blow way reading the epilogue, and I went back and reread the prologue with my mouth hanging open, thinking it was him the whole time! The wine, the portrait, the scar, and the priestess!
I was completely immersed into the world she created. The world building was just amazing (I felt like I was in Tamriel, Elder Scrolls Online, check it out!) The terrain, the cultures, and creatures were so good that I was captivated.
Elaysia's journey through the book is so incredible. I loved her growth. All the characters brought so much to the story, and the author did an excellent job writing 7 POV. Each character is completely different, and she captured it.
I'm a huge fan and invested in the series. I'm going read From the Ashes right now!
(1st review 2023) This was the greatest epic fantasy adventure I have been on in a long time. Garcia's writing and storytelling are outstanding.
From prologue to epilogue, this story is so intricately woven together through multiple POV. I was completely blow way reading the epilogue, and I went back and reread the prologue with my mouth hanging open, thinking it was him the whole time! The wine, the portrait, the scar, and the priestess!
I was completely immersed into the world she created. The world building was just amazing (I felt like I was in Tamriel, Elder Scrolls Online, check it out!) The terrain, the cultures, and creatures were so good that I was captivated.
Elaysia's journey through the book is so incredible. I loved her growth. All the characters brought so much to the story, and the author did an excellent job writing 7 POV. Each character is completely different, and she captured it.
I'm a huge fan and invested in the series. I'm going read From the Ashes right now!
June 27, 2023
WOW. This high fantasy novel is epic in every way. The world building is unique and beautifully fleshed out to create a setting you can get lost in, and the large cast of characters fills this world so richly. This is the epitome of a perfect debut novel.
If you enjoy epic fantasy, you have to check it out! I loved this book.
If you enjoy epic fantasy, you have to check it out! I loved this book.
March 1, 2024
Prepare to be whisked away to the ancient land of Quinaria, where secrets lurk in the shadows and an impending war threatens the delicate balance that has kept three nations in a tenuous peace. In her debut novel, “Of Thieves and Shadows,” author Ebony Garcia weaves a tapestry of rich cultures, vivid settings, and diverse characters, delivering a fantasy epic that is both ambitious and impressive.
The narrative follows Elaysia, the reluctant heir to the high chieftain, who finds herself thrust into a leadership role just as the precious resource nevethium becomes a catalyst for potential conflict. As rumors of an ancient evil resurface, Elaysia embarks on a perilous journey with newfound companions to uncover the truth behind her parents’ murders and the looming threat to their world.
Garcia’s world-building is nothing short of outstanding, immersing readers in a fantastical realm filled with imaginative races, creatures, and cultures. The attention to detail creates a credible and vibrant backdrop for the characters’ epic quest. The story kicks off with a gripping prologue, immediately establishing a sense of intrigue and high stakes that propels the reader into the heart of the narrative.
One of the novel’s standout features is the multi-POV storytelling, allowing readers to experience the story through the eyes of six compelling protagonists. Each character brings a unique perspective shaped by their cultural backgrounds and individual experiences. Themes of duty, honor, fate, freedom, morality, and mental health are explored with depth, adding layers of complexity to the characters and the overarching narrative.
Garcia’s storytelling prowess shines through as she seamlessly balances the fast-paced nature of a quest fantasy with intricate world-building and character development. The imaginative settings, deep lore, and intricate political landscape captivate readers from the first page to the last. The author’s ability to introduce themes of Buddhism and nature into the story adds a refreshing and unique dimension to the fantasy genre.
While some moments in the narrative could have benefited from additional exploration, the overall pacing does not detract from the immersive experience. The breathtaking climax and shocking epilogue promise a continuation of the series that will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. In conclusion, “Of Thieves and Shadows” stands as an exhilarating and promising debut that transcends fantasy conventions. Ebony Garcia has crafted a fantasy epic that not only delivers on the expected elements of the genre but also introduces fresh perspectives and immersive storytelling. If you crave a fast-paced and intricate fantasy with compelling characters, political intrigue, and jaw-dropping revelations, then “Of Thieves and Shadows” is a must-read. Highly recommended for fantasy enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The narrative follows Elaysia, the reluctant heir to the high chieftain, who finds herself thrust into a leadership role just as the precious resource nevethium becomes a catalyst for potential conflict. As rumors of an ancient evil resurface, Elaysia embarks on a perilous journey with newfound companions to uncover the truth behind her parents’ murders and the looming threat to their world.
Garcia’s world-building is nothing short of outstanding, immersing readers in a fantastical realm filled with imaginative races, creatures, and cultures. The attention to detail creates a credible and vibrant backdrop for the characters’ epic quest. The story kicks off with a gripping prologue, immediately establishing a sense of intrigue and high stakes that propels the reader into the heart of the narrative.
One of the novel’s standout features is the multi-POV storytelling, allowing readers to experience the story through the eyes of six compelling protagonists. Each character brings a unique perspective shaped by their cultural backgrounds and individual experiences. Themes of duty, honor, fate, freedom, morality, and mental health are explored with depth, adding layers of complexity to the characters and the overarching narrative.
Garcia’s storytelling prowess shines through as she seamlessly balances the fast-paced nature of a quest fantasy with intricate world-building and character development. The imaginative settings, deep lore, and intricate political landscape captivate readers from the first page to the last. The author’s ability to introduce themes of Buddhism and nature into the story adds a refreshing and unique dimension to the fantasy genre.
While some moments in the narrative could have benefited from additional exploration, the overall pacing does not detract from the immersive experience. The breathtaking climax and shocking epilogue promise a continuation of the series that will undoubtedly leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. In conclusion, “Of Thieves and Shadows” stands as an exhilarating and promising debut that transcends fantasy conventions. Ebony Garcia has crafted a fantasy epic that not only delivers on the expected elements of the genre but also introduces fresh perspectives and immersive storytelling. If you crave a fast-paced and intricate fantasy with compelling characters, political intrigue, and jaw-dropping revelations, then “Of Thieves and Shadows” is a must-read. Highly recommended for fantasy enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
July 12, 2023
4.5 rounded up to a five on merit!
'Tis a rare thing to stumble into a new world... one filled with power, mythology, and conflict... and be able to bring it into being word by word, character by character. But Garcia has done just that, and in spades!
A couple of points... first, Quinaria itself. The love Garcia has for this far-flung world oozes from the page... It's easy to discern that we are just scratching the surface in this epic quest of a land that is filled with a rich history, culture, and mythos. Rather than declaring these upfront in tedious history lessons or sidequests, Garcia takes a page from some of the greats like Sanderson and Martin by writing around the history... giving just enough to tantalize, but keeping the plot and action moving all the while. I just loved the glimpse into the world and cannot wait for the spacer Novellas and next installment to explore more of this beautiful land!
Another big one: characters and races. Bravo, here! For me, characters and their growth are so important - especially in a fledgling fantasy series! Rather than follow the formula a la Tolkien (humans, dwarves, elves, orcs... oh my...), Garcia has adapted and created her own races, with unique histories and traits for each... her flowchart must be KILLER to keep everything straight! But all the effort pays off, as these characters jump off the page, demanding you pick a favorite (I'm team Lumira all the way!)
While in some areas the story felt rushed, and possibly that some great diaolgue or events were lost, ultimately this was a highly satisfying read that is absolutely worth a read!
My thanks to Garcia for the world of Quinaria and working so hard to build and maintain her fanbase. Way to go!
'Tis a rare thing to stumble into a new world... one filled with power, mythology, and conflict... and be able to bring it into being word by word, character by character. But Garcia has done just that, and in spades!
A couple of points... first, Quinaria itself. The love Garcia has for this far-flung world oozes from the page... It's easy to discern that we are just scratching the surface in this epic quest of a land that is filled with a rich history, culture, and mythos. Rather than declaring these upfront in tedious history lessons or sidequests, Garcia takes a page from some of the greats like Sanderson and Martin by writing around the history... giving just enough to tantalize, but keeping the plot and action moving all the while. I just loved the glimpse into the world and cannot wait for the spacer Novellas and next installment to explore more of this beautiful land!
Another big one: characters and races. Bravo, here! For me, characters and their growth are so important - especially in a fledgling fantasy series! Rather than follow the formula a la Tolkien (humans, dwarves, elves, orcs... oh my...), Garcia has adapted and created her own races, with unique histories and traits for each... her flowchart must be KILLER to keep everything straight! But all the effort pays off, as these characters jump off the page, demanding you pick a favorite (I'm team Lumira all the way!)
While in some areas the story felt rushed, and possibly that some great diaolgue or events were lost, ultimately this was a highly satisfying read that is absolutely worth a read!
My thanks to Garcia for the world of Quinaria and working so hard to build and maintain her fanbase. Way to go!
April 17, 2023
4.5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ebook ARC
This story follows multiple characters as they embark on a journey of discovery. The three nations of Quinaria are at a crossroads with secrets, betrayal and more waiting to burst to the surface. Long-lost revelations are coming to pass and will impact the world and everyone in it.
I loved the incredible world-building that the author gives us! The geography, species, and religion are all well-layered and build off each other. The descriptions and quotable moments show that this author is extremely talented and has a clear vision of where this world and story will go.
There are 6 POVs and my favorite has to be Lumira. There are some secondary characters that are near and dear as well. Following the growth and change of each character is fascinating. I found it hard to love certain characters and their decisions at the beginning, but seeing where they end up and what they can bring in the future made it worthwhile.
There are themes such as persecution, self-sacrifice, and growth that are present throughout the story. The pacing keeps you engaged and ready to see where these characters’ journeys will take them.
The end of the story leaves you wanting more! The layered storytelling makes me want to reread and annotate the book. Incredible resources are provided at the end that discuss the different terms and species used throughout the story. This is the first book in a saga, and I am anxiously anticipating the next one!
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ebook ARC
This story follows multiple characters as they embark on a journey of discovery. The three nations of Quinaria are at a crossroads with secrets, betrayal and more waiting to burst to the surface. Long-lost revelations are coming to pass and will impact the world and everyone in it.
I loved the incredible world-building that the author gives us! The geography, species, and religion are all well-layered and build off each other. The descriptions and quotable moments show that this author is extremely talented and has a clear vision of where this world and story will go.
There are 6 POVs and my favorite has to be Lumira. There are some secondary characters that are near and dear as well. Following the growth and change of each character is fascinating. I found it hard to love certain characters and their decisions at the beginning, but seeing where they end up and what they can bring in the future made it worthwhile.
There are themes such as persecution, self-sacrifice, and growth that are present throughout the story. The pacing keeps you engaged and ready to see where these characters’ journeys will take them.
The end of the story leaves you wanting more! The layered storytelling makes me want to reread and annotate the book. Incredible resources are provided at the end that discuss the different terms and species used throughout the story. This is the first book in a saga, and I am anxiously anticipating the next one!
April 25, 2023
"Of Thieves and Shadows" by M.R. Gilead is a gripping fantasy novel that delves into a world on the brink of war, where ancient secrets and a dwindling resource threaten to unravel the delicate balance of peace. The story follows Elaysia, the reluctant heir to the high chieftain, who is thrust into a leadership role and must uncover the truth behind her parents' murders and the rumors of an ancient evil.
Gilead weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, betrayal, and suspense as Elaysia and her companions journey to unravel the layers of secrets that lead them to a dictator conducting unethical nevethium experimentation. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a complex political landscape and a sense of impending danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The characters in "Of Thieves and Shadows" are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with conflicting ambitions that add depth and complexity to the story. Elaysia is a strong and determined protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and leadership is both relatable and compelling. The pacing is brisk, with a perfect balance of action, mystery, and character development.
As the first book in "The Heart of Quinaria" series, "Of Thieves and Shadows" sets the stage for an epic tale of adventure and intrigue. Fans of fantasy novels with intricate world-building, political intrigue, and engaging characters will find this book a thrilling read.
Gilead weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, betrayal, and suspense as Elaysia and her companions journey to unravel the layers of secrets that lead them to a dictator conducting unethical nevethium experimentation. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a complex political landscape and a sense of impending danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The characters in "Of Thieves and Shadows" are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, with conflicting ambitions that add depth and complexity to the story. Elaysia is a strong and determined protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and leadership is both relatable and compelling. The pacing is brisk, with a perfect balance of action, mystery, and character development.
As the first book in "The Heart of Quinaria" series, "Of Thieves and Shadows" sets the stage for an epic tale of adventure and intrigue. Fans of fantasy novels with intricate world-building, political intrigue, and engaging characters will find this book a thrilling read.
March 20, 2023
This stunning epic fantasy debut from B.S.H. Garcia will leave you breathless and wanting more. It grips you from page one and doesn't let go. The writing is well-paced and beautiful, the worldbuilding is so intricate, lavish, and unique, and most importantly, the characters are well-rounded, complex, captivating, and so easy to empathize with.
Though Elaysia is the main character, there are six POVs, and each one feels so well fleshed out and unique. I love and relate to Elaysia's inner struggles. Other favourites include Zavik and Lumira. The non-European based cultures, races, and settings are refreshing and unique, and Quinaria is definitely a world I find myself fantasizing about.
Environmental themes, high stakes, a gripping plot, and a satisfying conclusion round out this thought-provoking story. If you are a fan of stories with luscious worldbuilding and memorable characters with heart, then do yourself a favour and read this book!
I am so excited for the next book in the Heart of Quinaria series!
Though Elaysia is the main character, there are six POVs, and each one feels so well fleshed out and unique. I love and relate to Elaysia's inner struggles. Other favourites include Zavik and Lumira. The non-European based cultures, races, and settings are refreshing and unique, and Quinaria is definitely a world I find myself fantasizing about.
Environmental themes, high stakes, a gripping plot, and a satisfying conclusion round out this thought-provoking story. If you are a fan of stories with luscious worldbuilding and memorable characters with heart, then do yourself a favour and read this book!
I am so excited for the next book in the Heart of Quinaria series!
June 8, 2023
ARC provided by author for honest review.
Interesting world building and beautifully written, with a plot full of intrigue that kept me turning the pages.
The plot took off very quickly, revolving around the politics of the world and how fragile the hero’s realm is.
Some of the dialogue I found to be a little clunky but not enough to take me out of the story.
I enjoyed following the many characters in this story and I liked Elaysia (even if she is super naive). I did find Davier’s character/arc, hard to get into and allot weaker than the others.
The overall writing and descriptions in the book were spot on. The pacing felt right and the chapter cliffhangers made it hard to put the book down.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be picking up book 2.
Interesting world building and beautifully written, with a plot full of intrigue that kept me turning the pages.
The plot took off very quickly, revolving around the politics of the world and how fragile the hero’s realm is.
Some of the dialogue I found to be a little clunky but not enough to take me out of the story.
I enjoyed following the many characters in this story and I liked Elaysia (even if she is super naive). I did find Davier’s character/arc, hard to get into and allot weaker than the others.
The overall writing and descriptions in the book were spot on. The pacing felt right and the chapter cliffhangers made it hard to put the book down.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be picking up book 2.
May 10, 2023
Epic.
Powerful.
Thought-provoking.
Thrilling.
Extraordinary.
Engaging.
Raw.
Unforgettable.
Unlike anything you’ve ever read.
Powerful.
Thought-provoking.
Thrilling.
Extraordinary.
Engaging.
Raw.
Unforgettable.
Unlike anything you’ve ever read.
June 2, 2023
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for honest feedback.
What an incredible world that B.S.H. Garcia has created! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this epic high fantasy adventure! The story kept me interested and entertained and the pacing felt appropriate. It didn't seem like there was any lag time. The writing style was well done and felt mature to me, which I really liked. It had complicated, yet simple aspects, making for a very enjoyable read. I touched on this a little in my review of the prequel novelette, but this book/series looks to be incorporating some great real-life politics and societal situations. Personally, I enjoy when fantasy books do this and I think this was well done here.
This book was multi-POV (6 in total, 7 including the prologue/epilogue) and was told from multiple locations of the world. This is not always easy to do and keep things tight and interesting, but I think Garcia did a good job with the spacing and timing so I didn't feel like I was gone too long from one person or place when there was a shift/jump. I also really enjoyed the mystery and how it was woven through the book. It kept me guessing and making predictions, which is an indicator, for me, of a good read. I also didn't feel like it was super predicatable. The ending was done very well with revelations and wrapping things up, but still leaving enough in the dark to pique my interest for the next installment.
The world-building was very well done, especially for a first-time author and full-length novel. I absolutely loved the world map and all of the additional reference material in the back. That's a big thing I look for in fantasy books. It makes it so much easier to understand who and what everyone/everything is. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a paperback copy of this as well (after I had already received my eARC copy), before the official release. It made it a lot easier for me to reference things while I read, but that's just a personal preference for me I think. I actually went though and read all of that stuff before I read the book itself and I'm so glad I did! I felt a lot more prepared for who and what I was getting into. The only thing I wish it had included was a pronunciation guide, as my mind kept getting snagged on some things as I read (mostly places and peoples) since everything was brand new to me. That's really just a personal want and in no way affected my rating, but it really would have been the cherry on top!
The characters and peoples of this world/story were also very fascinating. I like reading new and fresh creations and this one definitely provided that. The names of creatures/gods/peoples was all new from the ground up which I thought was amazing and made this book feel very unique. Elaysia (FMC) was very relatable and I enjoyed reading about her journey. She definitely gets thrust into some tough shit and really has to grow up and put her big gal pants on. I was proud of her character by the end and I look forward to seeing where her journey goes. Zavik was such a cutie, loved him! Definitely gave me cute, nerdy, librarian vibes! Him and Elaysia's relationship was so sweet and I'm very eager to see what happens in the future. Lumira was that classic "give the villain a chance and they'll give you the world" type of character and I loved her for that. Also really loved her Beridian brother-in-arms Grokhion. He was an absolute saint and I hope he gets more screen time in future books. I liked that there was a queer character, Jakki, in this as well. Overall I liked the strength and resilience of her character, but I also struggled with her (I touch on that a little more below).
Some things that prevented me from giving 5 stars (very minor spoilers here):
-Elaysia seemed to be the main character of the story, and she did, in fact, have the majority of the POVs, but I still felt like I needed a bit more internal insight and development from her to really connect to her character, especially at the end. With everything that happened to her, both physically and mentally, it felt like I just didn't get quite enough internal description from her to really showcase her true development. I think it's there, but it seemed to get shrouded and overshadowed by other POVs and other things going on towards the end of the book. Kind of similar with Davier, I felt like I wanted to dive into his character more from an internal development standpoint and get more connected.
-Elaysia and Davier's relationship, while obvious at the end, just seemed to kind of happen and felt somewhat assumed to me. I felt like I didn't get enough lead up to them having true feelings for each other so I didn't feel very invested in their connection. I understand that they both still had conflicting things going on in their heads (Elaysia more so than Davier, it seemed), but I kept thinking I would have liked to have read more in the lead up. Not necessarily spicy scenes (although I'm always down for more of that!), but that doesn't have to happen to convey an advancement or progress of a budding relationship or attraction between characters. Again, I think more internal description would have helped me with this.
-While I understood the need for Zavik, Lumira, and Jakki's POVs (and was happy to read them), I would have rather read less from them and more from Elaysia and Davier's POV -OR- the whole book just been longer (100-150 pages). I think this would have given a more solid and intimate E & D portion of the story, while also conveying the events of what was going on around the rest of the world. That's just my opinion. In saying that, I also felt like I didn't really understand Jakki's whole angsty deal. I wanted more background from her. I wanted to understand her more and why she was so...umm...angry? I don't know if that's the right word. I just felt like I didn't understand why she felt so much animosity towards so many others from the beginning. I think aspects tried to come through, but I really wanted more. I also had a hard time understanding the whole old man thing that happened with her...still not sure what that was...hoping more will be revealed later.
While this is not something that prevented me from giving 5 stars, I did notice there were no content warnings at the beginning or end of this book. With high fantasy like this, I know there is probably some assumption of graphic violence and dark themes, but I felt like there really should have been at least some sort of statement or link to a list of content elements that were going to be presented. For example, there's some instances of child unaliving that the reader is not prepared for. Personally, I don't have any triggers or issues that I have found when reading as of yet, but CWs are something that I try to notice/pick up on now when reviewing books, just for the sake of others. So that would be a suggestion of mine for the future, as well as a caution for readers. I think most avid fantasy readers won't have an issue, but just be aware that there are some dark elements in here.
Overall I thought this was a great first full-length installment to this series/world and I really look forward to reading the next one. I would definitely recommend to fantasy readers, especially those who are just getting into the fantasy genre. Personally, I would recommend reading the prequel novelette prior to this full-length novel so you have some background of the world and how things came to be as they are. I think Garcia does a good job of summarizing all of the high points of that novelette within this book as they relate to the plot line, so it's not absolutely necessary, but not everything is included. Not to mention it's a good little story all on its own. Excited to see where Garcia takes this story! Happy reading! 🤙🏼💕
What an incredible world that B.S.H. Garcia has created! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this epic high fantasy adventure! The story kept me interested and entertained and the pacing felt appropriate. It didn't seem like there was any lag time. The writing style was well done and felt mature to me, which I really liked. It had complicated, yet simple aspects, making for a very enjoyable read. I touched on this a little in my review of the prequel novelette, but this book/series looks to be incorporating some great real-life politics and societal situations. Personally, I enjoy when fantasy books do this and I think this was well done here.
This book was multi-POV (6 in total, 7 including the prologue/epilogue) and was told from multiple locations of the world. This is not always easy to do and keep things tight and interesting, but I think Garcia did a good job with the spacing and timing so I didn't feel like I was gone too long from one person or place when there was a shift/jump. I also really enjoyed the mystery and how it was woven through the book. It kept me guessing and making predictions, which is an indicator, for me, of a good read. I also didn't feel like it was super predicatable. The ending was done very well with revelations and wrapping things up, but still leaving enough in the dark to pique my interest for the next installment.
The world-building was very well done, especially for a first-time author and full-length novel. I absolutely loved the world map and all of the additional reference material in the back. That's a big thing I look for in fantasy books. It makes it so much easier to understand who and what everyone/everything is. I was lucky enough to be able to purchase a paperback copy of this as well (after I had already received my eARC copy), before the official release. It made it a lot easier for me to reference things while I read, but that's just a personal preference for me I think. I actually went though and read all of that stuff before I read the book itself and I'm so glad I did! I felt a lot more prepared for who and what I was getting into. The only thing I wish it had included was a pronunciation guide, as my mind kept getting snagged on some things as I read (mostly places and peoples) since everything was brand new to me. That's really just a personal want and in no way affected my rating, but it really would have been the cherry on top!
The characters and peoples of this world/story were also very fascinating. I like reading new and fresh creations and this one definitely provided that. The names of creatures/gods/peoples was all new from the ground up which I thought was amazing and made this book feel very unique. Elaysia (FMC) was very relatable and I enjoyed reading about her journey. She definitely gets thrust into some tough shit and really has to grow up and put her big gal pants on. I was proud of her character by the end and I look forward to seeing where her journey goes. Zavik was such a cutie, loved him! Definitely gave me cute, nerdy, librarian vibes! Him and Elaysia's relationship was so sweet and I'm very eager to see what happens in the future. Lumira was that classic "give the villain a chance and they'll give you the world" type of character and I loved her for that. Also really loved her Beridian brother-in-arms Grokhion. He was an absolute saint and I hope he gets more screen time in future books. I liked that there was a queer character, Jakki, in this as well. Overall I liked the strength and resilience of her character, but I also struggled with her (I touch on that a little more below).
Some things that prevented me from giving 5 stars (very minor spoilers here):
-Elaysia seemed to be the main character of the story, and she did, in fact, have the majority of the POVs, but I still felt like I needed a bit more internal insight and development from her to really connect to her character, especially at the end. With everything that happened to her, both physically and mentally, it felt like I just didn't get quite enough internal description from her to really showcase her true development. I think it's there, but it seemed to get shrouded and overshadowed by other POVs and other things going on towards the end of the book. Kind of similar with Davier, I felt like I wanted to dive into his character more from an internal development standpoint and get more connected.
-Elaysia and Davier's relationship, while obvious at the end, just seemed to kind of happen and felt somewhat assumed to me. I felt like I didn't get enough lead up to them having true feelings for each other so I didn't feel very invested in their connection. I understand that they both still had conflicting things going on in their heads (Elaysia more so than Davier, it seemed), but I kept thinking I would have liked to have read more in the lead up. Not necessarily spicy scenes (although I'm always down for more of that!), but that doesn't have to happen to convey an advancement or progress of a budding relationship or attraction between characters. Again, I think more internal description would have helped me with this.
-While I understood the need for Zavik, Lumira, and Jakki's POVs (and was happy to read them), I would have rather read less from them and more from Elaysia and Davier's POV -OR- the whole book just been longer (100-150 pages). I think this would have given a more solid and intimate E & D portion of the story, while also conveying the events of what was going on around the rest of the world. That's just my opinion. In saying that, I also felt like I didn't really understand Jakki's whole angsty deal. I wanted more background from her. I wanted to understand her more and why she was so...umm...angry? I don't know if that's the right word. I just felt like I didn't understand why she felt so much animosity towards so many others from the beginning. I think aspects tried to come through, but I really wanted more. I also had a hard time understanding the whole old man thing that happened with her...still not sure what that was...hoping more will be revealed later.
While this is not something that prevented me from giving 5 stars, I did notice there were no content warnings at the beginning or end of this book. With high fantasy like this, I know there is probably some assumption of graphic violence and dark themes, but I felt like there really should have been at least some sort of statement or link to a list of content elements that were going to be presented. For example, there's some instances of child unaliving that the reader is not prepared for. Personally, I don't have any triggers or issues that I have found when reading as of yet, but CWs are something that I try to notice/pick up on now when reviewing books, just for the sake of others. So that would be a suggestion of mine for the future, as well as a caution for readers. I think most avid fantasy readers won't have an issue, but just be aware that there are some dark elements in here.
Overall I thought this was a great first full-length installment to this series/world and I really look forward to reading the next one. I would definitely recommend to fantasy readers, especially those who are just getting into the fantasy genre. Personally, I would recommend reading the prequel novelette prior to this full-length novel so you have some background of the world and how things came to be as they are. I think Garcia does a good job of summarizing all of the high points of that novelette within this book as they relate to the plot line, so it's not absolutely necessary, but not everything is included. Not to mention it's a good little story all on its own. Excited to see where Garcia takes this story! Happy reading! 🤙🏼💕
August 7, 2023
Of Thieves and Shadows by B.S.H. Garcia is an epic debut that has a whole lot of promise! While this first book didn't always deliver perfectly on them for me, it was still a fascinating read.
This is a big epic world with plenty of fresh races (like cat/lion people as one example), new creatures, whole societies and cultures. I really enjoyed it exploring these new lands that didn't feel like rehash of so many older books. Some things could have been given a bit more page time and depth, I kept backtracking a few times, thinking I missed some more information, but found it just wasn't actually there. There's a few minor time jumps that do make the story quicker, but only add to the slightly disjointed feeling of having missed things.
The plot is mostly about politics and quite some tangled up mysteries, which had a few nice twists along the way, so like the world building it wasn't too predictable and held my interest well until the very last!
So far this all sounds like a good 4 star rating, so why did I tither back and forth between thee and four stars for a while?
The characters.
The main character just felt way too naive for her position, and felt more like a puppet than having her own agency. Yes, this fits her personality and the plot, but she's also somehow very often right in her choices, which would be fine, if they didn't feel immature or random so often. If she just had more confidence in her decisions, it would feel more natural for her to insist in things, than when she's usually swayed by everyone else.
There's a relationship in here -no this is not a romance book, and that's good because - it didn't feel natural at all. It felt like it was added to fit the plot, and not like a naturally occurring romance at all. It was hinted at, but despite being told there's attraction, I didn't feel the characters fall in love one bit.
I really wanted more insight into all of the main characters, more depth and just being able to understand their agency and goals better. I felt the character nuances were rushed to again give this a faster pace, but as rarely as I say this, especially with debuts, I think more words would have been better in this case. The characters have gone through trauma and adventures, but apart from being told "they are different now" it doesn't really show? Again I felt like I was told these things instead of learning them, feeling with the characters and seeing their progress.
Some of the dialogue felt a bit stilted as well, though I think that's more due to the characters not being as well rounded and fleshed out as I'd have liked, than a problem with the dialogue in itself.
So overall this was a good story that kept me hooked enough to finish it, but with some more work especially on the characters it could easily have been a 4 or 5 star book for me. This leaves me really hopeful for further stories in the same world, as the author obviously knows how to write epic worlds, even in her first book!
This is a big epic world with plenty of fresh races (like cat/lion people as one example), new creatures, whole societies and cultures. I really enjoyed it exploring these new lands that didn't feel like rehash of so many older books. Some things could have been given a bit more page time and depth, I kept backtracking a few times, thinking I missed some more information, but found it just wasn't actually there. There's a few minor time jumps that do make the story quicker, but only add to the slightly disjointed feeling of having missed things.
The plot is mostly about politics and quite some tangled up mysteries, which had a few nice twists along the way, so like the world building it wasn't too predictable and held my interest well until the very last!
So far this all sounds like a good 4 star rating, so why did I tither back and forth between thee and four stars for a while?
The characters.
The main character just felt way too naive for her position, and felt more like a puppet than having her own agency. Yes, this fits her personality and the plot, but she's also somehow very often right in her choices, which would be fine, if they didn't feel immature or random so often. If she just had more confidence in her decisions, it would feel more natural for her to insist in things, than when she's usually swayed by everyone else.
There's a relationship in here -no this is not a romance book, and that's good because - it didn't feel natural at all. It felt like it was added to fit the plot, and not like a naturally occurring romance at all. It was hinted at, but despite being told there's attraction, I didn't feel the characters fall in love one bit.
I really wanted more insight into all of the main characters, more depth and just being able to understand their agency and goals better. I felt the character nuances were rushed to again give this a faster pace, but as rarely as I say this, especially with debuts, I think more words would have been better in this case. The characters have gone through trauma and adventures, but apart from being told "they are different now" it doesn't really show? Again I felt like I was told these things instead of learning them, feeling with the characters and seeing their progress.
Some of the dialogue felt a bit stilted as well, though I think that's more due to the characters not being as well rounded and fleshed out as I'd have liked, than a problem with the dialogue in itself.
So overall this was a good story that kept me hooked enough to finish it, but with some more work especially on the characters it could easily have been a 4 or 5 star book for me. This leaves me really hopeful for further stories in the same world, as the author obviously knows how to write epic worlds, even in her first book!
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