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Mesmer Trilogy #1
Sanctuary
A hidden kingdom in a forbidden forest. A realm she can’t escape without the trust of a mage. But trust and magic make complicated allies – when time is running out.
When Lea escapes ruthless pursuers within the shadows of a dark forest, she unwittingly stumbles upon an enchanted kingdom. But Verlaine is not the sanctuary it appears to be. And when its magi sovereign refuses to let her leave, her encounters with strange sorcery and malicious fey become the least of Lea's problems.
Soon, Lea must find a way to outwit Gabriel Amarinth’s web of enchantment without betraying who – and what – she really is; and before a traitor can destroy all she’s fought to protect in her beloved home kingdom of Lorien.
When Lea escapes ruthless pursuers within the shadows of a dark forest, she unwittingly stumbles upon an enchanted kingdom. But Verlaine is not the sanctuary it appears to be. And when its magi sovereign refuses to let her leave, her encounters with strange sorcery and malicious fey become the least of Lea's problems.
Soon, Lea must find a way to outwit Gabriel Amarinth’s web of enchantment without betraying who – and what – she really is; and before a traitor can destroy all she’s fought to protect in her beloved home kingdom of Lorien.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
326 pages, Paperback
First published April 27, 2012
19 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Amaris
17 books20 followersWhen she isn't writing high fantasy or YA romantic fantasy, Isabella Amaris can be found busily penning poetry and short stories with elements of fantasy, romance and mystery/suspense.
No matter how busy she is, this author will always love to hear from her readers. Do drop her a line at belleamaris at gmail dot com, or pop by her website at http://isabellaamaris.com. She blogs on fairy tales and fantasy at http://isabellaamaris.blogspot.com.
No matter how busy she is, this author will always love to hear from her readers. Do drop her a line at belleamaris at gmail dot com, or pop by her website at http://isabellaamaris.com. She blogs on fairy tales and fantasy at http://isabellaamaris.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 17, 2017
While being chased, Lea stumbles into a jungle that the people from her country generally avoid. Hurt and tired, she is almost defenseless when she meets Caleb who takes her to his Master, Gabriel. Initially unaware of her own location, Lea soon finds out that she had inadvertently entered the magical country of Verlaine, a country whose existence she wasn’t aware of. And magic, surely that doesn’t exist? Lea is sure that it is merely an illusion that Gabriel and his cohorts put up. But as she recuperates from her injuries and spends more and more time in Verlaine, she realizes that there’s a lot of things that she doesn’t know about.
When I won this book on Goodreads giveaway, I was really excited. I mean it is a fantasy world with magic in it! Bring it on. The book had my attention from the very first page, but by the end of the chapter I was disappointed. Thinking that I had too high expectation, I gave it a rest for few days before returning to it. But this time to my reaction was the same.
The author has managed to create an intriguing world, I’ll admit. Two countries with polar opposite beliefs and rules are at an uneasy peace – more like a Cold War, when our protagonist stumbles across the existence of a third country which was totally different from what she had grown up knowing and believing. Plus, she finds out that magic is real and that there are all sorts of creatures in existence – not just humans. From vampires to faeries to talking panthers she comes across creatures that she thought existed only in fairy tale and myths. The character of Gabriel and Caleb is also interesting. Gabriel, ruler of Verlaine and Caleb his apprentice are the bright spot of this book. They kept me entertained with their sense of humour and sarcasm. Lea on the other hand confused me a lot. It is indicated throughout the book that she has a ‘past’. Her ever questioning thoughts, refusal to believe what she was seeing and experiencing and her behavior kept contradicting each other. At times it indicated that she was a strong person both mentally and physically, yet the very next moment she behaved very foolishly. The other thing that bugged me was the lack of action. The whole book, once Lea is taken to Gabriel after a couple of chapters, takes place within Gabriel’s castle. That limits the opportunities right there. And then there are the discussions of two types - ones that Lea kept having with herself in her mind and the others that she has with the other characters. They were often repetitive and long drawn. And oh the cliffhanger the book end with is shocking!
Overall the book seemed a like a long drawn introduction to the world of Verlaine. It totally had the potential to be something amazing but just did not work out in the actual rendition of the plot.
When I won this book on Goodreads giveaway, I was really excited. I mean it is a fantasy world with magic in it! Bring it on. The book had my attention from the very first page, but by the end of the chapter I was disappointed. Thinking that I had too high expectation, I gave it a rest for few days before returning to it. But this time to my reaction was the same.
The author has managed to create an intriguing world, I’ll admit. Two countries with polar opposite beliefs and rules are at an uneasy peace – more like a Cold War, when our protagonist stumbles across the existence of a third country which was totally different from what she had grown up knowing and believing. Plus, she finds out that magic is real and that there are all sorts of creatures in existence – not just humans. From vampires to faeries to talking panthers she comes across creatures that she thought existed only in fairy tale and myths. The character of Gabriel and Caleb is also interesting. Gabriel, ruler of Verlaine and Caleb his apprentice are the bright spot of this book. They kept me entertained with their sense of humour and sarcasm. Lea on the other hand confused me a lot. It is indicated throughout the book that she has a ‘past’. Her ever questioning thoughts, refusal to believe what she was seeing and experiencing and her behavior kept contradicting each other. At times it indicated that she was a strong person both mentally and physically, yet the very next moment she behaved very foolishly. The other thing that bugged me was the lack of action. The whole book, once Lea is taken to Gabriel after a couple of chapters, takes place within Gabriel’s castle. That limits the opportunities right there. And then there are the discussions of two types - ones that Lea kept having with herself in her mind and the others that she has with the other characters. They were often repetitive and long drawn. And oh the cliffhanger the book end with is shocking!
Overall the book seemed a like a long drawn introduction to the world of Verlaine. It totally had the potential to be something amazing but just did not work out in the actual rendition of the plot.
April 24, 2023
Great Potential, butt the writer lacks needed skills.
If this story was told verbally to a group of people, I would call it excellent. It is however, written and therein lies the problem. Telling a story is a talent. Writing a story is a skill. I encourage Isabella Amaris to gain the skills needed. What was good-- the world concept was excellent. Most of the characters were interesting. What didn't work -- The protagonist was an idiot and confrontational through most of the book. There are far better ways to express disbelief. The descriptions of the character's moods, relied heavily on eyes, turning cold, or other physical impossibilities. Finally, the book needs a proofreader, who is strong in English Grammar. If, the writer has improved her skill since writing this book, a rewrite would be wise.
If this story was told verbally to a group of people, I would call it excellent. It is however, written and therein lies the problem. Telling a story is a talent. Writing a story is a skill. I encourage Isabella Amaris to gain the skills needed. What was good-- the world concept was excellent. Most of the characters were interesting. What didn't work -- The protagonist was an idiot and confrontational through most of the book. There are far better ways to express disbelief. The descriptions of the character's moods, relied heavily on eyes, turning cold, or other physical impossibilities. Finally, the book needs a proofreader, who is strong in English Grammar. If, the writer has improved her skill since writing this book, a rewrite would be wise.
January 2, 2014
Lea is found in the Forbidden Forest, beaten and bloody. We are all unsure on what to think since Lea lives a very secluded live, hiding her true identity from those around her. This kind of feels like it was used as a reason to not explain Lea's character fully, I am not quite certain, but there's something off about her mysterious character.
Up until now she has believed there are only two different kingdoms, her kingdom, Lorien of the White Tower, and Makliaven, with the Black Tower, which are both run by non magical humans.
Caleb is the man who rescues Lea who takes her back to his kingdom, hidden deep inside the Forbidden Forest. This is a whole new kingdom, Verlaine, which is home of the Grey tower. She's nursed back to health with a luxurious amount of attention including wardrobes made of the finest materials, and a room that's fit for a king, for her to recover in.
Although the King of Verlaine likes to think she's being kept as a guest or a visitor, Lea feels she's being held prisoner because she is not allowed to leave until the King feels she is not a threat to the people of Verlaine. Thus begins her attempt at hiding her true identity, something she's already so used to doing. She spins a huge web of lies to Caleb. She doesn't plan on opening up to anyone until she knows she is not in danger.
Everything she see's in Verlaine she assumes is due to magic because she doesn't trust her own sight or the appearance they give off. Now she must attempt to escape, without being hunted or followed.
Mesmer is a difficult book to place in a specific genre. I would have to say that it fits in fantasy quite well, with some romantic aspects to the sub plots. It crosses over many different genera's making this a fit for a wide range of people. It's written very well with an easily flowing plot, with no grammar or spelling errors that I found.
I did find it to be quite a lengthily book, but since it captured my attention so quickly, it was hard to notice how long I was reading for. I read most of it in one sitting, so that also helped. It took a long time to get to know the characters, since little pieces of information are given at one time.
I am intrigued enough to read the second book in the series, but I don't know if I'm invested enough. I give this book a 4/5.
Up until now she has believed there are only two different kingdoms, her kingdom, Lorien of the White Tower, and Makliaven, with the Black Tower, which are both run by non magical humans.
Caleb is the man who rescues Lea who takes her back to his kingdom, hidden deep inside the Forbidden Forest. This is a whole new kingdom, Verlaine, which is home of the Grey tower. She's nursed back to health with a luxurious amount of attention including wardrobes made of the finest materials, and a room that's fit for a king, for her to recover in.
Although the King of Verlaine likes to think she's being kept as a guest or a visitor, Lea feels she's being held prisoner because she is not allowed to leave until the King feels she is not a threat to the people of Verlaine. Thus begins her attempt at hiding her true identity, something she's already so used to doing. She spins a huge web of lies to Caleb. She doesn't plan on opening up to anyone until she knows she is not in danger.
Everything she see's in Verlaine she assumes is due to magic because she doesn't trust her own sight or the appearance they give off. Now she must attempt to escape, without being hunted or followed.
Mesmer is a difficult book to place in a specific genre. I would have to say that it fits in fantasy quite well, with some romantic aspects to the sub plots. It crosses over many different genera's making this a fit for a wide range of people. It's written very well with an easily flowing plot, with no grammar or spelling errors that I found.
I did find it to be quite a lengthily book, but since it captured my attention so quickly, it was hard to notice how long I was reading for. I read most of it in one sitting, so that also helped. It took a long time to get to know the characters, since little pieces of information are given at one time.
I am intrigued enough to read the second book in the series, but I don't know if I'm invested enough. I give this book a 4/5.
March 5, 2020
Eh. This book was okay. I don't like writing bad reviews, I really don't, so I'll keep it short.
Escaping pursuers, wounded Lea emerges from the woods to find herself in a magical third kingdom nobody knew about. The ruler of this place, Gabriel, tells her she cannot leave until they know she can be trusted to keep their secret. Difficult, as most things she's told about herself is a lie. To add to that, the place really is quite magical, something she's never believed in. As she struggles to reconcile what she sees with everything she's ever known, she somehow gets embroiled in the politics.
It was really difficult to like Lea. Sure, in the beginning it's understandable that she's so wary, but it gets really tiring that she pretty much stays the same throughout the novel. She's also stubborn to the point of being silly. Rather than be a bit more diplomatic about the things she sees, she outright accuses everyone of being tricksters and illusionists. Also, after being told repeatedly that yes, it's extremely insulting to call them such things, she keeps doing it. Then when someone gets angry about it, she bows her head and say, "I meant to offense." Highly doubtful as the point's been made on numerous occasions.
Gabriel is... Well, in all the interactions through the book he also remains the same. He at least seems rather fair and incredibly tolerant of Lea. He does get vexed here and there, but really. So patient. His reasoning for why Lea can't leave is a bit extreme but highly reasonable. After all, considering the other two kingdoms are constantly at war, is it any wonder he doesn't want to get involved?
Overall, this book was... okay. I'm interested enough to read it if only to find out what exactly Lea's deal is (I have my suspicions, but I want to be sure). The ending was clearly supposed to be some sort of cliffhanger, but it was just like, "Eh." I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy sometime, though I'm certainly in no hurry.
Escaping pursuers, wounded Lea emerges from the woods to find herself in a magical third kingdom nobody knew about. The ruler of this place, Gabriel, tells her she cannot leave until they know she can be trusted to keep their secret. Difficult, as most things she's told about herself is a lie. To add to that, the place really is quite magical, something she's never believed in. As she struggles to reconcile what she sees with everything she's ever known, she somehow gets embroiled in the politics.
It was really difficult to like Lea. Sure, in the beginning it's understandable that she's so wary, but it gets really tiring that she pretty much stays the same throughout the novel. She's also stubborn to the point of being silly. Rather than be a bit more diplomatic about the things she sees, she outright accuses everyone of being tricksters and illusionists. Also, after being told repeatedly that yes, it's extremely insulting to call them such things, she keeps doing it. Then when someone gets angry about it, she bows her head and say, "I meant to offense." Highly doubtful as the point's been made on numerous occasions.
Gabriel is... Well, in all the interactions through the book he also remains the same. He at least seems rather fair and incredibly tolerant of Lea. He does get vexed here and there, but really. So patient. His reasoning for why Lea can't leave is a bit extreme but highly reasonable. After all, considering the other two kingdoms are constantly at war, is it any wonder he doesn't want to get involved?
Overall, this book was... okay. I'm interested enough to read it if only to find out what exactly Lea's deal is (I have my suspicions, but I want to be sure). The ending was clearly supposed to be some sort of cliffhanger, but it was just like, "Eh." I'll probably read the rest of the trilogy sometime, though I'm certainly in no hurry.
Read
January 31, 2013While running for her life, Lea is rescued and taken to an unknown kingdom hidden in the forest between her own kingdom and the enemy’s. While she plans for a short stay to get better and head home, she finds she is trapped in Verlaine. The key to leaving lies in believing Gabriel and his claim of magic, which logical Lea cannot find herself doing.
I do not read too many high fantasy books, so it was nice for a change of pace. Lea comes from a very logical mindset and has trouble believing in the magic. This was a great way to get the reader to relate to the story. We can sympathize alongside her. There are tons of secrets in this book and only a few get explained. I know this is part of a planned series, but it is hard to read along some times as there are so many secrets. We don’t even have the knowledge of what or why Lea was injured in the forest. I would have liked a little more back story. I am sure there is more to come in the following books.
The three main characters were well developed. I like the moment when Lea finds Caleb is a bit OCD and then makes sense of all his previous odd moments. He had been true to character from the start even though the reader did not know of his ways. Lea was a strong female- especially since her room was first an armory. I would have liked to know more about her. We know she is playing secrets from Gabriel, but we do not know why. As the reader, I wanted in on a few of those secrets.
Cliff hanger- not my favorite way to end. I prefer that each individual book is complete on their own. I know this is a planned series, so I will let this pass in my assessment, and it really is the norm right now. I just wish more authors would get away from it. If you don't mind cliff hangers, then this point will not bother you.
I would recommend this book to people that like high fantasy and mystery type books.
I do not read too many high fantasy books, so it was nice for a change of pace. Lea comes from a very logical mindset and has trouble believing in the magic. This was a great way to get the reader to relate to the story. We can sympathize alongside her. There are tons of secrets in this book and only a few get explained. I know this is part of a planned series, but it is hard to read along some times as there are so many secrets. We don’t even have the knowledge of what or why Lea was injured in the forest. I would have liked a little more back story. I am sure there is more to come in the following books.
The three main characters were well developed. I like the moment when Lea finds Caleb is a bit OCD and then makes sense of all his previous odd moments. He had been true to character from the start even though the reader did not know of his ways. Lea was a strong female- especially since her room was first an armory. I would have liked to know more about her. We know she is playing secrets from Gabriel, but we do not know why. As the reader, I wanted in on a few of those secrets.
Cliff hanger- not my favorite way to end. I prefer that each individual book is complete on their own. I know this is a planned series, so I will let this pass in my assessment, and it really is the norm right now. I just wish more authors would get away from it. If you don't mind cliff hangers, then this point will not bother you.
I would recommend this book to people that like high fantasy and mystery type books.
December 17, 2012
WALKI'S REVIEW
Lea Tornith, chased by Maklavien bandits into the forbidden forest, is rescued by Caleb, and wakes up in an enchanted castle. She meets Gabriel Amarinth, guardian of Verlaine a kingdom she never knew existed. To let her return to her home --the kingdom of Lorien, the mage needs to be sure he can trust she will not endanger the safety and secrets of Verlaine.
At first, I felt irritated by Lea Tornith, but her character grew on me. Cleverly the writer only slowly reveals Lea’s origins, mission, and function, while revealing the secrets of the magic castle, its inhabitants, its visitors, and the kingdom of Verlaine, at the same pace Lea Tornith discover them. Is Gabriel a rich, delusional and dangerous man, or is he really a mage? Does magic exist? Is Caleb a ventriloquist or can the black panther Starr really talk?
This is an intriguing novel written with a flourishing style. The author, while providing details and wonderings, leaves you with many questions and hungry for answers.
‘Mesmer’ might be a fantasy novel for young adults, but it will appeal to adults, too, like an invasive spell you can’t refuse, because you start imagining yourself in this enchanted castle and you start wondering what your room would look like…….
Lea Tornith, chased by Maklavien bandits into the forbidden forest, is rescued by Caleb, and wakes up in an enchanted castle. She meets Gabriel Amarinth, guardian of Verlaine a kingdom she never knew existed. To let her return to her home --the kingdom of Lorien, the mage needs to be sure he can trust she will not endanger the safety and secrets of Verlaine.
At first, I felt irritated by Lea Tornith, but her character grew on me. Cleverly the writer only slowly reveals Lea’s origins, mission, and function, while revealing the secrets of the magic castle, its inhabitants, its visitors, and the kingdom of Verlaine, at the same pace Lea Tornith discover them. Is Gabriel a rich, delusional and dangerous man, or is he really a mage? Does magic exist? Is Caleb a ventriloquist or can the black panther Starr really talk?
This is an intriguing novel written with a flourishing style. The author, while providing details and wonderings, leaves you with many questions and hungry for answers.
‘Mesmer’ might be a fantasy novel for young adults, but it will appeal to adults, too, like an invasive spell you can’t refuse, because you start imagining yourself in this enchanted castle and you start wondering what your room would look like…….
March 20, 2017
I can see why other reviewers thought this was slow, nothing much really happens, nevertheless I enjoyed it. I'm not, generally speaking, a fan of stories over three volumes and this is very definitely not a complete story - we still know next to nothing about Lea and the circumstances that landed her in Verlaine. Still I'm in two minds whether to read the next book as there appears to have been no activity by the author since 2012 and I'd rather leave it here if there is to be no final ending.
February 9, 2013
Started out too slow for my taste, and I think I've maxed out my lifetime tolerance for Spunky!Naive!Heroines and their Amused!Superior!Nobleman love interests. Abandoned after three chapters--maybe it gets better later, but I didn't care to stick around to find out. At least I got it free on Kindle; I guess you get what you pay for.
July 14, 2018
I love the world that Amaris created. But the h is really bratty, selfish, immature.. i hated her attitude in general. It's not that she was distrustful but the way she acted towards anyone new. We keep reading how she is supposedly such great liar and spy/secret keeper but she never thinks ahead at all.
March 9, 2013
I did enjoy this book but I felt like the story dragged on for too long with not enough happening to justify the delay. I will probably read the next book just to see if the story improves. An ok short read but not all that exciting.
May 14, 2018
It was all right, but repetitive and slow. The coy withholding of information ceased to feel natural quickly and became tedious. So much so that the cliffhanger wasn't a surprise, but more of a shrug and a "figures." Good enough to be readable as a free book.
July 29, 2013
The odd perspective this series is written from is very different then from what I normally read. It's unique to be kept in the dark about the main character. I did telly enjoy this book. If you like your main character a bit mysterious and a world with a hint of magic this is up your alley.
October 2, 2013
I dont like to write bad reviews, I really dont, so ill keep this short. this book isn't my favourite. the characters were inconsistent, and even though the beginning was interesting, I really couldnt get into it.
December 22, 2013
this story had potential but the main character was a total flop. She is a habitual liar and difficult to relate to. I thought briefly about reading the sequel until I read the reviews and it looks like the lying continues so I won't bother.
November 4, 2012
Best cliffhanger I've read in ages.
January 9, 2013
just started reading and already annoyed. good thing the book was free. don't know if i'll be able to finish.
yep, i'm done. can we give negative stars?
yep, i'm done. can we give negative stars?
July 5, 2013
read this book then read the second.. I enjoyed the series want the third to see what happens... Hope it will come out soon..
October 21, 2013
Intrigued by the story line. But the main character was like nails on a chalk board. She irritated me pretty much from the get go On the other hand I finished the book and will read the sequel
July 9, 2014
Hard to get into didn't know I would finish it but held me attention could wait to read the next book.
August 6, 2015
This was a very interesting and unusual story. It took a bit to really get into it but once I did I enjoyed it!
April 15, 2013
Cool. I can't wait for book 3 :)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews