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Curse of the Blood Fox #1
Sleepless
Legends and stories call her the Blood Fox, a cunning warrior with plenty of wit and awkward charm, stuck with a curse that keeps her alive and young even as it devours her sanity. When a hidden lord sends his sharp-tongued sorcerer with answers and an offer, she’s tempted to bite… even though the source is far from trustworthy, and the cost could be her life. Luckily, she's splendidly unhinged and has nothing left to lose.
*****
Full Description:
Curses are not subtle.
They are things of pain, and for a very long time Santo has been caught in one. She haunts the roads of the country of Kurdak as a mercenary, fighting back sleep every night so that she won’t have to face the horror that comes for her when she rests. Weary, with sanity almost gone and no end in sight, Santo doesn't know who did this to her or why she is still alive.
Someone does, though.
As the mythical Week of Colors arrives, she receives a visit from a long-time acquaintance. Traken is a sharp-tongued sorcerer with a sadistic streak, and he comes bearing an “invitation” from his master, a secretive lord who has been watching her for far too long. Santo isn't thrilled, until another message arrives in the form of an ominous prediction: following the sorcerer will mean the answers she wants, but she’ll likely die in the process.
That’s fine with Santo, though, because she isn't searching for a way out… she’s searching for revenge.
*****
Full Description:
Curses are not subtle.
They are things of pain, and for a very long time Santo has been caught in one. She haunts the roads of the country of Kurdak as a mercenary, fighting back sleep every night so that she won’t have to face the horror that comes for her when she rests. Weary, with sanity almost gone and no end in sight, Santo doesn't know who did this to her or why she is still alive.
Someone does, though.
As the mythical Week of Colors arrives, she receives a visit from a long-time acquaintance. Traken is a sharp-tongued sorcerer with a sadistic streak, and he comes bearing an “invitation” from his master, a secretive lord who has been watching her for far too long. Santo isn't thrilled, until another message arrives in the form of an ominous prediction: following the sorcerer will mean the answers she wants, but she’ll likely die in the process.
That’s fine with Santo, though, because she isn't searching for a way out… she’s searching for revenge.
298 pages, Paperback
First published August 18, 2013
3 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Sera Ashling
1 book21 followersSera Ashling currently lives in Orlando, Florida with her partner and their two fluffy kitties, and is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a B.A. in Creative Writing. Her favorite genres are fantasy, sci-fi, and action/adventure, with a focus on dialogue and characters. She loves the everyday mixed with the fantastical, and finding a spark of happy in anything.
She’ll tell you she’s an artist too, but that part is questionable.
She’ll tell you she’s an artist too, but that part is questionable.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 17, 2018
After rewriting this review so many times I thought to myself. Oh just post it already.
It was just that I loved Reading this book so much I want to write this review to reflect that. And it just felt so insufficient to describe the awesomeness of Sleepless
So here it is my review of a book wich might very well end up to be one of my favorite books of 2014. Expect lots of fangirling .
Santo is a mercenary who wanders from place to place or at least thats as a good excuse as any to explain why she carries two cursed swords and avoid too many people wondering about the fact that she has been around for 50 years and still looks like a girl. And not to mention her eyecolor changing with her mood. At least she has her etiquette book so she knows how to interact with other people.
The only constant in her life for the last 5 decades has been the manipulative sorceror Traken who delights in engaging her in conversation but he has been sent on a mission to take her to his lord and master.
She declines for the umpteenth time but after finding out that if she goes with Traken to his master she might find out the truth about her past and curse...but she is sure to die. Santo decides that knowing is worth that price and so they set out. But their journey wont be an easy one.
The world in wich this book takes place has a distinct asian/ medieval flair.Definetely a mixture between those two.
There is even casual mention of an emperor.
Sometimes I could easily imagine this as an anime it just has this quality to it. I cant really explain it but if you have watched some anime and read this book you will get it I hope.
But what really stood out for me was the characters and their interactions.
I pulled his face closer to mine, eyes narrowed. “Do not tempt me to bring out my swords.” The moment was spiraling so far out of my hands I felt like I was losing control of myself. Traken, full of tricks and games, was good at that.
“What's this?” he said. “So polite and good-humored with everyone else, but the moment you open your mouth around me, out comes rubbish .” He squished my cheeks together, and his rings pinched my skin. “Pure rubbish.”
This book has some very entertaining bickering. lol
Santo is lethal but she is also just trying to fit into the world but knowing she probably wont as she dont age it doesnt keep her from losing faith in the world and people.Shes a good foil for Traken and his cynic outlook on life.
Usually in these situations the female maincharacter wants and tries to change the "bad boy" But Santo accepts him for what he is just as Traken doesnt want to change her. They both need each other and thats it.
And then there is Traken that twisted sorceror hes strong and arrogant and he has some strange priorities but at the same time you can needs Santo so much. It was quite heartbreaking.
But its not really a romance at least there is "I love yous" or kissing in this book.(Maybe next one? Its something even more precious its finding someone who gets you.
They are the same in many ways yet---different.
There is also a lot action in this book but Santo isnt some invincible heroine she does get hurt there is in fact a lot of people get hurt,maimed and killed in this book.
p.60 As I went to stand, the waves of magic energy flooding the house threw me against the wall again.
“Auuughh!” My wounded back hit hard against the wood. I saw things, bodies, people flying. There were screams, some distant and some near , but everything was moving in this storm and I could focus on none of it. Dust and dirt rose up in clouds as another violent roar shook the room.
It was the last straw, and the roof caved in above us.
Now I want the sequel so I can read more about the adventures of Wolf and Fox!
August 29, 2013
Straight up amazing read. This is one of those books that I have a hard time explaining myself about. I go through stages when I read them, first I read to fast and skip paragraphs in my excitement (this will continue the entire read) then I get mad when I my kindle battery dies after I blatantly ignore the warnings that its on its last legs, following the convincing of myself that the book won't magically disappear if I go to sleep, that it will really still be there in the morning.
I really loved everything about it, I cannot for the life of me think of one single thing that made me mad. The plot was great, and just the kind of thing that I love to read. The world was interesting to hear about, it wasn't bogged down with insane details, just enough to give you a feel for everything. There was more then a few things I didn't expect to happen, but worked so great with everything happening.
The Blood Fox, known also as Santo was a great character to be following around. The way her mind worked was interesting, and watching her try to have normal conversations that would turn on her was amusing. And the banter between her and Traken keep what could have been a heavy read on the lighter side.
I would have been content with just the interactions between the two of them. I haven't had so much fun reading about two characters in a long time, it was really refreshing.
The development of both characters was interesting to watch as well, mostly on Trakens side. The end wasn't so much surprising as interesting. I really wanted to know what Trakens Lord wanted with Santo, and even though I pretty much figured out who he was before she did, I didn't expect the reasoning behind everything.
I kept catching myself looking at how much of the percentage was left in the book, and when I was certain the book should have been coming to an end it still had some steam left in it. Which was good because I wasn't ready to let go of the story myself yet either.
The ending was a complete twist though, would have never seen that coming in a million years. Everything wraps up as nicely as possible, there are only a few loose ends hanging around but they aren't any major plot points bought up in the beginning of the read. But Santa and Traken themselves are enough for me to want to read the second installment in this trilogy.
Would I recommend this book? Oh yeah, it was a very good read and I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Sera Ashling
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
I really loved everything about it, I cannot for the life of me think of one single thing that made me mad. The plot was great, and just the kind of thing that I love to read. The world was interesting to hear about, it wasn't bogged down with insane details, just enough to give you a feel for everything. There was more then a few things I didn't expect to happen, but worked so great with everything happening.
The Blood Fox, known also as Santo was a great character to be following around. The way her mind worked was interesting, and watching her try to have normal conversations that would turn on her was amusing. And the banter between her and Traken keep what could have been a heavy read on the lighter side.
I would have been content with just the interactions between the two of them. I haven't had so much fun reading about two characters in a long time, it was really refreshing.
The development of both characters was interesting to watch as well, mostly on Trakens side. The end wasn't so much surprising as interesting. I really wanted to know what Trakens Lord wanted with Santo, and even though I pretty much figured out who he was before she did, I didn't expect the reasoning behind everything.
I kept catching myself looking at how much of the percentage was left in the book, and when I was certain the book should have been coming to an end it still had some steam left in it. Which was good because I wasn't ready to let go of the story myself yet either.
The ending was a complete twist though, would have never seen that coming in a million years. Everything wraps up as nicely as possible, there are only a few loose ends hanging around but they aren't any major plot points bought up in the beginning of the read. But Santa and Traken themselves are enough for me to want to read the second installment in this trilogy.
Would I recommend this book? Oh yeah, it was a very good read and I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Sera Ashling
http://zephyrbookreviews.blogspot.com/
May 3, 2015
Wow, I am thrilled 2015 is starting so well. I stayed up way too late last night to finish this book. Then, tired as I was, I had to check if the sequel was available before I could drag myself to bed. (It's apparently not, but I would have bought it if it had been.)
I had very low expectations from this book, being an Amazon freeibe. But it surpassed them by some distance. Santos and Traken are a fun pair. At the start of the book they are long time acquaintances, familiar and comfortable (if wary) with one another, but not friends. That changes over the course of the book and the back and forwards banter was great.
Santo is a wonderfully strong heroine, never flailing helplessly or swooning for a man. Meanwhile, Traken is nursing a touching fragility (while still remaining badass). Plus, though there's no sex or even much romance, seeing a man practically begging a woman to give him orders is darned sexy. Having read what I just wrote, it doesn't sound like it would be, but in the context of the story it really is.
I'm also happy to report that this isn't a YA book. There isn't anything in it that would be unsuitable for younger readers, but it's pleasantly adult for a fantasy. There is violence and surprisingly grown-up themes of healing and redemption.
The writing was fun to read and the editing was fine. I noticed a few dropped particles here or there, but that could have been a character's speech pattern. Hard to tell. And, though never dull, the book does seem to drag a bit in the middle. There just seems to be a lot of middle, if that makes sense. All in all, a real win in my book, made especially sweet since I really hadn't expected as much.
I had very low expectations from this book, being an Amazon freeibe. But it surpassed them by some distance. Santos and Traken are a fun pair. At the start of the book they are long time acquaintances, familiar and comfortable (if wary) with one another, but not friends. That changes over the course of the book and the back and forwards banter was great.
Santo is a wonderfully strong heroine, never flailing helplessly or swooning for a man. Meanwhile, Traken is nursing a touching fragility (while still remaining badass). Plus, though there's no sex or even much romance, seeing a man practically begging a woman to give him orders is darned sexy. Having read what I just wrote, it doesn't sound like it would be, but in the context of the story it really is.
I'm also happy to report that this isn't a YA book. There isn't anything in it that would be unsuitable for younger readers, but it's pleasantly adult for a fantasy. There is violence and surprisingly grown-up themes of healing and redemption.
The writing was fun to read and the editing was fine. I noticed a few dropped particles here or there, but that could have been a character's speech pattern. Hard to tell. And, though never dull, the book does seem to drag a bit in the middle. There just seems to be a lot of middle, if that makes sense. All in all, a real win in my book, made especially sweet since I really hadn't expected as much.
August 20, 2013
The first book in the Blood Fox trilogy is a force to be reckoned with! Sera Ashling bursts into the Fantasy genre in a new and exciting adventure that will leave you begging for more. Her first book doesn't leave anything wanting and the reader cannot help but be entraced by her fluid writing style.
This book has all of the action and adventure of "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins and pairs it with wit and chicanery rememiscent of the two main characters of "Graceling" by Kristen Cashore.
This book's ending left me reeling with the possibilities for Blood Fox's (Santo's) future and, at the same time, apprehensive of what it means for the two heroes of the story. There is a game afoot and the reader's minds have not even been slightly whetted with the knowledge of the revelations Santo and Traken have discovered at the end of this, the first book. We must have more!!
The book starts out getting to know the main characters and how they interact with their world and why and I found that thrilling. This book doesn't just drop you into the fray, it nurtures you until you understand at least some of what might be going on behind the façades the characters show each other before it throws you full on into action!
I seriously couldn't put this book down (okay maybe ONCE to use the restroom or eat or something) and I can't wait to see how Sera Ashling's career takes off from here.
If she can produce this quality of a product in her first book I am looking forward to seeing what else this new, young writer has in store for us, the intrigued readers!
I would highly recommend this book to any who are looking for a good adventure with new characters and who doesn't mind having their mind blown at the end of the book :-)
This book has all of the action and adventure of "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins and pairs it with wit and chicanery rememiscent of the two main characters of "Graceling" by Kristen Cashore.
This book's ending left me reeling with the possibilities for Blood Fox's (Santo's) future and, at the same time, apprehensive of what it means for the two heroes of the story. There is a game afoot and the reader's minds have not even been slightly whetted with the knowledge of the revelations Santo and Traken have discovered at the end of this, the first book. We must have more!!
The book starts out getting to know the main characters and how they interact with their world and why and I found that thrilling. This book doesn't just drop you into the fray, it nurtures you until you understand at least some of what might be going on behind the façades the characters show each other before it throws you full on into action!
I seriously couldn't put this book down (okay maybe ONCE to use the restroom or eat or something) and I can't wait to see how Sera Ashling's career takes off from here.
If she can produce this quality of a product in her first book I am looking forward to seeing what else this new, young writer has in store for us, the intrigued readers!
I would highly recommend this book to any who are looking for a good adventure with new characters and who doesn't mind having their mind blown at the end of the book :-)
August 29, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book! Once I started on it I could not put it down, and it turned out I was the one who was "sleepless" ;-). The tongue in cheek dialogue and blurring between friend and enemy reminded me a little of Roger Zelazny's "Chronicles of Amber" and Piers Anthony's "Xanth". More and more is revealed as the story progresses and your understanding of the characters is changing right up to the end of the book. Santo is a mercenary for hire (or is she?) who is on a mission to find answers. She lives a pretty solitary and nomadic life. People seem to have strange reactions to her, even when she isn’t aiming a sword at them. In order to combat some of these emotional reactions she refers to her manual on etiquette. Unfortunately, her carefully phrased responses are sometimes met with even more ire, and this can make for some funny scenes. Santo is a magnificent fighter but she can barely keep her eyes open. The reason for this becomes evident during the first few chapters. Soon she becomes thrown together with the intrusive magician Traken who is attempting to kidnap her to take her to his evil Lord.
The banter between Santo and Traken is electric and amusing. Really, those two characters alone and their interactions make the book, but there is so much more! The characterizations and scene descriptions are very memorable but the story never gets bogged down in descriptions. Santo and Traken encounter many challenges and battles on their journey, and the story builds up to a surprising conclusion. Although the book does not end on a cliff-hanger, it does certainly leave you with a hunger for more. I thought this was a great book and I eagerly await the sequel!
The banter between Santo and Traken is electric and amusing. Really, those two characters alone and their interactions make the book, but there is so much more! The characterizations and scene descriptions are very memorable but the story never gets bogged down in descriptions. Santo and Traken encounter many challenges and battles on their journey, and the story builds up to a surprising conclusion. Although the book does not end on a cliff-hanger, it does certainly leave you with a hunger for more. I thought this was a great book and I eagerly await the sequel!
August 20, 2013
I had the privilege of reading this (well, a slightly earlier version) before it came out.
"Curse of the Blood Fox: Sleepless" was a great adventure that had many moments that made me feel happy, sad, scared, and even angry. The relationship between the two main characters is awkwardly amazing. Santo is genuine and her stoic nature coupled with Traken's chaotic charm will leave you giggling and pulling your hair out simultaneously.
This character driven book hints at many genres but stays true to its fantasy and adventure roots. I look forward to reading the future adventures of this dysfunctional duo!
"Curse of the Blood Fox: Sleepless" was a great adventure that had many moments that made me feel happy, sad, scared, and even angry. The relationship between the two main characters is awkwardly amazing. Santo is genuine and her stoic nature coupled with Traken's chaotic charm will leave you giggling and pulling your hair out simultaneously.
This character driven book hints at many genres but stays true to its fantasy and adventure roots. I look forward to reading the future adventures of this dysfunctional duo!
July 27, 2022
Really good! Good on the level of traditional publishing not just kindle unlimited. But…. what’s happened with the author? This isn’t a recent book and not a standalone. Sad there isn’t anything more to read.
March 9, 2014
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) by Sera Ashling
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) by Sera Ashling we meet Santo (aka the Blood Fox) who is a mercenary. When she was young, her village was decimated and she was the only survivor. Since then she has traveled trying to find answers about her past and who was responsible for the death and destruction of her village.
Even though Santo has roamed the roads or Kurdak for 50years, she still has the appearance of a young girl. Her eyes change color depending on her mood and she carries two cursed swords. She has been reading an etiquette book to improve on how she communicates and relates to others.
Even though Santo has a nomadic lifestyle, she does have a sorcerer acquaintance that she runs into and his name is Traken. However, what Santo doesn’t know is that Traken was ordered by his master to keep an eye on her for the past 50 years. Traken does tell her that his master has sent him to bring her to him and he could use force if necessary.
Santo agrees to go with him and during their journey they encounter many roadblocks. They use their talents and wits to get by these roadblocks and finally arrive at his master’s home. During their journey Santo and Traken discover things that they did not know about each other and Santo is helped to remember what she desperately wants to remember, her family and friends.
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) is a fresh, new amazing fantasy that draws the reader in little by little. You want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next. Sera Ashling has built a wonderful world full of sorceres, murders, friends and family.
The characters were well developed. You were given enough information, a little at a time, that enabled you to understand what was going on but it helped build the suspense in the story. The joking and teasing between Santo and Traken is priceless. I just love how she calls him “Dogboy”. Even though they bicker back and forth at times, you can tell that each cares for the other on a deeper level.
The story has a nice flow. I never felt a lull in the story. There was something always happening. Sera Ashling has taken her time to build her story allowing it to slowly progress so the reader can enjoy every moment. You are always left with wanting more. The author’s writing and storytelling abilities are exceptional. Ashling makes the story come alive. Her words flow naturally and effortlessly across the pages, allowing the reader to enjoy the world she has created.
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) is a definite must read and a great start to a new series! I look forward to the next book in the series. Definite MUST READ!!!!!!!
4.5 Stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book.*
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) by Sera Ashling we meet Santo (aka the Blood Fox) who is a mercenary. When she was young, her village was decimated and she was the only survivor. Since then she has traveled trying to find answers about her past and who was responsible for the death and destruction of her village.
Even though Santo has roamed the roads or Kurdak for 50years, she still has the appearance of a young girl. Her eyes change color depending on her mood and she carries two cursed swords. She has been reading an etiquette book to improve on how she communicates and relates to others.
Even though Santo has a nomadic lifestyle, she does have a sorcerer acquaintance that she runs into and his name is Traken. However, what Santo doesn’t know is that Traken was ordered by his master to keep an eye on her for the past 50 years. Traken does tell her that his master has sent him to bring her to him and he could use force if necessary.
Santo agrees to go with him and during their journey they encounter many roadblocks. They use their talents and wits to get by these roadblocks and finally arrive at his master’s home. During their journey Santo and Traken discover things that they did not know about each other and Santo is helped to remember what she desperately wants to remember, her family and friends.
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) is a fresh, new amazing fantasy that draws the reader in little by little. You want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next. Sera Ashling has built a wonderful world full of sorceres, murders, friends and family.
The characters were well developed. You were given enough information, a little at a time, that enabled you to understand what was going on but it helped build the suspense in the story. The joking and teasing between Santo and Traken is priceless. I just love how she calls him “Dogboy”. Even though they bicker back and forth at times, you can tell that each cares for the other on a deeper level.
The story has a nice flow. I never felt a lull in the story. There was something always happening. Sera Ashling has taken her time to build her story allowing it to slowly progress so the reader can enjoy every moment. You are always left with wanting more. The author’s writing and storytelling abilities are exceptional. Ashling makes the story come alive. Her words flow naturally and effortlessly across the pages, allowing the reader to enjoy the world she has created.
Sleepless (Curse of the Blood Fox, #1) is a definite must read and a great start to a new series! I look forward to the next book in the series. Definite MUST READ!!!!!!!
4.5 Stars
*I won this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaway. In no way has this influenced my rating or opinion of this book.*
January 17, 2014
I really liked this book, the writing, the characters. Pretty much everything. I laughed on a regular basis, the fight scenes were nice, and the characters really made the story.
The world building was nice and fairly unique. I’ve gotten a little jaded with the whole quest/journey etc. type of Fantasy novels. I’m afraid I’m getting to the point where I’m expected to break out in hives if someone says Epic Fantasy. My mind tends to drift to that scene in Clerks II where the one guy is describing the Lord of the Rings and jumps up on the counter… Still, I liked this world. It was familiar yet different, which I have always felt was essential to any good story.
Even though he’s kind of a bad guy, I liked Traken right from the start. The author did a great job with him because, even though he is decidedly evil, you can’t help but like him.
Santo aka the Blood Fox, well, I kept forgetting her name. It’s a downside of writing in first person point of view, but other than that, I think she did a very good job with how she worked the point of view. Sometimes you can feel like you’re missing out on things with first person, but I don’t think I ever felt that way. If I did, it wasn’t for long. Santo is brave, wise, strong, moral, and a loner by default. Though Traken is likely the older of the two, he always seems or acts like the child by comparison, even when he’s being jaded. I love how even though her trust has been broken in the past, she has no problem putting her faith in others again.
It kind of irked me how often she tended to get nearly killed, though. She was constantly getting hurt, and needing healing. After all, she’s supposed to be this super-fantastic mercenary/killer called Blood Fox, and yet Traken is always having to heal her. Seemed kind of odd to me. Granted, Traken’s supposed to have an equal reputation, and he’s pretty much in the same boat as her with the getting hurt.
For the most part, the story moves forward in a pretty predictable manner, right up until the very end. I always like it when an author can surprise me. And better yet, when an author can surprise me and she’d been laying down the groundwork for that surprise the entire time and I just didn’t see it. That doesn’t happen often.
I recommend Sleepless. When I finished, I immediately felt bummed that I couldn’t immediately pick up the next book in the series. That’s always a good sign in my book.
The world building was nice and fairly unique. I’ve gotten a little jaded with the whole quest/journey etc. type of Fantasy novels. I’m afraid I’m getting to the point where I’m expected to break out in hives if someone says Epic Fantasy. My mind tends to drift to that scene in Clerks II where the one guy is describing the Lord of the Rings and jumps up on the counter… Still, I liked this world. It was familiar yet different, which I have always felt was essential to any good story.
Even though he’s kind of a bad guy, I liked Traken right from the start. The author did a great job with him because, even though he is decidedly evil, you can’t help but like him.
Santo aka the Blood Fox, well, I kept forgetting her name. It’s a downside of writing in first person point of view, but other than that, I think she did a very good job with how she worked the point of view. Sometimes you can feel like you’re missing out on things with first person, but I don’t think I ever felt that way. If I did, it wasn’t for long. Santo is brave, wise, strong, moral, and a loner by default. Though Traken is likely the older of the two, he always seems or acts like the child by comparison, even when he’s being jaded. I love how even though her trust has been broken in the past, she has no problem putting her faith in others again.
It kind of irked me how often she tended to get nearly killed, though. She was constantly getting hurt, and needing healing. After all, she’s supposed to be this super-fantastic mercenary/killer called Blood Fox, and yet Traken is always having to heal her. Seemed kind of odd to me. Granted, Traken’s supposed to have an equal reputation, and he’s pretty much in the same boat as her with the getting hurt.
For the most part, the story moves forward in a pretty predictable manner, right up until the very end. I always like it when an author can surprise me. And better yet, when an author can surprise me and she’d been laying down the groundwork for that surprise the entire time and I just didn’t see it. That doesn’t happen often.
I recommend Sleepless. When I finished, I immediately felt bummed that I couldn’t immediately pick up the next book in the series. That’s always a good sign in my book.
September 4, 2013
I read this book during its free Amazon promo. Definitely the best free book I've read all year! Okay, that might not be saying much, but this book is a solid, real, honest-to-God, not over-the-top author's friend review, 4 star book. Well copy edited, exciting book that I couldn't put down.
It probably helps if you're an anime fan, since this is obviously anime inspired... but it's not necessary. In fact, I thought the world building was a little weak. The author says her books are character driven, and she sure nailed that description! I could have used more context.
On thing I didn't get though... why is she called Fox? I get the blood part, but it's not obvious where the fox is coming from. I assume we'll find that out in subsequent books. I was expecting the main character to have ears and a tail or something.
Also I hate Traken's name. It sounds like a name that I would make up. And I'm an awful writer. Dogboy is much better.
I'm actually a little disappointed the author decided to self-publish. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think with a little extra outside direction this could have been a YA bestseller.
Anyhoo, I loved the main character and the plot was super fun. Definitely an enjoyable read.
It probably helps if you're an anime fan, since this is obviously anime inspired... but it's not necessary. In fact, I thought the world building was a little weak. The author says her books are character driven, and she sure nailed that description! I could have used more context.
On thing I didn't get though... why is she called Fox? I get the blood part, but it's not obvious where the fox is coming from. I assume we'll find that out in subsequent books. I was expecting the main character to have ears and a tail or something.
Also I hate Traken's name. It sounds like a name that I would make up. And I'm an awful writer. Dogboy is much better.
I'm actually a little disappointed the author decided to self-publish. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think with a little extra outside direction this could have been a YA bestseller.
Anyhoo, I loved the main character and the plot was super fun. Definitely an enjoyable read.
November 19, 2013
I happen to love the character Santo. Seriously. Her politeness in most situations just makes the story so much more interesting. Her interaction with Traken is amusing because he's so sarcastic and manipulative. The journey to Traken's master is filled with plenty of turns. Traken doesn't seem to be the most inspirational guy. In fact, he's basically a murderer. His past lands Santo in hot water several times, though they manage to get out of each situation. In the end, it's not surprising that Traken has more motives than even he understands in all the years he's followed and studied Santo. The ending leaves me definitely wanting to know more about what happens to these two and how their strange relationship will continue to develop.
September 8, 2013
I loved this book, the relationship between the characters was a true gem. However, I rated it a 4/5 because I felt that this book needed one more good edit before it could be flawless. While there was nothing technically wrong with it, there were a few word choices that caused be to really want to place a different word in it's place. Other then that, the book was great and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wanted to read about amazing character development as see through the eyes of another, set in a fantasy landscape full of magic, and wonderful ideas all the while filled with wonderful mystery and surprises that are a delight to try and solve before it is reveled.
October 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, hard to put down fantasy. The adventures of a blood fox who is actually a long lived merc in the body of a young woman. Sounds odd? I probably wouldn't have read it if I had read the blurb, but I just tagged it and started reading and was immediately swept away.
Well written. Loved the setting and characters and look forward to the rest of the trilogy.
Well written. Loved the setting and characters and look forward to the rest of the trilogy.
July 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, yet not for reasons I enjoy most books. It didn't have a lot of incredible battles and fights or brawls, didn't have a love story with heroes trying to overcome problems to be with each other, yet it had something that kept me hooked until I finished it. It was so... different. Santo's words often made me pause for a bit, because in that carefreeness of hers was great wisdom. I really want to see where the author will go with the story and will certainly read the whole trilogy (when it comes .. yes, gimme gimme).
April 19, 2021
I admit I had higher hopes than was probably realistic. Maybe there were too many holes, the main character too naive, or the conflicts too repetitive, but the story just felt off. Not sure if I’m going to continue the series 🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
June 21, 2023The series is really great
October 12, 2023
This was such a fun and exciting read!! I'll definitely be rereading it once a year. What amazing characters and storytelling. I was so heartbroken to hear it isn't actually a sequel 💔.
February 2, 2021
Slightly difficult to categorise this book, although I would certainly put it in the fantasy genre. Why the difficulty? Well unlike a lot of fantasy novels all of the characters in it are human, there are none of the elves, dwarves, trolls etc. that make up the normal fantasy character set. Neither has the author created new creatures /races to populate her world instant she relies on good old fashioned humans. The fantasy element comes in the form of magic. There is a lot of it about and the ‘Week of Colours’ underway all of their power is enhanced.
The crux of the story is journey undertaken by Santo our non magical heroine and Traken a shape shifting (always into a black dog) magician as he ‘captures’ Santo and must take her to his master. Tension between the two is always well maintained especially as Santo goes willingly with Traken (following a visit to a seer) and does in fact save his life during their journey. For me this prevented Traken from fully realising his potential as bad guy but instead comes across as a kind of loveable rogue, and I think the story is better for it. The story builds to an interesting climax once they reach journey’s end and there are a number of good plot twists (which I won’t spoil here).
The action scenes are well written and believable and watching the relationship between Santo and Traken develop and change throughout the journey is interesting as it is not possible to predict in which way it will go.
This is the first of a trilogy which I tried as a Kindle freebie and will definitely be looking out for book number 2.
The crux of the story is journey undertaken by Santo our non magical heroine and Traken a shape shifting (always into a black dog) magician as he ‘captures’ Santo and must take her to his master. Tension between the two is always well maintained especially as Santo goes willingly with Traken (following a visit to a seer) and does in fact save his life during their journey. For me this prevented Traken from fully realising his potential as bad guy but instead comes across as a kind of loveable rogue, and I think the story is better for it. The story builds to an interesting climax once they reach journey’s end and there are a number of good plot twists (which I won’t spoil here).
The action scenes are well written and believable and watching the relationship between Santo and Traken develop and change throughout the journey is interesting as it is not possible to predict in which way it will go.
This is the first of a trilogy which I tried as a Kindle freebie and will definitely be looking out for book number 2.
April 2, 2014
*I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review*
Sleepless is a very appropriate name for this book because it kept me up late into the night! I devoured this book in 2 sittings and the only reason it wasn't 1 was because I have needy children who have to be fed on a regular basis.
I was sucked into this book immediately. The magical world Santo lives in is fascinating and I was really impressed with how complex everything was without being confusing. We are thrust into this world without a lot of explanation, but everything comes together seamlessly as the story progresses. Sera Ashling really has a talent for world building! I was able to picture everything in great detail- from the villages she travels through, to the different people she comes in contact with. The pace at which the mystery unfolds was fantastic as well. There was never a time when I was bored or felt it was dragging.
And I LOVE Santo! I think she is a fascinating character- funny, loyal, kind, and strong. I also love that she is a total bada**. Her dedication to manners was hilarious and the relationship she has with Traken is just great. I really liked Traken too, he's kind of demented, but somehow still lovable. He's definitely charismatic, that's for sure.
The only negative is that I now have to wait in anguish for the next book to come out!!!
I will be recommending this to my bookish friends for sure! 5 Stars! :-)
Sleepless is a very appropriate name for this book because it kept me up late into the night! I devoured this book in 2 sittings and the only reason it wasn't 1 was because I have needy children who have to be fed on a regular basis.
I was sucked into this book immediately. The magical world Santo lives in is fascinating and I was really impressed with how complex everything was without being confusing. We are thrust into this world without a lot of explanation, but everything comes together seamlessly as the story progresses. Sera Ashling really has a talent for world building! I was able to picture everything in great detail- from the villages she travels through, to the different people she comes in contact with. The pace at which the mystery unfolds was fantastic as well. There was never a time when I was bored or felt it was dragging.
And I LOVE Santo! I think she is a fascinating character- funny, loyal, kind, and strong. I also love that she is a total bada**. Her dedication to manners was hilarious and the relationship she has with Traken is just great. I really liked Traken too, he's kind of demented, but somehow still lovable. He's definitely charismatic, that's for sure.
The only negative is that I now have to wait in anguish for the next book to come out!!!
I will be recommending this to my bookish friends for sure! 5 Stars! :-)
April 9, 2014
I picked up this book and read it without reading much about it. You know there are certain points in our lives when we come across a book that we didn't know we needed until after we've read it. This was one of those books. Through out the book we are left in suspension as to what our heroine, Santo aka Blood Fox, is walking into. She remembers very little about the village she comes from and along the way she is gifted with the knowledge of her memories along with how they became shrouded from her. However, this doesn't happen until you're within the twenty percent of the end.
As appearance wise she looks very young but her spirit and soul are a lot older. She's learning to become more hunk and and to enter act with humans again after spending so much time with monks. Her kidnapper would be but mostly her companion the entire book is Traken a sorcerer. The chemistry between them is humorous at times and later I thought maybe something else but that is not the case. He is taking Santo to his master who up until now has only been keeping tabs on her and know wants her to come to him. It is during these travels that discoveries about each other are made and ill attempts on one or both their lives are thwarted and serve to question and test each other.
All in all I really liked this book and look forward to the sequel and the continuation of their story.
As appearance wise she looks very young but her spirit and soul are a lot older. She's learning to become more hunk and and to enter act with humans again after spending so much time with monks. Her kidnapper would be but mostly her companion the entire book is Traken a sorcerer. The chemistry between them is humorous at times and later I thought maybe something else but that is not the case. He is taking Santo to his master who up until now has only been keeping tabs on her and know wants her to come to him. It is during these travels that discoveries about each other are made and ill attempts on one or both their lives are thwarted and serve to question and test each other.
All in all I really liked this book and look forward to the sequel and the continuation of their story.
February 15, 2014
I put off reading this book for so long because I ended up being iffy about the book in general. Honestly, when I started reading I was still rather blasee about it. Fortunately things get a bit more interesting towards the end.
The author's style is fairly relaxed and because of the main character's background, she's more difficult to relate to than your average heroine. That said, she is trying to become more of a person by reading a book on manners and attempting to use said manners to interact with people. The success of these interactions is varied though they're pretty entertaining (at times).
The story moves very slowly but it really fits the plot. Be patient and don't expect an explosive story.
Magic, mystery and the barest hint of romance.
The author's style is fairly relaxed and because of the main character's background, she's more difficult to relate to than your average heroine. That said, she is trying to become more of a person by reading a book on manners and attempting to use said manners to interact with people. The success of these interactions is varied though they're pretty entertaining (at times).
The story moves very slowly but it really fits the plot. Be patient and don't expect an explosive story.
Magic, mystery and the barest hint of romance.
May 2, 2014
"Sleepless" is fantastical adventure full of twists, turns, magic, mayhem, deceit, and is nothing short of amazing. Sera Ashling has constructed a believable and enticing world of fantasy that will live on forever. She has also created one of the greatest female heroines I have ever read about. Santo, the protagonist of the novel, is a strong, courageous, and intricate character in so many ways. The story was simply amazing and I truly hope to read more of the spectacular undertakings of Santo the Blood Fox.
April 2, 2014
I received this book in a 'First Reads' contest in exchange for an honest review. I tried. I really did. But the storyline seemed to go on without any real purpose or direction. I was confused and lost at various points in the story as if there were a prequel that I hadnt read that would explain the back story, character and plot. I may try to read it again at a later date.
April 13, 2014
This book was recommended to me and so I thought I would give it a try. I was happily surprised that it was so good. With so many the YA stories being so similar lately it was nice to have a refreshing plot. I only wish the other books in the series were complete so I could read those as well.
April 21, 2016
Awesome Intriguing Entertaining
Amazing storyline, great writing. Just enough information to keep you wanting more. Great detail in the characters without weighing down with useless information.
Amazing storyline, great writing. Just enough information to keep you wanting more. Great detail in the characters without weighing down with useless information.
March 28, 2014
It was free on Amazon. I picked it up thinking it would be a quickly discarded book. But wow! It was funny, smart, and I really enjoyed it. Now I gotta get the rest of the series!
January 18, 2015
A good read.
The characters are well developed and the story kept me interested in discovering what would happen next. I definitely want to read the next book I in the trilogy.
The characters are well developed and the story kept me interested in discovering what would happen next. I definitely want to read the next book I in the trilogy.
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