What do you think?
Rate this book
A Mage's Influence #3
Thorns of Hope and Betrayal
The wild power is getting stronger and ignoring it won’t be possible for much longer. Cadence is willing to sacrifice herself if it will save them all, but Airlie and Zeke are determined to find another way.
Drawn to the Hidden City, Cadence and Airlie are swept into the cutthroat terrain of nomad politics. Tribe Nicabar hope to seize the throne, but Annora’s secrets threaten everything—including the sisters.
But while the twisted vines that connect them all threaten to tear apart everything Cadence and Airlie hold dear, they might offer the only chance for survival. They just have to escape the vengeful wrath of the General first.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, sibling dynamics, adventure, and clean romance, then try this new world now!
Drawn to the Hidden City, Cadence and Airlie are swept into the cutthroat terrain of nomad politics. Tribe Nicabar hope to seize the throne, but Annora’s secrets threaten everything—including the sisters.
But while the twisted vines that connect them all threaten to tear apart everything Cadence and Airlie hold dear, they might offer the only chance for survival. They just have to escape the vengeful wrath of the General first.
If you enjoy strong heroines, fantasy worlds, sibling dynamics, adventure, and clean romance, then try this new world now!
9 pages, Audible Audio
Published September 27, 2022
207 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
127 books2,783 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 2, 2023
This 3rd book in the series’s gripping nature, is enthralling, entertaining, and overall engaging. It continues to captivate me.
While I'm still fully invested in Cadence as the main character, I wished the author maintained her as the sole point of view or perhaps introduce Zeke as a secondary perspective instead of Cadie's sister, Airlie. It's been a bit of a struggle for me to fully connect with Airlie’s role in the narrative.
The strength of the world-building and the intricacies of the magic system remain an area of fascination for me. However, I can't shake my skepticism about the antagonist, the General's demise. A part of me suspects we might encounter more of him in the final book. Nonetheless, the prospect of a showdown between man and Wild magic is intriguing, and I'm eager to see how this confrontation will unfold.
I am eager to delve into the final book of the series. 3 stars.
While I'm still fully invested in Cadence as the main character, I wished the author maintained her as the sole point of view or perhaps introduce Zeke as a secondary perspective instead of Cadie's sister, Airlie. It's been a bit of a struggle for me to fully connect with Airlie’s role in the narrative.
The strength of the world-building and the intricacies of the magic system remain an area of fascination for me. However, I can't shake my skepticism about the antagonist, the General's demise. A part of me suspects we might encounter more of him in the final book. Nonetheless, the prospect of a showdown between man and Wild magic is intriguing, and I'm eager to see how this confrontation will unfold.
I am eager to delve into the final book of the series. 3 stars.
December 4, 2023
3.5/5.0
The pace picks up nicely in this, the third installment, of the Mage’s Influence series. Much more intrigue and things to keep a reader engaged and turning the pages. I’m still not a huge fan of the divided POV in this instance, however. We started book one with the story centered on Cadence. Then, in book two, it split and included her sister Airlie’s POV, as well. Since we were originally just invested in Cadence, however, we never had the chance to burrow into Airlie’s character enough to care as much, so I’m less invested in following her after the fact.
But, with just one more book to go, I’ll anxiously keep reading to see how everything turns out for this group of characters!
The pace picks up nicely in this, the third installment, of the Mage’s Influence series. Much more intrigue and things to keep a reader engaged and turning the pages. I’m still not a huge fan of the divided POV in this instance, however. We started book one with the story centered on Cadence. Then, in book two, it split and included her sister Airlie’s POV, as well. Since we were originally just invested in Cadence, however, we never had the chance to burrow into Airlie’s character enough to care as much, so I’m less invested in following her after the fact.
But, with just one more book to go, I’ll anxiously keep reading to see how everything turns out for this group of characters!
April 12, 2022
I usually give Melanie Cellier five stars, but for some reason I had trouble staying involved in this one.
The story goes back and forth between Cadance and Airlie, which, at times was confusing to me - I listen to the story on my Kindle and I had to stop and think about which one of the girls the chapter was focusing on. They have made their way to the nomad tribes and now they must find a way to protect them because one of the nomad tribes is working with the General. Cadance and Airlie must both learn more about their gifts to be able to win against the General.
This is a clean read.
The story goes back and forth between Cadance and Airlie, which, at times was confusing to me - I listen to the story on my Kindle and I had to stop and think about which one of the girls the chapter was focusing on. They have made their way to the nomad tribes and now they must find a way to protect them because one of the nomad tribes is working with the General. Cadance and Airlie must both learn more about their gifts to be able to win against the General.
This is a clean read.
May 10, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series!! This is book three out of four. The slow burn is good. Read this series if you like strong heroines, fantasy, adventure, and a lil bit of romance.
Basically…
The wild power is getting stronger and ignoring it won’t be possible for much longer. Cadence is willing to sacrifice herself if it will save everyone, but Airlie and Zeke are determined to find another way. Drawn to the Hidden City, Cadence and Airlie are swept into nomad politics. Tribe Nicabar hopes to seize the throne, but Annora’s secrets threaten everything. While the twisted vines that connect them all threaten to tear apart everything Cadence and Airlie hold dear, they might offer the only chance for survival. They just have to escape the vengeful wrath of the General first.
Basically…
The wild power is getting stronger and ignoring it won’t be possible for much longer. Cadence is willing to sacrifice herself if it will save everyone, but Airlie and Zeke are determined to find another way. Drawn to the Hidden City, Cadence and Airlie are swept into nomad politics. Tribe Nicabar hopes to seize the throne, but Annora’s secrets threaten everything. While the twisted vines that connect them all threaten to tear apart everything Cadence and Airlie hold dear, they might offer the only chance for survival. They just have to escape the vengeful wrath of the General first.
June 5, 2023
You ever stick through a series for awhile and then stop yourself and go... why? Why am I doing this to myself? So even though I've finished 3 out of 4 books, I'm stopping here because... my reason for reading until this point was stupid.
Going all the way back to book one. I wasn't really that impressed but the random remarks about "seeds of glory and ruin" kept me interested. I was thinking ooh, Airlie is the powerful favored sister who has been destined for glory. While Cadence is the weaker younger sister who's spent her whole life hearing her father throw this line at her and knows "ruin" is all he sees of her.
Like what a rough start. And what I wanted to happen was for it to twist and get switched. I wanted some huge shock where we find out that it is Cadence destined for glory and Airlie for ruin. That would've been interesting. Sister's on opposite sides, destiny switch.
By the end of the book that hadn't happened but there was the potential for it to be there.
So because I was super curious about THAT ONE THING I went on to book 2. Now here's the weird part, for all the times "seeds of glory and ruin" was thought/quoted by Cadence in the first book so help me if that line never comes up again. Ever. Not in book 2 or 3.
The sisters have this one conversation where Airlie was like "dad always favored you" and Cadence is like wow really? Neat.
I mean, that should've been EARTHSHATTERING. Both sisters spent their whole lives thinking the other one was daddy's favorite, the special one. And they don't spend any time being like WOW, really?! In fact, Cadence never tells Airlie anything remotely like, "This whole time I thought he loved you more and you were special. I always thought seeds of glory was you and ruin was me." Nothing at all... nothing like that.
That whole thing NEVER comes up again. I couldn't believe how much hype I felt like that line had in book one. Just to get dropped. I spent the next two books looking for some sign that that was actually important. It's not.
And since it was (stupidly) the only reason I kept going and I've now realized it's not going to come to anything... it makes sense to stop.
I didn't really feel any connection to the characters or the plot. I actually borderline disliked Cadence and Airlie. I thought the romance?? sort of thing between Airlie and Evermund came out of nowhere. No hint of it book 1 then he rescues her book 2 and they act like there was something there from that point on.
Honestly the most interesting thing that could happen was Nicholas having a hostile takeover in book 4 and be working with the Calistans or something. And I don't think that's where this is going.
Going all the way back to book one. I wasn't really that impressed but the random remarks about "seeds of glory and ruin" kept me interested. I was thinking ooh, Airlie is the powerful favored sister who has been destined for glory. While Cadence is the weaker younger sister who's spent her whole life hearing her father throw this line at her and knows "ruin" is all he sees of her.
Like what a rough start. And what I wanted to happen was for it to twist and get switched. I wanted some huge shock where we find out that it is Cadence destined for glory and Airlie for ruin. That would've been interesting. Sister's on opposite sides, destiny switch.
By the end of the book that hadn't happened but there was the potential for it to be there.
So because I was super curious about THAT ONE THING I went on to book 2. Now here's the weird part, for all the times "seeds of glory and ruin" was thought/quoted by Cadence in the first book so help me if that line never comes up again. Ever. Not in book 2 or 3.
The sisters have this one conversation where Airlie was like "dad always favored you" and Cadence is like wow really? Neat.
I mean, that should've been EARTHSHATTERING. Both sisters spent their whole lives thinking the other one was daddy's favorite, the special one. And they don't spend any time being like WOW, really?! In fact, Cadence never tells Airlie anything remotely like, "This whole time I thought he loved you more and you were special. I always thought seeds of glory was you and ruin was me." Nothing at all... nothing like that.
That whole thing NEVER comes up again. I couldn't believe how much hype I felt like that line had in book one. Just to get dropped. I spent the next two books looking for some sign that that was actually important. It's not.
And since it was (stupidly) the only reason I kept going and I've now realized it's not going to come to anything... it makes sense to stop.
I didn't really feel any connection to the characters or the plot. I actually borderline disliked Cadence and Airlie. I thought the romance?? sort of thing between Airlie and Evermund came out of nowhere. No hint of it book 1 then he rescues her book 2 and they act like there was something there from that point on.
Honestly the most interesting thing that could happen was Nicholas having a hostile takeover in book 4 and be working with the Calistans or something. And I don't think that's where this is going.
July 3, 2022
I enjoyed this story. I was invested in what would happen and shocked by certain twists. I didn’t feel the same level of… engagement as I remember feeling with the first two books though but I’m nevertheless eager to move onto the next, and final one.
I want to see how things play out. What the response to Airlie will be. (I didn’t enjoy her narrative as much as I did in book 2. I think I would have been happy with just Cadence though I do see the value of her narrative.)
I want to see how things play out. What the response to Airlie will be. (I didn’t enjoy her narrative as much as I did in book 2. I think I would have been happy with just Cadence though I do see the value of her narrative.)
June 29, 2022
Least liked book out of the bunch so far. I don't buy Cadence's and Zeke's romance so much especially after Zeke trying to put shade on Airlie keeping a secret when he had a secret of his own.
Also, I don't get why Airlie *need* to tell them about the paser trees. (1) It's still hasnt any bearing on any of their plans at that moment yet (2) It doesn't really affect any of them even Cadence (3) It was a rumor about their father that she haven't fact-checked anyway yet. It didn't even say of Calista kings or whatever shiuld have exclusive rights to them (in which case, I guess, Zeke should atleast know)
I also wish the author put some time showing us how Evermund fell for Airlie (and also a little bit why Airlie did too but I can already guess from the events in the previous books) and not just spring it on this book (well, a little bit in the last book as well).
And I really thought she was going to do something about Nik but it looks like he's just going to be a side character forever. Someone to pull out when they need to break all the sweetness.
I still like the world building though and the magic though I feel there are some inconsistencies (influencers getting influenced by influencee, influencee being more powerful than the influencers) that weren't explained at all. And some interesting characters as well (Annora, Augusta). And I also still really like Airlie. I hope her character doesn't change in the last book.
Also, I don't get why Airlie *need* to tell them about the paser trees. (1) It's still hasnt any bearing on any of their plans at that moment yet (2) It doesn't really affect any of them even Cadence (3) It was a rumor about their father that she haven't fact-checked anyway yet. It didn't even say of Calista kings or whatever shiuld have exclusive rights to them (in which case, I guess, Zeke should atleast know)
I also wish the author put some time showing us how Evermund fell for Airlie (and also a little bit why Airlie did too but I can already guess from the events in the previous books) and not just spring it on this book (well, a little bit in the last book as well).
And I really thought she was going to do something about Nik but it looks like he's just going to be a side character forever. Someone to pull out when they need to break all the sweetness.
I still like the world building though and the magic though I feel there are some inconsistencies (influencers getting influenced by influencee, influencee being more powerful than the influencers) that weren't explained at all. And some interesting characters as well (Annora, Augusta). And I also still really like Airlie. I hope her character doesn't change in the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
In this instalment, the reader is swept away to the mysterious nomad culture and their distant, hidden city. Airlie and Cadence face new challenges, learn the truth about what they need to do to save their kingdom and their world, and grow as people.
June 21, 2024
Thorns of Hope and Betrayal is the third novel in the A Mage’s Influence series. This series has been all over the place for me as there are elements that I like and some that I would like more with some improvement. I am unsure if I ever will re-read the series, but I have read a lot by Cellier, so I think I will try out more of her other work. The series began at the academy with sisters Cadence and Airlie at opposite ends when it came to their magic. The second novel took the characters on an adventure including a grand tour across the kingdom. Now the story takes the reader to the Nomad Kingdom. Like the second novel, this story includes the POVs of Cadence and Airlie. As Cadence was a more interesting character to me, I had a difficult time still connecting with Airlie. I think I would still prefer Cadence, and possibly Zeke, to be the narrators over Airlie.
There is some plot in this novel that I won’t discuss in detail to avoid spoilers, but I think I expected more from it as this is the third novel. With only one novel left in the series, I expected more to occur in this story to help set up the final story. I am not sure if the author will try to pack it all in the fourth story or if my expectations are too high for plot content, but I was disappointed at the amount of plot in this novel. There were still romances as Cadence has Zeke and Airlie has Evermund, but I feel more effort was given to the first rather than the latter. Based on everything from the first three novels, I can most likely guess the ending, but I will still try the fourth just to follow through with the series. Overall, this series is a little lackluster compared to many others out there, including Cellier’s own work, but I am holding out hope that the final novel will bring it all together.
There is some plot in this novel that I won’t discuss in detail to avoid spoilers, but I think I expected more from it as this is the third novel. With only one novel left in the series, I expected more to occur in this story to help set up the final story. I am not sure if the author will try to pack it all in the fourth story or if my expectations are too high for plot content, but I was disappointed at the amount of plot in this novel. There were still romances as Cadence has Zeke and Airlie has Evermund, but I feel more effort was given to the first rather than the latter. Based on everything from the first three novels, I can most likely guess the ending, but I will still try the fourth just to follow through with the series. Overall, this series is a little lackluster compared to many others out there, including Cellier’s own work, but I am holding out hope that the final novel will bring it all together.
July 21, 2023
The first book took place at the Academy, the second in a grand tour across the kingdom, and book three hasCadence and Airlie and friends on their way into the nomad kingdom to visit the Hidden City and witness the crowning of the next nomad monarch.. I expect the next and last book one to take place in Calista, will be a thrilling climax for the story of Cadence and Zeke and Airlie and Evermund.
Cadence’s secret is out. She was betrayed by Annora. It was a pretty good book and overall I liked the world of mages and power and magic. But why do none of the Nomad tribes believe tribe Nicabar, when they claim an attack is coming? Haven't we already established that they have mages, who can tell if you lie?
Fast moving, not as many issues as with previous books. I'm on to the final book in the series and hoping this story wraps up well. It really feels like it's collectively one long Epic Fantasy broken into parts.
Cadence’s secret is out. She was betrayed by Annora. It was a pretty good book and overall I liked the world of mages and power and magic. But why do none of the Nomad tribes believe tribe Nicabar, when they claim an attack is coming? Haven't we already established that they have mages, who can tell if you lie?
Fast moving, not as many issues as with previous books. I'm on to the final book in the series and hoping this story wraps up well. It really feels like it's collectively one long Epic Fantasy broken into parts.
December 10, 2023
Simply superb installment in this engrossing story. Melanie Cellier wrote at the end of the Kindle book that it was her 30th novel. You can really see how sophisticated she has grown as an author. She makes it look seamless. The plotting is tight knit and believable, the magic system and world building is robust and intriguing, and the characters are developed so very well. I recently re-read the first two via Kindle, after initially listening to them on Audible. This particular story seems to work better as a book you read, rather than listen to (many of Cellier's other books are delivered wonderfully via audio). I found the flow between the sister's narrations to be terrific, and was not irritated, as so often happens, to have to listen to the perspective of one versus the other. I can tell the author put extremely hard work into making this a standout series. Highly recommended! Read it, rather than listen to it, at least the first time. Wonderful escape reading.
June 8, 2022
I read these books way too fast.
The first book took place at the Academy, the second in a grand tour across the kingdom, and this one at the Nomad Kingdom. I expect the last one to take place at Calista.
Man, what a good story this one is. I still would rather Cadie be the sole narrator, or maybe have Zeke's input here and there. I don't care for the sister.
Anyways, this book is full of political maneuvers and secrets revealed. I can't wait for the next book to be released and to discover what happened once Cadance returned to the school, what their Majesties said, how everyone treated her, what's her new training, and if Zeke went with her.
The first book took place at the Academy, the second in a grand tour across the kingdom, and this one at the Nomad Kingdom. I expect the last one to take place at Calista.
Man, what a good story this one is. I still would rather Cadie be the sole narrator, or maybe have Zeke's input here and there. I don't care for the sister.
Anyways, this book is full of political maneuvers and secrets revealed. I can't wait for the next book to be released and to discover what happened once Cadance returned to the school, what their Majesties said, how everyone treated her, what's her new training, and if Zeke went with her.
March 16, 2023
Book three sees Cadence and Airlie and friends on their way into the nomad kingdom to visit the Hidden City and witness the crowning of the next nomad monarch.
Of course, life, and Zeke’s mama, have other plans and the two are separated almost immediately upon arrival.
Pros: I like how this book continues to have the separate viewpoints. I think it’s really helped me like both Cadence and Airlie more. I loved the concept of the Hidden City and how the nomads could get in and out. Cadence continues to learn about her gift.
Cons: I really like Gia and she’s not present as much as I’d like. (Maybe there should be a spin-off story or series about her, because I think she’s awesome.) The General. I don’t want to spoil it, so that’s all I’ll say there. The big scene between nomads and raiders was anticlimactic.
One book left.
Of course, life, and Zeke’s mama, have other plans and the two are separated almost immediately upon arrival.
Pros: I like how this book continues to have the separate viewpoints. I think it’s really helped me like both Cadence and Airlie more. I loved the concept of the Hidden City and how the nomads could get in and out. Cadence continues to learn about her gift.
Cons: I really like Gia and she’s not present as much as I’d like. (Maybe there should be a spin-off story or series about her, because I think she’s awesome.) The General. I don’t want to spoil it, so that’s all I’ll say there. The big scene between nomads and raiders was anticlimactic.
One book left.
September 30, 2023
As the series continues, the author switches between the 1st person point-of-view of the two sisters more and more. The tone of voice she uses is too similar though. I often have to remind myself which sister it is that's speaking. Without the ability to incorporate more of a distinction between the two while writing in supposedly different points of view, I can't help but wonder if the story would have been better served if it had been written from a third person point-of-view.
As a side note, I am yet again disappointed in an author's ignorance and/or refusal to use adverbs. I know people do not always speak properly, but to write an entire book that way is jarring. It pulls me out of the story when I find myself mentally correcting the grammar.
As a side note, I am yet again disappointed in an author's ignorance and/or refusal to use adverbs. I know people do not always speak properly, but to write an entire book that way is jarring. It pulls me out of the story when I find myself mentally correcting the grammar.
December 7, 2024
At this point, I'm without any doubt in love with Melanie's writing style. Her stories are so good and satisfying to read. Absolutely love it!
This book in the series was another great one. I loved the pace of this one. How the events unfolded in The Nomad lands. Candace and Zeke's little romance was so cute and lovely! Also, from the beginning I was shipping Evermund and Airle, And finally their relation seems to make some progress!
The last attack and action along with the twist was everything! I was so angry with Annora when she betrayed Candace, but lastly I too understand why this was all important.
Really excited to go for the final instalment! Lots of action and fighting on it’s way~
This book in the series was another great one. I loved the pace of this one. How the events unfolded in The Nomad lands. Candace and Zeke's little romance was so cute and lovely! Also, from the beginning I was shipping Evermund and Airle, And finally their relation seems to make some progress!
The last attack and action along with the twist was everything! I was so angry with Annora when she betrayed Candace, but lastly I too understand why this was all important.
Really excited to go for the final instalment! Lots of action and fighting on it’s way~
June 16, 2022
YA series, well thought, loved this book
I liked this book a lot, it is not a shallow one, definitely. The author follows more points of view, which I felt was a bit much at the beginning, but got used to, during the read. I could understand their reasoning too.
I don’t like more than 3 books in the row for a series usually, because it often slows down the story, but here it was not the case. And I suppose and hope and it seems to me, the next book will be a thrilling climax for the story of Cadence and Zeke and eventually for Airlie and Evermund, or a preparation for the two last ones as their own book. Thank you Ms. Cellier I did enjoy this book.
I liked this book a lot, it is not a shallow one, definitely. The author follows more points of view, which I felt was a bit much at the beginning, but got used to, during the read. I could understand their reasoning too.
I don’t like more than 3 books in the row for a series usually, because it often slows down the story, but here it was not the case. And I suppose and hope and it seems to me, the next book will be a thrilling climax for the story of Cadence and Zeke and eventually for Airlie and Evermund, or a preparation for the two last ones as their own book. Thank you Ms. Cellier I did enjoy this book.
June 18, 2022
a good progression and a good pause point
I just wanna say that I really, really, really appreciate Cellier's ability to pause a story - heck of a good, epic story - at an appropriate pause point. Nothing goads me quite like a nonsense cliffhanger (...except maybe a bad love triangle? Constant insta-love? Okay, but cliffhangers are definitely in the top 3 for sure.)
This story definitely can't be enjoyed properly without reading the first two, but it's really good once you reach here. I did worry that it would move too fast or end too quickly, but again, resolving various plot points in a timely but not rushed manner is one of Cellier's strengths.
I just wanna say that I really, really, really appreciate Cellier's ability to pause a story - heck of a good, epic story - at an appropriate pause point. Nothing goads me quite like a nonsense cliffhanger (...except maybe a bad love triangle? Constant insta-love? Okay, but cliffhangers are definitely in the top 3 for sure.)
This story definitely can't be enjoyed properly without reading the first two, but it's really good once you reach here. I did worry that it would move too fast or end too quickly, but again, resolving various plot points in a timely but not rushed manner is one of Cellier's strengths.
December 23, 2023
I came so close to rage quitting this book.
Around the halfway point, the author seemingly forgot about her magic system.
The main character can magically sense the presence of other people, why is she listening at doors to see if there are people in the room on the other side?
The main characters learn a terrible and dark secret: Who would believe us?
Me: Oh I don't know, maybe ANY OF THE DOZENS OF WIZARDS THAT CAN MAGICALLY DETECT TRUTH FROM LIES.
The only thing that kept me going was that the author's apparent amnesia only serves to up the stakes, it doesn't deeply impact the story itself.
Around the halfway point, the author seemingly forgot about her magic system.
The main character can magically sense the presence of other people, why is she listening at doors to see if there are people in the room on the other side?
The main characters learn a terrible and dark secret: Who would believe us?
Me: Oh I don't know, maybe ANY OF THE DOZENS OF WIZARDS THAT CAN MAGICALLY DETECT TRUTH FROM LIES.
The only thing that kept me going was that the author's apparent amnesia only serves to up the stakes, it doesn't deeply impact the story itself.
August 6, 2023
I did really enjoy this third book in the series. I loved seeing the Hidden City! Lots of adventure and action. I really liked how Annora explained how she learned she was gifted to be a leader and wasn't going to give that up to "only" be a mom.
I was close, but still of about Zeke. I thought Tribe Nicobar would win the vote and then Annora would say it's actually Zeke (with Cadence) who would be king for this generation. But even more interesting that he's the heir to Calista!!!
I also definitely don't think the General is dead. Looking forward to the final book!
I was close, but still of about Zeke. I thought Tribe Nicobar would win the vote and then Annora would say it's actually Zeke (with Cadence) who would be king for this generation. But even more interesting that he's the heir to Calista!!!
I also definitely don't think the General is dead. Looking forward to the final book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
I like the story and the world building and the magic concepts.
My main issue is the over-explanation of everyone's feelings and motivations for their actions. But I do accept that this is a middle-grade fantasy (or I hope it is). I also am always slightly annoyed that the difference between Airlie and Cadence's voices is very negligible; it would be better if you could tell who was the focus of the narration based on the style of writing rather than the title of the chapter.
My main issue is the over-explanation of everyone's feelings and motivations for their actions. But I do accept that this is a middle-grade fantasy (or I hope it is). I also am always slightly annoyed that the difference between Airlie and Cadence's voices is very negligible; it would be better if you could tell who was the focus of the narration based on the style of writing rather than the title of the chapter.
August 4, 2022
If you look at other reviews and ratings I've given, you will see how few 5-star ratings I give. This book earned all 5 points. Excellent story, Excellent story telling skills, Excellent Grammar, Excellent World-Building, and well-developed characters. This is a wonderful story, full of unique concepts and characters. In a time when it is rare to find everything you want in a book, this book shines. I read the entire series and can whole-heartily recommend it to anyone 16 and above.
August 14, 2023
Book 3 politic moves, fighting danger, growing love
A diplomatic mission to the nomads hidden city takes center stage in book 3. Cadence and Airlie and the rest find the wild power has spread and they face the danger. When they reach the city, the political maneuvering for Queen puts them in difficult and dangerous situations. Then the Raiders come! It’s all in this book, read it!
A diplomatic mission to the nomads hidden city takes center stage in book 3. Cadence and Airlie and the rest find the wild power has spread and they face the danger. When they reach the city, the political maneuvering for Queen puts them in difficult and dangerous situations. Then the Raiders come! It’s all in this book, read it!
February 11, 2024
Thorns of Hope and Betrayal
This is the third book in A Mate's Influence and it takes us into the lands of the Nomads and a different.life style than the previous two book but the Wild Power is growing stronger. Will the Terrorists and the Nomads be able to forge an alliance is remove the Wild Power and save Calista or is it a lost cause. Will the blooms of love continue to grow under the constant pressure. We will have to read on to find out.
This is the third book in A Mate's Influence and it takes us into the lands of the Nomads and a different.life style than the previous two book but the Wild Power is growing stronger. Will the Terrorists and the Nomads be able to forge an alliance is remove the Wild Power and save Calista or is it a lost cause. Will the blooms of love continue to grow under the constant pressure. We will have to read on to find out.
March 15, 2024
I will be honest, nothing of importance happens in this book. The title sounds cool like there will be a backstab or something intriguing. There was one and it was so mild of an inconvenience that I almost forgot it was considered a betrayal. I could sum up all the new information for someone who read book 1 and was skipping to book 4 for whatever reason in maybe 2-3 sentences and theyd be damn near fine jumping into 4
June 4, 2024
5, truly.
I wasn’t sure where this could have gone after betrayal of trust beyond what I thought was fair, but Melanie crafted this so well that it made perfect sense once revelations were made towards the end.
I’m excited to see where book 4 takes our characters and how they can work together to learn more about the Wild Power and hopefully find the secret to stopping or controlling it without it being harmful to anyone.
I wasn’t sure where this could have gone after betrayal of trust beyond what I thought was fair, but Melanie crafted this so well that it made perfect sense once revelations were made towards the end.
I’m excited to see where book 4 takes our characters and how they can work together to learn more about the Wild Power and hopefully find the secret to stopping or controlling it without it being harmful to anyone.
April 8, 2022
Great addition to the story!! I can’t wait to find out what happens next, and am interested to see how the wild power conflict will be resolved. I still don’t really like Airline that much, but her character has definitely grown. Cadence has grown up so much from the first book, and I’m excited to see how she handles the challenges to come!! Overall great book and am looking forward to the next
April 13, 2022
Secrets
Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead. Otherwise all bets are add. Cadence’s secret is out. She was betrayed by Annora. Airlie is keeping multiple secrets. Will she be forgiven and accepted or has she gone too far. Zelenograd had a whooper of a secret come out. That was fun.
Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead. Otherwise all bets are add. Cadence’s secret is out. She was betrayed by Annora. Airlie is keeping multiple secrets. Will she be forgiven and accepted or has she gone too far. Zelenograd had a whooper of a secret come out. That was fun.
April 29, 2022
Great setup for the last book
This book is very creative with beautiful descriptions and fun adventures. The last quarter of the book in particular is a lot of fun to read as a bunch of threads come together. This book leaves one really excited for the last book and how the whole series will conclude.
This book is very creative with beautiful descriptions and fun adventures. The last quarter of the book in particular is a lot of fun to read as a bunch of threads come together. This book leaves one really excited for the last book and how the whole series will conclude.
May 27, 2022
So many secrets!
In this book, there are so many secrets revealed to justify actions. How many more will be revealed in the next book? So many important lessons! Power is useless if you don't know how to a wield it. Looking forward to the last book to see Cadence learn how to effectively unleash her power!
In this book, there are so many secrets revealed to justify actions. How many more will be revealed in the next book? So many important lessons! Power is useless if you don't know how to a wield it. Looking forward to the last book to see Cadence learn how to effectively unleash her power!
June 9, 2022
Engaging and enthralling
Once again, I’m left in suspense … only this time I have a longer wait for the fourth book! I enjoy the dual perspectives, though occasionally I have a hard time remembering who’s narrating when I put down the book and pick it up again. But The characters are easy to love and get invested in their happily ever after. This week will be a tough wait!
Once again, I’m left in suspense … only this time I have a longer wait for the fourth book! I enjoy the dual perspectives, though occasionally I have a hard time remembering who’s narrating when I put down the book and pick it up again. But The characters are easy to love and get invested in their happily ever after. This week will be a tough wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews