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Into Infernal Paradise
Magic made of time and space. A hidden world of epic proportions. Lives she never meant to end.
Where Ember Slade goes, destruction follows. She maimed her sister; she murdered her foster parents. And as much as she would love to believe it was all a fluke, a one-off, whenever the power blacks out, so does she. Haunted by her past, she isolates herself in Dallas for years, never getting close to anyone, doing whatever it takes to avoid causing harm again.
And then the soldiers come.
Ambushed on her nightly train, she’s stolen away to the island kingdom of Nysa, where she learns that she is the last alloy of their hidden world, these accidents are due to her untapped abilities, and isolation is no longer an option.
In exchange for her allegiance to Nysa, the soldiers offer to teach her to control her powers. Desperate to finally live a life free of death and pain—to return to her sister—Ember takes the deal.
But in Nysa, not all is at it seems. The queen is consumed by envy. The nymphs are driven by revenge. The man on the beach won't stop lying to her. And the trapped, defenseless Princess Ademure is begging for her help to escape all of it, exactly like her sister once did.
Wary of how lethal her abilities have been and can be, Ember refuses the princess's wishes...until she learns of the queen’s plans to wage a war with another magical kingdom—starting with the sacrifice of her own daughter.
No longer able to idly sit by, Ember must save the princess and escape the island before this war begins. Still a novice at her craft, she'll risk everyone's lives just to save one...
...and discover whether lightning ever strikes twice.
With magic of Spanish and Greek origins, captivating political intrigue, tantalizing family mysteries, and endearing friendships, this debut “urban epic” fantasy novel is perfect for readers who enjoy stories of finding your power when the world seems against you.
Where Ember Slade goes, destruction follows. She maimed her sister; she murdered her foster parents. And as much as she would love to believe it was all a fluke, a one-off, whenever the power blacks out, so does she. Haunted by her past, she isolates herself in Dallas for years, never getting close to anyone, doing whatever it takes to avoid causing harm again.
And then the soldiers come.
Ambushed on her nightly train, she’s stolen away to the island kingdom of Nysa, where she learns that she is the last alloy of their hidden world, these accidents are due to her untapped abilities, and isolation is no longer an option.
In exchange for her allegiance to Nysa, the soldiers offer to teach her to control her powers. Desperate to finally live a life free of death and pain—to return to her sister—Ember takes the deal.
But in Nysa, not all is at it seems. The queen is consumed by envy. The nymphs are driven by revenge. The man on the beach won't stop lying to her. And the trapped, defenseless Princess Ademure is begging for her help to escape all of it, exactly like her sister once did.
Wary of how lethal her abilities have been and can be, Ember refuses the princess's wishes...until she learns of the queen’s plans to wage a war with another magical kingdom—starting with the sacrifice of her own daughter.
No longer able to idly sit by, Ember must save the princess and escape the island before this war begins. Still a novice at her craft, she'll risk everyone's lives just to save one...
...and discover whether lightning ever strikes twice.
With magic of Spanish and Greek origins, captivating political intrigue, tantalizing family mysteries, and endearing friendships, this debut “urban epic” fantasy novel is perfect for readers who enjoy stories of finding your power when the world seems against you.
566 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2023
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 17, 2023
4.5⭐
I don't know if I would be considered an ARC reader for this story since while I did receive a free copy from the author, it was after the book was published, just wanted to put that disclaimer and of course this doesn't give my any form of bias, I am still reviewing this fairly, as I would review any other book.
There was a content warning page at the beginning and I would suggest anyone interested reading the story to pay attention to said page. I appreciate that Michelle Toro included this page as a lot of the content listed is very triggering to many people (myself included, it wasn't too bad for me though, but everyone is different).
Some of the characters (Ember, Ademure, Kiva, Valentina (I loved her so much!), and Damian) are very very likeable (I'm not sure how I feel about Alden and Daphne just yet, I want to like them, but I would like to see more of their characters first)). I really liked all of the characters dynamics, they all had very good chemistry, but especially Kiva and Ember.
I enjoyed all of the strong female characters in this story, I've read a lot of stories that either put the focus entirely on the male characters, or if they did focus at all on the female character, she would be weak or she would have to have the male character(s) to be strong or to honestly tell her what to do. The world building and magic system in this book is just amazing! How did the author think of all of these things?! The story is written well and the pace is perfect, not too fast where it seems hasty, and not too slow, where it would seem to drag on and on. The imagery and prose are pretty, I have many lines in my reading journal's 'favorite lines' section!
I enjoyed the balance between the politics in this magical realm and heart racing action. I also enjoyed the multi POVs we got, I liked that we got to see what more than one character was up to. It was really difficult to put this book down! I have many questions and would like to see the answers to them in the next books, none of which I will mention here since they all contain spoilers! I was happy to see something I had predicted was true (in chapter 46) I excitedly shouted when I saw my prediction has been true ^-^ I am very much looking forward to the next book!
I don't know if I would be considered an ARC reader for this story since while I did receive a free copy from the author, it was after the book was published, just wanted to put that disclaimer and of course this doesn't give my any form of bias, I am still reviewing this fairly, as I would review any other book.
There was a content warning page at the beginning and I would suggest anyone interested reading the story to pay attention to said page. I appreciate that Michelle Toro included this page as a lot of the content listed is very triggering to many people (myself included, it wasn't too bad for me though, but everyone is different).
Some of the characters (Ember, Ademure, Kiva, Valentina (I loved her so much!), and Damian) are very very likeable (I'm not sure how I feel about Alden and Daphne just yet, I want to like them, but I would like to see more of their characters first)). I really liked all of the characters dynamics, they all had very good chemistry, but especially Kiva and Ember.
I enjoyed all of the strong female characters in this story, I've read a lot of stories that either put the focus entirely on the male characters, or if they did focus at all on the female character, she would be weak or she would have to have the male character(s) to be strong or to honestly tell her what to do. The world building and magic system in this book is just amazing! How did the author think of all of these things?! The story is written well and the pace is perfect, not too fast where it seems hasty, and not too slow, where it would seem to drag on and on. The imagery and prose are pretty, I have many lines in my reading journal's 'favorite lines' section!
I enjoyed the balance between the politics in this magical realm and heart racing action. I also enjoyed the multi POVs we got, I liked that we got to see what more than one character was up to. It was really difficult to put this book down! I have many questions and would like to see the answers to them in the next books, none of which I will mention here since they all contain spoilers! I was happy to see something I had predicted was true (in chapter 46) I excitedly shouted when I saw my prediction has been true ^-^ I am very much looking forward to the next book!
April 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️I really enjoyed getting to know Ember’s story and interacting with the different characters. At first it was kind of rocky with how the story started out, the science with Daphne and Ember was slightly difficult to understand here and there.
Having multiple viewpoints for the different characters was something new for me, and I loved seeing the different perspectives. This is a fantastic story that offers so much insight to a world where everything is possible. There are so many twists and turns in the plot that have your second guessing yourself throughout this story.
I think one thing that could be improved is some of the interactions between the characters. I did get slightly off track when reading a few, and I cannot determine if it is wording between the characters or the interaction all together.
I would strongly recommend this books to others, especially for anyone looking for a great read! I hope there is a second book sometime soon! I would love to go on another journey through this world.
Having multiple viewpoints for the different characters was something new for me, and I loved seeing the different perspectives. This is a fantastic story that offers so much insight to a world where everything is possible. There are so many twists and turns in the plot that have your second guessing yourself throughout this story.
I think one thing that could be improved is some of the interactions between the characters. I did get slightly off track when reading a few, and I cannot determine if it is wording between the characters or the interaction all together.
I would strongly recommend this books to others, especially for anyone looking for a great read! I hope there is a second book sometime soon! I would love to go on another journey through this world.
December 23, 2023
Ember has powerful abilities and she is unable to control them. She has killed and hurt family members. But she doesn't remember doing so. When she accidently uses her abilities, she suddenly unable to remember what had happened. She is captured by soldiers who whisk her away to another place and time. Nysa is an island kingdom that is ruled by a power-hungry Queen who is willing to sacrifice anyone, even her own family. Ember is told that they will help her control her abilities if she is willing to help the kingdom. Ember has to decide what to do and what she is willing to sacrifice.
The world building in this story is extraordinary, the characters are remarkable, and the plot is sensational. This book is a great start to an exciting series.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world building in this story is extraordinary, the characters are remarkable, and the plot is sensational. This book is a great start to an exciting series.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 19, 2023
Despite minor shortcomings in a couple initial action scenes (some action scenes left room for improvement in terms of detail), ‘Into Infernal Paradise’ succeeds in delivering a compelling narrative that tackles sensitive societal issues (read trigger warning page before continuing the book, overall no issue for me). Toro’s creation of Ember’s character and the intricately crafted worlds showcases her storytelling prowess. I found her character development stood out and felt I witnessed Ember’s resilience and determination to find her identity amid her diverse adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it to those who appreciate stories of self-discovery set against challenging backdrops.
December 19, 2023
“Are you certain lightning never strikes twice?”
Into Infernal Paradise by Michelle Toro is the story of Ember who has the power to destruct and that’s why she keeps to herself. But when she finds out who she really is, things change but things also get out of control.
This story has a strong female MC and a great flowing and fast paced writing style. Mix that with great worldbuilding, cool magic, mysteries and friendship, with action and danger, in a wonderful setting, and you have a fantasy book that I simply could not put down.
It’s a fantastic debut novel and that is a great promise for the next books by Michelle Toro.
Into Infernal Paradise by Michelle Toro is the story of Ember who has the power to destruct and that’s why she keeps to herself. But when she finds out who she really is, things change but things also get out of control.
This story has a strong female MC and a great flowing and fast paced writing style. Mix that with great worldbuilding, cool magic, mysteries and friendship, with action and danger, in a wonderful setting, and you have a fantasy book that I simply could not put down.
It’s a fantastic debut novel and that is a great promise for the next books by Michelle Toro.
December 27, 2023
It was a good book with amazing world building. I absolutely love world building. The character growth was well put together. I was confused for in the first handful of chapters and had to reread them. But when I did reread I was able to get into it. I like how some characters don’t seem to be who they “seem” to be. Getting to see the frustrations of someone who doesn’t remember using power but then have to learn to use it was intriguing. It was a good book. I will more than likely go and reread to see if I missed anything. I recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a little switch up in books.
December 25, 2023
This author does an excellent job painting this fantasy world full of prophesies and politics, magicks and many other creatures. When the main character is swept away into a hidden world where they tell her she belongs, you will be swept along with her and craving more of this story. Some characters you will love, some you will hate, and then you’ll question those choices because few are who they seem. This book is a must read, and I can hardly wait for the sequel.
November 1, 2023
Plan on buying this book when I get my next paycheck. Just found this author on tiktok and heard so much about the book I already know it’s gonna be 5 stars lol. The concept sounds so exciting and unique. The author also seems like a very sweet person and like they poured their head and soul into this book so I can’t wait to binge it in one sitting!
October 26, 2023
Great world-building and alternate history for a contemporary magical adventure! Looking forward to the sequels exploring all the hints that were dropped for the larger world, non-human civilizations, wild magic and secret societies.
February 24, 2024
I wasn’t sure what was going on at the beginning, but it had me turning the pages from the get go. It kept surprising me and kept me asking questions I needed answers for. I got to the end and was looking for more chapters. Next book please! :D
August 27, 2023
An Ancient Greek inspired setting is well served with interesting characters and a fast paced plot. Not everything is as it seems in the idyllic Nysa, and danger lurks just around the corner.
November 29, 2023
This book was fantastic. Unique magic system, engaging and a perfect balance of politics and action.
Hard to believe that this is the author’s first novel! I cannot wait to see what they do next!
Hard to believe that this is the author’s first novel! I cannot wait to see what they do next!
February 10, 2024
A Fascinating trip to a world unknown!
In this modern take on magic and mystery, Toro takes readers on a thrilling ride of political intrigue, psychological manipulation, and overcoming the odds.
It is a thoroughly entertaining story with believable interactions, a protagonist you WANT to come out on top, villains you love to hate, and a climactic 3rd act that leaves you primed for the sequel.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how REAL the characters are. Each character, no matter how small or insignificant, has a unique personality. The chemistry between characters is palpable. The dialogue is natural and feels genuine.
Into Infernal Paradise is excellent in its own right. Knowing that it is a debut novel only magnifies the raw talent that is so rare in new authors.
Highly recommended for readers of fantasy, and anyone else looking for a fun, thrilling story to get lost in.
In this modern take on magic and mystery, Toro takes readers on a thrilling ride of political intrigue, psychological manipulation, and overcoming the odds.
It is a thoroughly entertaining story with believable interactions, a protagonist you WANT to come out on top, villains you love to hate, and a climactic 3rd act that leaves you primed for the sequel.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how REAL the characters are. Each character, no matter how small or insignificant, has a unique personality. The chemistry between characters is palpable. The dialogue is natural and feels genuine.
Into Infernal Paradise is excellent in its own right. Knowing that it is a debut novel only magnifies the raw talent that is so rare in new authors.
Highly recommended for readers of fantasy, and anyone else looking for a fun, thrilling story to get lost in.
November 20, 2023
It’s not often that I finish a book and want so desperately for the next one to be available immediately, but that is exactly the case here. Michelle Toro took me to another world and I wasn’t ready to surface when the story ended. Her debut novel is magical and you won’t regret the read!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews