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Tome of Wishes
After thirteen years of isolation, all kingdoms are finally opening their borders. Princess Rheya of the Night Kingdom is sent to attend the first celebration in years, but soon discovers that her true mission is to retrieve a dark magical book.
During the festivities, Rheya finds herself caught in the dangerous trap of Seth Morningstar, a deadly shadowkin, and she discovers that there's more at stake than just her own survival.
With the fate of the kingdoms at stake, Rheya battles against all odds to prevent the book from falling into the wrong hands, realizing the true challenge lies in choosing whom to trust and how to survive.
During the festivities, Rheya finds herself caught in the dangerous trap of Seth Morningstar, a deadly shadowkin, and she discovers that there's more at stake than just her own survival.
With the fate of the kingdoms at stake, Rheya battles against all odds to prevent the book from falling into the wrong hands, realizing the true challenge lies in choosing whom to trust and how to survive.
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 22, 2023
When she steps through the portal you get a better sense of the world and the magic in the book. It has some unique ideas and keeps you interested. A blend of magical creatures, as well. I mean, at some point there is a party on the vampire territory they have to attend. Just so you get the idea. It really is fast paced. Sometimes perhaps moves too fast, but not necessarily a bad thing.
It focuses more on the adventure and the journey of the FMC to discover her powers and to grow in this stronger woman, the romance part is more like sub-plot. And it is a very slow burn. I’m hoping to see more development between the MMC and FMC in the next book.
The best part is that there are no major mysteries left unsolved, everything that you get has a completion in this book, and I liked that.
It focuses more on the adventure and the journey of the FMC to discover her powers and to grow in this stronger woman, the romance part is more like sub-plot. And it is a very slow burn. I’m hoping to see more development between the MMC and FMC in the next book.
The best part is that there are no major mysteries left unsolved, everything that you get has a completion in this book, and I liked that.
December 17, 2023
One of the most valuable encounters I have had this year was meeting the author of this wonderful book. It brought me enormous joy to get the chance to speak with someone as tenacious as her, and then, read her book.
If I were you, I wouldn’t let anyone strip away my birthright. I would stand tall, fight for it, and for my right to lead. […] Grasp your destiny with both hands.
Rheya is like Rhys and Feyra’s baby girl, and I’m not saying that only because she’s the Princess of the Night Kingdom, but because she exudes a type of courage mixed with a tinge of stubbornness that reminds me of them.
The plot is easy to follow—a princess is called to a grand ball held for an important reason—which makes the book a fast-paced read for those used with YA fantasy. It also offers familiarity, without falling too much into the trap of stereotypes. Rheya is a character with her own mind, who refuses to follow the beaten path of so many YA female protagonists before her. The choices she makes seem to be guided by kindness and a specific brand of sagacity that makes reading her journey an engrossing, and mature experience.
It’s paradoxical. We fight so fiercely for what we believe is worth dying for. We put everything on the line. Yet when the dust settles, and we’ve lost so much, we’re left questioning whether it was worth it.
Read the book if you are in the mood for a story about a heroine who falls, but learns quickly how to rise from the ashes. I can’t wait for the second book (hopefully, there will be a second book; if this turns out to be a series—fingers crossed!)
January 18, 2024
After thirteen years, the three kingdoms of the Lumisferra realm—the Stars Kingdom, the Night Kingdom, and the Sun Kingdom—finally agree on opening their gates for each other once more. The Stars Kingdom is inviting the rest of the kingdoms in Lumisferra to attend their Winter Solstice celebration as an opportunity to reforge their relationships again after that dreadful night all those years ago that forced the kingdoms to collectively close their gates and borders, seeking protection from the chaos and destruction the dark creatures of Maelrek, the God of Chaos, cause. Rheya finds herself with no choice but to attend the festival with her uncle Vasper, as the princess and heir of the Night Kingdom, since her father's health deterioration is preventing him from attending as the king. Despite the unwelcoming company of her uncle Vasper, Rheya agrees to attend the celebration and help retrieve Maelrek's book "Tome of Wishes" to save her father, even though she is suspicious about her father's and uncle's real intentions regarding the book. She knows this is her opportunity to achieve her dream of freedom, and she cannot pass it, regardless of the dangers of the task and the absence of allies she can trust on her journey.
"Tome of Wishes" by Carmen Bunescu is a gripping fantasy novel that hooks the readers and keeps them glued to its pages from the beginning to the end of the book. Carmen Bunescu succeeded in leaving me awed with the stunning, sophisticated, and magical world she created in her novel and her ingenuity in imagining new magical species other than the common ones that fantasy books usually feature, like imps, shadowkins, nightmarish netherfiends, and angel-like seraphs. Also, the map of Lumisferra helped me imagine the terrain and places she refers to in her novel.
The background stories of the main characters provide a clear insight into their thoughts and clarify the reason behind their actions, even though the entire story is narrated from Rheya's perspective. I also loved Rheya's character; her compassion and maturity made reading the story from her perspective not only a delightful experience but insightful as well, and after realizing that the dress she wears on the cover is a dress she wore at one of the parties in the plot, I appreciated the cover more. What impressed me the most in this book is how the author managed to elicit my sympathy and make me root for a typical dark species without even realizing it until the end of the plot.
Aside from a handful of typographical errors in the book, there is nothing that I find worth criticizing. I recommend this awesome novel to all fantasy fans looking for a new take on supernatural creatures and an out-of-the-box plot.
"Tome of Wishes" by Carmen Bunescu is a gripping fantasy novel that hooks the readers and keeps them glued to its pages from the beginning to the end of the book. Carmen Bunescu succeeded in leaving me awed with the stunning, sophisticated, and magical world she created in her novel and her ingenuity in imagining new magical species other than the common ones that fantasy books usually feature, like imps, shadowkins, nightmarish netherfiends, and angel-like seraphs. Also, the map of Lumisferra helped me imagine the terrain and places she refers to in her novel.
The background stories of the main characters provide a clear insight into their thoughts and clarify the reason behind their actions, even though the entire story is narrated from Rheya's perspective. I also loved Rheya's character; her compassion and maturity made reading the story from her perspective not only a delightful experience but insightful as well, and after realizing that the dress she wears on the cover is a dress she wore at one of the parties in the plot, I appreciated the cover more. What impressed me the most in this book is how the author managed to elicit my sympathy and make me root for a typical dark species without even realizing it until the end of the plot.
Aside from a handful of typographical errors in the book, there is nothing that I find worth criticizing. I recommend this awesome novel to all fantasy fans looking for a new take on supernatural creatures and an out-of-the-box plot.
December 1, 2023
"Tome of Wishes" by Carmen Bunescu is a riveting fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world of intrigue, danger, and magic. The author weaves a compelling narrative filled with suspense, rich world-building, and multifaceted characters that captivate from start to finish.
The story follows Princess Rheya as she navigates a treacherous mission amidst the backdrop of a long-awaited celebration. Bunescu adeptly crafts the tension, drawing readers into a web of deception and peril. Rheya's evolution from a sheltered princess to a resilient heroine facing daunting challenges is portrayed with depth and authenticity, making her journey relatable and compelling.
The dynamic between Rheya and Seth Morningstar, the enigmatic antagonist, adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot. The cat-and-mouse game they engage in keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, craving to unravel the secrets that bind them.
Bunescu's descriptive prose vividly brings the kingdoms to life, immersing readers in a world where magic and danger collide. The pacing is generally brisk, with well-executed action sequences that heighten the book's intensity.
However, amidst its strengths, the narrative occasionally suffers from predictable plot turns, diluting the element of surprise. Some secondary characters could benefit from further development to enhance their impact on the story.
In conclusion, "Tome of Wishes" is a captivating fantasy novel that delivers an enthralling adventure. Carmen Bunescu's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this book a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts. Despite minor predictability and character depth concerns, the book's gripping plot and engaging protagonist make it a worthwhile journey into a world filled with magic, danger, and difficult choices.
The story follows Princess Rheya as she navigates a treacherous mission amidst the backdrop of a long-awaited celebration. Bunescu adeptly crafts the tension, drawing readers into a web of deception and peril. Rheya's evolution from a sheltered princess to a resilient heroine facing daunting challenges is portrayed with depth and authenticity, making her journey relatable and compelling.
The dynamic between Rheya and Seth Morningstar, the enigmatic antagonist, adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot. The cat-and-mouse game they engage in keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, craving to unravel the secrets that bind them.
Bunescu's descriptive prose vividly brings the kingdoms to life, immersing readers in a world where magic and danger collide. The pacing is generally brisk, with well-executed action sequences that heighten the book's intensity.
However, amidst its strengths, the narrative occasionally suffers from predictable plot turns, diluting the element of surprise. Some secondary characters could benefit from further development to enhance their impact on the story.
In conclusion, "Tome of Wishes" is a captivating fantasy novel that delivers an enthralling adventure. Carmen Bunescu's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this book a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts. Despite minor predictability and character depth concerns, the book's gripping plot and engaging protagonist make it a worthwhile journey into a world filled with magic, danger, and difficult choices.
February 13, 2024
Tome Of Wishes by Carmen Bunescu is a teen and adult fiction with some mystery and thrill.
Rheya, the protagonist and the princess of the night kingdom, wants to escape from her kingdom as she felt like a prisoner there. So when after 13 years all kingdoms are finally opening their gates, she did not want to miss this chance. She is sent to attend the celebration in Stars Kingdom with her uncle. She is happy and excited but little did she know that there is waiting a great adventure of her life. Destiny is playing its own game and has something thrilling for our princess.
The characters are all very well written and they have evolved over time. The character of Rheya is one of the best thing I like about this book. She always takes her stand and is full of confidence and love. She wants to live a free life and did not hesitate to say what's right and what's wrong. Anisa, is also like Rheya and I like their bond in the whole read. Other characters like Seth, Kalahan, Sabah are also well written.
The book is full of thrill and adventures. Although the end is a little predictable but it goes well with the story. It's written in a very easy to read way and the words are all choosen very well.
Rheya, the protagonist and the princess of the night kingdom, wants to escape from her kingdom as she felt like a prisoner there. So when after 13 years all kingdoms are finally opening their gates, she did not want to miss this chance. She is sent to attend the celebration in Stars Kingdom with her uncle. She is happy and excited but little did she know that there is waiting a great adventure of her life. Destiny is playing its own game and has something thrilling for our princess.
The characters are all very well written and they have evolved over time. The character of Rheya is one of the best thing I like about this book. She always takes her stand and is full of confidence and love. She wants to live a free life and did not hesitate to say what's right and what's wrong. Anisa, is also like Rheya and I like their bond in the whole read. Other characters like Seth, Kalahan, Sabah are also well written.
The book is full of thrill and adventures. Although the end is a little predictable but it goes well with the story. It's written in a very easy to read way and the words are all choosen very well.
November 30, 2023
I'm not going to lie, this book has a very special meaning in my heart. But being as objective as possible, I was blown away by how well constructed the universe and characters are. The rhythm also makes the journey super fun and easy to go through, after passing the first 100 pages I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, it really gets better with each page and what a great feeling it gave me when I finished the last pages. A great ending that leaves you wanting to continue reading more about this world and the future of the characters, you couldn't ask for more. Carmen is an incredible writer and I will not miss any of her future work.
April 15, 2024
I'm generally very hesitant when it comes to reading high fantasy by new authors. Most of the world building just goes straight over my head lol. But this book? OMG!
This is high fantasy, yes, but you could still understand what's going on since the very first page! Simple lore, but SUCH COOL world building. The MC is cute, and I'm def rooting for her.
Carmen's writing style is like a mix of Sarra Cannon and JK Rowling, and I love that! To the point and clear descriptions, no purple prose. Clean and concise :)
Oh, and this entire "castle doors finally opening" thing at the beginning gives me so much FROZEN vibes!
Don't pass this book if you're looking for some cool high fantasy! It gets better with every page, and you're not gonna regret getting into it.
Can't wait for more! (Just kidding. Of course I can wait! Take your time to write your next awesome page turner!)
This is high fantasy, yes, but you could still understand what's going on since the very first page! Simple lore, but SUCH COOL world building. The MC is cute, and I'm def rooting for her.
Carmen's writing style is like a mix of Sarra Cannon and JK Rowling, and I love that! To the point and clear descriptions, no purple prose. Clean and concise :)
Oh, and this entire "castle doors finally opening" thing at the beginning gives me so much FROZEN vibes!
Don't pass this book if you're looking for some cool high fantasy! It gets better with every page, and you're not gonna regret getting into it.
Can't wait for more! (Just kidding. Of course I can wait! Take your time to write your next awesome page turner!)
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