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Terra
The sun of Tempus sets for the final time. Stars erupt. Meteors fall. Evil reigns. And Agnus' war has only just begun.
In the walls of Magia, the blemished are sent to die for the benefit of the perishing world. There, a blemished slave girl suffers under the deranged hands of her guardian. But she holds onto a hope that not even the dark perversions of Magia can corrupt. As she becomes entangled in the plans of the mysterious Agnus Dayton, she begins to question whether she is really capable of rising above the nature of man and meeting Agnus’ lofty ideals.
Are Agnus’ plans for good or evil?
In the walls of Magia, the blemished are sent to die for the benefit of the perishing world. There, a blemished slave girl suffers under the deranged hands of her guardian. But she holds onto a hope that not even the dark perversions of Magia can corrupt. As she becomes entangled in the plans of the mysterious Agnus Dayton, she begins to question whether she is really capable of rising above the nature of man and meeting Agnus’ lofty ideals.
Are Agnus’ plans for good or evil?
- GenresFantasy
297 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2023
2 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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September 24, 2024If you are looking for a dark dystopian where the FMC struggles against suffering and evil while never losing sight of hope and goodness, this book is for you.
Warning: It gets pretty grim and can feel very hopeless at times, but there is a light that shines beyond it all. My prayer is that even in your darkest moments, you will find that light to guide you out.
Warning: It gets pretty grim and can feel very hopeless at times, but there is a light that shines beyond it all. My prayer is that even in your darkest moments, you will find that light to guide you out.
November 18, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting the author on two occasions, she is such a passionate delight to chat with, I was immediately drawn into the world and themes after having a chat.
I did enjoy this book, the characters, setting, themes and ending. A great mix of light, dark and faith. It is very well written for an indie book, and the authors passion in world building and deep characters is evident.
It was a good journey out of the norm for me. It did take me quite some time to grasp the world, characters and events, I would have liked to understand it quicker. However, I felt I was discovering everything along with the main female character, so that was a good change of direction and left me wondering where the story would go. The story and events had me surprised and guessing all along the way, until the end when everything slid into place. The dark themes, characters and monsters were very unique and though dark, I enjoyed the uniqueness and the detail.
Overall a good story to drop into and experience.
I did enjoy this book, the characters, setting, themes and ending. A great mix of light, dark and faith. It is very well written for an indie book, and the authors passion in world building and deep characters is evident.
It was a good journey out of the norm for me. It did take me quite some time to grasp the world, characters and events, I would have liked to understand it quicker. However, I felt I was discovering everything along with the main female character, so that was a good change of direction and left me wondering where the story would go. The story and events had me surprised and guessing all along the way, until the end when everything slid into place. The dark themes, characters and monsters were very unique and though dark, I enjoyed the uniqueness and the detail.
Overall a good story to drop into and experience.
September 4, 2023
Pure love v obsessive lust, sacrifice v control, trust v self reliance, forgiveness in the face of unrelenting hurt, kindness, friendship and unexpected mercy...
These are just some of the themes that trace through the book as the author places us in a new world amongst unique characters whilst exploring the most important of our needs and emotions.
It is a wonderfully challenging read as I became acquainted with a brand new world and interesting characters who continually developed through the story, but also challenging in the sense of my personal reaction to what was unfolding within and between the characters. Do I sometimes have the same anger that I found so detestable in some of the characters? Do I have the same compassion and mercy?
I was taken on a journey with the characters into an unknown world, (as they often were) and enjoyed the emotional highs and lows as a flicked one page after another. I found myself really caring for some and despising others.
I could write more, but fear that anything else said would start to give away things that you should read for yourself.
These are just some of the themes that trace through the book as the author places us in a new world amongst unique characters whilst exploring the most important of our needs and emotions.
It is a wonderfully challenging read as I became acquainted with a brand new world and interesting characters who continually developed through the story, but also challenging in the sense of my personal reaction to what was unfolding within and between the characters. Do I sometimes have the same anger that I found so detestable in some of the characters? Do I have the same compassion and mercy?
I was taken on a journey with the characters into an unknown world, (as they often were) and enjoyed the emotional highs and lows as a flicked one page after another. I found myself really caring for some and despising others.
I could write more, but fear that anything else said would start to give away things that you should read for yourself.
October 13, 2023
I started this book not entirely sure what to expect but I was very quickly drawn into this world and its characters. High fantasy has a lot of world building to ensure that the reader is fully immersed and Solofoni definitely manages that.
Our first introduction to several main characters is when Agnus brings the young girl, unnamed at the time, to Magia and leaves her under their care. Quickly Agnus’ terms are violated and this girl has her body mutilated and deemed “blemished” so she can be sent into the mines to work. I loved the characters and each unique personality, and how each relationship developed over time.
Plus I loved the idea of Magia’s main goal of returning the sun after the Stillness and the horrific way they try to accomplish it with the E132 crystal that thrive on blood.
Overall I tore through this book and I can’t wait for the next one! Definitely worth a read if you enjoy the high fantasy genre!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our first introduction to several main characters is when Agnus brings the young girl, unnamed at the time, to Magia and leaves her under their care. Quickly Agnus’ terms are violated and this girl has her body mutilated and deemed “blemished” so she can be sent into the mines to work. I loved the characters and each unique personality, and how each relationship developed over time.
Plus I loved the idea of Magia’s main goal of returning the sun after the Stillness and the horrific way they try to accomplish it with the E132 crystal that thrive on blood.
Overall I tore through this book and I can’t wait for the next one! Definitely worth a read if you enjoy the high fantasy genre!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
*I received an ARC and am leaving this review for free.
It’s such a privilege to have an advanced copy of this book, I’m very thankful to the author for the opportunity to be part of this process.
The story is set in an alternate world, which is complex and takes a while to establish.
The characters are a really strength in the story as we get to know them as they are complex and in many ways relatable.
As the story developed I became more invested in the characters. I really enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to seeing how this story continues.
It’s such a privilege to have an advanced copy of this book, I’m very thankful to the author for the opportunity to be part of this process.
The story is set in an alternate world, which is complex and takes a while to establish.
The characters are a really strength in the story as we get to know them as they are complex and in many ways relatable.
As the story developed I became more invested in the characters. I really enjoyed getting to know them and look forward to seeing how this story continues.
September 26, 2024
3.5 stars. Terra took some time for me to understand what was going on. I'm looking forward to seeing where the journey goes next!!
September 17, 2025
Terra is a brilliant debut novel by E Solofoni
A truely unique story, with characters that pull you in straight away.
Think C S Lewis meets Brandon Sanderson.
It’s a beautiful blend of post apocalyptic survival, epic adventure with some mystery and political intrigue too!
There is phenomenal world building and lore and I can wait to read more of this world!
A truely unique story, with characters that pull you in straight away.
Think C S Lewis meets Brandon Sanderson.
It’s a beautiful blend of post apocalyptic survival, epic adventure with some mystery and political intrigue too!
There is phenomenal world building and lore and I can wait to read more of this world!
November 9, 2024
*I received an ARC and have posted this review for free.
Solofoni's first novel was a confronting read - in the same way that the world is confronting. She boldly captures something of the brutality of our human experience in her unique fantasy world, and yet has woven for us a story full of salvation and hope.
The Christian themes of redemption, forgiveness and salvation are far from subtle - and this is a strength of the story. It means that the reader isn't left hopeless in a bleak, dying world - there is comfort in the midst of tragedy both for Terra, and for the reader as we follow her story.
Solofoni's first novel was a confronting read - in the same way that the world is confronting. She boldly captures something of the brutality of our human experience in her unique fantasy world, and yet has woven for us a story full of salvation and hope.
The Christian themes of redemption, forgiveness and salvation are far from subtle - and this is a strength of the story. It means that the reader isn't left hopeless in a bleak, dying world - there is comfort in the midst of tragedy both for Terra, and for the reader as we follow her story.
September 6, 2024
This review was written by two Year 7 students, and is shared with permission.
I thought that this book was very enticing and beautifully written. It engaged me and captured hints of theology often that make it very enjoyable. The plot is well developed and has a climactic finish. I really enjoyed the hilarious romance played throughout the novel and the chemistry between Terra and Adam. I was deeply distraught when their paths separated. Characters in this book were very well developed and relatable, they made me feel connected with the storyline. Overall, this book was a great adventure that I couldn’t put down.
Plotline
The plotline was climactic and kept me on my toes, it made me excited and enthusiastic about what happens next. I found the start quite dark and gorey but it really set the scene for the rest of the book. There was a perfect build up of adrenaline at the end, and a great closure.
Theological Links
The theological influences were so amazing! They made me smile every time. I loved the part where Terra gets ‘Spiritus” and how the sword is powered by her faith. I loved it when Agnus told her that it topples down mountains. The subtle, quick hints were so fun to catch. I enjoyed how planned out and deliberate these hints were, they weren’t over the top or too scarce.
Romance
I loved the romance between Adam and Terra. It was so funny and amazing! I was so infuriated every time he beated around the bush and when Terra didn’t realise at all. When Adam left, I was so disappointed, at least they thought about marriage.
Ending
The ending of the book was so sad but so good. I loved the outburst of Lamina’s emotions and found his anger very relatable as I was angry from her death as well. I loved the realisation when you found out how Terra came to be and the final explanation of how she is a Maremortum. The whole scene reminded me of the girl Jesus raised from the dead as I experienced similar emotions to that of the family of the girl and then immense relief when Agnus came. The plotline wrapped up really well with the fact that Terra could become the ruler of Magia and make things right.
I thought that this book was very enticing and beautifully written. It engaged me and captured hints of theology often that make it very enjoyable. The plot is well developed and has a climactic finish. I really enjoyed the hilarious romance played throughout the novel and the chemistry between Terra and Adam. I was deeply distraught when their paths separated. Characters in this book were very well developed and relatable, they made me feel connected with the storyline. Overall, this book was a great adventure that I couldn’t put down.
Plotline
The plotline was climactic and kept me on my toes, it made me excited and enthusiastic about what happens next. I found the start quite dark and gorey but it really set the scene for the rest of the book. There was a perfect build up of adrenaline at the end, and a great closure.
Theological Links
The theological influences were so amazing! They made me smile every time. I loved the part where Terra gets ‘Spiritus” and how the sword is powered by her faith. I loved it when Agnus told her that it topples down mountains. The subtle, quick hints were so fun to catch. I enjoyed how planned out and deliberate these hints were, they weren’t over the top or too scarce.
Romance
I loved the romance between Adam and Terra. It was so funny and amazing! I was so infuriated every time he beated around the bush and when Terra didn’t realise at all. When Adam left, I was so disappointed, at least they thought about marriage.
Ending
The ending of the book was so sad but so good. I loved the outburst of Lamina’s emotions and found his anger very relatable as I was angry from her death as well. I loved the realisation when you found out how Terra came to be and the final explanation of how she is a Maremortum. The whole scene reminded me of the girl Jesus raised from the dead as I experienced similar emotions to that of the family of the girl and then immense relief when Agnus came. The plotline wrapped up really well with the fact that Terra could become the ruler of Magia and make things right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
Terra: A Tales of Tempus novel by E. Solofoni.
E. Solofoni is an Australian author and this is her debut novel. She has created a detailed world where children are a traded, disposable, commodity to work the mines digging out E132 - a crystal used by mages. One child, Terra, is integral to a prophecy to bring down the rule of the mages and escapes the mines. She encounters the venerable Angus who is a believer in the old religions of the world. He guides and teaches her ensuring her place in prophecy.
What I liked about Solofoni's world building was the integration of excerpts from "history" texts and "scripture" that she placed at the beginning of each chapter. It really helped give depth to her imaginings. The cast of characters and creatures is varied from the maremortums to the old ox Lamina (my favourite). The initial pacing of the novel is fast, but the middle section slows as Terra is undergoing her training and then it ramps up toward the finale.
There's a lot to enjoy in Terra and I think fans of Christian fantasy in particular will really enjoy this. It seems to me that a lot of the religion of Solofoni's world is based in Christian mythology and that will appeal to many. It is, however, different enough that others will enjoy it too.
There is a good dash of grimness in the story, but don't panic as the author avoids graphic gruesomeness, yet still manages to write a very atmospheric tale.
4 Stars
E. Solofoni is an Australian author and this is her debut novel. She has created a detailed world where children are a traded, disposable, commodity to work the mines digging out E132 - a crystal used by mages. One child, Terra, is integral to a prophecy to bring down the rule of the mages and escapes the mines. She encounters the venerable Angus who is a believer in the old religions of the world. He guides and teaches her ensuring her place in prophecy.
What I liked about Solofoni's world building was the integration of excerpts from "history" texts and "scripture" that she placed at the beginning of each chapter. It really helped give depth to her imaginings. The cast of characters and creatures is varied from the maremortums to the old ox Lamina (my favourite). The initial pacing of the novel is fast, but the middle section slows as Terra is undergoing her training and then it ramps up toward the finale.
There's a lot to enjoy in Terra and I think fans of Christian fantasy in particular will really enjoy this. It seems to me that a lot of the religion of Solofoni's world is based in Christian mythology and that will appeal to many. It is, however, different enough that others will enjoy it too.
There is a good dash of grimness in the story, but don't panic as the author avoids graphic gruesomeness, yet still manages to write a very atmospheric tale.
4 Stars
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews