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The Crystal Arrow

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Follow the journey of Soleil McCarthy and her companions as they travel to India in search of three missing pieces of a golden Staff. Alongside Scarlett, the traitor Amazon, Serena a new companion, and her friends Luna, Leo and Sky, Soleil embarks on a mission to find the golden Staff, recover her fire, and locate the Crystal Arrow before her 19th birthday, which is only five days away.

Throughout their quest, the group encounters various challenges, including battling Indian gods, demons, and moon wolves. However, they are unaware of which Indian gods are on their side and which ones have been sent by Soleil's sister, Nova, the goddess of darkness, to kill her. Adding to their troubles, they find themselves being pursued by Eris, the goddess of chaos, who is determined to thwart their efforts.

"The Crystal Arrow" is a gripping tale filled with mythology, action, and suspense, as Soleil and her companions race against time to fulfill their mission while facing formidable foes and uncertain alliances

Paperback

Published December 21, 2023

8 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

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Aseret Franco

4 books71 followers

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5 stars
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21 (23%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for ReadWithKaley.
73 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2024
I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The overall premise of this book was truly interesting. I like the mythology aspects to it, but I did not care for the main character.
I liked the modern aspects to this world and how things were even advanced from modern age.

There are some grammatical mistakes I found in this book but if you can look past them, this book was overall enjoyable.
Profile Image for ems_booknook.
445 reviews19 followers
February 3, 2024
A YA fantasy book, rich with mythology from all around the world, strong characters and a plot that is both action packed an intriguing.

I read this as an arc after the author reached out to me. This is book 3 in a series and while I eventually caught up to where the plot and characters were leading me, I would strongly recommend reading books 1 and 2 first.

I would recommend this for a younger audience interested in a fantasy about the gods, magic and looking for a book not unlike Percy Jackson.

Thank you to the author for allowing me the pleasure opportunity to read this book!
Profile Image for Amanda.
20 reviews
January 15, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to start off by saying that I do enjoy the concept and the plot of this story. I enjoy the characters and how the plot unfolds. I'm genuinely interested in where this story will go in the future books.

There were times that the chapters were difficult for me to read, as it was still going through rounds of editing when I received it. The chapters were sort of long, but I definitely felt that the pacing was pretty steady throughout the book. As for the characters, sometimes there were moments where I was being told and not shown how they were feeling. Also, the amount of times that Soleil would say, "What could go wrong?" was absolutely astonishing considering she doesn't get a waking moment of peace. That woman needs to learn to not speak her thoughts.

I could definitely tell that Soleil was trying to be better in this life throughout the book because there were moments where she was about to be unnecessarily harsh to one of the other characters and then she would stop herself or someone else would remind her.

I spent the majority of the book being super suspicious of Serenity and thinking that she wasn't as innocent as she portrayed because no one is that innocent, but I was rather proved wrong there in some ways.

I can't wait to see how the rest of this story unfolds as the time goes on. I hope that Soleil's adventure will lead her onto the correct path and that she will make the decision when the time comes.
Profile Image for Jessica Fuller.
415 reviews79 followers
February 20, 2024
I received a copy of this book when the author reached out to me via TikTok. Thank you for the opportunity.

This is book 3 in a series. I didn’t read the first two but I recommend doing so to avoid any confusion.

This book is very YA. It contains mythological elements and an adventure.
It also has interesting creatures.

I do feel like I would have enjoyed this book a lot more when I was younger so I highly recommend it for younger kids.

There are a lot of grammatical errors and repeated words. This isn’t something that bothers me but I thought I would mention it as it does bother others.

I would recommend checking this one out if you’re younger and move the adventure type of books.
Profile Image for readingwithjuliee.
88 reviews
January 27, 2024
I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review!

I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book. I don’t normally reach for books with a ton of mythology but this was really good!
The grammatical errors were kind of hard to get through but again it’s an ARC so I just looked past it.
Although I wasn’t able to completely attach myself to the characters I believe it was probably because I hadn’t read the first two but I was told you don’t have to read those in order to read the third book.
I love me some YA and it was done well!!
Profile Image for Brandi Gamble.
129 reviews
January 20, 2024
I will be 100% honest in this review... Initially going into this vook i was super excited knowing very little about it was a big jump for me but it was a million percent worth it. I definitely loved this a lot more then percy jackson. (I still like percy Jackson tho) just this book was my everything.
Aseret Franco you have a brilliant mind i have never read something this full of historical history with the mix if the gods and goddesses and enjoyed it as much as i have (it was my favorite parts). The time travel aspect was perfect to getting them places they needed to go and battled through the mythical creatures and challenges along the way. Everything was put together and flows flawlessly especially your characters although i will say it a million times because I want more on Cronos and Soleil cuz you had me feeling some sorts of somehow with them. But i think my favorite is Luna because she reminds me of myself. The ending had me needing more i loved it and wish i could unread it just to read it all over again for the first time. Overall this book is most definitely one i would recommen to anyone because i sat through it on the EDGE of my seat. Thank you for letting us read and escape into your mythical land as if we were a character in the world.
My favorite scenes were when all the gods and goddesses came together in one room I got so excited me boyfriend looked at me like I was crazy 🤣. There is an emotional level when I thought we were gonna lose some of our characters and I definitely laughed and smiled throughout this book please read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole Adams.
187 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2024
It was my please to be an ARC reader for this story.

This story follows the main character Soleil and her friends as they try to locate the crystal arrow before Soleil’s 19th birthday and before Soleil freezes and the world dies. It sounds crazy - but trust me it is good. At this point in the story we have learned that Soleil and many of her friends are gods, most of which have no memories of having been gods. And I admit - I love this idea! The concept is so fun, and brilliant, and it makes it easy to want to keep reading.

The main characters do seem to revolve around the Greek and Roman gods, but the author brings in mythologies from all over the world - so my Percy Jackson loving self was truly enjoying it. And these main ideas and themes are truly what end up engaging the reader.

As for the things that I wasn’t a huge fan of, I do think it is fair to note they are minor, and might not necessarily bother others. One, there were a few times I found sections slightly difficult to read. It seemed that the story may have benefited from another round of editing before publishing, as there were a few grammar and spelling mistakes when it came to the writing. Two, I also found that I was often told how the characters felt about things, or what they may have seen or talked about, as opposed to being shown it.

But in the end I enjoyed reading it. I had a really good time, and the shocking cliff hanger ending did having me thinking that I might be needing to read more. It is a solid book with a lot of potential.
Profile Image for Palistha.
83 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2024
Aseret Franco's "Crystal Arrow" is a fantasy gem that captivates from start to finish. With an enticing blend of mythology, adventure, magic, and time travel, this book offers a unique and action-packed journey that keeps readers hooked.

The stunning cover draws you into a world where gods, goddesses, and creatures come to life. Even if you're not well-versed in mythology, Franco skillfully introduces and explains each character, making the story accessible to all readers. The connection to Percy Jackson fans is evident, creating a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for those who love that series.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, and the characters are a highlight. The vast array of characters, gods, and mythical creatures add depth and excitement. While it's a departure from the usual romance genre, the book's self-discovery elements, along with its wonder, magic, and adventures, make it a captivating read.

The world-building is exceptional, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding story. Even if you're not a typical fantasy reader, "Crystal Arrow" offers a fun and unique adventure that is both enjoyable and gratifying.

For those who appreciate a fast-paced fantasy with gods, goddesses, and Greek mythology, this book is a delightful choice. Franco's storytelling prowess shines through, making "Crystal Arrow" a satisfying read for both avid fantasy enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
10 reviews
January 27, 2024
I was fortunate to have received an ARC copy of Crystal Arrow.

This is the third book in it's series and I was told I would not need to read the first 2 books to understand and I do agree. However, upon finishing it, I do think there would have definitely been an advantage to having read the first two to be much more invested in the characters and plot.

I did thoroughly enjoy the book however and I do feel that the characters were well written and pacing was steady throughout so there were no moments where you felt it slowed down too much. I did love the various mythological aspects of this book that was mentioned throughout the story and it was my reason for accepting to be an ARC reader so I am glad it was well done. The story was captivating and action packed and I am looking forward to the fourth book now. And meanwhile, hoping to read the first two books as I think it will help me connect a lot more to the story than I already was.

Only downside was the grammatical errors, but that is to be expected at this point in the process I believe, and as I mentioned before, having only read this third title, I felt I was missing something at the end of it, but that is all. Everything else was great and I am grateful to have had the chance to read this book.
5 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
BOOK REVIEW: The Crystal Arrow by Aseret Franco

If you’re a fan of Throne Of Glass, Mythologies, or even the Hunger Games, this book is what you need to pick up next. It’s got everything—court politics, survival, rebellion, and a fierce protagonist who refuses to be anyone’s pawn.

We follow Soleil McCarthy, and let me tell you, she’s one of those characters that makes you want to stand up and fight alongside her. She’s not just strong—she’s determined, resourceful, and constantly pushed to her limits. The way the book builds tension, especially with the trials she faces, had me flipping pages late into the night. It gives major The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson vibes, but with an edge that makes it completely its own.

The world-building? Stunning. It’s immersive but not overwhelming, and the magic system feels fresh and exciting. And every dynamic feels layered and real.

This book is for readers who love heroines that don’t wait around to be saved, a plot that keeps you on your toes, and stakes that feel real. It’s intense, it’s gripping, and by the end, you’re going to be desperate for more.

BOOK RATE: INFINITE, BEYOND THAN ANY STARS BUT SERIOUSLY, IT IS ALWAYS AN INFINITE RATE😍🤩👑
SUPER DUPER HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO EVERYONE
Profile Image for Michele K..
5 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2025
I'd like to thank the author for once again entrusting me with an ARC version of this book! It was an absolute honor and pleasure, and I enjoyed every page of the book.

I've read both previous books and hence it was easy for me to pick up the plot right off the bat. I strongly recommend reading the series actually as series and not a standalone like I see a few reviewers here have done. It definitely helps to understand the plot, know the characters, and overall the previous two books are just too good to pass on them! The book is still YA like the previous two, but now the plot contains a bit of adorable romance as well. Besides that, the plot is action-packed as always! I don't think our heroes get a single minute of peace in the book, or maybe that's just me because I ate up the book in just a few hours!

Overall, I am very happy I have once again had an opportunity to read a book written by Aseret Franco, and I'd gladly do it again, ARC reader or not! I can't recommend her books enough! As a person who loves sci-fi, fantasy, and mythology, this series is so addictive to me.
Profile Image for Jessica Wolfe.
121 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2024
I am not much of a YA reader, this girl loves spice. But this book good, it held my attention.

You meet soleil, she has powers of blue flames. She has a mission, she must keep herself and the world from freezing. She goes on a trip with friends to get two items she needs, which means she must go back in time, this where she meets different distractions at each corner. But that won’t stop her from her main mission. She must get the fruit and arrow.

The story line was put together good. Good amount of action and the characters were good. You really have to pay attention to the book because a couple of times I had to go back and read read it, just to make sure I read something correctly. It took a three days to read this books and I will warn you, it ends with a cliffhanger. Oh man did I want more. I’ll be honest, waiting for the next book is a pain. I wanna know how it ends. The person at the end surprised me, I did not see that coming. You’ll have to read the book to understand.
Profile Image for Logan Shaw.
27 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2024
*I received and Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.*

The Crystal Arrow is a YA fantasy novel with elements of mythology, fantastical creatures, and adventure. Please note - This is a part of a series. I recommend reading the preceding books first.

Overall, I think the book has an interesting plot line. The story itself offers plenty of points to keep you captivated throughout, and the characters are likeable. I would pick up future books to follow along and see where the story goes.

My main issue with the book were the grammar mistakes. Obviously, I don't expect perfection. However, they were noticeable enough to pull you out of the story, which is something you want to avoid early on in any fantasy novel.

As for the author's writing style, I found the world building to be very well done and easy to understand. Her descriptions during major plot points were beautifully captivating and accomplished that transportive sensation every reader desires. If you enjoy books with gods and action or are new to the fantasy book world, this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Holly Boyne.
25 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2024
I received this book in return for my honest review.

Because this book is the third in a series and I have not read the previous two books, it was a little difficult to get into at first, but once I did and started understanding the characters and their relationships, it was amazing!

I rated this book 4 stars because there were a few things that made me a little bit unsure. I think it is amazing that Aseret Franco included multiple mythologies, especially some that are not as well-known. One thing that did have me stumbling a little while reading was using the Greek and Roman Gods/Goddesses names interchangeably. Within the same conversation, Gods and Goddesses were referred to by both their Greek and Roman names, the narration would use the Greek name, then the characters would use the Roman name and it kept bouncing back and forth between the two within one conversation including the narration which had me a bit confused.

Aside from those details, the plot and the characters themselves were amazingly written and I cannot wait to read more of her books!
Profile Image for Jaimie Frerichs.
472 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2024
really great book

I rated this book 3.75⭐️
This is a YA fantasy book with time travel, mythical creatures like griffins and sphinxes, and Norse Gods. The book is filled with action, and adventure. This is the 3rd book in the series. I’d recommend reading the first two books, but you can understand the story without doing so. If you like Percy Jackson and the Olympians I would definitely recommend checking this book out. This book follows the journey of Soliel who must find the crystal arrow, golden staff, and recover her fire in 5days before her 19th birthday. This journey has a lot of time travel. Along this journey she comes in contact with Norse gods, some who will help her and some who don’t intend to do so. I really enjoyed the characters especially Scarlet, and Serenity. Sol, and Cronos are chefs kiss. Leo is also super sweet, and the best friend you can count on. I’m interested to see what is to come in the 4th book.
Profile Image for Shauna Adams.
Author 1 book13 followers
January 18, 2024
ARC Review

So this is the 3rd book in the series, and whilst it can be read on its own merits, having not read books 1 or 2, I feel like I missed out.

This story contains a LOT of mythology, Greek, Roman, Hindu, etc. It actually took me a few days to get through this story because there is just so much detail.

It is a mythical fantasy adventure that follows our FMC Soleil who is the Goddess of the Sun as she tries to find her sister, her fruit and the Crystal Arrow all before her 19th Birthday or the Earth will freeze.

With twists and turns and epic battles almost very chapter not to mention time travel across the ages, this story gets you in a vice grip of anxiety and excitement and does not let up until the final word.

It's definitely worth checking out if mythology and fantasy are right up your street.
Profile Image for 3lizabethReads.
22 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
The Crystal Arrow ARC Review
Overall, I decently enjoyed the premise and liked learning a little of each Mythology that was mentioned. The story has multiple points throughout to keep you wanting to read. The authors writing style was easy to understand which is great for a fantasy novel.
Although I did decently enjoy the novel, there were a few grammatical errors which took me out of the story alot, of course it makes sense since its still a ARC. Another thing that sort of caused me confusion was having so many characters with similar names, most starting with 'S'. By the end of the book I was able to sort of keep up with who's who. I likely would have benefited to read this novel not as a stand alone, but as a series as I had not read the books which came before.
Either way it was a fun read and I'm happy to have read the book!😊
Profile Image for Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook.
755 reviews23 followers
February 25, 2024
This is a good book. I did have a hard time following this book at times. Definitely great for a YA fantasy lover! I do think whoever takes this read on needs to have some basic knowledge of a wide variety of mythology, due to different terms and/or names used.

This Young Adult Fantasy is a exciting book 3 in a series. While it is possible to read this as a stand alone, reading the prior books is highly recommended.
There is some romance, but it does take the back burner for the plot.
The book is full of constant action as they facing new obstacles in their journey.
There is a ton of mythology drenching the story. Making for an interesting read.
The world building is complex, and where they are jumping around in time can make it even more so.
The FMC has emotional depth, and does some personal growth throughout the book.

Profile Image for Emily Scotto.
Author 1 book28 followers
December 27, 2023
I binged this book in one day! Once I started it, I could not put it down. The plot definitely kept me interested, and I enjoyed all the characters you meet! If you like mythology, adventure, magic and time travel, you will love this fantasy book. I have never read a book that included Greek mythology, or gods and I was pleasantly surprised! The creatures that are discovered throughout the book were a nice touch as well! I thoroughly enjoyed the action packed plot and character building in this book as well! I would definitely read more of Aseret’s work and recommend anyone to read them as well! Whether you are an avid fantasy reader, or just starting out, I believe you will enjoy this book!
Profile Image for Ryn.
48 reviews12 followers
January 8, 2024
To start the cover of this book is stunning! After reading Crystal Arrow I had to go rewatch the Percy Jackson movies. If you liked the Percy Jackson books/movies or have an interest in mythology this book is for you! This book was not something I typically read (I usually read romance books with spice) but it was still enjoyable. I had very limited knowledge of mythology before reading but Aseret Franco explained each character/God to where you don't need a background in mythology to enjoy. The only thing I would recommend when reading it is to keep a list of characters because, in the first 15 pages, I was very confused about who was who and the connection between the characters. I would recommend reading the other books first to ensure the best reading experience.
Profile Image for Amie Derricott.
122 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2024
I was sent an ARC of this by the author to read and review. It's a YA fantasy encompassing mythology from all around the world and all different eras (Greek, Roman, Norse etc), so it would be great for fans of Percy Jackson.
This is the third in a series and in order to fully understand the plot you definitely need to have read the first two books. There are a lot of characters you meet within the first few chapters that you will definitely need the backstory on to fully appreciate this book!
It's a fairly quick read, although it formatted oddly on my kindle making the speech quite difficult to separate from the rest of story.
I enjoyed this book a lot and reccomend it, but it does read as very YA so if that's not your bag you'll need to bear that in mind!
Profile Image for Maria Garcia.
32 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2024
I was given this book as an ARC, and I was told to leave an honest review. And may I say. This book was amazing. Once I started reading, I wasn't able to put it down. I am new into fantasy and mythology books, and so far, this book has made me fall more in love with it than I already was especially because i have yet to read oke that involves greek gods and i am obsessed with greek gods so this book was definitely on my top favs. The characters in this book were amazing. This book was so easy to follow, giving that it's the third book. And I have not read the first two. I will definitely be reading more of Asaret Franco and will definitely recommend her to a couple of my book besties! I give this book a 10/10 😄
Profile Image for Kiwi.
161 reviews
January 16, 2024
Adventure & Mythology Awaits

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantasy lots of characters & good concept and polt. I'm a huge Precy Jackson fan and honestly it reminds me of books I use to read about wonder and adventures and magic and myths. It was action packed and even self discovery. There world building and pages that give your backstory. It's around 400 pages but the pages fly by right before your eyes because it takes your mind and your imagination and trun the book into a movie that I thought ended to soon. Now I'm a huge dark spicy romance reader but this book no...this adventure was so much fun and unique I'm greatful that I got to spend time with this story reading it by candlelight was a good choice.
382 reviews
January 21, 2024
⭐️3 stars⭐️

This was my first fantasy book of the year to help me get into more fantasy romance. Overall I did like the book!

I would say that the chapters are very long but the pace stayed pretty consistent. There were so many characters and some had similar names but when you got into the book more you started to understand who was who.

Soleil is the main character. She is on a quest to find an arrow to stop the world from freezing. On the way she faces challenges at every turn (literally) and has to travel through time. She is on this mission with Scarlett, serenity (serena), Selene, Leo, sky and Gael.

I want to thank aseret for allowing me an arc to this book I am very grateful and liked it 🥰🥰
Profile Image for Samantha  Cross.
241 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book! At first it was a little hard to get into only because for me it felt like a lot of information being thrown my way. But that is just me and my adhd, was having a little trouble with that. I really enjoyed the plot, the adventure and self discovery for the characters. It was a great read and hard to put down once I got past the first couple chapters. I really enjoyed her writing style. And it really took me back to my teen years as I’m a huge fan of Percy Jackson and mythology! Definitely recommend reading if that is what you like. Also definitely recommend reading the first two books to get the whole picture so you don’t feel like you’re jumping right in the middle and things aren’t explained, they are just in the first two books!
Profile Image for Divine Bautista.
31 reviews
January 25, 2024
I received this book as an arc and was in love with it! I think that the story is very captivating in many ways! I don’t want to give out too much details and spoil it! I definitely think that it was such an easy read! The only thing that threw me off a little was the small little grammar mistakes but other than that if you don’t mind that, it was wonderful!

Imagining the characters is also really easy! I love a descriptive book! I think that the ending was such a cliffhanger.

I also like how the conversations between characters were written. Most books ramble on but this one is very entertaining! The chapters are a little long like someone said, but I enjoy long chapters so I didn’t mind!
Profile Image for Jen Marks.
24 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2024
This is absolutely a 5 star read for me!! This is a YA book that is the third in a series, it can be read as a stand alone as well which is definitely a plus. The twists and turns that Soleil and her friends encounter keep you on the edge of your seat, and trying to figure out what the next obstacle will be. These five days feel like a lifetime with everything they go through, but I promise it the quest is one that everyone should experience! This book was so well written. Usually I get bored with most YA books but this one didn’t bore me at all. It was a fast read for me and I loved it. I will recommend to everyone to read this series. I jumped in at the end. Wish I would have read the first two before to establish more would buliding and understand the magic system better.
Profile Image for Roan Alessandra.
19 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2024
Super duper love this gorgeous book so much🤩🤩🤩🤩 I'M SCREAMING AND FELT SO MUCH EMOTIONS IN IT, It felt so real like I could see every characters and what was happening there even to what they're doing. I won't give any spoilers and I won't even do that so all readers can feel excitement and be thrilled of what this gorgeous book contains. It's an infinite rate. This MASTERPIECE IS AN INFINITE RATE I TELL YOU ALL👑👑👑👑 NO ONE CAN EVEN CHANGE MY MIND EVEN IF I KEEP ON READING IT ENDLESSLY AND I WILL TREASURE THIS PRECIOUS MASTERPIECE FOR ETERNITY💗. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH MY BELOVED FRIEND FOR MAKING SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 I SUPER DUPER LOVE IT SO MUCH
Profile Image for Andrew Rawlinson.
20 reviews
January 26, 2024
This was the first of the 3 books in the series that I have read, i saw the book and heard what it was about and saw that it was available on Ku. i loved how I could jump in to the story without knowing more about the previous books, you were quickly introduced to the characters, and the action started almost immediately, the story was well written, and flowed perfectly, the characters just like normal people had flaws which made them more realistic, now I'm going to go back and read the previous books. So if your interested in a ya time travel adventure with Norse and Greek and Roman gods I would give this a shot.
Profile Image for Ashley McNeal.
88 reviews6 followers
January 15, 2024
I actually really enjoyed this book, it wasn’t the main genre I read but definitely worth it .The author did an amazing job with the usage of a few gods to show how intense this quest was. This has a rite of passage plot, characters had to go after something important to one of them coming of age. I always enjoy the story of a friend group that goes off on a journey and goes through so many trials and has to fend off evil or things trying to stop them from completing their journey. This is a must read if you’re super into mythology and adventure for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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