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Scalechaser
She entered a land of beasts and magic. He'll risk everything to ensure she's safe.
Blinded at a young age, Gage Aymeris begs the cursed nomads of the south to help him regain his sight. In exchange for granting his wish, his soul is bound to a young woman, allowing her the chance to enter his land. Eager to prove himself worthy of her gift, Gage vows to protect Whitetail's life by any means necessary.
Plagued by a curse that has affected her bloodline for generations, Whitetail hunts and kills the beast that consumed her sister before it can bring about the death of any more innocents. Her feat awards her no glory, and as she travels across the forbidden land, her trials are only beginning.
As Gage and Whitetail's paths converge, dark secrets are unveiled, forcing Gage to question the journey he's started. And if they aren't careful about the company they keep, Whitetail's fate could end no better than her sister's.
- GenresFantasyFantasy Romance
321 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2024
4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Stonecypher
2 books9 followersA. R. Stonecypher is a swords and sorcery fantasy writer. She spent nearly a decade building the world for the Wish Wielder Bonds duology. She loves stories with unique magic systems, deep character development, and a nice slow burn romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 14, 2024
⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰───⊰⊱ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ⊰⊱──⊱⋆⊰
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC!
A solid 3 starssss. Made me laugh, gasp and cry all in 321 pages!⚠️Minor spoilers?⚠️
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Writing and Language
Straightforward and simple, the focus here is on the sprinklings of Solenvian Terminology which I really enjoyed and may, potentially add to my vocabulary. It really added to the world-building and gave this lovely contrast to the English.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Plot
The plot was good, definitely started off a little slower but it wasn't boring slow, it was more of an, 'okay stuff is happening and I'm sure it's going to lead up to something but that something hasn't happened yet' slow. I was also a little confused as to what was going on for more than half the book but once it clicked everything that had been going on finally made sense, the pace picked up as well from that point and the contrast from before and after was just, woww.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Characters
I didn't expect to, considering the length of the book, but I really did enjoy these characters. The author did a wonderful job of developing them in a short space of time and managed to pack PLENTY of emotion, personality and charm into them. There was one who I personally felt was a little empty and plain compared to the rest but oh well, I'm prepared to overlook that and hope that that will change with the next book.
ˋ°•*⁀➷All In All...
Surprisingly good and promising a potentially great second book with loads more immersivity, characters, action and a rich storyline which I will be praying and waiting for!
Thank you for reading lovelies 💞
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC!
A solid 3 starssss. Made me laugh, gasp and cry all in 321 pages!⚠️Minor spoilers?⚠️
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Writing and Language
Straightforward and simple, the focus here is on the sprinklings of Solenvian Terminology which I really enjoyed and may, potentially add to my vocabulary. It really added to the world-building and gave this lovely contrast to the English.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Plot
The plot was good, definitely started off a little slower but it wasn't boring slow, it was more of an, 'okay stuff is happening and I'm sure it's going to lead up to something but that something hasn't happened yet' slow. I was also a little confused as to what was going on for more than half the book but once it clicked everything that had been going on finally made sense, the pace picked up as well from that point and the contrast from before and after was just, woww.
ˋ°•*⁀➷The Characters
I didn't expect to, considering the length of the book, but I really did enjoy these characters. The author did a wonderful job of developing them in a short space of time and managed to pack PLENTY of emotion, personality and charm into them. There was one who I personally felt was a little empty and plain compared to the rest but oh well, I'm prepared to overlook that and hope that that will change with the next book.
ˋ°•*⁀➷All In All...
Surprisingly good and promising a potentially great second book with loads more immersivity, characters, action and a rich storyline which I will be praying and waiting for!
Thank you for reading lovelies 💞
February 17, 2024
I came across this book on Book Sirens and the cover design and title snagged my attention immediately. And I mean, that last name is absolutely perfect for writing fantasy! I wasn't completely sure what to expect diving in, but what I got was a fun adventure with a world and styling that made me feel nostalgic.
The writing style is very straightforward, easy to read, and interspersed with bits of Solenvian – the language of Whitetail's people –, which I definitely enjoyed. But the nostalgia came from the world itself, the characters, the descriptions, and probably the cover design as well. All of it reminded me of the fantasy webcomics I used to read way back when. I also had a look on the author's website where she has uploaded a couple of sketches, including ones of creatures like the jacobeasts and the fynx, which were a nice little extra to discover.
The magic system was an interesting one where a group of cursed people are able to grant wishes/magic to regular people but in exchange, both parties' souls are tied together. And in the wider kingdom, there is a whole system set in place for these wish wielders and granters. As with any society, there's discrimination against certain people, which the main characters come into contact with as well.
The plot was quite interesting to follow. I wasn't completely sure where it would go at times and had a fun time following the storyline. But one thing I wasn't expecting was a bit of romance and some slightly more mature jokes here and there, which definitely bumped the book up to at least a YA level.
Overall, it was an entertaining and different fantasy story and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next one!
Thank you Book Sirens and A. R. Stonecypher for the ARC in return for my honest review.
The writing style is very straightforward, easy to read, and interspersed with bits of Solenvian – the language of Whitetail's people –, which I definitely enjoyed. But the nostalgia came from the world itself, the characters, the descriptions, and probably the cover design as well. All of it reminded me of the fantasy webcomics I used to read way back when. I also had a look on the author's website where she has uploaded a couple of sketches, including ones of creatures like the jacobeasts and the fynx, which were a nice little extra to discover.
The magic system was an interesting one where a group of cursed people are able to grant wishes/magic to regular people but in exchange, both parties' souls are tied together. And in the wider kingdom, there is a whole system set in place for these wish wielders and granters. As with any society, there's discrimination against certain people, which the main characters come into contact with as well.
The plot was quite interesting to follow. I wasn't completely sure where it would go at times and had a fun time following the storyline. But one thing I wasn't expecting was a bit of romance and some slightly more mature jokes here and there, which definitely bumped the book up to at least a YA level.
Overall, it was an entertaining and different fantasy story and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next one!
Thank you Book Sirens and A. R. Stonecypher for the ARC in return for my honest review.
April 30, 2024
"Scalechaser" marks the beginning of the Wish Wielder Bonds series, thrusting readers into an action-packed narrative centered around Gage, a wish wielder, and Whitetail, heir of Jacovan and a Solenvian.
The premise of this book is so different to anything I’ve read before! It is filled with action, heartfelt moments, betrayal and a heartwarming love story. The inclusion of a main character with a disability was also a breath of fresh air.
I did however find that the swift introduction of numerous characters initially posed a challenge, but the standout portrayals of Gage, Whitetail, and Hayden brought depth to the story. While the dual point-of-view was enjoyable, clear indications of whose perspective we were following at the start of each chapter would have enhanced the reading experience.
Despite the abundance of action, the book also delves into emotional moments, albeit some felt underdeveloped due to certain characters receiving limited page time. While the narrative held many twists and turns, a pivotal revelation around 70% into the story provided much-needed clarity, albeit after moments of confusion.
However, a desire for deeper worldbuilding lingered throughout. While the basics were comprehensible, fully immersing oneself in the world proved challenging at times. Hopefully this is something that will be built on throughout the series. Understanding the intricate magic system required considerable effort, detracting from the overall enjoyment. I’ve done a short summary below - this doesn’t contain any spoilers to the book.
In this universe, people petition the Jacovan heirs for their wishes. The heirs can only grant one wish in their lifetime, which also allows them to leave Solenvale by crossing Bane’s barrier. If unfulfilled, they face enslavement or council service. As part of the wish granting, the heir and the wishwielder become bonded and a crystal holds a small piece of each of their souls. To keep the wish active, the wishwielders have to drink Rukasai, liquid magic, otherwise the benefits of the wish fade.
Overall, "Scalechaser" offers a good start to the series, with great characters and blending action with emotional depth, albeit hindered by occasional confusion and a longing for more expansive worldbuilding.
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of this book is so different to anything I’ve read before! It is filled with action, heartfelt moments, betrayal and a heartwarming love story. The inclusion of a main character with a disability was also a breath of fresh air.
I did however find that the swift introduction of numerous characters initially posed a challenge, but the standout portrayals of Gage, Whitetail, and Hayden brought depth to the story. While the dual point-of-view was enjoyable, clear indications of whose perspective we were following at the start of each chapter would have enhanced the reading experience.
Despite the abundance of action, the book also delves into emotional moments, albeit some felt underdeveloped due to certain characters receiving limited page time. While the narrative held many twists and turns, a pivotal revelation around 70% into the story provided much-needed clarity, albeit after moments of confusion.
However, a desire for deeper worldbuilding lingered throughout. While the basics were comprehensible, fully immersing oneself in the world proved challenging at times. Hopefully this is something that will be built on throughout the series. Understanding the intricate magic system required considerable effort, detracting from the overall enjoyment. I’ve done a short summary below - this doesn’t contain any spoilers to the book.
In this universe, people petition the Jacovan heirs for their wishes. The heirs can only grant one wish in their lifetime, which also allows them to leave Solenvale by crossing Bane’s barrier. If unfulfilled, they face enslavement or council service. As part of the wish granting, the heir and the wishwielder become bonded and a crystal holds a small piece of each of their souls. To keep the wish active, the wishwielders have to drink Rukasai, liquid magic, otherwise the benefits of the wish fade.
Overall, "Scalechaser" offers a good start to the series, with great characters and blending action with emotional depth, albeit hindered by occasional confusion and a longing for more expansive worldbuilding.
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2024
I'd give this a 3.5 stars. Do you want a fantasy adventure? Read this book. It was a break from my norm reading and I enjoyed it. I couldn't get into Whitetail being her name, but I loved Gage. Fun story, good quick read.
April 19, 2024
Gage has only ever wanted to see and is given that opportunity when a girl grants him his wish. They become bondmates and Gage vows he will always help her and protect her and be the ideal bondmate.
Three years later, Gage is hunting for a stray when he’s essentially kidnapped and told by his kidnapper that his bondmate needs his help. At the risk of Magic withdrawals, Gage goes to meet his bondmate.
When they meet, Whitetail realizes her sister, Whitesong, is the one who told Gage to meet her to help their brother, Scalechaser. And so Whitetail agrees to help him since it seems her brother needs help, however she has a secret that Gage is unaware of, and is unsure whether to tell him or not. And Gage will do anything to help her.
Sooooo, this book put me through a lot of interesting emotions 😂 I was confused, angry, frustrated, happy and elated.
I was confused because the world and the idea of bondmates don’t make really any sense until about halfway through the book. Now at first, I was confused and frustrated with this because I really don’t enjoy being strung along until 50% into the book feeling confused about almost everything. HOWEVER, that being said, I understand why now a lot of it was not explained until later, but spoilers 😉
I have to applaud the author for making me essentially despise a character until things are explained and I was so surprised and angry at myself because I questioned things and I was right and then angry at myself for jumping to other conclusions, and then I was happy 🤣 I was all over the place in this book!
The characters are great. Whitetail and her best friend Hayden have the best banter, and I love how much they love and trust each other and are just always there for each other.
Gage is that adorable cinnamon roll MMC we don’t see very often today, at least it seems that way to me, and he’s just so sweet, innocent, kind, and so so loyal. Just an all around nice guy, that even gave me touch her and ☠️ vibes despite his innocent nature 😉
The romance is a bit fast, but makes sense and you’d have to read it to understand because, strangely, the relationship just made sense and I loved it and it was so sweet.
Now, a couple things that knocked it down a star for me…first is that there are some things I don’t fully understand about the world. So, there are things explained, but I guess I wish there was more detail. I felt a little lost about some things and the way things were run and why certain people were treated the way they were.
The other thing, and to some this may seem like I’m overreacting, but I personally experience this, the teasing they did towards Gage because of his innocence and the tendency to blush very easily I was not okay with. Maybe Gage was fine, I mean he’s really super nice 😂, but it triggered me because when people tease me for blushing very easily, I get even more embarrassed. It’s embarrassing and humiliating to have someone point that out to you because I KNOW I AM BLUSHING. I DON’T NEED YOU TO TELL ME. Anyways, some of the teasing that I think was supposed to come off as banter was a bit over the top for me. Okay rant done 😅
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The author did a great job of making feel emotions and giving me whiplash and changing my feelings 180 degrees. It was impressive. I am looking forward to the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Three years later, Gage is hunting for a stray when he’s essentially kidnapped and told by his kidnapper that his bondmate needs his help. At the risk of Magic withdrawals, Gage goes to meet his bondmate.
When they meet, Whitetail realizes her sister, Whitesong, is the one who told Gage to meet her to help their brother, Scalechaser. And so Whitetail agrees to help him since it seems her brother needs help, however she has a secret that Gage is unaware of, and is unsure whether to tell him or not. And Gage will do anything to help her.
Sooooo, this book put me through a lot of interesting emotions 😂 I was confused, angry, frustrated, happy and elated.
I was confused because the world and the idea of bondmates don’t make really any sense until about halfway through the book. Now at first, I was confused and frustrated with this because I really don’t enjoy being strung along until 50% into the book feeling confused about almost everything. HOWEVER, that being said, I understand why now a lot of it was not explained until later, but spoilers 😉
I have to applaud the author for making me essentially despise a character until things are explained and I was so surprised and angry at myself because I questioned things and I was right and then angry at myself for jumping to other conclusions, and then I was happy 🤣 I was all over the place in this book!
The characters are great. Whitetail and her best friend Hayden have the best banter, and I love how much they love and trust each other and are just always there for each other.
Gage is that adorable cinnamon roll MMC we don’t see very often today, at least it seems that way to me, and he’s just so sweet, innocent, kind, and so so loyal. Just an all around nice guy, that even gave me touch her and ☠️ vibes despite his innocent nature 😉
The romance is a bit fast, but makes sense and you’d have to read it to understand because, strangely, the relationship just made sense and I loved it and it was so sweet.
Now, a couple things that knocked it down a star for me…first is that there are some things I don’t fully understand about the world. So, there are things explained, but I guess I wish there was more detail. I felt a little lost about some things and the way things were run and why certain people were treated the way they were.
The other thing, and to some this may seem like I’m overreacting, but I personally experience this, the teasing they did towards Gage because of his innocence and the tendency to blush very easily I was not okay with. Maybe Gage was fine, I mean he’s really super nice 😂, but it triggered me because when people tease me for blushing very easily, I get even more embarrassed. It’s embarrassing and humiliating to have someone point that out to you because I KNOW I AM BLUSHING. I DON’T NEED YOU TO TELL ME. Anyways, some of the teasing that I think was supposed to come off as banter was a bit over the top for me. Okay rant done 😅
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The author did a great job of making feel emotions and giving me whiplash and changing my feelings 180 degrees. It was impressive. I am looking forward to the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2024
Received this book as a complimentary review copy.
I have one word to sum up this book and that is - Elandavina.
Anyone who has read the book, will understand.
I loved this story so much, I dragged it out because I was afraid of ending it too quickly. I usually speed read, but this was such a beautiful world that I wanted to get lost in it forever.
The story focuses mainly on a MMC with a sight impairment, I absolutely loved that aspect, it was truly magical. Not all books have to be about perfect people in a perfect world. You portrayed this disability so well, I could almost understand how the character would feel each time his gift was fading, without my glasses on I can't see anything at all. Bumping into things and tripping over my own feet is common without them. We rely so much on our vision that to lose it suddenly, in any situation is very scary and life changing. We make do and adjust. My eyes shoot in different directions thanks to 2 squinty eyes. So I was amazed that the MMCs, being blind were so focused and calm all the time.
The FMC, is a badass hunter. She is strong and brave and not who I expected at all. That plot twist, midway mark, had me scooting back to the beginning to double check details because I thought maybe I had missed something, thinking maybe it was wrong, but nope, I was slack jawed thinking how the hell did I not catch that?
The side characters were absolutely fantastic, most books seem to leave them as footnotes to the story, but these were so bound to the heart of the MC that I loved them all. Especially Lavi.
The magic in this book is interesting, it is delegated only to those perceived by the council as worthy of being granted their wishes. They are bound to another of the council ruling family, soul to soul, to prevent the bondmate from losing control of their inner curse. They receive their wish, often distorted or some trickery afoot to keep them from actual fulfillment (half ass effort granting) and then have to work in servitude for the council for 30 odd years to pay off the debt they owe for receiving said wonky wish. Crooked little jacovans.
I loved the use of a unique language system through the book, solenvian, I thought it sounded beautiful in my head when I read it to myself, had it clearly pictured in the characters voices.
The curse was interesting, I adored the idea of the defend, attack, kill threat that drove the beast into full force, I would have liked to have seen more about the origins of the curse, and perhaps others who are not just the 3 family members transition.
There was a small swift gentle romance- clean, humour, adventure, a few character building journeys that thickened the bonds and changed a lot.
At the end of this book, I saw the screen regarding the sequel.. coming 2025!! That's so far away. Seis so! I will definitely be reading that though, I found this book to be a pure delightful read.
Going to recommend this one for YA and all fantasy adventure readers alike. Along with a swift kick up my sisters behinds to get them to read aswell.
A shimmery scale covered 5* stars from me!
Looking forward to book 2!
I have one word to sum up this book and that is - Elandavina.
Anyone who has read the book, will understand.
I loved this story so much, I dragged it out because I was afraid of ending it too quickly. I usually speed read, but this was such a beautiful world that I wanted to get lost in it forever.
The story focuses mainly on a MMC with a sight impairment, I absolutely loved that aspect, it was truly magical. Not all books have to be about perfect people in a perfect world. You portrayed this disability so well, I could almost understand how the character would feel each time his gift was fading, without my glasses on I can't see anything at all. Bumping into things and tripping over my own feet is common without them. We rely so much on our vision that to lose it suddenly, in any situation is very scary and life changing. We make do and adjust. My eyes shoot in different directions thanks to 2 squinty eyes. So I was amazed that the MMCs, being blind were so focused and calm all the time.
The FMC, is a badass hunter. She is strong and brave and not who I expected at all. That plot twist, midway mark, had me scooting back to the beginning to double check details because I thought maybe I had missed something, thinking maybe it was wrong, but nope, I was slack jawed thinking how the hell did I not catch that?
The side characters were absolutely fantastic, most books seem to leave them as footnotes to the story, but these were so bound to the heart of the MC that I loved them all. Especially Lavi.
The magic in this book is interesting, it is delegated only to those perceived by the council as worthy of being granted their wishes. They are bound to another of the council ruling family, soul to soul, to prevent the bondmate from losing control of their inner curse. They receive their wish, often distorted or some trickery afoot to keep them from actual fulfillment (half ass effort granting) and then have to work in servitude for the council for 30 odd years to pay off the debt they owe for receiving said wonky wish. Crooked little jacovans.
I loved the use of a unique language system through the book, solenvian, I thought it sounded beautiful in my head when I read it to myself, had it clearly pictured in the characters voices.
The curse was interesting, I adored the idea of the defend, attack, kill threat that drove the beast into full force, I would have liked to have seen more about the origins of the curse, and perhaps others who are not just the 3 family members transition.
There was a small swift gentle romance- clean, humour, adventure, a few character building journeys that thickened the bonds and changed a lot.
At the end of this book, I saw the screen regarding the sequel.. coming 2025!! That's so far away. Seis so! I will definitely be reading that though, I found this book to be a pure delightful read.
Going to recommend this one for YA and all fantasy adventure readers alike. Along with a swift kick up my sisters behinds to get them to read aswell.
A shimmery scale covered 5* stars from me!
Looking forward to book 2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
"Scalechaser" by A.R. Stonecypher is a spellbinding narrative that intertwines themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Set in a world where curses and ancient prophecies loom large, the story follows the intertwined fates of Gage Aymeris and Whitetail as they navigate treacherous paths fraught with danger and dark secrets.
At the heart of the narrative lies Gage, a young man blinded by fate's cruel hand, who seeks to regain his sight by striking a bargain with the nomads of the south. His soul becomes bound to Whitetail, a fierce and determined woman whose lineage is plagued by a generational curse. Their alliance sets forth a journey rife with challenges and revelations, as they confront the shadows of their pasts and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
Stonecypher masterfully crafts a world filled with palpable tension and intrigue, drawing readers into a landscape where every step is fraught with peril. Whitetail's quest for vengeance against the beast that claimed her sister's life propels her forward, driving her to confront her deepest fears and confront the darkness that threatens to consume her.
As Gage and Whitetail's paths converge, the layers of mystery surrounding their intertwined destinies begin to unravel, revealing startling truths that force Gage to question the very essence of his journey. With each twist and turn, Stonecypher skillfully builds suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they journey alongside Gage and Whitetail.
At the heart of the narrative lies Gage, a young man blinded by fate's cruel hand, who seeks to regain his sight by striking a bargain with the nomads of the south. His soul becomes bound to Whitetail, a fierce and determined woman whose lineage is plagued by a generational curse. Their alliance sets forth a journey rife with challenges and revelations, as they confront the shadows of their pasts and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
Stonecypher masterfully crafts a world filled with palpable tension and intrigue, drawing readers into a landscape where every step is fraught with peril. Whitetail's quest for vengeance against the beast that claimed her sister's life propels her forward, driving her to confront her deepest fears and confront the darkness that threatens to consume her.
As Gage and Whitetail's paths converge, the layers of mystery surrounding their intertwined destinies begin to unravel, revealing startling truths that force Gage to question the very essence of his journey. With each twist and turn, Stonecypher skillfully builds suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they journey alongside Gage and Whitetail.
April 5, 2024
Thank you BookSirens and the author for my first arc! I received this arc for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. The title and cover immediately caught by attention and I was excited to receive the book.
Initially, I felt the magic system was a little confusing and could have been laid out more clearly from the start instead of us receiving bits and pieces as the story progressed. Once I got it, I thought the magic was interesting and unique from other fantasy books. Additionally, for me personally, there could have been more vivid character building in the beginning; it was hard to imagine what each character looked like as individuals and understand their interrelationships.
I really liked how the author featured a main character who is blind and how he navigates the world with his blindness. I felt the author’s earnestness for each character and I enjoyed the major action scene at the end. I am curious about the next book and look forward to seeing what happens next.
Initially, I felt the magic system was a little confusing and could have been laid out more clearly from the start instead of us receiving bits and pieces as the story progressed. Once I got it, I thought the magic was interesting and unique from other fantasy books. Additionally, for me personally, there could have been more vivid character building in the beginning; it was hard to imagine what each character looked like as individuals and understand their interrelationships.
I really liked how the author featured a main character who is blind and how he navigates the world with his blindness. I felt the author’s earnestness for each character and I enjoyed the major action scene at the end. I am curious about the next book and look forward to seeing what happens next.
April 10, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Scalechaser" by A.R. Stonecypher is a very creative fantasy book with a unique magic system, curses, and the enduring quest for redemption and truth. Set in a world where ancient prophecies and mystical forces hold sway, the story follows the journeys of Gage Aymeris and Whitetail as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and dark secrets. While this book is advertised as a YA fantasy, the writing style does make it more of a younger YA book or even MG, so this book would be perfect for those readers while older YA readers may not engage as much with the material.
Stonecypher's writing is straightforward yet immersive, drawing you into a richly detailed world filled with Solenvian terminology that adds depth to the story. A unique fantasy world requires depth and description when created in order to fully understand the world, and Stonecypher definitely achieved that with the book. I absolutely loved the setting and the atmosphere that Stonecypher created as I felt like I was a part of the world as I was reading. While the plot initially unfolds at a slower pace which can make it a little more difficult to get fully invested in the plot, the gradual buildup of tension keeps you engaged throughout.
The magic system in the story is unique and intriguing, with cursed individuals possessing the ability to grant wishes in exchange for a soul-binding connection. At first, I did find the magic system to be a bit confusing, especially with the terminology that is introduced right from the beginning as well as some info-dumping throughout. Some more reluctant readers might find this difficult to engage with and understand, but the gradual exposition throughout the story serves to enhance the sense of mystery and intrigue, and I did find myself fully understanding the magic system as the plot progressed and I found myself more comfortable in the world that Stonecypher created.
The characters are well-developed and compelling, with Gage and Whitetail's complex relationship driving the story forward. I really enjoyed the character writing in this book, especially with Gage as he navigated the story with his disability. The inclusion of diverse characters adds depth and authenticity to the story. The characters were infused with emotion, personality, and charm, making them relatable and endearing to readers.
Overall, "Scalechaser" is an entertaining and immersive fantasy adventure that promises a richly developed world, compelling characters, and a captivating storyline. Fans of fantasy fiction, mainly younger YA readers or MG readers, will find much to enjoy in Stonecypher’s debut novel.
"Scalechaser" by A.R. Stonecypher is a very creative fantasy book with a unique magic system, curses, and the enduring quest for redemption and truth. Set in a world where ancient prophecies and mystical forces hold sway, the story follows the journeys of Gage Aymeris and Whitetail as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and dark secrets. While this book is advertised as a YA fantasy, the writing style does make it more of a younger YA book or even MG, so this book would be perfect for those readers while older YA readers may not engage as much with the material.
Stonecypher's writing is straightforward yet immersive, drawing you into a richly detailed world filled with Solenvian terminology that adds depth to the story. A unique fantasy world requires depth and description when created in order to fully understand the world, and Stonecypher definitely achieved that with the book. I absolutely loved the setting and the atmosphere that Stonecypher created as I felt like I was a part of the world as I was reading. While the plot initially unfolds at a slower pace which can make it a little more difficult to get fully invested in the plot, the gradual buildup of tension keeps you engaged throughout.
The magic system in the story is unique and intriguing, with cursed individuals possessing the ability to grant wishes in exchange for a soul-binding connection. At first, I did find the magic system to be a bit confusing, especially with the terminology that is introduced right from the beginning as well as some info-dumping throughout. Some more reluctant readers might find this difficult to engage with and understand, but the gradual exposition throughout the story serves to enhance the sense of mystery and intrigue, and I did find myself fully understanding the magic system as the plot progressed and I found myself more comfortable in the world that Stonecypher created.
The characters are well-developed and compelling, with Gage and Whitetail's complex relationship driving the story forward. I really enjoyed the character writing in this book, especially with Gage as he navigated the story with his disability. The inclusion of diverse characters adds depth and authenticity to the story. The characters were infused with emotion, personality, and charm, making them relatable and endearing to readers.
Overall, "Scalechaser" is an entertaining and immersive fantasy adventure that promises a richly developed world, compelling characters, and a captivating storyline. Fans of fantasy fiction, mainly younger YA readers or MG readers, will find much to enjoy in Stonecypher’s debut novel.
April 19, 2024
Those who have a wish must make a journey to Solenvale, to meet Jacovan's Heirs. If one chooses to grant their wish, the two will be bonded. A bond is the only way for one of Jacovan's Heirs to leave their home - though their curse, if left unchecked, will turn them into a raging beast. It is only their bondmates, the Wish Wielders, that can call them back from this state.
Whitetail, an Heir, lives with a crew of beast hunters. Untrusted by some on their crew, nevertheless she helps them hunt Jacovan beasts who have become uncontrollable. Even when one of them is her own sister.
Gage, a wish wielder who takes his bond seriously, is part of an enforcement group who hunt down strays - wish wielders who have forsaken their bond, abandoning their duty. Until his bondmate calls on him to leave his post, become a stray himself, and travel to Dasia Bay to help their brother.
While at first I was reading the book in bits and pieces, I had a little trouble keeping track of where everyone was from. I should have consulted the map a little more too.
With good world building, and an interesting magic system, this was an enjoyable read once I got into it. I should have guessed one of the twists, but I let myself be frustrated right along with the characters until learning the truth.
A great read from an independent publisher, and just the start of what this magical world has to offer!
Whitetail, an Heir, lives with a crew of beast hunters. Untrusted by some on their crew, nevertheless she helps them hunt Jacovan beasts who have become uncontrollable. Even when one of them is her own sister.
Gage, a wish wielder who takes his bond seriously, is part of an enforcement group who hunt down strays - wish wielders who have forsaken their bond, abandoning their duty. Until his bondmate calls on him to leave his post, become a stray himself, and travel to Dasia Bay to help their brother.
While at first I was reading the book in bits and pieces, I had a little trouble keeping track of where everyone was from. I should have consulted the map a little more too.
With good world building, and an interesting magic system, this was an enjoyable read once I got into it. I should have guessed one of the twists, but I let myself be frustrated right along with the characters until learning the truth.
A great read from an independent publisher, and just the start of what this magical world has to offer!
April 19, 2024
⭐️ 3.5
Drawn in by the cover, stayed for the unique fantasy and friendships!
Granted a wish that gifts him his sight, Gage Aymeris is now soul bonded to Whitetail, a woman with a generational curse that has the ability to destroy lives and bring down villages. Once the wish is granted, Gage and Whitetail go their separate ways: Gage to work off the debt to the council that allowed him his wish, and Whitetail to travel the world.
Years later, Gage is out working, when he is kidnapped and told that he must help the person who gave him everything. As this new adventure brings them together, a secret is revealed that will change Gage's future forever.
This is a teen/YA fantasy novel with a touch of romance. I enjoyed that there was nothing that was too overplayed and that all the characters were able to hold their own and knew who they were. The idea of a soul bond is not new but the way it intertwined into the magic system was and that was very fun to me. Went in with low expectations as I have been a bit disappointed lately by YA novels and their portrayal of FMCs but ended up really enjoying this book!
TLDR:
-Teen/YA fantasy
-Shapeshifting
-Soul bonds
-Curses
-Unique magic system
-Strong FMCs
-Power of friendship
-Touch of romance
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Drawn in by the cover, stayed for the unique fantasy and friendships!
Granted a wish that gifts him his sight, Gage Aymeris is now soul bonded to Whitetail, a woman with a generational curse that has the ability to destroy lives and bring down villages. Once the wish is granted, Gage and Whitetail go their separate ways: Gage to work off the debt to the council that allowed him his wish, and Whitetail to travel the world.
Years later, Gage is out working, when he is kidnapped and told that he must help the person who gave him everything. As this new adventure brings them together, a secret is revealed that will change Gage's future forever.
This is a teen/YA fantasy novel with a touch of romance. I enjoyed that there was nothing that was too overplayed and that all the characters were able to hold their own and knew who they were. The idea of a soul bond is not new but the way it intertwined into the magic system was and that was very fun to me. Went in with low expectations as I have been a bit disappointed lately by YA novels and their portrayal of FMCs but ended up really enjoying this book!
TLDR:
-Teen/YA fantasy
-Shapeshifting
-Soul bonds
-Curses
-Unique magic system
-Strong FMCs
-Power of friendship
-Touch of romance
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2024
Thank you to Book Sirens and A.R. Stonecypher for the ARC.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I had a fun time reading this book as a whole. There were very interesting plot points and I liked the story itself. The world building was intriguing and the magic system definitely had some really unique and fun elements although I wish there was more description about it. Unless it’s just me and I didn’t follow well enough. Unfortunately I did have my moments where I didn’t pay attention as much as I should have but I still got the main gist of the story.
-I really liked these characters. The main characters have really unique feature and a really interesting relationship that builds up along the story. It is a very nice slow burn with some forbidden romance and I loved it. The side characters were also great and I had a really good time following each of their story.
-To be honest, the main reason I want to read the sequel is because I already met the character and I like her, it’s enemies to loves so that’s always a must read for me. The books are interconnected standalones so it will be interesting to see how this book links itself to the second book.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 3.75/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I had a fun time reading this book as a whole. There were very interesting plot points and I liked the story itself. The world building was intriguing and the magic system definitely had some really unique and fun elements although I wish there was more description about it. Unless it’s just me and I didn’t follow well enough. Unfortunately I did have my moments where I didn’t pay attention as much as I should have but I still got the main gist of the story.
-I really liked these characters. The main characters have really unique feature and a really interesting relationship that builds up along the story. It is a very nice slow burn with some forbidden romance and I loved it. The side characters were also great and I had a really good time following each of their story.
-To be honest, the main reason I want to read the sequel is because I already met the character and I like her, it’s enemies to loves so that’s always a must read for me. The books are interconnected standalones so it will be interesting to see how this book links itself to the second book.
April 19, 2024
This story has a very unique magic system-- so unique I had to reread the first half to fully understand what was going on in the world. But once I understood the magic system, it made more sense. Just be aware you have to figure it out through context clues; the backstory of the magic system isn't given until an exposition explanation a ways in. But I do like the system. There is a balance in magic and it requires cooperation and sacrifice to work. Gage and Whitetail are very likable protagonists and their relationship is very cute. There was a plot twist later in the book that was very jarring, but made sense looking back; I think the writing was very clever on this point.
I liked this book, but it does fall on potentially touchy tropes because the clan of POC, indigenous-coded folks turn into monsters and are sometimes called beasts by the other people. In addition, the white, blond wish-wielders in the book are called by the title of "master" by their bondmates. The narrative treats the characters with respect, but this setup may not appeal to some readers.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked this book, but it does fall on potentially touchy tropes because the clan of POC, indigenous-coded folks turn into monsters and are sometimes called beasts by the other people. In addition, the white, blond wish-wielders in the book are called by the title of "master" by their bondmates. The narrative treats the characters with respect, but this setup may not appeal to some readers.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 23, 2025
ARC review:
This is a ranging epic fantasy which has a startlingly novel concept.
The magic in this novel is new, unlike anything I've read in other magical fantasies. The MMC is visually impaired which is a representation which really resonates with me. Sight loss is so underrepresented in literature.
The sight loss also helps to aid the biggest plot twist in the novel which is also where my issues with the writing began.
The revelation of who is really Gage's bondmate is not easy to follow. It took a little bit of going back and forth to ensure I had the story straight. Once I did, I was able to continue, i just felt the narrative could have been a little clearer.
There's also a desire for slightly deeper world building. The surface is good, the basics are there but the rich tapestry associated with typical epic fantasy is lacking.
Where the world building falls down, the characters save the day. There are some moments of dialogue which don't flow as well as they might, however, for the most part whitetail, hayden and Gage's relationships are well-drawn.
I'm interested to see where this goes with the next book.
This is a ranging epic fantasy which has a startlingly novel concept.
The magic in this novel is new, unlike anything I've read in other magical fantasies. The MMC is visually impaired which is a representation which really resonates with me. Sight loss is so underrepresented in literature.
The sight loss also helps to aid the biggest plot twist in the novel which is also where my issues with the writing began.
The revelation of who is really Gage's bondmate is not easy to follow. It took a little bit of going back and forth to ensure I had the story straight. Once I did, I was able to continue, i just felt the narrative could have been a little clearer.
There's also a desire for slightly deeper world building. The surface is good, the basics are there but the rich tapestry associated with typical epic fantasy is lacking.
Where the world building falls down, the characters save the day. There are some moments of dialogue which don't flow as well as they might, however, for the most part whitetail, hayden and Gage's relationships are well-drawn.
I'm interested to see where this goes with the next book.
April 7, 2024
Let me just say I am giving this one 4 stars because I honestly feel like it deserves it despite the fact that I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it because it’s a ME thing. I was expecting a YA fantasy. This reads more like a children’s fantasy. For a predominant romance reader such as myself, this is a MAJOR difference.
The plot is engaging and really interesting. Gage is blind and becomes a wish wielder in exchange for sight. He is bonded to Whitetail, who granted his wish and who is cursed. Like others have mentioned, you are thrown into the world and bombarded with info for the first half. It’s a bit confusing but it eventually makes sense.
That’s all I’m saying. I feel like I would do this book an injustice because of my preferences. If this were at least a ya fantasy story with a heavier romance, I would’ve loved it. So definitely take a chance on this one if you like little to no romance.
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
The plot is engaging and really interesting. Gage is blind and becomes a wish wielder in exchange for sight. He is bonded to Whitetail, who granted his wish and who is cursed. Like others have mentioned, you are thrown into the world and bombarded with info for the first half. It’s a bit confusing but it eventually makes sense.
That’s all I’m saying. I feel like I would do this book an injustice because of my preferences. If this were at least a ya fantasy story with a heavier romance, I would’ve loved it. So definitely take a chance on this one if you like little to no romance.
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣.
March 10, 2024
Scalechaser is a super creative young adult fantasy novel with lots of banter and some romance elements. The plot is interesting and fast paced. The characters are relatable.
Whitetail is the FMC and she is strong, intelligent, and kind. Her love for her family is fierce, and she is willing to do anything for them. She and Gage have a special connection and they embark on a journey to save her family.
Gage is the MMC and he is unique in many ways. His bonds with other characters brings him to make challenging decisions. He is shy and easily embarrassed, but also strong and confident.
The world building is done well and the characters are special. There is not a lot of spice in this book, but there is some romance. I can’t wait to see where the next book leads to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Whitetail is the FMC and she is strong, intelligent, and kind. Her love for her family is fierce, and she is willing to do anything for them. She and Gage have a special connection and they embark on a journey to save her family.
Gage is the MMC and he is unique in many ways. His bonds with other characters brings him to make challenging decisions. He is shy and easily embarrassed, but also strong and confident.
The world building is done well and the characters are special. There is not a lot of spice in this book, but there is some romance. I can’t wait to see where the next book leads to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 25, 2024
An interesting read.
The premise of the story, while intriguing, takes a hot minute to establish itself. The story starts at a slow pace and takes quite a bit of patience (and some very confusing scenes) before it gets interesting. But when it does, it's brilliant.
The idea of a shifter & magic user bonding has been utilised exceptionally well, IMO. And the idea of each magic user possessing a different magical ability is been brilliantly written into the story, which I thoroughly enjoyed
The World-Building didn't do much for me in this one, but it didn't take away from the story either. The MMC's utter and (literally) blind devotion to his bond mate is grating sometimes, but the story utilised that particular trope well enough.
Overall, a good read.
---
Voluntarily reviewed after reading an ARC copy of the book from Booksirens.
The premise of the story, while intriguing, takes a hot minute to establish itself. The story starts at a slow pace and takes quite a bit of patience (and some very confusing scenes) before it gets interesting. But when it does, it's brilliant.
The idea of a shifter & magic user bonding has been utilised exceptionally well, IMO. And the idea of each magic user possessing a different magical ability is been brilliantly written into the story, which I thoroughly enjoyed
The World-Building didn't do much for me in this one, but it didn't take away from the story either. The MMC's utter and (literally) blind devotion to his bond mate is grating sometimes, but the story utilised that particular trope well enough.
Overall, a good read.
---
Voluntarily reviewed after reading an ARC copy of the book from Booksirens.
March 7, 2024
::: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks, BookSirens! :::
This was a good book. I enjoyed the world it was set in and the magic system. The characters were interesting. I enjoyed the beasts depicted and would love to see fan art/concept art of them. There are a lot of action scenes which were wonderfully described.
The first half was a little slow, stuff was happening and building up to the second half. I spent a lot of time being confused about the relationships between some characters (I literally had to go back and make sure I didn't miss something) but it all made sense in the end.
I'm interested in seeing where the next book goes, and hope to get the chance to read it.
This was a good book. I enjoyed the world it was set in and the magic system. The characters were interesting. I enjoyed the beasts depicted and would love to see fan art/concept art of them. There are a lot of action scenes which were wonderfully described.
The first half was a little slow, stuff was happening and building up to the second half. I spent a lot of time being confused about the relationships between some characters (I literally had to go back and make sure I didn't miss something) but it all made sense in the end.
I'm interested in seeing where the next book goes, and hope to get the chance to read it.
April 23, 2024
"Scalechaser" invites the reader into a fascinating fantasy world with a unique magic system. Stonecypher describes her book's world in a rich and detailed way, while giving an insight into Slovenian terminology - something I have so far never (or rarely?) encountered.
The story itself starts relatively slowly and takes its time to develop. I feel many modern fantasy books take the exact opposite approach, which I found quite refreshing.
Stonecypher definitely managed to peek my interest with this book. A solid start into a series I'd love to continue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story itself starts relatively slowly and takes its time to develop. I feel many modern fantasy books take the exact opposite approach, which I found quite refreshing.
Stonecypher definitely managed to peek my interest with this book. A solid start into a series I'd love to continue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for sending me this arc for free, and letting me leave this review voluntarily.
I loved the concept of this book, but I felt confused and lost while I was reading. I do believe that it’s worth reading, but I’m not sure how strong that thought goes. I struggled to get through this one, as I found the first quarter slow. To earn five stars, I felt that the author should have cleared up the fogginess and broaden their word choice, include more key scenes during the beginning, and explain more in depth about jacobeasts.
I loved the concept of this book, but I felt confused and lost while I was reading. I do believe that it’s worth reading, but I’m not sure how strong that thought goes. I struggled to get through this one, as I found the first quarter slow. To earn five stars, I felt that the author should have cleared up the fogginess and broaden their word choice, include more key scenes during the beginning, and explain more in depth about jacobeasts.
April 21, 2024
**Thank you to the author and BookSirens for my advanced reader copy of this book. As always, my review and opinions are honest and my own.**
I loved the concept of this book and the writing style is straightforward and accessible. The characters fell down a little for me, only in that there wasn't enough backstory to make me adore them (I was on the brink with Gage!).
I almost stopped reading before the "twist" that hooked me. I wondered why the author waited for quite so long before revealing this.
A solid 3 stars and I would happily recommend this book to YA/fantasy readers.
I loved the concept of this book and the writing style is straightforward and accessible. The characters fell down a little for me, only in that there wasn't enough backstory to make me adore them (I was on the brink with Gage!).
I almost stopped reading before the "twist" that hooked me. I wondered why the author waited for quite so long before revealing this.
A solid 3 stars and I would happily recommend this book to YA/fantasy readers.
April 29, 2024
Thank you to A.R. Stonecypher for the advance copy of Scalechaser.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found that the world building and characters were written well and developed with the story.
Even though this is a YA book it was a good read especially if you’re into fantasy stories.
I think that there was a lot to get through in terms of the way the magic system worked, but it was necessary in order for the reader to progress.
I’m excited to read the following book/s in the series.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed reading this book and found that the world building and characters were written well and developed with the story.
Even though this is a YA book it was a good read especially if you’re into fantasy stories.
I think that there was a lot to get through in terms of the way the magic system worked, but it was necessary in order for the reader to progress.
I’m excited to read the following book/s in the series.
I received an advance reader copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
January 12, 2025
Everything about Scalechaser was beautiful and perfect. The magic system is complex yet simple to follow. World building is decent. But the thing that I loved the most was the characters. All of them, even the side characters, are important and make a difference. The writing is straightforward, which was perfect for me at the moment. I had no trouble following the story. The plot twist at about the 50% mark had me so confused to the point I had to go back to the beginning to see what I missed. It was crazy! I love this story and I can't wait to book 2
April 20, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline is very straightforward and well thought out. I did struggle with some aspects of the characters and how they related to each other within the story. Once the connections were clear, the book became a lot easier to follow.
I would recommend this book to a younger and young adult audience. Definitely worth the read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The storyline is very straightforward and well thought out. I did struggle with some aspects of the characters and how they related to each other within the story. Once the connections were clear, the book became a lot easier to follow.
I would recommend this book to a younger and young adult audience. Definitely worth the read.
May 8, 2024
Scalechaser has beautiful world building. It has an intriguing plot line that really held my attention and kept me compelled to read on. I really cared about the charecters and felt for their plights. Overall, Scalechaser has great writing. While it is a YA story, it held my adult attention start to finish and left me wanting more from this rich world. I would highly recommend to any YA reader interested in a well flushed out and artfully built fantasy world.
March 7, 2025
What a fun story! I went in not knowing what to expect and loved it! I loved the character development and the story felt fresh and original! There were parts where I was confused thinking I had been wrong about certain things only to be pulled right back around and it was so good! I love finding great original books that I love and my children can love! Can't wait to read the next one! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2024
This story can be confusing at some points but the characters were lovable and interesting. I wanted to keep following their stories and see where they would end up. The story is unique, I have not read anything like it, but there is still a sense of familiarity that is comforting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2025
This was a great book. I really enjoyed the plot and characters. I really thought the cover reminded me of Avatar the Last Airbender. Which made me want to read it. It was completely different than I thought it would be. I enjoyed it though.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
April 4, 2025
It was confusing at first to get my head around the world-building and concepts, but once the momentum took off I found myself enjoying the book a lot. The story is unique, unlike anything I've read before which is always something I appreciate. The characters were lovingly written and their interactions made me rooted to the pages. Definitely a series I would need a sequel for immediately!
April 28, 2024
This was a pleasure to read that is for sure. I loved the originality of it all and that Gage was given his sight back. A totally interesting way to go about it though. This made for a great story and I'm glad I took the time to read this. Wonderful book.
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