The Talon Princess

by J. C. Rose, Michelle Griffin (editor), Ertac Altinoz (illustrator)

She saved her sister, but can she save herself?In a world where dreams of knighthood meet the cold reality of destruction, Isabel, a skilled archer, witnesses her home razed by a mysterious hooded warrior. A forbidden name escapes his lips, one that Isabel’s mother warns her never to repeat. Forced into a desperate flight with her sister, clutching a broken relic and a locked chest, they seek refuge in the abandoned city of Accreton.Within its mythical tapestries, a foreboding curse casts its ominous shadow, revealing long-forgotten families and a dangerous narrative that Isabel wishes she had never uncovered. Guided by road tales and haunted by memories of a perilous forest, Isabel discovers that some stories are better left forgotten. At times, it seems silence and knowledge, or the lack of it, are her only allies. Perhaps it might be best to know little and ask less. But Isabel quickly learns ignorance is the death of the innocent.As the barbarians approach from the west and the hooded warrior emerges from the south, Isabel grapples with the weight of her family’s secret and the thirst for survival. In a world where allies may lurk in the shadows and enemies wear the guise of daylight, Isabel must decide what risks she is willing to take and whom she is prepared to lose. Will this unexpected journey change the world, or will it be the world that changes Isabel?

Genres: Fantasy

364 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2024

Reviews

[Christian Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and fast paced from start to finish, I could not put it down. The moment I finished the first chapter I was reeled into the world of Emerion and the lore. There is such an amazing world building and extensive web of plots! What a way to debut into the author’s world. I could not stop thinking about the dangerous world Isabel lives in. From her home being attacked by the hooded warrior and the barbarians fighting her allies, it keeps you going as you struggle to find out who will truly join Isabel’s cause. Being a woman in those medieval ages was no simple feat, and you can see how Isabel must struggle with the reality of surviving in this world ruled by men. But she is not alone, and seeing how she is inspired by the mysterious knight who saves her, I can see why this warrior’s prowess serves to be such an inspiration to her. This book is a must read, and just from the extensive world-building I have seen so far, there seems like there are many stories to be told by the author. Spin-offs? Sequels? I hope so!

I must admit, however, The Talon Princess was a rollercoaster of emotions, and at times I just had to take pause because I didn’t think I could go on any longer. But the need to know more just kept me going. J.C. Rose really lives up to the phrase from his blurb, “Ignorance is the death of the innocent.” It makes you realize that sometimes knowing too much can be a terrible thing, but knowing too little can be even worse. I cannot wait for the next book!

[William Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Read it in a couple of days, got pulled into the story, and had to finish it. Amazing world-building and good pacing as the story never loses momentum. A story full of emotions of courage, love, respect, honor, and friendship along with betrayal, injustices, and hardships. Diverse characters from loyal and honorable knights, fun-loving, rowdy, fearless mercenaries to wicked and treacherous villains; You find yourself attached to some and wishing the downfall of others. The main character, Isabel, a young noble girl, finds herself alone with her little sister trying to find help after escaping from their home which was attacked by mysterious warriors. Isabel finds herself thrust on a journey of discovery as secrets of her family's past come to light and what she is also capable of, as she is put in different situations.

[Christian Colón · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Talon Princess nos sumerge en una trama envolvente marcada por conflictos familiares, poder, y el peso de un legado. La historia principal se mueve con agilidad, mientras la protagonista, Isabel, se enfrenta a decisiones que definirán no solo su destino, sino el de todo su reino.

El lenguaje utilizado es muy apropiado para la época en que se ambienta, con un uso de dialecto que enriquece la lectura y aporta autenticidad a los diálogos y escenarios.

Detrás de Isabel hay una historia profunda, llena de matices y secretos que apenas comienzan a revelarse. Sin duda, su evolución promete mucho más en las próximas entregas. Una lectura ideal para quienes disfrutan de la fantasía con un trasfondo sólido y personajes bien construidos.

[Ian Acosta Tañón · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 Excellent work 👏

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This amazing book delivers an enthralling narrative with a perfect pace, it captivated me from start to finish. The vivid descriptions transport you into the heart of the story, immersing you in a world where every detail comes to life. Among the memorable characters, Lucia shines as a beacon of strength and complexity, adding depth to the unfolding drama. As Isabel's journey unfolds, the seamless blend of action and intrigue keeps you eagerly turning the pages, craving more with each twist and turn. With its compelling storytelling and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an adventure that will leave them breathless.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reding this is like if you are watching a movie J.C. Rose makes you feel like you are in his worldbuilding as he immerses you in the setting and different towns/cities he has created. It is amazing how you get to visualize the different cultures, society between the rich and poor, and the remains of great cities that have barely survived through time. I loved the diverse characters! The pacing of the story always kept me going, and the more I read, the more I wanted to know. I'm looking forward to the next installment, I have no doubt J.C. Rose will not disappoint.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this had everything that I was hoping for, it had a great cover and thought it worked with the genre. It had a strong start to the Accreton's Curse series, it had a great world and thought it worked well overall. J.C. Rose has a great writing style and I appreciated how well the overall feel continued. It left me wanting to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the action and the characterisation, Isabel's narration and her inner thoughts were both interesting and poetic. I liked that it didn't have a slow flow to the story, it felt well paced and interesting.

While it may not be the most polished book you'll find, it was a great start for this Indie author and worth the read.