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Unworthy: The Blacksea Odyssey Book 1
388 pages, Paperback
Published April 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 4, 2024
3 stars = decent book, can see why people would enjoy it but it wasn’t really for me.
I received an ARC of Unworthy in exchange for an honest review.
I am a writer myself so my review is me looking at it from a writer’s and a reader’s perspective so bear that in mind.
From the get go the writing reminded me of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. I didn’t much enjoy that read but I am aware that the series has a very large following and is beloved by many. So if you’re on of those readers, this book may be for you.
I am a character driven reader and so I struggle to enjoy books if I can’t connect to the characters and sadly, that was the issue for this read. It felt like the narrative needed more emotion to hook me in.
The main character is Nyssa and she is sent on a quest to collect a runaway. This is the entire plot. The lack of B plots made the story repetitive and made me question the point of the other characters. It felt like the author was attempting a ‘found family’ type vibe with the main group of characters but they were all just there to support Nyssa and didn’t really have anything else going on for themselves. Athen was her best friend and a nice guy but he just seemed… be around. He was there at the sidelines for most of the book. It felt like he was forgotten about a lot of the time and only thrown back in when Nyssa needed a hug. But perhaps he will be more important down the line.
The most interesting character to me was Reece, she is an empath and so can feel people’s emotions. She was the only POV that was slightly different because of this. Knowing this is the start of a series, it would be good to see more of her and for her to get her own storyline. Even though she was one of the few characters that seemed written with intent, I still feel like she was under-utilised.
SPOILER AHEAD:
I’m not going to go too deep into it in case someone reads this by accident and it ruins the book for them but I felt like the Cursed Gods could have been explained more, and what it means to be ‘Unworthy.’ These two things were peppered in throughout the story but didn’t really carry any weight and then at the end they were suddenly relevant. Yet, as the reader, I had no reaction because I didn’t really know what these things really meant anyway.
I gathered that being Unworthy meant you were marked as not belonging to a guild, but what does that mean in the long run? How does that affect a person’s life? It would have been good if the reader had been introduced to some ‘Unworthy’ people along the journey so we had a first hand account of what this branding caused. Without that, it was just a meaningless threat.
Overall, I liked that this story didn’t feel too ‘tropey’ as a lot of new fantasy books seem to be. The sapphic representation was nice to see and it didn’t feel shoehorned in for diversity as sadly is the case for some books. I think it’s a decent choice for anyone who is into YA fantasy and likes the sound of the blurb, but for me the characters needed more fleshing out, the story could have had more twists and turns (involving the side characters) and the writing needed a little more flair. Also I felt like the book was a lot longer than it needed to be for such a simple storyline. I don’t know how many books this author has written, but from reading this, it seemed like they haven’t quite found their style yet but they’ve laid a good foundation and I wish them the best of luck for this series.
I received an ARC of Unworthy in exchange for an honest review.
I am a writer myself so my review is me looking at it from a writer’s and a reader’s perspective so bear that in mind.
From the get go the writing reminded me of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. I didn’t much enjoy that read but I am aware that the series has a very large following and is beloved by many. So if you’re on of those readers, this book may be for you.
I am a character driven reader and so I struggle to enjoy books if I can’t connect to the characters and sadly, that was the issue for this read. It felt like the narrative needed more emotion to hook me in.
The main character is Nyssa and she is sent on a quest to collect a runaway. This is the entire plot. The lack of B plots made the story repetitive and made me question the point of the other characters. It felt like the author was attempting a ‘found family’ type vibe with the main group of characters but they were all just there to support Nyssa and didn’t really have anything else going on for themselves. Athen was her best friend and a nice guy but he just seemed… be around. He was there at the sidelines for most of the book. It felt like he was forgotten about a lot of the time and only thrown back in when Nyssa needed a hug. But perhaps he will be more important down the line.
The most interesting character to me was Reece, she is an empath and so can feel people’s emotions. She was the only POV that was slightly different because of this. Knowing this is the start of a series, it would be good to see more of her and for her to get her own storyline. Even though she was one of the few characters that seemed written with intent, I still feel like she was under-utilised.
SPOILER AHEAD:
I’m not going to go too deep into it in case someone reads this by accident and it ruins the book for them but I felt like the Cursed Gods could have been explained more, and what it means to be ‘Unworthy.’ These two things were peppered in throughout the story but didn’t really carry any weight and then at the end they were suddenly relevant. Yet, as the reader, I had no reaction because I didn’t really know what these things really meant anyway.
I gathered that being Unworthy meant you were marked as not belonging to a guild, but what does that mean in the long run? How does that affect a person’s life? It would have been good if the reader had been introduced to some ‘Unworthy’ people along the journey so we had a first hand account of what this branding caused. Without that, it was just a meaningless threat.
Overall, I liked that this story didn’t feel too ‘tropey’ as a lot of new fantasy books seem to be. The sapphic representation was nice to see and it didn’t feel shoehorned in for diversity as sadly is the case for some books. I think it’s a decent choice for anyone who is into YA fantasy and likes the sound of the blurb, but for me the characters needed more fleshing out, the story could have had more twists and turns (involving the side characters) and the writing needed a little more flair. Also I felt like the book was a lot longer than it needed to be for such a simple storyline. I don’t know how many books this author has written, but from reading this, it seemed like they haven’t quite found their style yet but they’ve laid a good foundation and I wish them the best of luck for this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
This is a great debut novel!
It took me a bit to get into the story, but after 100 pages, I felt that we were getting in a nice flow. As this is the 1st book in a trilogy, there was a lot of worldbuilding. This book is, for the most part, a game of cat and mouse. Once the unravelling of Nyssa's resolve started is when things started to get interesting, and when we hit the last chapters... I'm hooked!
If you're looking for a sapphic fantasy adventure where the romance is a subplot and not the primary focus, this is a good one.
•••
Throughout the story, being deemed "Unworthy" is mentioned as the ultimate punishment, but we don't get a clear answer as to what that means. From similar forms of punishment as seen in the history irl, I'm assuming it means that you essentially become an outcast in society and will be shunned for life.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but after 100 pages, I felt that we were getting in a nice flow. As this is the 1st book in a trilogy, there was a lot of worldbuilding. This book is, for the most part, a game of cat and mouse. Once the unravelling of Nyssa's resolve started is when things started to get interesting, and when we hit the last chapters... I'm hooked!
If you're looking for a sapphic fantasy adventure where the romance is a subplot and not the primary focus, this is a good one.
•••
Throughout the story, being deemed "Unworthy" is mentioned as the ultimate punishment, but we don't get a clear answer as to what that means. From similar forms of punishment as seen in the history irl, I'm assuming it means that you essentially become an outcast in society and will be shunned for life.
April 24, 2024
"Trust me, I have excellent tastes, and you're beautiful."
If you take the fantasy and politics from Brandon Sanderson, a bit of humor from Gideon (Gideon the Ninth), and sprinkle a dash of sex into the mix - you get this debut novel from J. A. Vodvarka. It's not quite on BrandoSando's level, yet, but I truly think the author could get close.
The plot was really quite good, and most of the dialog felt natural. There were a few places the dialog didn't feel natural, but that may have been intentional. While the prose could've been more descriptive, it was good. Vodvarka managed to make me chuckle out loud a few times, a few snorts, and even a couple tears. There were some unexpected (but good) twists, as well. There was one twist I kept waiting for, I was absolutely sure it was coming. I was wrong. Unless it comes about later in the series.
This book follows magick-less Nyssa, who is part of a guild that never allows anyone with magick to be a part of. She's essentially an orphan, and has one last quest she has to complete before gaining what she's worked so hard and tirelessly for over the course of many years.
"At some point, you'll have to decide for yourself what's truly important to you. Until that time, everything you do or say feels hollow. And you, of all people, cannot afford to doubt who you are and where you stand."
Being a magick-less orphan has caused her a ton of pain, both mental and physical. Bullies targeted her, repeatedly, and what makes it worse (in my opinion) is that the administration knew and allowed it (or turned a blind eye, at bare minimum). Still. As an adult the constant bullying she experienced growing up impacts her regularly, in various ways.
"We're both treated differently because of who we are. Fuck the lot of them."
Characters, like living humans, grow and change. Some sacrifice themselves, their morals, etc in order to achieve their goals. Others don't, they stay true to themselves. There's plenty of growth in this novel.
It has found family, some (sapphic and hetero) romance, adventure, twists and turns, corruption, an imperfect heroine, all the usual fantasy stuff, plus a bit of pirates and a smidgen of sex. This book has healthy platonic and romantic relationships - I love that.
The Gideon-lite humor - I just adore it. Nyssa's relationship with Little Hawk warms my heart. It gives baby sister type vibes. All the funny quotes I'm finding either need too much context for a review, or give away stuff that I don't want to risk spoiling. Here's the best I can find without ruining anything [for clarity, Nyssa is a little bit drunk and injured during this exchange]:
"Take your shirt off," Aryis ordered, waggling a finger for Nyssa to get up.
She stood. "Ho now, I'm flattered, but not with an audience. I'm shy…"
Things I feel kept it from being a 5 star read for me:
I wish the magic (or as this book spells it, magick) system had been explained more. It was just there, with the only info given on it being there are two forms (corporeal and ethereal, I believe they're called). Well, other types are loosely mentioned once, but they're forbidden.
The world didn't feel entirely fleshed out, there didn't seem to be a way to orientate yourself in the world. I wish we were given more on the history/origins of the world, the guilds, etc. Details. Who? How? When? Where? Why?
Early on, I feel if being labeled/marked Unworthy had been explained more thoroughly, more detailed, it would've made the stakes higher.
"She knew that getting captured meant execution, or worse - being marked as Unworthy, a traitor to the Empire. Death or cursed exile, both preferable to living one more second in the Citadel."
As I recall, that's really all there is about it until the end. What would being marked as Unworthy mean for a person? Besides being worse than being dead. How is it worse than being dead? I strongly feel this needs expanded on, early on in the book.
If you're scratching your head, wondering how I rated it 4 stars since I'm then pointing out a number of things I feel were missing - it's because the plot is that good. Especially now that I'm scrolling through the book, seeing and making connections I initially missed. It's interesting and hard to put down.
Nyssa: "I belong to the Emerald Order."
Reece: "You belong to no one but yourself."
I loved that a lot of the main characters were strong women (mentally and/or physically), supporting other strong women. None of the I'm so tiny and fragile, yet watch me kick major ass *dainty giggle* (insert side-eye to Rebecca Yarros). Strong women with autonomy and agency, and remind the other women that they do, too. There was none of the women pushing other women down (for absolutely no reason) competitiveness we see all too often (IRL and in fiction).
"… the world is full of liars who wear kind faces."
Without spoiling it, there's a tie in in this book that's just beautiful. You'll know it when you read it. It especially has me excited to read the second installment of this series (releasing in July 2024 according to the authors website). There are many tie-ins in the plot, but one that hit me right in the feels.
There were tie-ins, actually a fair number, that I'm only now catching as I scroll through the book looking at my notes and highlights. I feel like some of them need to be harkened back on, touched on in some way. Without spoiling anything, I don't think I can give specifics unfortunately.
If you like Sapphic fantasy/romantacy, you'll probably enjoy this book.
"Sincerity requires effort, not just intention."
In being transparent, if this wasn't a debut novel I would've rated it 3 stars. But it is, and since the plot and pacing are too good to rate it only 3 stars, I'm giving debut grace and rating it 4. If the things I mentioned were fixed, it would likely be a 5 star, even if not a debut novel.
I think some light re-working could make this a Mistborn level (or close to it) for me, for me. It's all there, just felt to me like there were a number of loose threads I was only able to bring together once I looked back through at my annotations. It doesn't need to tied up all perfectly neat, with a coordinating ribbon or anything. However, I do feel it would greatly benefit from tying some things together more than it is currently.
"When you save others, you save yourself."
If it applies to you, I would look up trigger warnings regarding violence and things related. Right off I don't recall any other things that are common, big triggers.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you take the fantasy and politics from Brandon Sanderson, a bit of humor from Gideon (Gideon the Ninth), and sprinkle a dash of sex into the mix - you get this debut novel from J. A. Vodvarka. It's not quite on BrandoSando's level, yet, but I truly think the author could get close.
The plot was really quite good, and most of the dialog felt natural. There were a few places the dialog didn't feel natural, but that may have been intentional. While the prose could've been more descriptive, it was good. Vodvarka managed to make me chuckle out loud a few times, a few snorts, and even a couple tears. There were some unexpected (but good) twists, as well. There was one twist I kept waiting for, I was absolutely sure it was coming. I was wrong. Unless it comes about later in the series.
This book follows magick-less Nyssa, who is part of a guild that never allows anyone with magick to be a part of. She's essentially an orphan, and has one last quest she has to complete before gaining what she's worked so hard and tirelessly for over the course of many years.
"At some point, you'll have to decide for yourself what's truly important to you. Until that time, everything you do or say feels hollow. And you, of all people, cannot afford to doubt who you are and where you stand."
Being a magick-less orphan has caused her a ton of pain, both mental and physical. Bullies targeted her, repeatedly, and what makes it worse (in my opinion) is that the administration knew and allowed it (or turned a blind eye, at bare minimum). Still. As an adult the constant bullying she experienced growing up impacts her regularly, in various ways.
"We're both treated differently because of who we are. Fuck the lot of them."
Characters, like living humans, grow and change. Some sacrifice themselves, their morals, etc in order to achieve their goals. Others don't, they stay true to themselves. There's plenty of growth in this novel.
It has found family, some (sapphic and hetero) romance, adventure, twists and turns, corruption, an imperfect heroine, all the usual fantasy stuff, plus a bit of pirates and a smidgen of sex. This book has healthy platonic and romantic relationships - I love that.
The Gideon-lite humor - I just adore it. Nyssa's relationship with Little Hawk warms my heart. It gives baby sister type vibes. All the funny quotes I'm finding either need too much context for a review, or give away stuff that I don't want to risk spoiling. Here's the best I can find without ruining anything [for clarity, Nyssa is a little bit drunk and injured during this exchange]:
"Take your shirt off," Aryis ordered, waggling a finger for Nyssa to get up.
She stood. "Ho now, I'm flattered, but not with an audience. I'm shy…"
Things I feel kept it from being a 5 star read for me:
I wish the magic (or as this book spells it, magick) system had been explained more. It was just there, with the only info given on it being there are two forms (corporeal and ethereal, I believe they're called). Well, other types are loosely mentioned once, but they're forbidden.
The world didn't feel entirely fleshed out, there didn't seem to be a way to orientate yourself in the world. I wish we were given more on the history/origins of the world, the guilds, etc. Details. Who? How? When? Where? Why?
Early on, I feel if being labeled/marked Unworthy had been explained more thoroughly, more detailed, it would've made the stakes higher.
"She knew that getting captured meant execution, or worse - being marked as Unworthy, a traitor to the Empire. Death or cursed exile, both preferable to living one more second in the Citadel."
As I recall, that's really all there is about it until the end. What would being marked as Unworthy mean for a person? Besides being worse than being dead. How is it worse than being dead? I strongly feel this needs expanded on, early on in the book.
If you're scratching your head, wondering how I rated it 4 stars since I'm then pointing out a number of things I feel were missing - it's because the plot is that good. Especially now that I'm scrolling through the book, seeing and making connections I initially missed. It's interesting and hard to put down.
Nyssa: "I belong to the Emerald Order."
Reece: "You belong to no one but yourself."
I loved that a lot of the main characters were strong women (mentally and/or physically), supporting other strong women. None of the I'm so tiny and fragile, yet watch me kick major ass *dainty giggle* (insert side-eye to Rebecca Yarros). Strong women with autonomy and agency, and remind the other women that they do, too. There was none of the women pushing other women down (for absolutely no reason) competitiveness we see all too often (IRL and in fiction).
"… the world is full of liars who wear kind faces."
Without spoiling it, there's a tie in in this book that's just beautiful. You'll know it when you read it. It especially has me excited to read the second installment of this series (releasing in July 2024 according to the authors website). There are many tie-ins in the plot, but one that hit me right in the feels.
There were tie-ins, actually a fair number, that I'm only now catching as I scroll through the book looking at my notes and highlights. I feel like some of them need to be harkened back on, touched on in some way. Without spoiling anything, I don't think I can give specifics unfortunately.
If you like Sapphic fantasy/romantacy, you'll probably enjoy this book.
"Sincerity requires effort, not just intention."
In being transparent, if this wasn't a debut novel I would've rated it 3 stars. But it is, and since the plot and pacing are too good to rate it only 3 stars, I'm giving debut grace and rating it 4. If the things I mentioned were fixed, it would likely be a 5 star, even if not a debut novel.
I think some light re-working could make this a Mistborn level (or close to it) for me, for me. It's all there, just felt to me like there were a number of loose threads I was only able to bring together once I looked back through at my annotations. It doesn't need to tied up all perfectly neat, with a coordinating ribbon or anything. However, I do feel it would greatly benefit from tying some things together more than it is currently.
"When you save others, you save yourself."
If it applies to you, I would look up trigger warnings regarding violence and things related. Right off I don't recall any other things that are common, big triggers.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2025
thanking my past self for getting book 2 and 3 because I'm hooked ans in love 😍
April 23, 2024
Wow,this is my first fantasy sapphic romance and it was everything I expected and more.The book had everything you will expect a well written story to have,it had amazing world building,intriguing and interesting characters,friendships,fight scenes,beautiful settings ….etc.I’m very grateful for receiving an ARC for this book.
Nyssa and Quinn,has my heart,infact every single character in the book has my heart except for one or two annoying and evil characters.Nyssa and Quinn’s life were so different yet so similar in so many ways,their struggles,pain and loneliness were the same.Two people just trying to fit in a world that treats them like outcasts because they are different.
The fight scenes in this book was written so well it was playing like a movie in my head.The details were immaculate,the magic was explained so beautifully and they take baths a lot,which made me so happy🤣,because sometimes when I read fantasy stories,I wonder if the stink😭.
This is my favorite Sapphic book ever and I mean EVER,I can’t wait to read the next book.And @JAVordaka please stop making all the characters in the book so interesting😭,because anytime a new character is introduced and I think,”oh I’m definitely going to hate this one”,I end up falling inlove with them and wanting to read a book about them🤣.
If you love fantasy Sapphic book with a bada$$ FMCs and equally amazing side characters,magic,betrayal,revenge this book is for you.Do yourself a favor and read this book.
- [ ] Enemies to lovers
- [ ] Slow burn
- [ ] Found family
- [ ] Pirates
- [ ] Unique fantasy world
- [ ] Arcanepunk
- [ ] Found Family
- [ ] Hurt Comfort
- [ ] Intriguing Side characters
Nyssa and Quinn,has my heart,infact every single character in the book has my heart except for one or two annoying and evil characters.Nyssa and Quinn’s life were so different yet so similar in so many ways,their struggles,pain and loneliness were the same.Two people just trying to fit in a world that treats them like outcasts because they are different.
The fight scenes in this book was written so well it was playing like a movie in my head.The details were immaculate,the magic was explained so beautifully and they take baths a lot,which made me so happy🤣,because sometimes when I read fantasy stories,I wonder if the stink😭.
This is my favorite Sapphic book ever and I mean EVER,I can’t wait to read the next book.And @JAVordaka please stop making all the characters in the book so interesting😭,because anytime a new character is introduced and I think,”oh I’m definitely going to hate this one”,I end up falling inlove with them and wanting to read a book about them🤣.
If you love fantasy Sapphic book with a bada$$ FMCs and equally amazing side characters,magic,betrayal,revenge this book is for you.Do yourself a favor and read this book.
- [ ] Enemies to lovers
- [ ] Slow burn
- [ ] Found family
- [ ] Pirates
- [ ] Unique fantasy world
- [ ] Arcanepunk
- [ ] Found Family
- [ ] Hurt Comfort
- [ ] Intriguing Side characters
April 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ An excellent debut novel from J A Vodvarka!
Nyssa, our heroine, is a strong, pig-headed orphan, indebted to the guild that took her in. She seeks to prove herself to the guild, to herself and to her found family.
Her mission to capture Quinn, a runaway adept from another guild brings many realisations about who she is, her love and tie to the sea, her role in the world, and the deeply flawed nature of the empire in which she was raised.
If you like feisty, relatable heroines, authentic feeling sapphic romance and found family, this book is for you. I feel that this author is growing and finding their style and that this story will only become more engaging in the sequel.
From the first page I was drawn in by the flawed, realistic feeling characters and the lack of common tropes. I feel that some of the supporting characters could have been explored more, but I am hoping that happens in the next book.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in return for an honest review. The opinions contained above are entirely my own.
Nyssa, our heroine, is a strong, pig-headed orphan, indebted to the guild that took her in. She seeks to prove herself to the guild, to herself and to her found family.
Her mission to capture Quinn, a runaway adept from another guild brings many realisations about who she is, her love and tie to the sea, her role in the world, and the deeply flawed nature of the empire in which she was raised.
If you like feisty, relatable heroines, authentic feeling sapphic romance and found family, this book is for you. I feel that this author is growing and finding their style and that this story will only become more engaging in the sequel.
From the first page I was drawn in by the flawed, realistic feeling characters and the lack of common tropes. I feel that some of the supporting characters could have been explored more, but I am hoping that happens in the next book.
I received a copy of this book as an ARC in return for an honest review. The opinions contained above are entirely my own.
April 23, 2026
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: Closed Door
Wow did this book put me through the wringer!! I wasn’t too sure in the beginning cause it is a bit slow going at first but once it kicks off it really gets going!
The Plot was absolutely AMAZING and things were well planned and the characters were just ugh perfection! All of it was well written and it was easy to connect with the characters and their personalities all meshed well with each other. I was completely immersed in what was going on, and even cried in certain parts.
The main reason I didn’t give it a 5star rating was the lack of world building. Don’t get me wrong the magic is awesome and the world it’s self is pretty cool. But we don’t really get much in the way of getting the explanation of how things work, and things like that. Also being Labeled as Unworthy is a big deal, but we don’t really get a good feel/ explanation on that topic. Mostly just characters saying it’s a big deal. Also wanted more info on cursed gods. Again we got a tiny bit of info but not much. It just left me wanting more in that aspect.
I say if you don’t like the complexity of high fantasy, this would be a great fantasy read as the world building isn’t super complicated or complex.
For the spice, it is mostly closed door. We get a bit of kissing and touching/ teasing and it’s fade to black after that.
Overall this was a great reading experience and I do plan on reading the other books in this series! I hope we get more details about their world, and the magic and the gods as I get more into the series!!
Spice: Closed Door
Wow did this book put me through the wringer!! I wasn’t too sure in the beginning cause it is a bit slow going at first but once it kicks off it really gets going!
The Plot was absolutely AMAZING and things were well planned and the characters were just ugh perfection! All of it was well written and it was easy to connect with the characters and their personalities all meshed well with each other. I was completely immersed in what was going on, and even cried in certain parts.
The main reason I didn’t give it a 5star rating was the lack of world building. Don’t get me wrong the magic is awesome and the world it’s self is pretty cool. But we don’t really get much in the way of getting the explanation of how things work, and things like that. Also being Labeled as Unworthy is a big deal, but we don’t really get a good feel/ explanation on that topic. Mostly just characters saying it’s a big deal. Also wanted more info on cursed gods. Again we got a tiny bit of info but not much. It just left me wanting more in that aspect.
I say if you don’t like the complexity of high fantasy, this would be a great fantasy read as the world building isn’t super complicated or complex.
For the spice, it is mostly closed door. We get a bit of kissing and touching/ teasing and it’s fade to black after that.
Overall this was a great reading experience and I do plan on reading the other books in this series! I hope we get more details about their world, and the magic and the gods as I get more into the series!!
April 24, 2024
This is the first book in the Blacksea Odyssey series and was a bit of a wild ride.
This is the story of Nyssa, who lives in a world with majick (how the author spells it) , but who is majick-less. She is a warrior and all she wants to do is be part of the guild that her adoptive father is part of as well as her best friend ( who is a man and shockingly there is just friendship with). She is sent on one last task in order to secure he place in the guild, and that is to hunt down a run away, Quinn.
The novel is filled with banner, found family, honor, duty, romance, and friendships. The world in which this takes place sees no issue with any relationship, as our lead character has had relations with both men and women, with open communication and consent.
This was a sapphic romance with fade to black spice, but introduced me to arcanepunk fantasy (as the author described it) which I would like to read more of.
This was a strong showing for a debut novel and would recommend if you enjoy the following, witty banner, great friendships, arcanepunk fantasy, adventure,
This is the story of Nyssa, who lives in a world with majick (how the author spells it) , but who is majick-less. She is a warrior and all she wants to do is be part of the guild that her adoptive father is part of as well as her best friend ( who is a man and shockingly there is just friendship with). She is sent on one last task in order to secure he place in the guild, and that is to hunt down a run away, Quinn.
The novel is filled with banner, found family, honor, duty, romance, and friendships. The world in which this takes place sees no issue with any relationship, as our lead character has had relations with both men and women, with open communication and consent.
This was a sapphic romance with fade to black spice, but introduced me to arcanepunk fantasy (as the author described it) which I would like to read more of.
This was a strong showing for a debut novel and would recommend if you enjoy the following, witty banner, great friendships, arcanepunk fantasy, adventure,
June 25, 2024
I started reading this book and I loved it so much that I felt I needed to give it the respect it deserved. So I paused to read the short story, 'Whisky and Wagers' and then book 1, 'Unworthy ' before starting again.
I'm hooked! I can wait for 'Unyeiling'. The books start out good and just got better.
If you like strong capable women, read this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'm hooked! I can wait for 'Unyeiling'. The books start out good and just got better.
If you like strong capable women, read this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2024
Hello, gorgeous! And this cover DOES NOT disappoint.
Slow build of characters, intricate relationships and then it just TAKES OFF.
Casual queerness, not a focus. Outcast with found family.
Nyssa was orphaned as a babe - adopted, loved and trained by the head of ashcloaks. And without magic. Taunted, a legend among the people - laughed at and ridiculed. Nyssa is desperate to be an ashcloak, to have a purpose. When she and her friends pursue a runaway, Nyssa must examine her guild - what is the purpose? A member of the "herd"?
Excellent start to a new series!
Fade to black for sex scenes - though it was def more detailed later in the book.
And oh that ending!
Release day - April 22, 2024
#unworthy #javodvarka #blackseaodyssey #sapphicfantasy #sapphic #lesfic #queer #queerfantasy #queerseries #lgbtqia #slowburnromance
Slow build of characters, intricate relationships and then it just TAKES OFF.
Casual queerness, not a focus. Outcast with found family.
Nyssa was orphaned as a babe - adopted, loved and trained by the head of ashcloaks. And without magic. Taunted, a legend among the people - laughed at and ridiculed. Nyssa is desperate to be an ashcloak, to have a purpose. When she and her friends pursue a runaway, Nyssa must examine her guild - what is the purpose? A member of the "herd"?
Excellent start to a new series!
Fade to black for sex scenes - though it was def more detailed later in the book.
And oh that ending!
Release day - April 22, 2024
#unworthy #javodvarka #blackseaodyssey #sapphicfantasy #sapphic #lesfic #queer #queerfantasy #queerseries #lgbtqia #slowburnromance
June 7, 2024
Fast Fantasy will enthrall you from Chapter 1. Guilds, Politics, Magicks, Sheer Determination and wonderful characters written within. If you want action that's both on land and sea: this book is the beginning! I love fantasy and this one is already a new favourite.
June 9, 2024
This is not my typical book but i absolutely loved the characters and their relationships. The internal turmoil they go through in their development arcs was amazing. Will definitely continue this series!
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