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Of Crowns & Quills #1
An Archer's Awakening
In a world where most wield a Gift, Ranger cadet Declan Rea grapples with his lack of magic’s touch. His ungifted status breeds tension with his brother, Keelan, and fuels deep-seated insecurities.
Amidst his struggles, Declan finds solace and strength in a budding romance with fellow cadet, Ayden.
When a shadowy threat rises, and an ancient cult threatens to resurrect a long-forgotten queen, the world is plunged into chaos. Kidnappings and whispers of impending catastrophe set the stage for a showdown of epic proportions, where alliances are forged and loyalties tested.
As Keelan investigates, Declan and Ayden's burgeoning romance faces the shadowy threat, as they navigate treacherous paths of betrayal and uncertainty.
Amidst the chaos, love becomes their guiding light.
Declan and Ayden uncover secrets of the past and within themselves, confronting their destinies and realizing that true courage lies not in the heat of battle, but in the quiet moments shared between two souls bound by an unbreakable connection.
Perfect for contemporary and fantasy mm romance fans alike, An Archer's Awakening promises a heartwarming, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers story wrapped in a riveting adventure. From heart-stopping intrigue to tender moments, this story captivates with its blend of romance and peril.
Immerse yourself today in a world where love conquers all and heroes rise to meet their destiny.
Amidst his struggles, Declan finds solace and strength in a budding romance with fellow cadet, Ayden.
When a shadowy threat rises, and an ancient cult threatens to resurrect a long-forgotten queen, the world is plunged into chaos. Kidnappings and whispers of impending catastrophe set the stage for a showdown of epic proportions, where alliances are forged and loyalties tested.
As Keelan investigates, Declan and Ayden's burgeoning romance faces the shadowy threat, as they navigate treacherous paths of betrayal and uncertainty.
Amidst the chaos, love becomes their guiding light.
Declan and Ayden uncover secrets of the past and within themselves, confronting their destinies and realizing that true courage lies not in the heat of battle, but in the quiet moments shared between two souls bound by an unbreakable connection.
Perfect for contemporary and fantasy mm romance fans alike, An Archer's Awakening promises a heartwarming, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers story wrapped in a riveting adventure. From heart-stopping intrigue to tender moments, this story captivates with its blend of romance and peril.
Immerse yourself today in a world where love conquers all and heroes rise to meet their destiny.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2024
505 people are currently reading
1870 people want to read
About the author
Casey Morales
50 books408 followersCasey Morales is an LGBT storyteller and the author of multiple bestselling MM romance novels. Born in the Southern United States, Casey is an avid tennis player, aspiring chef, dog lover, and ravenous consumer of gummy bears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
July 16, 2024
great characters and potentially great plot derailed by too many POV and choppy formatting
Rating: 3🌈
I picked up An Archer’s Awakening because of that fabulous cover and interesting description. Morales is also a author I’ve never read before.
What I found was a story that has strong themes, great characters, and wonderful potential for the storyline. So why not a higher rating?
The format. Unfortunately Morales undermines what’s best about his story, everything that connects the reader to his characters and their situations by his choices with his narrative.
To begin with the author has multiple points of view which only serve to muddle the various characters and our connections to them. Some of these are honestly secondary cast people who get chapters, like two who get assigned as the POV only to “vanish”, and later be described as an object of their mission. They’re here, disrupting the flow of the narrative and then gone. Literally.
That’s the main issue. It’s a chopped up story. I’m not sure how many books Morales intends for his series but the titles for books one and two are about The Archer. Not 7 or 8 other people. So make it about the Archer.
However it’s as though Morales can’t decide which direction he’s going in this story . So he begins with his two main characters. They truly are the main couple and have the most depth, the relatability of their dynamic. That’s Ranger DeClan Rea (cadet when we meet him) and noble born, fellow Ranger, Ayden. We follow them through training ,through individual exploration of romantic feelings and self worth, and a mystical experience in the mountains. All of which is abruptly, jarringly, stopped by a sudden change in direction.
For no apparent reason we are reading a different story. We get a new set of characters, narrators, new location, and a whole new set of plots about them, an interesting investigation, and yes, one of them turns out to be the mage brother of Ranger DeClan. It’s time for us to forget about that couple and their growing relationship and mystery and now focus entirely on someone else. It’s the brother Mage Keelan and his group now.
Then their section is abruptly ended. And it’s a Princess and King and a Sheriff’s son. And so on.
Frustrating? Absolutely. And this is only the beginning of this questionable process.
Any sort of logical process or narrative flow that allows a reader to follow freely the themes as they thread through the story or any important element or plot lines is almost impossible. It’s too jumbled.
And by extension, taking away from the main characters voices and storylines to squeeze in a perspective from a person that, in my opinion, isn’t necessary, lessens the impact and connectivity on the reader.
Just as we start to care about these characters and their lives and futures, Morales comes up with more strange ways to make less sense and divide our attention.
Towards the end of the book, the author finally brings two of his separate pieces together and the mage brother Kellan is reunited with his Ranger brother DeClan. The story is working in a manner it could have been all along. And it’s terrific. The mysteries are being revealed, investigations started. The book is dynamic and the relationships are revealing hidden depths of information and emotions.
Of course, it can’t stay true to course. Now that it’s working. Let’s go back to separating everything and everyone in a nonsensical manner.
There’s so much more here that I haven’t begun to address. There’s a prologue that sets down a magical threat and future events that involve a prophecy (gods involved of course). That pops up in the middle of the book in a character that had no previous voice so it really adds to the confusion. And there’s a character that everyone can identify as a “villain” without having a V stamped on him. He’s that guy.
So yes, among the fine characters, great scenes, and remarkable moments, there’s just too many overwhelmingly strange writing choices Morales made here that derail the narrative momentum, remove the reader from their connection to the characters and plot, and halt the flow of the storytelling.
Will I read the next book in the series? Yes. Hopefully the author will have abandoned the many pov , multiple sections format that he employed so disastrously here. A great editor helps with this.
Rev: 7/2024 book 2 has been published and after reading the chapter headings where there’s more than 7 people who have a title and POV , alternate stories here, I’m stopping. The format is exactly the same as book 1, if not denser.
Great cover. It did its job and got me to read the book.
Of Crowns and Quills:
- [ ] An Archer’s Awakening #1
- [ ] An Archer’s Destiny #2- July 31,2024
Rating: 3🌈
I picked up An Archer’s Awakening because of that fabulous cover and interesting description. Morales is also a author I’ve never read before.
What I found was a story that has strong themes, great characters, and wonderful potential for the storyline. So why not a higher rating?
The format. Unfortunately Morales undermines what’s best about his story, everything that connects the reader to his characters and their situations by his choices with his narrative.
To begin with the author has multiple points of view which only serve to muddle the various characters and our connections to them. Some of these are honestly secondary cast people who get chapters, like two who get assigned as the POV only to “vanish”, and later be described as an object of their mission. They’re here, disrupting the flow of the narrative and then gone. Literally.
That’s the main issue. It’s a chopped up story. I’m not sure how many books Morales intends for his series but the titles for books one and two are about The Archer. Not 7 or 8 other people. So make it about the Archer.
However it’s as though Morales can’t decide which direction he’s going in this story . So he begins with his two main characters. They truly are the main couple and have the most depth, the relatability of their dynamic. That’s Ranger DeClan Rea (cadet when we meet him) and noble born, fellow Ranger, Ayden. We follow them through training ,through individual exploration of romantic feelings and self worth, and a mystical experience in the mountains. All of which is abruptly, jarringly, stopped by a sudden change in direction.
For no apparent reason we are reading a different story. We get a new set of characters, narrators, new location, and a whole new set of plots about them, an interesting investigation, and yes, one of them turns out to be the mage brother of Ranger DeClan. It’s time for us to forget about that couple and their growing relationship and mystery and now focus entirely on someone else. It’s the brother Mage Keelan and his group now.
Then their section is abruptly ended. And it’s a Princess and King and a Sheriff’s son. And so on.
Frustrating? Absolutely. And this is only the beginning of this questionable process.
Any sort of logical process or narrative flow that allows a reader to follow freely the themes as they thread through the story or any important element or plot lines is almost impossible. It’s too jumbled.
And by extension, taking away from the main characters voices and storylines to squeeze in a perspective from a person that, in my opinion, isn’t necessary, lessens the impact and connectivity on the reader.
Just as we start to care about these characters and their lives and futures, Morales comes up with more strange ways to make less sense and divide our attention.
Towards the end of the book, the author finally brings two of his separate pieces together and the mage brother Kellan is reunited with his Ranger brother DeClan. The story is working in a manner it could have been all along. And it’s terrific. The mysteries are being revealed, investigations started. The book is dynamic and the relationships are revealing hidden depths of information and emotions.
Of course, it can’t stay true to course. Now that it’s working. Let’s go back to separating everything and everyone in a nonsensical manner.
There’s so much more here that I haven’t begun to address. There’s a prologue that sets down a magical threat and future events that involve a prophecy (gods involved of course). That pops up in the middle of the book in a character that had no previous voice so it really adds to the confusion. And there’s a character that everyone can identify as a “villain” without having a V stamped on him. He’s that guy.
So yes, among the fine characters, great scenes, and remarkable moments, there’s just too many overwhelmingly strange writing choices Morales made here that derail the narrative momentum, remove the reader from their connection to the characters and plot, and halt the flow of the storytelling.
Will I read the next book in the series? Yes. Hopefully the author will have abandoned the many pov , multiple sections format that he employed so disastrously here. A great editor helps with this.
Rev: 7/2024 book 2 has been published and after reading the chapter headings where there’s more than 7 people who have a title and POV , alternate stories here, I’m stopping. The format is exactly the same as book 1, if not denser.
Great cover. It did its job and got me to read the book.
Of Crowns and Quills:
- [ ] An Archer’s Awakening #1
- [ ] An Archer’s Destiny #2- July 31,2024
Read
October 22, 2024DNF @57% (no star rating).
I went into this one expecting an m/m fantasy romance that would feature a same-couple relationship that develops over several books. Well, it kind of is, if you squint; there is an m/m romance here, but it’s not the only romance in the book and it’s more of a sub-plot than a principal storyline, despite the fact it’s clearly going to be ‘the main’ romance of the series.
I settled in to read the story of Declan – a second-year trainee ranger who is also responsible for training new recruits – and Ayden – a new arrival whom Declan instantly decides is arrogant and smug. Ayden is somewhat bewildered by Declan’s obvious dislike – he’s not what Declan thinks he is, and he wants to fit in and do the job he’s being trained for, despite his aristocratic background. When the two of them are paired up on a training exercise that will last three days, they work well together and Declan begins to concede that maybe he’s been wrong about Ayden. It’s a good start – the two men encounter some shady types in the forest who appear to be kidnapping a woman, but they’re unable to rescue her because they’ve been bound by powerful magic. They have to continue with their task, which is to collect a ribbon from the horns of one of the deer that roam the forest – if they have to kill an animal to get it, they have to take the meat back to the village. Neither of them is keen on that option, but even so, they don’t see any deer with ribbons and are resigned to making their way back having failed in their mission. Until, that is, a majestic stag appears out of the trees and bows its head to Declan – offering a ribbon.
So far so good – I liked Declan and Ayden and their antatonists-to-lovers vibe, and was intrigued by both the kidnapping scenario and the behaviour of the stag. I turned the page expecting to find out what happens next – but instead, there’s a new PoV and storyline introduced, just when I was getting invested in the plot and the romance. The new PoV character is Keelan, Declan’s brother, and the second narrator in this section is the local healer, Tiana – who calls herself “Ti” when she thinks things to herself (which she does a lot). Keelan and Tiana are sweet on one another, but honestly I skimmed most of this part, eager to get back to Declan and Ayden. Then Tiana is kidnapped for reasons that aren’t disclosed and Keelan is obviously anxious to get her back. I got to the end of that section and thought ‘okay, so NOW I can get back to Declan and Ayden’ – but no. There’s a princess and her dad, who wants to marry her off to some old bloke, and… eh, I don’t know. I skimmed it.
FINALLY – just before the halfway mark, we get back to Declan and Ayden (yay!) Declan is struggling with his attraction to Ayden (specifically) and to another man (in general) – it seems queerness is not fully accepted in this society and not in a man’s manly job like Ranger-ing. He and Ayden are constantly paired up for assignments, and Declan finally decides he needs to say something. Needless to say, he’s interrupted (by work) before he can – and then… over the page and there’s the PoV of yet another different character I haven’t heard of and don’t care about.
So I’m out at 57%.
I think there’s a good story in here – the author is clearly setting up something pretty epic – but the waters are muddied by two many PoV characters, and the constant switching of perspectives undermines any connection the reader may be developing to the characters. Declan and Ayden are clearly the leads; they have the most depth and relatability, but the chopping up of their story does them no favours, and I was, frankly, annoyed each time my attention was pulled away from them.
The writing itself is okay, although the female characters are a bland and, on one particular occasion, crass (Declan’s friend asks him which one of him and Ayden would be “the woman” – WTF?) - and I really wish authors would stop having characters doubled over with laughter and wiping away their mirthful tears at something that not at all funny.
I might go back and give this and the rest of the series another go at some point in the future, because I’m intrigued by the overall storyline and I liked Declan and Ayden, but the storytelling is too disjointed and the changes of PoV too disruptive. DNF.
I went into this one expecting an m/m fantasy romance that would feature a same-couple relationship that develops over several books. Well, it kind of is, if you squint; there is an m/m romance here, but it’s not the only romance in the book and it’s more of a sub-plot than a principal storyline, despite the fact it’s clearly going to be ‘the main’ romance of the series.
I settled in to read the story of Declan – a second-year trainee ranger who is also responsible for training new recruits – and Ayden – a new arrival whom Declan instantly decides is arrogant and smug. Ayden is somewhat bewildered by Declan’s obvious dislike – he’s not what Declan thinks he is, and he wants to fit in and do the job he’s being trained for, despite his aristocratic background. When the two of them are paired up on a training exercise that will last three days, they work well together and Declan begins to concede that maybe he’s been wrong about Ayden. It’s a good start – the two men encounter some shady types in the forest who appear to be kidnapping a woman, but they’re unable to rescue her because they’ve been bound by powerful magic. They have to continue with their task, which is to collect a ribbon from the horns of one of the deer that roam the forest – if they have to kill an animal to get it, they have to take the meat back to the village. Neither of them is keen on that option, but even so, they don’t see any deer with ribbons and are resigned to making their way back having failed in their mission. Until, that is, a majestic stag appears out of the trees and bows its head to Declan – offering a ribbon.
So far so good – I liked Declan and Ayden and their antatonists-to-lovers vibe, and was intrigued by both the kidnapping scenario and the behaviour of the stag. I turned the page expecting to find out what happens next – but instead, there’s a new PoV and storyline introduced, just when I was getting invested in the plot and the romance. The new PoV character is Keelan, Declan’s brother, and the second narrator in this section is the local healer, Tiana – who calls herself “Ti” when she thinks things to herself (which she does a lot). Keelan and Tiana are sweet on one another, but honestly I skimmed most of this part, eager to get back to Declan and Ayden. Then Tiana is kidnapped for reasons that aren’t disclosed and Keelan is obviously anxious to get her back. I got to the end of that section and thought ‘okay, so NOW I can get back to Declan and Ayden’ – but no. There’s a princess and her dad, who wants to marry her off to some old bloke, and… eh, I don’t know. I skimmed it.
FINALLY – just before the halfway mark, we get back to Declan and Ayden (yay!) Declan is struggling with his attraction to Ayden (specifically) and to another man (in general) – it seems queerness is not fully accepted in this society and not in a man’s manly job like Ranger-ing. He and Ayden are constantly paired up for assignments, and Declan finally decides he needs to say something. Needless to say, he’s interrupted (by work) before he can – and then… over the page and there’s the PoV of yet another different character I haven’t heard of and don’t care about.
So I’m out at 57%.
I think there’s a good story in here – the author is clearly setting up something pretty epic – but the waters are muddied by two many PoV characters, and the constant switching of perspectives undermines any connection the reader may be developing to the characters. Declan and Ayden are clearly the leads; they have the most depth and relatability, but the chopping up of their story does them no favours, and I was, frankly, annoyed each time my attention was pulled away from them.
The writing itself is okay, although the female characters are a bland and, on one particular occasion, crass (Declan’s friend asks him which one of him and Ayden would be “the woman” – WTF?) - and I really wish authors would stop having characters doubled over with laughter and wiping away their mirthful tears at something that not at all funny.
I might go back and give this and the rest of the series another go at some point in the future, because I’m intrigued by the overall storyline and I liked Declan and Ayden, but the storytelling is too disjointed and the changes of PoV too disruptive. DNF.
July 22, 2024
3.5
It was the cover and the blurb that made me download this book. I still love the cover but the blurb was misleading i.e. don't expect a M/M romance fantasy because what we get is a high fantasy with a M/M story line and although it is probably the dominant story line, it's not the only one. Just saying so you're not disappointed because when that wrong expectation is out of the way the story could work quite fine as a high fantasy.
We have a continent dominated by 2 large countries, a kingdom and a republic of a kind. Millennia ago it was one big country but a rebellion against an evil queen lead to the divide. Now for a thousand years they coexist in some kind of cold peace so no one expects an imminent change and even the cult that still exists in the kingdom and believes in resurrecting the former queen doesn't change that expectation. It's just too small and ineffective. After all even the magic that once ruled that world got weaker and weaker over the last centuries. Now it more or less is shown as a special gift in some individuals, mostly gifts like enhance the taste of meals and understanding the “thoughts” of animals but also some more powerful like healing or clairvoyance. Of course in the background there are already forces at work to shatter the cold peace although at the moment it only looks like strange but random kidnappings are occurring.
So such a setup could make a nice fantasy especially when adding interesting characters like Declan who as a guy without a gift is still looking for a place he belongs to and doesn't know what to do with those strange emotions he's feeling every-time Ayden crosses his path. Unfortunately something is missing that puts me, as the reader, into the role of a curious observer but far from a role as empathetic participant. My inability to dive into the story and feel it is partly due to the authors usage of multi POV narration. I know that multi-POV can be helpful to get an overview on complex situations and even create an arc of suspense because the reader knows about a threat before the MC or because it helps to show the background of the villain without the need for an info-bomb afterwards, but here it's like Melanie wrote in her review: it only serves to muddle the characters and our connection to them. Every time I started to get into the flow the chapter is stopped abruptly and we get into another chapter with another POV and on top of that we might be in the time line of the POV of 3 chapters ago but now with another POV. Sometimes it feels like even the author was undecided how to follow up and just left a situation unresolved like Declan's near mystical experience in the forest with the buck while on the other hand he makes some claims without showing the situation like the Declan's character defining experience being a magic-mute and how he's supposedly spurned because of that. Finally there is my issue with the last chapter where a lot seems to get on track, but however some strange order comes out of the left field and they have to separate again.
I'm still curious about the mystery part. I still like the world setup and I still have some hopeful expectations for character developments and of course I enjoy reading about some of the quirkily useful gifts and maybe the the buck experience is going to have some belated consequences. So I'm going to get to the next book sometime later.
It was the cover and the blurb that made me download this book. I still love the cover but the blurb was misleading i.e. don't expect a M/M romance fantasy because what we get is a high fantasy with a M/M story line and although it is probably the dominant story line, it's not the only one. Just saying so you're not disappointed because when that wrong expectation is out of the way the story could work quite fine as a high fantasy.
We have a continent dominated by 2 large countries, a kingdom and a republic of a kind. Millennia ago it was one big country but a rebellion against an evil queen lead to the divide. Now for a thousand years they coexist in some kind of cold peace so no one expects an imminent change and even the cult that still exists in the kingdom and believes in resurrecting the former queen doesn't change that expectation. It's just too small and ineffective. After all even the magic that once ruled that world got weaker and weaker over the last centuries. Now it more or less is shown as a special gift in some individuals, mostly gifts like enhance the taste of meals and understanding the “thoughts” of animals but also some more powerful like healing or clairvoyance. Of course in the background there are already forces at work to shatter the cold peace although at the moment it only looks like strange but random kidnappings are occurring.
So such a setup could make a nice fantasy especially when adding interesting characters like Declan who as a guy without a gift is still looking for a place he belongs to and doesn't know what to do with those strange emotions he's feeling every-time Ayden crosses his path. Unfortunately something is missing that puts me, as the reader, into the role of a curious observer but far from a role as empathetic participant. My inability to dive into the story and feel it is partly due to the authors usage of multi POV narration. I know that multi-POV can be helpful to get an overview on complex situations and even create an arc of suspense because the reader knows about a threat before the MC or because it helps to show the background of the villain without the need for an info-bomb afterwards, but here it's like Melanie wrote in her review: it only serves to muddle the characters and our connection to them. Every time I started to get into the flow the chapter is stopped abruptly and we get into another chapter with another POV and on top of that we might be in the time line of the POV of 3 chapters ago but now with another POV. Sometimes it feels like even the author was undecided how to follow up and just left a situation unresolved like Declan's near mystical experience in the forest with the buck while on the other hand he makes some claims without showing the situation like the Declan's character defining experience being a magic-mute and how he's supposedly spurned because of that. Finally there is my issue with the last chapter where a lot seems to get on track, but however some strange order comes out of the left field and they have to separate again.
I'm still curious about the mystery part. I still like the world setup and I still have some hopeful expectations for character developments and of course I enjoy reading about some of the quirkily useful gifts and maybe the the buck experience is going to have some belated consequences. So I'm going to get to the next book sometime later.
April 14, 2024
There is a mystical precursor, and then it launches into part 1. Declan and Ayden are forced to be partners as Rangers. Declan has a bug up his butt about Ayden being raised as a Lord and is surly and abrupt. Ayden is cheerfulness itself which eventually leads to respect and friendship and attraction. Both men have no magical gifts. Declan's brother Keelan in introduced in part 2. He is dating a healer Tiana who is kidnapped and Keelan as a Lieutenant in the Guardsmen will use his gift of detecting lies to find her. Part 3 finds the Crown Princess Jess of the Kingdom to be married off and part 4 id the beating heart of the epic tale. The first three parts were introductions to characters - oh so many characters and I still can't keep the Danai's straight. I thought it was too much at first but by part 4, i was solidly invested. It's absorbing and fantasy with finally a declaration but the story is not over - just beginning. There is a quest like all fantasies and a Kingdom to protect with many villains popping up out of the woodwork. As a quiet lover of "good" fantasy, this one will be a winner when the tale is completed. Immerse yourself into a magical world, one filled with heroes and The Slowest Burn ever, maybe!! Like all good fantasies, this one will be several volumes so don't DNF but wait for it - wait for it.
May 11, 2024
4.5 stars. First part of what promises to be an epic fantasy series. The multiple character POVs were a bit complicated to start off with but once the story developed they made a lot of sense. The writing style of this author is always very worthwhile, and although I have only read the contemporary types so far this is story is on track to be just as good.
July 11, 2024
I liked the set up and I was mostly intrigued by the world building but the writing was rough. Really rough. It was passable during descriptions but the moment two characters starting talking to each others the whole thing started to fall apart. I do not have the energy to try to parse this mess for four hundred pages, much less over multiple volumes.
July 26, 2024
My Fantasy World Awakening
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve read 2 books in Fantasy genre for the very first time. I really liked them. Now, I’ve just finished ‘An Archer’s Awakening’ and I’m in love 🥰 with this Fantasy world and especially with Ayden and Declan.
The sheer breath of this story, covering so much action, mystery, magic and some treacherous going on in the King’s Palace, a young Princess running from an arranged marriage with an old man, several kidnappings and a viper in the nest at the Palace, all had me waiting with bated breath to see what was going to happen next page.
There are so many important characters here apart from the two MC’s and each get a chapter for their POV. Several have special gifts, healers, animal whisperers, magicians, mental telepathy etc. these people are The Gifted and serve whenever their ‘gift’ is required.
Declan is a Second Year Cadet Ranger, he resents that he is not one of those special ‘Gifted’ people. Ayden, the son of a lord, and also a Second Year Cadet Ranger, is not gifted either. When these two meet sparks fly, and Declan takes a huge dislike to the posh ‘little lordling’ with all that red hair and fancy talk.
When their Captain pairs them as partners for duty in the mountains and they are forced to spend time together and rely on each other, feelings that Declan never experienced before have him getting hot under his Ranger’s Cloak. When reports surface that war may be on the way with a neighbouring territory Declan has been given a special assignment that he has to do alone. It is an extremely dangerous mission and he may not return. He needs to have a talk with Ayden before he leaves.
And then Casey Morales leaves me standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for ‘ An Archer’s Destiny’ Book 2 in Crowns & Quills.
What a tease!! What an excellent story spinner too. I’m so amazed by his writing skill in this book, his character building and research. The Fantasy world setting is such a departure in from others that I’ve read by him. He’s multi talented and doesn’t set his characters in the same ‘world’ in each series, plus he keeps the number in each series low so you don’t forget where they started.
When I saw the list of characters at the start, plus the hand drawn maps of the various territories I was worried that I’d get ‘lost and confused’, but I didn’t and my admiration for this author has just skyrocketed. I’m rearing to start Book 2 and catch up on the goings on with these Rangers.
Yes, add this series to your TBR and enjoy the telling of a wonderful exciting and intriguing story.
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve read 2 books in Fantasy genre for the very first time. I really liked them. Now, I’ve just finished ‘An Archer’s Awakening’ and I’m in love 🥰 with this Fantasy world and especially with Ayden and Declan.
The sheer breath of this story, covering so much action, mystery, magic and some treacherous going on in the King’s Palace, a young Princess running from an arranged marriage with an old man, several kidnappings and a viper in the nest at the Palace, all had me waiting with bated breath to see what was going to happen next page.
There are so many important characters here apart from the two MC’s and each get a chapter for their POV. Several have special gifts, healers, animal whisperers, magicians, mental telepathy etc. these people are The Gifted and serve whenever their ‘gift’ is required.
Declan is a Second Year Cadet Ranger, he resents that he is not one of those special ‘Gifted’ people. Ayden, the son of a lord, and also a Second Year Cadet Ranger, is not gifted either. When these two meet sparks fly, and Declan takes a huge dislike to the posh ‘little lordling’ with all that red hair and fancy talk.
When their Captain pairs them as partners for duty in the mountains and they are forced to spend time together and rely on each other, feelings that Declan never experienced before have him getting hot under his Ranger’s Cloak. When reports surface that war may be on the way with a neighbouring territory Declan has been given a special assignment that he has to do alone. It is an extremely dangerous mission and he may not return. He needs to have a talk with Ayden before he leaves.
And then Casey Morales leaves me standing on the edge of a cliff, waiting for ‘ An Archer’s Destiny’ Book 2 in Crowns & Quills.
What a tease!! What an excellent story spinner too. I’m so amazed by his writing skill in this book, his character building and research. The Fantasy world setting is such a departure in from others that I’ve read by him. He’s multi talented and doesn’t set his characters in the same ‘world’ in each series, plus he keeps the number in each series low so you don’t forget where they started.
When I saw the list of characters at the start, plus the hand drawn maps of the various territories I was worried that I’d get ‘lost and confused’, but I didn’t and my admiration for this author has just skyrocketed. I’m rearing to start Book 2 and catch up on the goings on with these Rangers.
Yes, add this series to your TBR and enjoy the telling of a wonderful exciting and intriguing story.
April 16, 2024
So, Mr. Morales has stepped back in time again. Further this time than with his other series and I am blown away with how much I am loving this new time period from him. This book takes us back to the time of swords, armor, queens and maybe even magic, phoenix anyone. This story follows Declan and Ayden. Their story is mixed with humor (more Ayden), hate (Declan feel that), danger, adventure and desire/longing (Ayden mostly but Dec gets there). But their love/hate relationship is not the main focus of this book it is just another factor, and it is perfect. There are mysterious happenings that bring Keelan, Declan's brother, into the story with his own friends. There is much to enjoy with this book so don't skip it and enjoy being taken back in time by a master of storytelling.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 30, 2024
This story is so intriguing. Like any good fantasy you have multiple storylines happening with multiple points of view. Does it leave you with a cliffhanger, yes… it’s the beginning of a fantasy series. This isn’t a simple romance it’s going to have it all.
It’s no secret that I am a massive fan of Casey Morales work, and this is so different from what he normally does but I’m loving that we have what looking like it’s going to be multiple hero’s in this story. Well, one main one but a few side ones as well. I can’t wait to learn more about Declan’s adventure (and also more about him and Ayden) and see what’s happening with Keelan and then you can’t forget the princess.. so much more to come… umm when’s the next book come out?
It’s no secret that I am a massive fan of Casey Morales work, and this is so different from what he normally does but I’m loving that we have what looking like it’s going to be multiple hero’s in this story. Well, one main one but a few side ones as well. I can’t wait to learn more about Declan’s adventure (and also more about him and Ayden) and see what’s happening with Keelan and then you can’t forget the princess.. so much more to come… umm when’s the next book come out?
April 19, 2024
I so enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!! Between the mystical themes, sword fights, plots of mysterious happenings with magical suspense, kingdoms acting strange with forces preparing for battles?? I was so captivated with this book from the first few chapters and literally couldn't stop reading the story...such great writing you will literally feel as if your seeing a movie play out. Can't wait to see what happens next between Declan and Ayden..and Keelan how will things progress with a battle looming ahead??
I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
September 21, 2024
A much younger me would have given this five stars, but there were just a few things here and there that I just didn't enjoy. This is my own preference, however and while the romances were good, it just wasn't quite for me. 4 ⭐
April 19, 2024
OMG
I am not anti-fantasy, but it’s not what I am usually drawn to. But THIS BOOK — Spirits, it’s awesome. The story is so well written and the characters so compelling… I just finished the book, and I am already JONESING for the next one. Just know going in that this is going to be a SLOW burn. It’s my only complaint, but the slow build also fits Ayden and Declan, so I can’t complain TOO much. I know it will be worth the wait!
I am not anti-fantasy, but it’s not what I am usually drawn to. But THIS BOOK — Spirits, it’s awesome. The story is so well written and the characters so compelling… I just finished the book, and I am already JONESING for the next one. Just know going in that this is going to be a SLOW burn. It’s my only complaint, but the slow build also fits Ayden and Declan, so I can’t complain TOO much. I know it will be worth the wait!
April 17, 2024
C'est un premier roman de fantaisie pour Casey Morales et c'est clairement une réussite.
De la magie, de l'archerie, des trahisons, de l'amour, des frères, des chevaux, des royaumes, des jeux de pouvoir... Tout est dans ce live et bien plus encore.
Dans ce volume nous suivons les histoires d'une douzaine de personnages qui vivent des évèments clés et traumatiques dans leur propre vie. Ces tranches de vie nous permettent de découvrir l'univers construit par Casey Morales et d'en apprivoiser les rouages. Au fil des pages, les histoires des différents personnages vont se rejoindre et se mêler autour de l'intrigue principale. Ce livre est le début d'une aventure fabuleuse aventure et très prometteuse.
L'univers est riche, les personnages profonds avec de multiples facettes et peuvent nous surprendre à jouer double jeu.
Declan, le personnage principal, est un ranger plein de bonté. Il est un peu perdu, cherchant sa place dans un monde où la magie est prédominante et synonyme de respect, sans être lui-même porteur de cette magie. C'est un homme bon et honnête, mais cette absence de "don" lui apporte une certaine rancoeur qu'il ne peut pas toujours contenir. Et pour ajouter à cette différence, il se découvre une attirance pour les hommes, un homme en particulier Ayden, un ranger issu de la noblesse qui comme lui ne possède pas de "don".
Je suis impatiente d'avoir la suite de l'aventure de Declan. J'ai hâte de découvrir si Keelan va parvenir à résoudre son enquête. Est-ce que la guerre va vraiment éclater entre le Kingdom et Melucia après des millénaires de paix ? Est-ce qu'ils l'ont vraiment trahie ? Même si d'une certaine façon, je m'y attendai... Ces trahisons sont terribles alors qu'elle est allée si loin. Et enfin.. est-ce que les Enfants vont parvenir leurs fins ?
-----
Casey Morales' first fantasy book... And it's a success !
Magic, archery, betrayal, love, brotherhood, horses, kingdoms, power... It's all in this book, and so much more.
In this book, we follow a dozen different characters who experience powerful events in their own stories, and help us discover the universe, but little by little their stories will become intertwined. This book is the beginning of a promising amazing story !
The universe is rich, the characters are deep, with many layers, and can play both sides.
Declan, the main character, is a ranger full of goodness, but a little lost, searching for a meaning to his life without a "gift" in this world full of magic and discovering at the same time his homosexuality.
I can't wait to find out more about Declan's adventures. I want to know if Keelan will solve his case. Is The Kindgom really going to start another war? Did "they" really betray her? It was so horrible... Although, somehow, I was expecting it. Will the Children bring back their queen?
De la magie, de l'archerie, des trahisons, de l'amour, des frères, des chevaux, des royaumes, des jeux de pouvoir... Tout est dans ce live et bien plus encore.
Dans ce volume nous suivons les histoires d'une douzaine de personnages qui vivent des évèments clés et traumatiques dans leur propre vie. Ces tranches de vie nous permettent de découvrir l'univers construit par Casey Morales et d'en apprivoiser les rouages. Au fil des pages, les histoires des différents personnages vont se rejoindre et se mêler autour de l'intrigue principale. Ce livre est le début d'une aventure fabuleuse aventure et très prometteuse.
L'univers est riche, les personnages profonds avec de multiples facettes et peuvent nous surprendre à jouer double jeu.
Declan, le personnage principal, est un ranger plein de bonté. Il est un peu perdu, cherchant sa place dans un monde où la magie est prédominante et synonyme de respect, sans être lui-même porteur de cette magie. C'est un homme bon et honnête, mais cette absence de "don" lui apporte une certaine rancoeur qu'il ne peut pas toujours contenir. Et pour ajouter à cette différence, il se découvre une attirance pour les hommes, un homme en particulier Ayden, un ranger issu de la noblesse qui comme lui ne possède pas de "don".
Je suis impatiente d'avoir la suite de l'aventure de Declan. J'ai hâte de découvrir si Keelan va parvenir à résoudre son enquête. Est-ce que la guerre va vraiment éclater entre le Kingdom et Melucia après des millénaires de paix ? Est-ce qu'ils l'ont vraiment trahie ? Même si d'une certaine façon, je m'y attendai... Ces trahisons sont terribles alors qu'elle est allée si loin. Et enfin.. est-ce que les Enfants vont parvenir leurs fins ?
-----
Casey Morales' first fantasy book... And it's a success !
Magic, archery, betrayal, love, brotherhood, horses, kingdoms, power... It's all in this book, and so much more.
In this book, we follow a dozen different characters who experience powerful events in their own stories, and help us discover the universe, but little by little their stories will become intertwined. This book is the beginning of a promising amazing story !
The universe is rich, the characters are deep, with many layers, and can play both sides.
Declan, the main character, is a ranger full of goodness, but a little lost, searching for a meaning to his life without a "gift" in this world full of magic and discovering at the same time his homosexuality.
I can't wait to find out more about Declan's adventures. I want to know if Keelan will solve his case. Is The Kindgom really going to start another war? Did "they" really betray her? It was so horrible... Although, somehow, I was expecting it. Will the Children bring back their queen?
October 11, 2025
Declan Rea comes from a culture where most people have some sort of paranormal or psychic gift. When Declan's gift never appears he moves away from the capital, his brother, and the mages who raised them, to attend the Melucian Ranger Academy and become part of Melucia's border patrol. The fact that he never received a gift eats away at him, making him bitter.
Ayden Byrne comes from a Saltmarsh aristocratic family and has never wanted for anything. He asked to be transferred from the Ranger Academy in Saltmarsh to the Melucian Ranger Academy because he wanted to be certain he received true training and not special treatment because of who his family is. Like Declan he is "mute" which is what they call the ungifted.
When Declan first sees Ayden he thinks he's just a stuck up aristocratic snot and wants nothing to do with him, though he thinks he's handsome. Unfortunately for Declan, Ayden turns up everywhere including on their second year trial. Declan is less than enthused when their superiors pair him up with Ayden. But in spite of his misgivings, Ayden turns out to be a relatively good partner, aside from the fact he really doesn't know how to walk quietly in the woods. While Declan and Ayden are working on their second year trial, they encounter brown robed men who attack them when they try to help a woman who has obviously been taken against her will by them. While they are both worried about the woman, they must complete their trial in order to graduate and decide they'll report what they saw when they return. It doesn't take long to realize there is something ominous going on with regards to the brown robed men who call themselves "children." While Declan and Ayden navigate their relationship which improves as time goes on, the underlying question of what is really going on is on everyone's mind.
This story was very difficult for me to get through, honestly. I had never read an epic fantasy novel before this and didn't realize there were going to be so many POV's. It made it very difficult for me to keep track of everyone. I found myself writing down the character's names and where they fit in the story but for me having to take notes just to keep up, instead of reading for pleasure, spoiled the experience. Ms. Morales is clearly a gifted writer, the detailed scenes, descriptions, world building, relationships and dialogue were all wonderful. I just couldn't get past the multiple POV's. So, now I know epic fantasy is not the genre for me. However, if you enjoy reading epic fantasy and love LGBTQ+ characters then you will enjoy this book.
Ayden Byrne comes from a Saltmarsh aristocratic family and has never wanted for anything. He asked to be transferred from the Ranger Academy in Saltmarsh to the Melucian Ranger Academy because he wanted to be certain he received true training and not special treatment because of who his family is. Like Declan he is "mute" which is what they call the ungifted.
When Declan first sees Ayden he thinks he's just a stuck up aristocratic snot and wants nothing to do with him, though he thinks he's handsome. Unfortunately for Declan, Ayden turns up everywhere including on their second year trial. Declan is less than enthused when their superiors pair him up with Ayden. But in spite of his misgivings, Ayden turns out to be a relatively good partner, aside from the fact he really doesn't know how to walk quietly in the woods. While Declan and Ayden are working on their second year trial, they encounter brown robed men who attack them when they try to help a woman who has obviously been taken against her will by them. While they are both worried about the woman, they must complete their trial in order to graduate and decide they'll report what they saw when they return. It doesn't take long to realize there is something ominous going on with regards to the brown robed men who call themselves "children." While Declan and Ayden navigate their relationship which improves as time goes on, the underlying question of what is really going on is on everyone's mind.
This story was very difficult for me to get through, honestly. I had never read an epic fantasy novel before this and didn't realize there were going to be so many POV's. It made it very difficult for me to keep track of everyone. I found myself writing down the character's names and where they fit in the story but for me having to take notes just to keep up, instead of reading for pleasure, spoiled the experience. Ms. Morales is clearly a gifted writer, the detailed scenes, descriptions, world building, relationships and dialogue were all wonderful. I just couldn't get past the multiple POV's. So, now I know epic fantasy is not the genre for me. However, if you enjoy reading epic fantasy and love LGBTQ+ characters then you will enjoy this book.
January 13, 2025
I’d been waiting until the prequel was released before starting the series, so I’m finally jumping in. To say that this is series is going to be a massive read is an understatement. (Any book that opens with a map is gonna be a saga.) I want to point out that I would not classify this as an M|M romance. It’s a epic adventure series where one of the pairings happens to be gay (and one of those two MC, Declan is kinda in denial about ever wanting a guy before — though this is directly contradicted in the prequel Brothers of the Guild.)
Each chapter is a different POV and the chapters are grouped into parts, making it a little complicated to follow at times.
Part I: Declan & Ayden
Part II: Keelan and Tiana
Part III The Royal Family in a neighboring kingdom.
Part IV: ALL OF THE ABOVE.
SO many characters all living their own lives but unknowingly overlapping with other characters. (The overlap is a great way to parse information. We occasionally get the same scene but from different POVs, allowing us to deduce what is really happening.)
Long story short: Some people have a Gift (some sort of magical power, they vary from person to person) and some do not. Those without are looked down upon. People with Gifts are being kidnapped by a group called The Children, who want to resurrect their all-powerful sorceress ruler from centuries ago.
The Royal Family is under the influence ofGrima Wormtongue Adalai Thorn a thoroughly treacherous advisor, though the Queen seems more aligned with him than anyone else. The queen, while not *completely* evil, is (to borrow a lyric from Galavant) is tilting sharply bitchward. I suspect she will end up being the big bad by the end of the series. Now that the stories are starting to overlap, the action will hopefully start moving a little faster.
There is also quite a bit of treachery, so you never know quite whom to trust.
War is looming on the horizon, romance is blooming - only to be torn asunder by “circumstances”, secrets are NOT being divulged (until the last minute - I HATE that) and yet despite the sprawling, slightly-overstuffed feeling of the saga, I am completely engrossed. Starting Book II: An Archer’s Destiny tonight.
Each chapter is a different POV and the chapters are grouped into parts, making it a little complicated to follow at times.
Part I: Declan & Ayden
Part II: Keelan and Tiana
Part III The Royal Family in a neighboring kingdom.
Part IV: ALL OF THE ABOVE.
SO many characters all living their own lives but unknowingly overlapping with other characters. (The overlap is a great way to parse information. We occasionally get the same scene but from different POVs, allowing us to deduce what is really happening.)
Long story short: Some people have a Gift (some sort of magical power, they vary from person to person) and some do not. Those without are looked down upon. People with Gifts are being kidnapped by a group called The Children, who want to resurrect their all-powerful sorceress ruler from centuries ago.
The Royal Family is under the influence of
There is also quite a bit of treachery, so you never know quite whom to trust.
War is looming on the horizon, romance is blooming - only to be torn asunder by “circumstances”, secrets are NOT being divulged (until the last minute - I HATE that) and yet despite the sprawling, slightly-overstuffed feeling of the saga, I am completely engrossed. Starting Book II: An Archer’s Destiny tonight.
July 17, 2024
I received a proof from Book Sirens, and this review is reflective of my thoughts alone. I have not been influenced by the author, the supplier or by Book Sirens.
.... I picked this book because I liked the cover. I hadn't heard of this book. I hadn't heard of this series. I hadn't read any other of the author's books. And I truly can not believe that it took me until now to find this author. I've looked at their other works, and through the reading of this book alone, I will be buying the first of their other series: Of Shadow & Secrets Series. Finding good thrillers are always hard to find, and based on how much 'An Archer's Awakening' blew me away...
When I read the excerpt of this book, it didn't properly hint at how good this book is. I've read quite a few fantasy books, but ones that are over-run by the romance. It's all about the relationship between the two characters in love, and the world, the magic system, is barely there. This book doesn't fall into that category. This one reminds me of the fantasy books I read back in the 90's/00's. Where the world is brilliantly expanded. How the various kingdoms interact with each other; how the players of these kingdoms influence the story.
The characters aren't doing stuff because the story needs them to do it. They feel real. The way they react; the decisions they make; are believable to their characters. There are only two who I feel are weaker than the rest. One character, because I'm not sure about their decisions, but I have a feeling that this will be explained further in the series. And with the other...
This is the one where I am slightly worried. I feel that this character is too tightly entwined with the other, and now that they are separated they may turn two-dimensional. Or, the author could use this distance between them to give them more; make them more.
I need to find this out, and so with everything I love about it, I've bought the second of this series.
I'd highly recommend this book, if this isn't obvious enough by my review. I was given a proof e-book of it. I have gone on Amazon, and bought the first and the second. I can't wait until to start it. If you like/love fantasy, this one is a good one.
.... I picked this book because I liked the cover. I hadn't heard of this book. I hadn't heard of this series. I hadn't read any other of the author's books. And I truly can not believe that it took me until now to find this author. I've looked at their other works, and through the reading of this book alone, I will be buying the first of their other series: Of Shadow & Secrets Series. Finding good thrillers are always hard to find, and based on how much 'An Archer's Awakening' blew me away...
When I read the excerpt of this book, it didn't properly hint at how good this book is. I've read quite a few fantasy books, but ones that are over-run by the romance. It's all about the relationship between the two characters in love, and the world, the magic system, is barely there. This book doesn't fall into that category. This one reminds me of the fantasy books I read back in the 90's/00's. Where the world is brilliantly expanded. How the various kingdoms interact with each other; how the players of these kingdoms influence the story.
The characters aren't doing stuff because the story needs them to do it. They feel real. The way they react; the decisions they make; are believable to their characters. There are only two who I feel are weaker than the rest. One character, because I'm not sure about their decisions, but I have a feeling that this will be explained further in the series. And with the other...
This is the one where I am slightly worried. I feel that this character is too tightly entwined with the other, and now that they are separated they may turn two-dimensional. Or, the author could use this distance between them to give them more; make them more.
I need to find this out, and so with everything I love about it, I've bought the second of this series.
I'd highly recommend this book, if this isn't obvious enough by my review. I was given a proof e-book of it. I have gone on Amazon, and bought the first and the second. I can't wait until to start it. If you like/love fantasy, this one is a good one.
August 29, 2025
Never really type out long reviews but this is one I’d like to warn readers about ahead of time.
TL;DR: great concept, average execution. If this book wasn’t involving queer love, I wouldn’t try to power through it.
~~~~~~~
Spoiler warning off - there isn’t anything in here that will ruin the storyline for a potential reader, but it’s all info about the book I wish I would’ve known before starting a new series.
~~~~~~~~
First - this isn’t an epic on the likes of LotR, Eragon, or A Song of Ice and Fire. The world building is nice, the dialogue is jumbled and a bit stiff, and the characters range from somewhat interesting to NPCs. However, if you want a fantasy book with magic, bows, and swords with queer themes throughout, this will do fine to scratch that itch.
Secondly, and most importantly to me - this isn’t the overtly queer romance/thriller book that the summary promised.
Declan is supposedly the main character, given that the title of the book and cover art thrust him into the spotlight. However, his POV is only 89 pages of the 402 (yes, I did the math). Ayden, his love interest, is granted another 40 pages.
Where, you may be asking, does the other 68% of the book go? To bouncing POVs of the following: Declan’s brother, his town’s Healer, the Queen of the Kingdom, her daughter the Princess, her husband the King, their High Chancellor/Spymaster (who only gets one chapter), and Declan’s brother’s right-hand man (who also only gets one chapter).
At one point in the book, Declan and Ayden, whom I assumed were the main characters, don’t show up for 126 consecutive pages.
Also, have I mentioned each POV is first-person? So if you aren’t on guard, each “I”, or “my” may throw you for a loop. Mind you, these POVs are changing just about every chapter.
I really want to love this book and series, despite the indie publishing and the… interesting cover. A few characters are charming, and it’s genuinely a riveting and unique plot and world.
I’m well aware the fantasy series are typically slow burns, and there were enough interesting loose endings to keep me interested for the next book. I’ve already purchased it and will try to go into that with an open mind, but I finished book #1 significantly less excited than when I started.
TL;DR: great concept, average execution. If this book wasn’t involving queer love, I wouldn’t try to power through it.
~~~~~~~
Spoiler warning off - there isn’t anything in here that will ruin the storyline for a potential reader, but it’s all info about the book I wish I would’ve known before starting a new series.
~~~~~~~~
First - this isn’t an epic on the likes of LotR, Eragon, or A Song of Ice and Fire. The world building is nice, the dialogue is jumbled and a bit stiff, and the characters range from somewhat interesting to NPCs. However, if you want a fantasy book with magic, bows, and swords with queer themes throughout, this will do fine to scratch that itch.
Secondly, and most importantly to me - this isn’t the overtly queer romance/thriller book that the summary promised.
Declan is supposedly the main character, given that the title of the book and cover art thrust him into the spotlight. However, his POV is only 89 pages of the 402 (yes, I did the math). Ayden, his love interest, is granted another 40 pages.
Where, you may be asking, does the other 68% of the book go? To bouncing POVs of the following: Declan’s brother, his town’s Healer, the Queen of the Kingdom, her daughter the Princess, her husband the King, their High Chancellor/Spymaster (who only gets one chapter), and Declan’s brother’s right-hand man (who also only gets one chapter).
At one point in the book, Declan and Ayden, whom I assumed were the main characters, don’t show up for 126 consecutive pages.
Also, have I mentioned each POV is first-person? So if you aren’t on guard, each “I”, or “my” may throw you for a loop. Mind you, these POVs are changing just about every chapter.
I really want to love this book and series, despite the indie publishing and the… interesting cover. A few characters are charming, and it’s genuinely a riveting and unique plot and world.
I’m well aware the fantasy series are typically slow burns, and there were enough interesting loose endings to keep me interested for the next book. I’ve already purchased it and will try to go into that with an open mind, but I finished book #1 significantly less excited than when I started.
April 22, 2024
Well, what a journey! An unfinished journey, but still one full of emotions and twists and everything one wants to read in a well-written story.
Although I'm not particularly a fan of fantasy stories, I am a very, very big fan of Casey Morales and his work, so obviously I'm going to read everything he writes, because I'm sure I'm going to love it.
One thing that I always highlight about this author is his writing style. I don't know why, but even when he touches on certain themes (or tropes) that one finds in other [really good] books by other great authors, I find his style refreshing when I read them in this author's books. And even more I am amazed by the minute detail in his stories, something that was even more noticeable in Of Shadows & Secrets series and even more so in this new one, where he has created an entire fantasy world.
This series follows the story of Declan and Ayden, two Rangers who at first don't really like each other (especially Declan) but who over time forge a tentative friendship with the promise of becoming something more. It is a really, really slow burn! But it doesn't just focus on them, there are other storylines with several other characters, including Keelan, Declan's brother. The story is divided into four parts, and is basically the introduction to this world, the characters and the problems they will face as they advance on their journey.
I was going to write a really short review, because before dedicating a full one to it as this book deserves, I wanted to reread it, but as always when I start, it seems that afterward I can't stop writing and I wanted to give it the 5 stars that I think it's worth this book. In any case, it has several intricate details that become difficult to follow, especially due to the different POVs, so I want to reread it in peace, and maybe in a few days, add or change something to this review. Not the stars. They stay at 5!
I was given an advanced story and voluntarily wrote a review.
Although I'm not particularly a fan of fantasy stories, I am a very, very big fan of Casey Morales and his work, so obviously I'm going to read everything he writes, because I'm sure I'm going to love it.
One thing that I always highlight about this author is his writing style. I don't know why, but even when he touches on certain themes (or tropes) that one finds in other [really good] books by other great authors, I find his style refreshing when I read them in this author's books. And even more I am amazed by the minute detail in his stories, something that was even more noticeable in Of Shadows & Secrets series and even more so in this new one, where he has created an entire fantasy world.
This series follows the story of Declan and Ayden, two Rangers who at first don't really like each other (especially Declan) but who over time forge a tentative friendship with the promise of becoming something more. It is a really, really slow burn! But it doesn't just focus on them, there are other storylines with several other characters, including Keelan, Declan's brother. The story is divided into four parts, and is basically the introduction to this world, the characters and the problems they will face as they advance on their journey.
I was going to write a really short review, because before dedicating a full one to it as this book deserves, I wanted to reread it, but as always when I start, it seems that afterward I can't stop writing and I wanted to give it the 5 stars that I think it's worth this book. In any case, it has several intricate details that become difficult to follow, especially due to the different POVs, so I want to reread it in peace, and maybe in a few days, add or change something to this review. Not the stars. They stay at 5!
I was given an advanced story and voluntarily wrote a review.
February 11, 2025
Let’s be honest—I didn’t like it. That’s my opinion, and I can’t do much about it. To me, it’s a shallow, juvenile book where everything feels overdone. I got the impression I was watching a failed children’s animation, where the good guys are overly good, telling silly jokes all the time, and the evil characters laugh maniacally. There are some mysteries and unresolved elements, but I’m pretty sure most of them are predictable and not as mysterious as the author might have intended. There’s some inner struggle, but it’s far from being deep or complex. Once again, everything feels overly straightforward and narrow.
The book is called The Archer Awakening, but it’s hard to define who the main character is. There’s an archer, but he appears about as much as many other characters. Speaking of which, there’s a plethora of points of view, and by the end, we don’t feel like we truly know any of them.
The story revolves around two kingdoms that have maintained peace for a thousand years after a long-past war. They’ve established good commercial trade, but suddenly, kidnappings and murders begin to occur. Instead of attempting any diplomatic resolution, they immediately start to antagonize each other, pushing things to the verge of a new war. Some characters are investigating the kidnappings, others are kidnapped, and some belong to the royal family.
I love fantasy books and stories, and I don’t even consider myself a particularly picky reader. However, this book fell short in almost every aspect—poor characters, a weak plot, unconvincing political interactions, and an underdeveloped magical system. I’m slightly curious to see how things evolve, but with so many flaws, I don’t believe it will be worth the effort.
The book is called The Archer Awakening, but it’s hard to define who the main character is. There’s an archer, but he appears about as much as many other characters. Speaking of which, there’s a plethora of points of view, and by the end, we don’t feel like we truly know any of them.
The story revolves around two kingdoms that have maintained peace for a thousand years after a long-past war. They’ve established good commercial trade, but suddenly, kidnappings and murders begin to occur. Instead of attempting any diplomatic resolution, they immediately start to antagonize each other, pushing things to the verge of a new war. Some characters are investigating the kidnappings, others are kidnapped, and some belong to the royal family.
I love fantasy books and stories, and I don’t even consider myself a particularly picky reader. However, this book fell short in almost every aspect—poor characters, a weak plot, unconvincing political interactions, and an underdeveloped magical system. I’m slightly curious to see how things evolve, but with so many flaws, I don’t believe it will be worth the effort.
November 9, 2025
The kidnapping of many magically gifted young women causes alarm and soon two kingdoms are marshalling their troops for war. Border ranger cadet Declan Rea has enough on his own plate, grappling with feelings for lordling and fellow cadet Ayden. Declan’s older brother, Keelan, is tasked with investigating the mystifying disappearances but he must be careful, there are spies everywhere, even amongst the ranks of the rangers and mages. Keelan has more than a professional interest in the kidnappings, he was just starting to know Tiana before she disappeared. Meanwhile, King Alfred and Queen Isabel are frustrated by their daughter Jess’s unwillingness to be married off and her escape from the castle is a distraction they don’t need as war looms.
This is a classic high-fantasy adventure / romance series with multiple characters and their POVs. It can take a little while to get your head around all the moving pieces on the board but it’s totally worth it. The main storyline of this book involves Declan and Ayden and their romance looks to be a very slow burn. I’m assuming we’ll also see some of the other couples develop romantically over the series. The world building is subtle and strong and I barely noticed the complex low-magic world being constructed because the storylines were so compelling. There are plenty of plucky characters, frying pan / fire twists, and touching scenes to enjoy. Just note that this book necessarily ends with cliffhangers as it’s only the first in the series. 🎧 Each chapter is narrated from a different character’s POV with Carmen Rose performing the female roles and Kenn Peterson the male roles. Both voice actors give excellent performances and their British and Scottish accents are a total joy!
This is a classic high-fantasy adventure / romance series with multiple characters and their POVs. It can take a little while to get your head around all the moving pieces on the board but it’s totally worth it. The main storyline of this book involves Declan and Ayden and their romance looks to be a very slow burn. I’m assuming we’ll also see some of the other couples develop romantically over the series. The world building is subtle and strong and I barely noticed the complex low-magic world being constructed because the storylines were so compelling. There are plenty of plucky characters, frying pan / fire twists, and touching scenes to enjoy. Just note that this book necessarily ends with cliffhangers as it’s only the first in the series. 🎧 Each chapter is narrated from a different character’s POV with Carmen Rose performing the female roles and Kenn Peterson the male roles. Both voice actors give excellent performances and their British and Scottish accents are a total joy!
May 7, 2024
A so-so two stars.
Firstly, I want to point out that while this book has a MM couple in it, I would not classify it as a romance but rather as a fantasy that includes a MM couple among other main characters. Not that this is a big issue, but the MM relationship/couple often take a backseat to other MC's and events. The author has several concurrent plot lines running at the same time.
As a fantasy, the book is OK. As a MM romance, the book is, again, OK. There is no sex, but the burgeoning relationship is interesting and makes me want to follow this couple.
A couple bumps with the writing - for instance, the author has a tendency to use the same word in one sentence as both a noun and a verb, i.e.:
adding any other additions
These should be edited to remove the redundancy.
There's also some character quirks that are a bit questionable, such as this conversation between Jess (who is speaking) and Danym regarding a baby chick Jess had gotten as a pet:
"Without thinking, I yanked my hand away, pulling his leg with me, snapping it right in half. It was terrible. The more he squealed, the more I waved my hand in the air. The poor little guy was flopping all around, leg juice staining everything he touched.” Danym’s eyes twinkled as I finished my tale.
I'm not sure why this series of events would cause anyone's eyes to 'twinkle', as I found it gross, disturbing and extremely strange. There is even some additional joking about "leg juice" (WTF?) afterwards . . . as if that's the big takeaway from this little 'episode'. Weird.
For me, the jury is definitely still out on whether this series is/will be good, but I will likely read the second book to see where Declan and Ayden go in their relationship.
Firstly, I want to point out that while this book has a MM couple in it, I would not classify it as a romance but rather as a fantasy that includes a MM couple among other main characters. Not that this is a big issue, but the MM relationship/couple often take a backseat to other MC's and events. The author has several concurrent plot lines running at the same time.
As a fantasy, the book is OK. As a MM romance, the book is, again, OK. There is no sex, but the burgeoning relationship is interesting and makes me want to follow this couple.
A couple bumps with the writing - for instance, the author has a tendency to use the same word in one sentence as both a noun and a verb, i.e.:
adding any other additions
These should be edited to remove the redundancy.
There's also some character quirks that are a bit questionable, such as this conversation between Jess (who is speaking) and Danym regarding a baby chick Jess had gotten as a pet:
"Without thinking, I yanked my hand away, pulling his leg with me, snapping it right in half. It was terrible. The more he squealed, the more I waved my hand in the air. The poor little guy was flopping all around, leg juice staining everything he touched.” Danym’s eyes twinkled as I finished my tale.
I'm not sure why this series of events would cause anyone's eyes to 'twinkle', as I found it gross, disturbing and extremely strange. There is even some additional joking about "leg juice" (WTF?) afterwards . . . as if that's the big takeaway from this little 'episode'. Weird.
For me, the jury is definitely still out on whether this series is/will be good, but I will likely read the second book to see where Declan and Ayden go in their relationship.
December 16, 2024
From the point of epic fantasy story it has a great potential and for this I'm giving it 5stars. I really like the plot setting, the idea and dynamics of characters. But from the point of story telling and reader friendly writing I'm giving only 3stars. The main reason is the POV. It changes so often and so quickly, I nearly got a whiplash. I can understand the reason behind this- introducing new characters, different settings and subplots, but it was done in such a way, that it losts its goal. Just as I was starting to get into Declan and Ayden's story development - bam! New character and POV intro of Declan's brother Keelan. Alright,lets look at it. Oh this looks nice, what will be next-bam! New POV, new characters princess and the king. And the next and so on. I did not even get a chance to dig deeper into it with all the changes. This wasn't a first book with multiple POVs I've read, but it was nicely distributed and especially tied to the main plot of the main MCs, which was missing here. It went into area, where I just skipped till I find again Declan and Ayden. Maybe it would have been a better strategy to use a general POV (or 3rd person even as a storytellers POV something like the allknowing, which could introduce characters and setting and then nicely insert some thoughts of the characters). But still I'm not loosing hope because the story idea is good, will see how next parts of the series look like and I will take this first book more as an introduction book into the whole story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2024
Tags: fantasy, eloquent writing, multi-layered plot, captivating, multiple POV, massive cliffhanger.
Being a die-hard fan of C. Morales, J.R.R. Tolkien, and R.R. Martin's work, I was excited to read An Archer's Awakening, a C. Morales venture into the fantasy world.
The masterful and eloquent writing, vivid and vibrant language, and descriptions of fantasy kingdoms and characters captivate the reader with mystery and magic. The characters are one of the book's assets; they are charming, unique, and mysterious. The dynamic narrative and twists and turns add to the reader's engagement. However, following the multi-POV narrative and complex plot while trying to understand the basics of the dynamics and relations of this fantasy world and multiple characters can be pretty challenging without extensive context.
The book ends in a massive double cliffhanger. None of the main characters and several couples get any resemblance of closure, and neither does the mysterious danger and conspiracy to the fantasy kingdom. The novel ends abruptly in the middle of the evolving story, leaving the reader with critical narrative questions unanswered. Regardless, I am sure that fans of well-written fantasy fiction will enjoy the vivid and vibrant fictional world, its mystery, and its characters.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
Being a die-hard fan of C. Morales, J.R.R. Tolkien, and R.R. Martin's work, I was excited to read An Archer's Awakening, a C. Morales venture into the fantasy world.
The masterful and eloquent writing, vivid and vibrant language, and descriptions of fantasy kingdoms and characters captivate the reader with mystery and magic. The characters are one of the book's assets; they are charming, unique, and mysterious. The dynamic narrative and twists and turns add to the reader's engagement. However, following the multi-POV narrative and complex plot while trying to understand the basics of the dynamics and relations of this fantasy world and multiple characters can be pretty challenging without extensive context.
The book ends in a massive double cliffhanger. None of the main characters and several couples get any resemblance of closure, and neither does the mysterious danger and conspiracy to the fantasy kingdom. The novel ends abruptly in the middle of the evolving story, leaving the reader with critical narrative questions unanswered. Regardless, I am sure that fans of well-written fantasy fiction will enjoy the vivid and vibrant fictional world, its mystery, and its characters.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book. This review is an independent and genuine reflection of my thoughts.
August 13, 2024
First, the dreadful cover. The hands holding the bow and arrow are too small for the perspective dictated by the head, torso and the implied picture plane. Moreover, they are clearly taken from a low grade modeling app - play dough fingers, anyone? The figure’s right forearm appears to bend upward (again, as if made of play dough), the elbow seems to have melted and slid to the bottom of the outstretched arm, and the space that is supposed to be implied between the right and left arm collapses (and, worse, starts to read as a weird infinity sign when you focus on the two arms together). The arrow head resting on the right hand should be slightly angled, as the shaft of the arrow is, but is instead depicted as if we’re looking straight down on its pyramid shaped tip (in which case we wouldn’t see the shaft at all). The head and neck are too large for the shoulders and torso - for instance, there’s no room for the trapezius, and the neck is so frickin’ wide as to make the figure look like an uncanny grotesque. This is further heightened because there’s no way a head of that height would occur on a torso so short.
Is it really too much to ask a cover artist to know basic anatomical landmarks and perspective??
DNF at page 31. Too many clichés without a spark of originality or even a sophisticated remixing of the stereotypes and set pieces. That said, the writing itself isn’t bad - it’s competent but lackluster.
Is it really too much to ask a cover artist to know basic anatomical landmarks and perspective??
DNF at page 31. Too many clichés without a spark of originality or even a sophisticated remixing of the stereotypes and set pieces. That said, the writing itself isn’t bad - it’s competent but lackluster.
April 15, 2024
This was a fun and unique read from Casey Morales, it’s quite a different feel than his previous work. For me, fantasy can be tricky, but this one has very strong characters to ground the more fanciful parts of the plot. I liked the characters a lot, especially the relationship between brothers Declan and Keelan. I liked their kind of complicated dynamic as it was realistic and relatable how Declan chafes a bit living under older brother Keelan’s position and magic. I also really enjoyed the evolving relationship between Declan and Ayden, it was a well done if SUPER slow burn story. I look forward to more from them as I’d say their romantic relationship is in a very preliminary place as we get to the end of book one. But, they are pretty lovely together as they move from enemies to tentative and careful friends, there’s lots of promise in these two. As this in the opening book in a new fantasy series, there is quite a lot of world building going on and many characters are introduced - it’s a bit slow moving but well done, overall. Having read previous books by this author it was so interesting to discover how different the writing is, this has a kind of flowery prose fitting the setting. The characters were the highlight for me, looking forward to seeing what is next for Declan and Ayden.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 29, 2024
‘Time to watch the men battle it out’ – Romance in a distant era
Florida author Casey Morales continues to impress with this new series – ‘Of Crowns and Quills’ – entering a new territory for him, fantasy/fable/colorful mystery. To date Casey has excelled in his many MM books set in contemporary time as well as historical time, able to develop intoxicating romances that step beyond the norm into a higher level of relationship development. Now, in AN ARCHER’S AWAKENING (Book 1 of this series) we enter a new space, the Mecluvian Empire, described briefly as, ‘When a shadowy threat rises, and an ancient cult threatens to resurrect a long-forgotten queen, the world is plunged into chaos. Kidnappings and whispers of impending catastrophe set the stage for a showdown of epic proportions, where alliances are forged and loyalties tested.’
Into this irresistible clime we meet archer Declan and his fellow cadet Ayden who, despite the rigors they face, find each other in a burgeoning romance. Yes, the heat quotient rises as this fine new series progresses to a satisfying conclusion. And that is only a part of this engaging panorama! Nice to know that there will be more volumes in this very successful new series! Highly recommended for all readers – with or without the steam of MM romance!
Florida author Casey Morales continues to impress with this new series – ‘Of Crowns and Quills’ – entering a new territory for him, fantasy/fable/colorful mystery. To date Casey has excelled in his many MM books set in contemporary time as well as historical time, able to develop intoxicating romances that step beyond the norm into a higher level of relationship development. Now, in AN ARCHER’S AWAKENING (Book 1 of this series) we enter a new space, the Mecluvian Empire, described briefly as, ‘When a shadowy threat rises, and an ancient cult threatens to resurrect a long-forgotten queen, the world is plunged into chaos. Kidnappings and whispers of impending catastrophe set the stage for a showdown of epic proportions, where alliances are forged and loyalties tested.’
Into this irresistible clime we meet archer Declan and his fellow cadet Ayden who, despite the rigors they face, find each other in a burgeoning romance. Yes, the heat quotient rises as this fine new series progresses to a satisfying conclusion. And that is only a part of this engaging panorama! Nice to know that there will be more volumes in this very successful new series! Highly recommended for all readers – with or without the steam of MM romance!
December 29, 2024
I’m not a huge fan of flipping POV and this has 6
So this is a decently solid fantasy with romance built into it (three couples? I think) however I Almost DNFed with the ridiculous number of pov. Look, after five or six books where we get a chance to Actually know everyone then ok fine, but ye gods. There are So Many POV. Like I bookmarked the list of characters at the beginning so I could flip to it and go “alright, who the heck is talking now?” This sort of change works for TV and film. It does Not work great for a story trying to build political shenanigans and magical malfeasances. I feel figuring out a way to either have everyone in the same country, or at least narrow down the perspectives would have helped this a Lot.
Mild spoilers:
Gold star for the mustache twirling evil queen. That was sort of refreshing. The princess and her idiot BF though, not a fan. The rangers training was interesting, but sort of pointless (other than the deer). And why were the actual investigation reports written out? I mean we were there at the kidnapping we can largely deduce most of this. Another thing, time skips. MCs would be standing guard on the border with not yet graduated soldiers, then bam it’s weeks later. Overall it was interesting, but didn’t grab my attention enough to continue.
So this is a decently solid fantasy with romance built into it (three couples? I think) however I Almost DNFed with the ridiculous number of pov. Look, after five or six books where we get a chance to Actually know everyone then ok fine, but ye gods. There are So Many POV. Like I bookmarked the list of characters at the beginning so I could flip to it and go “alright, who the heck is talking now?” This sort of change works for TV and film. It does Not work great for a story trying to build political shenanigans and magical malfeasances. I feel figuring out a way to either have everyone in the same country, or at least narrow down the perspectives would have helped this a Lot.
Mild spoilers:
Gold star for the mustache twirling evil queen. That was sort of refreshing. The princess and her idiot BF though, not a fan. The rangers training was interesting, but sort of pointless (other than the deer). And why were the actual investigation reports written out? I mean we were there at the kidnapping we can largely deduce most of this. Another thing, time skips. MCs would be standing guard on the border with not yet graduated soldiers, then bam it’s weeks later. Overall it was interesting, but didn’t grab my attention enough to continue.
January 6, 2025
This is such a nice read. I came across Casey Morales and this book completely by chance, and thought to read it as an "in-between" my "main" TBR list, and let's just say, I couldn't be more pleasantly surprised.
It's an intricately woven story, told from multiple POVs. Several characters have a stake in what's happening, and we're slowly, but oh so wonderfully, pulled into their world.
There's the beginning of an epic quest, an unfolding case to be solved, a mysterious magic Keeper, time or is it distance-travel portals, magic, and curiously dressed cult-like followers of a long-gone queen!
Once or twice I struggled to remember who's who, since each chapter or at least every other chapter is told from a different character's POV. But that didn't deter from the overall enjoyment of the book. I liked discovering what magic "gift" the different people have and seeing how they use these to further progress the story.
Declan and Ayden are double cuteness when they are together. We get glimpses of their budding friendship, promising to grow into a romantic relationship, though it isn't the main plot of this story. It's more of an epic fantasy with a teeny tiny hint of romance.
I have a feeling that Declan, for all his seeming current lack of magic, will turn out to be the most powerful wielder of magic.
Let's see what Book 2 says ...
It's an intricately woven story, told from multiple POVs. Several characters have a stake in what's happening, and we're slowly, but oh so wonderfully, pulled into their world.
There's the beginning of an epic quest, an unfolding case to be solved, a mysterious magic Keeper, time or is it distance-travel portals, magic, and curiously dressed cult-like followers of a long-gone queen!
Once or twice I struggled to remember who's who, since each chapter or at least every other chapter is told from a different character's POV. But that didn't deter from the overall enjoyment of the book. I liked discovering what magic "gift" the different people have and seeing how they use these to further progress the story.
Declan and Ayden are double cuteness when they are together. We get glimpses of their budding friendship, promising to grow into a romantic relationship, though it isn't the main plot of this story. It's more of an epic fantasy with a teeny tiny hint of romance.
I have a feeling that Declan, for all his seeming current lack of magic, will turn out to be the most powerful wielder of magic.
Let's see what Book 2 says ...
June 15, 2024
What a disappointment. I dnf'd at 43%. During the first part with Ayden and Declan, I was having a great time. And I really liked that the physical descriptions of characters were fairly minimal so I could draw my own conclusions and hope this wouldn't fall into the common fantasy pitfall of lacking any people of color. But then we kept switching POVs and got introduced to more characters and started getting more descriptions and...none of them sounded like they had a bit of melanin. I thought there was a chance Tiana might be non-white. But guess what. She got no physical description. Not one. Not even when we switched to her love interest's POV. Interesting.
This annoyed me and I don't understand why we're still pretending that fantasy worlds set in this non-descript way-way-back time period couldn't possibly include people with something other than long straight hair and blue/green eyes. But I was ready to push through because I was interested in the story. But once I got to Isabel's POV and some old dude was talking about her sixteen-year-old daughter's virginity, I tapped out.
Also, calling this an M/M romantasy is incredibly misleading. That's like saying Lord of the Rings is about dwarves. Yes, they're present, but clearly not the main event.
This annoyed me and I don't understand why we're still pretending that fantasy worlds set in this non-descript way-way-back time period couldn't possibly include people with something other than long straight hair and blue/green eyes. But I was ready to push through because I was interested in the story. But once I got to Isabel's POV and some old dude was talking about her sixteen-year-old daughter's virginity, I tapped out.
Also, calling this an M/M romantasy is incredibly misleading. That's like saying Lord of the Rings is about dwarves. Yes, they're present, but clearly not the main event.
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