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Harbingers of Agatharr #0
The Bloodgrove Apprentice
In a shattered world where magic is forbidden, a war is brewing and only one thing is
Blood. Will. Rain.
Brynna has lived her whole life in relative peace and isolation— until the Revenants, a malevolent cult wielding forbidden magic, annihilate everything she holds dear. Her life now burned to ash and her parents slain, Brynna narrowly evades the slaughter, fleeing into Bloodgrove Forest.
Friendly faces emerge within the village of Bloodgrove, including the local blacksmith, who gives Brynna an opportunity to make a new life as his apprentice.
But she can’t escape her fate so easily. Haunted by nightmares and tormented by the local ruffian, Brynna is growing increasingly restless and finding it difficult to cope with her need for revenge.
Brynna can’t run from evil forever. Will she and her newfound friends survive, or become victims of the Revenant's bloody reign of terror?
Immerse yourself in this coming-of-age meets dark fantasy debut, exploring a world filled with elements of survival, revenge, magic, and found family fiction.
Blood. Will. Rain.
Brynna has lived her whole life in relative peace and isolation— until the Revenants, a malevolent cult wielding forbidden magic, annihilate everything she holds dear. Her life now burned to ash and her parents slain, Brynna narrowly evades the slaughter, fleeing into Bloodgrove Forest.
Friendly faces emerge within the village of Bloodgrove, including the local blacksmith, who gives Brynna an opportunity to make a new life as his apprentice.
But she can’t escape her fate so easily. Haunted by nightmares and tormented by the local ruffian, Brynna is growing increasingly restless and finding it difficult to cope with her need for revenge.
Brynna can’t run from evil forever. Will she and her newfound friends survive, or become victims of the Revenant's bloody reign of terror?
Immerse yourself in this coming-of-age meets dark fantasy debut, exploring a world filled with elements of survival, revenge, magic, and found family fiction.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
310 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2024
31 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Nathan C. Ashford
3 books17 followersAuthor of The Bloodgrove Apprentice
Get The Stillness of Gathered Rain for free at
https://www.nathancashford.com/
Receive major announcements and updates.
About Nathan:
Nathan C. Ashford is a bookworm, husband and father. He’s been told his nerdy side is “just a phase” all his life, but at this point, it seems that it’s here to stay. When he’s not inventing characters to inhabit his made-up worlds, Nathan can be found spending quality time with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their moody cat.
Get The Stillness of Gathered Rain for free at
https://www.nathancashford.com/
Receive major announcements and updates.
About Nathan:
Nathan C. Ashford is a bookworm, husband and father. He’s been told his nerdy side is “just a phase” all his life, but at this point, it seems that it’s here to stay. When he’s not inventing characters to inhabit his made-up worlds, Nathan can be found spending quality time with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their moody cat.
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January 7, 2025Thank you so much to Nathan C. Ashford and BookFunnel for the ARC copy of this book!
So, let’s get into it.
The writing is decidedly poor. There are spots left empty where descriptions would have been suited, and at the same time certain places are dwelt on where it would be best to pass it by. I shared only a minimal emotional connection to any of the characters—even Ellie, although I definitely approve of the name choice—as they were so loosely featured and inconsistent in their attributes. The main character, Brynna, is a bit of a coward, running whenever the opportunity presents itself, and is also, counterintuitively, very aggressive and violent, to the point of being grotesque.
I wasn’t a fan of the cast, but the story was, when exempt of the choppy writing style, better.
Not the best; not enough to garner it many stars; but better.
I liked the magic system, the tension caused by it between magic-casters and the general populace. I certainly appreciated the underlying tone of danger that notched my interest up.
Alas, this wasn’t enough to redeem itself in my eyes.
If your kind of story is one burdened by an incomplete writing style, but teeming with life and magic all the same, The Bloodgrove’s Apprentice is for you.
Happy reading!
So, let’s get into it.
The writing is decidedly poor. There are spots left empty where descriptions would have been suited, and at the same time certain places are dwelt on where it would be best to pass it by. I shared only a minimal emotional connection to any of the characters—even Ellie, although I definitely approve of the name choice—as they were so loosely featured and inconsistent in their attributes. The main character, Brynna, is a bit of a coward, running whenever the opportunity presents itself, and is also, counterintuitively, very aggressive and violent, to the point of being grotesque.
I wasn’t a fan of the cast, but the story was, when exempt of the choppy writing style, better.
Not the best; not enough to garner it many stars; but better.
I liked the magic system, the tension caused by it between magic-casters and the general populace. I certainly appreciated the underlying tone of danger that notched my interest up.
Alas, this wasn’t enough to redeem itself in my eyes.
If your kind of story is one burdened by an incomplete writing style, but teeming with life and magic all the same, The Bloodgrove’s Apprentice is for you.
Happy reading!
October 1, 2024
Absolutely loved this book! It had me hooked from the beginning and I just wanted to keep reading to learn more about these characters and find out what happens. You really grow fond of some of the characters. The story was great, and even when I thought I knew what was coming next, there were twists and turns that kept me reading. Great character development, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these characters.
October 30, 2024
- this book is truly pour out your emotions as there are parts where you smiled and laugh.
-The main character had alot of anger issues
- I love how all the chapters are full of action packed
- as you are reading you follow the character Brynna who is a likeable in the world of Valitharr
- she meets soo many wonderful and amazing character when she goes to the village of Bloodgrove
- I love how it made the characters connected so easily as well you get the feeling of small town
-the author did an amazing job with the description of the world were so amazing and very incredible but very vivid
- I was so hooked on the story lines as you got through the Heartbreak scene 2hen the magic system were introduced .
- my heart was being pulled as the relationship was being developed through friendships and father like figures
- I literally adore the character Ellie so much
- this book have Tropes like found family which was so incredible to see
- I read over 50% last night (Monday 28/10/24) than this morning(29/10/24), I just finished it off as I couldn't put it down at all as I needed to know what's going with the plot and needed to know the fate of Brynna and I literally love Clyde the cat so much
- I literally can't for the other books that Nathan C brings out as they are so good and very addictive
-The main character had alot of anger issues
- I love how all the chapters are full of action packed
- as you are reading you follow the character Brynna who is a likeable in the world of Valitharr
- she meets soo many wonderful and amazing character when she goes to the village of Bloodgrove
- I love how it made the characters connected so easily as well you get the feeling of small town
-the author did an amazing job with the description of the world were so amazing and very incredible but very vivid
- I was so hooked on the story lines as you got through the Heartbreak scene 2hen the magic system were introduced .
- my heart was being pulled as the relationship was being developed through friendships and father like figures
- I literally adore the character Ellie so much
- this book have Tropes like found family which was so incredible to see
- I read over 50% last night (Monday 28/10/24) than this morning(29/10/24), I just finished it off as I couldn't put it down at all as I needed to know what's going with the plot and needed to know the fate of Brynna and I literally love Clyde the cat so much
- I literally can't for the other books that Nathan C brings out as they are so good and very addictive
January 6, 2025
This is a solid debut novel full of great tension between magic weilders and everyone else. Therewas an undertone of danger throughout that kept me on the edge of my seat. Some of the twists and turns were predictable but there was plenty that was unexpected. The descriptions were vivid and the characters were fun to follow. This YA fantasy is perfect for anyone looking to dive into a bit of darker elements.
March 28, 2025
This is a very interesting set up for a whole series. It took me a little bit to adjust to some of this being written in past tense but overall I think it adds to book as it is meant to be a prequel. I’m very excited for the whole series when it comes out!
November 3, 2024
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5
“Some folks need less, some more. Can’t force it through. Tryin’ to force broken pieces together will only create more cracks.”
Brynna’s quiet life is shattered when the Revenants—a creepy cult with dark magic—destroy her home and take everything she loves. Barely escaping, she finds herself in the eerie Bloodgrove Forest, where she stumbles upon a hidden village. The local blacksmith offers her a chance to start over as his apprentice, but Brynna can’t shake the nightmares or her thirst for revenge. When whispers of the Revenants’ return spread, she and her new friends must decide: do they take a stand, or risk losing everything again?
As someone with a soft spot for my parents, I found Brynna and the Bloodgrove to be a heartwarming and family-oriented read. It’s a rare moment in YA fantasy when a parent’s words resonate with such wisdom: “One day, you’ll have to leave us. Your mother and I won’t live forever, and this farm is too much of a burden to handle for one person. You’ll have to make a life for yourself or find someone willin’ to settle down with you. You know good and well we would never arrange a marriage for you. If you chose that path, you would do that on your own.”
Plunge into a world where Brynna’s love for her family is shattered. Struggling with the painful loss of her parents, she fights to rebuild her life, her heart heavy with memories. This tale beautifully blends mystery, magic, and adventure. YA fantasy readers will be swept away by Brynna’s journey as she battles to honor her family’s legacy, facing the heart-wrenching choice between standing up for her new home or risking everything she holds dear!
A big thanks to Nathan C. Ashford for sending me a digital ARC of this book!
Release date: 08/27/2024.
“Some folks need less, some more. Can’t force it through. Tryin’ to force broken pieces together will only create more cracks.”
Brynna’s quiet life is shattered when the Revenants—a creepy cult with dark magic—destroy her home and take everything she loves. Barely escaping, she finds herself in the eerie Bloodgrove Forest, where she stumbles upon a hidden village. The local blacksmith offers her a chance to start over as his apprentice, but Brynna can’t shake the nightmares or her thirst for revenge. When whispers of the Revenants’ return spread, she and her new friends must decide: do they take a stand, or risk losing everything again?
As someone with a soft spot for my parents, I found Brynna and the Bloodgrove to be a heartwarming and family-oriented read. It’s a rare moment in YA fantasy when a parent’s words resonate with such wisdom: “One day, you’ll have to leave us. Your mother and I won’t live forever, and this farm is too much of a burden to handle for one person. You’ll have to make a life for yourself or find someone willin’ to settle down with you. You know good and well we would never arrange a marriage for you. If you chose that path, you would do that on your own.”
Plunge into a world where Brynna’s love for her family is shattered. Struggling with the painful loss of her parents, she fights to rebuild her life, her heart heavy with memories. This tale beautifully blends mystery, magic, and adventure. YA fantasy readers will be swept away by Brynna’s journey as she battles to honor her family’s legacy, facing the heart-wrenching choice between standing up for her new home or risking everything she holds dear!
A big thanks to Nathan C. Ashford for sending me a digital ARC of this book!
Release date: 08/27/2024.
September 18, 2024
*I received an ARC directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Rating: 4 stars!
The Blood Grove Apprentice is a solid debut novel that pulls you in with its captivating story and eerie atmosphere. The main character is refreshingly different from what I’m used to. Her journey begins with a devastating loss—her parents are killed, and she soon discovers that her mother was a 'magicker'.. and she might be too. As she flees the people responsible, she stumbles upon a new town where she finds herself embraced by a new group of characters, forming bonds that evoke the ‘found family’ trope.
Ashford does an excellent job of creating vivid descriptions of the natural world, as well as weaving in some truly creepy and gory moments that set the tone for a dark, magical world. However, I did find that some of the character interactions felt a little off. The dialogue could have used a bit more polish to feel more organic and immersive.
That being said, it’s an engaging read with a lot of potential, especially for those who enjoy found family and darker, magic-infused fantasy settings. I will definitely be reading the next installment and any other works the author puts out!
Some of my favorite quotes-
“You know, if I eat too much tonight, I might pop a button and put someone’s eye out.”
“Hopefully it’s mine, so I don’t have to look at your face any longer,” I replied.
“My first visitor was already waiting for me in the cells. My mother was suspended a foot above the ground, firmly bound to the wall. Magical shards of ice pierced her flesh, pinning her to the walls of stone.”
“When I get old,” he whispered. “Will you sit with me in the quiet?”
Rating: 4 stars!
The Blood Grove Apprentice is a solid debut novel that pulls you in with its captivating story and eerie atmosphere. The main character is refreshingly different from what I’m used to. Her journey begins with a devastating loss—her parents are killed, and she soon discovers that her mother was a 'magicker'.. and she might be too. As she flees the people responsible, she stumbles upon a new town where she finds herself embraced by a new group of characters, forming bonds that evoke the ‘found family’ trope.
Ashford does an excellent job of creating vivid descriptions of the natural world, as well as weaving in some truly creepy and gory moments that set the tone for a dark, magical world. However, I did find that some of the character interactions felt a little off. The dialogue could have used a bit more polish to feel more organic and immersive.
That being said, it’s an engaging read with a lot of potential, especially for those who enjoy found family and darker, magic-infused fantasy settings. I will definitely be reading the next installment and any other works the author puts out!
Some of my favorite quotes-
“You know, if I eat too much tonight, I might pop a button and put someone’s eye out.”
“Hopefully it’s mine, so I don’t have to look at your face any longer,” I replied.
“My first visitor was already waiting for me in the cells. My mother was suspended a foot above the ground, firmly bound to the wall. Magical shards of ice pierced her flesh, pinning her to the walls of stone.”
“When I get old,” he whispered. “Will you sit with me in the quiet?”
October 2, 2024
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review😊
5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book erupted all sorts of feelings. I cried, I smiled, I laughed. I truly felt the main characters anger and was shocked by the action packed last chapters. This book follows Brynna, an extremely likeable character in the world of Valitharr. She meets many characters when she ventures to the village of bloodgrove. I loved the setting of the village of bloodgrove, it made the connection to the characters that much easier, feeling very small town and interconnected. The descriptions of the world were incredible and so vivid with the magic system being unique and interesting as the explanations develops. I was immediately hooked from the beginning opening heartbreak scene when the magic system first introduces itself. The relationships developed both through friendships and father like figure tugged at my heart strings. I love Ellie and her character as well as Rand. The found family trope was incredibly well down alongside the main characters development and learning to trust. I read over 60% of the book in one day. Once the plot started I could not put it down until I learnt the fate of Brynna, the revenants and of course Clyde the cat. I enjoyed this book very much and will absolutely be reading the next books the author Nathan C. Ashford brings out set in this fantastical and unforgiven world. I cannot wait to read more about this magical system and the upcoming war. I recommend this to readers who love fantasy, friendships, small villages, found family and magic!
March 4, 2025
Nathan C. Ashford has created a fascinating world of magic, with an amazing and strong main female character.
There are so many elements to this book I enjoyed immensely. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up to read, but I have to say, The Bloodgrove Apprentice did not disappoint. The story centres on the main protagonist, Brynna, who is fourteen at the beginning of the book. Brynna is not a meek and mild character, not only is she mentally strong, but also physically strong from the hard labour she enjoys as part of living on an isolated farm with her parents. Everything is very idyllic until the Revenants arrive, destroying her illusion of a peaceful world.
There is a lot of action and violence in this YA fantasy, but there are also strong elements of overcoming hardship, finding family, friendship and elements around bullying, vengeance and seeking acceptance, which are all enduring themes that many people can identify with and have faced in their own lives.
And a special mention of Brynna's cat, Clyde, who rules the roost with more than one character!
The characters are very relatable and there is an evident emotional undercurrent, which I particularly enjoy in character development. Brynna goes through so much in this book, which only makes you want her to overcome the odds sometimes pitted against her.
If you are looking for a novel that is a mix of cosy village life, fantasy, with an emotional coming of age tale, then this is a novel I would highly recommend. I look forward to reading the next instalment!
There are so many elements to this book I enjoyed immensely. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up to read, but I have to say, The Bloodgrove Apprentice did not disappoint. The story centres on the main protagonist, Brynna, who is fourteen at the beginning of the book. Brynna is not a meek and mild character, not only is she mentally strong, but also physically strong from the hard labour she enjoys as part of living on an isolated farm with her parents. Everything is very idyllic until the Revenants arrive, destroying her illusion of a peaceful world.
There is a lot of action and violence in this YA fantasy, but there are also strong elements of overcoming hardship, finding family, friendship and elements around bullying, vengeance and seeking acceptance, which are all enduring themes that many people can identify with and have faced in their own lives.
And a special mention of Brynna's cat, Clyde, who rules the roost with more than one character!
The characters are very relatable and there is an evident emotional undercurrent, which I particularly enjoy in character development. Brynna goes through so much in this book, which only makes you want her to overcome the odds sometimes pitted against her.
If you are looking for a novel that is a mix of cosy village life, fantasy, with an emotional coming of age tale, then this is a novel I would highly recommend. I look forward to reading the next instalment!
April 30, 2025
Enter The Land of Valitharr
Do you know this feeling when you start reading a book, turn the last page, and wish for the adventure to continue? For me, this was exactly the case with The Bloodgrove Apprentice .
Set in the magical world of Valitharr, the story follows 14-year-old Brynna as she is forced to seek refuge in a quaint, little village of Bloodgrove. Her tale starts off slowly, with a lot of kindness shown by the village’s residents and a lovely feline companion that joins her early on.
Make no mistake, though; this is not a cozy adventure where everyone will live happily ever after. What the villagers are initially unaware of is that Brynna possesses a rare gift – an ability to wield magic; and, in the land of Valitharr, magic is prohibited... and eradicated. Hence, bloodshed will inevitably follow.
With a cast of well-written, believable characters (including, yes, the adorable kitty that will indubitably bring out your inner softie 😉), an engaging plot, and a great combination of cozy village life and darker, grittier bits, The Bloodgrove Apprentice is a hidden gem in the YA genre that will leave you wanting more.
The bottom line: 5/5 – a great debut and an exceptionally promising start of a new saga.
Do you know this feeling when you start reading a book, turn the last page, and wish for the adventure to continue? For me, this was exactly the case with The Bloodgrove Apprentice .
Set in the magical world of Valitharr, the story follows 14-year-old Brynna as she is forced to seek refuge in a quaint, little village of Bloodgrove. Her tale starts off slowly, with a lot of kindness shown by the village’s residents and a lovely feline companion that joins her early on.
Make no mistake, though; this is not a cozy adventure where everyone will live happily ever after. What the villagers are initially unaware of is that Brynna possesses a rare gift – an ability to wield magic; and, in the land of Valitharr, magic is prohibited... and eradicated. Hence, bloodshed will inevitably follow.
With a cast of well-written, believable characters (including, yes, the adorable kitty that will indubitably bring out your inner softie 😉), an engaging plot, and a great combination of cozy village life and darker, grittier bits, The Bloodgrove Apprentice is a hidden gem in the YA genre that will leave you wanting more.
The bottom line: 5/5 – a great debut and an exceptionally promising start of a new saga.
December 31, 2024
This is an impressive debut, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. This standalone story, while complete, also opens the door to a much larger world, and I couldn’t put it down.
Brynna, our FMC, is thrust into chaos when cultists attack her home, shattering her peace and forcing her into survival mode. Her journey from loss and fear to finding solace and connection in a small town is both gripping and heartfelt. Brynna’s struggle with anger after her trauma adds a chilling and gritty layer to her character. These moments are raw but lend incredible depth, reflecting the horrors she’s endured and how they’ve shaped her.
The side characters shine, each feeling well-rounded and integral rather than mere background figures. The magic system offers intriguing glimpses, though I’d have loved a deeper dive. That said, the pacing stays sharp—no unnecessary fluff here.
Ashford’s writing shows immense promise, and I’m excited for what’s next, especially with Of Tides and Tempest on the horizon. If you’re looking for a compelling fantasy debut, this is one to add to your list!
Brynna, our FMC, is thrust into chaos when cultists attack her home, shattering her peace and forcing her into survival mode. Her journey from loss and fear to finding solace and connection in a small town is both gripping and heartfelt. Brynna’s struggle with anger after her trauma adds a chilling and gritty layer to her character. These moments are raw but lend incredible depth, reflecting the horrors she’s endured and how they’ve shaped her.
The side characters shine, each feeling well-rounded and integral rather than mere background figures. The magic system offers intriguing glimpses, though I’d have loved a deeper dive. That said, the pacing stays sharp—no unnecessary fluff here.
Ashford’s writing shows immense promise, and I’m excited for what’s next, especially with Of Tides and Tempest on the horizon. If you’re looking for a compelling fantasy debut, this is one to add to your list!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
I loved the beginning of this book where the FMC is talking about the war. I did feel that the chapters were a bit unnecessary sometimes, meaning that there could be a bit better writing to sum up what happened in the story in like a few sentences versus chapters of writing. However, you will get engrossed in the story.
This is a YA book for people who love a journey of friendship and more in their books. Brynna is our FMC who has tragedy in the beginning of our book and her journey. She is thrust into just trying to make it in her world. She is a young woman who is angry and understandably so after the beginning of the book. The author writes an interesting magic system to Brynna's world and also the descriptions along the way to Bloodgrove and on the way there.
All in all, it was a pretty solid debut with great characters, good descriptions, and a great magic world and system for the characters to live in. I would be interested to pick up the next book and see where Brynna and where the story heads.
This is a YA book for people who love a journey of friendship and more in their books. Brynna is our FMC who has tragedy in the beginning of our book and her journey. She is thrust into just trying to make it in her world. She is a young woman who is angry and understandably so after the beginning of the book. The author writes an interesting magic system to Brynna's world and also the descriptions along the way to Bloodgrove and on the way there.
All in all, it was a pretty solid debut with great characters, good descriptions, and a great magic world and system for the characters to live in. I would be interested to pick up the next book and see where Brynna and where the story heads.
April 30, 2025
The first thing that struck me about this book was the exceptional writing. it is exceedingly rare to have a book written from the perspective of an uneducated girl and it was quite refreshing to break from all the *special* FMCs we normally get. The maturity level is odd. It feels like a YA WoT but it's not overwhelmingly immature. The characters are well developed if a bit archetypal, and the pace is leisurely without dragging. While the story was quite predictable, you also fall in love with everyone so you don't really mind just going along for the ride with them. It feels like sitting in a porch swing just enjoying an afternoon with a friend.....until it takes a rather dramatic dark turn. I would have liked a smoother transition into the ending, but I also felt satisfied with where we were left off. The magic system seems intricate and we barely scratched the surface of it so I'm hoping the sequel goes more in depth in that aspect.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
November 19, 2024
The Bloodgrove Apprentice is a compelling YA fantasy about loss, resilience, and the power of friendship. After losing everything to the Revenants, Brynna must rebuild her life in the mysterious village of Bloodgrove. Her journey from broken to brave, aided by a kind blacksmith and her growing bond with the villagers, is heartfelt and inspiring.
The world-building shines with its hints of forbidden magic and an ominous atmosphere, pulling readers into its dark yet enchanting setting. However, the story leans too heavily on violence to make its point, which sometimes overshadows Brynna’s emotional growth.
Still, this is a captivating tale of finding strength, building connections, and facing destiny in a magical and dangerous world. A perfect read for YA fans who love dark fantasy with a dash of hope!
The world-building shines with its hints of forbidden magic and an ominous atmosphere, pulling readers into its dark yet enchanting setting. However, the story leans too heavily on violence to make its point, which sometimes overshadows Brynna’s emotional growth.
Still, this is a captivating tale of finding strength, building connections, and facing destiny in a magical and dangerous world. A perfect read for YA fans who love dark fantasy with a dash of hope!
December 23, 2024
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you for choosing me to read.
So I was hooked in the first chapter. I can tell that so much went right into that first chapter. It was perfect.
After that it did lull some. I thought there were absolutely a few chapters that did not feel necessary to the story. I felt like in the middle could have been summed up with "after a few months of getting into her new routine and regaining some sort of normalcy"
After getting through some that fluff it did pick back up and I was again hooked until the end.
All in all I am grateful for the opportunity to have read it as an ARC and I think it is a solid debut novel. I am very interested to see more from him and I would buy a copy of this for my trophy shelf when it goes to print
Thank you for choosing me to read.
So I was hooked in the first chapter. I can tell that so much went right into that first chapter. It was perfect.
After that it did lull some. I thought there were absolutely a few chapters that did not feel necessary to the story. I felt like in the middle could have been summed up with "after a few months of getting into her new routine and regaining some sort of normalcy"
After getting through some that fluff it did pick back up and I was again hooked until the end.
All in all I am grateful for the opportunity to have read it as an ARC and I think it is a solid debut novel. I am very interested to see more from him and I would buy a copy of this for my trophy shelf when it goes to print
January 9, 2025
Y’all, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good revenge story with strong characters, and a bit of magic, then you need to grab this and put it at the top of your TBR pile. Brynna is an amazing MC, and it’s easy to like her. She’s had her whole life turned upside down, but doesn’t let that stop her. She also feels real - she has a lot of anger built up because of what happened, and I honestly can’t blame her. The fact she isn’t perfect and strong all the time makes me like her even more. The story itself has good pacing with a few twists, and the world-building was well done. Honestly, the hardest part of reading this was reaching the end, because I didn’t want to say goodbye to everyone!
August 5, 2025
4..5⭐️
A young girl who is ripped from her life by cultists who murder her family, finds a new life & family in a new town. The mayors daughter kind of claims her as her best friend and she doesn’t really get a say in it! She becomes the blacksmiths apprentice, and basically like a daughter to him.
The cultists are still hunting her because her momma was a magic wielder and they think she has abilities too… there is lots of death/murder in town, but the vengeance is sweet!
Rand is probably my fav character! He is an amazingly kind man & a wonderful “dad”!
The next book takes place 30 years after this book, but some of the characters will apparently be in it too! I’m excited to read it!
A young girl who is ripped from her life by cultists who murder her family, finds a new life & family in a new town. The mayors daughter kind of claims her as her best friend and she doesn’t really get a say in it! She becomes the blacksmiths apprentice, and basically like a daughter to him.
The cultists are still hunting her because her momma was a magic wielder and they think she has abilities too… there is lots of death/murder in town, but the vengeance is sweet!
Rand is probably my fav character! He is an amazingly kind man & a wonderful “dad”!
The next book takes place 30 years after this book, but some of the characters will apparently be in it too! I’m excited to read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
This was an absolutely phenomenal book!!! The magic system was incredibly well done. The found family had my heart bursting. Brynna was such a fantastic main character, and I loved her progression from the beginning to the end. Rand, omg Rand had my whole heart from the very beginning with how much kindness he showed without any hesitation. Absolutely remarkable job on this story, would highly recommend!!!
January 29, 2025
To be honest, the beginning of this book did not hook me at all. The story seemed incredibly slow, and there was many times the writing seemed clunky and repetitive. I enjoyed the last quarter of the book, once there was actually action.
All in all, the ending of this book does not make up for the beginning of it in my opinion.
All in all, the ending of this book does not make up for the beginning of it in my opinion.
September 19, 2024
~*~ARC REVIEW COPY ~*~
Honest review
This one left me with my heart on the floor and tears in my eyes! So many Strong Female leads of various personalities. Strong honest friendships.
This book is not to be missed it is an excellent book
I am eager to learn and read more with all these characters.
Honest review
This one left me with my heart on the floor and tears in my eyes! So many Strong Female leads of various personalities. Strong honest friendships.
This book is not to be missed it is an excellent book
I am eager to learn and read more with all these characters.
October 18, 2024
I think The Bloodgrove Apprentice was such a good read! I really loved reading it. It has a really good pace. It had me emotionally attached to characters, and steady wondering what was going to happen next! Nathan did a really good job at keeping the story interesting and keeping the shock factor when the plot twists happen!
I will definitely be recommending this book to others!
I will definitely be recommending this book to others!
December 3, 2024
This book had such great detail, action, and characters. I really loved the manifestation of the powers and the magic system. The reveal of the villain(s) was honestly surprising, which is hard to do these days, and the main character, though young, was really relatable. Plus she has a cat and that's a 10/10.
March 17, 2025
Going into I expect something horrific and maybe creepy. What i didn’t expect was tragic. Like this poor girl goes through so much and loses so much in her life and a part of herself. Though I do feel the story could have been shorter because it feels that some of the middle parts went on for too long but other than that. Enjoyable, to the end.
May 3, 2025
This book was an interesting concept and read. I enjoyed how the story evolved and you learn more as the MFCs grows and gains her powers. The twist of the sympathizers being inside was interesting and made you reevaluate what you know about everyone. Overall it was a nice story that leaves you wanting to know more
October 17, 2024
What a good book to read!^^ Bryn has always lived a quiet life with her parents until one night they got attacked, and suddenly her whole life is turned upside down. With the help of her new friends (and enemies) she grows more into herself, and finds another family that loves her no matter what~
October 21, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and definitely looking forward to reading more from this author! I loved that the book wasn’t about finding “love” in the traditional sense, and it had some great twists in it. Very glad I picked this one up!
March 16, 2025
The beginning of this story got me hooked. I can vision the world and the village of Bloodgrove. It is very easy to follow along with the different characters. I'm excited to learn more about the magic and future of this story.
April 17, 2025
Excellent
I really enjoyed this story. The characters felt so real to me. There is some very scary parts but there are some beautiful moments too. I'll be looking for more of this authors work.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters felt so real to me. There is some very scary parts but there are some beautiful moments too. I'll be looking for more of this authors work.
April 17, 2025
This book was SO fun. This is a prequel to a new series that will be released in June or July of 2025. I loved getting to know the characters and I am ecstatic to read more about them in the next book. I will be preordering it asap!
January 23, 2025
This book was a first for me, a fantasy revenge story. I was expecting the main character, Brynna, to become an outright villain in her pursuit of vengeance, but that was not the case. After brutally losing her parents and really, her whole existence, the book is a story of Bryn’s survival, at first physically and then mentally and socially as she works to build a new life for herself.
Peppered with loving people as well as nasty ones, the town of Bloodgrove is an interesting refuge in the midst of an isolated red-leafed forest. Large enough to have a tavern/inn, a school, and a town hall, it is still distant from most other cities and travelers. The town – and the book itself – serve as a good introduction for both Bryn and the readers themselves to the strange mythos of the world of Agatharr.
While there will be a future series, this book is a bit of a stand-alone. It’s supposed to serve as an introduction, but I wonder future readers will find that it is a better back story, once the series and all the very anticipated world building is in place.
Peppered with loving people as well as nasty ones, the town of Bloodgrove is an interesting refuge in the midst of an isolated red-leafed forest. Large enough to have a tavern/inn, a school, and a town hall, it is still distant from most other cities and travelers. The town – and the book itself – serve as a good introduction for both Bryn and the readers themselves to the strange mythos of the world of Agatharr.
While there will be a future series, this book is a bit of a stand-alone. It’s supposed to serve as an introduction, but I wonder future readers will find that it is a better back story, once the series and all the very anticipated world building is in place.
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