Lameria's Gift

The Ten Kingdoms #1

by C. Miller

Tradail is a kingdom so bloodthirsty they do nothing but go to war, training their citizens from childhood for that specific purpose.
For Alain, being a soldier is all she knows and all she wants in life, even if she disagrees when the Tradailian King chooses one war over another. King Tarlain’s decision causes her to no longer be fighting trained soldiers, instead slaughtering witches and warlocks hiding in the massive forest that separates her home from the kingdom she’d previously been at war with.
Alain makes a decision, one that sends her straight into enemy territory with a warlock so powerful she has no hope to kill him. There she’ll find herself able to do something she never could in her home—make her own choices.
With an eccentric witch who’s determined to make friends with her and that warlock who’s determined to prove her wrong, Alain finds herself doing the one thing she was sure she never would.
She finds herself questioning her loyalty to her kingdom.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

C. Miller lives in Kentucky and has been writing books for more than a decade. She believes books are magical things, transporting readers to other worlds and allowing them to live, laugh, love, and learn with the characters. She loves dogs, beautiful days, and working hard. When not working, you can usually find her playing video games, crocheting, or enjoying those beautiful days that come.

Discover more by visiting her website!
www.cmillerauthor.com

For reviewers interested in ARCs/review copies, head to: www.cmillerauthor.com/for-reviewers

For exclusive discounts and to never miss out on a new release, sign up for her newsletter!
www.cmillerauthor.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️So magical and moving!

Karin and Alain were preparing to go to battle while joking happily, as their long friendship allowed them.

Their respective kings, now at peace, had allowed them to mix and appreciate each other.
They were now the leaders of their own combat unit...

**********

If the beginning of the novel briefly left me perplexed, I quickly fell in love with it from chapter four onwards.

The many unexpected events and revelations then plunged me with delight into a mysterious magical story that was totally hypnotizing to read.

I was completely attached to the two main characters, Alain and Carsten, I loved the plot and I found the interactions between the characters captivating and moving to read.

I highly recommend this Fantasy treasure that you absolutely must discover!

I can't wait to read the rest!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of Lameria's Gift, a new book by C. Miller. She again amazed me with her storytelling ability. She created a magical world which was vividly described. Her characters were well-developed and came to life on the pages. Alain began a journey of self-discovery and I am eager to see what happens next in this series.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lameria’s Gift was truly that, a gift. This book was absolutely stunning.

To create a world not like our own. A world with magic, fear, bloodshed, friendship, choices, and love. To create the world so flawlessly, it is truly a gift if you choose to read it.

A thrilling read about choices. Every choice you make, even the smallest choices like how you do your hair, has a consequence either good or bad, as you will see Alain realize in Lameria’s Gift. She will fight against herself and all she’s ever known.

Alain is a soldier. She made that choice when she was 6 years old. As the General’s daughter She would leave her kingdom to fight the war again magic and magical beings with a neighboring kingdom since the magic they were fighting was on land lain between them. This 2 kingdoms had previously been at war with one another before a treaty was set in place. The enemy of my enemy is thy friend sort of situation. Alain fights beside Karin, the prince of the other kingdom, who happens to be in love with her. Or as in love as someone like him could be.
They are sent out on a mission one night. The night that started it all. What would they find when they got where they were going? A child, a girl but not just any girl, a witch. Will the soldiers kill a child? She is a witch after all, someone with magic and that’s what they were fighting against. Or will they let her go? Wait why is there a lone child, a witch, in the middle of the forest? Turns out she’s not, as the girl screams a man shows up. Not a man, a Warlock. Will the soldiers wipe the 2 of them off the face of the planet or do the fates have other plans? Read this spectacular book to find out! Only issue I have with this book is that I want the next one! The author’s note leaves me wanting more and to know the other choices. It all comes down to choices. If you choose to read this book, it will be a good choice.

This book was given to me by the author for review.

[Alanda Tar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book and I really enjoyed it. The world building was well done and I found I wanted to keep reading. I was happy with the path that Alain and Carsten ended up on with all the possibilities they had, and when they finally got together it was sweet. The ending was good and satisfying with hints of more to come. I’m looking forward to finding out how Karin plays a role in upcoming events.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable fantasy! I was disappointed when it ended, and can't wait to read more in this series!
I love that C. Miller's books really get you thinking, they aren't just fluff. Romantasy with a message!
One of my favorite parts was the different accents ❤️ Oh, and the dragons!
About a third of the way in I was having a bit of terrible staying engaged with the story, hence the missing star, but I was so glad I kept at it as I really enjoyed where the story went.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another breath-taking story to add to C. Miller's ever growing collection of wonderful reads!

Lameria’s gift is a beautiful tale of friendship, strength, trust and above all, the power of love and its abilities to change even the most reluctant of hearts.

Our story begins in the eyes of a young woman, Alain, who has been trained since childhood in the art of combat for the kingdom of Tradail. To her, strength, ability and pride are all that matters in a world wrought with war and suffering. It is her duty to her home and king to protect them at all costs, including her life, even if she may not entirely agree with the decisions being made, and the person they are being made by.
But Alain is one of the best, and she’s seen her fair share of battle. So when the tables are turned on her and she finds herself in enemy territory, territory of warlocks, magic wielder’s, she has to rely on her training to keep herself alive. But what happens when even her training isn't enough to ready her for what is to come?

What happens when the battle is no longer with weapons, but hearts?

One of the greatest attributes of Millers writing is her ability to make her characters so real. As though you aren't just reading about them, but standing beside them, listening and learning until you understand them like one of your best friends. They’re the types of characters that remain with you, even after the book is finished, and that is one of the greatest things a writer can give us.

Alain as a main character is a beautiful example of what makes us human. Her emotions are a personal obstacle that, as a soldier but also a woman, she has to learn to understand. And once they are, they become a beautiful reflection of inner strength and acceptance of one’s self. After living a life so brutally one sided, it’s a wonderful and interesting thing to observe her opening up, testing her limits and finding that the things that seemed so terrifying are not that terrible after all, but magical and beautiful in their own way. Alain’s story takes you on a personal quest of self-realization and the power of love that leaves you begging for more.

Warning: This story is known to cause hyperventilation, drop-jaw syndrome and random giddy outbursts. Please read cautiously.

Miller's abilities in the art of romantic literature are definitely swoon-worthy. With plenty of steamy scenes, and tantalizing others, it’s impossible to keep yourself from turning the page and seeking more of the pulse inducing romance that only budding love (and romantic fiction) can cause.

This story definitely earned its stars, and C. Miller another book on my favorites list. Thank you, C, for the wonderful opportunity to read yet another amazing story. I can’t wait for the next!

[Sydney Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, C. Miller delivers a book that captivates, entertains, and delivers some of the most gorgeous and vivid imagery I've read in a novel.

From the moment you begin reading, Miller dives you right into the midst of Tradail, and traveling along side Alain, a strong female solider. She is one of the best, trained since childhood to fight for the kingdom, and she relies on her strength and ability to lead her men. And then suddenly, her world is turned upside down as she finds herself on enemy territory, alone, and Alain must find a new way to survive when her training is no longer enough for what is coming her way.

With the amazing development of her characters, Miller delivers a must-read novel, one that is hard to put down. The characters become real and you find yourself cheering for Alain as she sets on her path of self-discovery. You will have several jaw dropping moments, as Miller is an author that knows how to keep her readers on their toes.

You will fall in love with this book, with these characters, and with Miller herself as she takes you into the fantasy world of Tradail with characters you've never known and leaves you at the end of the book, missing the characters that turned into friends.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like her series Reave, C. Miller manages to capture the essence of a young girl trying desperately to escape what situations have made her into. And just like her other series, she has another winner.

Alain is a young woman who grew up under close watch to never put a toe out of place and to be a weapon against magic users. But all training isn't enough to make her go against her very self and kill a child. Instead, she is taken into the heart of Mirin Forest, among the very people she has been trained. Every step she takes shows her what her life could be without the hate and fear. This book illustrates how a person, when separated from the confines of her life, can choose to become someone completely different. When Alain chose not to kill a witch child in the woods, she put herself on a path leading towards hope, love, and friendship.

I love the way that C. Miller writes her characters. She spends more time focusing on their emotions and the thoughts and reasons behind them rather than just actions. Carsten, a powerful warlock, has the ability to sense peoples emotions, and he traces those emotions to figure out what a person is thinking about. People experience a wide variety of emotions all day, but I know I for one don't normally take the time to examine each one. The way she writes Lameria's Gift, it makes the characters come to life.

*SPOILERS*

Okay, now that I wrote a safe review, it's time to be able to gush with my spoilers. One of my favorite things about this book was when Caliese showed Alain different versions of her future, because it's a snippet of possible paths this series can take. But I also have the feeling that C. Miller is gonna throw in some other possible future at the end so it's not quite so depressing, but also not the falsely happy ending that Caliese showed. And then to have Carsten and Alain both forget the possible futures because seeing the future had ruined the path they would have to take to get there.

I really enjoyed Alain's character. Because Carsten's abilities were all about feelings, Alain spent more time thinking about what she was feeling, and it just made her character feel more relatable. I wanted to hear more about her childhood, because there were so many hints to side stories, but I just always want more of her books. I can't wait for more of this series!

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Miller is quickly becoming a favourite author for books that hold deeper meaning and grapple with the complexities of human emotion, actions, thoughts, ect. It is never just as deep of the story with an author like Miller - there is always something more. Honestly, a lit majors dream - a story that can be dissected, taken apart layer by layer, contemplated, talked about and explored. Themes that have deeper themes, symbolism and meaning. It's all there on a deeper level if you choose to look.

But if you are reading for surface level enjoyment - well let's get to that. The world building is rich and well done. The characters are likable, relatable and enjoyable. The plot is well developed and leads to a conclusion that only makes you want to continue the series. The relationships evolve, change, and are realistic.

Two kingdoms once at war with each other but now living in peace with a treaty. To young rulers to be - a prince and a General's daughter. Both have their paths set out before them, expectations of their roles clearly laid out to be be followed without question. A common enemy - magic uses, witches and warlocks to be fought against.

And then the truth that our choices aren't always so black and white, nor the consequences clearly seen at the time some choices are made. Should our training and the truth that we have been taught guide us? Or should the deeper voice within us, the voice that compels us to question the status quo be given contemplation?

And what happens when we are suddenly in the enemy's home turf? Alain, the FMC soon finds out that the truth presented to her has been one-sided, what then should she do? This journey of self discovery, of daring to open ones self up to the contemplations of what we believe and why we believe it is beautifully written.

This story is about friendship, love, alliances, and beliefs being challenged. It is beautifully written, beautifully executed.

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

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something truly special about Lameria’s Gift. From the first few chapters, I found myself unexpectedly pulled into Alain’s story—not just because of the action or the world-building (though both are great)—but because of how deeply human it all felt. Alain is a warrior, yes, but she’s also a young woman trying to find her place in a world that’s already decided who she’s supposed to be. Watching her struggle between duty and desire, loyalty and independence, hit me harder than I expected.

C. Miller’s writing has a quiet tenderness to it, even in the midst of chaos. There are battles and betrayals, but also small, gentle moments that stayed with me—the way Alain begins to see her enemies as people, the way her guarded heart softens when she least expects it. It reminded me how easy it is to build walls when life gets hard, and how much courage it takes to start breaking them down.

I also loved how the story balanced strength with vulnerability. Alain’s connection with the warlock (who, I admit, quickly became one of my favorite characters) isn’t just romantic—it’s about trust, healing, and learning to see beyond old wounds. There’s a sweetness in how their relationship unfolds, and I found myself smiling through some of their quieter scenes.

If I’m being honest, I would have loved a few more chapters of breathing room—moments where we could linger with the characters and really feel the emotional aftermath of everything they endure. But maybe that’s just because I didn’t want to leave their world yet.

Lameria’s Gift is the kind of story that stays with you because it feels like more than just a fantasy adventure—it’s a reminder of growth, forgiveness, and the unexpected beauty in second chances. I’m giving it four stars, not because it’s flawless, but because it touched me in a way I didn’t quite see coming. I closed the last page feeling hopeful, warm, and already eager to return to The Ten Kingdoms.

[Your_bookish_fantasy Kerri-louise Whitham · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
I really really loved this!
Very charavter driven but the plot was great and very well paced from start to finish.

I love the plot and the characters, I love the magic and the lore, I obv loved the dragons and their relationships and I truly loved the depth of the characters, their histories, personalities, quirks and growth.

There is plenty of year ing in this one and there is a shmexxy scene or two but It's not explicit at all, no 4play or teasing or talking etc...

I appreciated the twist on the FMC and her how she had trauma dating all the way back to her childhood. And most of all I loved how the prince wanted her so much and she made him work for her attention! It's rare to get a genuinely strong fmc that is not only independent, but also knows her worth.

The best friend was a brilliant character! As was the sister, I thought it was a really strong dynamic on the whole.

I can not wait for the next book to come along!

Predictable yet satisfying
War violence
🌶 Open door spice
Dragons
Found family
Magic and witches
Addictive read

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alain is the daughter of the general to the Kingdom of Tradail embroiled in a crusade against magic. Alain is forced to decide between her duty to her kingdom, or her duty to her heart.

The beginning of this book really hooked my attention, but it just couldn’t keep it. I found the majority of the book was slow, with very little action and too much discussion of feelings and emotions.

The book did include some plot twists that were interesting. I’m hopeful that this book was a stepping stone for the series, and future instalments are action packed.

If you like a slow paced, emotional read with enemies to lovers and a slow burn romance, this book is for you.

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

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alain had been taught to be a soldier since she was five. She was given a choice , become a soldier or a wife and mother. After seeing what her mother went through she thought soldier was a better fit. When they wanted her to kill a small girl while on a raid, she couldn't do it, and ended up being captured. Carsten couldn't figure out why she had spared his little sister. Alain started out as a prisoner of war in Carstens home but eventually was treated as a guest. When a local witch befriends her, her life changes in ways she hadn't imagined. This book was very interesting to me, kept me intrigued, had a lot going on. It seems to me that a book two is on the horizin

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author skillfully interweaves friendship, bravery, and self-discovery themes, creating a powerful story that resonates beyond the plot's fantastical elements. The book is a masterful work that will appeal to fans of fantasy and anyone who loves a well-crafted story with heart. It is as thoughtful as it is thrilling, a gem that deserves to be read. Recommended!

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic dragon fantasy story, I really enjoyed the characters and the fantasy elements! Perfect for those who love dragons.

I received an advance copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Finley K. James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting tale, to be sure. Gripping from the first page, the story is an intricately-weaved thing that brings characters and tensions to life. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is worth each page read. 4.5/5