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Solace Trilogy #1

Seeking Solace: Book I Solace

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The first book in the Solace trilogy follows Arvana, the only Solacian capable of seeing the Blue Eye's revelations, as she reluctantly leaves her cloistered refuge to seek a champion to wield a relic against the resurrected draeden. The obvious champion is the charismatic Prince Chane Lerouge, who possesses the one remaining sword the ancestors used to end the Reckoning. But the unknown warrior, Captain Degarius, unrelentingly pursues a rumored lake monster with a blade whispered to be blessed. Will Arvana's mission earn her the elusive solace she seeks or spiral her heart—and the world—into a second Reckoning if she chooses the wrong man? Downplaying magic in favor of romance and fantasy, Arvana's adventure boasts strong characters in an immersive, realistic new realm.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2014

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4998 people want to read

About the author

Anna Steffl

4 books28 followers
Anna Steffl lives in Athens, Georgia, home of the New World gods of football and alternative music. She has held a string of wildly unrelated jobs, from frying chicken to one that required applying for a Department of Defense security clearance. She is a Golden Heart finalist and past president of Georgia Romance Writers.

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5 stars
44 (26%)
4 stars
52 (31%)
3 stars
45 (27%)
2 stars
15 (9%)
1 star
8 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Victoria Vane.
Author 54 books542 followers
January 30, 2014
As I am not a fantasy reader, I began this book with a bit of trepidation. Having said that, it turned out to be a FANTASTIC read.

Although difficult to summarize without spoilers, I would best call this a "good-versus-apocalyptic-evil" story. It's premise bears some similarity to the Lord of the Rings series, with its evil creatures, dark lord, and premise of supernatural forces of good and evil battling for dominion, but with stronger romantic undertones.

The story was extremely well-written. The author's imagination and world building were incredible, both well-developed and believable. She sucked me into the world.

Although the plot was a bit difficult to follow in the beginning, (mostly because the world is unfamiliar and there are several main characters to follow), I found this got easier as the story unfolded. By the fourth chapter I was no longer confused and deeply engaged. At this point, the pacing kept me at the edge of my seat.

Although there are multiple characters, like the world itself, all were well-developed, multi-dimensional, and highly complex. I felt a strong affinity for each of the three main protagonists, although the actions of one of them (Prince Lerouge) took a very disconcerting turn. The ending, however, leaves me with hope he will redeem himself. As for Arvana and Degarius, I am very eager to learn more of their individual histories and am anxious to see how these three characters lives and destinies intersect in the next book. While there is a romantic element that I hope will continue, this is not a romance.

Highly recommnended for lovers of fantasy or anyone looking for something a little different in their normal reading. I will definitely follow the rest of this series.

**I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sally Kilpatrick.
Author 17 books392 followers
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August 9, 2024
Here's the deal. I like fantasy, but my mind usually wanders during the overdescription or silly songs (see Rings, Lord of the) or it leaves me feeling as though I've lost all faith in humanity (see Thrones, Game of). With Anna Steffl's Seeking Solace, I get the best of fantasy combined with tight story telling, thorough world building, compelling characters, witty dialogue, and a prose so graceful I can't help but be jealous.

Many moons ago there was a Reckoning, and the Easternland still hasn't fully recovered. Now all hell's about to break loose courtesy of one twisted villain and some brand new baby dragons (or draedens in this case). Arvana is a Solacian (think nun) with a relic, and she needs a hero (cue Pat Benetar) The obvious choice is Chane Lerouge. He's a prince, after all. Meanwhile, Captain Degarius is piecing together that something is amiss, and he has a magic sword (no, not that kind....or does he?) that may mean Chane Lerouge isn't such a forgone conclusion.

To make matters more complicated, Arvana has the feels for Chane, but she's sworn devotion to the Maker. Chane's feels are mutual, and he isn't a man who knows how to take no for an answer. Then to make matters even worse, the sovereign is a nasty piece of work with a master plan that could spell disaster for them all.

If I had to pinpoint one thing about this book that surprised me, I would have to say that both the repartee and the inner musings of the characters remind me of all of the charm of old black and white movies. Don't let those noble sensibilities fool you, though. This novel has bite. The sovereign and his minions are capable of all sorts of villainy, and Steffl's heroes are flawed. But, hey, all the better to root for them.

Now, to twiddle my thumbs and wait for book 2.

37 reviews
March 11, 2014
So intriguing that I eagerly await the next in the series!
Profile Image for Tyra Burton.
Author 3 books8 followers
April 17, 2014
Steffl’s Seeking Solace is the book many of us geek-girls have been waiting to be written. From the moment I read the Hobbit as a young girl, I have been in love with the Fantasy genre, and Steffl’s book does not disappoint in regards to what is expected of a book labeled ‘fantasy.’ The world is built richly for the imperfect characters to journey through a complex plot filled with twist and turns. The epic struggle between good and evil is present and like Lord of the Rings, the characters take center stage.

What makes Steffl’s fantasy different, for me, is the romantic elements that are spun inside the fantasy. Arvanna, the central character, is a Solican dedicated to the Maker, finds herself with romantic feelings that are not part of her original plan. Steffl does not disappoint and leaves you waiting impatiently for the next installment in the Solace Trilogy.

As with many fantasy novels, it is imperative that you pay attention at the start of the book. Fantasies are complicated, and this one does not disappoint.
Profile Image for Wendy.
Author 3 books72 followers
August 20, 2014
What a beautifully written book. I'm not sure I can recall the last time I read something where the prose had such an elegant flow. Seeking Solace is fantasy but stands out in my mind for its more manageable length and patient pacing. We aren't thrown at break-neck speed into a vast world, hoping to God we can keep up. (Not that there isn't a time and a place for that.) The word 'refreshing' is used a lot. But not by me. This book, for me, was different and refreshing.

My only tip is to pay attention during those first three or so chapters so that you realize you are following three different locations and sets of people. I missed that (read: too lazy to simply glance back at chapter intros/map) It quickly became clear though and wasn't a problem at all.

Bottom line: a truly beautiful read. One I look forward to continuing. Bring on part 2!
Profile Image for Amy.
98 reviews
April 12, 2014
I really enjoyed this novel. I am an avid reader, and often seek out authors that are new to me. I started out reading Seeking Solace without any real idea of what to expect. I found a well-written book with well-developed and believable characters, and a fast-paced plot. It's tough to find a book where the author takes the time to really flesh out the characters--or the characters will be well-written but the storyline is lacking. I read this very fast and can't wait to find out what will happen next.

I don't think you have to love fantasy to love this book, but fantasy lovers will find it to be a very satisfying read.
Profile Image for Kat.
168 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2014
Rich world, dynamic characters that feel real, and a compelling plot that left me wanting more. I will definitely be continuing the series.

Also, a great read for those looking for stories starring strong female characters.
1 review
June 2, 2025
This fast-paced fantasy features an intriguing plot, action, adventure, and romance. The heros are well built (and a bit flawed...much like myself), the villain is appropriately diabolical, and the story features a creature that sent chills of terror and disgust down my spine. All of this is wrapped in a world that is vividly portrayed without being overly heavy handed with wording. I easily lost myself in the story, turning page after page, until the wee hours of morning. After finishing the plot twisting first book, (which ended with all the details wrapped in a nice bow, yet promised more action and suspense to come in book 2), I quickly moved the rest of the series to the top of my TBR. Will Arvana choose her champion wisely? Will they be able to foil the heinous plans in place, ending the draeden for good, and saving the world from a second Reckoning? I start book 2 with my heart in my throat!
1 review
February 21, 2025
I thought this was a great book! It was VERY out of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I read it. It kind of gives me Game Of Thrones vibes in the way the POV’s switch so much. I like that you have to pay attention to each detail and how it slowly builds. I will say it is a little hard to follow at times, which is why I gave it a 4/5.
3 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2019
This book was thought-provoking and well written. I really got a good sense of the characters and their inner workings. It was an enjoyable read which led me to really want to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Anna N..
75 reviews51 followers
July 3, 2017
Rating: 3

I won a copy of this book for an honest review. This will never effect how I like or rate a book.


It took me awhile but I think I finally figured out what this book needed. It needed to be longer. I praise it for fitting in as much as it did with how short it was but it needed more.
I suppose I'll start with the good: Really nice cover; but then I can't help but be attracted to a book with a sword on its cover, it's a bit of a weakness of mine. ;) Since it was such a short book it was an easy and fast read. Now for what I considered the best part of the book, and that's Degarius. Every time that the book went back to him and his group I was happy. He was interesting and I also enjoyed reading about many of the men that he traveled with as well. Something was always happening and really just overall Degarius was the most likeable out of the three main characters.
Now we're getting to the problem I had with the book. Degarius was the best part. Any time that we went over to one of the other two plots I found myself just wanting to get back to Degarius. The reason why?
Well it certainly didn't start off that way but the more it went on the less fleshed out the characters got. Likely because there wasn't time to do so. Really Degarius wasn't even that fleshed out, just his story line was the most interesting. I never believed in the romance because there was really no time to show it developing. One moment Lerouge is seeing Arvana play the kithara and the next apparently weeks have went by and they go out horse riding just for him to admit his love for her.
Wait. What? Was there some instant love when he heard her play that I missed? Or was it something in all those weeks that we didn't get to see? Either way it was badly rushed and I never believed in it. Which isn't too bad of an offense. Hey, I read lots of YA, so when it comes to the rushed romance you just got to learn to let things go and try to enjoy the rest of the story.
That's just the problem though. While Degarius's story was moving Arvana's and Lerouge's felt like it was going nowhere. It felt like it was on repeat after awhile and I couldn't help but roll my eyes just waiting for something different to happen. Oh but it most certainly does near the end, some might say and yes I'll give you that. Something does happen with that. So here's a question for those that have read it, so minor spoiler here. How am I suppose to like Lerouge after this? Since for me I really don't see how I could. Maybe the second book will surprise me on this issue if I ever get around to reading it but till then I'm unconvinced.
So what of the third plot line that the story would go to? Well honestly, while reading anything about Alenius or his group I always just for some reason felt confused. Of course now after I've finished reading the book it's all coming together more in my mind of what was going on, well to some extent. Some things are still unclear in my opinion. So anytime I had to read their parts I always ended up a bit unsure of what I just read and really I'm still not sure why. Others that have given this book five or four stars didn't seem to have any trouble so I really don't know why I had any. If I had to hazard a guess though on it I'd have to say it's probably because there really was no world building. I felt like I was thrown in and just expected to know all there was about this world without really any explanation.

So, even though I did enjoy one of the story lines this book for me comes out at a 2.5 or a 3. The book had an interesting plot and some good characters but my enjoyment was only so high when reading it. Maybe if the story had been told from jut Degarius's point of view I might have liked it better but really I feel that if the characters would of had more time and been more fleshed out, the world explored and built up a bit more, I would of got more enjoyment from this book. It was by no means a bad book but it could of been better. I'd recommend it to those that read lots of fantasy, this will be a nice quick and easy read for many. A nice summer read. :)
Profile Image for Lori.
4 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2014
I received this book through the Goodreads first reads--my first win actually, and I was thrilled.

I am an avid fantasy reader so from the very beginning, I was skeptical of the quality due to the short length of the book.

The writing is very well done and engaging. The language is accessible and the characters are easy to differentiate.

*Spoilers Ahead*



Despite any misgivings I have mentioned, I will definitely be picking up the next book with high hopes. The story, as I have said, is engaging and seems to be poised to wrap up many threads.

Definitely a good quick read for a fantasy lover.
Profile Image for Syd.
125 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2014
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway and was sent a free copy from the author.

I have to start by saying how much I loved Arvana. So much is unknown to her but she never shies away from making a decision, hopefully the best decision she is capable of making. I would have loved to read more about her past, why she sought solace and how it might have changed her. A lot of female characters in books, especially fantasy novels, are badly written but I feel like Arvana had a decent start in Seeking Solace.

I liked Degarious as well and could easily read a book centered on his life. The hinted history of his family and how it might have effected his upbringing, his military career, and now possibly something more.

I don't know about anyone else but snakes/anything that lives in the water absolutely freak me out and these draeden are exactly the kind of creatures I would hate to see in real life but enjoy seeing in books.

I wish the book had been longer. The short time lapses between Chane's encounters with Arvana compared to his behaviour made me automatically distrust him. And more knowledge of the world would have emphasized the severity of the threat of a second Reckoning and how crucial it was for Arvana to correctly judge someone's character. What was told of the world in this book was interesting. Several separate kingdoms with conflict at least between three of them, a super creepy and extensive religious and political force, another religious order established to help protect the future well being of the land, and of course, magical relics and creatures. But there were still so many questions I had and leaps I had to make to keep up.

A pre-series to this would be great to read and to build up the world introduced in Seeking Solace.

Profile Image for Cecilia Dominic.
Author 34 books394 followers
August 8, 2014
I'll add my vote to the "not a regular fantasy reader, but this one hooked me" pile. Perhaps it was the post-apocalyptic elements scattered throughout like little Easter eggs. Maybe it was the characters, especially the female main Arvana. Or it could've been that it was a new take on dragons, which I really hope to see more of in future books.

But above all, it was the storytelling. High fantasy tends to be long-winded on description, IMHO, but Steffl manages to do a phenomenal job balancing world-building with lean prose that spends words on actions rather than setting. Character development kept me interested as well, especially Arvana, whose conflict has so many interesting layers. My only complaint was that it felt like too many POV characters at times, hence the four stars.

I won't say any more for fear of spoilers. This was a great debut, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Jeannie Holbrook.
76 reviews20 followers
June 25, 2014
I won Seeking Solace here on Goodreads. I have to admit the cover is what drew my eye to the book. I really do like it.
Seeking Solace is a well written fantasy story that has many enriched characters. There is magic, dragons, sword fighting, war, love and duty. The world building is beautifully written without dumping a whole of unnecessary information. The characters are three dimensional. They are not perfect, they all have flaws.
Arvana is a little too timid compared to the type of protagonist that I normally read. Although towards the end of the book she did redeem herself in my eyes,
Although I love Degarius and I am still not sure how I feel about Prince Lergoue.



Looking forward to the second book. :)
If you like Epic Fantasy then you will like this book.
Profile Image for Chantelle Mast.
458 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2014
This was a very light yet interesting read. I could easily see myself continuing this series. I probably would've given it 4 stars except that it was really hard to grip the setting/story at first, the author could've done a better or more detailed job explaining things, and all character and place names are similar making it a challenge to follow or know exactly who you are reading about. I know there is a pattern of name choices I.e. "chancellor" or "madre" at the beginning of each name but since the author gives no history or backround as to the setting of things going on and the placing of them, it makes it difficult to keep up. I can imagine she has lost many a reader due to this. I almost threw in the towel because of it but I am happy to say that I stuck with it. Overall, an intriguing and breathless world full of strong women and dashing warriors.
Profile Image for Pat.
112 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2015
Seeking Solace is the first book in the Solace seies. The author weaves the tale of two kingdoms together into a fantastic believable world, brimming with royalty, religions, and madness. There are more than one protagonist, so the author puts you in many characters shoes and although there is a true sense of good and evil, one doesn't have to look too far to see that this author is skilled in showing us that all is not what it seems.

Lovers of epics such as the Game of Thrones will love this book, full of political intrigue and magical beings. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the genre and look forward to the second book.
4 reviews
June 29, 2014
This is an interesting mix of fantasy and romance set in a post apocalyptic earth. She doesn't go down the Mad Max path but creates an agrarian future with fantastic elements (ex: dragons).
Initially, I didn't realize this was post apocalyptic earth and I was annoyed by some of the word choices until that clever description of a plane. That is probably when I started to appreciate this novel. All of her major characters are complex and I really like Degarius. Sometimes I want to SIT Arvana down and talk to her or shake her.
487 reviews12 followers
July 16, 2014
Seeking Solace is well written and fast paced. And there is my problem. There are many characters and three plots going on. I didn't find any of them developed enough for my liking. I would have liked more background into the characters and history of this fantasy world. Maybe this will show up as the series continues. Like most books in a series you are left with unanswered questions and wanting more. I hope to be able to get some answers in the second book. The series is worth the try.
11 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2015
Solace Trilogy or part 1?

I have read quite a few trilogies lately and have been very disappointed. They really seem to be a single book, divided into three parts, for the single reason of monetary gains. This practice is unacceptable! As I move to book 2 of this trilogy, I hope this series is the exception to the rule. I will let you know....
Profile Image for Debbie Herbert.
Author 76 books683 followers
April 7, 2014
From the opening paragraph, I was hooked in the author's world with her magical, poetic prose and great characterization.

Arvana, a humble mystic, is a character I completely fell in love with and look forward to the rest of the series to discover her ultimate fate.

Highly-recommended.
Profile Image for J.S. Burke.
Author 8 books508 followers
June 4, 2014
This book is beautifully written and wonderfully engaging, with a terrific plot twist. The characters are very real, and the danger is palpable. Seeking Solace is sci-fi with romance, and a book to enjoy.
Profile Image for Mandy.
42 reviews
July 7, 2014
It was slow paced at first but then I couldn't put it down
1,217 reviews22 followers
July 7, 2014
Very boring dnf'd at 39%
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