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Priestess: The Tears of Promises Book One
Winner of the 2025 Firebird Book Award for Fantasy
What if every promise you made brought you heartache?
Despite her good intentions, all Sevastee's promises end in catastrophe. Making matters worse, one touch of her skin will boil the magic from another's body, leaving them powerless, plain, and useless. It's as if the moon gods have cursed her, forcing her into a life of solitude.
But beyond the comforting darkness of her forested homeland, a war for power rages. A rebellion against the High Priestess and her iron fist grows stronger, backed by powerful entities the High Priestess once sought to eradicate--the ones who rightfully ruled and protected the lands for millennia.
When Sevastee is driven from her solitude and into the limelight by the very gods that cursed her, both the High Priestess and the rebellion discover her unique power. Now the High Priestess wants her dead, and the rebellion wants to use her as a weapon.
A power like Sevastee's has no choice but to impact the war. But how the war is impacted remains to be seen.
The Tears of Promises trilogy is an epic fantasy adventure set in a unique world of strange creatures, political strife, the struggle for power, and the ultimate lesson…the falsest idols are the easiest to worship.
Don't miss this award-winning fantasy adventure. Buy it now.
What if every promise you made brought you heartache?
Despite her good intentions, all Sevastee's promises end in catastrophe. Making matters worse, one touch of her skin will boil the magic from another's body, leaving them powerless, plain, and useless. It's as if the moon gods have cursed her, forcing her into a life of solitude.
But beyond the comforting darkness of her forested homeland, a war for power rages. A rebellion against the High Priestess and her iron fist grows stronger, backed by powerful entities the High Priestess once sought to eradicate--the ones who rightfully ruled and protected the lands for millennia.
When Sevastee is driven from her solitude and into the limelight by the very gods that cursed her, both the High Priestess and the rebellion discover her unique power. Now the High Priestess wants her dead, and the rebellion wants to use her as a weapon.
A power like Sevastee's has no choice but to impact the war. But how the war is impacted remains to be seen.
The Tears of Promises trilogy is an epic fantasy adventure set in a unique world of strange creatures, political strife, the struggle for power, and the ultimate lesson…the falsest idols are the easiest to worship.
Don't miss this award-winning fantasy adventure. Buy it now.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2025
6 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 28, 2025
Such incredible read. This book really takes his time to explore the world and appreciate it for doing so. after a strong breath of excitement to start, the book really takes this time for you to learn and care about the characters. And at the end, the characters are always the most important part of the story.
This was a great start for. I’m sure it will a great series. 😊
This was a great start for. I’m sure it will a great series. 😊
February 4, 2025
Great and Gripping Adventure
I borrowed Priestess: The Tears of Promises on Kindle. I was drawn in by its unique premise—a protagonist whose touch can strip magic away. The concept intrigued me, and I was eager to see how Sevastee would navigate her world, as she was torn between isolation and the desperate need to belong.
What stood out to me and I liked most was the depth of the world-building. The author crafts a rich and immersive fantasy landscape, filled with tension, rebellion, and a sense of urgency that pulls you in. Sevastee’s struggle felt deeply personal, and I appreciated how the novel explored the cost of power, both as a burden and a potential gift. IMHO - the High Priestess made for a compelling antagonist, and the stakes of the rebellion kept the tension high.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. While I enjoyed the immersive details, there were moments in the middle where the story slowed down more than I expected - maybe it was the hook. Still, the emotional weight of Sevastee’s journey and the questions about fate, autonomy, and sacrifice kept me engaged.
Overall, I found Priestess to be a promising start to a series that blends epic fantasy with personal stakes. IMHO readers who love intricate world-building, high-stakes conflict, and morally complex characters will likely find this an engaging read. I’m curious to see where the series goes next.
I borrowed Priestess: The Tears of Promises on Kindle. I was drawn in by its unique premise—a protagonist whose touch can strip magic away. The concept intrigued me, and I was eager to see how Sevastee would navigate her world, as she was torn between isolation and the desperate need to belong.
What stood out to me and I liked most was the depth of the world-building. The author crafts a rich and immersive fantasy landscape, filled with tension, rebellion, and a sense of urgency that pulls you in. Sevastee’s struggle felt deeply personal, and I appreciated how the novel explored the cost of power, both as a burden and a potential gift. IMHO - the High Priestess made for a compelling antagonist, and the stakes of the rebellion kept the tension high.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. While I enjoyed the immersive details, there were moments in the middle where the story slowed down more than I expected - maybe it was the hook. Still, the emotional weight of Sevastee’s journey and the questions about fate, autonomy, and sacrifice kept me engaged.
Overall, I found Priestess to be a promising start to a series that blends epic fantasy with personal stakes. IMHO readers who love intricate world-building, high-stakes conflict, and morally complex characters will likely find this an engaging read. I’m curious to see where the series goes next.
February 20, 2025
In Priestess: The Tears of Promises Book One, you're immediately thrown into a unique fantasy world consisting of magical abilities relating to the energy of moonlight and characters with imaginative appearances-—think horns, colorful skin, and the like. The world that Sevastee is born into has dubbed her kind of an outcast, and she lives with that judgment while in search of her purpose. She joins a rebellion aimed at overthrowing the current priestess—whose reign has a tight, militant grasp over her people.
I did enjoy the storyline and character development. I also loved the idea of how moonlight could be harnessed for different applications- from weapons to powering automobiles. The pacing was slow at times, and there were moments in narration that felt granular in experience. There were also moments when the amorous tension between Sevastee was a bit too innocent for what fit the scene- at least, in my opinion. The different species in the world seem to hold tight to prejudiced views, which weigh a bit heavy and redundant at times, especially the heavy militant regulations. The weight was being lifted through the core members of the rebellion, who were a hodgepodge renegade mix of folks. Another nitpicky part was the fact that the soldiers were specifically on the search for a "Giska"- what Sevastee is, and on several occasions, they see her in attendance of her crew, but her presence is somehow justified then waived away by these radical soldiers which didn't seem believable in the given climate.
If you're a fan of very immersive reads, world-building, betrayal, mystical abilities, and unique character arcs, this is the book for you.
I did enjoy the storyline and character development. I also loved the idea of how moonlight could be harnessed for different applications- from weapons to powering automobiles. The pacing was slow at times, and there were moments in narration that felt granular in experience. There were also moments when the amorous tension between Sevastee was a bit too innocent for what fit the scene- at least, in my opinion. The different species in the world seem to hold tight to prejudiced views, which weigh a bit heavy and redundant at times, especially the heavy militant regulations. The weight was being lifted through the core members of the rebellion, who were a hodgepodge renegade mix of folks. Another nitpicky part was the fact that the soldiers were specifically on the search for a "Giska"- what Sevastee is, and on several occasions, they see her in attendance of her crew, but her presence is somehow justified then waived away by these radical soldiers which didn't seem believable in the given climate.
If you're a fan of very immersive reads, world-building, betrayal, mystical abilities, and unique character arcs, this is the book for you.
April 14, 2025
I picked up Priestess thinking I was in for another standard fantasy romp with a chosen-one arc and a few magical battles. What I got instead? A slow-burning, emotionally heavy, and surprisingly poetic journey that hit me right in the feels.
Sevastee, our main character, has the kind of power that makes you instantly think, “Well, she’s either going to save the world or destroy it by accident.” Her touch literally boils the magic from people’s blood (yep, you read that right), so naturally, she keeps to herself. But she’s no cold, stoic archetype—there’s depth, fear, longing, and pain in every step she takes. I found myself really rooting for her, even when she pushed people away.
Matt Ozanich doesn’t spoon-feed you the world-building. You’re expected to pay attention, maybe reread a few lines, and trust that things will make sense in time—and they do. Once the story gets going, the layers start peeling back like old wallpaper in a haunted house. It's immersive and moody in the best kind of way.
Also, shoutout to the supporting characters for being just as morally messy as real people. Nobody’s perfect, everyone’s hiding something, and I live for that. You won’t find a black-and-white morality tale here—just a lot of gray, which makes everything feel more grounded and real despite the magic.
If you like your fantasy thoughtful, moody, and full of emotional damage (with just a sprinkle of “what even is going on?” in the early chapters), you’ll love Priestess. It's a haunting debut with a unique premise, a strong female lead, and just the right amount of darkness.
Sevastee, our main character, has the kind of power that makes you instantly think, “Well, she’s either going to save the world or destroy it by accident.” Her touch literally boils the magic from people’s blood (yep, you read that right), so naturally, she keeps to herself. But she’s no cold, stoic archetype—there’s depth, fear, longing, and pain in every step she takes. I found myself really rooting for her, even when she pushed people away.
Matt Ozanich doesn’t spoon-feed you the world-building. You’re expected to pay attention, maybe reread a few lines, and trust that things will make sense in time—and they do. Once the story gets going, the layers start peeling back like old wallpaper in a haunted house. It's immersive and moody in the best kind of way.
Also, shoutout to the supporting characters for being just as morally messy as real people. Nobody’s perfect, everyone’s hiding something, and I live for that. You won’t find a black-and-white morality tale here—just a lot of gray, which makes everything feel more grounded and real despite the magic.
If you like your fantasy thoughtful, moody, and full of emotional damage (with just a sprinkle of “what even is going on?” in the early chapters), you’ll love Priestess. It's a haunting debut with a unique premise, a strong female lead, and just the right amount of darkness.
February 13, 2025
Priestess: The Tears of Promises Book One by Matt Ozanich is an intriguing tale that will fascinate and enthral its readers.
Our protagonist is Sevastee who lives alone because she fears she will harm anyone she touches. She is persuaded to join a great battle, but she is conflicted between her sense of honor and duty, and the harm she could cause from another person with just one touch.
The author explores several themes in this book. In particular, those times we feel like we have an edge over others, thanks to our unique skills, talents, or resources, but that this actually may work as a disadvantage. We may hesitate to use our powers, fearing that it might upset or belittle others. Sevastee is held back by her fears, and at first the reader is left wondering if she will ever reach her full potential.
Nonetheless, she is a great role model and a strong feminine character. As with the other characters in this book she is well developed and realistic. We are drawn into Sevastee’s plight and watch as she grows from a nervous person to somebody with much greatness.
There were so many thrilling moments that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This story is sure to capture the imagination of fantasy lovers and heroic tales, and anyone who enjoys a great book.
Our protagonist is Sevastee who lives alone because she fears she will harm anyone she touches. She is persuaded to join a great battle, but she is conflicted between her sense of honor and duty, and the harm she could cause from another person with just one touch.
The author explores several themes in this book. In particular, those times we feel like we have an edge over others, thanks to our unique skills, talents, or resources, but that this actually may work as a disadvantage. We may hesitate to use our powers, fearing that it might upset or belittle others. Sevastee is held back by her fears, and at first the reader is left wondering if she will ever reach her full potential.
Nonetheless, she is a great role model and a strong feminine character. As with the other characters in this book she is well developed and realistic. We are drawn into Sevastee’s plight and watch as she grows from a nervous person to somebody with much greatness.
There were so many thrilling moments that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This story is sure to capture the imagination of fantasy lovers and heroic tales, and anyone who enjoys a great book.
March 14, 2025
Priestess: The Tears of Promises by Matt Ozanich is an imaginative and immersive fantasy novel that hooked me with its unique world, fascinating creatures, and compelling conflict. The Giska, in particular, were such an interesting addition, and Sevastee absolutely stole my heart. She was endearing in a way that made me want to protect her at all costs.
The world-building is where this book truly shines. The contrast between Sevastee’s people and the militaristic villains made for a gripping conflict, and the idea of using moonlight as an energy source? Chef’s kiss. More fantasy books need cool magic systems like this!
That said, there were moments where the pacing dragged a little, and some of the more intimate interactions—especially between Sevastee, Evee, and Dom—felt a bit rushed or awkward. I would’ve loved more buildup in those relationships to make the emotional beats hit harder. Finally, I would have loved to see the villains in the story be a little more complex.
Overall, despite some minor hiccups, I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for an original fantasy with a rich world and memorable characters, this is definitely worth picking up. Four stars from me, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for what Matt Ozanich writes next!
The world-building is where this book truly shines. The contrast between Sevastee’s people and the militaristic villains made for a gripping conflict, and the idea of using moonlight as an energy source? Chef’s kiss. More fantasy books need cool magic systems like this!
That said, there were moments where the pacing dragged a little, and some of the more intimate interactions—especially between Sevastee, Evee, and Dom—felt a bit rushed or awkward. I would’ve loved more buildup in those relationships to make the emotional beats hit harder. Finally, I would have loved to see the villains in the story be a little more complex.
Overall, despite some minor hiccups, I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for an original fantasy with a rich world and memorable characters, this is definitely worth picking up. Four stars from me, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for what Matt Ozanich writes next!
February 6, 2025
Priestess: The Tears of Promises immediately throws the reader into an immersive and colourful fantasy world very different from our own. This is the world Sevastee lives in, born a cursed outcast, she is drawn into a rebellion very quickly. But quite early on the story shifts, from an action-based opener to a found family story for most of the first half, which focuses on the growing bond that develops between Sevastee and the people in the rebellion she meets.
Sevastee is a strong but flawed character whose personal journey drives most of the story as she comes out of her shell and begins to acknowledge her secret longing for family and belonging and eventually learns about her potential significance in her dangerous world. The early focus on Sevastee and her personal desires and relationships contrasts with the latter half of the story which becomes very action orientated with a number of big plot reveals, coming thick and fast in the closing act. This affects the pacing somewhat, making the story feel somewhat slow burn in the beginning before reaching boiling point very fast at the end.
Sevastee is a strong but flawed character whose personal journey drives most of the story as she comes out of her shell and begins to acknowledge her secret longing for family and belonging and eventually learns about her potential significance in her dangerous world. The early focus on Sevastee and her personal desires and relationships contrasts with the latter half of the story which becomes very action orientated with a number of big plot reveals, coming thick and fast in the closing act. This affects the pacing somewhat, making the story feel somewhat slow burn in the beginning before reaching boiling point very fast at the end.
February 17, 2025
A powerful fantasy journey
I just finished the book “Priestess: The Tears of Promise” by Matt Ozanich. It’s a thrilling fantasy novel. Sevastee is a young woman with a dangerous curse. With just one touch, she can drain the magic from others, making her both feared and needed. When a rebellion finds her, Sevastee must decide if her power will save the world or lead to its destruction. Sevastee longs to belong and sees her curse as a burden, but over time, she begins to understand its potential. This journey is full of action, magic and difficult choices as she fights for survival in a world at war. The story explores power, fear and personal growth, as Savastee struggles with whether to use her gift for good or risk everything. The book is exciting and thought provoking, making it a must read for fans of strong heroines and intense fantasy worlds. Sevastee’s story will leave you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. I think many people will enjoy it.
I just finished the book “Priestess: The Tears of Promise” by Matt Ozanich. It’s a thrilling fantasy novel. Sevastee is a young woman with a dangerous curse. With just one touch, she can drain the magic from others, making her both feared and needed. When a rebellion finds her, Sevastee must decide if her power will save the world or lead to its destruction. Sevastee longs to belong and sees her curse as a burden, but over time, she begins to understand its potential. This journey is full of action, magic and difficult choices as she fights for survival in a world at war. The story explores power, fear and personal growth, as Savastee struggles with whether to use her gift for good or risk everything. The book is exciting and thought provoking, making it a must read for fans of strong heroines and intense fantasy worlds. Sevastee’s story will leave you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. I think many people will enjoy it.
February 2, 2025
Priestess: The Tears of Promises by Matt Ozanich is a fantasy story that centres on Sevastee, a young woman with a terrible curse where those who touch her suffer a terrible and painful fate. She is thrust from solitude into a dangerous world of war, where those who find her seek to use her powers to cause more harm than good.
The premise of this book is interesting and unique. I like Sevastee as a main character and her back story evoked feelings of sorrow and sympathy. I felt her pain, and her longing to be loved and accepted, but that also put her in a vulnerable position. The author did a wonderful job in crafting her as a character.
The book has a lot of engaging action scenes, particularly in the later half where there is a lot more at stake and the magical elements play more of a role. Sevastee grew as the story evolved and her situation got a lot more dangerous. The ending was a bit abrupt in a good way as I am eager to find out what happens next.
The premise of this book is interesting and unique. I like Sevastee as a main character and her back story evoked feelings of sorrow and sympathy. I felt her pain, and her longing to be loved and accepted, but that also put her in a vulnerable position. The author did a wonderful job in crafting her as a character.
The book has a lot of engaging action scenes, particularly in the later half where there is a lot more at stake and the magical elements play more of a role. Sevastee grew as the story evolved and her situation got a lot more dangerous. The ending was a bit abrupt in a good way as I am eager to find out what happens next.
February 26, 2025
I'm not the biggest fantasy nerd but priestess the tears of promises can you really make anyone into a fan of the genre.
The story centers on Sevestee. A young woman who can not only harness magic, but she can take magic from other people and boil it away.
In this rich magic filled world that makes her very dangerous. She uses these unique powers to fight the evil priestess.
I love the world building and the attention to detail. It's pretty cool and it's novel that moonlight can be used to make magical weapons or in general as an element that can be harnessed for magical purposes.
The author does a great job of developing the characters. Everything from high fantasy to budding romance can be found in these pages.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who's a fan of fantasy or anyone who just wants to tip their toes in these magical water.
The story centers on Sevestee. A young woman who can not only harness magic, but she can take magic from other people and boil it away.
In this rich magic filled world that makes her very dangerous. She uses these unique powers to fight the evil priestess.
I love the world building and the attention to detail. It's pretty cool and it's novel that moonlight can be used to make magical weapons or in general as an element that can be harnessed for magical purposes.
The author does a great job of developing the characters. Everything from high fantasy to budding romance can be found in these pages.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who's a fan of fantasy or anyone who just wants to tip their toes in these magical water.
April 13, 2025
Long ago, two new moons appeared in the sky above a divided world…
…And unleashed an era of chaos and opportunity. A ruthless individual known as the ‘Priestess’ assumed tyrannical control over the continent. Sevastee is a Ghiska, a member of a race deemed savages by the others. A furtive quest brings her into contact with the rebel leader Dom and his daughter Evee, resulting in a deadly hide, seek, and find game that spans the continent.
I found the world fascinating, especially the magical and technological changes wrought by the moons. The principal characters are all distinct and well crafted. However, the action sometimes came across as disjointed, jumping from place to place. Additionally, the various races (none of them human) were lacking in distinction. The story is engaging and entertaining despite these issues.
…And unleashed an era of chaos and opportunity. A ruthless individual known as the ‘Priestess’ assumed tyrannical control over the continent. Sevastee is a Ghiska, a member of a race deemed savages by the others. A furtive quest brings her into contact with the rebel leader Dom and his daughter Evee, resulting in a deadly hide, seek, and find game that spans the continent.
I found the world fascinating, especially the magical and technological changes wrought by the moons. The principal characters are all distinct and well crafted. However, the action sometimes came across as disjointed, jumping from place to place. Additionally, the various races (none of them human) were lacking in distinction. The story is engaging and entertaining despite these issues.
February 17, 2025
I very much enjoyed this fantasy adventure about Sevastee and her power to strip magic. I loved the idea that it made her so dangerous and vital in the war against the High Priestess. The plot was well developed, set against a wonderfully complex backdrop, with authentic and relatable characters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews