Reave

Reave Series #1

by C. Miller

How far would you go to be free—to make your own choices without being subjected to punishment for doing what you felt was right? Could you kill for it?

After being abandoned by her father as a child, Aster spent ten years of her life as a servant for the leader’s House in the broken city of New Bethel. She’d known, even as a child, that the cities of her world were corrupt places with human monsters—assassins—running rampant between their high walls.

Thinking everything will remain the same as it always has there, Aster is startled to discover that one day . . . the cycle breaks. As a young new leader takes a strange and—at times—horrifying interest in her, will she be capable of discovering the reasons behind his actions and orders?

In a world where nothing is as it seems and all things are never anywhere near as simple as they appear at first glance, will she be capable of making the distinction between what is real and what is not? Will she find anyone at all she can trust? More importantly . . . Does she have the strength to do what is necessary to survive in a world filled with evil?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Audiobook, Romance

404 pages, ebook

First published December 3, 2013

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

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reave is a story about a young woman who has been a servant for most of her life, living on an estate where the Leader of the house only lives for a short period of time. Any time a servant speaks out, or does something wrong they are severely punished. Aster is no exception having more than her share of beating and whippings throughout her life. However, all this changes when the new Leader arrives and challenges Asters perspective on the world, and herself.

Although lacking in action, the journey that Aster takes trying to understand herself and the new Leader, all while pushing boundaries with the Reaper makes this book a page turner. I wanted to know more and more about the motives behind the new Leader, who the mysterious Reaper was, and when Aster would finally learn what everything meant, and what decision she would make in the end.

Her character was interesting, because although Aster could read the malevolence in people, or pick up on certain mannerisms, her sheltered life kept her from noticing other mannerisms, that I, as a reader, picked up on right away. Aster questions kindness and flirtations and at some points I just laughed at her naivety, while feeling absolute pity for the man vying for her affection.

Her characters are well fleshed out, and the relationships are real and deep where they should be, and shallow and new where they needed to be. Another refreshing change with C. Miller's characters was the unique yet normal names. Although Aster is more unique than normal, there were no names that had me pondering how to say them; which in a world where Apple is an actual name, was quite the refreshing change of pace. Not to mention the normal spellings.

Overall this book pulled me into the story, had me captivated by the world, and invested in the characters and their lives. I would move this book to the top of your TBR pile and in the meantime I'm going to order my copy of Elude, the second book in the Reave series.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a second, I have to catch my breath.
Oh, wow.
My heart is still pounding as I am writing how taken away I was with this book. I can still feel its effects in my veins. That wonderful adrenaline that makes your breath hitch and puts a smile on your face through the joyous effects...
I'll definitely be feeling this one tomorrow.
C. Miller did a remarkable job in catching a readers attention from the start and holding onto it with texted iron fists. When I was first learned what Reave was about I was immediately intrigued. Assassins? I mean, come on, who doesn't love assassins!? But combined with Millers breathtaking abilities of adding romance...Hold tightly to your heart, this is one “deadly” book.
Miller was able to drag me in through the eyes of a girl named Aster, and spin me up in her broken world of slavery where she was nothing more than another servant. Lowly and unworthy. An object. A possession, who could claim nothing in the world besides the clothes on her back, but even then did not own the back that her clothing rested on...Until her world suddenly changed.
Caught in a deal with the man she serves, Aster finds herself in the presence of someone she fears, and has ever right to. Reaper. Assassin. But are things always as they appear to be? Or is there something hidden beneath the surface, If she could only stop the rippling. Could the one she fear the most be the one to lead her to freedom?
Asters voice starts off so faint, so unsure, despite her rebelliousness (and who could blame her, having been stomped on her whole life). But slowly she becomes louder, voicing her opinion and showing her nature. It took time to realize her emotions and capabilities (which is something we always seek to understand in ourselves). But no matter what, she kept asking questions, and most importantly kept believing in herself, even in the face of danger and insecurity. Slowly Aster blossomed with every turn of the page and pulled you along with her, sharing her experiences with you. I can never express how important this is for a story. You have to grow with the characters and Miller did an absolutely wonderful job introducing a character who new very little of the world, allowing you to slide into her shoes like a ghost playing possession. To take each step with her to learn of freedom the likes of which she could only ever see in her dreams, or the pages of books she sacrificed the skin on her back to see.
Love, protection, sacrifice, fear, trust. Only a few in the emotional whirlwind that makes up the pages of Reave. I have lived through the eyes of Aster and felt her tears, her disbelief’s, her fears. But most of all I felt her love and the desires to be free. The chances she will take to get there, and the need to see her own inner strength.
I was struck so wonderfully by the originality of this story and the secrets that it held, as well as the romance that leaves me so breathless. C. Miller's Reave is a story that anyone with a love for finding inner strength, and the power of trust and love will undoubtedly enjoy! Its a definite must read for anyone who loves YA novels.
I was given, so kindly, a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I thank the author so much for sharing such a beautiful story with the world!

[Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After her father disappeared when she was a child, Aster has spent 10 years as a servant in the leader’s house of the city of New Bethal. Even as a child Aster knew that the city is a corrupt place full of assassins, called Reapers, but everything she has known changed when a new young leader takes charge. She is ordered to look after an assassin staying in the house. As Aster gets to learn more about the Reapers, and herself, she realises that she may not know the whole truth about her life.

I enjoyed Reave, it has a bit of action, fantasy, romance and assassins who actually kill people. This book is very descriptive but I did get confused at some points in the book. Also the cover is a bit deceiving as the book takes place almost entirely inside.

Aster is a sweet, naïve girl and during the book develops an inner strength and grew as a character. Chase was protective, caring and a good love interest for Aster but I did find the romance lacking. Ahren was smart and secretive and I was surprised by Camden as I was expecting him to play a different, more complex role.

The ending was a bit anti-climactic but I did not see the twist at the end coming and I am looking forward to reading the next book Elude. I would recommend Reave to fans of YA fantasy novels.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this thru the Author for my honest review. I was hooked from the first page to the last. This is about a girl that has to overcome fears. Aster has been a servant for most of her life & any time a servant speaks out, or does something wrong they are severely punished. Aster is no exception having more than her share of beating throughout her life. She is a slave and cant come & go as she wants she cant leave the house and is only permitted to speak to those higher to her if they speak to her first. Aster is a spit fire though she can be very rude but how can you blame her? I love how C. Miller can grab ahold of you by describing as if you are seeing everything thru Aster's eye's. That's all im going to give you so I hope you go out and check this book out! This story has adventure, drama, secrets and romance. I cant wait to read Elude!! Thank you again for letting me read & review I loved this book and cant wait to read more of your books :)



“He sighed loudly, but it was interrupted part of the way through with another short laugh. “You’ve spent the majority of your life being forced to show respect to people who have no respect for you.”
“And you’ve spent the entirety of yours being shown respect when you deserve none.” My hand shot to my mouth and I added, “I apologize for my words, Sir, but I do not appreciate being compared to a monster.”
― C. Miller, Reave

[Sydney Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be asked to do an ARC of "Reave" so that I may leave an unbiased review of the book when it became published onto Amazon. Happy to oblige, I'm here to tell everyone that this was an incredible story.

When it comes to character development, Miller is amazing. You watch the characters grow throughout the story and you become deeply invested in their growth and their lives. It's hard not to fall in love with the main character, Aster, and begin to root for her throughout the entire story. As for the other characters, you truly get to know each of them, whether it is love or hate. The character progression is astounding and you literally do what each character progress through the story as it gets told.

Imagery is another thing that Miller does exceptionally well. Throughout reading, it was incredibly easy to see each character plainly in my head, as well as their surroundings. The detail that goes into telling the story is beautiful.

I have to say that "Reave" is an incredible addition to anyone's book collection and it is a definite must read. I found it hard to put the book down and was upset when I finished; I wanted more! I give 5 out of 5 stars for this exceptional book, and will be recommending it to any and every person I know that enjoys a well-thought out, wonderfully developed story.

[C. Miller]

The world of the Reave Series could be considered a dark place. There are assassins everywhere, classism is simply part of life, and mistreatment is widely accepted. The threat of violence is like an invisible hand hanging above everyone’s head. You step out of line? It goes from invisible to something with far more substance.
When writing and editing, I actually did and do see it as (literally) dark, almost like there’s a film over my internal lens. (Especially when writing from Aster’s perspective.) Funnily enough, though?
No matter that ‘lens’ or the content? I’ve always seen so much hope and strength here, felt there were lights shining everywhere to cut through that darkness. Sometimes, you just have to look closely to find it and them.
I hope that’s what’s taken from this book and this series—lights come in varying forms, sometimes in the places you’d least expect, from people you might never expect. And that’s a beautiful thing, I think—knowing that we’re all significant no matter who would say or insist otherwise.
If you’re thinking about stepping into Aster’s world, seeing it through her eyes? It’s not an easy place! But I hope you’ll step in and come out the other side with something good. I definitely did!
<3

[Susie Fitzwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I truly loved it and had a hard time putting the book down. These is a girl named Aster. She was left when she was a child by her father and lived with some friends of his. They couldn't keep her so they turned her into the reavers. She went to a house in New Bethels and was there as a servant. The entire tine she was growing up she was told she was property. She would sneak into the library which would give her beating for it. Then a new leader is placed into the house and brings a reaver into the house named chase. From there you learn several new things. You get to participate in the excitement with the characters. I truly loved watching the development of the characters. The story was full of adventure, laughter, drama, and secrets. The storyline was incredible and followed along with the plot. It never faltered from plot and stayed on track throughout the entire story. I love the description she leaves of the world and of everything in the story. It truly helps to picture everything including what she goes through.The author leaves you wanting to read more of this story. I recommend anyone that loves a great story and romance to check this book out.

[Deborah Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Reave by C. Miller to very a thoroughly great read. I was not sure if I would like it or not, but once I started reading it, I could not put it down. These are not your usual characters. There are no vampires, werewolves, millionaires or rock bands in this story. Well, I guess the leader of the village may be rich, but it really does not say. There is no sex or BDSM in this story. So, if that is what you are looking for, this is not the book for you.
This book is about a slave that learns to overcome some fears, the way a leaders eyes can be opened to the mistreatment of those beneath him, and the blossoming of first love. That is all of the details I am going to give you. I hope that it intrigues you enough to pick up this book. I read it in one seating.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because there is a twist that I do not think anyone would see coming. I finished this book at about 3 in the morning and when I got to the twist I shouted out loud. This of course woke up my husband who then swore that he was going to call my mother and cuss her out for ever having the bright idea to send me to school where I could learn to read. Yeah, it is that good and surprising.

[Victoria Selix · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!

I love how this author approaches good verses evil. This book is rooted in a modern storyline without any need for magic, dragons, or special abilities; which is so hard to find. I throughly enjoyed how they used constant questions to push the plot forward! It’s a unique and interesting read to the very end.

[Casia Pickering · Rating 5 out of 5]

(High in the 4 star range, rounded up to a 5) More like 4.85 stars, but 5 stars made more sense.

Reave is a young adult fantasy that brings up some pretty interesting questions. It is written by indie author, C. Miller, and depicts the life of a servant (more like a slave), Aster.

To begin, as a reader, you won't know much about this world from beginning to end. And you may not like that it is a slow paced book. However, the writing is well done and kept me going. The character, Aster, is a strong girl who only becomes a woman nearing the end of the book.

It is slow paced because ultimately, Aster is a servant/slave to this large building. She can't go past the household walls and is only permitted to speak to those higher to her if they speak to her first. She also has to use titles to anyone higher class. You are experiencing this world through her. So, what she knows equals what you know. Unfortunately, that isn't much. What I would say about this book is that it's more about the growth of Aster than the fantasy world Miller sets the story in.

Aster is snarky and quite a bit cynical. She does open her mouth and can be quite rude. But, the beatings never stop her from saying what she's thinking. I love that about her. Hands down, this is the Aster you see in the beginning. The Aster that grows is a person who chooses her words carefully. She also sees the world in a different way. And, the innocence I saw in the beginning is there, but not too bad. She grows.

I love characters who grow.

The relationship between her and the Reaper also grows. It makes sense the way it happens. There isn't instant love. It takes time and I love the realism in that.

Questions are brought up in the book that gave me an idea on what it's purpose is. It is to bring up your own thoughts and allows a person, Aster and the reader, the idea of personal change and growth. I haven't seen those questions asked in young adult books. Not in the way they are asked or how blunt they are. It was a burst of fresh air.

Yes, the pace was lacking, but I've seen reviews of the second book and the way the first book ends gives readers an idea that action is about to happen. Like I said before, this book is about the personal growth before the awesomeness that I'm sure follows in the second book. That said, the sequel is something I'm looking forward to.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel extremely privileged that the author sent me this book in the mail along with her second novel, Elude. Thank you!
This novel is about Aster who will only let herself remember her life as a slave to prevent any painful memories about happiness and freedom. She has always relied on her ability to remain invisible to everyone, but that all changes with the new Master. He takes a special interest in her for an unknown reason. When he assigns her to care for Chase, the Reaper staying there, Astor can't refuse him or her heart. She battles with herself before falling so deeply in love that she can't see a way out.
But there are dangers for Reapers and those who choose to be with the, dangers Astor is only just realizing. Love makes her conquer her fears and defy what her brain tells her. Astor trusts that love will keep her soul from turned as scarred as her back.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was so amazing that I finished it in a day and immediately started the second one. Astor was such a strong female protagonist and she didn't even do anything action involved for the first half of the book. Her smart mouth made her easy to relate to and I loved how she acted so unintelligent when she really wasn't.
The twists and turns of this book, while not extreme, were interesting and engaging without being overwhelming. The plot was a tad obvious, but you have no way of knowing how it was all going to play out. Miller made even the obvious shocking when it actually happened.
The part where Astor tried to deny her love was a little tedious because you knew she was going to cave. There wouldn't be a good story unless she caved and brought along so many issues. But while you knew it was love at first sight, I had no idea about her relationship with Ahren and their secret connection. Awesome!
This has become one of my favorite books and I've already loaned it to a friend because she wanted to read it. Definitely deserving of 5 stars.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off this novel was given to me by the author for a down right honest review and I plan on giving her that. With that said this novel was beautifully written and I loved almost every bit of it! It took me forever to read the book only because it was hard to get into at first. Even though it was hard to get into I am so glad I decided to pick it back up and finish it! Aster really surprised me at the end of the book and I am surprised that the characters came together quite nicely. I didn't expect the things from the Reaper Chase had done and I can't believe some of the other character are extremely, should I say close, to Aster. It's hard to explain the book without giving to much away. You just have to read it and find out for yourselves how wonderful it truly is. This is only the first of the series and I can not wait to get my hands on the second!

Update 2023: I reread this book so I could read the second. 8 years later and I’m still in love with it and could not put it down. I also lived more life and now understand a lot more where Characters are coming from. Aster is very sheltered even in a life of servitude and not being allowed to be her own person but property. She didn’t know the ways of the world beyond the House. In comes Chase, the big bad Reaper, who Aster knew to be afraid of. They kill for a living why shouldn’t she be afraid? Where do you draw the line for good and evil? Can Aster move past her fears? Will she find answers she’s been looking for? She might or does she get herself into something she can’t get herself out of? Read to find out.

[Amanda Shelley-Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

*This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*

Amazing story! C. Miller's characters and story blew my mind! I have never read a book more complex and intriguing in thought and context. There was never a moment that didn't make you think more and I loved every single sec.

I loved all the characters in this one I don't know that I could pick a fav as they were all so intricate. I loved them each differently as Aster would say...lol... but in this one, the one that stuck out the most was Chase. His story and his love for Aster was beautiful and I liked how they looked out for one another. I also liked Chandler, Ahren, Stanley and Stewart. I got a kick out of them a lot as they all fell under Asters spell.

With danger looming over their heads at all times in the story it made it quite stressful for the characters and made the story tense for most of the time as the characters were at each others throats more times then not...lol...it made the ending more dramatic as well and I couldn't wait to read the next one as I went right out to buy it!..lol...I think this is defiantly one of the best reads of the year for me! C. Miller is a brilliant writer and I can't wait to see more from this series!

[Sam McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reave is a journey into another world, where killers are celebrated, and where people are treated as commodities, to look pretty or to serve, and nothing else. It starts after a new leader has come to the Valdour House, which is a microcosm of the city of New Bethel itself, but this new leader is different from the dozens who have come before. The protagonist, Aster, does a great job of showing her vulnerable but sturdy nature through her interactions with other workers and with the new leader himself. She is a gutsy heroine, and certainly someone to root for as she goes through one issue after another, leading up to a dynamic finale that sets up the second book in the series quite well. Hopefully that second book will arrive soon.

[Tianna Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This book pulled me in from the very beginning! I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! A lot of surprises, twists, and turns! The end shocked me! I did not see that ending coming! A wonderful romance! I can't wait to read the next book! A wonderful read! Absolutely fantastic!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was soooooo good. I could not put it down. There were so many plot twist that you did not see coming! The characters were really developed. I loved how Aster was very ignorant about love. I can't wait for the second book.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what a story I really loved it thank so much to mrs. miller for giving me the opportunity for enjoying such a wonderful book. the story took me off guard. a must read for any person who wants to have a suspense drama

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you start reading this story it sucks you right in. The characters are great and the storyline is awesome. Once you start reading it you won't want to stop. Would definitely recommend to everyone. Congrats C. Miller on a great read.

[Stephen Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Lots of excitement and intrigue with a bit of romance. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reave took me on an wonderful journey through the eyes of Aster, a young, naive girl navigating a cruel and corrupt world. I absolutely loved Aster as the main character. She's inexperienced and sheltered at the start, but there's a quiet strength in her that gradually blossoms. Watching her growth felt like watching a puppy slowly turn into a wolf. What really sets Reave apart, though, is the slow-burn development—not just in the romance, but in Aster's character arc. There's no instant love, no naive female lead suddenly becoming wise or fierce overnight. The author takes the time for Aster to grow naturally, which I found incredibly refreshing. Her transformation is gradual, thoughtful, and entirely believable.

This is a slow burn with a high level of focus placed on character development. Typically this would lose my interest but being inside Aster's head was so enjoyable - I was hooked! She's clever, blunt, strong willed and insightful, I couldn't get enough.

There are two central male characters—Ahren, the stern Lord of the House, and Chase, a deadly Reaper who serves as an assassin for the city. Ahren starts off as cold and rigid, but as the story unfolds, he becomes unexpectedly lovable, with a warmth that caught me by surprise. Chase, on the other hand, is everything you'd want in a strong, protective male lead. His "touch her and die" attitude comes across perfectly -the first time we meet him, he breaks a man's arm for touching Aster improperly. The chemistry between Aster and Chase is slow-burning but intense, with so little said between them, yet their emotions speak volumes. I couldn't get enough of them.

Reave is very much about Aster's transformation, and it does an amazing job of keeping you hooked as you watch her evolve. The setting is dark and gritty, filled with danger, and it’s clear that Aster is on the path to something big—I can't wait to read the next book. I want to see Aster burn it all to the ground.

If you're looking for a character-driven story with a fierce yet developing female lead, brooding male characters, and a slow-burn romance, Reave is the book for you.

Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC!

[Jon Wasik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reave has a bit of a slow start, but when it picks up, it really picks up and gets interesting. In a way, I see this as a coming of age story, or an awakening story, as the protagonist, Aster, has simultaneously lived a highly-sheltered life, and simultaneously a dark, challenging life of oppression. When she's finally 'awakened,' her challenge becomes learning how to survive in a life she never knew anything about, in a world she barely comprehends at first.

Regarding writing and language style, the story reminds me of some of the old classics like "Great Expectations" or similar, and the interpersonal relations is one of the primary focuses of the novel. But there's also hints of dangers and minor action, making this what I would call a 'slow burn' book of intrigue.

All in all, an enjoyable read. The author is able to ensure that if there's ever a moment I start to wonder where this is going, I get just enough answers to keep me interested and wondering and reading on. She also weaves a tale that, though the ending shocked me, in hindsight, I should have seen it coming - all the clues were there, planted artfully by the author.

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook:

This story touched me intensely and I’m still reeling from the surprising twist at the end. I’m thinking that partly I could have figured it out but even though it hit me.

The story and world building are from an extremely high quality, the characters are very vivid, brave and intriguing. What’s also remarkable is the way the delicate and pure emotions are expressed. Several moments I was either touched, humored and shocked and it all felt so real.

The narrator has such enjoyable voice to listen at and did very well with changing to different vocal timbres when she was either reciting Aster, Chase, Arren, Agatha, Chandler, …

I can’t wait to start listening to part 2!

This is certainly a must read when you enjoy a touching fantasy story, with slow burn romance, friendship and perseverance!.

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

[Stephanie Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique story! Enemies to lovers - check! Weak to strong FMC - check! Misunderstood MMC - check! Morally gray MMC - double check! I loved reading this story and can’t wait to read the second book, Elude. I cannot WAIT to see what happens in the world of the Reapers, and I’m so excited for this burning romance to fully blossom (hopefully) between Aster and Chase! Also, how will Ahren fare in all this??? So happy I took a chance and picked this one up on Story Origin! Thank you and I loved it!

[Alanda Tar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very captivating story with a couple of bombshells dropped at the end that had me saying ‘what!?!’ The ending is a cliffhanger that makes me what to get the next in the series. The narrator did a great job differentiating between the different characters and putting emotion into the reading. I would recommend this book to those who like light romance with assassins and surprises.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the raw honesty in this book. Extremely well-written with fascinating characters. I didn't want it to end. I will read the second book straight away as I just have to know what's going to happen next. This book is an excellent read!

[Deirdre VanHorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

i truly enjoyed this book! this was a new author for me! she weaves a web of world building that draw you in very quickly! i loved the premise of this story and found the characters to be very mysterious yet relatable! i was drawn in and read this in one setting, i truly hope the author continues the story to another book. i highly recommend the book to anyone looking for a great read!

this book was given to me by story origin to which i read voluntarily! my opinions and thoughts are my own!

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I knew how I would start this review as I was coming to the end of, but that ending was a real brain scrambler. Not in a bad way, but in a way that what I thought was going to be revealed wasn't exactly right. I was getting curious about the story's slow pace since it felt like the ending would be rushed. Instead, it's left on a fantastic cliffhanger with one of the best final lines that I've read in a long time. Very thankful that I read this after the sequel came out because of this.

The world that is painted is gritty and cruel from the beginning. It lightens up a little as Aster, the main character, matures and develops. Still, you never shake the sense that there is harsh classism in this world and a person can get beaten at the slightest provocation. Pain and death are almost a way of life in this world, which is enhanced through the perspective of Aster. I would have liked to learn more about the Reavers as the story progressed, but that's more curiosity. I don't think it would have added to the plot and probably would have been out of place there. After all, in a first person POV book, you can only know what the main character knows and Aster showed no signs of having that knowledge.

Getting on to the main character, I loved how she was written. It's hard to discuss this without spoilers because I feel that Aster's development is the main story. Her evolution isn't a straight line either, which is what helped me get through the slower parts of the story. She had moments of immaturity, indecision, and irrationality, which made her come off as human. It was the steps back and how she handled them that made her endearing. It really helps the build up to the finale. That final line I mentioned locks in the fact that she is no longer the invisible girl you met on the first page of the book.

That isn't to say the book is flawless and I'm not talking about a few typos because those were few and far between. I mentioned the slow pacing, but that wasn't terrible. By the end, it feels necessary for impact. The big thing that bugged me is when certain objects or information are being brought up and the reader has no idea what they're talking about. It happens a few times and I put attention trying to figure out what the important item or information was. It first happened with the demand that Aster use a character's name, but I don't remember her ever being told the name. So I was left wondering how she could use it. The revelations in these situations were rather casual and left me going 'that's what I've been wondering about for 10 minutes?'. This was the only thing that bugged me for the first two-thirds of the book. Thankfully, it didn't happen once the final act kicked in. This could just be a nitpick on my part though.

Overall, a great story from a first time author and the ending definitely makes the read worthwhile.

[Pamela Beckford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow the author's blog and purchased this book a few months ago to support her. I finally started reading. I had no idea if this was going to be fantasy, paranormal, romance, YA or comedy.

I was immediately transported into Aster's world. Hers was a simple existence. She was considered property. Not a person. She thought she was invisible. But suddenly her life gets complicated. And she was no longer invisible. The key characters were fully developed and I felt like I was a part of their world walking the hallways with them.

I enjoyed this book a lot and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

It would have been better with a little more editing. There were some passages that I had to read two and three times to try and understand. They weren't critical to enjoying the book, but slowed down my reading.

I do recommend reading this book if you are looking for a book that will pull you into the world of Reapers.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books

This was a very good book! I really loved the main character, Aster! C. Miller is a great author and she's a awesome at character development and world building. I could not put this book down once I picked it up and I read it fairly quick too! All the characters grow so much and I got to know them all which made it easy for me to connect to the story even though it's fantasy. I'll be honest, I had my doubts before I started this book because the blurb is kind of vague, but I'm glad I gave this book a chance! I think it made me like the book even more, so I'm not going to tell you what it's about. The blurb will have to do. Just so you have the same experience as me! I think that's about all I can tell you without giving away too much, so I'm just going to stop here. If you love Young Adult Fantasy, give this book a shot! It might just surprise you just as much as it did me!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Really 4.5*)

I was lucky enough to be sent this by the author in exchange for an honest review and I absolutely loved it.

I'd been in a reading slump for a few months and this book dragged me straight out of it and inspired me to start reading again.

It has quite a medieval feel to it because of there being servants and superiors all living within a kingdom, and right at the end there were a few surprises which I found interesting and made me instantly buy the sequel Elude.

The only reason that I can't give it 5* is because the way that some of the sentences were strung together didn't quite make sense to me and I could sometimes get lost on who 'he' was in sentences so I had to re-read parts a few times in order to understand them.