The Chronicles of Beauty: Sherina, The High Priestess

by Teresa M. Wilkins

On the luminous planet of Azura, nestled in the Andromeda Constellation, Sherina ascends as High Priestess, her life as a princess seemingly etched in starlight. Trained in ancient magic and bound by duty to her father, King Dranchku, her path feels certain, until one fateful night shatters it all. The ruthless Lizarian Warlord Barush threatens not only the king’s life but the very soul of Azura, and, unbeknownst to Sherina, her own fate hangs by a thread.
When her closest friends, sent to save a dying civilization, fall into Barush’s clutches on the treacherous prison planet Gauchtu, Sherina is lured into a deadly trap. Armed with her formidable magic and unyielding courage, she must outwit a cruel warlord whose power could spark the devastating Lizarian War. Every step on Gauchtu tests her strength, her heart, and her belief in the magic within her.
Sherina, The High Priestess, Book 1 of The Chronicles of Beauty, is a spellbinding young adult fantasy brimming with danger, loyalty, and hope. Join Sherina as she battles to save her friends, her kingdom, and herself in a saga where magic is the light that can change everything. Dive into this epic adventure today, and look for Book 2, Beauty, the Lizarian Warrior, coming soon!

387 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2025

About the author

Teresa M. Wilkins
Author

Dear Goodreads reader,
I am the author of the new fantasy series, The Chronicles of Beauty. My mission is to change the world one book at a time, inspiring you to find the magic within yourself.
My Young Adult Fantasy series, The Chronicles of Beauty: Sherina, The High Priestess, takes you on an epic journey of spirit, magic, and self-discovery.
Book 1: Sherina, The High priestess is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0j8P9GX
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jvov...
Book 2: Beauty, The Lizarian Warrior is coming soon!
Join my ARC Team for an early copy of Book 2! Email me at:
thechroniclesofbeautyfantasy@gmail.com or message me via the "Ask the Author" box on Goodreads. Leave an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads, and I’ll feature your name on the acknowledgments page of my next book!
Follow me on Goodreads for updates and giveaways.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/teresaw...

Believe in your inner magic!
With stardust,
Teresa M. Wilkins
Author of The Chronicles of Beauty Series

Reviews

[Nicole Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author has a very philosophical and mystical way of writing which was appreciated. But at times, she was
a bit too verbose and redundant (I don’t know how many times I had to read about Barush’s obsidian eyes).

The pictures throughout the book helped with the
imagery and were lovely. However, the story line
was a bit too formulaic for me. At times, the
book went a bit off track to me. There is a “cliff hanger”
of sorts in this YA fantasy, which indicates at book two.
But I won’t be reading it.

[H. Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting, deeply imaginative tale that radiates spiritual strength and feminine power. The Chronicles of Beauty: Sherina, The High Priestess is more than a fantasy — it's a journey of self-discovery, purpose, and resilience. Sherina is a beautifully layered protagonist, and her evolution is both inspiring and emotionally rich.

Teresa M. Wilkins has a gift for weaving mystical elements with empowering themes, creating a world that feels both ancient and timeless. Her storytelling is confident and vibrant, and her voice stands out in the genre.

I truly hope the author continues writing — her vision is unique and needed. Books like this remind us of the magic that lies in inner growth and spiritual awakening. Looking forward to what comes next in this series and beyond! Keep going, Teresa — your words matter.

[Fay]

a high-stakes fantasy of magic, courage, and destiny

This book is a thrilling read, full of formidable magic, unyielding courage, and a protagonist who must confront her fate. Every page is packed with tension as Sherina battles to save her loved ones, her kingdom, and ultimately, herself, all while facing a power that could ignite a devastating war. It's a captivating start to what promises to be an epic series

[Sivan Kish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chronicles of Beauty is beautifully written, with vivid world-building and real tension on every page. The author does a fantastic job bringing Azura and Gauchtu to life while keeping you hooked on Sherina’s dangerous mission. I loved the mix of magic, loyalty, and high stakes—it’s a compelling fantasy with a strong heroine and truly immersive storytelling.

[Laura Friars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the storyline and the beautiful art at the start of chapters! Can not wait to find out what happens next.

[Steven Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and was pulled right into the enchanting world of Azura. The story follows Sherina, a princess trained in ancient magic and destined for greatness, who’s suddenly forced to face a merciless warlord and rescue her friends from a deadly prison planet. I loved how the book balanced high-stakes danger with moments of hope and friendship: there’s a real sense of loyalty and inner strength running through every chapter.

The author’s world building stands out, with lush descriptions and creative use of magic that made Azura feel both fantastical and real. Sherina is a relatable, brave protagonist, and her struggles with fate, family, and finding her own strength kept me engaged. The action kicks off quickly, and the tension never really lets up, making it easy to breeze through the pages.

On the downside, because the focus is so much on plot and adventure, some side characters aren’t as fleshed out as I would have liked. The intensity and magical battles might feel overwhelming if you prefer quieter stories or slice of life fantasy. I noticed that the book is clearly the start of a series, so some story threads are left open for future installments.

Overall, if you’re looking for an epic YA fantasy with peril, loyalty, and an inspiring heroine, “Sherina, The High Priestess” is a great pick. I’m excited to see what awaits in Book 2!

[A T · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page of The Chronicles of Beauty: Sherina, The High Priestess, I felt as though Teresa M Wilkins had whisked me to a distant corner of the Andromeda Constellation and dropped me onto Azura's luminescent soil. What follows is a bold, heartfelt adventure that blends coming-of-age stakes with high-fantasy wonder—yet never loses sight of the quiet moments that make us care. What hooked me, though, were the friendships. Sherina, Jozi, and Ramesh have that ride-or-die vibe that makes you wish you could pull up a chair at their table—and maybe borrow their shapeshifting powers for a day. The magic system has that perfect "I don't need an encyclopedia to get this" balance: crystal orbs, mind-talk, cloaks sewn with star-thread—enough sparkle to feel epic without slowing the story down. Plus, Wilkins slips in small, intimate moments (hot cocoa after a battle? Yes, please) that make the big stakes hit even harder.

[readeronrehab · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Each word carried the weight of the revelation that had shaken their tranquil world: the Lizarians and Salamanders were at war, and Azura stood in the path of their gathering storm.” page 246

The Chronicles Of Beauty is a narrative of coming-of-age, identity, rebellion, connectedness, and resilience that will appeal to young readers. A high priestess, Sherina, rebels against the authority of King Dranchku (her father) and challenges Barush, the Lizarian warlord, to save those she loves from his cruelty. Sherina has to soul-search and make choices that go against her long-held beliefs to bring peace to the warlord’s world. The story has Beauty and the Beast elements, adding a fairytale air to the novel.

The world-building and the chapters are well structured but not overly complex. It has beautiful illustrations and the scenes are fast paced, which are essential in teen fiction. The Chronicles Of Beauty is suitable for readers aged 15 and over.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

before I knew it, I was fully locked in Sherina’s world like I’d been transported to Azura myself. Her whole vibe—powerful but still figuring it all out—just hit home for me. Like, she’s strong, but not in that unrealistic way, ya know?

The whole thing with the warlord Barush, the prison planet, the magic—it was intense but not overwhelming. And omg, that world-building?? So rich. I could literally picture every scene in my head. The loyalty, the danger, the “your friends’ lives depend on you” stakes had me turning pages like crazy.

What really stuck with me though was how personal it all felt. It’s fantasy, but the emotional stuff—fear, trust, fighting for something bigger than yourself—it all felt super real. I finished it and instantly got that “wait, it’s over??” feeling. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Grace Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Sherina grows up, she thinks she knows what her future holds: to be a princess, heir, and keeper of Azura's old magic. But when a cruel Lizarian warlord threatens her father and her world, everything she knows is turned upside down. Her friends are taken prisoner on the dangerous prison planet Gauchtu, which puts Sherina in a life-or-death rescue mission, the outcome of which could change the fate of the galaxy.
Sherina steps into a fight much bigger than she is, with only her magic, courage, and heart to guide her. Every decision she makes pulls her deeper into a fight that could ignite a war of catastrophic proportions across the galaxy.

[Hurrem Sultana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chronicles of Beauty: Sherina, The High Priestess is an absolute gem. From the very first chapter, it pulls you into a world that feels rich, alive, and full of mystery. Sherina is a beautifully crafted character strong, graceful, and undeniably captivating. The storytelling is smooth, the world-building is stunning, and the emotional pull is real.

I found myself completely wrapped up in her journey, rooting for her every step of the way. It’s the kind of book that keeps you turning pages without even realizing it. Powerful, enchanting, and deeply satisfying this is a story that stays with you long after you close the book.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well done story line- was it fantasy or real life imagined?
I loved the portraits and the special world map- the visuals really helped guide my imagination of Sherina's Kingdom. Her descriptions are fascinating and provide an outline of each adventure, character and location- which made it easy to slip away into the "kingdom"
I love that "light" is what can change everything- a truth indeed.
I found the story line captivating and I look forward to seeking "what is next" in the series!

A well done read that will take you to a new world and experience.
I would love to listen to this on an audible as well

[Christopher Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel has impacted me positively. Wow! I can’t remember the last time I spent nights wide awake reading a book. It grabs you, hooks you, and doesn't let go.

The author’s work is evident; it is very well written. The story he crafted with Sherina has been fantastic: it delves into her emotions, her context, and how she gradually overcomes her challenges.

The story is unreal, an imaginary world in a fictional place that is charming, just like The Lord of the Rings or Narnia. I noticed small writing errors, but it's not a big deal.

[Marcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this as I think it’s a good mid-season book to change up my reading taste a little. The story at times reminded me of the ups and downs of TV series like Game of Thrones, but with even more twists than I’m used to in a single book, which is great.

I think Sherina is a way better character than Dranchku, and I believe that’s how this book is meant to be understood. That said, I think King Dranchku is going to have more power and protagonism in the next book, something I just infer from the cliffhanger, lol.

[Shayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely mesmerizing fantasy debut! Sherina, The High Priestess draws you into a vibrant, otherworldly realm full of cosmic beauty and danger. The characters are rich, the pacing perfect, and the emotional pull between loyalty, love, and destiny is deeply moving. Sherina’s courage and compassion make her unforgettable. The writing is cinematic—each scene feels alive, from the glittering halls of Azura to the desolate prison planet of Gauchtu. A brilliant start to what promises to be an epic saga. I can’t wait for Beauty, the Lizarian Warrior!

[Aziza M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An immersive, beautifully told journey that pulls you straight into Sherina’s world from the very first page. The storytelling is rich, confident, and emotionally charged, blending mysticism, strength, and destiny in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. Sherina’s evolution as the High Priestess is compelling to witness, with vivid scenes and powerful moments that linger long after reading. Every chapter deepens the intrigue, making it impossible not to keep turning pages. A captivating read that celebrates inner power, beauty, and the courage to rise into one’s true calling.

[Wildflower7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic fantasy, written for young adults and old alike, I think all would enjoy this story. The author has a way with words and of telling the story that draws you into every scene. Follow the life of Sherina as she faces the threat of a dying civilization. But when she moves forward she has to find her inner courage and strength to face the cruel warlord. This is a fresh and captivating beginning to a wonderful series. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Nitin Tooteja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring

This captivating fantasy adventure sweeps readers into a world of magic, danger, and destiny. Sherina’s journey from princess to High Priestess is both inspiring and emotionally charged, filled with courage, loyalty, and self-discovery. The vivid world-building and rich storytelling make it a must-read for anyone who loves powerful heroines and epic, otherworldly tales.

[Chad O Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fantasy of a high priestess out save her friends from an evil warlord wanting to start a new war. This book is filled with magical moments that will make you turn the next page. By the end of the book, you are left with a awe moment that any parent would understand. Her loyalty would begin to change as who she realizes who she will be more loyal to. This is apparently the first book of a continuing series.

[Hunter Zuker]

This book swept me straight to the world of Azura and didn’t let go. The blend of ancient magic, royal duty, and a high-stakes rescue on the prison planet Gauchtu kept the pages turning through the night, and Sherina’s courage feels both powerful and relatable. Barush makes for a genuinely menacing villain, and the friendships at the heart of the story adds warmth to all the danger. I loved the clear worldbuilding and fast pace action

[Anka Troitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Priestess Rising—it’s a wonderfully imaginative YA fantasy that whisks you straight off to Azura. The world-building is lush and vibrant, and Sherina herself is an easy heroine to root for. I will say a few moments felt a tad over-the-top, but nothing that pulled me out of the adventure. The mix of magic, danger, and loyal friendships kept me happily turning pages. If you fancy an interstellar quest with heart, this one’s well worth a read.

[Alex Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, fantastical read, as we follow Sherina, a princess who has to save her people from the evil warlord Barush. She has to use her wits, courage, and magic to battle him and to save everyone she cares about. The writing is rich, offering adventure and fantasy as we follow Sherina along her dangerous high-stakes quest. The world-building is detailed, and I enjoyed the mixture of hope and danger.

[Alyssa Da Silva]

I dove into this fantasy with curiosity, and Sherina’s journey as a young high priestess completely drew me in. Her blend of wisdom and vulnerability reminded me of the strength in trusting your intuition. The world-building felt rich, and I found myself rooting for her through every challenge. It was a magical escape that left me inspired and eager for more.

[Aubrielle Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on the radiant world of Azura, The High Priestess of Azura is a spellbinding blend of fantasy and destiny. Sherina’s journey from royal heir to fierce savior is both thrilling and deeply emotional. With rich world-building, cosmic stakes, and a fearless heroine facing impossible odds, this story captures the heart of epic adventure and the power of inner magic.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzling Space Fantasy with Heart
Journey from royal priestess to fearless warrior is a breathtaking ride through cosmic realms, ancient magic, and high-stakes destiny. Spellbinding tale blends rich world building with emotional depth, making it a great read for fans of epic young adult fantasy.

[Dr. Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical and Full of Adventure

I loved this story! Sherina is such a strong and brave character, and her journey kept me hooked the whole time. The world of Azura felt so real and full of magic that I could picture every scene. It’s an exciting mix of danger, friendship, and courage that made me not want to stop listening. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next!

[M. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherina, The High Priestess is a beautifully written and engaging fantasy adventure. I loved how detailed the world of Azura is and how much heart Sherina brings to the story. Her journey is filled with courage, magic, and tough choices, making it easy to get completely absorbed. It’s a promising beginning to The Chronicles of Beauty series, I can’t wait to see where it goes next!

[Sergi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating from start to finish! Sherina, The High Priestess is a breathtaking blend of magic, danger, and destiny. The world-building on Azura is stunningly vivid—you can almost see the glowing skies and feel the pulse of ancient power in every scene. Sherina is a fierce, determined heroine whose courage and heart make her instantly relatable and inspiring.

[Arcelie Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sherina stands out as a strong lead. She’s powerful but still has moments where you see her doubts too. It’s nice that she’s not perfect but keeps pushing forward anyway. The story balances her bravery and her softer side pretty well. Makes her easy to stay interested in the whole time.

[Skyler SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, good context, good character development, good writing, good format, good everything — but the ending left me with a feeling of wanting a bit more. Maybe it’s just because I’m very particular.