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Prelude
A HOPE, LONG EXTINGUISHED, RESURRECTED IN THE NOTES OF A WITCH'S SONG
Wren Nocturne, a long-dead witch, wakes up cold, alone, but very much alive on the floor of a haunted asylum, in a present where witches are naught but ash in the wind.
Bloodbound by her summoners, Wren rises, beholden to their dying wish for vengeance. But Wren's past returns to haunt her as she crosses paths with her ex-lover, Kaito Miyazaki - the technomancer who betrayed her. Wren's journey to reclaim love, family, and self begins with a Prelude.
Wren Nocturne, a long-dead witch, wakes up cold, alone, but very much alive on the floor of a haunted asylum, in a present where witches are naught but ash in the wind.
Bloodbound by her summoners, Wren rises, beholden to their dying wish for vengeance. But Wren's past returns to haunt her as she crosses paths with her ex-lover, Kaito Miyazaki - the technomancer who betrayed her. Wren's journey to reclaim love, family, and self begins with a Prelude.
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Published June 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 13, 2021
Wren Nocturne reborns in a changed world that has as much as, if not more, hostility and danger than when she died, especially with unknown parties manipulating people and situations. She remains undaunted as her path traverses astonishing negative and positive revelations. With resilience and fierceness, she navigates the world to which she is forcibly returned.
An intriguing tale with complex scenes that are well thought out and presented. The author does a remarkable job integrating magic and futuristic technology, balancing action, dialog, and description in excellent proportions.
An intriguing tale with complex scenes that are well thought out and presented. The author does a remarkable job integrating magic and futuristic technology, balancing action, dialog, and description in excellent proportions.
September 9, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a beautiful job bringing the story to life with her detailed and descriptive writing and pulled me in with the thrilling story line. I was glued to the pages right to the end and left with wanting more with the cliffhanger ending. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 11, 2021
The first book in the Nocturne Symphony series by a new Author to me and it looks like this is her debut book. A well written story with a good storyline. It has action, suspense, danger, twists, turns, and romance. I want to read the next book, this book ends with a continuation to the next one. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2022
This was the story combining science fiction and magic that I didn’t know I needed. I enjoyed every minute of this read. The excellent word choice and great character development has left me waiting in anticipation for the next book. If you like science fiction, fantasy, romance, or action, you’re going to enjoy this book.
August 15, 2021
This novel seamlessly blends technological sci-fi themes with intense, deep magic of high fantasy. The protagonist, Wren, is extremely likeable, and I found myself cheering her on the entire time. The mystery themes kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was happening next and why. I definitely was curious to see the true way she died, and why she was brought back from the dead. This was truly a different look on things, as I do not think I've seen a full on return-from-the-dead for a protagonist as the start to a story, so I really liked this unusual start to the novel.
The novel itself is in a different format than usual, not necessarily linear, but going back and forth between the past and present. I only stumbled a few times, but that's because I'm the sort of reader to miss chapter titles at times, or misread them. I think it's important for readers to pay attention to those! They are extremely significant as the story goes, and the timelines are important to keep in mind, even just reading how far in the past the chapter title states. This made the puzzle all the more engaging and fun.
**SPOILERS BELOW**
We start off with Wren being brought back in an insane asylum, with several unfortunate souls being torn to shreds. There's a high amount of action right out of the gate, and we're introduced to technomancy, necromancy, and Wren's magic that earned her the title "Songstress". I really love how Wren's magic works, she reminds me of many bard concepts that I have come to adore.
As the story progresses, we meet Kaito, and learn about their past together. Wren holds a lot of venom for him, and for a very good reason, too. She thinks he betrayed her with a letter, but as it turns out, that isn't the case, as he didn't write it in the first place (implied hacked). I was so curious as to why something felt so... off with her hatred of him, especially when I was shown how they met and their building relationship, which was really well done, by the way.
We follow Wren in trying to figure out what exactly happened at the temple with the massacre, and try to figure out a way to clear the curse. Not to mention, as we see at the end of the story, why exactly she was brought back from the dead in the first place. During this, we are introduced to many monsters and so much mayhem that is very well described. I particularly enjoy how the chimera were defined, and the visit with the hexen x human couple pair. (This is a highly simplified summary, granted, but I want to share my thoughts more than summarize.)
In the end, we're left with a couple of questions. Where is Summer...and HOW was she brought back? What is she planning? Along with the purpose of Wren's final cut, of course. This leaves room for a very rich sequel that I definitely would read.
***END SPOILERS**
The author can tell the importance of building a relationship well, and I really appreciate the emphasis on consent. This was approached in a respectful manner that I feel we need to see more of in fiction, especially fantasy. The fact that it's in this story made me happy. Not only that, but I'm a big fan of slow burn relationships. That was shown properly, and that is all I'll say here as to not spoil.
One important thing I want to bring up is that magic isn't restricted here, something we learn in the story. One of my gripes is the 'only certain people can use magic trope', which in this story, it was mentioned everyone has a bit of magic. That's something I want to mention as really appreciating, and reading that made me super happy. The other thing, though, is that there's clear drawbacks of both magic and technomancy, which does keep power in check. This is an important element in the story for sure.
Wren, as a whole, is a wonderful protagonist. She definitely has her flaws--which is the making of a GOOD protagonist, no matter what. She isn't a Mary Sue, but she's also just a morally sound, great person all around. She's hot-headed, stubborn, but understands nuance. She questions the 'way of things', especially with how people are treated, or how they're not even seen as people in some cases. This questioning is important, and it comes up again and again with her character. Something that never wavers, as a matter of fact. She is a mixture of technology and magic, two contrasting ideas that, well, ended up working together. I love her respect for nature and animals (seen at the end with the bird) as well.
Kaito was a great contrast. Always extremely serious, and down to earth, but never too harsh or snappy. He had infinite patience, which was something good to see. At the same time, he did know when to put his foot down and stand up for himself, but not in a destructive or abusive manner. I feel like it's important to see this more, and that this is a good representation of how disputes should be handled more than screaming fits.
The concepts explored in this book when it comes to technomancy and magic were a journey that I really enjoyed taking. I highly recommend this story for any major fantasy fans, as it brings a breath of fresh air along with a strong sense of familiarity. I rarely found myself lost, and when I did, most of the time I was guided back as the puzzle pieces came together.
Rich writing voice, strong descriptions, and highly likable characters all come together with excellent worldbuilding and setting. Give this a read for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The novel itself is in a different format than usual, not necessarily linear, but going back and forth between the past and present. I only stumbled a few times, but that's because I'm the sort of reader to miss chapter titles at times, or misread them. I think it's important for readers to pay attention to those! They are extremely significant as the story goes, and the timelines are important to keep in mind, even just reading how far in the past the chapter title states. This made the puzzle all the more engaging and fun.
**SPOILERS BELOW**
We start off with Wren being brought back in an insane asylum, with several unfortunate souls being torn to shreds. There's a high amount of action right out of the gate, and we're introduced to technomancy, necromancy, and Wren's magic that earned her the title "Songstress". I really love how Wren's magic works, she reminds me of many bard concepts that I have come to adore.
As the story progresses, we meet Kaito, and learn about their past together. Wren holds a lot of venom for him, and for a very good reason, too. She thinks he betrayed her with a letter, but as it turns out, that isn't the case, as he didn't write it in the first place (implied hacked). I was so curious as to why something felt so... off with her hatred of him, especially when I was shown how they met and their building relationship, which was really well done, by the way.
We follow Wren in trying to figure out what exactly happened at the temple with the massacre, and try to figure out a way to clear the curse. Not to mention, as we see at the end of the story, why exactly she was brought back from the dead in the first place. During this, we are introduced to many monsters and so much mayhem that is very well described. I particularly enjoy how the chimera were defined, and the visit with the hexen x human couple pair. (This is a highly simplified summary, granted, but I want to share my thoughts more than summarize.)
In the end, we're left with a couple of questions. Where is Summer...and HOW was she brought back? What is she planning? Along with the purpose of Wren's final cut, of course. This leaves room for a very rich sequel that I definitely would read.
***END SPOILERS**
The author can tell the importance of building a relationship well, and I really appreciate the emphasis on consent. This was approached in a respectful manner that I feel we need to see more of in fiction, especially fantasy. The fact that it's in this story made me happy. Not only that, but I'm a big fan of slow burn relationships. That was shown properly, and that is all I'll say here as to not spoil.
One important thing I want to bring up is that magic isn't restricted here, something we learn in the story. One of my gripes is the 'only certain people can use magic trope', which in this story, it was mentioned everyone has a bit of magic. That's something I want to mention as really appreciating, and reading that made me super happy. The other thing, though, is that there's clear drawbacks of both magic and technomancy, which does keep power in check. This is an important element in the story for sure.
Wren, as a whole, is a wonderful protagonist. She definitely has her flaws--which is the making of a GOOD protagonist, no matter what. She isn't a Mary Sue, but she's also just a morally sound, great person all around. She's hot-headed, stubborn, but understands nuance. She questions the 'way of things', especially with how people are treated, or how they're not even seen as people in some cases. This questioning is important, and it comes up again and again with her character. Something that never wavers, as a matter of fact. She is a mixture of technology and magic, two contrasting ideas that, well, ended up working together. I love her respect for nature and animals (seen at the end with the bird) as well.
Kaito was a great contrast. Always extremely serious, and down to earth, but never too harsh or snappy. He had infinite patience, which was something good to see. At the same time, he did know when to put his foot down and stand up for himself, but not in a destructive or abusive manner. I feel like it's important to see this more, and that this is a good representation of how disputes should be handled more than screaming fits.
The concepts explored in this book when it comes to technomancy and magic were a journey that I really enjoyed taking. I highly recommend this story for any major fantasy fans, as it brings a breath of fresh air along with a strong sense of familiarity. I rarely found myself lost, and when I did, most of the time I was guided back as the puzzle pieces came together.
Rich writing voice, strong descriptions, and highly likable characters all come together with excellent worldbuilding and setting. Give this a read for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2021
It is difficult to weave a world so complex as this, and Saenz does so with deft craftsmanship. The world of Deus is such an amalgamation of both history and futuristic technology that fits comfortably alongside an ethereal tapestry of spiritual magic, filled with beasts and monsters and the cybernetic technology to combat them. But the gouls in the dark are nothing compared to society’s systemic problems. The world Saenz crafted is one that mirrors current society’s own downfalls; the unconscious hatred of those “other” and the barriers placed between race and cultures. Is magic really all heinous and vile? Are the human+ techromancers truly superior? Can one have empathy and sympathy for ones unlike ourselves? These questions are burning from start to finish and projecting the characters on a journey through self realization and connection.
The protagonist is both volatile and charming, a true champion of the series and one I am excited to continue following through book 2 and beyond. Saenz has a way of making you think as you follow the characters through their own personal regrets and tragedies. The characters are each augmented with delightfully fresh enhancements that are both a blessing and a curse; from glittering metal prosthesis to enchanted sigils and each one reminds the reader of the character’s past.
The most magical part of this novel lies within the title itself. Prelude is a musical introduction, and the melody arches throughout the book with a stark simplicity. Tunes and songs and instruments play alongside characters and story so beautifully, the reader can practically hear the melody. With every hummed song, the reader feels connected to the world in which it belongs.
I am truly excited to read the next installment and discover more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The protagonist is both volatile and charming, a true champion of the series and one I am excited to continue following through book 2 and beyond. Saenz has a way of making you think as you follow the characters through their own personal regrets and tragedies. The characters are each augmented with delightfully fresh enhancements that are both a blessing and a curse; from glittering metal prosthesis to enchanted sigils and each one reminds the reader of the character’s past.
The most magical part of this novel lies within the title itself. Prelude is a musical introduction, and the melody arches throughout the book with a stark simplicity. Tunes and songs and instruments play alongside characters and story so beautifully, the reader can practically hear the melody. With every hummed song, the reader feels connected to the world in which it belongs.
I am truly excited to read the next installment and discover more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2021
Prelude, by Lyra R. Saenz is a richly-crafted tale of a reincarnated witch called Wren Nocturne, who must navigate a world she was forcibly removed from (by burning) nearly twelve years prior. In order to complete the risky spell that gives her a new lease on life, she must promise to repay her debts to the pseudo-coven. But, those debts are knotted up in Wren’s past. As such, she must encounter old friends, enemies, and the handsome Technomancer Prince who she both loves and despises. It also doesn’t help that Wren’s memory is patchy, at best (as one would expect considering her circumstances).
While the story is thrilling and intriguing, where Lyra R. Saenz shines is in her world-building. She expertly combines sci-fi and supernatural elements in a world not entirely separate from our own. Technologically-adept humans(+) fight a bloody international war among themselves, and savagely hunt Hexen (witches, werewolves, vampires, goblins, etc). Hexen, conversely, fend for themselves or team up with whomever has the upper hand. With more books promised, I can’t wait to learn more about the world.
Finalty, the story is beautifully written, and well-researched. Lyra R. Saenz adeptly mixes technobabble with witchcraft, finding the delicate balance where the two can intersect. She also provides the reader with excerpts from books written by fictional authors in-world to flesh out the tech/magic, and includes some relevant text from our world, too.
It is a bit early yet to compare this series to others’, but I found myself thinking of Martin and Tolkien quite a bit. I can see this series easily becoming just as beloved and respected. I will certainly be picking up the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While the story is thrilling and intriguing, where Lyra R. Saenz shines is in her world-building. She expertly combines sci-fi and supernatural elements in a world not entirely separate from our own. Technologically-adept humans(+) fight a bloody international war among themselves, and savagely hunt Hexen (witches, werewolves, vampires, goblins, etc). Hexen, conversely, fend for themselves or team up with whomever has the upper hand. With more books promised, I can’t wait to learn more about the world.
Finalty, the story is beautifully written, and well-researched. Lyra R. Saenz adeptly mixes technobabble with witchcraft, finding the delicate balance where the two can intersect. She also provides the reader with excerpts from books written by fictional authors in-world to flesh out the tech/magic, and includes some relevant text from our world, too.
It is a bit early yet to compare this series to others’, but I found myself thinking of Martin and Tolkien quite a bit. I can see this series easily becoming just as beloved and respected. I will certainly be picking up the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
Prelude - where do you begin but with the name, simple but proclaiming much more will follow. The book is captivating, haunting in its feelings and daunting in the sheer scope of world building that has gone into it. The author is not afraid to delve headfirst into a brave mixture of arcane and technology and come out shining brightly; harder still is the dive into mental health. Where many shy away she shows us that - though any of us may be damaged - we can still do great things. Our humanity saved, or reclaimed.
What the book may seem to lack in concrete striking visuals or grand locals are made up for in simply and easily making you feel a part of the world. She shows us what we need to see, what we should see, and the journey unfolds in front of us like the flowering notes to a ballade yet to truly begin.
The book took me eleven hours to finish - but I read it all page after page - captured by the characters, their world; the fights and struggles with monsters both arcane and psychological. Few books leave me unable to put them down - Prelude joins that list.
Now to wait, for if Prelude is any indication of this authors skills nobody should miss what comes next.
What the book may seem to lack in concrete striking visuals or grand locals are made up for in simply and easily making you feel a part of the world. She shows us what we need to see, what we should see, and the journey unfolds in front of us like the flowering notes to a ballade yet to truly begin.
The book took me eleven hours to finish - but I read it all page after page - captured by the characters, their world; the fights and struggles with monsters both arcane and psychological. Few books leave me unable to put them down - Prelude joins that list.
Now to wait, for if Prelude is any indication of this authors skills nobody should miss what comes next.
September 9, 2021
This book was fantastic, it grabbed my attention and held tight until I was done. I've never gotten into the idea of technomancy, which is featured heavily, but it did a good job of explaining what was happening, while seamlessly staying in the moment of the story.
The characters were vibrant and enjoyable, and the action sequences were easily visualized. The world Saenz created is so vast, I was afraid I would get swept up in so many details, but she helped me keep pace the whole way through. It was a lot of fun to explore these countries and peoples.
I look forward to a sequel!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were vibrant and enjoyable, and the action sequences were easily visualized. The world Saenz created is so vast, I was afraid I would get swept up in so many details, but she helped me keep pace the whole way through. It was a lot of fun to explore these countries and peoples.
I look forward to a sequel!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
This is a quick, informative book. It is book 1 in "The Nocturne Symphony" series. Someone recommended it and I looked it up. If you enjoy a mix of sci-fi, magic, and fantasy this is a book to pick up. Not my usual genre but I did enjoy it.
January 15, 2025
⚫️It is a captivating opening to the Nocturne Symphony series where dark fantasy flows with heart-wrenching emotions and intricate world-building. This book, at first pages, draws readers into a haunting atmosphere where the boundary between life and death, love and betrayal gets blurred.
⚫️There lies Wren Nocturne, a witch whom centuries have deemed dead, when she awakens in a haunted asylum, not by her choosing, but on the will of her mysterious summoners. Revived, thirsting for revenge, and setting out to uncover who she used to be, is a powerful witch and a fractured person. It's compelling to watch Wren fight her inner battles, trying to come to terms with her newfound existence and old wounds, particularly in her meeting with Kaito Miyazaki, the former lover who turned into a betrayer. Their tumultuous relationship adds depth to the plot, allowing readers to glimpse into the emotional turmoil and raw vulnerability that both characters carry.
⚫️Saenz's prose is poetic, lyrical, and mirrors the musical theme of the series. The haunting atmosphere of the asylum and the world of magic comes alive vividly, and the world-building is deep and immersive. The stakes are high, with Wren's need for vengeance driving her forward, but her journey is also one of self-discovery and healing. It's a beautifully crafted mix of action, suspense, and emotional depth that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
⚫️What makes Prelude stand out is not just the plot or the magical elements, but the way Saenz explores themes of love, loss, betrayal, and redemption. Wren's struggle with her past, her relationship with Kaito, and her fight to reclaim what was taken from her all resonate with real human emotions, despite the fantastical setting. The characters are complex and multifaceted, making their journeys feel deeply personal and compelling.
⚫️Overall, Prelude is a promising and powerful introduction to the Nocturne Symphony series. Lyra R. Saenz has created a world that's as enchanting as it is tragic, with characters that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you're a fan of dark fantasy, rich world-building, and intricate emotional storytelling, Preludeis a must-read. I can't wait to see where Wren's journey takes her next.
Happy reading ✨♥️
⚫️There lies Wren Nocturne, a witch whom centuries have deemed dead, when she awakens in a haunted asylum, not by her choosing, but on the will of her mysterious summoners. Revived, thirsting for revenge, and setting out to uncover who she used to be, is a powerful witch and a fractured person. It's compelling to watch Wren fight her inner battles, trying to come to terms with her newfound existence and old wounds, particularly in her meeting with Kaito Miyazaki, the former lover who turned into a betrayer. Their tumultuous relationship adds depth to the plot, allowing readers to glimpse into the emotional turmoil and raw vulnerability that both characters carry.
⚫️Saenz's prose is poetic, lyrical, and mirrors the musical theme of the series. The haunting atmosphere of the asylum and the world of magic comes alive vividly, and the world-building is deep and immersive. The stakes are high, with Wren's need for vengeance driving her forward, but her journey is also one of self-discovery and healing. It's a beautifully crafted mix of action, suspense, and emotional depth that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
⚫️What makes Prelude stand out is not just the plot or the magical elements, but the way Saenz explores themes of love, loss, betrayal, and redemption. Wren's struggle with her past, her relationship with Kaito, and her fight to reclaim what was taken from her all resonate with real human emotions, despite the fantastical setting. The characters are complex and multifaceted, making their journeys feel deeply personal and compelling.
⚫️Overall, Prelude is a promising and powerful introduction to the Nocturne Symphony series. Lyra R. Saenz has created a world that's as enchanting as it is tragic, with characters that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you're a fan of dark fantasy, rich world-building, and intricate emotional storytelling, Preludeis a must-read. I can't wait to see where Wren's journey takes her next.
Happy reading ✨♥️
December 20, 2023
This book has just about everything I love in a story. Its got magic, technomancers, a spicy romance that slow bakes over the course of the read and an incredibly irresistable mystery. I found the characters incredibly well thought out for an ambitious cast of worldly characters. Much of the story flashed between the past and present narrative and uncovers each bit of the mystery in such an enticing way that I really couldn't put it down once I started.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2025
Lyra R. Saenz’s PRELUDE is a masterful blend of [briefly describe genre/themes, e.g., “lyrical prose and haunting emotional depth”]. From the first page, I was drawn into [mention a standout element: the world, characters, or writing style]. The story [give a non-spoilery hint of the plot, e.g., “weaves together past and present with a grace that feels both intimate and epic”].
June 22, 2025
"Prelude" opens with an unforgettable hook: a long-dead witch awakens on the floor of a haunted asylum. From the first line, the story envelops the reader in an atmosphere thick with sorrow, magic, and mystery. Wren Nocturne is a protagonist both broken and powerful a resurrected witch navigating a world that has forgotten her kind, and a heart that still remembers betrayal.
March 10, 2026
Saenz does a wonderful job at blending all my favorite elements: tech, witches, strong female characters! One of my absolute MUSTS in a story is character development and PRELUDE definitely delivers. I was deeply invested in Wren and her journey and absolutely loved the world building. The pacing is NON-STOP which adds to the techno/electric vibe.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews