A Tale of Light and Shadow

A Tale of Light and Shadow #1

by Jacob Gowans

A medieval adventure for young adults, A Tale of Light and Shadow is the story of a boy struggling to become a courageous and honorable man and a girl who is desperately in love with him despite her father's disapproval. The book chronicles the extraordinary tasks their adventure asks of their band of five friends and how those demands can overwhelm and break the bonds of friendship.

Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships.

Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station. Though Henry is but a carpenter, his devotion drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives. At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Historical Fiction

Audio CD

First published September 2, 2014

About the author

http://www.jacobgowans.com/about-jaco...

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henry is a wealthy carpenter who wishes to marry the Isabelle from a pauper noble family. There is genuine love between the two, but unfortunately there is also a heinously evil father Lord Oslan between them. Lord Oslan is prideful, poor, and has no friends. For some reason he worries about what people think of him, but the truth is everyone who knows him hates him. Since Henry isn't a noble despite his wealth and the dowry he'd pay for Isabelle, Lord Oslan refuses to give Henry the right to marry Isabelle.

So A Tale of Light and Shadow isn't what I was expecting. I read the short story The Fool and the Dragonox and I was expecting at the very least more magical creatures, but sadly there weren't any. There is the slightest hints of magic with a tiny bit displayed, but it seems rather worthless. The story could basically be summed up as evil noble Dad literally ruins his daughters life. The betrayed lovers along with their friends and family run away to save Henry and Isabelle's love and all their lives.

It has been a while since I've encountered mustache twirling tie a girl to the train tracks kind of villains, but this story has two of them. I can not express enough how evil these two men actually are. Maybe no one hugged them as children or perhaps they needed to be spanked, but these guys are monsters.

One of the things that bothered me is how dumb can protagonists be. How many times does someone have to try to kill you before you stop trusting the kind things they say? For me I think once would probably be enough, but perhaps under the craziest of circumstances twice. Henry and Isabelle have that doe eyed naivete that makes you want to smack them for their sakes. They trust the evil Dad and listen to their friends when the say just hear him out or give it a try. If that's me I'm saying "do you even listen to me? That fool tried to kill me and you are saying hear him out??? You must have lost your d**n minds." But that's not Henry and Isabelle.

So the majority of the book is spent with our heroes running away. Which is awesome to read about. It's my own fault I knew the story was about a carpenter I guess I just thought he'd get powers or powerful friends. I know they say don't judge a book by the cover, but I thought the back cover was a safe haven from that counsel.

The back cover says:

An Emperor Hunts Them. (That's true)
A Dark Prophecy Betrays Them. (I must have missed that)
An Epic Journey Awaits Them. (Agree to disagree)
Six friends embark on a quest against insurmountable odds. (That's mostly true)
Only love and friendship can save them (Yet to be proven true or false)

The back cover gave me a politicians answer. Kind of true, somewhat true, some truth in it, but not 100% true.

A Tale of Light and Shadow was a disappointment and I don't imagine I'll continue with the series.

[Tressa (Wishful Endings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the prequel novella and first book in this series, but I can honestly say that book two, Secrets of Neverak, blew me away! I was engaged, consumed, and on the edge of my seat from the first page to the end. What would the characters do? What would happen? Would they all be safe in the end? From reading the first book, I knew that I couldn't count on everyone staying safe, so I was a little worried about where the story would lead and who would be there in the end. The journey was continuously fraught with danger. Relationships grew, developed, and changed. Hints of romance were woven throughout. Magic began to play a larger role. Definitely a story I would recommend for fantasy fans!

The characters. They're still evolving. There are some secrets and feelings they hold back. They're not perfect. Sometimes they make less-than-intelligent choices and sometimes they go about good choices or actions in the wrong way. There is some heartbreak. They also have such good intentions, such loyalty and devotion, such love and good hearts. They were pretty much perfectly imperfect. I did want the main group of friends to be more wary of others and more cautious in how they acted or went about their travels. They got sloppy. but then I would remind myself that these characters believe they are somewhat safe at this point and are not soldiers (except for James who was part of the King's Guard) or trained assassins. They're regular people who fell into this crazy situation because they were loyal to each other. I did love seeing towards the end some of the characters coming into their own, to begin to gain the confidence of knowing who they are and the possibility of who they could be.

The plot. As I said above, the plot kept me engaged, curious, and unsettled in not knowing what would happen. I was completely engrossed. I was invested in these characters and their story and I was in it for the long haul. The book is a little on the lengthier side, but the pages flew by. I literally read this in two days (would have been one if I hadn't had some other things to do). I loved how this didn't fall into the second-book-in-a-series syndrome. Yes, they are getting from point a to point b, but there was so much going on development-wise for the story and characters that this didn't feel like just a feeler in the series. The plot really thickens leading to subterfuge, new characters and some good action in parts. There are so many pieces and I loved seeing how they all played various roles. There are a few things still left to be uncovered and I'm looking forward to it. At the end, I wanted to immediately read book three. Unfortunately, I have a bit of a wait as it doesn't come out for another year.

Content: Some mature subject matter in regards to concubines and violence, but still clean.
Source: I would like to thank Shadow Mountain for my complimentary copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a little bit of everything: Romance, Adventure, Action, Mystery, Magic... I can tell that it is well thought out. Jacob Gowans does a wonderful job at laying the foundations while keeping the story moving. There are plots within plots. It is intriguing how it all works and flows together.

I was pulled into the world of Atolas from the beginning. Henry and Isabelle have a strong love for each other. Unfortunately, her father will do anything to tear them apart, including selling her to be a concubine to an Emperor. They pass through many trials that test the strength of their bond and prove who are their friends.

The book ends on a cliffhanger. I am so grateful that I have the second Secrets of Neverak already in my possession. This is a book that you need to find out if there will be a happy ever after. I liked the characters, particularly Isabelle, Maggie, and Henry. Ruther, James. and Brandol all have secrets that make them a little less lovable, but it will be great to find out what it is to drive them to their thoughts and actions.

This is a great book with a little bit of kissing and violence.

[Artimus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit out of my spectrum of genres I suppose.
I don’t typically get through a book so dark and depressing. However, I got hooked on the positive relationship between the two main characters. They care for each other well, and I wanted to see where it took them.

I found that it was kind of sickening what was going down in the evil plots, and was ready to punch something.

All of the friends tend to fight a lot, and they do not make the wisest decisions either. However, they all try their best to care for each other and it is in their best interests to do so because they are mostly all wanted men after rescuing Henry’s fiancé, Isabel.

I will check out the next book with the only intent to settle this problem once and for all. But, I do not like how this book ended, and I am not a fan of the plots and just the hint of magic. For instance, it leaves you vaguely curious when it talks about the sky having two moons when you are talking about apprenticeships that would take place in the 1800’s, but super magical happens on such a magical planet…

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I felt confused and it dragged to me. I put it down for a few weeks and read other things. One weekend I picked it up again, started from the beginning,and once I got to chapter three(22 pages into the book) the story took off!! Please don't give up on this book, because there is a very impressive story hiding within the pages of A Tale of Light and Shadow! I was amazed at the plot, the unforgettable characters, and the realism of life portrayed in this YA Fantasy novel.

The love between two of the main characters, Henry and Isabelle, makes you long for this kind of love in your life. Henry and Isabelle being driven apart is at the heart of the plot of this series. Henry, along with his sister Maggie, his best friend Ruther, and Isabelle's brother, James, head out against all odds to rescue Isabelle who has been "kidnapped" by the evil Emperor of Neverak, who wants Isabelle to become one of his concubines. You meet some grand characters along the way that will astonish you and some will terrify you, as they journey towards saving Isabelle.

A Tale of Light and Shadow will give you many characters to cheer for and many more to hate. After I started reading this a second time, I finished it in less than 24 hours because I literally could not put it down...until my eyes were red, the letters were blurring, and I had to go to sleep.

If you are looking for a book that includes the power of love and friendship, great adventure,humor, mystery and fantasy; you will be glad that you picked up A Tale of Light and Shadow.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked on this book from the beginning! Henry and Isabelle are in love but there are forces in play to keep them apart, starting with Isabelle's father. When the Emperor turns his attention to Isabelle, protecting her becomes Henry's focus, so they take off to find safety in another land. Henry and Isabelle are joined by some great characters: Henry's sister, Maggie, Isabelle's brother, James, Henry's childhood friend, Ruther, and Henry's apprentice, Brandol (Henry is a carpenter). I loved their interactions with each other and learning more about the history between some of the characters.

There's love, friendship, betrayal, heartache, adventure and more! The fantasy portion is pretty light so if you don't generally enjoy fantasy, this is a book you'll want to try. It's mainly a story of friendship and love and has lots of character interactions. Once the adventure portion starts, it doesn't let up until the very end, at which point I was glad that I had the second book available to start reading right away! There's so much more that I could say but this is a book you need to read to experience it yourself!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Bailey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Caroline kindly warned me that even though this book has an excellent beginning (and it's true, the first four chapters were so exciting and so much fun!), after that the author loses all steam and nothing goes on. So, after chapter four, I saved myself the disappointment and moved on to another book.

[Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The story was interesting, The characters weren't unrealistically powerful, and it was descriptive enough that I knew what was going on, but not so descriptive that I lost interest. This book follows Henry, a carpenter, as he tries to save his love, Isabelle, from the emperor of a different country while not getting killed or captured himself. Henry is accompanied by James, Isabelle's brother and a soldier, Maggie, Henry's sister, and Ruther, a storyteller and Henry's old friend. Henry's group has to get past obstacles in unconventional ways, like when Ruther has them put on a play to get past a division of soldiers. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure stories with romance as a big part of the story.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did something I prefer not to do: I listened to this book instead of reading it. In my defense, my library doesn't have a copy of the book I can actually read, so I finally decided to just listen. It was okay. And here is why I prefer to read a book before listening to it (because yes, I do listen to audiobooks . . . of books I've already read): It can be difficult to judge a book on its own merits when a narrator is involved. In this case, however, I think the book was just okay (same goes for the narrator).

The book begins (and ends) in the first person, from the perspective of a character whose name I have completely forgotten. He's a scribe or something and has arrived at an inn, where he's supposed to write down the tale that a traveling storyteller will share. The majority of the book is the story, as told by the storyteller (but we forget he's telling the story until the end, when it shifts back to the original narrator). All of this was told in one night, and listeners are encouraged to return the second night for more of the story.

Most of the characters felt very one dimensional. (Forgive me if I spell any names/places differently from how they're spelled in the book: I'm writing based on how they sounded.) Henry was good and brave. Isabel was pure and kind. Maggie was cynical and stubborn. Ruther (rhymes with "Luther") was a fat, drunk, gambling storyteller. Brandle was a cowardly imbecile. James was secretive and somewhat loyal, to certain people at least. James and Isabel's father was a manipulative gold digger. The emperor was a villain--no other way to describe him. I could go on, but I think I've made my point. I hate to say it, but Ruther probably had the most depth to him . . . and I didn't even like him. I find that I lack attachment to anyone, though I do hope the appropriate characters get dropped off a bridge with boulders tied to their feet. Just saying. Or maybe being eaten alive by rats would be better.

The idea behind the story was interesting, but the story itself fell a bit flat for me. It felt kind of like an attempt at The Princess Bride or something. It didn't work. Too many things went perfectly right or abysmally wrong at just the right moment. Frequently the characters' actions would make me wonder why they'd do stupid things; however, if they had actually acted with intelligence, I suppose the book would lack some of its major conflicts. (Example: Henry, since Isabel's father believes the emperor has taken her, it would have been wiser to allow him to continue believing that rather than tell him she's at your house and the two of you are leaving. Also, Henry, offering Isabel's father all 3000 crowns when he thinks you only have 1000 was stupid.) There are also some inconsistencies; for example, one character admits to taking 400 crowns of Isabel's money, but later another character is discovered to have actually stolen the money (so . . . ???). If I had been reading it, I likely wouldn't have finished. So I guess score one for the audiobook.

Unfortunately, my library has the next book in ebook format but not audiobook. So I'm not sure I'll ever find out what happens since I just don't think I can bring myself to read the 512 pages involved when I've got such a huge TBR list of books I'm more interested in. I suppose we'll see.

How it ends: Brandle is not only a bumbling idiot, but he's also a traitor. He tipped off the guards about Henry and Isabel's whereabouts, hoping that he would be able to escape (he stole the writ of passage). Henry and James are wounded badly enough that they're useless and unconscious. Maggie ran off into the woods for a while and then was caught by some soldiers, who were preparing to rape her. Before passing out, James points out Brandle as Henry, and the guards capture him. Isabel is also captured. Ruther (who had been cast out because of the money and Maggie's necklace, which they accused him of stealing but he really took to get fixed) shows up just in time to fire arrows from a tree. He is unable to do anything about Isabel and Brandle, but he saves the rest of them and stops Maggie from being raped. He and Maggie load James and Henry into the wagon and are going to . . . I don't really know. Get them help, I think, and then make a rescue plan.

Isabel and Brandle are taken to the emperor, who believes Brandle is Henry. Henry tries to atone for his wrongdoing and pretends to be Henry. He is executed.

The end.

Note: Can't think of anything bad.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

The narrator was okay. It's not that I couldn't tell the difference between characters (I always appreciate a change in voice). Ruther's voice drove me crazy, as did Brandle's. As with judging the book, I'm not sure if I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator because of HIM or because of the book.

Narrator: Shaun Grindell

NOTE: According to another reviewer, as of 2018, the author is unsure if the series will ever be finished because sales for books 1 and 2 weren't enough to merit publishing a third. So it looks like I'm going to call it quits here rather than get even slightly more invested in the series.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 10
In the world of Atolas live Henry, Isabelle, Brandol, Maggie, Ruther, and James. They are all family in some sort of way. Henry and Isabelle want to marry, but they can't. So they start to make plans to run away and marry, but something happens that causes that plan to take a slight variation. So they are forced to leave Atolas. Spending months on the road to reach the iron forest, where commotion ensues. While that happens other things happen too, that aren't good for the group. They couldn't find the conclusion in this book, that's for the second one.
Through out this whole story there are lots of problems and solutions. One of those was that Henry and Isabelle weren't allowed to marry, so they decided to run away. And while they were on the road they didn't want to have others know they were there, so they had to dress to blend in where ever they went. While they were traveling they had things go missing, and they found the mole and got rid of it. They had to travel through harsh weather, they kept going and hoped they wouldn't get lost. They met some one they didn't know if they could trust, they tried to lie and keep their identity.
I liked this book because it was well written. It used different words that were saying the same thing and kept things interesting. It described some scenes super well it was, like, watching it happen before my eyes in a movie. One of the things I, personally, didn't like was that it got to the rising action right as you got to the end of the book, but that was because there's a second one and it would continue in that one, but it just wasn't really the type of stuff in books I normally like. But other than that it was a truly amazing book that is worth five stars. I really would recommend it to any of my friends

[Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a man, named Henry, that has fallen in love with Isabelle, a girl he has known since his childhood. You follow an unfortunate series of events that ultimately makes Henry and Isabelle leave the country. On the way they pick up Isabelle's brother, James, who is a soldier in the king's guard, Ruther, Henry's best friend, Maggie, Henry's sister and Brandol, Henry's apprentice. As you read you follow Henry and co. through the country of Blithemore, as they narrowly escape the Emperor's clutches... sort of...

First off, this is a travel story. It definitely has the making for a fantastic book, but more in the sequel than this one. While reading it, I found myself wondering what I would have done in Henry's position, and I really appreciated how the author talked about each persons relationship with each other. I enjoy a book with twists and turns and I was delighted when Mr. Gowans did exactly that with this book.

Filled with inner conflict and conflict with a sword, I would recommend this book to most people. Jacob Gowans beautifully paints the relationships between people, and simultaneously mounts more and more tension for our heros to contend with.

[Kj Partridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a wonderfully written story about friendship, loyalties, and love, all wrapped up in an adventure. I loved seeing the interactions of the friends as they were on the run, trying to stay sane and figure everything out. I loved being able to picture this book in my head, to see the same things the characters were. My husband was laughing at me because I talked to the characters as I read, he gets so amused. He says that is the way he knows I really like the book.
I would very much recommend this book to others, I can’t think of a better way to use my spare time. I will definitely be waiting for the next book. I thank Jacob Gowans and Shadow Mountain Publishing for giving me this book to read and review. I definitely enjoyed every minute. I give this book 4 stars.

[Trinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun storyline. Kind of a princess bride- like fairytale without the eccentricity. I loved reading through each characters point of view. Eager to have Malia read it.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book, it is witty, exciting, and romantic. I really sympathize with Henry sometimes. When he thinks that all the mistakes are his fault I just want to hug him.

[Ashlyn Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the exceptional story described in the book “A Tale of Light and Shadow,” by Jacob Gowans, is intriguing throughout every word. The tale describes the love that a lowly carpenter has for a noblewoman and her love for him. The wonderful carpenter boy she learned alongside at his mothers school. The both want to be wed but when strange things arise, and an emperor gets involved things take a turn for the worst. I loved this book because it was pure enjoyment. I could not put it down. At first it was fairly slow, because there wasn’t much action but it still had unique character and charm as it placed the setting. As I started to engage into the next chapter, and the action began the book started to speed up. It was a thrilling adventure story. The book was full of detail that would not stop coming. It was very descriptive. I was enthralled the entire time. I like the plot and the ideas behind the story. However I will say I was slightly disappointed by the ending. I will not say why because that would spoil the book. I will be happy to start reading the second novel. The author had an amazing way of bringing out detail and describing the characters vividly. In my mind I could picture perfectly how each of them looked. I also felt like a new a lot about the characters, almost as if we had met in person. I think that the theme of this book is to never give up on your dreams. Even though the carpenter and the women have a complicated love that does not stop them. Even when an emperor gets involved they do not crawl away. The keep following their dreams because they know someday the work will pay off.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first few chapters of this book (once we got past the opening scene of the storyteller) was really exciting and had me waiting at the edge of my seat to see what would happen. I listened to the audio version while painting floorboards in my basement and more than once I found myself talking to the characters- "no don't do that, that's a terrible idea". However, once it really got into the meat of the story, I found that the plot seemed to wander and the pace lagged. It felt like filler added to give length to the book so that it could be made into a series instead of a stand alone. It lost my interest and I had to force myself to keep listening because I hate to start and not finish a book. In the end I stopped a few chapters short of the end when I found out that it was a series and so I was therefore unlikely to get resolution at the end, and I definitely was not interested in listening to, or reading, the second book. Darn. I hate it when a book starts with so much promise and falls behind.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t decide whether to give this a 3.5 or a 4 rating. The one thing that made me consider a lower rating was the fact that this book seemed to drag a little at some moments. Understandably so, the characters in this story do quite a bit of traveling (for reasons I shall not say so as to not spoil too much).

I really liked the characters, they felt very believable. They are hopeful and optimistic while remaining logical and sensible. Our main man, Henry Vestin, becomes one of the unwitting heroes of our story, and rather than see him suddenly have the perfect solution to every problem we see him struggle and question and doubt. Don’t get me wrong, he is still a courageous and honorable man—however he is faced with choices that he could have never foreseen, and therefore has to learn and grow as he takes on the responsibility of leading his friends on their journey.

Be warned: the book ends right when you are beginning to believe the worst has happened, so be ready to have book 2 on hand.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I finished it, but have no desire to read the second book, so that's probably three stars. And to be honest, I'm not sure I would have finished it had I not been listening to it while doing hours of repetitive tasks. It had its moments of excitement, but the characterizations were kind of awful. Too many points of view, very little character growth in any of the characters, characters often behaving in ways that didn't seem to make much sense (although it's hard to say they were out of character as there was minimal real character development in the first place to establish what they would do). Most of the book hinted at secrets that each character holds, but rather than revealing them gradually, some were unresolved (cliffhanger, but there is a sequel) and some were resolved...but the resolution felt very unfulfilling. Overall, enough to keep me engaged to the end, but it left me unsatisfied and uninterested in the ultimate conclusion. It does have romance in it but is very clean.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my daughter. She has quite an impressive library, particularly for a 13 year-old, and her reading level is right in line with that of a high school student. Much to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn’t think anything of it when I first picked it up. It was a very unique story and I really enjoyed the character development. I wish Maggie had played a bigger part in the story than she did. Her role never went beyond making jests at or becoming overwhelmingly angry with Ruther. I knew all along that Brandol had been the one who had stolen the writ of passage and Isabelle’s mother’s gold. It was very sad when Brandol knew that he needed to sacrifice his own life in order for the Emperor to relinquish all desire of chasing after Henry, but I knew that would happen as well. I would have given 5 stars had this story line not been so predictable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book three stars because despite the flaws I did actually finish it which even surprised me. But this was a very LOOOONNNGGG drawn out story. And despite having some interesting undertones regarding the story, like a hint that magic is involved, or that one of the main characters comes from a 'great line' of maybe warriors based on the sword he now possesses. But none of that is fleshed out at all in 400 pages. There is a second book. I'm not reading it...I may skim it because I checked it out from the library already. But I don't recommend this book to anyone. There are better paced stories out there that actually take you through potential plots. I wish the author hadn't been so concerned about his second book that he forgot to include the important stuff in the first book .

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. Henry and Isabelle love each other, but face hurdles to getting married, not the least of which is Isabelle's nasty father, and Emperor Ivan, a strong-willed man who rules a neighboring kingdom and wants Isabelle for his own. In danger from Ivan, Henry and Isabelle, along with Isabelle's brother, Henry's sister and several friends, flee their land. The story takes them into terrible dangers, as well as problems of their own making. There is much in the story about betrayal, self-perception, karma and the choices between good and evil. While Henry seems a bit of a weak character, he is human, and he sees that all too clearly as such.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked A Tale of Light and Shadow for its potential to lead into a greater tale once the complete story is told. There are many unanswered questions that are not resolved in this first book. I feel that pace and timing may be a bit off for me thinking I'd learn more than I did before the end came. The story is interesting and I'll be reading Secrets of Neverek to hopefully understand more about the secrets that have been kept and the hints of magic and The Path that is mentioned but not explained.

[Kaylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series. The character development was excellent and as the story continued to build I was caught up in the magic, mystecism, and mystery of the plot. However, I was really disappointed how the series abruptly ended. The last book ended on a major cliff hanger and provided no resultion for the characters and plot. After looking into it further, it seems the author ran out of a company to fund him and turned it to his readers to convince the company to fund his further books. Haven't seen a lot of progress there, so if you dont want to get invested, don't bother in picking it up.

[Amanda Ashby aristides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, keeps you interested and on your toes. You think you know, nope you don't, yes you do, you were right, but there's a catch. This is a great mixture of friends and not so much, that have known each other for more than a decade and for some closer to two. It's about growing apart, growing together, loyalty and weaknesses, betrayal, cowardace, bravery and being noble, it's about doing the right thing all mixed in with adventure. Very well tied together, but like the listeners in the book, we must wait...for book two!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It starts out sweet and gets deeper and more real from there. The characters are real and developing, it is obvious the plot and elements of the world have been thought out and planned, but they are revealed to us only slowly. The sequel is even better...but WARNING the last book has not been published and who knows if it ever will be. I'm dying to read a book that doesn't exist!

[Lauren Perotto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story and there were some great bits of humor. But other things fell short. It hints at a totally different world with more than one moon and interesting creatures. So, tell me more! Not enough world building. It also hinted at magic but there were no explanations. I’m assuming there’s more in the next book?

And as an aside. One of the best acknowledgment pages ever. I’d love to know more about the evil would-be in-laws.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The story is written differently then a lot I’ve read, but it kept me on the edge of my seat as the band of friends struggled through one thing after another.

The ending surprised me, and I was both proud of the friend, and horrified by his fate. The emperor is a completely despicable person, and I was sad he didn’t get what he deserved. However their is always hope as the book ends on a cliff hanger, so I am hopeful the next book with bring that about.

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was looking for something to read at the time and stumbled upon this audio book in a subscription I was paying for and thought the cover looked interesting so I took a chance. Boys was I not disappointed! I absolutely loved this book. It was very interesting in unique in it’s telling or at least to me. I rushed to the second one which I found to be even more enthralling then this one. I hope that the rest will be available soon!

[Paige Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest review of this.... INCREDIBLE. There are two so far in the series and I love them both. These characters became real so quickly. I read both books with vigor. Perfect amount of description and left enough for imagination to finish plus you’re immersed in this world and given pieces but by bit but enough to understand and crave more all at the same time. I couldn’t put these down.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was longer than I felt it should've been, but it left me hanging, so now I have to read the second book. I wasn't surprised by who the traitor was, but I was glad that he made his peace in the end. There are some interesting characters, and I especially like some in particular.