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Forgotten Legacies #1
Darrienia
Winner of the 2016 Independent Author Book Of The Year Award for 'Outstanding Fantasy' and semi-finalist in the Kindle Book Awards.
It is said that the past always returns to haunt you, yet some forgotten pasts have whispered names and a debt for collection.
Dangerous curiosities stir a hidden darkness, one that patiently waits to seize control. The subtle periphery between dream and reality is in peril, and those chosen must face the evil behind this looming disaster.
But lurking in the shadows, guiding their hand, lies the true threat - and a hidden agenda. Can they discover the truth in time, or will would-be-heroes become nothing more than pawns of evil?
Readers’ Favorite 2019 Silver medal winner in Magic and Wizardry
Winner of New Apple 2019 'Official Selection' in the 2016 and Older category
Literary Titan award 2020
Next Chapter book of the year 2020
It is said that the past always returns to haunt you, yet some forgotten pasts have whispered names and a debt for collection.
Dangerous curiosities stir a hidden darkness, one that patiently waits to seize control. The subtle periphery between dream and reality is in peril, and those chosen must face the evil behind this looming disaster.
But lurking in the shadows, guiding their hand, lies the true threat - and a hidden agenda. Can they discover the truth in time, or will would-be-heroes become nothing more than pawns of evil?
Readers’ Favorite 2019 Silver medal winner in Magic and Wizardry
Winner of New Apple 2019 'Official Selection' in the 2016 and Older category
Literary Titan award 2020
Next Chapter book of the year 2020
- GenresFantasyEbooksYoung Adult
744 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
86 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Simmill
10 books145 followersK.J. Simmill is an award-winning British author with books released in both the fantasy and non-fiction genres. All of her books are free to read on KU
She is a qualified Project manager, Herbal practitioner, and Usui Reiki master, with certifications in various fields of holistic therapy; inclusive of aromatherapy, crystal healing, colour therapy, ethereal Reiki, Indian head massage, shaman power Reiki, sound therapy, and massage therapy. She has spent many years researching various practices of magic and herbal medicine and has recently completed training and qualifications in Special Educations Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
When she is not writing, she is an avid reader and a passionate gamer.
She is a qualified Project manager, Herbal practitioner, and Usui Reiki master, with certifications in various fields of holistic therapy; inclusive of aromatherapy, crystal healing, colour therapy, ethereal Reiki, Indian head massage, shaman power Reiki, sound therapy, and massage therapy. She has spent many years researching various practices of magic and herbal medicine and has recently completed training and qualifications in Special Educations Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
When she is not writing, she is an avid reader and a passionate gamer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 26, 2017
Make no mistake, this is a big book, just as fantasy novels are supposed to be. It's a complete story, all of the loose ends of this plot are drawn together, but still segues neatly into a sequel (again, as fantasy novels should).
The setting is interesting, as the plot shifts back and forth between the real world and the world of dreams, which are joined by fixed points. The shifts become a compelling plot device, as certain things can only be accomplished in one world or the other and the travellers must find a safe place to transit between worlds as they shift from waking to sleeping and back again.
One of the things I found rewarding in the novel is that the reader isn't told everything up front. We don't know much about the world initially, and less about its dream counterpart (the Darrienia of the title). We learn more of the geography and history as the world is actually traversed, learning as the characters learn.
Similarly, we don't know a lot about the characters to begin with, only that every one of the group has some mystery in their background. We learn their personalities and relationships quite quickly, but the deeper secrets are only uncovered gradually. We are made aware that there are hidden layers, but we only learn of the characters as they learn of each other. This makes good plot sense, and also treats the reader as intelligent and keeps you hooked.
The journey itself, a quest to find five runes in order to release a hostage race from captivity, takes us through fascinating territory and many dangers and will satisfy all lovers of fantasy quests. And yet the whys and wherefores, the whole underlying purpose of the quest is strangely nebulous. Events are kept moving along, but always with a nagging feeling of something being missing. This is all revealed to be quite deliberate in a well-structured ending.
There are some very complex characters here, perhaps the most complex being Night. But their motivations all become clear and the clues are there to be found throughout.
I have to congratulate the author for making me feel a great deal of empathy for Zo and her plight, increasingly as the tale advanced. The reason I must congratulate her is because it's almost impossible to cheer for both Zo and for the assassin Marise Shi, for reasons I won't spoil here. And I was definitely in Marise's camp. With her flame-red hair and green eyes and her merciless murderous streak, she's the spitting image of the character I usually play in role-playing games. Also, the all too rare (but extra delicious because of that!) moments when she appears in the story are so fast and visceral and dramatic. And yet, I couldn't help falling into line when considering Zo's choice at the end.
A very engaging read, and I'll certainly be reading the sequel, 'Severaine'.
The setting is interesting, as the plot shifts back and forth between the real world and the world of dreams, which are joined by fixed points. The shifts become a compelling plot device, as certain things can only be accomplished in one world or the other and the travellers must find a safe place to transit between worlds as they shift from waking to sleeping and back again.
One of the things I found rewarding in the novel is that the reader isn't told everything up front. We don't know much about the world initially, and less about its dream counterpart (the Darrienia of the title). We learn more of the geography and history as the world is actually traversed, learning as the characters learn.
Similarly, we don't know a lot about the characters to begin with, only that every one of the group has some mystery in their background. We learn their personalities and relationships quite quickly, but the deeper secrets are only uncovered gradually. We are made aware that there are hidden layers, but we only learn of the characters as they learn of each other. This makes good plot sense, and also treats the reader as intelligent and keeps you hooked.
The journey itself, a quest to find five runes in order to release a hostage race from captivity, takes us through fascinating territory and many dangers and will satisfy all lovers of fantasy quests. And yet the whys and wherefores, the whole underlying purpose of the quest is strangely nebulous. Events are kept moving along, but always with a nagging feeling of something being missing. This is all revealed to be quite deliberate in a well-structured ending.
There are some very complex characters here, perhaps the most complex being Night. But their motivations all become clear and the clues are there to be found throughout.
I have to congratulate the author for making me feel a great deal of empathy for Zo and her plight, increasingly as the tale advanced. The reason I must congratulate her is because it's almost impossible to cheer for both Zo and for the assassin Marise Shi, for reasons I won't spoil here. And I was definitely in Marise's camp. With her flame-red hair and green eyes and her merciless murderous streak, she's the spitting image of the character I usually play in role-playing games. Also, the all too rare (but extra delicious because of that!) moments when she appears in the story are so fast and visceral and dramatic. And yet, I couldn't help falling into line when considering Zo's choice at the end.
A very engaging read, and I'll certainly be reading the sequel, 'Severaine'.
April 17, 2017
This book is wildly imaginative! An epic adventure in a realm where gods and magic still exist. The story follows a young woman whose past is a unknown to her as her memory is blank, yet within that past lies a darkness about her that she is unaware of. Zoella is quite the dynamic character, a true Jekyll/Hyde condition, yet original all the same. She lives peacefully with her friends Daniel and Acha on the island town of Crowley, serving as a healer. But events occur that soon disrupt their day to day lives, and unexpectedly, they must venture on an incredible journey, led by a young warrior named Elly, who seems to be the only one who has knowledge of Zo's past, and a naive but noble elementalist named Eiji, travelling in between their own world and Darrienia, the world of dreamers.
The plot is very complex, given the extensive background information the author gives of this realm's mythology, which in many ways parallels that of Greek mythology. She goes into much detail, which can be a bit to absorb, but this is the kind of book that's meant to be read more than once. The more you follow the adventure, the more you get out of it. And this book is filled with countless adventures!
The author also does an excellent job with the amount of depth she puts into her main characters. All five adventurers have backgrounds that define their personalities well, and it's easy to become quite attached to all of them.
Throughout the story, we see that friendship is a central theme here. Friendship seems to influence the characters' decisions, both good and bad, and it's the one element that holds these characters together.
Bravo to Ms. Simmill for a thrilling fantasy of epic proportions!
The plot is very complex, given the extensive background information the author gives of this realm's mythology, which in many ways parallels that of Greek mythology. She goes into much detail, which can be a bit to absorb, but this is the kind of book that's meant to be read more than once. The more you follow the adventure, the more you get out of it. And this book is filled with countless adventures!
The author also does an excellent job with the amount of depth she puts into her main characters. All five adventurers have backgrounds that define their personalities well, and it's easy to become quite attached to all of them.
Throughout the story, we see that friendship is a central theme here. Friendship seems to influence the characters' decisions, both good and bad, and it's the one element that holds these characters together.
Bravo to Ms. Simmill for a thrilling fantasy of epic proportions!
December 1, 2015
This book transported me to the wonderful world that K.J. simmill has created and I really didn't want to leave it. Carefully plotted and written in a fresh and interesting style, I was hooked quickly and invested in the good versus evil struggle, and in the characters, especially Zo and Daniel.
There are many exciting and imaginative elements in this epic fantasy which intrigued, delighted and, at times, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Book 2 is a must read!
There are many exciting and imaginative elements in this epic fantasy which intrigued, delighted and, at times, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Book 2 is a must read!
November 23, 2019
Darrienia by K J Simmill is a tour de force in the epic fantasy genre, the result of great world building and storytelling. I enjoyed the medieval flavour, the sorcery and magic. Simmill makes full use of the fantasy tropes and laces the narrative with a satisfying mix of Greek mythology and herbal lore.
Gripping, slow-paced and utterly absorbing, Darrienia is a novel to get lost in. The author adopts a carefully measured approach to character development. There is much depth to the narrative too, the result of gentle probing into motives, evident in the reflective passages.
Filled with adventure and satisfying plot twists that will keep you hooked till the end, Darrienia is a gem in the fantasy genre, suitable for teens and adults.
Gripping, slow-paced and utterly absorbing, Darrienia is a novel to get lost in. The author adopts a carefully measured approach to character development. There is much depth to the narrative too, the result of gentle probing into motives, evident in the reflective passages.
Filled with adventure and satisfying plot twists that will keep you hooked till the end, Darrienia is a gem in the fantasy genre, suitable for teens and adults.
June 10, 2016
Wow, what a truly epic novel! It has everything: remarkably well-developed characters, an engaging plot that will make you turn pages faster, and of course an important message (even several, actually) to the reader – what choices would we make if faced with certain circumstances and whether there are purely good or bad people, and what makes them turn from one into another?
I absolutely loved Elly, the main protagonist, who is pulled into different directions, but who grows through challenges thrown her way. I couldn’t help but root for her and flip pages faster to see what’s going to happen to her next.
What I also enjoyed was how real the world, created by the author’s brilliant imagination, felt; I was completely immersed into it from the very first page and visualized every character, setting and event. The influence of an old Greek legend was also masterfully interweaved into this fantastic story, which will definitely stay with me for a long time. I do hope for a sequel though! Highly recommended!
I absolutely loved Elly, the main protagonist, who is pulled into different directions, but who grows through challenges thrown her way. I couldn’t help but root for her and flip pages faster to see what’s going to happen to her next.
What I also enjoyed was how real the world, created by the author’s brilliant imagination, felt; I was completely immersed into it from the very first page and visualized every character, setting and event. The influence of an old Greek legend was also masterfully interweaved into this fantastic story, which will definitely stay with me for a long time. I do hope for a sequel though! Highly recommended!
May 30, 2016
I’ve literally just finished this book, and was very impressed with the author’s ability to bring an epic story together within a world of mythology, fantasy, and history.
It’s a long book, but you actually don’t notice it as you are engaged in the story, the world that has been created, and the battle between good and evil.
Definitely one for fantasy, history and mythology lovers, and a highly recommended read!
It’s a long book, but you actually don’t notice it as you are engaged in the story, the world that has been created, and the battle between good and evil.
Definitely one for fantasy, history and mythology lovers, and a highly recommended read!
June 26, 2016
FANTASY
This book is good, and very well written. I have enjoyed reading DARRIENIA, the fantasy world this writer spins into this story is wonderful. It's a pretty fast moving story with much to entertain you. I would like to recommend The Forgotten Legacies with this *****5 Star review today. If you like fantasy books, you will enjoy this one.
This book is good, and very well written. I have enjoyed reading DARRIENIA, the fantasy world this writer spins into this story is wonderful. It's a pretty fast moving story with much to entertain you. I would like to recommend The Forgotten Legacies with this *****5 Star review today. If you like fantasy books, you will enjoy this one.
September 19, 2016
This brilliant book kept me in its captivating mythical world untill the last page.Once I started reading it I could'nt put it down.It's a very well written novel with charming characters involved in dangerous adventures. I loved it.
June 6, 2019
I’ve found myself quite impressed with this fantasy novel. It has a unique, dreamy mood and all the characters felt very real to me. The balance between the reality and the dream world of Darrienia including the thin line between the two gave space to philosophical pondering as well as well-driven action. I could feel how the novel weaves together different sources of inspiration including philosophy, archetypes, mythology, fairy-tale like elements and beings. And in my opinion, it's mainly about harmonising the light and shadow aspect of one’s personality and accepting one's Self - hence becoming a complete human being with its unique path and mission. I liked the two main heroines, Elly and Zo, and I especially enjoyed the dynamics between them. The part of Zo’s background was surprising even shocking to me. The fact that she can’t remember a portion from her past and then discovers some unexpected dark secrets hiding beneath the surface rattled me.
The book is dreamy and gentle but can be tough and scary at times. The pensive parts compliment the action parts, and I found them to be harmoniously interwoven and equally entertaining. The novel is full of contradictions, dualities, and conflicts as every good story should be, but it also has a powerful message, which I appreciated above all.
The book is dreamy and gentle but can be tough and scary at times. The pensive parts compliment the action parts, and I found them to be harmoniously interwoven and equally entertaining. The novel is full of contradictions, dualities, and conflicts as every good story should be, but it also has a powerful message, which I appreciated above all.
January 4, 2018
Zo can remember nothing of her former life. But she is content. For she has some very good friends and a decent life. But Zo's past intrudes upon her present and with it comes a terrible knowledge that Zo, gentle Zo, was a very different person once.
Darrienia (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 1) by K.J. Simmill is one of those books you can just lose yourself in. I actually started this series on Book 2, and I have also read Book 3, but I wanted to read the story of how these remarkable characters got to where they did. Darrienia is a heartbreaking emotional journey about a discovery that was better left undiscovered.
There is a large cast of characters in this series and what I liked about it was that they all had their own stories to tell. And like Zo, they all had flaws and things they would rather no one else knew. This story, like the other books in the series, is a compelling read. I simply did not want to put it down, but as this is a very long book, I had to on occasion go back to the real world!
I could honestly go on about this book all day. A fabulous story that is fabulously written. If you are looking for your next epic fantasy, then look no further than The Forgotten Legacies series.
I Highly Recommend.
Darrienia (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 1) by K.J. Simmill is one of those books you can just lose yourself in. I actually started this series on Book 2, and I have also read Book 3, but I wanted to read the story of how these remarkable characters got to where they did. Darrienia is a heartbreaking emotional journey about a discovery that was better left undiscovered.
There is a large cast of characters in this series and what I liked about it was that they all had their own stories to tell. And like Zo, they all had flaws and things they would rather no one else knew. This story, like the other books in the series, is a compelling read. I simply did not want to put it down, but as this is a very long book, I had to on occasion go back to the real world!
I could honestly go on about this book all day. A fabulous story that is fabulously written. If you are looking for your next epic fantasy, then look no further than The Forgotten Legacies series.
I Highly Recommend.
September 4, 2019
This is the first review I've ever written without finishing a book. I made it 65 percent of the way through and had to stop, because it was robbing me of my joy of reading. I have no problem with long books. I love to immerse myself in a story. For me, the main problem with Darrienia was that I couldn't even retain the story. Like a dream, what I read quickly slipped away. I had trouble from the get-go because of the comma splices and sentence fragments that seem to be an intentional style element. They must be -- they're on just about every page. There's an overabundance of exposition. Somewhere in the middle of the book there's a digression about multinational corporations that seems clearly to describe our real world -- and then that connection is mentioned no more, at least not that I noticed. That's just one example of many textbook-style references that totally ejected me from the world of the story. The omniscient perspective kept me from identifying with any particular character, and I found I didn't care much about any of them. They didn't feel real to me. I didn't feel the tension was ever very high, even in life-threatening scenarios. I didn't understand the foundation of some characters' seemingly undying friendships, formed after hardly getting to know each other. Their quest seemed vague, and they just seemed to stumble from one crisis to another. Rules were made and then quickly broken in service of the rambling plot. I gave Darrienia two stars instead of one in recognition of some of the world building elements, and because there might be good stuff in the last third of the book that I just couldn't read. I wanted to like this book, but for me the story was convoluted, fragmented and excruciatingly boring. I felt sad each time I returned to it, because I was no longer enjoying my precious reading time. I probably would have refrained from writing a review except that this book is award-winning, which influenced my decision to read it and do my best to stick with it. With all the unbridled praise from the other reviewers, I felt some readers might benefit from knowing that for me, reading two-thirds of it was epically unsatisfying.
November 15, 2016
When Zoella turns up in Daniels village she can’t remember the last 10 years of her life. Despite this Daniel realises she is special and introduces her to his family. Daniel’s mother, Angela, notices her talent for healing; an almost magical talent. Zo and Daniel become firm friends. Zo’s healing talents are called upon when another mysterious woman is found more dead than alive. Acha is healed and becomes part of the group of friends, despite many questions being left un-answered. Zo happiness is disturbed when a friend from the past shows up and tells them they are all in danger. Her forgotten past hides a terrible secret. Darrienia is the first book in a complex adventure series, which takes the reader to a magical world where nothing is quite like it seems.
The character of Zo/Marise is fascinating; an assassin that has been put under a spell to forget her sadistic Alter ego. The struggle between the blood thirty Marise and gentle healer Zo brings a lot of tension and dread to the story.
Elly is equally intriguing as we are never sure of her intentions and motivations.
I struggled a little with the complexity of the story and I think it will suit an older young adult best. (Also because some scenes are terrifying!) It will be a real treat for the reader who loves fantasy like the Lord of the Rings and other fleshed out magical adventure stories full of wondrous creatures and finely woven plot. The writer might consider using italics for the flashbacks as it left me a little confused as to what time line we were in.
Good writing, intriguing characters and a thrilling story.
The character of Zo/Marise is fascinating; an assassin that has been put under a spell to forget her sadistic Alter ego. The struggle between the blood thirty Marise and gentle healer Zo brings a lot of tension and dread to the story.
Elly is equally intriguing as we are never sure of her intentions and motivations.
I struggled a little with the complexity of the story and I think it will suit an older young adult best. (Also because some scenes are terrifying!) It will be a real treat for the reader who loves fantasy like the Lord of the Rings and other fleshed out magical adventure stories full of wondrous creatures and finely woven plot. The writer might consider using italics for the flashbacks as it left me a little confused as to what time line we were in.
Good writing, intriguing characters and a thrilling story.
February 6, 2017
Admittedly, this is not a genre I read often, but this was a worth wild and epic read. If you're looking for something you'll get through in a day or 2, this is not the book for you. This saga is a whopping 774 pages of magic, fantasy and Elly's quest to find and protect Marise. While on a quest to see her father, danger interrupts her travels and she's forced to leave the vessel she knows for safety in an unfamiliar world. Elly is a superior protagonist, and through out her travels, it's clear that everyone on the journey has an ulterior motive, including her. I couldn't help but to become immersed in the tug of war she felt between loyalty to her family ties and what she knew to be right.This is apparently the first book in a series, and I can only imagine what adventures Simmill will weave in the future. Good read.
February 3, 2017
Hours of great entertainment
This is a lengthy fantasy novel but it's not slow, it moves along quickly, and it provides many hours of good entertainment. The intriguing characters are well drawn and believable, and the magical adventure moves into a well described and fascinating fantasy. Expertly written, the scenes had enough description to create a foundation for my imagination to fill up the magical world. It is aimed at YA audience but it will appeal to any adult age group. The good vs evil story is very well plotted, and develops into an action and character driven thriller with well thought out twists and unusual situations. It weaves fantasy with mythology and history to provide a unique story of heartbreak, betrayal and triumph. Great stuff. Highly recommended.
This is a lengthy fantasy novel but it's not slow, it moves along quickly, and it provides many hours of good entertainment. The intriguing characters are well drawn and believable, and the magical adventure moves into a well described and fascinating fantasy. Expertly written, the scenes had enough description to create a foundation for my imagination to fill up the magical world. It is aimed at YA audience but it will appeal to any adult age group. The good vs evil story is very well plotted, and develops into an action and character driven thriller with well thought out twists and unusual situations. It weaves fantasy with mythology and history to provide a unique story of heartbreak, betrayal and triumph. Great stuff. Highly recommended.
January 30, 2017
For me, Darrienia by K.J. Simmill was a roller coaster of word-images, looping through time and tunneling through dreams. The tale is intricate and comes at you from all directions. Elly, Acha, Zo. Night, Zeus and Hectarian magic. Spin and twist. It's difficult for me to quantify this story in only a few words. As you read, you feel like you are always standing on sand, not so sure where the world will shift or how deep you might sink. I found myself turning back pages, even jotting down a note or two. If you enjoy challenging yourself in a world of fantasy, real fantasy, Darrienia has plenty for you. The world is misty and shady and well worth discovering!
March 11, 2022
This world is extremely well-built, its laws and locations described in great vivid detail. I loved the way different disciplines of magic (and time travel, in a way!) were woven into the story, with new fascinating and creative manifestations of it around every corner (gossip crystals really captured my imagination), along with exciting cameos from some of my favorite mythological figures, legends and concepts. I thoroughly enjoyed submerging myself in the suspense of the mysterious 'game' and watching the journey of the chosen one progress.
Will be reading on in the series!
Will be reading on in the series!
October 12, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this story. Too many authors skip over the deeper parts of their world's mythology - but this book dives deep! The five central characters all get a chance to develop through successes and failures. I appreciated the theme of friendship that is woven through the entire story - it definitely ups the stakes. I am also very glad that this is part of a series!
September 14, 2016
The amazing and original way in which the author describes the eternal battle between the powers of good and evil grabbed me from the beginning of the story.I really enjoyed the journey in the magical world of this epic and deeply emotional novel.It's a unique experience.Worth to read.
October 7, 2016
Amazing story and worth the read! Great characters put in interesting situations. Epic fantasy at its best. Don't let the length scare you away.
June 22, 2017
I loved this book and I took my time reading it, absorbing its very essence. This book is over 700 pages and if you enjoy fantasy you will love this epic adventure filled with angst, mystery, suspense, and of course good versus evil. The book centres around a group of 5 characters on a quest. The author does a fantastic job of letting the reader get to know each of the characters, and at times I didn't like them, then grew to love them. The main character Zoella is written so well and her trials, tribulations, and personal demons are fantastic. Each character has their own story to tell and as this book weaves its magic you will be transported into the land of Darrienia and on the edge of your seat on so many occasions. This was not a predictable read at all and it never got boring. The story was well written and I found myself hoping it wouldn't end. I looked forward to going to bed every night so I could immerse myself in this fantasy land of magic and evil. The story can be read as standalone but I'm looking forward to jumping into book 2 to see what is next. If I could give more than 5 stars I would and this is definitely an author that I will be watching. A true storyteller who can weave a tale that will keep you gripped and engaged till the very end.
October 9, 2020
It's the first chapter of what seems to be a great fantasy saga, imbued with greek mithology lore (that I rarely find and always love) and the classic quest with a group of young-ish heoes and load of magic... but with some strong twists.
The world -worlds- building has some classic ancientish fantasy features but can surprise you a lot.
The characters are believable and well built, who will be your favourite?
The boys, Eiji and Daniel... one the classic trope of an untapped great potential and the other the classic nerd, almost our point of view?
I love them but maybe the real protagonist is Zo, the strong but sweet and righteous girl. At last a woman character who's not all frail and cute but that's not ven the stereotypical strong-insensitive-girl-TM.
Maybe instead you could feel for the cursed, second-tier friend Acha? Always behind in all the roles of her life but up to a lot of things!
I don't know if you'll love-love her, but I loved to hate the powerful, ancient, sarcastic guide, Elly. That's a compliment, she made me want to punch her all the time.
The villain has a backbone too, complex, powerful, smart, quite a god! I hated his guts, ecofascism always get me angry.
Oh... a rarity. Elly and Marise bond is pratically coded as a romantic relationship.
The world -worlds- building has some classic ancientish fantasy features but can surprise you a lot.
The characters are believable and well built, who will be your favourite?
The boys, Eiji and Daniel... one the classic trope of an untapped great potential and the other the classic nerd, almost our point of view?
I love them but maybe the real protagonist is Zo, the strong but sweet and righteous girl. At last a woman character who's not all frail and cute but that's not ven the stereotypical strong-insensitive-girl-TM.
Maybe instead you could feel for the cursed, second-tier friend Acha? Always behind in all the roles of her life but up to a lot of things!
I don't know if you'll love-love her, but I loved to hate the powerful, ancient, sarcastic guide, Elly. That's a compliment, she made me want to punch her all the time.
The villain has a backbone too, complex, powerful, smart, quite a god! I hated his guts, ecofascism always get me angry.
Oh... a rarity. Elly and Marise bond is pratically coded as a romantic relationship.
March 31, 2018
This was an epic tale about trust and patience shrouded in a massively detailed quest story full of foreboding and twists and turns. It had a bit of something for everyone from action, to lore, to the exploration of feelings between characters, a powerful intelligent antagonist, and a landscape whcih goes back and forth between two worlds.
From the outset there are mysteries to be solved as the group of adventurers for the quest are slowly brought together. All of the are very complex and throughout the book we learn more and more about each of them. There is magic, mythological creatures, surprises, technology, and the stakes getting higher as the book continues.
Reading as the characters struggle against the odds, and picking up various clues left throughout, left me with a growing sense of dread and concern for their well-being. With the exploration of the key ideas of trust and patience and how the while story is wound together makes for a highly enjoyable epic tale with just enough left at the end to leave you ready for book two.
From the outset there are mysteries to be solved as the group of adventurers for the quest are slowly brought together. All of the are very complex and throughout the book we learn more and more about each of them. There is magic, mythological creatures, surprises, technology, and the stakes getting higher as the book continues.
Reading as the characters struggle against the odds, and picking up various clues left throughout, left me with a growing sense of dread and concern for their well-being. With the exploration of the key ideas of trust and patience and how the while story is wound together makes for a highly enjoyable epic tale with just enough left at the end to leave you ready for book two.
May 28, 2020
Not my style of book
I bought this book thinking I would try the fantasy genre, but unfortunately it was clear very early on that this is not the book for me. The style was too heavy-going, with omniscient switching of character viewpoint that left me confused as to who I was supposed to be following and too much ‘tell not show’ that disengaged me from the characters (with heavy reliance on adverbs to tell me what the characters were feeling). The world these characters inhabited was not, for me, clearly defined, and I had very little idea of what kind of a world it was, and what reference points I could relate to. I would normally give a book several chapters to see if I get into it, but I am sad to say that I couldn’t get past the first 30 or so pages before throwing in the towel. So it may get better and find its pace - and I sincerely hope it does - but I’m afraid it will have to do so without me.
I bought this book thinking I would try the fantasy genre, but unfortunately it was clear very early on that this is not the book for me. The style was too heavy-going, with omniscient switching of character viewpoint that left me confused as to who I was supposed to be following and too much ‘tell not show’ that disengaged me from the characters (with heavy reliance on adverbs to tell me what the characters were feeling). The world these characters inhabited was not, for me, clearly defined, and I had very little idea of what kind of a world it was, and what reference points I could relate to. I would normally give a book several chapters to see if I get into it, but I am sad to say that I couldn’t get past the first 30 or so pages before throwing in the towel. So it may get better and find its pace - and I sincerely hope it does - but I’m afraid it will have to do so without me.
December 29, 2019
Darrienia by K J Simmill
Simmill has a vivid imagination and writes in a way that draws the reader in to a complex, dark and enjoyable story.
Zoella is a young woman with no memory of her past. Events force her and some friends to go on a journey with a warrior called Elly, who is well aware of Zoella´s past and who she really is, but cannot disclose it.
The author´s imagination and writing skill really brought the story alive as the group travel between their own world and the dream world called Darrienia.
I found the character of Elly fascinating. She has to think on her feet and seems to grow in maturity as she overcomes the challenges which Darrienia throws at the travellers.
Not wanting to give away any spoilers, I can only say that this is an intriguing story which should not be missed.
Simmill has a vivid imagination and writes in a way that draws the reader in to a complex, dark and enjoyable story.
Zoella is a young woman with no memory of her past. Events force her and some friends to go on a journey with a warrior called Elly, who is well aware of Zoella´s past and who she really is, but cannot disclose it.
The author´s imagination and writing skill really brought the story alive as the group travel between their own world and the dream world called Darrienia.
I found the character of Elly fascinating. She has to think on her feet and seems to grow in maturity as she overcomes the challenges which Darrienia throws at the travellers.
Not wanting to give away any spoilers, I can only say that this is an intriguing story which should not be missed.
August 1, 2019
Darrienia is actually the second book by this amazing author that I’ve delved into and have enjoyed thoroughly. This epic first chapter in the Forgotten Legacies series is lengthy enough to be challenging, but engrossing. It’s time-consuming, yet captivating with characters, creatures and plot twists that kept me rapidly turning pages. The classic good vs. evil story has an intriguing twist in that the heroine inhabits both sides of the coin. Simmill has created a legendary realm that sweeps readers into another time and place, yet it is familiar enough to also generate a strong connection with the characters.
My only concern is that it is quite lengthy for a YA target market, but it delivers with both barrels if you’re committed enough to keep reading!
My only concern is that it is quite lengthy for a YA target market, but it delivers with both barrels if you’re committed enough to keep reading!
March 1, 2021
That this was a VERY long book it took me some time. But the author was very descriptive all through the book and had me interested all the way through the book. What I love is when an author can create a world, and amazing! So many characters but after knowing who they were then I was able to know who was who. Daniel is a character that I was so into reading about all throughout! Zoella also! It was so worth the time, and I cannot wait to read more from this author! Something I have never been a fan of is reading a book that is super long. But this one was worth it. Being able to picture the story in my mind. I will not say anything because I do not want to spoil it! Please check it out if you are into long books!
August 15, 2017
As a reader this book requires a time investment, coming in at well over 700 pages. The good news is it isn't a waste of time.
I'm not normally one to go for longer works, with a few high profile exceptions. I found Simmill's story engaging enough to keep the pages turning.
Make no mistake this is a fantasy book. Zoella, one of the main characters has no memory. There is something lurking in her past. There's a whole good vs bad scenario brewing from the get-go. Zoella and four others find themselves setting out together on an epic journey.
The plot is complex and can be a bit overwhelming. This isn't a book to skim through, it requires your full attention.
5/5 stars!
I'm not normally one to go for longer works, with a few high profile exceptions. I found Simmill's story engaging enough to keep the pages turning.
Make no mistake this is a fantasy book. Zoella, one of the main characters has no memory. There is something lurking in her past. There's a whole good vs bad scenario brewing from the get-go. Zoella and four others find themselves setting out together on an epic journey.
The plot is complex and can be a bit overwhelming. This isn't a book to skim through, it requires your full attention.
5/5 stars!
August 21, 2019
Most fantasy books I have read lately have followed a standard pattern that allows you to guess what's coming next. I found Darrienia much more original and interesting. The characters are well defined and have their own traits and foibles that give them a life of their own. These characters also change in a believable way as the face the challenges set in their path during the journey.
The main characters feel to be quite young, even if they aren't, which I think will appeal to younger readers as well as adults. If you are looking for fantasy that is a bit more imaginative and original than the standard "stable boy guided by a wizard to become king", I recommend you try this one.
The main characters feel to be quite young, even if they aren't, which I think will appeal to younger readers as well as adults. If you are looking for fantasy that is a bit more imaginative and original than the standard "stable boy guided by a wizard to become king", I recommend you try this one.
September 12, 2019
You may think you know about the world of Greek mythology, but this book will make you think again. It's not so much about the gods and goddesses themselves, but some of them have their role in the story. Enter the world of dreams, where the Oneiroi keep watch of dreamers. It's here, Zoella and her friends must traverse on their quest, a place where dreams are reality and people can die. But are her friends real or foes? The plot is complex, the characters well developed, and the world building phenomenal. You'll get caught up in their dangerous adventures as you follow along with them. Will they all make it out alive? Read on to find out.
November 25, 2019
Being a lover of Greek mythology, I thoroughly appreciated the references to the Greek gods of those faraway days in this epic fantasy. A complex character named Zoella lives in the island town of Crowley and the memory of her earlier history has lapsed. Following the true path of the hero, Zoella ventures out on a journey with some pretty interesting characters, specifically a character who seems to have knowledge of Zoella's forgotten past. This is a big, long, full-of-details kind of book, but if you are the kind of reader who loves fantasy, dreams and magical characters, DARRIENIA - FORGOTTEN LEGACIES - BOOK 1 is the perfect book for you.
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