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Blessings of Myrillia #1
UnBlessed
Wishing Shelf Book Award Bronze Winner 2016
In a world where magic dictates everything, one young girl struggles with her status as one of the distasteful unBlessed.
Kisara is considered the lowest in Melior society, but at least she’s still superior to the savages that roam the wilds of Myrillia ... or so she thought. Soon, Kisara discovers that not all is as it seems in her world, and the true source of the conflict between her race and the beastly Transeatur has been forgotten over the ages. She must uncover the truth and expose the dark secrets of the past before her people find themselves at the mercy of a monster.
In a world where magic dictates everything, one young girl struggles with her status as one of the distasteful unBlessed.
Kisara is considered the lowest in Melior society, but at least she’s still superior to the savages that roam the wilds of Myrillia ... or so she thought. Soon, Kisara discovers that not all is as it seems in her world, and the true source of the conflict between her race and the beastly Transeatur has been forgotten over the ages. She must uncover the truth and expose the dark secrets of the past before her people find themselves at the mercy of a monster.
- GenresFantasy
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2014
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 22, 2017
Some blessings can be a curse.
Among the Melior nothing matters more than a person’s Blessing, a magical power granted to each person by the Elements. Blessings define their society, distinguishing between leaders, artisans, and commoners. Every year children gather in the temple, praying that they might become favored, while one simply prays for recognition. Kisara is the only child in a generation to go unblessed. Desperate to escape her fate, Kisara awakens a power her people once tried to erase.
Opening on the eve of the ceremony pulls readers in, introducing background information through preparations and rituals, but when the novelty wears off the narrative struggles to replace it. Summaries hurry audiences through three years and seven chapters. Snippets of dialogue try to invoke emotional weight in truncated scenes; as both audience and characters struggle through a cyclical holding pattern. In the absence of substantive change, the story relies on internal conflict and emotional tension to tide audiences over until the real story begins, midway through the narrative. Bereft of subplots, the characters remain trapped in their original roles, their entire identity defined by their relationship with the protagonist, who is only slightly more complex. The story does improve, gradually, but never escapes its original shortcomings, or an overreliance on summary to hurry audiences on to the next strong scene, without taking the time to build up to it.
*Fast, young, easy read
*Relationship focused
-Underdeveloped/Predictable Plot
-Underdeveloped Characters
-Overreliance on summarization
1.5/5
Among the Melior nothing matters more than a person’s Blessing, a magical power granted to each person by the Elements. Blessings define their society, distinguishing between leaders, artisans, and commoners. Every year children gather in the temple, praying that they might become favored, while one simply prays for recognition. Kisara is the only child in a generation to go unblessed. Desperate to escape her fate, Kisara awakens a power her people once tried to erase.
Opening on the eve of the ceremony pulls readers in, introducing background information through preparations and rituals, but when the novelty wears off the narrative struggles to replace it. Summaries hurry audiences through three years and seven chapters. Snippets of dialogue try to invoke emotional weight in truncated scenes; as both audience and characters struggle through a cyclical holding pattern. In the absence of substantive change, the story relies on internal conflict and emotional tension to tide audiences over until the real story begins, midway through the narrative. Bereft of subplots, the characters remain trapped in their original roles, their entire identity defined by their relationship with the protagonist, who is only slightly more complex. The story does improve, gradually, but never escapes its original shortcomings, or an overreliance on summary to hurry audiences on to the next strong scene, without taking the time to build up to it.
*Fast, young, easy read
*Relationship focused
-Underdeveloped/Predictable Plot
-Underdeveloped Characters
-Overreliance on summarization
1.5/5
November 1, 2014
With UnBlessed, Crystin Goodwin has created an intriguing story of a teenager in Myrillia, desperately trying to find out what is wrong with her. UnBlessed focuses on Kisara and her feelings and actions. The author grants Kisara her own pace – a very nice touch. The other relevant characters are described in sufficient depth, are convincing. The story drew me in more and more. UnBlessed is a great read for fans of young adult and fantasy novels.
This book is an enjoyable read, and the first in a series. I’ll certainly read it again.
4.3 stars!
This book is an enjoyable read, and the first in a series. I’ll certainly read it again.
4.3 stars!
Want to read
March 26, 2014So happy that I actually got to read the first few chapters of this book before it ever went to press! Great start... Can't wait to read the rest! I am so proud of my niece, the author!
April 5, 2014
this book is brilliant, i didnt want to put it down, felt like i was in with the characters, cant wait for the next :)
February 4, 2017
Let's just say I read this book in 4 hours. I could not put it down and I am so excited for the next one!!!!
February 8, 2017
Wonderful young adult series. The world of Myrillia is a fascinating world, with wonderful characters, and an intriguing story. Definitely recommended for anyone who loves fantasy.
April 19, 2020
This was an okay book for me. That said it is one of the better fantasies I've personally read. Now, to be fair, high fantasy is not really my bag. So you can take the remainder of the review with the proverbial grain of salt.
It wasn't high handed and the world building didn't take up a majority of the story, like others I've read. However, there were lots of unnecessary characters and plot points that seemed to serve to drag the book out. This is a series though so it could have been planting seeds for growth later. But even if that were the case this book could have done with more than a bit of editing. At the beginning it focused so much on Kisara as a young girl. Then it ran through a montage of vignettes until she got a bit older. There were threads of specific plots that were dangled only to know get really fulfilled or get explained as an aside.
The character's personalities also weren't very consistent throughout the book. Even the main character seemed a bit wishy-washy on more than one occasion. There was a love triangle of sorts, but I felt that was one part that was well done. Kisara was very clear about her feelings for one of the males was a sisterly love.
Again it was a good book but a lot of it seemed superfluous. It says this is series on the cover though so I understand that a lot of that was due to wanting to explain more in the rest of the series. It just seemed like unnecessary parts were expanded on and necessary parts were cut short, which robbed the reader a little bit.
It wasn't high handed and the world building didn't take up a majority of the story, like others I've read. However, there were lots of unnecessary characters and plot points that seemed to serve to drag the book out. This is a series though so it could have been planting seeds for growth later. But even if that were the case this book could have done with more than a bit of editing. At the beginning it focused so much on Kisara as a young girl. Then it ran through a montage of vignettes until she got a bit older. There were threads of specific plots that were dangled only to know get really fulfilled or get explained as an aside.
The character's personalities also weren't very consistent throughout the book. Even the main character seemed a bit wishy-washy on more than one occasion. There was a love triangle of sorts, but I felt that was one part that was well done. Kisara was very clear about her feelings for one of the males was a sisterly love.
Again it was a good book but a lot of it seemed superfluous. It says this is series on the cover though so I understand that a lot of that was due to wanting to explain more in the rest of the series. It just seemed like unnecessary parts were expanded on and necessary parts were cut short, which robbed the reader a little bit.
November 6, 2017
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought.
Title: Unblessed
Author: Crystin Goodwin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 22 readers:
22 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
22 felt it was easy to follow.
22 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
15 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
22 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Spans a lot of years but handled cleverly. Exciting although a little slow in parts. Clever plot with tons of magic. I really enjoyed it.’ Female reader, aged 15
‘It is a fascinating magical land. The characters were also fun to follow. They developed really well in the story. I wish I could write this well.’ Female reader, aged 13
‘Exciting from the first page. I wish the cover had been a little better. Perhaps a picture of Kisara on the front?’ Male reader, aged 15
‘Amazing story.’ Girl, aged 14
‘I got totally immersed in this story.’ Boy, aged 14
‘A fascinating, magical adventure. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Unblessed
Author: Crystin Goodwin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 22 readers:
22 would read another book by this author.
17 thought the cover was good or excellent.
22 felt it was easy to follow.
22 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
15 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
19 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
22 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘Spans a lot of years but handled cleverly. Exciting although a little slow in parts. Clever plot with tons of magic. I really enjoyed it.’ Female reader, aged 15
‘It is a fascinating magical land. The characters were also fun to follow. They developed really well in the story. I wish I could write this well.’ Female reader, aged 13
‘Exciting from the first page. I wish the cover had been a little better. Perhaps a picture of Kisara on the front?’ Male reader, aged 15
‘Amazing story.’ Girl, aged 14
‘I got totally immersed in this story.’ Boy, aged 14
‘A fascinating, magical adventure. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 9, 2021
I loved this book. The story is so creative and compelling that it's a quick read and I ended up needing to get into the second book in the series immediately! Hard to believe this was the author's first book!
September 3, 2018
This book is a must read! I cannot get enough of it!!
January 14, 2021
I love this book so much. Elemental magic, shapeshifters, it's got everything. Now on to Fire Blessed!
October 8, 2021
Great characters and an interesting and unique magic system!
July 3, 2014
UnBlessed is the story of a teen trying to find out where she belongs. It’s a fantasy story in a different world but, for all its differences, it was familiar. The Melior city is familiar, the people react the way we do and the theme of belonging is one of my favourites. I had only read a couple of paragraphs and I had to find out what was going to happen.
Kisara is a Melior and their entire youth is focused on one event, the Blessing Ceremony. Like her peers, she’s been looking forward to it for years. She has her special dress ready, her friends at her side and her mother to support her. Things work out well for her friend, Lucien but they go very differently for Kisara. I won’t divulge what happens but I will say it’s unexpected and very important.
I loved the speed of the book. I honestly picked it up and didn’t put it down until I read the entire thing. It’s fast, unpolluted with long-winded speeches or stories, and it caught my attention from the start.
I loved Kisara. She was gutsy, likeable and kept her chin up in spite of being in some very difficult situations. I liked Lucien as well. His heart is always in the right place and it’s actually painful to see him try to do what’s right but end up messing up.
Sebastian and the Transeaturs had me at the start. They’re some of my favourite parts of the book. They’re mysterious, powerful, thrilling and kind all in one race. Amazing. Loved them.
Kisara’s journey makes a wonderful story, fun, light and with fantastic ideas. It’s an easy world to get into and one I would highly recommend.
Kisara is a Melior and their entire youth is focused on one event, the Blessing Ceremony. Like her peers, she’s been looking forward to it for years. She has her special dress ready, her friends at her side and her mother to support her. Things work out well for her friend, Lucien but they go very differently for Kisara. I won’t divulge what happens but I will say it’s unexpected and very important.
I loved the speed of the book. I honestly picked it up and didn’t put it down until I read the entire thing. It’s fast, unpolluted with long-winded speeches or stories, and it caught my attention from the start.
I loved Kisara. She was gutsy, likeable and kept her chin up in spite of being in some very difficult situations. I liked Lucien as well. His heart is always in the right place and it’s actually painful to see him try to do what’s right but end up messing up.
Sebastian and the Transeaturs had me at the start. They’re some of my favourite parts of the book. They’re mysterious, powerful, thrilling and kind all in one race. Amazing. Loved them.
Kisara’s journey makes a wonderful story, fun, light and with fantastic ideas. It’s an easy world to get into and one I would highly recommend.
September 17, 2014
I could tell you…
I could tell you about the world. The magic of the elements and the animals. The ceremonies and the changes. The extensive history of the people.
But I’d hate to ruin the way the author unfolds it for you.
I could tell you in great detail the why’s and wherefores of the characters whom I loved and those who, upon reflection, I wished had been a little more fleshed out.
But I don’t want to introduce any prejudice. I want you to be as taken with the people as I was.
I could tell you what I absolutely loved and what left me wanting.
But I won’t.
I could even tell you just how it leaves you hanging at the end to send you running off to Amazon to see if her next book has yet been published.
I could tell you all of that.
But all that’s really important.
All I really feel you need to know.
Is that I have three young girls who all require breakfast in the early morning.
And the night I sat down to read (and eventually finish) this book I was left with far, far, less than the recommend eight hours of sleep a person is supposed to receive.
Far, far, less.
Would I recommend it? It was my turn for the morning shift with the girls and it was still totally worth it.
This honest review was given in return for a free copy of the book from its author.
I could tell you about the world. The magic of the elements and the animals. The ceremonies and the changes. The extensive history of the people.
But I’d hate to ruin the way the author unfolds it for you.
I could tell you in great detail the why’s and wherefores of the characters whom I loved and those who, upon reflection, I wished had been a little more fleshed out.
But I don’t want to introduce any prejudice. I want you to be as taken with the people as I was.
I could tell you what I absolutely loved and what left me wanting.
But I won’t.
I could even tell you just how it leaves you hanging at the end to send you running off to Amazon to see if her next book has yet been published.
I could tell you all of that.
But all that’s really important.
All I really feel you need to know.
Is that I have three young girls who all require breakfast in the early morning.
And the night I sat down to read (and eventually finish) this book I was left with far, far, less than the recommend eight hours of sleep a person is supposed to receive.
Far, far, less.
Would I recommend it? It was my turn for the morning shift with the girls and it was still totally worth it.
This honest review was given in return for a free copy of the book from its author.
August 1, 2014
It's so nice to read a genuinely fresh and original story. Crystin has masterfully created a world that you can enjoy and easily get lost in. It was a pleasure to experience the magic which she has so dutifully created. The characters have been well thought out and presented. I found myself picking favorites and rooting for them. I had a hard time putting this book down. Once my journey through her magical world was done, I yearned for more. I eagerly await the next book that Crystin may so graciously offer to us.
April 16, 2015
An original take on some unique fantasy races. A good read with a suspenseful ending. I can't for book 2.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews