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Clan of the Cave Bear meets Epic Fantasy…
The clan’s survival is under threat, but one has the power to save them – their Outcast.
In the Wolf Clan, in winter's darkest hour, a baby is born with a powerful gift. But dangerous omens brand her an Outcast, and the Elders name her Iluna.
As Iluna comes of age, dark magic, war, and treachery soon jeopardize the life of every clan member; many suspect Iluna and her gift. Is she to blame? Or is she salvation?
Iluna must decide: save the clan, or save herself.
'The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic' is a collection of standalone epic fantasy novels rather than a series. Each novel is a complete story that invites readers to fully immerse into a rich fantasy world. Each ‘Chronicle’ is set in a different era within the same world and can be read in any order, but here’s the chronology for interested readers:
#1 The Raven – a ‘prehistoric’ era
#2 Dragonshade – a ‘Bronze Age’ era
BONUS CONTENT
If you enjoy The Raven and would like to read a follow-up short story trilogy, you can sign up to Aderyn's monthly newsletter to get your free copy of the first story, The Doom of Arlg-Teg. Visit aderynwood(dot)com to learn more
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
The clan’s survival is under threat, but one has the power to save them – their Outcast.
In the Wolf Clan, in winter's darkest hour, a baby is born with a powerful gift. But dangerous omens brand her an Outcast, and the Elders name her Iluna.
As Iluna comes of age, dark magic, war, and treachery soon jeopardize the life of every clan member; many suspect Iluna and her gift. Is she to blame? Or is she salvation?
Iluna must decide: save the clan, or save herself.
'The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic' is a collection of standalone epic fantasy novels rather than a series. Each novel is a complete story that invites readers to fully immerse into a rich fantasy world. Each ‘Chronicle’ is set in a different era within the same world and can be read in any order, but here’s the chronology for interested readers:
#1 The Raven – a ‘prehistoric’ era
#2 Dragonshade – a ‘Bronze Age’ era
BONUS CONTENT
If you enjoy The Raven and would like to read a follow-up short story trilogy, you can sign up to Aderyn's monthly newsletter to get your free copy of the first story, The Doom of Arlg-Teg. Visit aderynwood(dot)com to learn more
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
233 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2015
478 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Aderyn Wood
12 books171 followersLearn more about Aderyn Wood and her books at aderynwood.com.
From high fantasy to paranormal, Aderyn's stories cover the broad spectrum of Fantasy. Inspired from childhood by the wonder and mystique of Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' and the adventures in Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', her love of the Fantasy genre has been life long. As a writer, Aderyn brings characters and places to life in stories filled with magic, mystery, and a good dollop of mayhem.
Aderyn studied Literature, History and Creative Writing at university, travelled the world, and taught English before becoming a full-time writer. She is also a part-time farmer passionate about self-sufficiency and poultry. She lives in a cosy cottage on a small farm in Victoria, Australia with partner Peter, their dog, cat, and a little duck called Snow.
From high fantasy to paranormal, Aderyn's stories cover the broad spectrum of Fantasy. Inspired from childhood by the wonder and mystique of Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' and the adventures in Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', her love of the Fantasy genre has been life long. As a writer, Aderyn brings characters and places to life in stories filled with magic, mystery, and a good dollop of mayhem.
Aderyn studied Literature, History and Creative Writing at university, travelled the world, and taught English before becoming a full-time writer. She is also a part-time farmer passionate about self-sufficiency and poultry. She lives in a cosy cottage on a small farm in Victoria, Australia with partner Peter, their dog, cat, and a little duck called Snow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 12, 2021
Quite an enjoyable tale of a young woman called Iluna, raised as an outcast on the edges of her tribe, who is saved at birth by their Soragan, a type of shaman. For some years he trains her secretly until he is forced to give it up and train a boy instead who has far less natural ability or power. The setting is a bronze age one, and reminiscent of Native American culture with various tribes who meet up for gatherings at certain times, and have a hunter-based culture.
Despite being called a witch and having her existence threatened more and more as she matures, Iluna does not become bitter but develops her training by herself with the aid of nature as she has a bond with all living creatures. As a deadly threat to all the extended tribes develops, with the aid of enemies within, Iluna becomes the only hope for her people's survival.
There are repeated references to a night sun and at times this, the moon and a certain star are altogether in the sky and at other times, none of them appear for eight nights - the ill-omened period when Iluna was born. I can accept that this is therefore set on an alien planet, but as there was no description of the night sun and it was definitely not the moon or a star, I struggled to picture what was actually in the sky. And given the alien planet setting, the mixture of real (and Western) names, such as Anton with made up ones jarred a bit.
Otherwise, the real weakness in the book is a lack of pacing and a tendency to tell rather than show in places. At times therefore my interest did wane. Also the prologue set seemingly centuries ago by people who are reading Iluna's story seems unnecessary. So overall I would give it a 3 star rating.
Despite being called a witch and having her existence threatened more and more as she matures, Iluna does not become bitter but develops her training by herself with the aid of nature as she has a bond with all living creatures. As a deadly threat to all the extended tribes develops, with the aid of enemies within, Iluna becomes the only hope for her people's survival.
There are repeated references to a night sun and at times this, the moon and a certain star are altogether in the sky and at other times, none of them appear for eight nights - the ill-omened period when Iluna was born. I can accept that this is therefore set on an alien planet, but as there was no description of the night sun and it was definitely not the moon or a star, I struggled to picture what was actually in the sky. And given the alien planet setting, the mixture of real (and Western) names, such as Anton with made up ones jarred a bit.
Otherwise, the real weakness in the book is a lack of pacing and a tendency to tell rather than show in places. At times therefore my interest did wane. Also the prologue set seemingly centuries ago by people who are reading Iluna's story seems unnecessary. So overall I would give it a 3 star rating.
December 29, 2015
When the power of ancient myths and superstitions in the Wolf clan deem a newborn infant an Outcast, only the brave convictions of the tribe shaman saves her from being used as a sacrifice. Iluna grows up shunned, and with powers she must keep hidden away. Is she the curse her people fear or is she the salvation they will desperately need to survive as dark magic and evil treachery threatens to stamp out the lives around her? When war threatens to devour those around her, Iluna must take a stand, but will it be enough to save those around her or will their fears and suspicions come to life?
Enter into a fantasy world where primitive clans live their lives around faceless gods, superstitions and fear of anyone who is different. Follow Iluna’s struggles, her loneliness and discover the powers she possesses as Aderyn Wood transports us into another time and place where magic takes on a dark or light calling in a classic battle between good and evil. The Raven is fantasy that feels epic, like there is so much more to learn living in the world created by Ms. Wood in future additions to this brilliant series. Wonderful world building, deep enough to whisk the reader away, characters that sometimes feel fuzzy, almost as if saying their relevance will soon be nil and in-depth detail on the “stars” of this series, Aderyn Wood has done a wonderful job of stamping her style on the world of fantasy! What I enjoyed most was the slightly different, reader-friendly approach, never relying on a strict use of old feeling language, but giving these people a language of their own, intermixed between contemporary usage and the feeling of "long ago." This is fantasy, fresh from the mind and heart of the author and it feels right!
I received this copy from Aderyn Wood in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic - Book 1
Publication Date: November 28, 2015
Publisher: Adreyn Wood
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 233 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Enter into a fantasy world where primitive clans live their lives around faceless gods, superstitions and fear of anyone who is different. Follow Iluna’s struggles, her loneliness and discover the powers she possesses as Aderyn Wood transports us into another time and place where magic takes on a dark or light calling in a classic battle between good and evil. The Raven is fantasy that feels epic, like there is so much more to learn living in the world created by Ms. Wood in future additions to this brilliant series. Wonderful world building, deep enough to whisk the reader away, characters that sometimes feel fuzzy, almost as if saying their relevance will soon be nil and in-depth detail on the “stars” of this series, Aderyn Wood has done a wonderful job of stamping her style on the world of fantasy! What I enjoyed most was the slightly different, reader-friendly approach, never relying on a strict use of old feeling language, but giving these people a language of their own, intermixed between contemporary usage and the feeling of "long ago." This is fantasy, fresh from the mind and heart of the author and it feels right!
I received this copy from Aderyn Wood in exchange for my honest review.
My rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic - Book 1
Publication Date: November 28, 2015
Publisher: Adreyn Wood
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 233 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 6, 2023
This bood had a slow start but after a while I really liked it.
Read
October 18, 2018'The Raven' is available at Amazon.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this lovely book about the onan people and the different clans which made up this peaceful people, they were however, a very superstitious people believing that babies born on the dark of the moon should be offered as sacrifice to atone to the Gods. Iluna was such a baby born on this dark night, losing her mother and ending up an orphan with every member of the clan demanding her death. All except for the sarogan of the wolf clan Ishur, he saw a light emanating from the baby and knew that she was powerful in magic and could one day be the salvation of their people so he saved her and adopted her, trying to teach her all he knew. A boy who aspired to become the next sarogan of the tribe Yuli was jealous of Iluna and did his best to incite hatred for her until she was forced to live as an outcast yet he was not happy to stop there, he wanted to see her head. Iluna's totem animal was the raven and with him on her shoulder she started to develop her real strengths till she was stronger than any other sarogan of the people's clans. Xaroth the head sargoan from the snake tribe had turned towards the dark side and had taken yuli with him promising him the great power which he craved and they sell their people to a foreign invading force aiming to join up with them. Can Iluna save her people and at what cost does she try to this? A really good story, well written and interesting cause it is so different to the usual fantasy! Loved Iluna's character and in the end also Anton's.
February 14, 2020
Not for me
December 16, 2015
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Several indigenous clans who rely on both nature and magic, are faced with a omen that they lay on the shoulders of an infant. There was a new system and fantastic world building that had me enthralled from the beginning to the end.
Iluna's mother died during childbirth and was born on the wrong day at the wrong time. In these particular tribes, having no family labelled a person a tamatu, a kind of blight on the tribe. Her father having died months earlier, she was entrusted to the care of magic user. From here we watch her grow up being teased, bullied, but at the same time with a great potential for magic.
I found myself really enjoying the story of Iluna's childhood. It helped to shape the character and those around her. Yuli, for example, always had things handed to him and in the end, he always wanted more and it shaped him as an adult. There was no room to question these characters, they were who they were.
The world building is something I particularly loved. The author created a structure to the tribes. She made odd traditions believable, and titles easily understood without dumping it all on the reader. There wasn't a lot of action, but I felt there was no need for it. Iluna, Yuli, Anton & Izhur's stories and reactions to new threats were enough to keep me eagerly flipping the pages.
Pacing throughout the novel was steady, catching a rhythm all the way up to the end. It doesn't end so much on a cliffhanger as there is more to Iluna's story to be brought to light and I hope to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
CONCLUSION
With a great foundation to the characters, and solid world building I was really impressed by this story. It also ended in a way I hadn't expected which gives it double the points. I think fantasy fans who like to be transported into a new world of magic will really enjoy this book.
Several indigenous clans who rely on both nature and magic, are faced with a omen that they lay on the shoulders of an infant. There was a new system and fantastic world building that had me enthralled from the beginning to the end.
Iluna's mother died during childbirth and was born on the wrong day at the wrong time. In these particular tribes, having no family labelled a person a tamatu, a kind of blight on the tribe. Her father having died months earlier, she was entrusted to the care of magic user. From here we watch her grow up being teased, bullied, but at the same time with a great potential for magic.
I found myself really enjoying the story of Iluna's childhood. It helped to shape the character and those around her. Yuli, for example, always had things handed to him and in the end, he always wanted more and it shaped him as an adult. There was no room to question these characters, they were who they were.
The world building is something I particularly loved. The author created a structure to the tribes. She made odd traditions believable, and titles easily understood without dumping it all on the reader. There wasn't a lot of action, but I felt there was no need for it. Iluna, Yuli, Anton & Izhur's stories and reactions to new threats were enough to keep me eagerly flipping the pages.
Pacing throughout the novel was steady, catching a rhythm all the way up to the end. It doesn't end so much on a cliffhanger as there is more to Iluna's story to be brought to light and I hope to read the next book in the series when it comes out.
CONCLUSION
With a great foundation to the characters, and solid world building I was really impressed by this story. It also ended in a way I hadn't expected which gives it double the points. I think fantasy fans who like to be transported into a new world of magic will really enjoy this book.
June 6, 2016
Good Magical Story
I enjoyed this read and the depths of the characters portrayed in the story. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy and magic.
I enjoyed this read and the depths of the characters portrayed in the story. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys fantasy and magic.
June 17, 2016
Beautiful writing
I enjoyed the story and the lyrical quality of the author's voice. I look forward to reading more from this author
I enjoyed the story and the lyrical quality of the author's voice. I look forward to reading more from this author
October 12, 2016
This was an interesting fantasy world to delve into. I enjoyed the magic system and the world building in particular.
August 16, 2018
it was good?
Tbh i decided to read this cuz im trying to make use of my kindle unlimited trial to see if id really use it. This book was good. fun to read. I wanted to know what happened. But it wasn't impactful in any way. After i finished it, i forgot about it pretty quickly. Maybe its the level of reading, as I'm finding it harder to really get into young adult fiction recently, but its also the ending and the buildup. MINOR SPOILER KIND OF FOR GENERAL ENDING-
I feel like the main character was too naive and too willing to sacrifice herself for no reason whatsoever for people who never cared for her and never will. Not to mention she could've done what she did with everyone there so they wouldnt make her look like the bad one. Not to mention the romance was frustrating too, even though that was at least pretty believable. I think what turned me off the most was the lack of depth in the writing? Like, there were no lines or paragraphs or sentences that stuck out to me as just really good lines or good writing. As an overall story its good, but if you enjoy reading stuff thats well written this isnt really it. But I'm just expecting too much since I know that isnt really the target audience for this book. The basic plot and story are pretty good, and its an interesting concept. would I buy this? probably not but I know a lot of other people would.
Tbh i decided to read this cuz im trying to make use of my kindle unlimited trial to see if id really use it. This book was good. fun to read. I wanted to know what happened. But it wasn't impactful in any way. After i finished it, i forgot about it pretty quickly. Maybe its the level of reading, as I'm finding it harder to really get into young adult fiction recently, but its also the ending and the buildup. MINOR SPOILER KIND OF FOR GENERAL ENDING-
I feel like the main character was too naive and too willing to sacrifice herself for no reason whatsoever for people who never cared for her and never will. Not to mention she could've done what she did with everyone there so they wouldnt make her look like the bad one. Not to mention the romance was frustrating too, even though that was at least pretty believable. I think what turned me off the most was the lack of depth in the writing? Like, there were no lines or paragraphs or sentences that stuck out to me as just really good lines or good writing. As an overall story its good, but if you enjoy reading stuff thats well written this isnt really it. But I'm just expecting too much since I know that isnt really the target audience for this book. The basic plot and story are pretty good, and its an interesting concept. would I buy this? probably not but I know a lot of other people would.
May 14, 2017
One of the reasons I enjoy reading is because it allows me to use my imagination to help the world the author is taking me into become real. Wit this author I really enjoy letting my imagination run wild. This world and story is a little different from her last series, where as this one is not a series but splashes of time in Iluna life. In this first book we find out her origin and see her through the early years of her life. This is not just a straight telling it is one that jumps forward skipping over years and makes you really pay attention to catch all that is happening. And yes there is a lot going on. There is magic and jealousy, war and loss and most importantly there is the unexpected. Once again this author shows her skill and love of writing by making that journey an interesting one.
Bring your imagination and set it free. Once you do you will love this book and become a part of the experience.
Bring your imagination and set it free. Once you do you will love this book and become a part of the experience.
July 13, 2018
I received this one for free through one of my book freebie email subscriptions. I was drawn in by the excerpt and the gorgeous cover. PLUS I love ravens, so it was kind of a trifecta of magnetism meant to draw me in.
I really was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. I'm usually let down by freebies. The book started very slowly at first and the strangeness of the names was *almost* too much for me, but I stuck with it and was very glad I did. Things were pretty evenly paced after the initial few first chapters and I came to really like (or passionately dislike) the different characters.
I don't want to get too much deeper in to things for fear of spoiling them, so I'll leave it at this. Give this one a shot!
4/5
I really was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book. I'm usually let down by freebies. The book started very slowly at first and the strangeness of the names was *almost* too much for me, but I stuck with it and was very glad I did. Things were pretty evenly paced after the initial few first chapters and I came to really like (or passionately dislike) the different characters.
I don't want to get too much deeper in to things for fear of spoiling them, so I'll leave it at this. Give this one a shot!
4/5
February 14, 2020
Slow Start to a Spell Binding Tale
Iluna starts life with many things stacked against her. The story covers the path she follows during her formative years. There is strong character development of her and the friends and enemies in her life. The world view is nicely and vividly developed. The pace seemed slow at first, but the story was interesting enough to keep me spellbound. The book picks up its pace and we are led into quite a thrilling finish.
This is a complete story so you don’t feel stranded at the end. However, it would be nice to see more of the lives that follow the ending.
This is worth taking the time to read.
Iluna starts life with many things stacked against her. The story covers the path she follows during her formative years. There is strong character development of her and the friends and enemies in her life. The world view is nicely and vividly developed. The pace seemed slow at first, but the story was interesting enough to keep me spellbound. The book picks up its pace and we are led into quite a thrilling finish.
This is a complete story so you don’t feel stranded at the end. However, it would be nice to see more of the lives that follow the ending.
This is worth taking the time to read.
February 20, 2019
I think I would have enjoyed this more if there had been a bit more of a price to pay for magic. Yes, there was a physical cost, but that seemed to only show up when it was convenient to the plot. And learning magic seemed not hard at all either. And maybe that all bothered me more than it should have, but otherwise I really enjoyed the setting and generally thought this was an enjoyable, light read.
November 5, 2023
Full review on Fantasy-Faction.
http://fantasy-faction.com/2016/the-r...
"Wood’s ability to showcase daily life in a compelling way is impressive, and its part of what makes her world and its characters come to life. Iluna’s likeability and Wood’s readability provide the book’s greatest strengths, and are the reason why The Raven stands out against much of the field the Blog-Off." - Richard Bray
http://fantasy-faction.com/2016/the-r...
"Wood’s ability to showcase daily life in a compelling way is impressive, and its part of what makes her world and its characters come to life. Iluna’s likeability and Wood’s readability provide the book’s greatest strengths, and are the reason why The Raven stands out against much of the field the Blog-Off." - Richard Bray
February 24, 2018
Well Done!
This stand alone fantasy novel by Aderyn Wood is one of the best sagas I've read in a while. The world building is exceptional but not tedious. The story has everything a reader wants- magic, traditions, mystery and depth. Characters r well developed and the plot suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This stand alone fantasy novel by Aderyn Wood is one of the best sagas I've read in a while. The world building is exceptional but not tedious. The story has everything a reader wants- magic, traditions, mystery and depth. Characters r well developed and the plot suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 5, 2020
Enjoyable read
I really enjoyed reading this book. It draws the reader in and weaves a magic of its own. The characters were original and the storyline intriguing. It simply left me wanting more! The sign of a great book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It draws the reader in and weaves a magic of its own. The characters were original and the storyline intriguing. It simply left me wanting more! The sign of a great book.
December 30, 2020
Love the story so much. Ending made me angry because it could've easily been fixed! But whatever I moved passed it....after a couple of weeks 😅
I love Iluna so much but her story makes me so sad because it seems like she's just destined to have a sad life. Even in the short story...that poor girl. I keep wondering if she's really Reyna or at least her and Yana's ancestor. Can't wait for book 3.
I love Iluna so much but her story makes me so sad because it seems like she's just destined to have a sad life. Even in the short story...that poor girl. I keep wondering if she's really Reyna or at least her and Yana's ancestor. Can't wait for book 3.
June 18, 2017
Story line
It was well written and pulled you into the story. I liked it very much and would read it again.
It was well written and pulled you into the story. I liked it very much and would read it again.
July 14, 2017
Interesting world. Would read more. 3.5 star
September 10, 2017
A great read
Really good book. Enjoyed it throughly and several times got lost in the book. Everything I look for in a book.
Really good book. Enjoyed it throughly and several times got lost in the book. Everything I look for in a book.
October 14, 2017
Simply put...amazing!!!!
February 19, 2018
Finished The Raven
An interesting story of a primitive people not of our world. There was a young woman with magic and a great and strong man with older magic who was her teacher.
This book is the first part of their stories.
An interesting story of a primitive people not of our world. There was a young woman with magic and a great and strong man with older magic who was her teacher.
This book is the first part of their stories.
May 3, 2018
Did not like the ending
The story started off slow and just never quite got there for me. Although the story had some good points. I hated the ending it was disappointing.
The story started off slow and just never quite got there for me. Although the story had some good points. I hated the ending it was disappointing.
June 4, 2018
The Raven
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book, I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie
August 1, 2018
Pretty good book
It ended too abruptly I enjoyed the book but I was dissatisfied with the ending it could have been better
It ended too abruptly I enjoyed the book but I was dissatisfied with the ending it could have been better
November 14, 2018
This was a great book, full of interesting characters and an amazing story line
November 22, 2018
Love!!!
I loved this story!!! I was sucked in from the beginning. What a wonderful tale that reminds me of Clan of the Cave Bear mixed with fantasy!
I loved this story!!! I was sucked in from the beginning. What a wonderful tale that reminds me of Clan of the Cave Bear mixed with fantasy!
November 30, 2018
What a wonderful story!
This book was unique and so fascinating !! The author is a wonderful story teller. I would definitely recommend this book to friends.
This book was unique and so fascinating !! The author is a wonderful story teller. I would definitely recommend this book to friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews