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Keepers of the Wellsprings #1
Call of Kythshire
Alternate Cover edition for ASIN B00UVLQWGY
The existence of the fairies of Kythshire is a secret kept for over a century...
Azaeli has trained from a young age in order to follow in her parents' footsteps and become a Knight of His Majesty's Elite. When she finally becomes a Squire, her name is mysteriously left off of the list for the King's Quest. Her parents set off without her, but the simple quest goes awry leaving tragedy in its wake. With the help of her lifelong friend, Rian, a Mage apprentice, Azaeli must unravel a sinister plot that threatens both the existence of Kythshire and the peace that her people have celebrated for generations.
The existence of the fairies of Kythshire is a secret kept for over a century...
Azaeli has trained from a young age in order to follow in her parents' footsteps and become a Knight of His Majesty's Elite. When she finally becomes a Squire, her name is mysteriously left off of the list for the King's Quest. Her parents set off without her, but the simple quest goes awry leaving tragedy in its wake. With the help of her lifelong friend, Rian, a Mage apprentice, Azaeli must unravel a sinister plot that threatens both the existence of Kythshire and the peace that her people have celebrated for generations.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2015
297 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Missy Sheldrake
17 books95 followersMissy Sheldrake is an epic daydreamer and a muse of positivity who weaves worlds full of character-driven, complex fantasy adventures.
In 2014 she dusted off an unfinished Tassy Walden Award-winning manuscript from her college days, started writing her first novel, Call of Kythshire, and never looked back. In four short years, she completed the five-book Keepers of the Wellsprings series, an epic high-fantasy young adult adventure that was awarded the Golden Squirrel Independent Book Award in 2017 for Best Fantasy.
When she isn't writing, Missy can be found creating fantastical artworks in paint and clay, wandering hidden forest paths, and concocting plots for imaginary people who are beyond real to her. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line!
In 2014 she dusted off an unfinished Tassy Walden Award-winning manuscript from her college days, started writing her first novel, Call of Kythshire, and never looked back. In four short years, she completed the five-book Keepers of the Wellsprings series, an epic high-fantasy young adult adventure that was awarded the Golden Squirrel Independent Book Award in 2017 for Best Fantasy.
When she isn't writing, Missy can be found creating fantastical artworks in paint and clay, wandering hidden forest paths, and concocting plots for imaginary people who are beyond real to her. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 5, 2017
First, I want to say that I'm not a fan of 'fairy tales' and when I started this book, I didn't know what to expect. Now? I want a fairy friend! "Wanna play?" YES!
I loved how the author brought the fairies to life, with each having their own personality. I loved their world, how everything was so different in Kythshire. I think I'm in love with the fairies. That's the only real way to put it. Another thing I found fascinating was how the magic was explained: what it did to the mages if they drew in it too much.
The beginning ceremony put me in a good mood for the book. I learned to know Azaeli, and it was fun to read. After that, it seemed to slow a bit. I'm thinking that I may have been too anxious to learn more, because as soon as Flit made her first apparition, it pulled me in. From there, I entered the charming and alluring world of fairies. The plot advanced at a steady pace and soon I discovered the lurking threat along with Azi, Rian, and Flit.
I'd recommend not only for fans of fairies and pure fantasy, but also for the world building.
I loved how the author brought the fairies to life, with each having their own personality. I loved their world, how everything was so different in Kythshire. I think I'm in love with the fairies. That's the only real way to put it. Another thing I found fascinating was how the magic was explained: what it did to the mages if they drew in it too much.
The beginning ceremony put me in a good mood for the book. I learned to know Azaeli, and it was fun to read. After that, it seemed to slow a bit. I'm thinking that I may have been too anxious to learn more, because as soon as Flit made her first apparition, it pulled me in. From there, I entered the charming and alluring world of fairies. The plot advanced at a steady pace and soon I discovered the lurking threat along with Azi, Rian, and Flit.
I'd recommend not only for fans of fairies and pure fantasy, but also for the world building.
April 27, 2016
Right from the start, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The action and pacing was great, pulling me immediately into the head of the main character, which was both fun and frustrating. Azi is everything a strong female lead should be. She is headstrong, but not reckless, and has a solid head on her shoulders despite being a fighter. Although this is Azi's story, there are quite a few other characters, all of whom are well written and multidimensional. I had no issue with keeping the names and personalities straight, as can often be a problem with an ensemble cast, especially in fantasy settings. One particular character does try to steal the show. That would be Flit, the fairy who brings new meaning to the term colorful sidekick.
The story itself is an original take on the use and abuse of magic. For a light tale, it delves into some intriguing and dark issues. I rather enjoyed the fact that it handled the heavier subject matter without resorting as most fantasy does to the 'dark' or 'adult' realm, keeping the tone appropriate for a younger audience while still being interesting to an older crowd.
Also worth noting: the author is also an artist and has added illustrations to the book. While some say they don't add to the experience, I disagree. If anything, it brought me back to the chapter books of my childhood that often had a few illustrations interspersed. I'm glad to see that this tradition carries into the digital age and besides, the illustrations in this book are works of art. Truly beautiful.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
The story itself is an original take on the use and abuse of magic. For a light tale, it delves into some intriguing and dark issues. I rather enjoyed the fact that it handled the heavier subject matter without resorting as most fantasy does to the 'dark' or 'adult' realm, keeping the tone appropriate for a younger audience while still being interesting to an older crowd.
Also worth noting: the author is also an artist and has added illustrations to the book. While some say they don't add to the experience, I disagree. If anything, it brought me back to the chapter books of my childhood that often had a few illustrations interspersed. I'm glad to see that this tradition carries into the digital age and besides, the illustrations in this book are works of art. Truly beautiful.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
January 1, 2017
This is a well-written story to be enjoyed by all ages. When I took a "Look Inside" this book, I saw beautiful drawings of maps and scenes. I purchased the e-book and was pleasantly surprised to find them included, along with many more. The world building is detailed and colorful. The story played out like a movie in my head. The characters have distinct personalities, including the fairies, which I think are very cute. There's one who likes sugar cubes and often touches Azi's face with her sticky hands. Azi and Rian are the best of friends, but also share something more. They are both courageous, honest, and protective of each other. I like that their families have always been close friends, like family to each other, and they work hard together. If I had read this as a child, I would have concentrated on Azi's bravery and her friendships with the fairies and the Princesses. Reading this as an adult, I also enjoyed reading about the love Azi and Rian have for each other. Though I am very happy with how this story ended, I look forward to reading the next book.
February 15, 2016
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Call of Kythshire in exchange for an honest review of the book.
I really wish I could give this 3 and a half stars. There are plenty of good things about this book, which I will get to a bit later, however, there are some drawbacks that make me iffy about giving this book a four star review. Overall, this was a good read that is worth a look by anyone who is interested in the Fantasy genre. Especially those who are fans of strong female characters.
Pros: The major pro for me, especially since this is a fantasy genre book, was that this book had some good world building. It doesn't simply build a story over traditional fantasy ideas, but instead creates ideas of it's own which play important roles in the plot. This includes a very interesting twist on magic and the origins/impacts of magic.
The characters are another good aspect of this book. As for the main characters they are interestingly developed and though somewhat predictable, still quite lively. There is also a rich grouping of secondary characters that add another layer to this novel. This is especially true of the fairies.
The last pro that I feel should be mentioned is that this book had nice readability and should appeal to a wide range of audiences. Too often fantasy is written far too mature, or too childish. The author does a good job of not talking down to her audience, which leads to this readability range.
Cons: The biggest problem that this book suffers from is pacing. There are parts which go by far too quickly, where they really could have been drawn out a bit more for the experience of the reader. Then there are parts which seem to drag on forever seemingly without adding anything to the story. Many fantasy readers expect for lots of information or sometimes a slow start, but there are times when this goes beyond this.
While the characters are a great part of this book, some are also a con. This is not due to the character themselves but the lack of development that goes along with them. I found myself in the beginning having trouble keeping many of the characters straight, and then once I got used to the myriad of people, it seemed like they faded into the background.
Lastly, I felt like this could have been developed so much more, and not just some of the characters. There was so much more world building that could have been put in place where the book drags. This in some ways makes me want to read the second book in the series even more. However, it also makes me wary that some of my major questions (about abilities, magic, etc) as a reader may not be addressed.
Neither pro nor con: I wanted to also mention that there are pictures throughout the book (not at the end of every chapter oddly enough), which may add a dimension for some readers. For me, however, this was fun but didn't add much to the experience of reading this book.
I really wish I could give this 3 and a half stars. There are plenty of good things about this book, which I will get to a bit later, however, there are some drawbacks that make me iffy about giving this book a four star review. Overall, this was a good read that is worth a look by anyone who is interested in the Fantasy genre. Especially those who are fans of strong female characters.
Pros: The major pro for me, especially since this is a fantasy genre book, was that this book had some good world building. It doesn't simply build a story over traditional fantasy ideas, but instead creates ideas of it's own which play important roles in the plot. This includes a very interesting twist on magic and the origins/impacts of magic.
The characters are another good aspect of this book. As for the main characters they are interestingly developed and though somewhat predictable, still quite lively. There is also a rich grouping of secondary characters that add another layer to this novel. This is especially true of the fairies.
The last pro that I feel should be mentioned is that this book had nice readability and should appeal to a wide range of audiences. Too often fantasy is written far too mature, or too childish. The author does a good job of not talking down to her audience, which leads to this readability range.
Cons: The biggest problem that this book suffers from is pacing. There are parts which go by far too quickly, where they really could have been drawn out a bit more for the experience of the reader. Then there are parts which seem to drag on forever seemingly without adding anything to the story. Many fantasy readers expect for lots of information or sometimes a slow start, but there are times when this goes beyond this.
While the characters are a great part of this book, some are also a con. This is not due to the character themselves but the lack of development that goes along with them. I found myself in the beginning having trouble keeping many of the characters straight, and then once I got used to the myriad of people, it seemed like they faded into the background.
Lastly, I felt like this could have been developed so much more, and not just some of the characters. There was so much more world building that could have been put in place where the book drags. This in some ways makes me want to read the second book in the series even more. However, it also makes me wary that some of my major questions (about abilities, magic, etc) as a reader may not be addressed.
Neither pro nor con: I wanted to also mention that there are pictures throughout the book (not at the end of every chapter oddly enough), which may add a dimension for some readers. For me, however, this was fun but didn't add much to the experience of reading this book.
March 1, 2017
I am completely, irretrievably, delightfully hooked.
Holy moly. I started this book with absolutely no idea what was going to happen to me as I read it. Now that I have finished it, I find that I am completely in love with the characters and places that I encountered in this magical, mystical fantasy tale that has woven its tendrils around my heart.
It's taking most of my will-power to write a review before I pick up the second book. And that's not the worst of it. I have work to do. And there are other things I have committed to read. Drat you, Missy Sheldrake! Because of you, I am in the clutches of a bona-fide "I don't want to adult, I want to stay in the world of the book" dilemma.
'Call of Kythshire" is completely enchanting. It looked completely innocent while sitting on the shelf, but as soon as I opened it, my fate was sealed. Missy Sheldrake began to work her magic on me from the first chapter, drawing me in until I was fully invested in the journey that my imagination and emotions were being taken on. It's a beautifully crafted quest through faraway lands that become very real and much closer to our own world as one reads, accompanied by some of the most feisty and determined yet loveable characters I have ever met. I travelled with them, stood by them as they faced challenges from others who sought to misuse their powers, and encouraged them to conquer their differences and internal conflicts to overcome them. I'm not even sure I would have made all the same decisions, but then I remember Rian's words: " “Who are we to decide who’s worth saving and who’s worth punishing? What would you have done in such a desperate situation? Can you honestly say that you wouldn’t do everything in your power to help the ones you love?" and I know he is right.
Reader, beware. You will get hooked, and there will be absolutely nothing you can do about it. Except read the next in the series, that is.
Holy moly. I started this book with absolutely no idea what was going to happen to me as I read it. Now that I have finished it, I find that I am completely in love with the characters and places that I encountered in this magical, mystical fantasy tale that has woven its tendrils around my heart.
It's taking most of my will-power to write a review before I pick up the second book. And that's not the worst of it. I have work to do. And there are other things I have committed to read. Drat you, Missy Sheldrake! Because of you, I am in the clutches of a bona-fide "I don't want to adult, I want to stay in the world of the book" dilemma.
'Call of Kythshire" is completely enchanting. It looked completely innocent while sitting on the shelf, but as soon as I opened it, my fate was sealed. Missy Sheldrake began to work her magic on me from the first chapter, drawing me in until I was fully invested in the journey that my imagination and emotions were being taken on. It's a beautifully crafted quest through faraway lands that become very real and much closer to our own world as one reads, accompanied by some of the most feisty and determined yet loveable characters I have ever met. I travelled with them, stood by them as they faced challenges from others who sought to misuse their powers, and encouraged them to conquer their differences and internal conflicts to overcome them. I'm not even sure I would have made all the same decisions, but then I remember Rian's words: " “Who are we to decide who’s worth saving and who’s worth punishing? What would you have done in such a desperate situation? Can you honestly say that you wouldn’t do everything in your power to help the ones you love?" and I know he is right.
Reader, beware. You will get hooked, and there will be absolutely nothing you can do about it. Except read the next in the series, that is.
August 26, 2016
I received this book for free in a book promotion. There was no expectation or arrangement for a review.
Having said that, I have to say that I enjoyed that book thoroughly. The characters were all well developed and the world that the author has built is full of exciting things to discover. Each fairy has its own unique set of characteristics and personality. I try to read for no more than an hour before going to bed, but this was one of those books that I truly regretted having to set down and turn out the light. In my younger days, I would have sat up until two in the morning just to see what was going to happen next.
The story moved a a pretty good pace, and the transitions from scene to scene were seamless, leading the reader flawlessly into the next part of the story. The story was good as a standalone story, but with plenty of foreshadowing about potential future stories to tell. Indeed, there are three more books and more to follow, so I am anxious to purchase the next books to watch the characters grow and develop with age and experiences.
I would recommend this book and the sequels to anyone interested in a well thought out fantasy tale.
Having said that, I have to say that I enjoyed that book thoroughly. The characters were all well developed and the world that the author has built is full of exciting things to discover. Each fairy has its own unique set of characteristics and personality. I try to read for no more than an hour before going to bed, but this was one of those books that I truly regretted having to set down and turn out the light. In my younger days, I would have sat up until two in the morning just to see what was going to happen next.
The story moved a a pretty good pace, and the transitions from scene to scene were seamless, leading the reader flawlessly into the next part of the story. The story was good as a standalone story, but with plenty of foreshadowing about potential future stories to tell. Indeed, there are three more books and more to follow, so I am anxious to purchase the next books to watch the characters grow and develop with age and experiences.
I would recommend this book and the sequels to anyone interested in a well thought out fantasy tale.
May 13, 2016
This is a well-written story to be enjoyed by all ages. When I took a "Look Inside" this book in Amazon, I saw beautiful drawings of maps and scenes. I purchased the e-book and was pleasantly surprised to find them included, along with many more. The world building is detailed and colorful. The story played out like a movie in my head. The characters have distinct personalities, including the fairies, which I think are very cute. There's one who likes sugar cubes and often touches Azi's face with her sticky hands. Azi and Rian are the best of friends, but also share something more. They are both courageous, honest, and protective of each other. I like that their families have always been close friends, like family to each other, and they work hard together. If I had read this as a child, I would have concentrated on Azi's bravery and her friendships with the fairies and the Princesses. Reading this as an adult, I also enjoyed reading about the love Azi and Rian have for each other. Though I am very happy with how this story ended, I look forward to reading the next book.
December 26, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I always get excited about a good fairy tale, and Call of Kythshire did not disappoint. I loved all of the characters and had no trouble getting caught up in the plot. But be forewarned, this is definitely a story that focuses on a lot of world building. It's easy to miss part of the plot if you're not reading carefully. But the plot moves at such a pace that it's easy to maintain a steady reading flow and catch all of the excitement that the author throws your way.
Very very enjoyable.
I always get excited about a good fairy tale, and Call of Kythshire did not disappoint. I loved all of the characters and had no trouble getting caught up in the plot. But be forewarned, this is definitely a story that focuses on a lot of world building. It's easy to miss part of the plot if you're not reading carefully. But the plot moves at such a pace that it's easy to maintain a steady reading flow and catch all of the excitement that the author throws your way.
Very very enjoyable.
January 12, 2018
Fairy life, gotta love it.
An awesome tale for all ages. This is a good, fun, clean book. Perfect for sharing with Grandma or a young lady.
BTW, fairy life seems very hard and complicated.
An awesome tale for all ages. This is a good, fun, clean book. Perfect for sharing with Grandma or a young lady.
BTW, fairy life seems very hard and complicated.
February 20, 2016
I found this to be a quite enjoyable fantasy novel with an engaging main character and an intriguing plot that developed nicely. The world was introduced in enough detail to keep me informed without being burdensome, and the story is a good mix of lighthearted elements with more serious action. The prose is uncluttered and avoids straying into otiose verbiage in an attempt to achieve a “fantastical” effect.
The story is told in first-person, present-tense, which is not my favorite narrative style as it often leads an author into distracting circumlocutions to overcome this style’s inherent limitations, but it works here. For me, this choice did not add a great deal to the story; I think it could have been told as effectively in another style, but it flowed well and kept me engaged. The only drawback—and it is a minor one—is that as the narrative progressed and the cast of characters grew, the limitations imposed by the POV resulted in me finding some the secondary characters a bit indistinct, which made them a little hard to keep track of at times. But I wasn’t unduly bothered by this, and I feel this was probably better than introducing potentially awkward elements to give additional context and background.
Overall, I found this story to be an superior effort, especially for a debut novel, and I would recommend it as an enjoyable fantasy that leans to lighter side. I will be reading the next book.
The story is told in first-person, present-tense, which is not my favorite narrative style as it often leads an author into distracting circumlocutions to overcome this style’s inherent limitations, but it works here. For me, this choice did not add a great deal to the story; I think it could have been told as effectively in another style, but it flowed well and kept me engaged. The only drawback—and it is a minor one—is that as the narrative progressed and the cast of characters grew, the limitations imposed by the POV resulted in me finding some the secondary characters a bit indistinct, which made them a little hard to keep track of at times. But I wasn’t unduly bothered by this, and I feel this was probably better than introducing potentially awkward elements to give additional context and background.
Overall, I found this story to be an superior effort, especially for a debut novel, and I would recommend it as an enjoyable fantasy that leans to lighter side. I will be reading the next book.
September 7, 2016
I love this book (and I'm a lady over 21).
I love the illustrations (even on my old 4th gen Kindle).
And the story is really strong.
Azaeli is an awesome young lady; one to watch in the role model stakes.
She's a squire and all round good person.
But she becomes embroiled in a fierce battle of good vs evil (sorcerers vs fairies).
Excitement and intrigue are maintained throughout, in language suitable for the age bracket.
There's a clean romance involved along the line, but the main story remains focussed on Kythshire.
I love the illustrations (even on my old 4th gen Kindle).
And the story is really strong.
Azaeli is an awesome young lady; one to watch in the role model stakes.
She's a squire and all round good person.
But she becomes embroiled in a fierce battle of good vs evil (sorcerers vs fairies).
Excitement and intrigue are maintained throughout, in language suitable for the age bracket.
There's a clean romance involved along the line, but the main story remains focussed on Kythshire.
November 29, 2016
Reviewed for readers favorite
In Call of Kythshire, the first book in the Keepers of the Wellspring series by Missy Sheldrake, Azaeli Hammerfel is a young girl training to become a Squire and join His Majesty's Elite. After a hard fight to earn the honor she is shocked to discover that her name is left out among those going on the King's Quest. Her parents and the rest of her guild are going, even a rival she soundly managed to beat has been bestowed the honor.
Despite the slight, she doesn't get a chance to dwell on the injustice long, as tragedy befalls the party. Her mother is missing and her father is gravely injured, raving of mysterious creatures.
Determined to find out what happened, Azaeli enlists the help of her best friend Rian. Together they discover the existence of fairies as well as the plot to wipe out the mysterious creatures and steal their magic.
Now, Azaeli must not only find out what has happened to her mother but save the kingdom whose fate lies on the balance.
Call of Kythshire by Missy Sheldrake is an engaging young adult fantasy novel. The text is enhanced by bright and lively illustrations that detail many key scenes and characters.
Sheldrake unfolds the plot at just the right pace, doling out mystery and intrigue in such a way that Call of Kythshire is nearly impossible to put down. The romance is light and sweet, as most of the focus is on Azaeli's personal growth as opposed to romance. Still, Rian and Azaeli work well together, sacrificing and helping each other achieve their goal which is a big theme in Call of Kythshire.
An enjoyable read for fans of young adult fantasy.
In Call of Kythshire, the first book in the Keepers of the Wellspring series by Missy Sheldrake, Azaeli Hammerfel is a young girl training to become a Squire and join His Majesty's Elite. After a hard fight to earn the honor she is shocked to discover that her name is left out among those going on the King's Quest. Her parents and the rest of her guild are going, even a rival she soundly managed to beat has been bestowed the honor.
Despite the slight, she doesn't get a chance to dwell on the injustice long, as tragedy befalls the party. Her mother is missing and her father is gravely injured, raving of mysterious creatures.
Determined to find out what happened, Azaeli enlists the help of her best friend Rian. Together they discover the existence of fairies as well as the plot to wipe out the mysterious creatures and steal their magic.
Now, Azaeli must not only find out what has happened to her mother but save the kingdom whose fate lies on the balance.
Call of Kythshire by Missy Sheldrake is an engaging young adult fantasy novel. The text is enhanced by bright and lively illustrations that detail many key scenes and characters.
Sheldrake unfolds the plot at just the right pace, doling out mystery and intrigue in such a way that Call of Kythshire is nearly impossible to put down. The romance is light and sweet, as most of the focus is on Azaeli's personal growth as opposed to romance. Still, Rian and Azaeli work well together, sacrificing and helping each other achieve their goal which is a big theme in Call of Kythshire.
An enjoyable read for fans of young adult fantasy.
February 14, 2021
I was gifted an audio copy in exchange for an honest review of the audio.
I don't listen to audio often so it took me a short while to warm up to Penny's voice (more so because I have read all 5 books and have my own versions of them).
A few chapters in and you can feel the story come alive. Penny has executed the pronunciations of people and places well and gives each character their own flare with her voices for them....Penny relit the fire and love I have for certain parts of the books. Like Rian's Mage "Test" so fun to kisten too. Flitt's Voice is 😍 she makes me chuckle and my heart warms each time she comes on. I might be listening to a book but my head is playing a mini movie. I can't wait for the next book to be available.
Whether you have read the books or are new to the world Missy has created, you won't be dissapointed. A world filled with Knights, Mages, Fairies, Curses, Friendships, Love and Adventure 🤩
(Note I own all 5 books on kindle and own some of the paperbacks as well and often gift the first book in the series to friends).
I don't listen to audio often so it took me a short while to warm up to Penny's voice (more so because I have read all 5 books and have my own versions of them).
A few chapters in and you can feel the story come alive. Penny has executed the pronunciations of people and places well and gives each character their own flare with her voices for them....Penny relit the fire and love I have for certain parts of the books. Like Rian's Mage "Test" so fun to kisten too. Flitt's Voice is 😍 she makes me chuckle and my heart warms each time she comes on. I might be listening to a book but my head is playing a mini movie. I can't wait for the next book to be available.
Whether you have read the books or are new to the world Missy has created, you won't be dissapointed. A world filled with Knights, Mages, Fairies, Curses, Friendships, Love and Adventure 🤩
(Note I own all 5 books on kindle and own some of the paperbacks as well and often gift the first book in the series to friends).
June 11, 2016
Missy has written a compelling fairytale with great characters and a smooth, quick pace. I had to make a little adjustment to the first person writing, but once I got used to the style, I really found myself lost in the story.
The dialogue was funny, crisp and well written. It takes a pretty fast paced story to keep me focussed and Missy managed it really well. There are some lovely philosophical ideals which Missy weaves into her narrative through building a beautiful make believe realm. I will be keen to take a look at the next book in the series.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review*
The dialogue was funny, crisp and well written. It takes a pretty fast paced story to keep me focussed and Missy managed it really well. There are some lovely philosophical ideals which Missy weaves into her narrative through building a beautiful make believe realm. I will be keen to take a look at the next book in the series.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review*
June 3, 2016
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. The basis of the story is about Azi who has trained from an early age to become a Knight of His Majesty's Elite. She won her battle and is expecting to go on the quest required to become a knight. That doesn't happen.
This book has a magic realm of fairies, a land that needs protected, evil mages, friends, and enemies.
This book has a magic realm of fairies, a land that needs protected, evil mages, friends, and enemies.
April 24, 2020
Excellent read
This book was intriguing from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down, even to sleep. I was impressed with the story and the beautiful illustrations. I love YA Fantasy, even though I'm an adult because you get a terrific story without all of the bad language and adult situations. This book is one of the best I've read.
This book was intriguing from the beginning. I didn't want to put it down, even to sleep. I was impressed with the story and the beautiful illustrations. I love YA Fantasy, even though I'm an adult because you get a terrific story without all of the bad language and adult situations. This book is one of the best I've read.
February 5, 2016
What a great story! The characters came to life for me. I loved the female lead and was entranced from start to finish.
March 15, 2021
The Call of Kythshire is the first installment of 5 YA high fantasy novel that centres around Azi, a coming of age squire within her parents guild of Elite knights. Azi is disappointed to be excluded from what would be her first quest. However fate and magic have a vital role in store for Azi and her friend Rian, begining with loss, a curse, a discovery of fairies and a hidden realm.
The characters are fascinating and unique. The descriptives in the world building brings the story to life in ways only other authors can aspire to. The whole story has this beautifully nostalgic feel to it with hints of J. M. Barrie and Lewis Carroll. The Fairies are reminiscent of folklore, depicted as tiny mischievous creatures. Flit and Twig are my absolute dream characters. The half-realm of Kythshire brings the magic to life in a way that makes me yearn for it. I cant even begin to comprehend the possibilities of the shape shifting flying woodland Elves. However the role in the first book hasnt been explored as much as I would have liked. Hopefully they will feature heavily in further books.
I love the inclusion of Missy's drawings. They complement the story in a pictorial format whilsts also showcasing one of Missy's many talents. This novel tugs at faded memories of childhood whimsy whilst staying true to YA literature. If you spent your youth searching for fairies at the bottom of the garden, then look no further, they're here. Full of imagery of the natural world, this is how fairytales should be told.
The characters are fascinating and unique. The descriptives in the world building brings the story to life in ways only other authors can aspire to. The whole story has this beautifully nostalgic feel to it with hints of J. M. Barrie and Lewis Carroll. The Fairies are reminiscent of folklore, depicted as tiny mischievous creatures. Flit and Twig are my absolute dream characters. The half-realm of Kythshire brings the magic to life in a way that makes me yearn for it. I cant even begin to comprehend the possibilities of the shape shifting flying woodland Elves. However the role in the first book hasnt been explored as much as I would have liked. Hopefully they will feature heavily in further books.
I love the inclusion of Missy's drawings. They complement the story in a pictorial format whilsts also showcasing one of Missy's many talents. This novel tugs at faded memories of childhood whimsy whilst staying true to YA literature. If you spent your youth searching for fairies at the bottom of the garden, then look no further, they're here. Full of imagery of the natural world, this is how fairytales should be told.
April 7, 2022
I had a tricky time picking a 3 or 4 for this, but I'm settling on 3 mostly for smaller issues.
First of all - I loved the magic system in this book. It was well thought out, well executed, and multifaceted. So commonly in books with magic it's about your skill and such, and to read one where magic was reliant on a source and could easily be abused was super cool. I also think that this representation of Fairies and their world is really cool too. Fae books are very in currently, and they all feel kind of same same, and this is a much different depiction. Their job systems and magic types are all really fascinating and I think they're a fantastic race in this novel.
Now, more of my issues. The first chapter was fantastic as a draw in. I was in a huge reading slump and just chapter one was very satisfying, and got me wanting to read again. However it falls off, and fast. Granted, it is doing some to establish the other characters and kind of lay ground work for later, but at that point it is slow. And it's slow for a decent chunk of time. The fast and slow kind of carried on until about 60-70% when everything really started happening. The pacing made sense in the grand scheme of the book, but just hard as a reader.
The relationships were also kind of weird to me, specifically Rian and Azi. They have an expansive history but feels like it escalated quickly anyways? Maybe I just forget how teenage relationships work, but either way, by the end it was fine. The nice thing with them is it was very supportive and only physical how a normal relationship is, like holding hands when you're scared, kiss of reassurance, that kind of stuff. Love that.
Overall I'm committed enough to read the next ones, the world is fascinating, and once it picked up I definitely wanted to keep reading. However it's one of those books that I likely won't read a second time, and I'm not so in love that I need the next one immediately. It is, however, now on my TBR.
First of all - I loved the magic system in this book. It was well thought out, well executed, and multifaceted. So commonly in books with magic it's about your skill and such, and to read one where magic was reliant on a source and could easily be abused was super cool. I also think that this representation of Fairies and their world is really cool too. Fae books are very in currently, and they all feel kind of same same, and this is a much different depiction. Their job systems and magic types are all really fascinating and I think they're a fantastic race in this novel.
Now, more of my issues. The first chapter was fantastic as a draw in. I was in a huge reading slump and just chapter one was very satisfying, and got me wanting to read again. However it falls off, and fast. Granted, it is doing some to establish the other characters and kind of lay ground work for later, but at that point it is slow. And it's slow for a decent chunk of time. The fast and slow kind of carried on until about 60-70% when everything really started happening. The pacing made sense in the grand scheme of the book, but just hard as a reader.
The relationships were also kind of weird to me, specifically Rian and Azi. They have an expansive history but feels like it escalated quickly anyways? Maybe I just forget how teenage relationships work, but either way, by the end it was fine. The nice thing with them is it was very supportive and only physical how a normal relationship is, like holding hands when you're scared, kiss of reassurance, that kind of stuff. Love that.
Overall I'm committed enough to read the next ones, the world is fascinating, and once it picked up I definitely wanted to keep reading. However it's one of those books that I likely won't read a second time, and I'm not so in love that I need the next one immediately. It is, however, now on my TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2016
I had one reservation before I started reading this book - it's written in present tense. I have tried reading a few other novels in present tense and have not been able to finish them. Before the end of the first chapter, I knew that wasn't going to be a problem with Call of Kythshire. The prose is smooth, the descriptions are vivid without being overwhelming, and the story drew me in completely. I also enjoyed the magical system introduced. It has some unique origins, rules, restrictions, and consequences. The author seems to have put some real thought into it and how it works within her world.
The first half (or so) of the book is well paced with some action, a little backstory, and good character development. It kept me interested and coming back to the story when I had some free time. At this point it was a solid 4 star read. That changed somewhere past the halfway point, when Azi started to figure things out and the action part of the story picked up. That's when it became hard to put down and I started neglecting other things in order to read "one more chapter". Obviously, that's when it became a five star book.
Even though this is part of a series, the story is complete with a satisfying ending. I've already got the next book downloaded and will be reading it soon.
The first half (or so) of the book is well paced with some action, a little backstory, and good character development. It kept me interested and coming back to the story when I had some free time. At this point it was a solid 4 star read. That changed somewhere past the halfway point, when Azi started to figure things out and the action part of the story picked up. That's when it became hard to put down and I started neglecting other things in order to read "one more chapter". Obviously, that's when it became a five star book.
Even though this is part of a series, the story is complete with a satisfying ending. I've already got the next book downloaded and will be reading it soon.
June 8, 2021
REVIEW:
If you love fantasy novels then you will definitely love Call of Kythshire; which is the first book in The Keeper of Wellspring series by Missy Sheldrake. Me saying that I love it is an understatement. I love fantasy and fairies are one of my favorites! Flit is my favorite! I love her mischievous innocence. Azi and Ryan are the heroines that pull you right in from start to finish. I love the storyline and the illustrations (which are done by Missy herself). You feel like you are in the book and feel the characters emotions which is what I look for in a book. This book also teaches you a lesson that you can have all this power but it is not good if you have no heart. Love and good will always win in the end. You will definitely not be sorry for picking this up. Very well written. one of my new favorite series.I give this book five stars
#bookstagram #fantasynovel #firstinseries #bookishmatchup
If you love fantasy novels then you will definitely love Call of Kythshire; which is the first book in The Keeper of Wellspring series by Missy Sheldrake. Me saying that I love it is an understatement. I love fantasy and fairies are one of my favorites! Flit is my favorite! I love her mischievous innocence. Azi and Ryan are the heroines that pull you right in from start to finish. I love the storyline and the illustrations (which are done by Missy herself). You feel like you are in the book and feel the characters emotions which is what I look for in a book. This book also teaches you a lesson that you can have all this power but it is not good if you have no heart. Love and good will always win in the end. You will definitely not be sorry for picking this up. Very well written. one of my new favorite series.I give this book five stars
#bookstagram #fantasynovel #firstinseries #bookishmatchup
July 7, 2021
Review of the audio book version.
I think a lot of my enjoyment to the audio version has a lot do with the narrator who brought the story to life. The is a YA fantasy fairy tale with all the hallmarks of an epic fantasy.
I did enjoy the story, young Azi is a strong herione along with her boy toy Ryan and her entourage of fairies. There is great world building here and lots of beautiful discrition of the kingdom of Kythshire and the rest of the relms. I won't even attempt to spell them. I have to say I think the narrator brought to life Flit.
This YA, it's squeeky clean and not a hint of smut so great for the younger bookworm who you don't want to taint their little heads.
Thank you for the book I enjoyed it and it kept me entertained on a few long work journeys. I believe there are 5 books in the series and I will read them as there is such a bigger story developing and I need to see this through. 🖤
I think a lot of my enjoyment to the audio version has a lot do with the narrator who brought the story to life. The is a YA fantasy fairy tale with all the hallmarks of an epic fantasy.
I did enjoy the story, young Azi is a strong herione along with her boy toy Ryan and her entourage of fairies. There is great world building here and lots of beautiful discrition of the kingdom of Kythshire and the rest of the relms. I won't even attempt to spell them. I have to say I think the narrator brought to life Flit.
This YA, it's squeeky clean and not a hint of smut so great for the younger bookworm who you don't want to taint their little heads.
Thank you for the book I enjoyed it and it kept me entertained on a few long work journeys. I believe there are 5 books in the series and I will read them as there is such a bigger story developing and I need to see this through. 🖤
September 26, 2018
I was looking for a great epic fantasy, & stumbled upon this series. I am so glad I did! First, I absolutely love the covers for this series! I was super-impressed to discover that the author herself designed the covers, so she is very talented! I feel that the covers are totally appropriate for a series about the fae. The storyline moves quickly, & is loaded with twists & turns. The characters are so well done that they seem to jump right off the page. I loved this book, & was eager to jump into the second book in the series. Although I can read these free in Kindle Unlimited, I have decided to buy this series because I am so impressed with it. If you're looking for a great epic fantasy, look no further, & grab this one. You won't be disappointed.
April 29, 2018
I was sent this book by the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
We meet Azaeli on the first page as she is sword fighting in the arena. Each winner of the duel will become a squire of the King's Elite. She wins, but only because her mother has used magic to help her. The King sends a select group of knights to find the land of the faeries so that the two peoples can reconcile their differences. The only problem - no one can find this land or is even sure if it exists. There are princesses, faeries, knights, curses & magic,a girl squire, friendship and a quest to be accomplished. It's not a great book, but it is a good book and seems suitable for young to young adult readers.
We meet Azaeli on the first page as she is sword fighting in the arena. Each winner of the duel will become a squire of the King's Elite. She wins, but only because her mother has used magic to help her. The King sends a select group of knights to find the land of the faeries so that the two peoples can reconcile their differences. The only problem - no one can find this land or is even sure if it exists. There are princesses, faeries, knights, curses & magic,a girl squire, friendship and a quest to be accomplished. It's not a great book, but it is a good book and seems suitable for young to young adult readers.
January 30, 2020
I read this one on my new (ish) Kindle. This kindle that I won in a giveaway when my son was just a baby. If anyone wants to know what mom life is like, I finally activated it this month. Anyway I liked Call of Kythshire - I especially liked the world-building and all the fairies. I liked the illustrations at the end of some chapters, it really made these adorable characters fun. The battle scenes and pacing I wasn't as impressed with. The beginning book scenes were too slow, I had a hard time getting into it. And the final epic battle at the end wasn't all that epic and was kind of confusing at times. But I liked our main character and her strength and honor.
April 25, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. The writing is beautiful, felt the book had great pacing and always kept me interested and eager to read on.
The world building was great, and really detailed especially when it came to Kythshire itself.
I loved the relationships and dynamics within Azi's family, and especially how her and Rian grew closer. The introduction of Flitt and the other fairies added a lot of humour to the story, and it was never a dull moment.
I also really enjoyed the exploration of the darker side of magic and how Rian had to face/ overcome it. Definitely excited to read the next book
The world building was great, and really detailed especially when it came to Kythshire itself.
I loved the relationships and dynamics within Azi's family, and especially how her and Rian grew closer. The introduction of Flitt and the other fairies added a lot of humour to the story, and it was never a dull moment.
I also really enjoyed the exploration of the darker side of magic and how Rian had to face/ overcome it. Definitely excited to read the next book
May 31, 2023
I tried so hard to like this, but while the magic system was interesting and the world-building was good, my main problem was with the pacing. The book started strong with the first chapter, but then it got slow through the next hundred pages. It picked up again, only to get slow not long after. The story’s pacing made it hard to focus and enjoy the world-building. The ending felt a bit rushed, but it is the first of a series, so that might make it okay. Part of me wants to continue reading, but I might have to wait because I don’t like reading books with such unbalanced pacing, as it takes the fun out of the story.
December 27, 2017
This book left me looking forward to the next book in the series, but not enough to jump right into it.
Book 1 in the series follows our main characters, Azi (Knight) and Rian (A stinky Mage), as they fight to help save the fairy land of Kythshire while saving their own home as well.
It is action packed while remaining safe for all ages to read without cussing and so forth. But there are some scenes that allude to sexual situations so be warned, but they are not detailed. And of course there are battles - Azi is a knight after all.
Book 1 in the series follows our main characters, Azi (Knight) and Rian (A stinky Mage), as they fight to help save the fairy land of Kythshire while saving their own home as well.
It is action packed while remaining safe for all ages to read without cussing and so forth. But there are some scenes that allude to sexual situations so be warned, but they are not detailed. And of course there are battles - Azi is a knight after all.
April 12, 2020
I am not generally a fan of fantasy let alone the faery tale. Yet I find myself looking moire and more at this genre. I started in this book slowly, but trolly loved it. Azi is a gas. Rian is a typically muddled intellectual until he gets his powers together and Flitt is what, a giggle meister, with a heart and an understanding of her world. The heavy action was not quite expected but fully engaging. Will look for more of Missy's work and more in this genre. Will little wonders never cease....
April 3, 2022
I bought this series from Etsy, signed by the author HOPING it was a great series. I usually don't do this, but I had a feeling and went with it. I am glad I did. This is such a fun and funny adventure. I LOVE Flitt! I love how it is so different. Not an old story redressed, but a fully fleshed out world that isn't like any I have adventured to in my reading journeys. I can not recommend this book enough! The art is so beautiful as well. I can not wait to see what happens in the books going forward.
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