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Demons were nothing but legends...
Or so the young General Nessix Teradhel had always believed. Abandoned by her god and caught in a political trap with her late father's old comrade, Nessix had barely kept herself together even before these startling reports appeared.
But now Mathias Sagewind, the fabled White Paladin, has arrived on her quiet island nation of Elidae with confirmation of such terrors. Wielding the name of the Mother Goddess and divine strength not seen in years, he is Elidae's best chance at victory. In the wake of a holy war, Nessix must learn to trust Mathias as he attempts to guide her from a troubled past and protect her from a tragic future.
Or so the young General Nessix Teradhel had always believed. Abandoned by her god and caught in a political trap with her late father's old comrade, Nessix had barely kept herself together even before these startling reports appeared.
But now Mathias Sagewind, the fabled White Paladin, has arrived on her quiet island nation of Elidae with confirmation of such terrors. Wielding the name of the Mother Goddess and divine strength not seen in years, he is Elidae's best chance at victory. In the wake of a holy war, Nessix must learn to trust Mathias as he attempts to guide her from a troubled past and protect her from a tragic future.
- GenresFantasy
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2016
14 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Katika Schneider
11 books29 followersFueled by bedtime stories of The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn and afternoons adventuring in the woods behind her rural Missouri home, the jump from epic fantasy reader to epic fantasy author was a natural transition for Katika. She discovered her love of writing in fourth grade writing workshop, and embraced this art from that point forward. Spending junior high learning the ups and downs of style development via DragonLance fan fiction, she began crafting her own stories in high school, winning local writing competitions. Happiest when wordsmithing, she enrolled in creative writing courses in college and was told fantasy "wasn't creative fiction." This led her to seek alternative writing wisdom and heavily shaped her indie author ideals.
Kat accidentally discovered her world of Abaeloth in 2003 when creating a character for an RPG. This character shared her life story from birth to death and everything in between. With nothing left to game with, the only logical option was to begin writing so Nessix could live outside of Kat's mind. Devotion, the first book of Tale of the Fallen, was published in 2016 and three more series within the encompassing Afflicted Saga are currently drafted.
Today, Katika still considers rural Missouri home and lives on a farm with her supportive husband and their assortment of special needs animals. She forewent veterinary school due to unplanned life circumstances, and now spends her non-writing time playing with her dog, riding her horses, and drowning in garden gnomes.
Katika strives to draw on the brilliance of the fantasy classics to craft and deliver epic tales reminiscent to those told in the genre's golden age. It is among her most sincere hopes that you fall in love with Abaeloth and those who call it home as deeply as she has.
Kat accidentally discovered her world of Abaeloth in 2003 when creating a character for an RPG. This character shared her life story from birth to death and everything in between. With nothing left to game with, the only logical option was to begin writing so Nessix could live outside of Kat's mind. Devotion, the first book of Tale of the Fallen, was published in 2016 and three more series within the encompassing Afflicted Saga are currently drafted.
Today, Katika still considers rural Missouri home and lives on a farm with her supportive husband and their assortment of special needs animals. She forewent veterinary school due to unplanned life circumstances, and now spends her non-writing time playing with her dog, riding her horses, and drowning in garden gnomes.
Katika strives to draw on the brilliance of the fantasy classics to craft and deliver epic tales reminiscent to those told in the genre's golden age. It is among her most sincere hopes that you fall in love with Abaeloth and those who call it home as deeply as she has.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 11, 2019
While I enjoyed this book, I also found it frustrating at times. The book repeatedly tells us that Nessix is a good strategist and cunning, but then she freezes repeatedly, acts on impulse, ignores advisers when she doesn't like what they say, and rarely formulates and follows through on a plan that doesn't immediately fail. People say she's great, but then doubt her actual plans. These are all great flaws for a character to have, but they get to be annoying when the character is repeatedly said to be good at what they're doing. Other times we're told some quality of hers is good or a statement is said in an impressive way, but we're not given any cause to believe the description.
I understand that Nessix has never dealt with demons or war before, but still. She acts like she's never led a battle before while everyone around her comments on how good she is at it. Allowing Veed so much power is said to be a momentary lapse during her grief, but, honestly, nothing in the text suggests she wouldn't let him get away with the same now. She is terminally short-sighted. Which, again, would be an interesting character trait if the rest of the text wasn't constantly telling us the opposite.
Her worry about being too masculine to be wooed or flirted with comes out of nowhere late in the book, only to be immediately countered. It is an annoying plot line that feels like it was only introduced to push the romance forward, but meh. Also, nearly every important male character is in love with Nessix, because of course they are.
I appreciated that Mathias is flawed. (Nessix pointing out that presenting himself as infallible would have terrible consequences should he ever fall was one of her rare moments of intelligence. If only everyone around her hadn't immediately discounted her and told her she was wrong). His inability to appear weak or uncertain created several problems later in the book. These were annoying ("Just talk to each other!" style problems), but believable given this flaw. I do wish that he had suffered more or faced higher stakes for being wrong or making a mistake. Really, only Nessix suffered for his idiocy (and him for losing her trust, I guess).
The plot was all right. Waves of battle while Nessix and Mathias inevitably work their way toward bed together. This isn't under a spoiler tag because this plot is obvious from the back cover. He's a guy who thinks he knows better than anyone else and rarely doubts long enough for his smugness to slip. She's a girl whose command is constantly undermined by the people around her (they claim she's great, but then ignore everything she says unless they agree)--what's not to love? To be fair--I rarely enjoy romantic subplots, so a lot of personal bias is bleeding in here.
The plot started a lot of things and then just...left them hanging. I understand why (somewhat) the war is happening. Honestly, though, this book doesn't have much of a plot through it and ends at a midpoint (aka cliffhanger, I guess). I enjoy plot-light books, but usually such books have strong character arcs. This...does not. Does Nessix grow at all? No. She just falls for Mathias. Does Mathias? No, but he doesn't really realize that his arrogance can have consequences until the last quarter of the book. So....yeah.
The identity of the traitor is kept hidden throughout. . Which is frustrating since revealing the traitor could have been a great reveal and upped the tension of every scene he (it would be 'he' as I cannot remember a single female character besides Nessix, Etha, and the BBEG; my book is at home or else I'd check) and Nessix share.
The writing was all right. Some of the turns of phrase kicked me out of the narrative, but for the most part it was all fine. The story does end on a cliffhanger, but I'm going back and forth on whether I want to continue. I want to see Nessix become a competent general and leader of her people, but I'm not sure I can stomach anymore Mathias/Nessix romantic content.
Which is frustrating because this book is my alley. Fish out of water forced to learn how to fly is the definition of my jam. Unfortunately, Nessix just flops around until various people launch her from place to place while remarking on how well she 'flies.'
...this is all very negative, but I did enjoy the book and read it during my free moments on the bus, over lunch, etc. If I truly disliked it, I wouldn't have finished.
I understand that Nessix has never dealt with demons or war before, but still. She acts like she's never led a battle before while everyone around her comments on how good she is at it. Allowing Veed so much power is said to be a momentary lapse during her grief, but, honestly, nothing in the text suggests she wouldn't let him get away with the same now. She is terminally short-sighted. Which, again, would be an interesting character trait if the rest of the text wasn't constantly telling us the opposite.
Her worry about being too masculine to be wooed or flirted with comes out of nowhere late in the book, only to be immediately countered. It is an annoying plot line that feels like it was only introduced to push the romance forward, but meh. Also, nearly every important male character is in love with Nessix, because of course they are.
I appreciated that Mathias is flawed. (Nessix pointing out that presenting himself as infallible would have terrible consequences should he ever fall was one of her rare moments of intelligence. If only everyone around her hadn't immediately discounted her and told her she was wrong). His inability to appear weak or uncertain created several problems later in the book. These were annoying ("Just talk to each other!" style problems), but believable given this flaw. I do wish that he had suffered more or faced higher stakes for being wrong or making a mistake. Really, only Nessix suffered for his idiocy (and him for losing her trust, I guess).
The plot was all right. Waves of battle while Nessix and Mathias inevitably work their way toward bed together. This isn't under a spoiler tag because this plot is obvious from the back cover. He's a guy who thinks he knows better than anyone else and rarely doubts long enough for his smugness to slip. She's a girl whose command is constantly undermined by the people around her (they claim she's great, but then ignore everything she says unless they agree)--what's not to love? To be fair--I rarely enjoy romantic subplots, so a lot of personal bias is bleeding in here.
The plot started a lot of things and then just...left them hanging. I understand why (somewhat) the war is happening. Honestly, though, this book doesn't have much of a plot through it and ends at a midpoint (aka cliffhanger, I guess). I enjoy plot-light books, but usually such books have strong character arcs. This...does not. Does Nessix grow at all? No. She just falls for Mathias. Does Mathias? No, but he doesn't really realize that his arrogance can have consequences until the last quarter of the book. So....yeah.
The identity of the traitor is kept hidden throughout. . Which is frustrating since revealing the traitor could have been a great reveal and upped the tension of every scene he (it would be 'he' as I cannot remember a single female character besides Nessix, Etha, and the BBEG; my book is at home or else I'd check) and Nessix share.
The writing was all right. Some of the turns of phrase kicked me out of the narrative, but for the most part it was all fine. The story does end on a cliffhanger, but I'm going back and forth on whether I want to continue. I want to see Nessix become a competent general and leader of her people, but I'm not sure I can stomach anymore Mathias/Nessix romantic content.
Which is frustrating because this book is my alley. Fish out of water forced to learn how to fly is the definition of my jam. Unfortunately, Nessix just flops around until various people launch her from place to place while remarking on how well she 'flies.'
...this is all very negative, but I did enjoy the book and read it during my free moments on the bus, over lunch, etc. If I truly disliked it, I wouldn't have finished.
January 11, 2019
Oh! This book is right up my alley. Epic fantasies with swords and sorcery, crazy good world building, action galore and characters that I relate to and love – that’s the kind of story I am drawn to and that is the kind of story Devotion is.
I went through a whirlwind of emotions and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved the world building. The author has a great talent for transporting the reader to the world and really making you feel like you are there.
I could go on and on with this review or I could stop typing and let you start reading. I am really excited to see where this series goes and if you love this type of novel, I highly recommend checking it out!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I went through a whirlwind of emotions and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved the world building. The author has a great talent for transporting the reader to the world and really making you feel like you are there.
I could go on and on with this review or I could stop typing and let you start reading. I am really excited to see where this series goes and if you love this type of novel, I highly recommend checking it out!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
September 6, 2016
This is the first in what is promised to be a long running series and a tremendously good first effort on the part of the writer. This is a character driven fantasy. The world the reader is dropped into is one where humans are the stuff of legends and it’s elves that are the common kind. This is a world where the gods are plotting rebellion against themselves and the mortals of the world the unfortunate pawns in the game.
Mathias Sagewind is a human of legend, known as the White Paladin, who appears at the behest of young General Nessix’s father, who had died before. His spirit begs Mathias to help his daughter. His land is about to be invaded by Demons and he doesn’t believe his daughter is truly ready to meet the challenge. Nessix resents his appearance, doesn’t believe in his goddess and is not ready to trust him with the fate of her people that she is trying to protect.
A strong read with well-developed world building. You won’t regret your time spent in Abaeloth!
Mathias Sagewind is a human of legend, known as the White Paladin, who appears at the behest of young General Nessix’s father, who had died before. His spirit begs Mathias to help his daughter. His land is about to be invaded by Demons and he doesn’t believe his daughter is truly ready to meet the challenge. Nessix resents his appearance, doesn’t believe in his goddess and is not ready to trust him with the fate of her people that she is trying to protect.
A strong read with well-developed world building. You won’t regret your time spent in Abaeloth!
did-not-finish
October 3, 2017DNF 30 pages in.
I really wanted to like this book, but I'm finding it too difficult to read. The language is too dense, the action isn't action packed, the characters are interesting, but the POV doesn't feel quite right. Everything about this book is just a little off.
It reads, to me, a little too much like GRRM and Tolkien, even though they have distinct styles and are widely acclaimed authors -- I just couldn't get past the language. And that's where I'm putting this book.
I want to be clear that I don't think this book is bad, it's just not going to work for me. They always say that characters matter more than how you present your work, but I think that's basically untrue. The language has to match the story, and I do think the language matches this story -- it's high fantasy and clearly interesting, but... It's not something I like.
I really wanted to like this book, but I'm finding it too difficult to read. The language is too dense, the action isn't action packed, the characters are interesting, but the POV doesn't feel quite right. Everything about this book is just a little off.
It reads, to me, a little too much like GRRM and Tolkien, even though they have distinct styles and are widely acclaimed authors -- I just couldn't get past the language. And that's where I'm putting this book.
I want to be clear that I don't think this book is bad, it's just not going to work for me. They always say that characters matter more than how you present your work, but I think that's basically untrue. The language has to match the story, and I do think the language matches this story -- it's high fantasy and clearly interesting, but... It's not something I like.
December 21, 2024
This is a great epic fantasy that is very character driven. I really liked the characters and their flaws making for a great read. I enjoy the world building and don't find the lore overwhelming. I feel this is a great way to start a much larger quest and will be reading the next book!
June 28, 2017
Nessix has inherited her position as General long before she expected to and, though she’s trained for it all her life, she still has a lot to learn. Her father’s spirit asks the goddess Etha to help Nessix and she agrees to send the White Paladin, Mathias, to guide her in the coming war against the demons who seek to take over the land. Nessix must overcome her pride and doubt in order for him to help them though. Will she accept his guidance and wisdom, hard earned in battle many years ago, before it’s too late?
My relationship with Nessix was a love/hate one. I loved how tough and independent she was and at the same time the mother in me wanted to send her to her room and tell her to grow up. Schneider does an amazing job of creating a believable character that you can identify with and want to scream at all at once.
I found Mathias easier to love, though he had his frustrating moments also. His wisdom and skill, and his willingness to serve and put others needs before his own make him lovable to everyone but the one he wants to impress. His teasing relationship with his Goddess Etha shows his vulnerable human side making him even more believable.
Finally there is one more character I’d like to mention. The Pawn. I pulled my hair out trying to figure out who this was. Which of Nessix’s loyal subjects was lying and colluding with the enemy? Every time I thought I knew I was wrong. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out for yourself.
The twists and turns of Devotion kept me turning pages and the ending broke my heart. (A little matter I’ve taken up with the author herself who promises me book 2 is on it’s way and I will find relief.) When I’d read the final words I sat still on my couch, tears glistening in my eyes as I calmed myself down. It was not the ending I’d expected and I love Schneider for it even as I cry. I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel, Deception, when it’s released. She’s promised to let me know ASAP. I’ll read and review it as quickly as I can for you!
My relationship with Nessix was a love/hate one. I loved how tough and independent she was and at the same time the mother in me wanted to send her to her room and tell her to grow up. Schneider does an amazing job of creating a believable character that you can identify with and want to scream at all at once.
I found Mathias easier to love, though he had his frustrating moments also. His wisdom and skill, and his willingness to serve and put others needs before his own make him lovable to everyone but the one he wants to impress. His teasing relationship with his Goddess Etha shows his vulnerable human side making him even more believable.
Finally there is one more character I’d like to mention. The Pawn. I pulled my hair out trying to figure out who this was. Which of Nessix’s loyal subjects was lying and colluding with the enemy? Every time I thought I knew I was wrong. I’ll leave it up to you to figure out for yourself.
The twists and turns of Devotion kept me turning pages and the ending broke my heart. (A little matter I’ve taken up with the author herself who promises me book 2 is on it’s way and I will find relief.) When I’d read the final words I sat still on my couch, tears glistening in my eyes as I calmed myself down. It was not the ending I’d expected and I love Schneider for it even as I cry. I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel, Deception, when it’s released. She’s promised to let me know ASAP. I’ll read and review it as quickly as I can for you!
July 22, 2017
I'm calling this review: "The One Where Leslie Developed Some Very Nonfiction Feelings For Some Fictional People And Those Feelings Made Her Do Stupid Things."
No but really, this book SERIOUSLY messed with my head in how much "Devotion" (haha, pun...) it inspired in me, toward the characters! Nessix, Mathias, Sulik, Brant... I got so deeply involved that when it ended, I, er, ended up hurting the feelings of a perfectly innocent person just because of the way it made me feel... it was THAT GOOD.
I loved about 95% of it: the interactions between Etha and Mathias were MARVELOUS and, heck, even the unique mode of spirituality explored in this book was fascinating to behold! The action is realistic and visceral, the characters are distinct and varied, the peril will have you flipping pages and holding your breath—
The 5% I wasn't so much a fan of? Meh, personal opinion stuff. Objectively speaking, this book is a smashing example of reinventing the "girl warrior" in fantasy literature! It will mess you up... but once you calm down, I guarantee you will want more!
No but really, this book SERIOUSLY messed with my head in how much "Devotion" (haha, pun...) it inspired in me, toward the characters! Nessix, Mathias, Sulik, Brant... I got so deeply involved that when it ended, I, er, ended up hurting the feelings of a perfectly innocent person just because of the way it made me feel... it was THAT GOOD.
I loved about 95% of it: the interactions between Etha and Mathias were MARVELOUS and, heck, even the unique mode of spirituality explored in this book was fascinating to behold! The action is realistic and visceral, the characters are distinct and varied, the peril will have you flipping pages and holding your breath—
The 5% I wasn't so much a fan of? Meh, personal opinion stuff. Objectively speaking, this book is a smashing example of reinventing the "girl warrior" in fantasy literature! It will mess you up... but once you calm down, I guarantee you will want more!
October 11, 2016
I don't normally leave reviews but this is the first book that makes me want to. I really enjoyed it. I can't explain why fully. It was just, fun? Indulgence. I like that there was a chapter pov all about the horse and its perspective. Yes, it's not normal, but it was fun, and it's made clear the horse is special and above normal intelligence. It was just a fun fantasy read. It wasn't about the horrors of man. Or about humans are the real monsters that rape, murder, and pillage. It was just fun fantasy. Good versus light. Demons vs a Paladin and the armies of elves. It was just nice. It's hard to find that these days.
The reason I gave it a four is because from my reading...I can't actually remember the author describing some of the things like what the demons look like. They were just demons. I was supposed to know I guess what that means. A things here and there like that. But it was still great. Can't wait for more, especially with how it ends...please write it.
The reason I gave it a four is because from my reading...I can't actually remember the author describing some of the things like what the demons look like. They were just demons. I was supposed to know I guess what that means. A things here and there like that. But it was still great. Can't wait for more, especially with how it ends...please write it.
December 10, 2016
Do you like fantasy? Swords? Magic? Horses? Demons? Well, friend, if you said yes to any or all of these things, I recommend you check out Devotion. Populated with well rounded characters, surrounded with rich lore and world-building, and held together by an intruiging plot that'll keep you completely engaged, Devotion has it all.
Nessix Teradhel is a young woman and a beloved general to her people. She's used to fighting minotaur and ogres on her little island—until something from the past, lost to legends and myth, comes knocking right on her front door.
Mathias Sagewind is a holy paladin and he arrives on her dead father's wishes to help her defeat the beasts of old. Unfortunately for him, Nessix is stubborn, her cousin Brant even more so and dead set against him, and every time he gains two steps, he's sent back by five.
With hidden agendas, Mother Goddesses, and a little romantic tension, Devotion is rife with hundreds of reasons to read it.
Nessix Teradhel is a young woman and a beloved general to her people. She's used to fighting minotaur and ogres on her little island—until something from the past, lost to legends and myth, comes knocking right on her front door.
Mathias Sagewind is a holy paladin and he arrives on her dead father's wishes to help her defeat the beasts of old. Unfortunately for him, Nessix is stubborn, her cousin Brant even more so and dead set against him, and every time he gains two steps, he's sent back by five.
With hidden agendas, Mother Goddesses, and a little romantic tension, Devotion is rife with hundreds of reasons to read it.
May 11, 2018
I picked up Devotion during a very busy time in my life and have since had a hard time putting it down (I'm on book 2 - 'Deception' - now), which says a lot because I don't usually make time to read when I have a lot going on. After a binge-read that kept me up past 2am, I had to leave a review. :) Reading Devotion was like a freight train; what started as two chapters became four, became eight, became sixteen. The more you read the harder it is to put down. There is something magnetic about the story that Schneider builds, and you become very attached to the main characters, no matter how they try your patience throughout their development. And they do develop (looking at Nessix like a tired mother)!
I personally enjoyed this book because I love seeing character growth and I love fresh takes on fantasy that don't throw too much exposition at you all at once. There were times I wished for more world-building to ground myself in, but I look forward to finding out more about Elidae and its lore in the books ahead. More than that, I have found the author's writing style and syntax to be among some of the best I've come across. Not once did I need to re-read a paragraph (which I VERY often have to do) in order to picture what was happening. Every word choice flowed perfectly into well-crafted sentences that brought every scene to life. I am on the edge of my seat moving between Devotion and Deception and can't wait to see what happens next!
I personally enjoyed this book because I love seeing character growth and I love fresh takes on fantasy that don't throw too much exposition at you all at once. There were times I wished for more world-building to ground myself in, but I look forward to finding out more about Elidae and its lore in the books ahead. More than that, I have found the author's writing style and syntax to be among some of the best I've come across. Not once did I need to re-read a paragraph (which I VERY often have to do) in order to picture what was happening. Every word choice flowed perfectly into well-crafted sentences that brought every scene to life. I am on the edge of my seat moving between Devotion and Deception and can't wait to see what happens next!
October 8, 2019
This is an enjoyable read, solid traditional fantasy with some fabulously detailed world-building that doesn't bog down the plot or get in the way of the character development. It'll be 4 stars on Amazon's scale, but 3.5 is my real take.
TL;DR summary: for me the series improved with every book, but it was a bumpy start.
I dawdled over reviewing the series until I had time to think over why it didn't get past "liked until the last book. I REALLY ENJOYED many aspects of the story. But I kept putting it down and picking up other series between sessions of plugging through this one, and that doesn't happen often.
I got regularly annoyed by both main characters' wild fluctuations between hyper-competence and cluelessness, the warfare was heavy on description of table-top-gaming style battles and light on plausible strategy & tactics, but those are all flaws shared by a LOT of fantasy I gobble up like candy. So there's nothing big, and nothing easy to pinpoint. I'm *still* not sure what tipped the scale. Possibly the number of word choices that regularly threw me out of the story into "what, what?" mode.
Bottom line recap: great story, may hit the spot for you, definitely give it a try if you enjoy traditional fantasy conflicts.
TL;DR summary: for me the series improved with every book, but it was a bumpy start.
I dawdled over reviewing the series until I had time to think over why it didn't get past "liked until the last book. I REALLY ENJOYED many aspects of the story. But I kept putting it down and picking up other series between sessions of plugging through this one, and that doesn't happen often.
I got regularly annoyed by both main characters' wild fluctuations between hyper-competence and cluelessness, the warfare was heavy on description of table-top-gaming style battles and light on plausible strategy & tactics, but those are all flaws shared by a LOT of fantasy I gobble up like candy. So there's nothing big, and nothing easy to pinpoint. I'm *still* not sure what tipped the scale. Possibly the number of word choices that regularly threw me out of the story into "what, what?" mode.
Bottom line recap: great story, may hit the spot for you, definitely give it a try if you enjoy traditional fantasy conflicts.
September 29, 2020
This is a good first novel with great flawed characters that drive the story. Echoing other reviews - it's not perfect, and I might have put it down a few times, but then didn't. The characters have a life of their own. The flaws sometimes run too deep, or continue too long, but they set up a Darcy-and-Elizabeth style tension where the force keeping the destined characters apart is mostly their own personalities. There is plenty of Devotion here, but it could just as well be called Pride. The characters make halting progress against their pride - one step forwards, two back, never quite succeeding, and setting us up for Book 2. They're a little too willfully blind given their other obvious virtues, but if you imagined events happening faster, it works. The deeply flawed but ultimately lovable folk doing their best appeals to the Catholic in me. Apparently Etha too, else they would have been smited long before they could manage smitten.
The other reviews say the writing improves with every book. I may have to find out. I'm glad the author had a table at MarsCon-VA in 2019 and that I took time to visit.
The other reviews say the writing improves with every book. I may have to find out. I'm glad the author had a table at MarsCon-VA in 2019 and that I took time to visit.
February 25, 2018
Amazing fantasy of a young female general taking over leading the troops to fight against an unknown enemy. With the help of a white paladin, he guides her on how to fight against demons, though with much resistance from Nessix. She is young, naive and incredibly stubborn. She has gotten herself into trouble more than once and Mathias is always there to get her out of it. There are those who believe in Mathias and those who don't trust him despite his success in leading and advising the generals. There's also a traitor among them, who's identity is a mystery. There are different gods they follow. The dynamic between the people and their gods is interesting. There's little magic in this story and it's mostly politics, strategy and battles. Wonderful writing and story. I'm looking forward to reading the second book.
June 22, 2017
Brilliantly written, The characters are varied both in their motivations and their personalities with none of them feeling shallow, the multiple view points let us see not only how the characters perceive themselves but how others perceive them and shows that the two are rarely the same and both can be inaccurate. The dialogue is brilliantly written and the action scenes have a natural flow. Outside of Brandon Sanderson I've rarely seen an author so easily manage such a detailed and varied cast.
March 9, 2023
The first page was rough. Katika has a writing style that takes a bit to get used to. But something with that first page almost made me put down the book. Glad I didn't though. I wasn't a big fan of some of the characters but they were different enough that I kept going. There are some errors that the editor definitely should have picked up on but other then that it was enjoyable
August 21, 2024
I loved this book. It has all of the epic fantasy elements that make me happy and great characters and world building. I bought all of the rest of the series already and am looking forward to finding out what happens in this incredible world.
November 24, 2016
Loved it, could not set the book down. Reread it twice since then and can't wait on the next book in this series.
June 21, 2017
Fabulous book. Great writing and a great story. I can't wait to read book two.
July 27, 2020
I dived into Abaeloth without knowing what I would find. Within the pages of this book I found a beautiful yet troubled world with well thought out characters. Knights, sword fights and magic, what more could I want. I felt a multitude of emotions whilst reading. I look forward to the second book. Thank you Katica Schneider for allowing me into your world.
October 12, 2022
Quite an enjoyable book, though it could do with some queer characters. But I'm excited to read the next book in the series after that intense end!
April 2, 2016
Full disclosure, I got a free copy of this novel from the author, but that has no effect on my rating. This book is AWESOME.
So, you take Nessix, this badass young woman whose duty is to lead her nation. She's a general at a young age, but usually her land, Elidae, is a peaceful one, so she'll have time to ease into it, right? Nope, demons are back, and suddenly this young lady has to lead her people to war. Not to mention the fact that her god has kind of 'left the building' (or pretty much the entire world) and she's got no one to rely on in this new holy war.
Luckily Mathias, the white paladin, has come to her aid. With incredible knowledge and skills (some magical), his help is essential to their survival. He's fought the demons before, and he knows their weaknesses: his only issue is getting Nes to actually trust him.
Throw in some womanizing neighboring royals (Veed, I'm looking at you!) and Nes's entourage of war advisors, and you've got everything you need for a complex war and some brilliant bickering. Honestly it's the dialogue I loved the most in this novel: the chemistry between Nes and Mathias on the rocky path to building a bond of trust was both a gripping part of the plot and the source of most of so much snark.
Nes's character growth (and personal growth) is incredibly well written, and you see her blossom as a warrior and as a leader over the course of her many battles. She really is an amazing character, and goes on the list of 'ladies in fiction I'd like to hang out with'. If you're looking for a book with a badass young lady, you're going to want to read devotion: the decisions she has to make are sometimes heartbreaking.
So if you're looking for a novel with medieval battles, a war between good and evil, badass young ladies and complex relationships, you're going to want to read devotion. It's fun, it's clever, and it's epic fantasy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
So, you take Nessix, this badass young woman whose duty is to lead her nation. She's a general at a young age, but usually her land, Elidae, is a peaceful one, so she'll have time to ease into it, right? Nope, demons are back, and suddenly this young lady has to lead her people to war. Not to mention the fact that her god has kind of 'left the building' (or pretty much the entire world) and she's got no one to rely on in this new holy war.
Luckily Mathias, the white paladin, has come to her aid. With incredible knowledge and skills (some magical), his help is essential to their survival. He's fought the demons before, and he knows their weaknesses: his only issue is getting Nes to actually trust him.
Throw in some womanizing neighboring royals (Veed, I'm looking at you!) and Nes's entourage of war advisors, and you've got everything you need for a complex war and some brilliant bickering. Honestly it's the dialogue I loved the most in this novel: the chemistry between Nes and Mathias on the rocky path to building a bond of trust was both a gripping part of the plot and the source of most of so much snark.
Nes's character growth (and personal growth) is incredibly well written, and you see her blossom as a warrior and as a leader over the course of her many battles. She really is an amazing character, and goes on the list of 'ladies in fiction I'd like to hang out with'. If you're looking for a book with a badass young lady, you're going to want to read devotion: the decisions she has to make are sometimes heartbreaking.
So if you're looking for a novel with medieval battles, a war between good and evil, badass young ladies and complex relationships, you're going to want to read devotion. It's fun, it's clever, and it's epic fantasy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
August 12, 2016
Devotion is a true epic saga, set in a fantastical world where humans are legend. The elvish race, secure in their world, have no idea what's about to be unleashed...
The story is beautifully written with a rich, developed world base and religion. The characters are complex and relatable (or incredibly hateable as the case may be) and despite the disparity between them: the wisened immortal, the god, the young general, her irascible cousin and of course, The Villain), they each tug at the heart strings and have you rooting for them. Well, not so much the villain, but I've only once before wanted to reach through the pages of a book and choke someone. The prose and character development had me in mind of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight books, but without the nineteen prologues.
Worthy of a place on the shelf alongside the genre classics, Devotion is a stunning book, one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next instalment!
The story is beautifully written with a rich, developed world base and religion. The characters are complex and relatable (or incredibly hateable as the case may be) and despite the disparity between them: the wisened immortal, the god, the young general, her irascible cousin and of course, The Villain), they each tug at the heart strings and have you rooting for them. Well, not so much the villain, but I've only once before wanted to reach through the pages of a book and choke someone. The prose and character development had me in mind of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight books, but without the nineteen prologues.
Worthy of a place on the shelf alongside the genre classics, Devotion is a stunning book, one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next instalment!
December 29, 2016
Katika Schneider creates a fantasy universe full of magic, wonder, death, and destruction. Her characters come to life off of the page and beg you to hear their stories. Each of the main host of characters is distinct in their personage and ways of life. Each monster and villain she creates leaves you cheering for the good guys and snarling at the bad. From one moment to the next I found myself in awe, in fear, in joy, and in tears. She weaves a tale that holds you close from the start and has you chasing to be closer by the paragraph. I was truly amazed at how well written each piece of this story was. I am happy to say that I can add Ms. Schneider to my ever growing collection of new favorite Indie Authors. And, I simply can’t wait for the story to continue. Thank you for the adventure….
November 18, 2019
While the story starts out a little slow I believe it is to be expected when defining a new fantasy world. I am pleased to report it picks up quickly though from Chapter 3 onward and I found myself losing large chunks of time to this book. The book has a strong intrigue with a unique dynamic between the characters. The sense of humor was endearing and the villain I hated with all my being (he was too good at the game) that he stole the show at some points. The ending caught me off guard but it was satisfying and felt real. All in all a job well done and I look forward to the next book in the series assuming it comes out.
June 3, 2016
I loved this book! This book starts a little slow as it sets the scene for this fantasy world. It then picks up pace and I had a hard time putting it down. With a young female general to fight a war against the long forgotten demons, this book is action packed. The other characters are just as wonderful and there is even a secret traitor which adds a mysterious twist to the plot! The details are wonderful and left me feeling like I've known these characters my whole life. I laughed, I cried and I even bit my nails a bit! I can't wait to read the next book!
July 11, 2021
This was the kind of edge of your seat, stay up til 3am kind of book. While the main characters, especially Nessix, we're a bit frustrating in the beginning it was really satisfying to see them grow. The author Did an amazing job keeping things unpredictable and yet perfectly logical. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Epecially because of the way this one ends. My only complaint is that sometimes perspectives change in the middle of a paragraph and can get confusing.
January 14, 2018
I'm not normally a fan of fantasy but started reading this book on the recommendation of a friend. I absolutely love it. It's one of those books that I have a hard time putting down. Can't wait to see how the story and characters evolve in Deception, the second book in the series.
January 9, 2017
I really enjoyed it.
April 30, 2017
I really loved this book, and the escape story and the fun it provided really helped me cope with a dark time in my life I'm going through (and just got out of) recently. Thank you so very much for writing it. I can't wait for book two and what happens to Nessix...especially with that ending!
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