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Locked
A curse threatens the Winter Kingdom.
A brother is turned to ice.
A rebel uprising is on the horizon.
Marble-maker Rye Cunnings is at the center of it all—and doesn’t know it.
He doesn’t know he’s the lost summer prince. Doesn’t know his blood can unlock Winter’s curse. Doesn’t know why the marbles he makes flutter with magic. All he thinks is that he’s crazy. That he sees things others don’t, like dragons and strange markings on his skin.
But when a dark dragon snatches away Rye’s only friend Milo, he is forced to face the crazy in his life and figure out a way to bring Milo back.
Help comes in the form of Cerdic Leit, a warrior who finds Rye to take him “home” to the Telluric Realm and their kind. All Rye has to do is follow him into Gatreau, the gateway to the four Telluric kingdoms, and all his questions will be answered.
In the hopes of saving Milo, Rye steps into this new and dangerous world. A world where he learns of the Tellurics and their Hansian foes. A world that is swept up in a bitter battle of justice and hate.
And a world that won’t let Rye leave again.
A brother is turned to ice.
A rebel uprising is on the horizon.
Marble-maker Rye Cunnings is at the center of it all—and doesn’t know it.
He doesn’t know he’s the lost summer prince. Doesn’t know his blood can unlock Winter’s curse. Doesn’t know why the marbles he makes flutter with magic. All he thinks is that he’s crazy. That he sees things others don’t, like dragons and strange markings on his skin.
But when a dark dragon snatches away Rye’s only friend Milo, he is forced to face the crazy in his life and figure out a way to bring Milo back.
Help comes in the form of Cerdic Leit, a warrior who finds Rye to take him “home” to the Telluric Realm and their kind. All Rye has to do is follow him into Gatreau, the gateway to the four Telluric kingdoms, and all his questions will be answered.
In the hopes of saving Milo, Rye steps into this new and dangerous world. A world where he learns of the Tellurics and their Hansian foes. A world that is swept up in a bitter battle of justice and hate.
And a world that won’t let Rye leave again.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2016
11 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Anyta Sunday
111 books2,739 followersSpecialising in slow-burn romances where emotions reign, intimacy lingers, and chemistry sizzles—stories that leave you holding your breath and cheering for love, with just a splash of spice to sweeten the journey.
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 14, 2017
4 Stars
There is nothing I enjoy more in my reading than a uniquely imagined fantasy story. In Locked, Anyta Sunday has created a truly original world, full of great characters, political intrigue, fascinating magical elements, and let’s not forget, DRAGONS!
As is often the case when reading fantasy fiction, it took me a while to become comfortable with the innovative terminology and the complex histories and various lore's of the Telluric Realm, but once I got into the groove of things and started getting the hang of all the new-fangled lingo, I was thoroughly immersed and enthralled by the tale being told.
The aspect of the storytelling that I was most surprised to enjoy was how the story was told through an expertly interwoven multi-narrative. Through weaving together over six separate points of view – all from characters whose political schemes and moral standings seemed to clash at every turn – the narrative became somewhat unbiased. With the exception of that asshole Summer King, there were no clear good or bad guys; instead everyone had an agenda that was (mostly) founded on good intentions and understandable beliefs, making everyone involved fairly likeable and easy to root for.
I was also surprised to realise that there were three separate potential romances being developed in this first book. Although light on the on-page romance, as the story unfolded it became glaringly obvious which characters would eventually couple up. As one who gobbles up book romances, I was equally distraught that nothing sexually substantial occurred within the pages of this book, while also being ecstatic over all the innocently sweet, yet revealing moments that occurred between several of the characters (particularly Rye and Cerdic – *swoon*). I have no doubt that the romantic aspects of this story will only develop and become more all-consuming as the series progresses, and I for one cannot wait!!
There is nothing I enjoy more in my reading than a uniquely imagined fantasy story. In Locked, Anyta Sunday has created a truly original world, full of great characters, political intrigue, fascinating magical elements, and let’s not forget, DRAGONS!
As is often the case when reading fantasy fiction, it took me a while to become comfortable with the innovative terminology and the complex histories and various lore's of the Telluric Realm, but once I got into the groove of things and started getting the hang of all the new-fangled lingo, I was thoroughly immersed and enthralled by the tale being told.
The aspect of the storytelling that I was most surprised to enjoy was how the story was told through an expertly interwoven multi-narrative. Through weaving together over six separate points of view – all from characters whose political schemes and moral standings seemed to clash at every turn – the narrative became somewhat unbiased. With the exception of that asshole Summer King, there were no clear good or bad guys; instead everyone had an agenda that was (mostly) founded on good intentions and understandable beliefs, making everyone involved fairly likeable and easy to root for.
I was also surprised to realise that there were three separate potential romances being developed in this first book. Although light on the on-page romance, as the story unfolded it became glaringly obvious which characters would eventually couple up. As one who gobbles up book romances, I was equally distraught that nothing sexually substantial occurred within the pages of this book, while also being ecstatic over all the innocently sweet, yet revealing moments that occurred between several of the characters (particularly Rye and Cerdic – *swoon*). I have no doubt that the romantic aspects of this story will only develop and become more all-consuming as the series progresses, and I for one cannot wait!!
Read
September 2, 2016Just another reminder why fantasy isn't for me. I had the HARDEST time with this one.
May 16, 2016
Bottom line is that young marble shop owner, Rye, thinks he's crazy. Madly so. He sees glowing marks under his skin, wakes up disoriented and bleeding in the same graveyard from time to time, plus, he sees dragons for Christ's sake.
Then when an oddly-dressed man, Cerdic, shows up at his shop and offers to help him find and save his kidnapped friend, Milo, Rye reluctantly agrees to accompany his latest imaginary friend on an adventure through a portal.
But neither the man nor his home, the Telluric realm, are fictional and Rye finally begins getting answers to long-held questions about his mysterious past.
And so begins this new fantasy series of magic, royalty and dragons. Think Disney's Frozen meets a bit of Harry Potter, if you will, but with mystical 'keys' vs. actual wand-waving spells.
This was such a fun read and very compelling, with intense world and character building, so I really can't wait to see where the author takes the story next, now that the groundwork has been laid and the fantasy world built.
As primarily an M/M romance reader, the one aspect of this first book that I found lacking was any actual on-page *feelings* expressed between the three different sets of potential love interests.
There really wasn't even much in the way of internal dialogue regarding feelings in this story. Yes, many of the characters were fighting for their lives for much of the story; however, not even including many internal thoughts toward the object of their would-be affection just felt a bit too intentional in the avoidance on the author's part. That felt off to me.
I'm praying that the romance 'key' is unlocked in the next book and we're given some genuine feels to go along with the never-ending action, but this initial book was highly-entertaining and a definite must-read for M/M fantasy readers.
4 stars for a strong story, but near void of actual romance in this first book of the series.
------------------------------------------------
My copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Currently reading
May 6, 2016Another Edit: link to Telluric Realm companion website!
ETA map. (below)
***
Fantasy.
The dragons and magical kind, with shifting points-of-view, good and bad (and ambivalent) guys, and dollops of slow-burning romance! And a map, too! :P (see below)
This story sprang from an idea planted by the lovely Mandy at the UK Meet two years ago and it's since grown from planned short story to full length trilogy. Locked is book one (book two is in planning stages with a hopeful end-of-year release). It's a biggish book too. Close to 100K words.
I really enjoyed getting into the fantastical Telluric realm and have also crafted a companion website! to explore some of the concepts of the book in more detail. ;) Check it out!
Release date is the scheduled due date of my baby boy: 26th of April, 2016 and is up for pre-order on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Locked-Telluric...
(Let's see which comes first, lol. I'm hoping baby!)
The awesome cover is done by the wonderful Natasha Snow!
And the map is done by Maria Gandolfo (Renflowergrapx)!
ETA map. (below)
***
Fantasy.
The dragons and magical kind, with shifting points-of-view, good and bad (and ambivalent) guys, and dollops of slow-burning romance! And a map, too! :P (see below)
This story sprang from an idea planted by the lovely Mandy at the UK Meet two years ago and it's since grown from planned short story to full length trilogy. Locked is book one (book two is in planning stages with a hopeful end-of-year release). It's a biggish book too. Close to 100K words.
I really enjoyed getting into the fantastical Telluric realm and have also crafted a companion website! to explore some of the concepts of the book in more detail. ;) Check it out!
Release date is the scheduled due date of my baby boy: 26th of April, 2016 and is up for pre-order on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Locked-Telluric...
(Let's see which comes first, lol. I'm hoping baby!)
The awesome cover is done by the wonderful Natasha Snow!
And the map is done by Maria Gandolfo (Renflowergrapx)!
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
For lovers of fantasy, shifters, legends, and magic, this is a total no brainer. Dense with the details, Sunday doesn't disappoint on the world building - because that's what this is - a reimagined world that lives alongside us, keeping humankind safe.
I liken this to having the same feel as Game of Thrones, where "battlelines" so to speak are drawn, are assumed to be straightforward and well delineated. Of course, that's not the case. Those that shouldn't be friends, are. Those that should be enemies, aren't. Political intrigue runs rampant, and agendas are being played and counteracted, and right in the middle of it all is Rye - missing Summer Prince - who's being manipulated to right many wrongs, not realizing he's the key to it all.
So though very low on smex (actually, there is none), there is not a lack of potential romance, suspense, and mystery. Kudos for the intricate plot and thankfully the companion website helps a lot. This definitely ends where the frayed threads are starting to unravel, where nothing is as it seems, as loyalties shift and new alliances are made. I expect a lot from this author in the upcoming books, and eagerly look forward to the next installment.
For lovers of fantasy, shifters, legends, and magic, this is a total no brainer. Dense with the details, Sunday doesn't disappoint on the world building - because that's what this is - a reimagined world that lives alongside us, keeping humankind safe.
I liken this to having the same feel as Game of Thrones, where "battlelines" so to speak are drawn, are assumed to be straightforward and well delineated. Of course, that's not the case. Those that shouldn't be friends, are. Those that should be enemies, aren't. Political intrigue runs rampant, and agendas are being played and counteracted, and right in the middle of it all is Rye - missing Summer Prince - who's being manipulated to right many wrongs, not realizing he's the key to it all.
So though very low on smex (actually, there is none), there is not a lack of potential romance, suspense, and mystery. Kudos for the intricate plot and thankfully the companion website helps a lot. This definitely ends where the frayed threads are starting to unravel, where nothing is as it seems, as loyalties shift and new alliances are made. I expect a lot from this author in the upcoming books, and eagerly look forward to the next installment.
May 3, 2016
Need to have a think about a review and final rating, but I'm thinking a 4 stars for the moment.
I really liked this - interesting fantasy world and very likeable characters. At times it felt like a mix of fae/faery realms type fantasy with the seasons, and then some elements of harry potter! Out of all the main characters my favourite has to be Cerdic, I loved him - probably because he desperately wants to do the right thing and is kind of awkward, oh and yeah, maybe because he is a DRAGON!! :)
I'm not sure how old all the characters are supposed to be in this, as on the one hand Cerdic refers to someone as a "boy" who is about 20, but then I kind of thought he was only 25 or so himself? It had a bit of a YA/NA vibe though regardless of age, I think because of the magic schooling and the dragon tournaments. It's strange as one minute it had a bit of fairy tale feel but other aspects are really quite brutal.
I do kind of wish I'd waited until more in the series were released, as although this doesn't leave a complete cliffhanger (parts of the plot are resolved and the characters are on the the next stage in their story), many aspects are left completely unanswered and open-ended. If it was available I would have gone straight onto the next story.
Reading the author's blog, I saw that this was a trilogy with two m/m romances and one f/f romance. I therefore (wrongly) assumed that there would be one romance per book in the trilogy, focusing on two main characters per book. However, I quickly realised that we are getting multiple POV throughout the entire book (with emphasis on Rye & Cerdic) and whilst there is "love" in different forms in this book - for family, for friends, for a kingdom, and yes some romantic - we really don't get much more than the set up for the romances to develop. You can see what is being shaped and built to set everything up for the later books. So I found this aspect a little frustrating, but this was my own fault from my wrong expectations.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure.
Short review added for now until I have a bit of time to write more.
I really liked this - interesting fantasy world and very likeable characters. At times it felt like a mix of fae/faery realms type fantasy with the seasons, and then some elements of harry potter! Out of all the main characters my favourite has to be Cerdic, I loved him - probably because he desperately wants to do the right thing and is kind of awkward, oh and yeah, maybe because he is a DRAGON!! :)
I'm not sure how old all the characters are supposed to be in this, as on the one hand Cerdic refers to someone as a "boy" who is about 20, but then I kind of thought he was only 25 or so himself? It had a bit of a YA/NA vibe though regardless of age, I think because of the magic schooling and the dragon tournaments. It's strange as one minute it had a bit of fairy tale feel but other aspects are really quite brutal.
I do kind of wish I'd waited until more in the series were released, as although this doesn't leave a complete cliffhanger (parts of the plot are resolved and the characters are on the the next stage in their story), many aspects are left completely unanswered and open-ended. If it was available I would have gone straight onto the next story.
Reading the author's blog, I saw that this was a trilogy with two m/m romances and one f/f romance. I therefore (wrongly) assumed that there would be one romance per book in the trilogy, focusing on two main characters per book. However, I quickly realised that we are getting multiple POV throughout the entire book (with emphasis on Rye & Cerdic) and whilst there is "love" in different forms in this book - for family, for friends, for a kingdom, and yes some romantic - we really don't get much more than the set up for the romances to develop. You can see what is being shaped and built to set everything up for the later books. So I found this aspect a little frustrating, but this was my own fault from my wrong expectations.
Overall though, I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure.
Short review added for now until I have a bit of time to write more.
June 11, 2016
I was so excited to read this, the blurb, the cover, the author. Despite initial resistance to fantasy, it's been the most consistently good genre that I have read. And I veered between really liking this book, and being really frustrated with it.
Conversations with Fra went along the lines of: 'Didn't that happen in Book X' ? - 'how many times has the word marbles been used ?' to tittering like 12 year olds over 'his staff was hard between them' to at about 75% 'this is exciting' (admitted that may only have been me).
The world building kind of takes over the book, which I get to a degree, as this is a trilogy, but it felt like it all happened in book 1 and to the determent of some character building.
Despite that it did leave me wanting more, I loved Milo, Alyssa and Kaitlyn, and I liked that clearly the majority of the characters viewpoints were challenged, and I suspect will be challenged more than once. And despite being picky on the amount of world building I liked the scale and ambition of the book, and as I said I do want to know what happens next..
Conversations with Fra went along the lines of: 'Didn't that happen in Book X' ? - 'how many times has the word marbles been used ?' to tittering like 12 year olds over 'his staff was hard between them' to at about 75% 'this is exciting' (admitted that may only have been me).
The world building kind of takes over the book, which I get to a degree, as this is a trilogy, but it felt like it all happened in book 1 and to the determent of some character building.
Despite that it did leave me wanting more, I loved Milo, Alyssa and Kaitlyn, and I liked that clearly the majority of the characters viewpoints were challenged, and I suspect will be challenged more than once. And despite being picky on the amount of world building I liked the scale and ambition of the book, and as I said I do want to know what happens next..
Want to read
April 15, 2016Just looked up agonising in the dictionary. It said:
undergo great mental anguish, example: Waiting 11 days for a book by a favourite to be released.
'Nuff said, right??
undergo great mental anguish, example: Waiting 11 days for a book by a favourite to be released.
'Nuff said, right??
June 22, 2016
3.5 stars
3 stars for the slow beginning and 4 stars for the second half. Interesting fantasy low on the romance but with some nicely developing plots. My curiosity is peaked.
Looking forward to the next book.
3 stars for the slow beginning and 4 stars for the second half. Interesting fantasy low on the romance but with some nicely developing plots. My curiosity is peaked.
Looking forward to the next book.
May 2, 2016
I love me some Anyta Sunday. This one was good. Interesting. So many players,
So much politics.
When the hell is book 2 coming!
Mare~Slitsread
So much politics.
When the hell is book 2 coming!
Mare~Slitsread
June 6, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This book is a truly well written fantasy tale. There are so many twists and turns, all beautifully laid out and wonderfully nuanced. I enjoyed this story a great deal, and was riveted to the pages. There were few moments where I wanted more, and ultimately finished this book satisfied and ready for more.
I have to classify this book as a fantasy tale with romantic elements but oh, does it work here. I’ll start off the bat by saying that I wanted more of the romance, simply because Rye and Cerdic were just so electric. Their chemistry and connection was fantastic right from the start, so of course I wanted to see more of it. But it wasn’t a true detriment to the story that it wasn’t as big a part. It enhances the story without overwhelming, and is one of the reasons I can’t wait for the next books in the series. I want to see more of these guys.
Rye and Cerdic are the main MCs, and we get to understand them and their motivations the best. There was a fantastic balance between them, as Rye was absolutely in the dark that Telluric Realm even existed until Cerdic showed up. Through him, the reader gets to learn all about the other culture, how magic works, and the nuances of the world. This worked really well, though there were a few small passages that felt bordering on info dump to me. I liked the growth Rye showed throughout this story. Because of his early years and much of his upbringing, he is a fearful sort. And with good reason. But as he grows and learns, realizes what is right and wrong, and the gray area between, he finds himself, his backbone, and really becomes a man to be reckoned with. Cerdic too, learns and grows. I liked that much of his growth was finding his heart and listening to it. These guys were perfectly matched, and as I said, well balanced. Between the two of them, the story flourished.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This book is a truly well written fantasy tale. There are so many twists and turns, all beautifully laid out and wonderfully nuanced. I enjoyed this story a great deal, and was riveted to the pages. There were few moments where I wanted more, and ultimately finished this book satisfied and ready for more.
I have to classify this book as a fantasy tale with romantic elements but oh, does it work here. I’ll start off the bat by saying that I wanted more of the romance, simply because Rye and Cerdic were just so electric. Their chemistry and connection was fantastic right from the start, so of course I wanted to see more of it. But it wasn’t a true detriment to the story that it wasn’t as big a part. It enhances the story without overwhelming, and is one of the reasons I can’t wait for the next books in the series. I want to see more of these guys.
Rye and Cerdic are the main MCs, and we get to understand them and their motivations the best. There was a fantastic balance between them, as Rye was absolutely in the dark that Telluric Realm even existed until Cerdic showed up. Through him, the reader gets to learn all about the other culture, how magic works, and the nuances of the world. This worked really well, though there were a few small passages that felt bordering on info dump to me. I liked the growth Rye showed throughout this story. Because of his early years and much of his upbringing, he is a fearful sort. And with good reason. But as he grows and learns, realizes what is right and wrong, and the gray area between, he finds himself, his backbone, and really becomes a man to be reckoned with. Cerdic too, learns and grows. I liked that much of his growth was finding his heart and listening to it. These guys were perfectly matched, and as I said, well balanced. Between the two of them, the story flourished.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
May 10, 2016
So it's been quite a few years since I was heavy into fantasy. I enjoy it, but my convoluted plot reading skills have rusted. I had a hard time getting into Locked in the beginning, switching from what read as contemporary to fantasy to some mix of the two... but in no way like I was expecting. By the time I reached the ending scenes of the book I couldn't read fast enough and I'd sequestered myself in a room and hushed my children as they interrupted me, begging for just a few more minutes to be left alone with Rye and his friends and foes.
Locked is definitely a fantasy tale rife with magic, mayhem... and dragons! Are they evil? Good? A mix of the both? Considering the dragons are also people (though in no way is this a shifter-like theme) for me they fell into both. I loved how they were humanized in some ways and beastified (I can't think of another way to put it) in others.
Above all, I loved the themes of the story that come into play again and again. Good isn't all good and evil isn't all evil. Everyone has their motivations and everyone has choices to make. But... how many people in the story are making their own choices or are being led to making them for a greater purpose? And is that greater purpose good for them and the realms or is their a mastermind villain behind the scenes when we're focused on the more obvious one?
Those questions and more plagued me as I read, keeping me wondering to the very end... and beyond. I'm still not sure who is really the bad guy and who isn't. I'd love to read more, which will happen since Locked is just book one in the Telluric Realm series. My only word of warning to readers is to make sure you can read this in a place with no distractions because the tale is told through many different point of views, which means you really have to pay attention if you want to catch the subtle clues and connections lacing the story.
Locked is definitely a fantasy tale rife with magic, mayhem... and dragons! Are they evil? Good? A mix of the both? Considering the dragons are also people (though in no way is this a shifter-like theme) for me they fell into both. I loved how they were humanized in some ways and beastified (I can't think of another way to put it) in others.
Above all, I loved the themes of the story that come into play again and again. Good isn't all good and evil isn't all evil. Everyone has their motivations and everyone has choices to make. But... how many people in the story are making their own choices or are being led to making them for a greater purpose? And is that greater purpose good for them and the realms or is their a mastermind villain behind the scenes when we're focused on the more obvious one?
Those questions and more plagued me as I read, keeping me wondering to the very end... and beyond. I'm still not sure who is really the bad guy and who isn't. I'd love to read more, which will happen since Locked is just book one in the Telluric Realm series. My only word of warning to readers is to make sure you can read this in a place with no distractions because the tale is told through many different point of views, which means you really have to pay attention if you want to catch the subtle clues and connections lacing the story.
May 26, 2016
I forgot to write this review when I finished the book so now my memory and feeling are a bit fuzzy but.. I was expecting more from this book.
It has great potential but it has all really fast, not enough description and the some of the characters personalities are a bit unclear... It left... Strange, I don't know.
It was not what I was expecting and no sexy-sexy times.
I really just wanted for things to get more developed. The characters, the places, the stories.... everything happened so fast and... I can't explain it but it's not descriptive enough, most parts don't have any deep feelings behind it. Things just happen and that's it.
Sowmething is really missing in these books.
Anyway... One thing I really loved, though, was all the different POVs.
I don't really like Rye. He is the character that most disappointed me and that felt really weird and unclear. His relationships are so ???? With Cerdic, with his other three friends... The Winter Princess is so..????
I don't know why but... I kinda have a thing for the Winter Prince? I don't know why bit I thing his POVs were the ones I most enjoyed.
I also like Cerdic and I'm cheering for his sister and the Winter Princess to be together.
Let's see what the other too books await... I wish they were hiding in the Telluric Realm and not in the human one.
It has great potential but it has all really fast, not enough description and the some of the characters personalities are a bit unclear... It left... Strange, I don't know.
It was not what I was expecting and no sexy-sexy times.
I really just wanted for things to get more developed. The characters, the places, the stories.... everything happened so fast and... I can't explain it but it's not descriptive enough, most parts don't have any deep feelings behind it. Things just happen and that's it.
Sowmething is really missing in these books.
Anyway... One thing I really loved, though, was all the different POVs.
I don't really like Rye. He is the character that most disappointed me and that felt really weird and unclear. His relationships are so ???? With Cerdic, with his other three friends... The Winter Princess is so..????
I don't know why but... I kinda have a thing for the Winter Prince? I don't know why bit I thing his POVs were the ones I most enjoyed.
I also like Cerdic and I'm cheering for his sister and the Winter Princess to be together.
Let's see what the other too books await... I wish they were hiding in the Telluric Realm and not in the human one.
Read
June 11, 2016BR with the lady Karen
So. uhm, I really was looking forward reading this. The cover drew me in and I liked the sound of the blurb and I did quite enjoy this author's other work I read.
Unfortunately this didn't work for me: the premises is interesting but frankly not a whole lot of original.
I read with Karen and most of our conversations where about how a character and a situation reminded us of other characters and situations.
It was altogether entertaining, I mean there's so much mentioning of rolling marbles, extending staffs and phallic references and grunting one can take before the giggling starts. I also want to know what happens next and I am going to reserve rating until I read the rest.
I did love Milo's character and Alyssa and Kaitlin development.
We'll see what happens...
So. uhm, I really was looking forward reading this. The cover drew me in and I liked the sound of the blurb and I did quite enjoy this author's other work I read.
Unfortunately this didn't work for me: the premises is interesting but frankly not a whole lot of original.
I read with Karen and most of our conversations where about how a character and a situation reminded us of other characters and situations.
It was altogether entertaining, I mean there's so much mentioning of rolling marbles, extending staffs and phallic references and grunting one can take before the giggling starts. I also want to know what happens next and I am going to reserve rating until I read the rest.
I did love Milo's character and Alyssa and Kaitlin development.
We'll see what happens...
April 28, 2016
What an excellent fantasy adventure with dragons, political intrigue, and violence. There's almost no sex and only a small amount of romance. Poor Rye is haunted by nightmares, is constantly used as a pawn, and is often betrayed. I just wanted to give him a hug. The other characters are well-developed.
I just did not want this one to end. Luckily there will be a sequel.
I just did not want this one to end. Luckily there will be a sequel.
April 16, 2017
So the other day I read See You and quite predictably ended up ugly crying at the end. While the book was excellent I try to limit my ugly crying so was looking for something happier. But everything I picked just fell flat after something so moving. I ended up whinging to a GR friend that I needed either another Anyta Sunday book or some porn-free dragons. He suggested this lovely little tale. Thank you Todd! It really hit the spot.
I try to judge books based on whatever category I mentally slot them into. And for me 3 stars means I liked the book. This is Anyta Sunday so my standards are a bit higher for that. I almost consider this YA and if I could convince myself that was the market I would possibly have upped it to 4 stars. But as an adult book some of the jokes were simply too juvenile. Cerdic? Really? (and don't tell me she did not mean it as a joke because just in case you did not get it on your own she practically spells it out for you)
The blurb for this gives you all the info you need in regards story outline. I liked all 6 main-ish characters. Even the three friends were fleshed out enough for me to care about them. The world building was a bit clumsily executed at the beginning but the world itself has lots of nice details and I really am looking forward to reading more about it in the next two books. I assume (hope?) that Rye gets some interesting new marble making skills. I completely loved the whole idea of the dragon shifters being rock solid when in human form because they are "dense" due to having wings packed super tight inside somehow. Although clearly a second book is intended the ending was not too much of a cliffhanger for me. It felt like a natural end to this part of the story.
Where I felt this book fell down a bit was in emotions. They just generally felt muted. In other cases the emotion a character was feeling was unclear to me. You know they are feeling some sort of caring but is it love? lust? friendship? gratitude? Sometimes I went back a page or two and reread to see if I had missed something because without these emotional markers I was not understanding. But usually going back did not help. I have to think this was a stylistic choice of the author's as I know she is more than capable of having a more vivid display of emotion.
There is a map at the beginning which is sadly not broken into 4 maps and as such is way too hard to view on the kindle. But never fear the whole thing is available on the book's site . But for this book it was not really needed. I had wished their was also a map of Gatreau. But really I am simply happy there is a map. And dragons. I loves both maps and dragons :)
(and I think I now have to officially up my rating for rock)
I try to judge books based on whatever category I mentally slot them into. And for me 3 stars means I liked the book. This is Anyta Sunday so my standards are a bit higher for that. I almost consider this YA and if I could convince myself that was the market I would possibly have upped it to 4 stars. But as an adult book some of the jokes were simply too juvenile. Cerdic? Really? (and don't tell me she did not mean it as a joke because just in case you did not get it on your own she practically spells it out for you)
The blurb for this gives you all the info you need in regards story outline. I liked all 6 main-ish characters. Even the three friends were fleshed out enough for me to care about them. The world building was a bit clumsily executed at the beginning but the world itself has lots of nice details and I really am looking forward to reading more about it in the next two books. I assume (hope?) that Rye gets some interesting new marble making skills. I completely loved the whole idea of the dragon shifters being rock solid when in human form because they are "dense" due to having wings packed super tight inside somehow. Although clearly a second book is intended the ending was not too much of a cliffhanger for me. It felt like a natural end to this part of the story.
Where I felt this book fell down a bit was in emotions. They just generally felt muted. In other cases the emotion a character was feeling was unclear to me. You know they are feeling some sort of caring but is it love? lust? friendship? gratitude? Sometimes I went back a page or two and reread to see if I had missed something because without these emotional markers I was not understanding. But usually going back did not help. I have to think this was a stylistic choice of the author's as I know she is more than capable of having a more vivid display of emotion.
There is a map at the beginning which is sadly not broken into 4 maps and as such is way too hard to view on the kindle. But never fear the whole thing is available on the book's site . But for this book it was not really needed. I had wished their was also a map of Gatreau. But really I am simply happy there is a map. And dragons. I loves both maps and dragons :)
(and I think I now have to officially up my rating for rock)
June 24, 2016
Original Blog Post: Review Request: Locked (Telluric Realm #1) by Anyta Sunday
Locked is a well-crafted piece of art from the cover to the map of the world Anyta Sunday has so meticulously crafted. This is a new world for me so I knew I had to spend my time taking care to read each carefully written word. Not to nit-pick but to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Locked is a well-crafted piece of art from the cover to the map of the world Anyta Sunday has so meticulously crafted. This is a new world for me so I knew I had to spend my time taking care to read each carefully written word. Not to nit-pick but to make sure I didn't miss anything.
From the first page opened, it is a difficult read as it has a whole lot of things going on. The story is not told from one person's point of view or one set of eyes, there are many people telling their side of things. That took some getting used to, reading more like a he said, she said but from different characters. There were some that were uncomfortable to read, while the rest made the reading easy.
The fantasy is woven thick and there shouldn't be any holes, and yet there are. Why? Because this sets the foundation for a series so there are a lot of things not answered here.
Locked is not an easy read, but it is deep or epic fantasy so that is what intrigued me. The world building is incredible and leaves the reader to imagine. The map helps huge for there were times I found myself closing the text and pour over the lands they traveled to or from where one narrative is based on. Much like the style of Eddings and Feist where a reader without a map gets lost in a wilderness of fantastical lands and creatures.
I would recommend this highly to fantasy lovers who love the intrigue of everything set in such worlds.
Locked is a well-crafted piece of art from the cover to the map of the world Anyta Sunday has so meticulously crafted. This is a new world for me so I knew I had to spend my time taking care to read each carefully written word. Not to nit-pick but to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Locked is a well-crafted piece of art from the cover to the map of the world Anyta Sunday has so meticulously crafted. This is a new world for me so I knew I had to spend my time taking care to read each carefully written word. Not to nit-pick but to make sure I didn't miss anything.
From the first page opened, it is a difficult read as it has a whole lot of things going on. The story is not told from one person's point of view or one set of eyes, there are many people telling their side of things. That took some getting used to, reading more like a he said, she said but from different characters. There were some that were uncomfortable to read, while the rest made the reading easy.
The fantasy is woven thick and there shouldn't be any holes, and yet there are. Why? Because this sets the foundation for a series so there are a lot of things not answered here.
Locked is not an easy read, but it is deep or epic fantasy so that is what intrigued me. The world building is incredible and leaves the reader to imagine. The map helps huge for there were times I found myself closing the text and pour over the lands they traveled to or from where one narrative is based on. Much like the style of Eddings and Feist where a reader without a map gets lost in a wilderness of fantastical lands and creatures.
I would recommend this highly to fantasy lovers who love the intrigue of everything set in such worlds.
June 28, 2016
Rye is a square peg in the round hole that is the common world. He owns a marble shop in which he crafts the orbs that seem to hold mystical properties; although, he can’t explain why. Nor can he explain why his dreams leave him shaken and confused…and scarred by strange shapes cut into his flesh. Rye is a bit of a loner, his only friend being a guy named Milo, whom we don’t get to know much about before he’s snatched from the street by a dragon—right before Rye’s disbelieving eyes—and thus propels Rye into another world, a world of unbelievable magic where he’s secured a promise from a warrior named Cerdic to help find Milo and rescue him from his dragon kidnapper.
This story takes on a fairy tale aspect in a royal family whose ice-bound curse can only be broken by true love’s kiss—a truth proven when Taruk, Cerdic’s brother, bestows a kiss upon Princess Alyssa and becomes imprisoned in ice. From here the story takes on several layers: one being the search for the key to saving Taruk, the others being the search for Milo, as well as Rye discovering things about himself he’d have never thought possible. Including the fact that he’s not a commoner at all.
There’s intrigue galore in this novel, opposing factions, and in the center of it are betrayal and tested allegiances. Cerdic himself must make difficult choices between family loyalty and doing wrong by a man who’s the pawn in a game he wasn’t even aware he was playing—until he began to uncover the truth about himself and his ancestry. There’s little question Sunday put a lot of care and effort into creating the world as it exists in this novel, but (there’s always a but, isn’t there?) I feel the world building efforts bogged down the pacing of the story.
Full Review at The Novel Approach
This story takes on a fairy tale aspect in a royal family whose ice-bound curse can only be broken by true love’s kiss—a truth proven when Taruk, Cerdic’s brother, bestows a kiss upon Princess Alyssa and becomes imprisoned in ice. From here the story takes on several layers: one being the search for the key to saving Taruk, the others being the search for Milo, as well as Rye discovering things about himself he’d have never thought possible. Including the fact that he’s not a commoner at all.
There’s intrigue galore in this novel, opposing factions, and in the center of it are betrayal and tested allegiances. Cerdic himself must make difficult choices between family loyalty and doing wrong by a man who’s the pawn in a game he wasn’t even aware he was playing—until he began to uncover the truth about himself and his ancestry. There’s little question Sunday put a lot of care and effort into creating the world as it exists in this novel, but (there’s always a but, isn’t there?) I feel the world building efforts bogged down the pacing of the story.
Full Review at The Novel Approach
August 18, 2016
***4.5 Rating***
This is my first book by Anyta Sunday. I loved all the Magic, Dragons, Drama, Love, and War in the Telluric Realm.
Rye and Cerdic are the main characters, but the story follows several Telluric people and is told in multiple points of views. I absolutely loved the different story lines and how they came together.
Cerdic, who is a faithful warrior and never turns down or questions a mission is ordered by Prince Drake of the Winter Royal family in the Telluric Realm to bring Rye to him from Earth. Over the course of the book we learn about the four seasons and the parts they play with Earth and the Telluric Realm. Some time before the Winter Prince was born the Summer Royal family puts a curse on the Winter Royal family. Prince Drake believes Rye is the answer to breaking the curse.
There were times I didn't really feel the connection between Rye and Cerdic. Just when I was sure there wasn't really a spark one of them would say or do something to remind me that, yes the two of them did feel something for one another.
The story as a whole was really good. Never a dull moment. The ending was more of a HFN and if it did stop at this book I would be OK, but luckily it doesn't!!! I cant wait to read more about Rye, Cerdic and the rest of the Telluric Realm.
There is also a companion website dedicated to the Realm!!!
I received this book for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Arlyna for Alpha Book Club without influence from publisher or author.
Plot: 4.5
Chemistry: 4.0
Pacing: 4.5
Ending: 4.5
Character Development: 4.0
This is my first book by Anyta Sunday. I loved all the Magic, Dragons, Drama, Love, and War in the Telluric Realm.
Rye and Cerdic are the main characters, but the story follows several Telluric people and is told in multiple points of views. I absolutely loved the different story lines and how they came together.
Cerdic, who is a faithful warrior and never turns down or questions a mission is ordered by Prince Drake of the Winter Royal family in the Telluric Realm to bring Rye to him from Earth. Over the course of the book we learn about the four seasons and the parts they play with Earth and the Telluric Realm. Some time before the Winter Prince was born the Summer Royal family puts a curse on the Winter Royal family. Prince Drake believes Rye is the answer to breaking the curse.
There were times I didn't really feel the connection between Rye and Cerdic. Just when I was sure there wasn't really a spark one of them would say or do something to remind me that, yes the two of them did feel something for one another.
The story as a whole was really good. Never a dull moment. The ending was more of a HFN and if it did stop at this book I would be OK, but luckily it doesn't!!! I cant wait to read more about Rye, Cerdic and the rest of the Telluric Realm.
There is also a companion website dedicated to the Realm!!!
I received this book for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Arlyna for Alpha Book Club without influence from publisher or author.
Plot: 4.5
Chemistry: 4.0
Pacing: 4.5
Ending: 4.5
Character Development: 4.0
July 11, 2017
2.75 Stars rounded up. If not for being a reading challenge I probably would have DNF'd several times. I had a hard time relating to the characters and the world building seemed to be "You figure it out". I'm still not sure what century the "commons world" (being real world) was in. There were cars but then also a guy making a living in the modern era(?) hand making marbles? (Of course they turn out to be "magic marbles" (sort of).
"Keys" are sort of spells that have to be cut into a substance (including flesh) with a gouging stick which apparently has a sharp point on one side and then some kind of "duster/brush" on the other end to fill in the gouges with elemental filings/dust such as copper, iron, gold etc. The rarer the dust or the item gouged the stronger the "keys".
Then there are "key forgers" which I assumed were some kind of criminal until I finally realized that a forger was someone that "forged" keys like a blacksmith "forges" iron so that was wrong.
Soft cliffhanger in prep for a sequel. All said if the second book were to come out in the next few months and if it wrapped up the story I would probably read it. If that doesn't happen I will probably never revisit this world.
"Keys" are sort of spells that have to be cut into a substance (including flesh) with a gouging stick which apparently has a sharp point on one side and then some kind of "duster/brush" on the other end to fill in the gouges with elemental filings/dust such as copper, iron, gold etc. The rarer the dust or the item gouged the stronger the "keys".
Then there are "key forgers" which I assumed were some kind of criminal until I finally realized that a forger was someone that "forged" keys like a blacksmith "forges" iron so that was wrong.
Soft cliffhanger in prep for a sequel. All said if the second book were to come out in the next few months and if it wrapped up the story I would probably read it. If that doesn't happen I will probably never revisit this world.
April 26, 2016
This is a story of fantasy. Anyta opens your mind to a magical & mystical place in this book. I spent most of this book in awe of the descriptions and creativity.
It's suspenseful, entertaining, and frustrating. It kind of leaves you in limbo awaiting book 2, not a huge cliffy if that's what you're worried about. More like happily ever after, for now. But, it ended with me feeling quite satisfied.
It is a long book and for the most part it flowed beautifully. Only a little draggy but picks right back up again.
Rye & Cerdic (the MC's) were written awesomely. I loved them both in their own right. It's amazing to me what we do for those we love and it was really terrific to see that Rye starts this off to save his best friend Milo. It made me ask myself if I'd do the same thing? I wondered if others would.
I love fantasy, books like Locked, because it takes us away from the reality of things. Locked did that. I escaped life for awhile and drown myself in this wondrous world!
This is a fun book. A wild and crazy ride that fantasy lovers will enjoy greatly.
It's suspenseful, entertaining, and frustrating. It kind of leaves you in limbo awaiting book 2, not a huge cliffy if that's what you're worried about. More like happily ever after, for now. But, it ended with me feeling quite satisfied.
It is a long book and for the most part it flowed beautifully. Only a little draggy but picks right back up again.
Rye & Cerdic (the MC's) were written awesomely. I loved them both in their own right. It's amazing to me what we do for those we love and it was really terrific to see that Rye starts this off to save his best friend Milo. It made me ask myself if I'd do the same thing? I wondered if others would.
I love fantasy, books like Locked, because it takes us away from the reality of things. Locked did that. I escaped life for awhile and drown myself in this wondrous world!
This is a fun book. A wild and crazy ride that fantasy lovers will enjoy greatly.
May 8, 2017
While I liked the premise of the story, the overall execution ruined it for me. Maybe it was due to the fact I wasn't in the mood to even try and keep all the characters, factions, and POVs straight, but the story was a jumbled mess of too many characters without firm introductions and constant jumping between different characters' POV.
Total POV changes: 82
Average # POV changes per chapter: 3
Average # pages per POV change: 4
# POV changes by character:
- Rye: 32
- Drake: 19
- Cerdic: 18
- Kaitlyn: 13
Total POV changes: 82
Average # POV changes per chapter: 3
Average # pages per POV change: 4
# POV changes by character:
- Rye: 32
- Drake: 19
- Cerdic: 18
- Kaitlyn: 13
May 15, 2016
I really enjoy Anyta's style of writing, and all the details about the Telluric realm are intriguing!
My only reservation:
I'm really looking forward to reading more about Milo (and Drake) and Kaitlyn and Alyssa!
(Also, I adore the blurb)
My only reservation:
I'm really looking forward to reading more about Milo (and Drake) and Kaitlyn and Alyssa!
(Also, I adore the blurb)
May 8, 2016
Great book! Loved the amazing fantasy world created by the author. The dragons were just brilliant! Can't wait for the nest in the series.
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
4.5 stars
I don’t want to give much detail into this story so what I will say is it’s about Rye, who just finds out from Cerdic that he’s part of this other realm where pretty much his only friend, Milo, has been taken. He’s determined to find Milo and then go home. Unfortunately, once he gets to the Telluric Realm he finds out a ton of things about not just his heritage but himself. Just when he thinks he’s finally found a home, though, he’s betrayed by the only person he thought he could trust. But now Rye can’t go home and must make a decision that may just require him to sacrifice himself.
It’s hard for me to write this review because I don’t exactly know what to say. I mean, my feelings for it are so jumbled right now. Not in a bad way but more in a “how do I describe how awesome this book is??” way. So, instead of gushing so much about it, what I will say is that this story had a fabulously built world. I adored the feel of it and the action/suspense throughout. I loved the characters and how there were differing POVs. It was really great getting to view everything from EVERYONE’S POV instead of being left guessing what others thought or why they did what they did.
What really made this story, though, was Rye and Cerdic. I couldn’t get enough of them and just wish there had been more! The emotions between them were so potent, I felt like I was feeling what they were feeling at times. Rye’s fear of dragons was so intense and Cerdic’s mixed feelings of Rye were so great, I loved them. I just loved these two! While they were my favorite potential couple, there’s also two other potential couples I really hope pan out in the end.
My only compliant about this one is that some parts of it were unnecessary and I honestly did not like Drake because he kept ‘claiming’ he was doing everything for his people when in reality he was just doing being extremely selfish and was using that as a convenient excuse to justify his actions.
In the end, this was a phenomenal story. I was drawn in right from the start and absolutely adored the pacing of the story. I loved most of the characters and really enjoy where this story is heading. I can’t wait to see what the next book has to offer and hope we don’t have to wait too long for it! If you’re looking for a story that has a gripping world and endearing characters, definitely give this a go. But beware, this book has no sex and while it has some sexual tension, no real romance develops just yet but I have hope it’ll come soon! After all, Cerdic and Rye need to get together like NOW!
4.5 stars
I don’t want to give much detail into this story so what I will say is it’s about Rye, who just finds out from Cerdic that he’s part of this other realm where pretty much his only friend, Milo, has been taken. He’s determined to find Milo and then go home. Unfortunately, once he gets to the Telluric Realm he finds out a ton of things about not just his heritage but himself. Just when he thinks he’s finally found a home, though, he’s betrayed by the only person he thought he could trust. But now Rye can’t go home and must make a decision that may just require him to sacrifice himself.
It’s hard for me to write this review because I don’t exactly know what to say. I mean, my feelings for it are so jumbled right now. Not in a bad way but more in a “how do I describe how awesome this book is??” way. So, instead of gushing so much about it, what I will say is that this story had a fabulously built world. I adored the feel of it and the action/suspense throughout. I loved the characters and how there were differing POVs. It was really great getting to view everything from EVERYONE’S POV instead of being left guessing what others thought or why they did what they did.
What really made this story, though, was Rye and Cerdic. I couldn’t get enough of them and just wish there had been more! The emotions between them were so potent, I felt like I was feeling what they were feeling at times. Rye’s fear of dragons was so intense and Cerdic’s mixed feelings of Rye were so great, I loved them. I just loved these two! While they were my favorite potential couple, there’s also two other potential couples I really hope pan out in the end.
My only compliant about this one is that some parts of it were unnecessary and I honestly did not like Drake because he kept ‘claiming’ he was doing everything for his people when in reality he was just doing being extremely selfish and was using that as a convenient excuse to justify his actions.
In the end, this was a phenomenal story. I was drawn in right from the start and absolutely adored the pacing of the story. I loved most of the characters and really enjoy where this story is heading. I can’t wait to see what the next book has to offer and hope we don’t have to wait too long for it! If you’re looking for a story that has a gripping world and endearing characters, definitely give this a go. But beware, this book has no sex and while it has some sexual tension, no real romance develops just yet but I have hope it’ll come soon! After all, Cerdic and Rye need to get together like NOW!
March 26, 2017
I love fantasy and I love MM. Combine the two and (if it's not really awful) I'll definitely like it.
It was so different from any other Anyta Sunday books I've read so far and the world-building was fantastic. I didn't know about the website (I kind of wish I had), so I had some trouble getting into things. I also wasn't quite sure how exactly to picture the gouging staff, so the descriptions on the website definitely would have helped a lot. But that's pretty much the only negative point I have--some things weren't really explained or described when they were first mentioned so it took a bit of guess work and waiting for things to be made a little clearer.
It was so different from any other Anyta Sunday books I've read so far and the world-building was fantastic. I didn't know about the website (I kind of wish I had), so I had some trouble getting into things. I also wasn't quite sure how exactly to picture the gouging staff, so the descriptions on the website definitely would have helped a lot. But that's pretty much the only negative point I have--some things weren't really explained or described when they were first mentioned so it took a bit of guess work and waiting for things to be made a little clearer.
May 5, 2018
Not interesting
This book is a prime example of why too many twists and turns make a messy read instead of whatever the author thinks it makes. There is a mandatory incarcerated anti-hero with a sob story who is also a would be revolutionary who is fighting for the peasants, a minion (who in true mega serial fashion will turn out to be his long lost son, mark my words) who is pulling all the threads, a cold fish of a spoilt out classed prince who wants to win and lots of puppets. All others including the druggie hero are puppets. Did I miss out anything? Nope. That's it. Judge for yourself.
This book is a prime example of why too many twists and turns make a messy read instead of whatever the author thinks it makes. There is a mandatory incarcerated anti-hero with a sob story who is also a would be revolutionary who is fighting for the peasants, a minion (who in true mega serial fashion will turn out to be his long lost son, mark my words) who is pulling all the threads, a cold fish of a spoilt out classed prince who wants to win and lots of puppets. All others including the druggie hero are puppets. Did I miss out anything? Nope. That's it. Judge for yourself.
March 21, 2019
I think this may have been just me, but I was so confused for half of this book. At the very beginning I kept thinking that marbles wasn't the games, but a piece of rock that he was carving. The other thing was what the point of having magic if you need to draw the shape, redraw it w/ precious metals & and then salt it to make it work? That's a freaking long process to make work in a fight!
Just at a loss for most of this book to be honest. It has good reviews so I encourage people to give it a try. I'll probably be reading the next one.
Just at a loss for most of this book to be honest. It has good reviews so I encourage people to give it a try. I'll probably be reading the next one.
May 26, 2018
I enjoyed this book. The world building was well done and there were a lot of original ideas that built on classic fairytale tropes. Also, I'm def going through a dragon phase right now so that just added to it. It's a little dark and not everything ends up all happy-yay-awesome and there's a cliffhanger (which I'm really not happy about) but I liked Rye and Cerdic and will definitely read the rest of this series.
June 19, 2017
***4.5 STARS***
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