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Sanyare Chronicles #1
The Last Descendant
BRAG Medallion Winner!
A woman torn between honor and survival…
Raised in a realm where humans are no better than slaves, Rie Lhethannien has struggled for decades to earn a meager post in the High Court messenger service. Even training as an elite fighter isn’t enough to earn the respect she craves. Scorned by the high elves who rely on her loyalty, Rie’s closest allies are the fierce carnivorous pixies who travel by her side.
When she’s attacked on a routine delivery by assassins from the enemy Shadow Realm, Rie’s martial prowess keeps her alive…and frames her as a traitor. Facing execution at the hand of an unmerciful king, Rie must forsake her oaths and flee into enemy lands to prove her innocence. With surprising help from a bastard prince and an ambitious blood sidhe, Rie searches for the truth behind the attack. The secrets she uncovers may threaten more than her honor or even her life…for war is looming in the nine faerie realms.
Sanyare: The Last Descendant is the first book in the Sanyare Chronicles, a fast-paced dark fantasy adventure. If you like kick-butt heroines and action-packed fantasy filled with mythological creatures, then you’ll love the first novel in Megan Haskell’s debut series. Start your journey across the nine faerie realms today!
ISBN: 978-0-9864083-2-8
A woman torn between honor and survival…
Raised in a realm where humans are no better than slaves, Rie Lhethannien has struggled for decades to earn a meager post in the High Court messenger service. Even training as an elite fighter isn’t enough to earn the respect she craves. Scorned by the high elves who rely on her loyalty, Rie’s closest allies are the fierce carnivorous pixies who travel by her side.
When she’s attacked on a routine delivery by assassins from the enemy Shadow Realm, Rie’s martial prowess keeps her alive…and frames her as a traitor. Facing execution at the hand of an unmerciful king, Rie must forsake her oaths and flee into enemy lands to prove her innocence. With surprising help from a bastard prince and an ambitious blood sidhe, Rie searches for the truth behind the attack. The secrets she uncovers may threaten more than her honor or even her life…for war is looming in the nine faerie realms.
Sanyare: The Last Descendant is the first book in the Sanyare Chronicles, a fast-paced dark fantasy adventure. If you like kick-butt heroines and action-packed fantasy filled with mythological creatures, then you’ll love the first novel in Megan Haskell’s debut series. Start your journey across the nine faerie realms today!
ISBN: 978-0-9864083-2-8
312 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 2015
845 people are currently reading
2321 people want to read
About the author
Megan Haskell
19 books143 followersLegend has it, I was born with a book in my hands. When I was a kid, my mom would ground me from reading in order to get me to do my chores. To this day, I can readily ignore the real world in favor of the imaginary one lurking between the pages of my current addiction. My dad — also an avid reader — introduced me to Tolkien in my late elementary years, and I never looked back. I love escaping to worlds where magic and monsters are real, especially stories with kick-butt heroines and dangerously attractive heroes.
Despite my voracious book appetite, I didn’t start creative writing until I was working as a number cruncher in a big accounting firm. With an hour plus commute by train every day, and a demanding left-brain occupation, I needed a mobile creative outlet. A pen and paper are about as mobile as it gets! As the pages began to fill, I quickly moved onto a tiny laptop, and a writer was born. Now I get to create my own fantasies!
I currently live in Southern California with my wonderfully supportive husband, two daughters, and a ridiculously energetic dog.
Despite my voracious book appetite, I didn’t start creative writing until I was working as a number cruncher in a big accounting firm. With an hour plus commute by train every day, and a demanding left-brain occupation, I needed a mobile creative outlet. A pen and paper are about as mobile as it gets! As the pages began to fill, I quickly moved onto a tiny laptop, and a writer was born. Now I get to create my own fantasies!
I currently live in Southern California with my wonderfully supportive husband, two daughters, and a ridiculously energetic dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
August 18, 2015
As some of you may know I have only recently really embraced this genre and have declared it a favorite. And while it is quickly becoming a favorite, I do still struggle with it at times and am leery of starting series and books from authors I truly know nothing about.
Which is why even though I read the prequel and enjoyed it, I went into this with no expectations and if I'm being completely honest, a little leery as well. I had no idea what to expect when I opened the pages.
I can tell you what I got though, a fun, fast paced read full of mystery, twists, and characters that you will simply adore.
While I really liked fierce, kick butt Rie, I adored the pixies! Yes, you read that right, pixies. Gikl, Niinka, Possn, Hiinto, and Tiik were just so much darn fun. They were mischievous, spunky, and almost always getting into trouble, not to mention their slightly scary ability to munch on the bad guys. There was just something so fun and endearing about their loyalty to Rie and how they always had her back.
The mystery was a great one too and honestly, the twists in this, I didn't see coming. Not to mention the wonderful blend of sups and magic and this was a read that I had a hard time putting down.
I really enjoyed every single aspect of it. It was well written, well designed, and the world building had just the right amount of detail without being a huge info dump at one time and becoming overwhelming.
I honestly enjoyed this so much and I can't wait for more. The author truly has created something unique and original while still holding true to familiar concepts and creatures. I have to applaud her on her ability to mix so many details together and create something fun and unputdownable.
Which is why even though I read the prequel and enjoyed it, I went into this with no expectations and if I'm being completely honest, a little leery as well. I had no idea what to expect when I opened the pages.
I can tell you what I got though, a fun, fast paced read full of mystery, twists, and characters that you will simply adore.
While I really liked fierce, kick butt Rie, I adored the pixies! Yes, you read that right, pixies. Gikl, Niinka, Possn, Hiinto, and Tiik were just so much darn fun. They were mischievous, spunky, and almost always getting into trouble, not to mention their slightly scary ability to munch on the bad guys. There was just something so fun and endearing about their loyalty to Rie and how they always had her back.
The mystery was a great one too and honestly, the twists in this, I didn't see coming. Not to mention the wonderful blend of sups and magic and this was a read that I had a hard time putting down.
I really enjoyed every single aspect of it. It was well written, well designed, and the world building had just the right amount of detail without being a huge info dump at one time and becoming overwhelming.
I honestly enjoyed this so much and I can't wait for more. The author truly has created something unique and original while still holding true to familiar concepts and creatures. I have to applaud her on her ability to mix so many details together and create something fun and unputdownable.
April 23, 2018
Well, for starters . . . this author is a good writer! I mean, she knows how to really set every scene, whether it's a heart-pounding action sequence or a more thoughtful, plot-developing scene. Everything is vivid and sensory, but not in a flowery sort of way. Enticingly readable is a good way to describe it.
Rie is a fantastic lead who engages the reader from the start. The mystery of her heritage is intriguing, but her more immediate mission is even more gripping. The world(s) in which she moves and breathes is full of surprises, and I enjoyed all the discoveries along the way (probably a lot more than Rie did! LOL).
I've had this book sitting in my Kindle for a few months now, and I'm really glad I finally picked it up. Great read, great world, great kickbutt heroine.
Rie is a fantastic lead who engages the reader from the start. The mystery of her heritage is intriguing, but her more immediate mission is even more gripping. The world(s) in which she moves and breathes is full of surprises, and I enjoyed all the discoveries along the way (probably a lot more than Rie did! LOL).
I've had this book sitting in my Kindle for a few months now, and I'm really glad I finally picked it up. Great read, great world, great kickbutt heroine.
December 13, 2019
What to do when you have an incredibly crappy night? Finish what turned out to be a really great book. Megan Haskell is a new to me author and I'm glad I've discovered her because if book one is any indication, this series is going to be phenomenal.
In this story you have multiple realms. The main focus in this book is on the Upper Realm, Human Realm and Shadow Realm. They are all considered faerie realms however. The Upper and Shadow Realms have high elves and dark elves or sidhes (think vampires with elemental abilities). They are known as High Fae and then there are Lesser Fae which are your pixies, goblins, imps, etc. High and dark elves have different abilities. They could be related to the four elements (fire, air, earth water) or they can be soul or spirit driven. And then you have humans in the Human Realm. To travel between realms, you use portals. Think Stargate type of portals where you enter a code and it lets you through.
Nuriel, who prefers to go by Rie, is a messenger for the Upper Realm. One day she goes to deliver a message to Lord Garamaen when assassins attack her and try to kill her. She's always been considered a changeling (a human who is orphaned in the human realm and taken by a fae to live in their realm) but she has always had the power of premonition. So premonition and her pixie friends saved her life. Now she's in a bind because she cant go back to the Upper Realm cause just being in the presence of a sidhe means execution. She takes Lord Garamaen's offer instead to go to the Shadow Realm to try and clear her name. Along the way she makes some interesting friends and even a potential love interest but she also learns a huge lesson in that things are not always what they seem.
I truly enjoyed this ride very much. It's fast paced, action packed and hits all the right buttons for me in commentary alone. The author does a very good job in keeping you guessing at who is friend and who is foe. Rie is very resourceful but also very honest. She carries kukuris that have the ability of helping her focus when in battle by enhancing her abilities as they arise. I already have book 2 downloaded and can't wait to continue with this story. Highly recommend if you like fantasy filled with intrigue, is unique and has a romantic arc.
In this story you have multiple realms. The main focus in this book is on the Upper Realm, Human Realm and Shadow Realm. They are all considered faerie realms however. The Upper and Shadow Realms have high elves and dark elves or sidhes (think vampires with elemental abilities). They are known as High Fae and then there are Lesser Fae which are your pixies, goblins, imps, etc. High and dark elves have different abilities. They could be related to the four elements (fire, air, earth water) or they can be soul or spirit driven. And then you have humans in the Human Realm. To travel between realms, you use portals. Think Stargate type of portals where you enter a code and it lets you through.
Nuriel, who prefers to go by Rie, is a messenger for the Upper Realm. One day she goes to deliver a message to Lord Garamaen when assassins attack her and try to kill her. She's always been considered a changeling (a human who is orphaned in the human realm and taken by a fae to live in their realm) but she has always had the power of premonition. So premonition and her pixie friends saved her life. Now she's in a bind because she cant go back to the Upper Realm cause just being in the presence of a sidhe means execution. She takes Lord Garamaen's offer instead to go to the Shadow Realm to try and clear her name. Along the way she makes some interesting friends and even a potential love interest but she also learns a huge lesson in that things are not always what they seem.
I truly enjoyed this ride very much. It's fast paced, action packed and hits all the right buttons for me in commentary alone. The author does a very good job in keeping you guessing at who is friend and who is foe. Rie is very resourceful but also very honest. She carries kukuris that have the ability of helping her focus when in battle by enhancing her abilities as they arise. I already have book 2 downloaded and can't wait to continue with this story. Highly recommend if you like fantasy filled with intrigue, is unique and has a romantic arc.
November 6, 2015
Review posted here on my blog. :)
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2015/11...
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2015/11...
January 3, 2016
I received Sanyare: The Last Descendant in return for an honest review from the author. I just finished the prequel Pixie Tamer which is a little story about how Rie came to be in the company of Pixies. Trained by her warden to fight she can protect herself being a just human in an elf world. Working hard has earned her a job as a High Court messenger sending her between different realms. On a routine trip to the human Realm she’s attacked on the beach by assassins with the help of her pixies and new ability she survives the attack. However any encounters with the Shadow Realm instantly mark her as a traitor but Lord Garamaen has a plan to send her into the Shadow Realm to prove her innocents.
Knowing it’s her only chance to clear her name Rie heads off into the Shadow Realm fearing the worst after all the stories she’s been told. Her first encounter is into the Shadow Realm ends up with her walking into a blood bar where she’s the desired donor. After proving she’s not going to be thrilled Rie finds an unlikely friend who leads her to the Crossroad inn where she should be able to find some information. Instead she finds the prince and leader of the Shadow Guard who might just be able to help her find who ordered her assassination and what they are plotting.
I love Rie she’s a smart girl who was raising in a world that humans are treated as slaves but when she comes to the Shadow Realm she learns that maybe that’s not the only way. I wasn’t sure about Braegan at first but he grew on me as the book went. However I instantly saw Daenor as a perfect match for Rie which she may not have seen at first either. I loved the pixies and the imp they are perfect supporting characters who just enhanced the story.
I’ve had Sanyare: The Last Descendant on my to read pile for a while but haven’t gotten around to it till now and boy was I missing out. A fast paced action packed novel that mixes fantasy with the modern day world creating an intricate and captivating story. The characters are well developed it was easy for me to connect with Rie she’s defiantly stolen a piece of my heart. The writing style is well written it flows from start to finish captivating my imagination till the very end. I admit I would love to get a look at Turant in the flesh because he’s a combination of two of my favorite creatures and I’m curious if I got it all right. I honestly enjoyed every moment of the book it’s beautifully and I couldn’t put it down except when real life got in the way. I’m really hoping this isn’t the last of Rie because I’m not ready to say goodbye to her or her new friends. A truly perfect way to start off the new year with an amazing new book by a new author.
Knowing it’s her only chance to clear her name Rie heads off into the Shadow Realm fearing the worst after all the stories she’s been told. Her first encounter is into the Shadow Realm ends up with her walking into a blood bar where she’s the desired donor. After proving she’s not going to be thrilled Rie finds an unlikely friend who leads her to the Crossroad inn where she should be able to find some information. Instead she finds the prince and leader of the Shadow Guard who might just be able to help her find who ordered her assassination and what they are plotting.
I love Rie she’s a smart girl who was raising in a world that humans are treated as slaves but when she comes to the Shadow Realm she learns that maybe that’s not the only way. I wasn’t sure about Braegan at first but he grew on me as the book went. However I instantly saw Daenor as a perfect match for Rie which she may not have seen at first either. I loved the pixies and the imp they are perfect supporting characters who just enhanced the story.
I’ve had Sanyare: The Last Descendant on my to read pile for a while but haven’t gotten around to it till now and boy was I missing out. A fast paced action packed novel that mixes fantasy with the modern day world creating an intricate and captivating story. The characters are well developed it was easy for me to connect with Rie she’s defiantly stolen a piece of my heart. The writing style is well written it flows from start to finish captivating my imagination till the very end. I admit I would love to get a look at Turant in the flesh because he’s a combination of two of my favorite creatures and I’m curious if I got it all right. I honestly enjoyed every moment of the book it’s beautifully and I couldn’t put it down except when real life got in the way. I’m really hoping this isn’t the last of Rie because I’m not ready to say goodbye to her or her new friends. A truly perfect way to start off the new year with an amazing new book by a new author.
September 25, 2020
2 stars because I liked the first half but it started to fade out and just became silly.
Maybe 1.5 rounded up.
This started out pretty solid I felt like. I think what ended up getting me to get agitated with it were the two male characters. The first one, Braegan a sidhe/vampire, was too quick to lay it all down for her. And for what? She got one of his best friends murdered which is pretty much where this book took a steep decline.
Then there was the second one, Prince Daenor, he too was quick to loyalty...for no reason. She was pretty and could fight. wow
There's also the whole she's super overpowered and good at everything. So, yeah.
It's not a series I will be continuing.
Maybe 1.5 rounded up.
This started out pretty solid I felt like. I think what ended up getting me to get agitated with it were the two male characters. The first one, Braegan a sidhe/vampire, was too quick to lay it all down for her. And for what? She got one of his best friends murdered which is pretty much where this book took a steep decline.
Then there was the second one, Prince Daenor, he too was quick to loyalty...for no reason. She was pretty and could fight. wow
There's also the whole she's super overpowered and good at everything. So, yeah.
It's not a series I will be continuing.
June 28, 2017
*Source* Amazon Kindle
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*MY Thoughts*
The Last Descendant is the first installment in author Megan Haskell's Sanyare Chronicles series. Protagonist Nuriel (Rie Ree-ay) Lhethannien is a changeling and High Court Messenger who lives in the Elf World known as Upper Realm. She has violet eyes, is fast with a blade, and also experiences premonitions. One of these premonitions saves her life. While delivering a message to Lord Goramen in the human realm, Rie is attacked by (2) Blood Sidhe (vampire) assassins from the Shadow Realm.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*MY Thoughts*
The Last Descendant is the first installment in author Megan Haskell's Sanyare Chronicles series. Protagonist Nuriel (Rie Ree-ay) Lhethannien is a changeling and High Court Messenger who lives in the Elf World known as Upper Realm. She has violet eyes, is fast with a blade, and also experiences premonitions. One of these premonitions saves her life. While delivering a message to Lord Goramen in the human realm, Rie is attacked by (2) Blood Sidhe (vampire) assassins from the Shadow Realm.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
September 7, 2015
I enjoyed reading this e-book, but I wouldn't call it good. Good enough, just not actually good. The story telling skill could use some work. Everything fell into place too readily. You could practically see the author's outline with check marks next to each item. I seldom felt that the characters reacted in realistic ways, and many developments came too easily. I have to be moved emotionally by the experiences of the characters to call a book good. This was more of a fun romp with a band of misfits than a real novel. I never felt any sense of danger, even though the main character spent almost the entire book running from a warrant of execution. (She was trying to prove her innocence.) I liked the characters, but she made friends too readily. Why would a 100 year old woman trust a random man she met on the street with her most dangerous secret? Not logical. At 100, she shouldn't be naive. The prince's feelings for her were too instant; I wanted to see something slowing grow between them instead. The vampire's devotion to her made little sense - she got a friend of his killed! The pixies were a little too clownish; the innkeeper was too forthcoming in front of an audience. The big reveal at the end was ok, but not all that shocking - there wasn't enough of a build up to give it an emotional punch. All of the emotions felt flat to me - no soaring highs, no deep lows.
April 3, 2019
While the storyline is a fairly serious one, I had fun reading it. The characters are well defined, the heroine allowed to grow into her own. The love interests are still developing, which is fine since this seems to be more YA than true adult fantasy. I don't think sex is necessary to make a book good and I'm glad that so far she's left actual sex out of the storyline. Temptation, maybe. But no sex yet. I personally appreciate that.
The story develops through her growing, training and accepting the first position in her life. It turns out to be a quest that can determine the life or death of her and possibly her guardians. She needs to travel to a realm in the Faerie world that she has never visited before, and that is a treasonable offense for people from the Upper Realm to go. So she must do this with stealth and some small subterfuge. She does so clumsily as anyone of her young age and up until now human status would. But she perseveres, which any good heroine would, and while that may sound trite, it isn't. The creatures she meets are a fun cross of mythologies, which I enjoyed since I'm not a Faerie Purist.
Megan did really well with this world. I thought it unusual and fun that she allowed some of the Fae to use human weapons. I liked the way Garamaen preferred the human world which included references to our culture. I liked the whole book. (although there are some typos so you may want to take a look at it again :-) )
Very well done, Megan! Very well done indeed. I'm off to read the second book!
The story develops through her growing, training and accepting the first position in her life. It turns out to be a quest that can determine the life or death of her and possibly her guardians. She needs to travel to a realm in the Faerie world that she has never visited before, and that is a treasonable offense for people from the Upper Realm to go. So she must do this with stealth and some small subterfuge. She does so clumsily as anyone of her young age and up until now human status would. But she perseveres, which any good heroine would, and while that may sound trite, it isn't. The creatures she meets are a fun cross of mythologies, which I enjoyed since I'm not a Faerie Purist.
Megan did really well with this world. I thought it unusual and fun that she allowed some of the Fae to use human weapons. I liked the way Garamaen preferred the human world which included references to our culture. I liked the whole book. (although there are some typos so you may want to take a look at it again :-) )
Very well done, Megan! Very well done indeed. I'm off to read the second book!
October 10, 2021
So very good. Rich character development. Interesting realms. This book grabbed my attention and I read it in a day. I won’t give spoilers, only tell you I highly recommend it if you are into fantasy.
March 1, 2019
Overall this book was just meh. Seems like the author definitely started with a clear concept in mind and applied some background/worldbuilding, but the actual execution of the story left much to be desired. The writing is wandery, there is no real tension, the pacing is choppy (claims to be fast-paced but is predictable and slow). Characters are difficult to distinguish from one another and insufficiently fleshed out, failing to inspire any kind of engagement. Villains are your typical 2D flat nefarious, lunkhead or mustache-twirling stock characters.
The story reads like a weak first draft, with a "bunch of random things that happen" but don't really cohere. The plot is your basic "follow the breadcrumbs" with occasional random digressions into lengthy descriptions of delicious sandwiches, wardrobe details or irrelevant scenes involving characters that serve little direct purpose to the plot. Also, just my opine here , but carnivorous pixies (btw someone reeaaaally liked the tooth fairies in that Hellboy II movie) and the occasional over-depictive fight scene does not a "dark fantasy" make.
Some random thoughts:
++No. Faery lords are not called Greg. Just NO.
++Rie is supposed to be well-trained in defense, swords, etc. yet EVERY time she fights ANYONE, she's terrified & shaking in fear. You can't have it both ways. Why hasn't she learned any kind of emotional discipline or been seriously tested in over a hundred years???
++Also why is she so naive that she trusts everyone she meets?
++Too many unnecessarily unpronounceable names.
++Serious points off for use of the dubious phrase "...cupped his ass" which I hope to never see again.
A summary:
RIE: I am not Special. I am just human.
((Random Assassin Attack))
RIE: Why did assassins attack me? I am not Special!
GARAMAEN (aka Greg): You *might* be special. Meanwhile go to this other Realm.
BRAEGAN: You are Special. And beautiful. And sexy.
RIE: I am not Special.
DAENOR: I am a Prince and I say you are definitely Special. I know these things.
RIE: I cannot possibly be Special.
OTHER DARK ELVES: You are NOT Special.
RIE: See?
((various events))
RIE: Maybe I'm Special?
BRAEGAN & DAENOR: Yes. You are definitely Special.
((Several random magic powers manifest at exactly the Right time))
RIE: I think I might be Special.
GARAMAEN: I have 12 powers and you are my heir. ((convoluted ancestry discussion)) You are Special.
DAENOR: I love you. I've never really loved anyone before. I have been waiting for you.
RIE: I am Special!
The story reads like a weak first draft, with a "bunch of random things that happen" but don't really cohere. The plot is your basic "follow the breadcrumbs" with occasional random digressions into lengthy descriptions of delicious sandwiches, wardrobe details or irrelevant scenes involving characters that serve little direct purpose to the plot. Also, just my opine here , but carnivorous pixies (btw someone reeaaaally liked the tooth fairies in that Hellboy II movie) and the occasional over-depictive fight scene does not a "dark fantasy" make.
Some random thoughts:
++No. Faery lords are not called Greg. Just NO.
++Rie is supposed to be well-trained in defense, swords, etc. yet EVERY time she fights ANYONE, she's terrified & shaking in fear. You can't have it both ways. Why hasn't she learned any kind of emotional discipline or been seriously tested in over a hundred years???
++Also why is she so naive that she trusts everyone she meets?
++Too many unnecessarily unpronounceable names.
++Serious points off for use of the dubious phrase "...cupped his ass" which I hope to never see again.
A summary:
RIE: I am not Special. I am just human.
((Random Assassin Attack))
RIE: Why did assassins attack me? I am not Special!
GARAMAEN (aka Greg): You *might* be special. Meanwhile go to this other Realm.
BRAEGAN: You are Special. And beautiful. And sexy.
RIE: I am not Special.
DAENOR: I am a Prince and I say you are definitely Special. I know these things.
RIE: I cannot possibly be Special.
OTHER DARK ELVES: You are NOT Special.
RIE: See?
((various events))
RIE: Maybe I'm Special?
BRAEGAN & DAENOR: Yes. You are definitely Special.
((Several random magic powers manifest at exactly the Right time))
RIE: I think I might be Special.
GARAMAEN: I have 12 powers and you are my heir. ((convoluted ancestry discussion)) You are Special.
DAENOR: I love you. I've never really loved anyone before. I have been waiting for you.
RIE: I am Special!
November 1, 2016
If I had to describe this book as anything, I'd say it's "Good, bordering on great".
From the opening scene, I was intrigued by the character, the world, and everything going on. I LOVED the pixies that hang around Rie—a great use of humor in a mostly dark book.
Rie was a strong, competent character overall, skilled enough to be believable and neither a Mary Sue nor an overly emotional character. There were a few slip-ups with her character and personality traits (her insecurities were an unusual choice, and they came across too strongly for her personality), but overall she was very well-written.
The sequence of events felt a bit odd. At first it felt like a spy book, then it felt more like Drizzt's return to the Underdark, then it seemed like a book about a new recruit joining a mercenary/military group. I'd have to say it changed the overall tone of the story a bit too much.
But all in all, it was a great read, and I can't wait to pick up the second book in the series.
From the opening scene, I was intrigued by the character, the world, and everything going on. I LOVED the pixies that hang around Rie—a great use of humor in a mostly dark book.
Rie was a strong, competent character overall, skilled enough to be believable and neither a Mary Sue nor an overly emotional character. There were a few slip-ups with her character and personality traits (her insecurities were an unusual choice, and they came across too strongly for her personality), but overall she was very well-written.
The sequence of events felt a bit odd. At first it felt like a spy book, then it felt more like Drizzt's return to the Underdark, then it seemed like a book about a new recruit joining a mercenary/military group. I'd have to say it changed the overall tone of the story a bit too much.
But all in all, it was a great read, and I can't wait to pick up the second book in the series.
June 23, 2015
I took a chance on a new author and scored big time!! This book at it all! Action, romance, mystery, suspense and of course amazing characters all set in my favorite genre Fantasy!! It is hard to find books where you can’t see the outcome coming but I never could see where this book was going. I was hooked from the first page and surprise at every turn. I am so glad I was long for the ride.
Not only can I not wait for the next book in the series but I am putting Megan Haskell on my list of authors to follow because I would hate to miss out on her next hidden gem. Well done Megan!!!!!
Not only can I not wait for the next book in the series but I am putting Megan Haskell on my list of authors to follow because I would hate to miss out on her next hidden gem. Well done Megan!!!!!
May 28, 2020
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/sanyare-the...
It’s a solid read, which might have benefited from slightly more fighting and less talk. My opinion there is likely skewed by the lack of any real climax in that department – perhaps a result of this being the opening volume. Action-wise, the book peaks about 40% in, when Rie and Daenor have to battle their way past the guards of a master smith who made the weapons used to attack the heroine. And there are a lot of guards. It’s an especially good sequence; I was waiting for anything similar to show up the rest of the way, and was disappointed. Things instead ended in something closer to a royal courtroom, before a reveal which I found a bit too obvious. Let’s say, the title alone is a bit of a giveaway to the fact that Rie’s “orphan” status is not quite what it seems.
It’s a solid read, which might have benefited from slightly more fighting and less talk. My opinion there is likely skewed by the lack of any real climax in that department – perhaps a result of this being the opening volume. Action-wise, the book peaks about 40% in, when Rie and Daenor have to battle their way past the guards of a master smith who made the weapons used to attack the heroine. And there are a lot of guards. It’s an especially good sequence; I was waiting for anything similar to show up the rest of the way, and was disappointed. Things instead ended in something closer to a royal courtroom, before a reveal which I found a bit too obvious. Let’s say, the title alone is a bit of a giveaway to the fact that Rie’s “orphan” status is not quite what it seems.
May 1, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’d like to start this review by saying this is the best self-published book I’ve read to date. I’m crazy impressed. I hope by saying this I don’t talk the book up too much, but I want to be totally honest here – I walked away from this book thinking damn, so much time, effort, and professionalism went into this book.
Maybe it’s unfair to compare this book to other self-published novels, but I’ve read a lot of indie books and being an editor it’s part of my nature while reading to notice things that could have been done a little stronger. Sometimes in indie books (and some traditionally published ones as well) I’ll notice typos or punctuation errors, or a character is inconsistent, or there’s too much exposition too soon, a plot line flats flat, etc. But I couldn’t find a single thing in this book I thought needed to be improved upon. Other readers may think differently, but from my point of view I think Megan Haskell did everything right. She did not cut any corners with this novel and she clearly made sure she put the best piece of work out there, nothing less.
Sanyare: The Last Descendent is a dark fantasy novel, book one in the Sanyare Universe series. I would say the best audience for this book is from age 16 and up. It’s not a YA book, but because the protagonist, Rie, is in a 20-30’s sort of age range (well, technically she is 75 but who’s counting) I felt like I was the perfect audience (25 year old female). The main character is female, but I think men would really enjoy this book as well.
Rie is a strong, well-written protagonist. Haskell does a great job of staying in her POV the entire time, and when things take place outside of Rie’s POV Haskell does not show us those moments, but instead gives us enough to feel like we didn’t miss anything. This is Rie’s story after all so that’s who we want to follow.
Immediately the story begins in the heat of the action. Rie arrives through a portal to the Human Realm (I take this to be Earth) to make a delivery, as she is a High Court messenger – a good job for a mere human that lives in the Upper Realm. The moment she arrives to make the delivery assassins from the Shadow Realm attack her. Part of the current law upheld by her King is that anyone who makes contact with someone from the Shadow Realm - even if she didn’t initiate contact – must be executed. She is now in a tough place because either A) she goes back home to be executed just because other beings from the Shadow Realm tried to kill her, or B) she tries to find out who made the order to kill her and why, to prove her innocence. Option B still likely means death, because by going to the Shadow Realm she is breaking the law. So Rie is screwed. And this all happens in the first few pages of the book, which is awesome. THIS is how a story should begin. Action, goal, conflict. Now we know Rie’s goal (staying alive) and the clear conflicts that will stand in her way (death, or getting caught, and then death).
She does decide option B (well, duh, may as well put up a fight before being executed) and the journey she takes as she tries to provide her innocence and the beings she meets along the way is really entertaining. In Rie’s world she has tiny pixie friends who hide in her hair and clothes and help her when she is in danger – they are adorable, witty, devious, and fierce - then there are High Elves and Dark Elves, Sidhe (which are basically vampires), gremlins, trolls, and much more. Haskell does such a great job at just placing us in the midst of the action and this world without taking the time to explain where we are, and how it came to be, and what this world is and what all these creatures are. We don’t need the explanation –readers are smart – and Haskell is great at including the small details to quickly pull us in and make us feel like this is suddenly our world too and so it makes perfect sense to us.
Every character is well developed in this book. The interactions between different characters is interesting and meaningful – each conversation adds to the story - the tension is palpable, the pixies are interesting as heck…it’s just a very tight well-written manuscript with strong characters and a forward moving plot. There is action of course, and some of it can get a little gruesome, but it’s there because it needs to be.
Rie not only takes this journey to prove her innocence and find out why she’s been targeted, but she also learns more and more about herself as time goes on. She begins this story by seeing herself as a mere human who is lucky to be in the position she is, but technically she is basically a servant to the king. She believes she is unimportant and replaceable. As the book goes on Rie discovers new talents and magic awakening within her, but that must mean she is more than just human, which she has trouble believing. She doesn't actually know who her real parents are. By the end of the story Rie learns a lot about whom she is, what she can do, and her importance in this world. We get to witness her confidence build throughout the novel and that is a fun journey to take with her, on top of the literal journey/adventure she takes in the Shadow Realm and more. Oh and hey, there’s some romantic stuff in here too, so that’s awesome.
I highly recommend this book. Fantasy, Action, Magic, Sexy Elves, Sexy Vamps – it really has it all. If you love fantasy, you’ll enjoy this!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’d like to start this review by saying this is the best self-published book I’ve read to date. I’m crazy impressed. I hope by saying this I don’t talk the book up too much, but I want to be totally honest here – I walked away from this book thinking damn, so much time, effort, and professionalism went into this book.
Maybe it’s unfair to compare this book to other self-published novels, but I’ve read a lot of indie books and being an editor it’s part of my nature while reading to notice things that could have been done a little stronger. Sometimes in indie books (and some traditionally published ones as well) I’ll notice typos or punctuation errors, or a character is inconsistent, or there’s too much exposition too soon, a plot line flats flat, etc. But I couldn’t find a single thing in this book I thought needed to be improved upon. Other readers may think differently, but from my point of view I think Megan Haskell did everything right. She did not cut any corners with this novel and she clearly made sure she put the best piece of work out there, nothing less.
Sanyare: The Last Descendent is a dark fantasy novel, book one in the Sanyare Universe series. I would say the best audience for this book is from age 16 and up. It’s not a YA book, but because the protagonist, Rie, is in a 20-30’s sort of age range (well, technically she is 75 but who’s counting) I felt like I was the perfect audience (25 year old female). The main character is female, but I think men would really enjoy this book as well.
Rie is a strong, well-written protagonist. Haskell does a great job of staying in her POV the entire time, and when things take place outside of Rie’s POV Haskell does not show us those moments, but instead gives us enough to feel like we didn’t miss anything. This is Rie’s story after all so that’s who we want to follow.
Immediately the story begins in the heat of the action. Rie arrives through a portal to the Human Realm (I take this to be Earth) to make a delivery, as she is a High Court messenger – a good job for a mere human that lives in the Upper Realm. The moment she arrives to make the delivery assassins from the Shadow Realm attack her. Part of the current law upheld by her King is that anyone who makes contact with someone from the Shadow Realm - even if she didn’t initiate contact – must be executed. She is now in a tough place because either A) she goes back home to be executed just because other beings from the Shadow Realm tried to kill her, or B) she tries to find out who made the order to kill her and why, to prove her innocence. Option B still likely means death, because by going to the Shadow Realm she is breaking the law. So Rie is screwed. And this all happens in the first few pages of the book, which is awesome. THIS is how a story should begin. Action, goal, conflict. Now we know Rie’s goal (staying alive) and the clear conflicts that will stand in her way (death, or getting caught, and then death).
She does decide option B (well, duh, may as well put up a fight before being executed) and the journey she takes as she tries to provide her innocence and the beings she meets along the way is really entertaining. In Rie’s world she has tiny pixie friends who hide in her hair and clothes and help her when she is in danger – they are adorable, witty, devious, and fierce - then there are High Elves and Dark Elves, Sidhe (which are basically vampires), gremlins, trolls, and much more. Haskell does such a great job at just placing us in the midst of the action and this world without taking the time to explain where we are, and how it came to be, and what this world is and what all these creatures are. We don’t need the explanation –readers are smart – and Haskell is great at including the small details to quickly pull us in and make us feel like this is suddenly our world too and so it makes perfect sense to us.
Every character is well developed in this book. The interactions between different characters is interesting and meaningful – each conversation adds to the story - the tension is palpable, the pixies are interesting as heck…it’s just a very tight well-written manuscript with strong characters and a forward moving plot. There is action of course, and some of it can get a little gruesome, but it’s there because it needs to be.
Rie not only takes this journey to prove her innocence and find out why she’s been targeted, but she also learns more and more about herself as time goes on. She begins this story by seeing herself as a mere human who is lucky to be in the position she is, but technically she is basically a servant to the king. She believes she is unimportant and replaceable. As the book goes on Rie discovers new talents and magic awakening within her, but that must mean she is more than just human, which she has trouble believing. She doesn't actually know who her real parents are. By the end of the story Rie learns a lot about whom she is, what she can do, and her importance in this world. We get to witness her confidence build throughout the novel and that is a fun journey to take with her, on top of the literal journey/adventure she takes in the Shadow Realm and more. Oh and hey, there’s some romantic stuff in here too, so that’s awesome.
I highly recommend this book. Fantasy, Action, Magic, Sexy Elves, Sexy Vamps – it really has it all. If you love fantasy, you’ll enjoy this!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2015
Rie is just a human who is a messenger for the High Court. On the way to deliver a message she is attacked by assassin. Join us as she steps through the portal to the Shadow Realm to find who hired the assassin's. Along the way Rie will discover many things about herself.
This story starts with action right from the beginning and will draw you into the fantasy world. When Rie is attacked she manages to fend off her attackers and kill them in the process. From there the action never stops. As she travels from the High Court to the Human Relm to to the Shadow Relm she meets fea, vampires, elf's, pixies, gremlins and more. The amount of different fanasty-mythical creatures in this story is fantastic. They range from mysterious, mischievous, dangerous, and even sexy. Each character adds a depth to the story.
I love fantasy stories and this one drew me in from page one and I couldn't put it down as I followed Rie's journey. All of the characters are well developed and add so much to the story. All facets of the story lead to Rie discovering a new talent of magic that she has. She also becomes stronger as she makes new friends and finds out about her past and family.
This is the first book in the series. If does not end in a huge cliffhanger but I can't wait to read where the story leads. If you want a great story filled with magic, mythical creatures, action and a dose of romance thrown in then this is a book you want to pick up.
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review. Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng
This story starts with action right from the beginning and will draw you into the fantasy world. When Rie is attacked she manages to fend off her attackers and kill them in the process. From there the action never stops. As she travels from the High Court to the Human Relm to to the Shadow Relm she meets fea, vampires, elf's, pixies, gremlins and more. The amount of different fanasty-mythical creatures in this story is fantastic. They range from mysterious, mischievous, dangerous, and even sexy. Each character adds a depth to the story.
I love fantasy stories and this one drew me in from page one and I couldn't put it down as I followed Rie's journey. All of the characters are well developed and add so much to the story. All facets of the story lead to Rie discovering a new talent of magic that she has. She also becomes stronger as she makes new friends and finds out about her past and family.
This is the first book in the series. If does not end in a huge cliffhanger but I can't wait to read where the story leads. If you want a great story filled with magic, mythical creatures, action and a dose of romance thrown in then this is a book you want to pick up.
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review. Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng
November 8, 2016
This was an enjoyable read however, I feel it lacked the oomf factor for me. I just couldn't feel any emotional depth for any of the characters.
The story is about Rie who is a human changeling living in the high court. She's a messenger for the high court and is highly trained due to her guardians. During one of her missions she is attacked and she runs for her life. To prove her innocence she decides to go to the Shadow realm. A realm banned by the high court to visit. During her adventure she comes across a Vampire (blood sidhe) and a dark realm prince. The characters just seemed plain to me. She does feel attracted to the prince and their feelings develop way too soon for my liking. Things fell into place. We are told who Rie really is at the end. However, I had somewhat guessed it in the beginning. The whole book is meh and while the story is good the execution could have been better. The characters are adults yet I just felt bored by their lack of depth.
The only characters I enjoyed were the pixies. They were really funny and full of antics.
The story is about Rie who is a human changeling living in the high court. She's a messenger for the high court and is highly trained due to her guardians. During one of her missions she is attacked and she runs for her life. To prove her innocence she decides to go to the Shadow realm. A realm banned by the high court to visit. During her adventure she comes across a Vampire (blood sidhe) and a dark realm prince. The characters just seemed plain to me. She does feel attracted to the prince and their feelings develop way too soon for my liking. Things fell into place. We are told who Rie really is at the end. However, I had somewhat guessed it in the beginning. The whole book is meh and while the story is good the execution could have been better. The characters are adults yet I just felt bored by their lack of depth.
The only characters I enjoyed were the pixies. They were really funny and full of antics.
June 5, 2023
I loved this book, great world building and really great authentic characters. The story is very well written and I was hooked from the beginning of page one.
The central character is Nuriel or Rie to her friends she has been raised as a human and works as a lowly messenger in the Sidhe High Court. One day she is sent on a routine delivery but, she’s attacked by Dark Elves from the Shadow Realm. She defends herself but fears she will be denounced a traitor by the High Court. Rie decides that she must travel to the Shadow Realm in order to find the true traitor and clear her name. What follows is a great read - highly recommended.
The central character is Nuriel or Rie to her friends she has been raised as a human and works as a lowly messenger in the Sidhe High Court. One day she is sent on a routine delivery but, she’s attacked by Dark Elves from the Shadow Realm. She defends herself but fears she will be denounced a traitor by the High Court. Rie decides that she must travel to the Shadow Realm in order to find the true traitor and clear her name. What follows is a great read - highly recommended.
November 24, 2017
I'm absolutely impressed. I liked how it sounded in the info but when I started reading it I realised how good the book is. From the first page you a diving in it and by the last page you ask for more. You should try it for yourself. I'm heading for the next book from the series
May 4, 2019
This was a DNF for me. A few chapters in, when there was a discussion of the protagonist’s violet eyes, I noped right out.
April 28, 2017
An excellent first book; Haskell creates a complex yet fascinating universe, mixing fantasy elements well, with a solid plot and well-developed characters.
April 1, 2019
A Wonderful fantasy adventure.
Extraordinary creatures with great world building and one awesome main character. Absolutely Loved It! On to book 2.
Extraordinary creatures with great world building and one awesome main character. Absolutely Loved It! On to book 2.
November 30, 2019
3.5
RTC
RTC
November 11, 2019
When she was a kid, Rie‘s parents died and she was taken to Fairy and fostered to an elven family. Because of their support she was able to get a job with the messengers. During one of her missions, she is attacked by assassins for the Shadow Realm. In one of the illogical plot devices yet any interaction with the shadow realm is viewed as treason and the person, even if she is the victim of a murder attempt, is executed.
It becomes quickly apparent that the attempt on her life is just a ploy to start a war between the two realms. Therefore, Rie is sent to the Shadow Realm to find out who hired the assassin, thus saving her own life.
This book is the first in a series. And the book description mentions that it won some sort of price. This comes as a surprise to me as the book is rather average.
First of all, you get no feeling for the world it takes part in. I know more about the general hotness of the two male Leads than the Shadow realm. With the exception of a forge, I couldn’t even tell you what the shadow realm looks like. If you were expecting some imaginative presentation of a fantastical world this is the wrong book.
Books involving mystical creatures can focus either on creating an awe-inspiring world, something like Harry Potter or they can be more plot-driven. This could be like a supernatural spy thriller. Unfortunately, our heroine is ill-prepared for the later. First, she arrived in the shadow realm wearing an honest to god dress with corset. Of such high quality as never seen on humans, so she didn’t even wear to blend in. I’m surprised she didn’t wear high heels. Then she meets romantic interest number one, a vampire, of course, be thankful he doesn’t glitter, he tries to suck on her twice, betraying her confidence. Next thing you know, he is present at a highly secret meeting where she explains her purpose.
The only thing Rie got going for her is that she is the last descendant, as the title so nicely points out, and therefore a powerhouse such as e.g. Avatar the last Airbender. If that hadn’t been the case, I don’t care how great a fighter she is, the woman would have been dead in a matter of seconds.
And just, when it finally starts getting interesting as we reach the conspiracy part, the book ends. Now that the introduction is done, and since I find the pixies adorable, I might read another one. Maybe the author has gotten the cliches out of her system and will start telling a story.
It becomes quickly apparent that the attempt on her life is just a ploy to start a war between the two realms. Therefore, Rie is sent to the Shadow Realm to find out who hired the assassin, thus saving her own life.
This book is the first in a series. And the book description mentions that it won some sort of price. This comes as a surprise to me as the book is rather average.
First of all, you get no feeling for the world it takes part in. I know more about the general hotness of the two male Leads than the Shadow realm. With the exception of a forge, I couldn’t even tell you what the shadow realm looks like. If you were expecting some imaginative presentation of a fantastical world this is the wrong book.
Books involving mystical creatures can focus either on creating an awe-inspiring world, something like Harry Potter or they can be more plot-driven. This could be like a supernatural spy thriller. Unfortunately, our heroine is ill-prepared for the later. First, she arrived in the shadow realm wearing an honest to god dress with corset. Of such high quality as never seen on humans, so she didn’t even wear to blend in. I’m surprised she didn’t wear high heels. Then she meets romantic interest number one, a vampire, of course, be thankful he doesn’t glitter, he tries to suck on her twice, betraying her confidence. Next thing you know, he is present at a highly secret meeting where she explains her purpose.
The only thing Rie got going for her is that she is the last descendant, as the title so nicely points out, and therefore a powerhouse such as e.g. Avatar the last Airbender. If that hadn’t been the case, I don’t care how great a fighter she is, the woman would have been dead in a matter of seconds.
And just, when it finally starts getting interesting as we reach the conspiracy part, the book ends. Now that the introduction is done, and since I find the pixies adorable, I might read another one. Maybe the author has gotten the cliches out of her system and will start telling a story.
November 4, 2018
What fun! It's exactly what the cover promises -- a kickass heroine is put in a deadly dilemma and must risk everything to clear her name. This leads her on a mission into the Lower Realm (dark elves! blood sidhe!), which is both terrifying and not at all what the Upper Realm elves told her. She's not sure what she's doing, and yep, she makes mistakes, but she also meets allies along the way, and learns some secrets about herself, as well. What starts out as investigating a single attack leads to her uncovering a bigger plot afoot, and Rie is in the middle of it, whether she likes it or not. What a great adventure! Plus there are bloodthirsty pixies! I kept reading "one more chapter" until I was done with the book, and then my first thought was that I couldn't wait to read book 2, to see what happens next!
The book is called "dark fantasy" but it's clear that people vary in their definitions of that. The story didn't have the disturbing, morally questionable, psychologically damaged, or horror elements that I associate with dark fantasy. Sure, the bad guys are evil, and the good guys make poor choices sometimes, but they stay good guys, and evil exists to be conquered, not embraced. Just the way I like it!
I rate books within their "weight class," as it were, rather than comparing every book to Hugo winners. This is one of those indie books that will defy any of your lowered expectations of independent publishing. The writing is fast, clean, and engaging, and the book (I bought the paperback) is beautiful inside and out; it's 100% professional, through and through. It's especially impressive for a new novelist. I can't wait to see what Haskell does when her style refines and matures even further.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes a good, solid fantasy adventure. Having read ahead to the later books already, I can say that yes, it's worth diving into the whole series, and the quality keeps up all the way through!
The book is called "dark fantasy" but it's clear that people vary in their definitions of that. The story didn't have the disturbing, morally questionable, psychologically damaged, or horror elements that I associate with dark fantasy. Sure, the bad guys are evil, and the good guys make poor choices sometimes, but they stay good guys, and evil exists to be conquered, not embraced. Just the way I like it!
I rate books within their "weight class," as it were, rather than comparing every book to Hugo winners. This is one of those indie books that will defy any of your lowered expectations of independent publishing. The writing is fast, clean, and engaging, and the book (I bought the paperback) is beautiful inside and out; it's 100% professional, through and through. It's especially impressive for a new novelist. I can't wait to see what Haskell does when her style refines and matures even further.
I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes a good, solid fantasy adventure. Having read ahead to the later books already, I can say that yes, it's worth diving into the whole series, and the quality keeps up all the way through!
October 23, 2018
I found The Last Descendant (Sanyare Chronicles #1) on Indie Brag, a site that showcases the best of Indie Authors. After reading the blurb, I added it to the TBR list. Here’s my review!
Synopsis (from the author):
Raised in a realm where humans are no better than slaves, Rie Lhethannien has struggled for decades to earn a meager post in the High Court messenger service. Even training as an elite fighter isn’t enough to earn the respect she craves. Scorned by the high elves who rely on her loyalty, Rie’s closest allies are the fierce carnivorous pixies who travel by her side.
When she’s attacked on a routine delivery by assassins from the enemy Shadow Realm, Rie’s martial prowess keeps her alive…and frames her as a traitor. Facing execution at the hand of an unmerciful high elf king, Rie must forsake her oaths and flee into enemy lands to prove her innocence. The secrets she uncovers may threaten more than her honor or even her life...for war is looming in the nine faerie realms.
What I liked:
The Last Descendant has all the great fantasy elements. Rie, a human coming into unknown powers, intrigue, battles, magic, elves, a forbidden realm, and a quest to uncover the truth. What more can a fantasy reader ask for? In addition, it’s a well-written and well-paced book. Fantasy lovers a series to keep them occupied. Well done, Megan Haskell!
What I didn’t like:
I’m not asking for an info dump, but more background on the Shadow Realm would help. I’m sure it comes out in the subsequent books, though, so I’ll have to wait.
Overall impression:
As with all the books I’ve read with Indie Brag Medallions, The Last Descendant (Sanyare Chronicles #1) is well-written and entertaining! Good characters, nice battles scenes, intrigue, and a touch of romance make it a book worth reading! I recommend this one to anyone who likes fantasy!
My rating:
5 Stars
Synopsis (from the author):
Raised in a realm where humans are no better than slaves, Rie Lhethannien has struggled for decades to earn a meager post in the High Court messenger service. Even training as an elite fighter isn’t enough to earn the respect she craves. Scorned by the high elves who rely on her loyalty, Rie’s closest allies are the fierce carnivorous pixies who travel by her side.
When she’s attacked on a routine delivery by assassins from the enemy Shadow Realm, Rie’s martial prowess keeps her alive…and frames her as a traitor. Facing execution at the hand of an unmerciful high elf king, Rie must forsake her oaths and flee into enemy lands to prove her innocence. The secrets she uncovers may threaten more than her honor or even her life...for war is looming in the nine faerie realms.
What I liked:
The Last Descendant has all the great fantasy elements. Rie, a human coming into unknown powers, intrigue, battles, magic, elves, a forbidden realm, and a quest to uncover the truth. What more can a fantasy reader ask for? In addition, it’s a well-written and well-paced book. Fantasy lovers a series to keep them occupied. Well done, Megan Haskell!
What I didn’t like:
I’m not asking for an info dump, but more background on the Shadow Realm would help. I’m sure it comes out in the subsequent books, though, so I’ll have to wait.
Overall impression:
As with all the books I’ve read with Indie Brag Medallions, The Last Descendant (Sanyare Chronicles #1) is well-written and entertaining! Good characters, nice battles scenes, intrigue, and a touch of romance make it a book worth reading! I recommend this one to anyone who likes fantasy!
My rating:
5 Stars
May 4, 2017
It's certainly lovely when a book lives up to the potential shown in the snippet and prequel. Maybe moreso as this book had characterization that felt solid.
There's Rie, or Nuriel, our main character who despite her rather Mary Sue leanings at least pairs her sudden power ups with genuine strategic thinking and analysis.
Daenor, your basic honorable sort who takes an immediate shine to Rie that's only strengthenes when she kicks his ass in combat. Also a Bastard Prince and leader of an elite, thought sort of superfluous, unit of soldiers.
Braegan, your basic rogueish vampire who is OBVIOUSLY untrustworthy in practically EVERY scene he's in. I can literally point to no scene where he's not screaming suspicious. Including the scenes where he's more suspicious then the actual enemy!
Greg, a more benevolent rolls with the punches quasi-hippie Fairy you'll never meet I assure you. Also kind of shady but not suspicious like Braegan, just obviously the kind of character you know the author isn't introducing just to be a quirky one off.
Some of the story is contrived as Rie goes from plot point to plot point trying to figure out what's going on. The potential tratior who framed her is pretty obvious, but I'm halfway convinced that wasn't the true purpose at all.
Really where this book is the best is how the plot keeps you engaged. There's little down time so it keeps rolling, unveiling new or advanced powers for Rie as time goes on and shegains experience finds new clues. Many of which tumble into her lap, but I was interested to see where it would all lead.
A fun quick read for a free spring or summer afternoon.
There's Rie, or Nuriel, our main character who despite her rather Mary Sue leanings at least pairs her sudden power ups with genuine strategic thinking and analysis.
Daenor, your basic honorable sort who takes an immediate shine to Rie that's only strengthenes when she kicks his ass in combat. Also a Bastard Prince and leader of an elite, thought sort of superfluous, unit of soldiers.
Braegan, your basic rogueish vampire who is OBVIOUSLY untrustworthy in practically EVERY scene he's in. I can literally point to no scene where he's not screaming suspicious. Including the scenes where he's more suspicious then the actual enemy!
Greg, a more benevolent rolls with the punches quasi-hippie Fairy you'll never meet I assure you. Also kind of shady but not suspicious like Braegan, just obviously the kind of character you know the author isn't introducing just to be a quirky one off.
Some of the story is contrived as Rie goes from plot point to plot point trying to figure out what's going on. The potential tratior who framed her is pretty obvious, but I'm halfway convinced that wasn't the true purpose at all.
Really where this book is the best is how the plot keeps you engaged. There's little down time so it keeps rolling, unveiling new or advanced powers for Rie as time goes on and she
A fun quick read for a free spring or summer afternoon.
August 22, 2017
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-iH
Introduction
The “Sanyare Chronicles”, authored by Megan Haskell, is an ongoing fantasy series. This review will focus on the four books written so far. These are – ‘Pixie Tamer’ (a novella prequel), ‘The Last Descendant’, ‘The Heir Apparent’ and ‘The Last Apprentice’. The ‘Sanyare Chroncles’ is the story of ‘Rie’, a human, who grows up with the fae. Rie, a changling, grows up with the High Elves where she has to struggle to be respected and recognized. The books chronicle her adventures from the time she is a young adult.
Recommendation
I went into this series without knowing anything about it or the author. The high ratings on Goodreads encouraged me to start reading ‘Pixie Tamer’ which turned out to be quite good. The rest of the books follow this trend. While I would not rate this series as excellent, it is a cut above the rest of the usual young adult fantasy fare. The ‘Sanyare Chronicles’ is definitely worth a read. I would put it on par with other series like ‘October Daye’ or ‘Mercy Thompson’ (while not being as annoying).
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-iH
Introduction
The “Sanyare Chronicles”, authored by Megan Haskell, is an ongoing fantasy series. This review will focus on the four books written so far. These are – ‘Pixie Tamer’ (a novella prequel), ‘The Last Descendant’, ‘The Heir Apparent’ and ‘The Last Apprentice’. The ‘Sanyare Chroncles’ is the story of ‘Rie’, a human, who grows up with the fae. Rie, a changling, grows up with the High Elves where she has to struggle to be respected and recognized. The books chronicle her adventures from the time she is a young adult.
Recommendation
I went into this series without knowing anything about it or the author. The high ratings on Goodreads encouraged me to start reading ‘Pixie Tamer’ which turned out to be quite good. The rest of the books follow this trend. While I would not rate this series as excellent, it is a cut above the rest of the usual young adult fantasy fare. The ‘Sanyare Chronicles’ is definitely worth a read. I would put it on par with other series like ‘October Daye’ or ‘Mercy Thompson’ (while not being as annoying).
Read the full review at my site https://wp.me/p89tYT-iH
February 26, 2015
After reading
Pixie Tamer
by Megan Haskell, I dove into her novel,
Sanyare: The Last Descendant
, with high hopes that Haskell would expand my view of the world she introduced in the shorter prequel. She does not disappoint. Inside a world of elves, pixies, portal travel, and a tentative peace between two powerful realms, Haskell drops her protagonist, Rie, into a tale of danger, exploration and self-discovery. Haskell manages to give us a fun, page turning read that also encourages us to think about important issues and themes. I recommend this debut novel as an all-around worthy read.
Read my full review at:
Review ~ Sanyare, The Last Descendant, by Megan Haskell
Read my full review at:
Review ~ Sanyare, The Last Descendant, by Megan Haskell
May 31, 2017
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I read the short Pixie Tamer by Megan Haskell, this is the first novel I have read from her. I wasn’t sure what to expect since Pixie Tamer captured me from the very first page. Haskell heroine is reminiscent of Tamora Pierce’s, fierce and strong without being Mary Sue. Rie has her faults and struggles, but she is resourceful and intelligent as well as hardworking.
I am thrilled the author shared her work with me as it is exactly my tastes. I love fantasy novels with creative fantastical worlds and creatures. Not only that but the author knows how to tell a story. Haskell has an easy style that is simple to understand and flows easily but is engaging. I found myself so wrapped up the story that I didn’t even realize how much I read.
If you enjoy Tamora Pierce and Maria Snyder’s Study Series, this series is perfect for you.
While I read the short Pixie Tamer by Megan Haskell, this is the first novel I have read from her. I wasn’t sure what to expect since Pixie Tamer captured me from the very first page. Haskell heroine is reminiscent of Tamora Pierce’s, fierce and strong without being Mary Sue. Rie has her faults and struggles, but she is resourceful and intelligent as well as hardworking.
I am thrilled the author shared her work with me as it is exactly my tastes. I love fantasy novels with creative fantastical worlds and creatures. Not only that but the author knows how to tell a story. Haskell has an easy style that is simple to understand and flows easily but is engaging. I found myself so wrapped up the story that I didn’t even realize how much I read.
If you enjoy Tamora Pierce and Maria Snyder’s Study Series, this series is perfect for you.
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