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The Cat's Eye Chronicles #4
Ferran's Map
The bloodmage Volcrian is dead, but a new enemy lurks in the shadows. The Shade, a fanatical cult of demonic assassins, is trying to resurrect the Dark God and unleash His power back into the world. In their wake, a deadly plague is spreading across the land.
Sora and her companions are the only ones who know of the plague’s true source. As the disease spreads, Sora must journey to the City of Crowns to retrieve The Book of the Named, her only hope of stopping The Shade. She and her companions arrive just in time for the winter solstice festival, a notorious two-weeks of fine wines, grand parties and legendary debauchery. Sora must don the guise of a noblewoman and infiltrate the First Tier nobility to stop The Shade before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, the assassin Crash is confronted by a ghost from his past. As he uncovers more of the Shade’s plot, he finds himself face-to-face with his old Grandmaster, the one who both trained and betrayed him. Can Crash lay to rest his past, or will he succumb to his inner demon and rejoin the man who once made him a killer?
Sora and her companions are the only ones who know of the plague’s true source. As the disease spreads, Sora must journey to the City of Crowns to retrieve The Book of the Named, her only hope of stopping The Shade. She and her companions arrive just in time for the winter solstice festival, a notorious two-weeks of fine wines, grand parties and legendary debauchery. Sora must don the guise of a noblewoman and infiltrate the First Tier nobility to stop The Shade before it’s too late.
Meanwhile, the assassin Crash is confronted by a ghost from his past. As he uncovers more of the Shade’s plot, he finds himself face-to-face with his old Grandmaster, the one who both trained and betrayed him. Can Crash lay to rest his past, or will he succumb to his inner demon and rejoin the man who once made him a killer?
Unknown Binding
First published January 18, 2015
72 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Shreffler
17 books718 followersT. L. Shreffler was born and raised in Burbank, CA. She grew up only a few blocks away from Warner Bros. and Disney studios. Inspired by such a creative community of friends, family and neighbors, she dedicated herself to her creative goals since her teen years. She has been writing The Cat's Eye Chronicles and other works since she was 12 years old. She moved to Washington State in 2020 and currently lives in Snohomish County with her family. She loves diversity, travel, and experiencing different cultures; she tries to evoke a similar sense of wonder at the unfamiliar in her readers. She holds a BA in Eloquence (English) and her poetry has been published in Eclipse: A Literary Journal and The Northridge Review. She is author of The Cat's Eye Chronicles (YA/Epic Fantasy) and The Dragon Pearl Series (YA/Epic Fantasy). She writes Paranormal Romance under the penname A. Mariposa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 30, 2016
This is the story of how I died....
No really I died....
just kidding lol, let me tell you I thought I was ready to read this book.
My Face when the release day was announced:
After six months of waiting I truly believed I was ready... Boy was I wrong!
I was kind of expecting answers and I just got more questions:
My whole family knows about this book... my mom would even ask me each month if the book was finally out. I can honestly say:
On a Positive side I honestly believe that it was worth the wait!!
It was still FANTASTIC despite all the new questions!
Oh well,time to wait for the next one....
(We should make a club named "The Forever Waiting for AMAZING Books Club" and dance until the next release day!)
Thanks so much to the amazing author for sharing such a wonderful adventure with us!
Reread on November 30 ,2016:
No really I died....
just kidding lol, let me tell you I thought I was ready to read this book.
My Face when the release day was announced:
After six months of waiting I truly believed I was ready... Boy was I wrong!
I was kind of expecting answers and I just got more questions:
My whole family knows about this book... my mom would even ask me each month if the book was finally out. I can honestly say:
On a Positive side I honestly believe that it was worth the wait!!
It was still FANTASTIC despite all the new questions!
Oh well,time to wait for the next one....
(We should make a club named "The Forever Waiting for AMAZING Books Club" and dance until the next release day!)
Thanks so much to the amazing author for sharing such a wonderful adventure with us!
Reread on November 30 ,2016:
January 23, 2015
Actual Rating : 4,5 Stars
I don't know where to begin with this review, so much happened but not enough at the same time, characters grew, everything happened and now it's finished and I don't know what to do with myself. I've waited 6 months checking the author's website ten times a day and stopped living my life for 2 days to read it, even reading during lectures, when my friends wanted to talk to me I was like 'yes,but wait, I will be available to talk as soon as I finish the book", I read it very slowly to appreciate each words and at the same time really fast to know what was going to happen next but I want more NO I NEED MORE.
The Plot:
As always the plot was full of actions. What I like in this series is that I feel like the author doesn't follow the usual schema you see in books. I mean usually books have a slow beginning and it's building until the end with all the action. This series seem more like a big journey which is cut in 6 books. It makes that you never know when the action is going to happen. Actually there was action in the beginning, in the middle and in the end with, in between, character's development, discoveries of mysterious goals from various characters, twist (some I suspected as I thought about what will happen in this book for 6 months) and others i didn't see coming AT ALL, discovering character's background and enjoying yourself until your eyes can't remain open any longer because you've read all night.
The story progressed but I wished it would have progressed even more, I felt like the end was cut just before something big and I wanted to keep going but there were no pages left.
The Characters:
- First Crash alias kick my ass whenever you want (What ? Why do I talk about him first ? What ? It's not his story ? Sorry I thought it was ^^) is one of the most memorable assassin I've ever met in a book, like I said in previous review on this series, he IS a real assassin even though he grew softer ^^ (you can't always be ruthless). But he remained very serious, mature and focused on his goals. What is memorable is the growth that happened from the first book to book four. Indeed, if you remember how amazingly cold he was in the first book, he grew from a man who would sacrifice anyone who get on his path if this person was useless or expendable to a man who would make everything to protect those importants to him (cough 'Sora' cough). What didn't change is how determined he is in everything he does and he's still ruthless to those he doesn't appreciate (cough 'Tristan' cough). I'm being very protective of him whenever everyone accused him of anything and it made me appreciate less some characters because of that (I think, like Sora, I may not be objective when it comes to Crash). He is my favorite character. We get to know more about him through his POV, how he feels about the Hive, his master, Sora and his...demon. I have a huge crush on this demon. I know, weird, but he is so twisted and it was funny and fascinating to see Crash struggling against him to keep control over the demon
PS: Now to add to his awesomeness, he also can control shadow and has powers. YES because he is that cool.
- Sora grew so much (And I'm not the only one who noticed it, Crash did too). You can't even compare the spoiled girl who was too tired to follow and a bit whiny and scared in the first book with the awesome fighter in mind as well as physically (one day you will win against Crash, I have faith in you, you already won against him emotionally). I'm proud of her and of what she became. She is still awkward sometimes especially around Crash, but well, she's still young and quite innocent so it's understandable and quite funny to witness.
- Burn wasn't really present in this book and I forgot why I liked him because of his absence :/
- I'm a bit confused about Caprion: I don't know if I like him or not, I don't know if I can trust him actually, we don't really know his projects even if we are in his head at some moment. Is he really with Sora's team or does he have different goals ?
- I found Krait weird, maybe I should read Caprion's wings to understand her more. She was completely devoted to her master and I wanted to shake her. It's like those fanatics, they can't see the truth even if we put them in front of it, even if we explain them with scientist means that what they believe is not true. I hope in the next book she will see the truth as it really is but I guess she will since the title is 'Krait's redemption'.
- I don't really appreciate Lori as a character (maybe because she doesn't really like Crash ahah) but I liked her more in this book. We get to know more about her with her background story. She always seems so strong and sure of herself (I can't relate to her). I liked to see her vulnerability.
- Well, what to say about Ferran ? I liked him more than before and we get big revelations concerning his past. We meet his family. He becomes a main character with his own story as the title of the book is Ferran's map, it's normal we get to know him more and he acts on his own. But still, I would have liked less from his POV.
- Ceraste is still evil and has the greatest plan to torture Crash and rule the world (even though sometimes I wished it wouldwork better not work...
- Cobra is new and I liked him. I pitied him actually and understood him at the same time as we get to know his motives a bit better. At least he wasn't completely devoted to his master as Krait was and I liked him for that.
The Romance (because I know you may be acting like that's not what you're looking for, but we know the truth ;p ):
Now we get not one, not two, but three possible couples:
- Crash and Sora: It's the most well developed and slow burning romance of all times and it keeps building in this book (Have you ever met a couple that talked like twice in the first book, and kissed only in the third ? I don't know for you but it's the first time I have met one) They are so great together But I'm not going to tell you how much I love them because I could write, talk about it and imagine what is going to happen between them next forever ( What do you think I did during these 6 months waiting ? I had to use my imagination and I can tell you I have a really inventive one)
- Ferran and Lori: I liked their dynamic: even though I don't like Lori that much, I prefer her when she is with Ferran
- Krait and Caprion: to be continued ^^
- Burn and the demon: No I'm just joking :p But wouldn't it make a great team ? No ? Okey maybe not
What I loved:
- Every single scene with Crash, every single scene between Crash and Sora as always they make the story for me, together they are so interesting, I don't mean especially in a romantic way there, yes of course I love them in a romantic way, but in a fighting way, as partner, or even if they don't interact as long as they are not too far from each other
- The demon and his 'relationship' with Crash: it fascinated me
- The character's development: I loved to learn about everyone's story
-The tension between Sora and Crash is palpable as always and they're hot together without doing anything physical. With a look, it's more sexy than anything you could read. I loved how awkward it is sometimes between them because Sora is young and quite unexperimented and Crash takes everything so seriously, it was really funny.
What I liked less or wished to have more:
- The multiple POV : I'm not a fan of them because I think they reveal too much about the motives of everyone. In life, you don't get to know what everyone around you think and it's better that way, it's good to keep the mystery going on. But in the contrary I was happy to know more about some characters even though I wished we had more from Sora's POV and less from others as it's Sora's story. But I understand the author's choice because everything doesn't happen around Sora anymore. But still, since I prefer Sora and Crash, I could get a little bored while reading from other's POV or wanting to comeback to Sora or Crash's business.
- Not enough Crash and Sora together: They are getting apart and having their own battles to fight now, I missed them being always and constantly together.
- A bit too much description ? But it's maybe because I'm not a native english speaker and the hardest to understand are the descriptions ^^
Wow that's a long review, but no need to count when you love a series that deep. Now I'm waiting for the next book. I hope it will be released soon as it was said by the author since Ferran map was split in two, the next book should be ready soon, I just hope it will :). Is it too soon to ask for a release date or at least a release month :))))) ?
As a bonus something like this happens in the book:
Okey, maybe it didn't really happened this way but that's how I pictured it (and I laughed so hard even thought it wasn't especially funny)
End of the Review
UPDATES:
Now I'm going crazy because it's October and it's still not there and it's almost November grrr, I'm dying there.
Update 31:
The release date was pushed away again so maybe we will have it as a Christmas present. Anyway the author said on her website it would be 200 pages more than Volcrian's hunt ! Yes you heard me it's going to be so epic and intense, I just need to be patient now and stop checking her site every ten minutes, You can do it Léna. But 200 pages more it's going to be something like 600 pages long ? How I'm dying from excitement right now
But we still don't have a proper release date and I...
Update 6 November 2014
When I discovered this book was going to be split in two parts , meaning two books after the release date was pushed TWICE, so less to read (now it's not 600 pages anymore but more like 300, seriously ?), more to pay and more time to wait. It's like those kids who thought their parents had eaten all their candies for Halloween except this is not a joke, now I know what it feels:
[image error]
But still I will wait, I have no choice I guess but all I want to do is :
I don't know where to begin with this review, so much happened but not enough at the same time, characters grew, everything happened and now it's finished and I don't know what to do with myself. I've waited 6 months checking the author's website ten times a day and stopped living my life for 2 days to read it, even reading during lectures, when my friends wanted to talk to me I was like 'yes,but wait, I will be available to talk as soon as I finish the book", I read it very slowly to appreciate each words and at the same time really fast to know what was going to happen next but I want more NO I NEED MORE.
The Plot:
As always the plot was full of actions. What I like in this series is that I feel like the author doesn't follow the usual schema you see in books. I mean usually books have a slow beginning and it's building until the end with all the action. This series seem more like a big journey which is cut in 6 books. It makes that you never know when the action is going to happen. Actually there was action in the beginning, in the middle and in the end with, in between, character's development, discoveries of mysterious goals from various characters, twist (some I suspected as I thought about what will happen in this book for 6 months) and others i didn't see coming AT ALL, discovering character's background and enjoying yourself until your eyes can't remain open any longer because you've read all night.
The story progressed but I wished it would have progressed even more, I felt like the end was cut just before something big and I wanted to keep going but there were no pages left.
The Characters:
- First Crash alias kick my ass whenever you want (What ? Why do I talk about him first ? What ? It's not his story ? Sorry I thought it was ^^) is one of the most memorable assassin I've ever met in a book, like I said in previous review on this series, he IS a real assassin even though he grew softer ^^ (you can't always be ruthless). But he remained very serious, mature and focused on his goals. What is memorable is the growth that happened from the first book to book four. Indeed, if you remember how amazingly cold he was in the first book, he grew from a man who would sacrifice anyone who get on his path if this person was useless or expendable to a man who would make everything to protect those importants to him (cough 'Sora' cough). What didn't change is how determined he is in everything he does and he's still ruthless to those he doesn't appreciate (cough 'Tristan' cough). I'm being very protective of him whenever everyone accused him of anything and it made me appreciate less some characters because of that (I think, like Sora, I may not be objective when it comes to Crash). He is my favorite character. We get to know more about him through his POV, how he feels about the Hive, his master, Sora and his...demon. I have a huge crush on this demon. I know, weird, but he is so twisted and it was funny and fascinating to see Crash struggling against him to keep control over the demon
PS: Now to add to his awesomeness, he also can control shadow and has powers. YES because he is that cool.
- Sora grew so much (And I'm not the only one who noticed it, Crash did too). You can't even compare the spoiled girl who was too tired to follow and a bit whiny and scared in the first book with the awesome fighter in mind as well as physically (one day you will win against Crash, I have faith in you, you already won against him emotionally). I'm proud of her and of what she became. She is still awkward sometimes especially around Crash, but well, she's still young and quite innocent so it's understandable and quite funny to witness.
- Burn wasn't really present in this book and I forgot why I liked him because of his absence :/
- I'm a bit confused about Caprion: I don't know if I like him or not, I don't know if I can trust him actually, we don't really know his projects even if we are in his head at some moment. Is he really with Sora's team or does he have different goals ?
- I found Krait weird, maybe I should read Caprion's wings to understand her more. She was completely devoted to her master and I wanted to shake her. It's like those fanatics, they can't see the truth even if we put them in front of it, even if we explain them with scientist means that what they believe is not true. I hope in the next book she will see the truth as it really is but I guess she will since the title is 'Krait's redemption'.
- I don't really appreciate Lori as a character (maybe because she doesn't really like Crash ahah) but I liked her more in this book. We get to know more about her with her background story. She always seems so strong and sure of herself (I can't relate to her). I liked to see her vulnerability.
- Well, what to say about Ferran ? I liked him more than before and we get big revelations concerning his past. We meet his family. He becomes a main character with his own story as the title of the book is Ferran's map, it's normal we get to know him more and he acts on his own. But still, I would have liked less from his POV.
- Ceraste is still evil and has the greatest plan to torture Crash and rule the world (even though sometimes I wished it would
- Cobra is new and I liked him. I pitied him actually and understood him at the same time as we get to know his motives a bit better. At least he wasn't completely devoted to his master as Krait was and I liked him for that.
The Romance (because I know you may be acting like that's not what you're looking for, but we know the truth ;p ):
Now we get not one, not two, but three possible couples:
- Crash and Sora: It's the most well developed and slow burning romance of all times and it keeps building in this book (Have you ever met a couple that talked like twice in the first book, and kissed only in the third ? I don't know for you but it's the first time I have met one) They are so great together But I'm not going to tell you how much I love them because I could write, talk about it and imagine what is going to happen between them next forever ( What do you think I did during these 6 months waiting ? I had to use my imagination and I can tell you I have a really inventive one)
- Ferran and Lori: I liked their dynamic: even though I don't like Lori that much, I prefer her when she is with Ferran
- Krait and Caprion: to be continued ^^
- Burn and the demon: No I'm just joking :p But wouldn't it make a great team ? No ? Okey maybe not
What I loved:
- Every single scene with Crash, every single scene between Crash and Sora as always they make the story for me, together they are so interesting, I don't mean especially in a romantic way there, yes of course I love them in a romantic way, but in a fighting way, as partner, or even if they don't interact as long as they are not too far from each other
- The demon and his 'relationship' with Crash: it fascinated me
- The character's development: I loved to learn about everyone's story
-The tension between Sora and Crash is palpable as always and they're hot together without doing anything physical. With a look, it's more sexy than anything you could read. I loved how awkward it is sometimes between them because Sora is young and quite unexperimented and Crash takes everything so seriously, it was really funny.
What I liked less or wished to have more:
- The multiple POV : I'm not a fan of them because I think they reveal too much about the motives of everyone. In life, you don't get to know what everyone around you think and it's better that way, it's good to keep the mystery going on. But in the contrary I was happy to know more about some characters even though I wished we had more from Sora's POV and less from others as it's Sora's story. But I understand the author's choice because everything doesn't happen around Sora anymore. But still, since I prefer Sora and Crash, I could get a little bored while reading from other's POV or wanting to comeback to Sora or Crash's business.
- Not enough Crash and Sora together: They are getting apart and having their own battles to fight now, I missed them being always and constantly together.
- A bit too much description ? But it's maybe because I'm not a native english speaker and the hardest to understand are the descriptions ^^
Wow that's a long review, but no need to count when you love a series that deep. Now I'm waiting for the next book. I hope it will be released soon as it was said by the author since Ferran map was split in two, the next book should be ready soon, I just hope it will :). Is it too soon to ask for a release date or at least a release month :))))) ?
As a bonus something like this happens in the book:
Okey, maybe it didn't really happened this way but that's how I pictured it (and I laughed so hard even thought it wasn't especially funny)
End of the Review
UPDATES:
Now I'm going crazy because it's October and it's still not there and it's almost November grrr, I'm dying there.
Update 31:
The release date was pushed away again so maybe we will have it as a Christmas present. Anyway the author said on her website it would be 200 pages more than Volcrian's hunt ! Yes you heard me it's going to be so epic and intense, I just need to be patient now and stop checking her site every ten minutes, You can do it Léna. But 200 pages more it's going to be something like 600 pages long ? How I'm dying from excitement right now
But we still don't have a proper release date and I...
Update 6 November 2014
When I discovered this book was going to be split in two parts , meaning two books after the release date was pushed TWICE, so less to read (now it's not 600 pages anymore but more like 300, seriously ?), more to pay and more time to wait. It's like those kids who thought their parents had eaten all their candies for Halloween except this is not a joke, now I know what it feels:
[image error]
But still I will wait, I have no choice I guess but all I want to do is :
January 23, 2015
I am so done.
Literally. I have waited. I have waited more. This freaking sucks. THEY SAID AUGUST. THEY SAID. AND THEN THEY SAID OCTOBER. ITS LIKE OCTOBER 27. WE HAVE FOUR DAYS LEFT OF OCTOBER AND DO WE HAVE A RELEASE DATE BESIDES THE OBSCURE "OCTOBER 2014"? DO WE? NO. NO, OF COURSE NOT.
Sorry. Needed to get that out.
Please hurry T. L. Shreffler! I CANNOT wait for book four! Sora + Crash= needs to happen!!!!
GUYS. IT CAME OUT.
To be honest, I kinda gave up after a little and stopped checking the website, but I did yesterday and my family had to deal with me in Full Fangirl Mode. It was legit. It made my day. It was awesome. It ended way too soon. I loved it. I hated it. I almost cried a little because of Caprion + Krait/Moss/Bug, because WHOA, my parents didn't sign the permission form for that feels trip. WHEN HE LET THAT ROCK GO OH MY GOD LET ME JUST TELL YOU actually no because that would probably involve a little cursing.
It was great. I loved it. Cannot wait for Krait's Redemption!!! Eek!! Take almost all the time you need, T. L. Shreffler. I'll just patiently wait here unless you pull the rug out from under me again. Then I will get angry (see above). But seriously. You rock.
Literally. I have waited. I have waited more. This freaking sucks. THEY SAID AUGUST. THEY SAID. AND THEN THEY SAID OCTOBER. ITS LIKE OCTOBER 27. WE HAVE FOUR DAYS LEFT OF OCTOBER AND DO WE HAVE A RELEASE DATE BESIDES THE OBSCURE "OCTOBER 2014"? DO WE? NO. NO, OF COURSE NOT.
Sorry. Needed to get that out.
Please hurry T. L. Shreffler! I CANNOT wait for book four! Sora + Crash= needs to happen!!!!
GUYS. IT CAME OUT.
To be honest, I kinda gave up after a little and stopped checking the website, but I did yesterday and my family had to deal with me in Full Fangirl Mode. It was legit. It made my day. It was awesome. It ended way too soon. I loved it. I hated it. I almost cried a little because of Caprion + Krait/Moss/Bug, because WHOA, my parents didn't sign the permission form for that feels trip. WHEN HE LET THAT ROCK GO OH MY GOD LET ME JUST TELL YOU actually no because that would probably involve a little cursing.
It was great. I loved it. Cannot wait for Krait's Redemption!!! Eek!! Take almost all the time you need, T. L. Shreffler. I'll just patiently wait here unless you pull the rug out from under me again. Then I will get angry (see above). But seriously. You rock.
February 10, 2015
I AM DYING A SLOW AND PAINFUL, AGONIZING DEATH!
You can't understand what I'm feeling right now unless you read this book.
I feel like I've been hollowed out and splattered on the floor...imagine a pile of goo...an Emmeline goo.
BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THIS BOOK TURNED ME INTO!
I LOVED every single thing about this book, my stomach cramped up with fear and sadness so many times i lost count!
Ms. Shreffler,
Okay let's get to the plot shall we?
The adventure restarts as our characters continue the voyage with the Dracian from the Lost Isles, we have Sora and Crash, Burn, and Ferran and Sora's mom.
Things don't exactly go to plan,
There's too many untold secrets...there's too much of the past that hasn't been revealed.
There's too many feelings that haven't been defined.
Sora finds herself in a conundrum, since the Lost Isles, her Cat's eye has been playing up, but she hasn't told anyone...could this cost her, her life?
Crash is struggling with the demons of his past, fighting them becomes more of a struggle everyday...So will the darkness overtake him?
We Have a New villain and though I at first, couldn't believe he could be as bad as Volcrian, I had to swallow my words...the villain in question gave me the creeps! i wanted to hide under my doona every time he appeared! This author creates fantastic bad guys!
Okay now that we're at the topic of Crash A.K.A Viper, allow me a moment to swoon:
I'm in love with him and I'm not afraid to say it!
The way this book ended made me feel like my life is incomplete...over...shattered...
I NEED KRAIT'S REDEMPTION PRONTO!
but until then I shall wallow here in utter misery, wishing for things that can never be...
Read this book people, for the sake of literature, this author and her writing and her story...she's magic *.*
Yes i am a fan!
-The Book Herald
Find me also on twitter- @thebookherald
a bit of an update! I bought a Cat's eye necklace and I needed to show you guys!!
You can't understand what I'm feeling right now unless you read this book.
I feel like I've been hollowed out and splattered on the floor...imagine a pile of goo...an Emmeline goo.
BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THIS BOOK TURNED ME INTO!
I LOVED every single thing about this book, my stomach cramped up with fear and sadness so many times i lost count!
Ms. Shreffler,
Okay let's get to the plot shall we?
The adventure restarts as our characters continue the voyage with the Dracian from the Lost Isles, we have Sora and Crash, Burn, and Ferran and Sora's mom.
Things don't exactly go to plan,
There's too many untold secrets...there's too much of the past that hasn't been revealed.
There's too many feelings that haven't been defined.
Sora finds herself in a conundrum, since the Lost Isles, her Cat's eye has been playing up, but she hasn't told anyone...could this cost her, her life?
Crash is struggling with the demons of his past, fighting them becomes more of a struggle everyday...So will the darkness overtake him?
We Have a New villain and though I at first, couldn't believe he could be as bad as Volcrian, I had to swallow my words...the villain in question gave me the creeps! i wanted to hide under my doona every time he appeared! This author creates fantastic bad guys!
Okay now that we're at the topic of Crash A.K.A Viper, allow me a moment to swoon:
I'm in love with him and I'm not afraid to say it!
The way this book ended made me feel like my life is incomplete...over...shattered...
I NEED KRAIT'S REDEMPTION PRONTO!
but until then I shall wallow here in utter misery, wishing for things that can never be...
Read this book people, for the sake of literature, this author and her writing and her story...she's magic *.*
Yes i am a fan!
-The Book Herald
Find me also on twitter- @thebookherald
a bit of an update! I bought a Cat's eye necklace and I needed to show you guys!!
January 31, 2015
If you know me at all, it's no surprise to you, how much I love this series.
I found Sora's Quest by accident (I absolutely adore finding and falling in love with Indy authors). Boy was I surprised!
One of the things I love about this series is that, there has been no filler books, with each new book I discover I keep falling in love with it more and more!
This is such a beautifully written story about so many different things, discovering oneself, confronting your fears, coming to terms with your past and your demons (pun intended), friendship, love (ah! the relationships in this story, swoon *sighs*), I can talk about this series for hours on end.
Ferran's Map was everything I hoped it would be, and so much more!
What's not to like about this series? I absolutely adore the characters, this beautiful world they live in, the fantasy aspect of it. It's so enchanting!
Beautifully done!
I can't possibly explain how much I love this, I'll never do it justice.
If for any reason you have not yet discovered this amazing series, stop whatever you're doing right now, sit down in a comfortable place (you're going to be there a while) and dive in this incredible adventure!
You're welcome!
Miss Shreffler I just have one question, how soon can I get my hands on Krait's Redemption? It's going to be agonizing waiting for more! I need more!
I found Sora's Quest by accident (I absolutely adore finding and falling in love with Indy authors). Boy was I surprised!
One of the things I love about this series is that, there has been no filler books, with each new book I discover I keep falling in love with it more and more!
This is such a beautifully written story about so many different things, discovering oneself, confronting your fears, coming to terms with your past and your demons (pun intended), friendship, love (ah! the relationships in this story, swoon *sighs*), I can talk about this series for hours on end.
Ferran's Map was everything I hoped it would be, and so much more!
What's not to like about this series? I absolutely adore the characters, this beautiful world they live in, the fantasy aspect of it. It's so enchanting!
Beautifully done!
I can't possibly explain how much I love this, I'll never do it justice.
If for any reason you have not yet discovered this amazing series, stop whatever you're doing right now, sit down in a comfortable place (you're going to be there a while) and dive in this incredible adventure!
You're welcome!
Miss Shreffler I just have one question, how soon can I get my hands on Krait's Redemption? It's going to be agonizing waiting for more! I need more!
September 15, 2017
I went through a whole series re-read and I fell in love all over again with the series.
I'd been waiting for this book for a while. This book picks up soon after Volcrian's Hunt finishes. Sora, Crash and Burn having fought a tough battle and defeated/killed Volcrain at the Lost Isles are now looking forward to returning back. However, their quest is not over yet. Not even close to over. Volcrain in his quest for vengeance went a bit far and unleashed the dark God's power hence, leading to the deathly disease on the humans. Sora, Crash, Burn and rest of the gang are the only ones who know of the plague’s true source. Thus, they are returning to Crown's Rush to hunt for the Book of the named which holds the secret on how to defeat the Shade. So, they are following their lead for the Shade there in the middle of the Regency. The book has multiple POVs - Crash, Sora, Lori, Ferran, Caprion, Burn, Krait, Cerastes - While some might have maybe a paragraph or a chapter here or there. It still felt a LOT. I could live without Lori's POV or others. I want Crash and Sora only POV....with maybe, Cerastes's POV.
Their quest - find the shade, their leader, put a stop to the Dark God rising, somehow control the plague, find the 3rd wraith and get the final weapon, keep the humans safe. Oh all this while in the middle of the Winter Solstice which is a huge festival that goes on for 2 weeks. Easy peasy, right?? Their ragtag team is doing as best they can and find themselves with an edge especially, when they capture themselves a mysterious Assassin Krait who is also of the Sixth race however, she is not the same as Crash. She has her own past and we will find out in the next book. However, I have a strong inkling as to who she is. The plot definitely thickens as more secrets are revealed at the regency about who might be involved with the Shade.
Ferran & Lori - Ferran has his own secret past. Turns out he is not merely a treasure hunter after all. I found it interesting to read about his background and things it can lead us to. He does find an interesting map that gets him all suspicious and thus to a discovery which he did not see it coming. Lori, is a tough, single woman (and recently a mom) and a great healer. Both of them are cute together in a way. I want to see where this will lead. Ferran, on the other hand, has been slammed with a task which he did not see coming. I am curious to see what he will do?
On a happy note, Lilly is back. YAY!! Remember her? She was Sora's handmaiden when she was at the Fallcrest Manor. I'm glad she is back cuz this way Sora is not all alone at the Regency in the Ebonnair Manor and has a friend she can confide in.
Sora, I do enjoy reading about her. She's grown so much since Sora's Quest. Her life went from being a noble woman and hating her 17th yr blooming to bam! being kidnapped by a deadly assassin and running for her life from the blood mage & ultimately, becoming a woman to be proud of. She's not the same spoiled, rich noble woman anymore. She is still a bit naïve when it comes to feelings and such but, other than that she's learned hard lessons in the last couple years. She's is not perfect but is willing to learn and fight. She is clear about her perspectives and understands some things are bigger than her.
Crash, oh boy oh boy....dude, You need to figure out things soon. You are breaking apart man. However, I still find that I like you. A LOT. You're a tough nut to crack, hard to read and I am expecting great things from you going forward. I love how he is all protective now of his friends and especially, Sora. He is fully invested in her and his demon seems to as well. I wonder if he will get to finally open the 5th gate?? That would definitely give him an edge over a certain someone and he definitely needs that. I definitely feel for him. He's the most close guarded person and doesn't show much emotion. One can understand why cuz being from the sixth race they are bred for killing and not emotions. Despite all that, Crash was always somewhat different from the beginning. He was never satisfied and thus, circumstances led him to leave the Hive behind. BUT, he always was restless and never made peace with his past.
Caprion, the Seraphim tagalong Harpy. I am not sure how to feel about him yet. I have not read Caprion's Wings yet. Since it is a novella I tend to delay reading them. I will probably before Krait's Redemption comes out. He's an anomaly and I'm not quite sure of his intentions. Although, we know that he is somewhat different from the rest of his harpy brethren.
“We all have demons, Crash," she said quietly. "But you don't have to let them define you.”
Romance, I felt happy and sad for Crash and Sora in this book. They have come SO FAR since Sora's Quest. Their feelings and friendship has grown with each book and is totally believable. They are not the same people when they started the journey over 2 yrs ago. They have gone through a lot. It feels like they will still go through a lot considering how the book ended. He's still struggling with his past. She seems to have made peace to an extent and yet needs to figure out things. They do trust each other and understand one another.
She opened her eyes and saw him clearly. “I'm not afraid,” she replied. Then, “Will you return to me?”
He didn't answer with words, but with his hands, his lips, every place their skin touched.
Aaah the feels. I have a feeling book 5, they will be apart quite a bit. Which makes me sad. I want Sora and Crash to be together and kick ass. But, I feel that Crash needs his own personal growth and so does Sora. It won't happen until they spend some time apart and realize what is at stake and worth fighting for.
The winter Solstice ball is yet to happen. I have this feeling something will happen. Sora's invite came from an unexpected source . I am HOPING there is NO romantic interest there. Please NO.
Highly recommend the series!!
I'd been waiting for this book for a while. This book picks up soon after Volcrian's Hunt finishes. Sora, Crash and Burn having fought a tough battle and defeated/killed Volcrain at the Lost Isles are now looking forward to returning back. However, their quest is not over yet. Not even close to over. Volcrain in his quest for vengeance went a bit far and unleashed the dark God's power hence, leading to the deathly disease on the humans. Sora, Crash, Burn and rest of the gang are the only ones who know of the plague’s true source. Thus, they are returning to Crown's Rush to hunt for the Book of the named which holds the secret on how to defeat the Shade. So, they are following their lead for the Shade there in the middle of the Regency. The book has multiple POVs - Crash, Sora, Lori, Ferran, Caprion, Burn, Krait, Cerastes - While some might have maybe a paragraph or a chapter here or there. It still felt a LOT. I could live without Lori's POV or others. I want Crash and Sora only POV....with maybe, Cerastes's POV.
Their quest - find the shade, their leader, put a stop to the Dark God rising, somehow control the plague, find the 3rd wraith and get the final weapon, keep the humans safe. Oh all this while in the middle of the Winter Solstice which is a huge festival that goes on for 2 weeks. Easy peasy, right?? Their ragtag team is doing as best they can and find themselves with an edge especially, when they capture themselves a mysterious Assassin Krait who is also of the Sixth race however, she is not the same as Crash. She has her own past and we will find out in the next book. However, I have a strong inkling as to who she is. The plot definitely thickens as more secrets are revealed at the regency about who might be involved with the Shade.
Ferran & Lori - Ferran has his own secret past. Turns out he is not merely a treasure hunter after all. I found it interesting to read about his background and things it can lead us to. He does find an interesting map that gets him all suspicious and thus to a discovery which he did not see it coming. Lori, is a tough, single woman (and recently a mom) and a great healer. Both of them are cute together in a way. I want to see where this will lead. Ferran, on the other hand, has been slammed with a task which he did not see coming. I am curious to see what he will do?
On a happy note, Lilly is back. YAY!! Remember her? She was Sora's handmaiden when she was at the Fallcrest Manor. I'm glad she is back cuz this way Sora is not all alone at the Regency in the Ebonnair Manor and has a friend she can confide in.
Sora, I do enjoy reading about her. She's grown so much since Sora's Quest. Her life went from being a noble woman and hating her 17th yr blooming to bam! being kidnapped by a deadly assassin and running for her life from the blood mage & ultimately, becoming a woman to be proud of. She's not the same spoiled, rich noble woman anymore. She is still a bit naïve when it comes to feelings and such but, other than that she's learned hard lessons in the last couple years. She's is not perfect but is willing to learn and fight. She is clear about her perspectives and understands some things are bigger than her.
Crash, oh boy oh boy....dude, You need to figure out things soon. You are breaking apart man. However, I still find that I like you. A LOT. You're a tough nut to crack, hard to read and I am expecting great things from you going forward. I love how he is all protective now of his friends and especially, Sora. He is fully invested in her and his demon seems to as well. I wonder if he will get to finally open the 5th gate?? That would definitely give him an edge over a certain someone and he definitely needs that. I definitely feel for him. He's the most close guarded person and doesn't show much emotion. One can understand why cuz being from the sixth race they are bred for killing and not emotions. Despite all that, Crash was always somewhat different from the beginning. He was never satisfied and thus, circumstances led him to leave the Hive behind. BUT, he always was restless and never made peace with his past.
Caprion, the Seraphim tagalong Harpy. I am not sure how to feel about him yet. I have not read Caprion's Wings yet. Since it is a novella I tend to delay reading them. I will probably before Krait's Redemption comes out. He's an anomaly and I'm not quite sure of his intentions. Although, we know that he is somewhat different from the rest of his harpy brethren.
“We all have demons, Crash," she said quietly. "But you don't have to let them define you.”
Romance, I felt happy and sad for Crash and Sora in this book. They have come SO FAR since Sora's Quest. Their feelings and friendship has grown with each book and is totally believable. They are not the same people when they started the journey over 2 yrs ago. They have gone through a lot. It feels like they will still go through a lot considering how the book ended. He's still struggling with his past. She seems to have made peace to an extent and yet needs to figure out things. They do trust each other and understand one another.
She opened her eyes and saw him clearly. “I'm not afraid,” she replied. Then, “Will you return to me?”
He didn't answer with words, but with his hands, his lips, every place their skin touched.
Aaah the feels. I have a feeling book 5, they will be apart quite a bit. Which makes me sad. I want Sora and Crash to be together and kick ass. But, I feel that Crash needs his own personal growth and so does Sora. It won't happen until they spend some time apart and realize what is at stake and worth fighting for.
The winter Solstice ball is yet to happen. I have this feeling something will happen. Sora's invite came from an unexpected source . I am HOPING there is NO romantic interest there. Please NO.
Highly recommend the series!!
June 21, 2015
I seriously can not wait for this book! The covers are so beautiful to the series! I brought them on kobo but now I won't them in my book shelf! The story them selfs are brilliant I fell in love with viper from the start! Automatic swoon he's just so amazing and down right sexy! Gives jace (mortal instruments) a run for his money. Oh please be more kissy scenes with viper and sora please please! Thank you xx
February 28, 2025
Omph, jetzt muss ich noch auf das 5. Buch warten...
February 3, 2015
You can see this and other reviews on my blog: Book Nerd Paradise
At the end of Volcrian's Hunt, the demise of the evil bloodmage Volcrian was brought about when Sora was able to briefly connect with a secondary cat's eye to take him down. With the bad guy finally defeated, this could have been the end of the series. But as we found out through Ferran and Lorie's point of view, there is still a long way to go in this journey. So the crew heads off to the City of Crowns in search for the Book of the Named.
Ferran's Map starts off not long after where it's predecessor had finished. It opens with the crew aboard Sila's ship, bound for the City of Crowns. Soon, Sora spots a dying woman on the shore. The woman points them to her village where Sora, Crash and Ferran find the entire village has been wiped out by the sickness. They also find a little more than they bargained for.
It only makes them realize that things are getting worse and they must stop the Shade as they try to raise their dark god.
What I found interesting about the progression of this series is that T.L. Shreffler has seamlessly added in more character point of views. Sora's Quest was told almost solely from Sora's view. In Viper's Creed, we see things from the point of view of the assassin (you can read my review of the first two here). Then Volcrian's Hunt slowly adds in the voice of Volcrian (do the see a pattern here?) as well as Lorie and members of the Shade.
In Ferran's Map we learn more and Ferran and Lorie's past, and I grew to have a new respect for these characters. In the previous books I felt they were background characters who held little interest for me. I had a hard time relating to Lorie's character and Ferran just seemed like a frat boy who never settled down.
The fourth book brings the added element of a much deeper story. It's not just Sora, Crash and Burn trying to bring down Volcrian and the havoc he created. Instead we have a lesson on the history of Lorie and Ferran and why they are the people they are today. We also learn more about Crash and his personal journey.
But don't worry, there's is plenty of Sora's and Crash to go around. One of the things I love most about this series is the subtle beauty that is Sora and Crash's relationship. I love the way their relationship has oh so slowly started to blossom. There's is no head over heels, I love you on sight moment in this series. Their relationship has been built on the need to trust each other in dire situations.
I like to think of it like a slowly blooming flower. It's not yet full developed, the petals are still trying to find their way. But at any moment, something could come along to destroy that beautiful flower.
That something is named Cerastes. Will he succeed in crushing that flower, and the entire world along with it? You'll have to read to find out.
Rating: This author and this book will probably always get 5 stars from me.
*A thanks to this author for hooking me up with an ARC to review*
At the end of Volcrian's Hunt, the demise of the evil bloodmage Volcrian was brought about when Sora was able to briefly connect with a secondary cat's eye to take him down. With the bad guy finally defeated, this could have been the end of the series. But as we found out through Ferran and Lorie's point of view, there is still a long way to go in this journey. So the crew heads off to the City of Crowns in search for the Book of the Named.
Ferran's Map starts off not long after where it's predecessor had finished. It opens with the crew aboard Sila's ship, bound for the City of Crowns. Soon, Sora spots a dying woman on the shore. The woman points them to her village where Sora, Crash and Ferran find the entire village has been wiped out by the sickness. They also find a little more than they bargained for.
It only makes them realize that things are getting worse and they must stop the Shade as they try to raise their dark god.
What I found interesting about the progression of this series is that T.L. Shreffler has seamlessly added in more character point of views. Sora's Quest was told almost solely from Sora's view. In Viper's Creed, we see things from the point of view of the assassin (you can read my review of the first two here). Then Volcrian's Hunt slowly adds in the voice of Volcrian (do the see a pattern here?) as well as Lorie and members of the Shade.
In Ferran's Map we learn more and Ferran and Lorie's past, and I grew to have a new respect for these characters. In the previous books I felt they were background characters who held little interest for me. I had a hard time relating to Lorie's character and Ferran just seemed like a frat boy who never settled down.
The fourth book brings the added element of a much deeper story. It's not just Sora, Crash and Burn trying to bring down Volcrian and the havoc he created. Instead we have a lesson on the history of Lorie and Ferran and why they are the people they are today. We also learn more about Crash and his personal journey.
But don't worry, there's is plenty of Sora's and Crash to go around. One of the things I love most about this series is the subtle beauty that is Sora and Crash's relationship. I love the way their relationship has oh so slowly started to blossom. There's is no head over heels, I love you on sight moment in this series. Their relationship has been built on the need to trust each other in dire situations.
I like to think of it like a slowly blooming flower. It's not yet full developed, the petals are still trying to find their way. But at any moment, something could come along to destroy that beautiful flower.
That something is named Cerastes. Will he succeed in crushing that flower, and the entire world along with it? You'll have to read to find out.
Rating: This author and this book will probably always get 5 stars from me.
*A thanks to this author for hooking me up with an ARC to review*
February 4, 2016
hmmmmm.....
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....
Oddly disappointed by this one.
1. SLOW MOVING
2. Crash man - where do your loyalties lie? How can you keep your secrets? Why you no love Sora?
3. SLOOOOOWWWW (I know I already said it but it needed to be said again)
4. I KNEW her birthright was gonna be questioned
5. I just don't care about the Lori/Ferran love story
6. Also don't care about the Harpy/Sixth love story (even though this will undoubtedly get worse in book 5)
7. I don't like doubting crash the whole time or how the cast of characters doubts him
Good things:
1. More kissing
2. Martin is totally evil
3. cliff hanger ending
4. LILY IS BACK
5. Captain of the Guard romance? I've wondered since book 1 if he is who she encountered in the hallway before her father was killed. or was it crash? anyways go girl...
6. CRASH IS SEXY IN HIS DEMON FORM (who equally loves Sora you can tell)
It was good but it could've been half as long and I didn't like Sora reverting to her damsel ways - I thought we were past that in book 3?
Regardless I'm ready for book 5 because 2 & 3 were so great.
Come on T.L. - WHERE IS IT :)
Book type: YA Fantasy
Book rating: 3.8/5
Read time: 3 hours
For more reviews check out my blog: www.booksandchai.com
With love, parchment, and freshly mowed grass,
Kendall
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....
Oddly disappointed by this one.
1. SLOW MOVING
2. Crash man - where do your loyalties lie? How can you keep your secrets? Why you no love Sora?
3. SLOOOOOWWWW (I know I already said it but it needed to be said again)
4. I KNEW her birthright was gonna be questioned
5. I just don't care about the Lori/Ferran love story
6. Also don't care about the Harpy/Sixth love story (even though this will undoubtedly get worse in book 5)
7. I don't like doubting crash the whole time or how the cast of characters doubts him
Good things:
1. More kissing
2. Martin is totally evil
3. cliff hanger ending
4. LILY IS BACK
5. Captain of the Guard romance? I've wondered since book 1 if he is who she encountered in the hallway before her father was killed. or was it crash? anyways go girl...
6. CRASH IS SEXY IN HIS DEMON FORM (who equally loves Sora you can tell)
It was good but it could've been half as long and I didn't like Sora reverting to her damsel ways - I thought we were past that in book 3?
Regardless I'm ready for book 5 because 2 & 3 were so great.
Come on T.L. - WHERE IS IT :)
Book type: YA Fantasy
Book rating: 3.8/5
Read time: 3 hours
For more reviews check out my blog: www.booksandchai.com
With love, parchment, and freshly mowed grass,
Kendall
March 25, 2016
It was a serious disappointment after the first few books... I might pick it up later, but for now, I need something else.
August 8, 2017
I have read soooo many books. I've read so many genres. I am a verified bibliophile. but this story... this series... has completely blown me away.
I finished Ferran's Map last night. Truthfully, I had go back and re-read Sora's Quest, Viper's Creed, Volcrian's Hunt and Caprion's Wings. When I picked up Farran's Map, I was lost as to what all was going on since it had been so long since I'd read the last book. Doing this made me fall in love with with the characters all over again.
I've come to the final thought that this is the best series I have read in a couple years. I say this because, although Ferran's Map is only the first half of the final book, I walked away wanting to immediately dive back into Sora's Quest and start all over again. I want to experience the growth of Sora and Crash's amazing relationship from day one of Sora's Blooming. I want to feel Sora's fear and fearlessness as she embraces who she becomes, far from who she use to be. Crash's growth from an assassin with no fear to the drive of his DEMON wanting to protect Sora is exceptional. The Dracians, the Wolfies, Harpies, humans, the 6th race... I love them all. I love this world.
When I think about the relationship between Crash and Sora, it takes my breath away. I know that feeling of wanting to protect the one you care most for and then I know what it's like to be recipient of the protection. I just can't say enough about this amazing world!
I think, this series would be perfect for the big screen. When executed correctly, this story would be magnificent and would have us on the edge of our seats.
***WARNING! THERE BE SPOILERS***
I do want to go into Ferran's Map. Caprion turned out to be not what I expected. after reading Caprion's Wings, I truly felt he would be different towards Crash. I thought these 2 might have been able to work together better than they did.
The introduction of Lori and Ferran's romance was semi-expected. And yet, the way it was handled, I fell for Ferran as well. I had fallen for Crash directly from Sora's Quest. Ferran I hadn't liked so much by the end of Volcrian's Hunt. But now, I love the guy who has put himself out there for Lori without a thought. And to think, he could be Sora's father! I think that would be perfect. He and Sora are so much alike that I can believe it. Lori's reluctance to believe it is being dragged out way too much IMO. It would not be THAT difficult to believe a one night fling could cause the pregnancy. Dane had died so soon after her pregnancy was verified that changing who the father is wouldn't be that mind blowing. The fact she can't wrap her head around it is super annoying. Lori has feelings for Ferran and needs to just admit it to herself.
Krait was a surprise. We all know who she is. It won't be surprising when it's revealed officially in the next book. Her strength against Caprion is amazing but her slave-like determination to follow Cerastes is down right annoying.
Cerastes is straight to the bone creeeeeeepy. He gives me chills and pisses me off all at once. He is an excellent villain and makes me miss Volcrian's straight-forward hut just a bit. Cerastes is a dirty snake and his treatment of Crash is appalling. He will be seriously pissed when he finds that Crash won't side with him.
Silas was funny. When he went from pissed off pirate to excited boy when Ferran gave him his book was amusing. I am sorry for the loss of the Dawn Seeker.
Sora and Crash.... Sora has grown so much from her blooming. She is strong and independent. But still is petulant at times. When she chased down Captain Seabourn, I thought he would have hauled her off to jail and that she was a moron for going off on that venture without telling anyone. Her struggle with Cat's Eye is a bit worrisome but we know the necklace will work for itself. Crash has grown right along with Sora at about the same pace. Though he still has quite a bit of exploration to do. I am happy he finally realized he cannot fight what his heart wants. He is too hard on himself sometimes but he's also a moron for thinking he could make a deal with Cerastes and come out on top. I find it a tad bit difficult to feel how Crash feels when he can't decide which he wants with the Shade. He knows they're bad. He knows they want to use Sora and yet feels a touch of "home." No, Crash. Sora is home for you. Think about it. I love the growth of their relationship. the kissing scenes make me smile like a damned fool every time. Sora's inexperience is a sore spot. She isn't sure how she should act and move and makes things awkward. This reminds Crash and I can see it makes him withdraw. Their final scene in Ferran's Map is my favorite of all so far.
As winded as this review is, I felt I covered everything. I can't wait for Krait's Redemption. I already want to go back to Sora's Quest to experience it all again even though I just did that 5 days ago! But i have other books in my Kindle and bookshelf that need to be read. I hope the wait for Krait's Redemption won't be as long as Ferran's Map.
I finished Ferran's Map last night. Truthfully, I had go back and re-read Sora's Quest, Viper's Creed, Volcrian's Hunt and Caprion's Wings. When I picked up Farran's Map, I was lost as to what all was going on since it had been so long since I'd read the last book. Doing this made me fall in love with with the characters all over again.
I've come to the final thought that this is the best series I have read in a couple years. I say this because, although Ferran's Map is only the first half of the final book, I walked away wanting to immediately dive back into Sora's Quest and start all over again. I want to experience the growth of Sora and Crash's amazing relationship from day one of Sora's Blooming. I want to feel Sora's fear and fearlessness as she embraces who she becomes, far from who she use to be. Crash's growth from an assassin with no fear to the drive of his DEMON wanting to protect Sora is exceptional. The Dracians, the Wolfies, Harpies, humans, the 6th race... I love them all. I love this world.
When I think about the relationship between Crash and Sora, it takes my breath away. I know that feeling of wanting to protect the one you care most for and then I know what it's like to be recipient of the protection. I just can't say enough about this amazing world!
I think, this series would be perfect for the big screen. When executed correctly, this story would be magnificent and would have us on the edge of our seats.
***WARNING! THERE BE SPOILERS***
I do want to go into Ferran's Map. Caprion turned out to be not what I expected. after reading Caprion's Wings, I truly felt he would be different towards Crash. I thought these 2 might have been able to work together better than they did.
The introduction of Lori and Ferran's romance was semi-expected. And yet, the way it was handled, I fell for Ferran as well. I had fallen for Crash directly from Sora's Quest. Ferran I hadn't liked so much by the end of Volcrian's Hunt. But now, I love the guy who has put himself out there for Lori without a thought. And to think, he could be Sora's father! I think that would be perfect. He and Sora are so much alike that I can believe it. Lori's reluctance to believe it is being dragged out way too much IMO. It would not be THAT difficult to believe a one night fling could cause the pregnancy. Dane had died so soon after her pregnancy was verified that changing who the father is wouldn't be that mind blowing. The fact she can't wrap her head around it is super annoying. Lori has feelings for Ferran and needs to just admit it to herself.
Krait was a surprise. We all know who she is. It won't be surprising when it's revealed officially in the next book. Her strength against Caprion is amazing but her slave-like determination to follow Cerastes is down right annoying.
Cerastes is straight to the bone creeeeeeepy. He gives me chills and pisses me off all at once. He is an excellent villain and makes me miss Volcrian's straight-forward hut just a bit. Cerastes is a dirty snake and his treatment of Crash is appalling. He will be seriously pissed when he finds that Crash won't side with him.
Silas was funny. When he went from pissed off pirate to excited boy when Ferran gave him his book was amusing. I am sorry for the loss of the Dawn Seeker.
Sora and Crash.... Sora has grown so much from her blooming. She is strong and independent. But still is petulant at times. When she chased down Captain Seabourn, I thought he would have hauled her off to jail and that she was a moron for going off on that venture without telling anyone. Her struggle with Cat's Eye is a bit worrisome but we know the necklace will work for itself. Crash has grown right along with Sora at about the same pace. Though he still has quite a bit of exploration to do. I am happy he finally realized he cannot fight what his heart wants. He is too hard on himself sometimes but he's also a moron for thinking he could make a deal with Cerastes and come out on top. I find it a tad bit difficult to feel how Crash feels when he can't decide which he wants with the Shade. He knows they're bad. He knows they want to use Sora and yet feels a touch of "home." No, Crash. Sora is home for you. Think about it. I love the growth of their relationship. the kissing scenes make me smile like a damned fool every time. Sora's inexperience is a sore spot. She isn't sure how she should act and move and makes things awkward. This reminds Crash and I can see it makes him withdraw. Their final scene in Ferran's Map is my favorite of all so far.
As winded as this review is, I felt I covered everything. I can't wait for Krait's Redemption. I already want to go back to Sora's Quest to experience it all again even though I just did that 5 days ago! But i have other books in my Kindle and bookshelf that need to be read. I hope the wait for Krait's Redemption won't be as long as Ferran's Map.
January 21, 2015
So. Many. Feelings. I’m reminded why I said this is my favorite ongoing series, just—WOW. I have been waiting for this book since January 2014, annoying the author at every possible opportunity and throwing the series in the face of anyone who asks for a Young Adult Epic Fantasy recommendation (and sometimes even when they don’t).
The plot:
I was told that this was something like 150K words, but once again, it seems hard to believe because the story moves so quickly. I got caught up in it and after three hours of reading, I started to panic because I realized I was coming to the end. It really wasn’t clear how the author was going to end the book, but I was so emotionally invested I prayed. (It’s not weird to pray over fictional characters, is it?)
The characters:
Sora’s character has matured so very much since we first met her at her Blooming in book 1, yet she still has a kind of sweetness and guilelessness that just melts my heart. I do like reading about a heroine who isn’t another smoldering virago, but still manages to pull off daring adventures. She’s much easier to relate to than most of the Epic Fantasy heroines coming out these days and I love her to bits.
Another character I love to bits and who I consider one of my “babies,” is Crash. Read any of my other reviews and you will see plenty on Crash. His struggles and growth have been equal to Sora’s and it was fascinating to look more into the depths of his psyche and what’s going through his head. His relationship with Sora is sweet, complex, beautiful, and irresistible. I’ll be the first to admit that their story is one of my favorite things about this series and I’m in knots over what’s going to happen in Krait’s Redemption.
One thing that surprised me was the part of the book where we see more of what Crash’s demon actually thinks of Sora. That was one of the most interesting sections and again, leaves me wanting Krait’s Redemption.
Now that I have bombarded you with those paragraphs of Crash+Sora fangirling, I should point out this series does have other characters—not that you would know that by reading my previous reviews.
I kind of missed Burn and wished we’d gotten to see just a little more of him, but I was very happy about how much “screen time” Caprion had. There was the subplot of him and his past experiences with the Sixth Race and thanks to reading the prequel novella, I was almost as invested in that vein as I was the one about Crash+Sora. Even if Caprion was always the first to think the worst of my darling little Crash, I could forgive him because it made sense from his perspective.
We learn a great deal about the namesake of this book, Ferran, and his past as well as a surprising twist I did not see coming. Him and Lori are so perfect together and yes, I’ve been at my fictional matchmaking again. There were a great deal of questions raised regarding his family’s dealings and just who they’ve gotten mixed up with—yet more things making me salivate over Krait’s Redemption.
I never thought I would say this, but Cerastes has made me miss Volcrian. At least then, it was just one psychotic serial killer and a few wraiths we had to worry about, now we have a sociopathic, mostly-demon cult leader with his little minions and a mission to destroy all life. Cerastes scares me and I can’t wait for someone—preferably Crash—to kill him. (Just as soon as Cerastes finishes off that Daniellan fellow in some imaginative and nasty fashion.)
Then there’s Krait. When she was first introduced, I did not like her at all and now…let’s just say that the next book’s title has me very excited.
There was one character introduced at the beginning of this book, Cobra, another assassin, who freaked me out at first, but I ended up softening toward him at the end. I mean the very, very end. I can’t say much else because of spoilers, but I felt I should at least mention him.
This review has gone on way too long and turned into more of a fangirling session, so I’ll wrap it up by saying the story just keeps getting better and you all won’t be getting away from my passionate fanaticism any time soon.
The plot:
I was told that this was something like 150K words, but once again, it seems hard to believe because the story moves so quickly. I got caught up in it and after three hours of reading, I started to panic because I realized I was coming to the end. It really wasn’t clear how the author was going to end the book, but I was so emotionally invested I prayed. (It’s not weird to pray over fictional characters, is it?)
The characters:
Sora’s character has matured so very much since we first met her at her Blooming in book 1, yet she still has a kind of sweetness and guilelessness that just melts my heart. I do like reading about a heroine who isn’t another smoldering virago, but still manages to pull off daring adventures. She’s much easier to relate to than most of the Epic Fantasy heroines coming out these days and I love her to bits.
Another character I love to bits and who I consider one of my “babies,” is Crash. Read any of my other reviews and you will see plenty on Crash. His struggles and growth have been equal to Sora’s and it was fascinating to look more into the depths of his psyche and what’s going through his head. His relationship with Sora is sweet, complex, beautiful, and irresistible. I’ll be the first to admit that their story is one of my favorite things about this series and I’m in knots over what’s going to happen in Krait’s Redemption.
One thing that surprised me was the part of the book where we see more of what Crash’s demon actually thinks of Sora. That was one of the most interesting sections and again, leaves me wanting Krait’s Redemption.
Now that I have bombarded you with those paragraphs of Crash+Sora fangirling, I should point out this series does have other characters—not that you would know that by reading my previous reviews.
I kind of missed Burn and wished we’d gotten to see just a little more of him, but I was very happy about how much “screen time” Caprion had. There was the subplot of him and his past experiences with the Sixth Race and thanks to reading the prequel novella, I was almost as invested in that vein as I was the one about Crash+Sora. Even if Caprion was always the first to think the worst of my darling little Crash, I could forgive him because it made sense from his perspective.
We learn a great deal about the namesake of this book, Ferran, and his past as well as a surprising twist I did not see coming. Him and Lori are so perfect together and yes, I’ve been at my fictional matchmaking again. There were a great deal of questions raised regarding his family’s dealings and just who they’ve gotten mixed up with—yet more things making me salivate over Krait’s Redemption.
I never thought I would say this, but Cerastes has made me miss Volcrian. At least then, it was just one psychotic serial killer and a few wraiths we had to worry about, now we have a sociopathic, mostly-demon cult leader with his little minions and a mission to destroy all life. Cerastes scares me and I can’t wait for someone—preferably Crash—to kill him. (Just as soon as Cerastes finishes off that Daniellan fellow in some imaginative and nasty fashion.)
Then there’s Krait. When she was first introduced, I did not like her at all and now…let’s just say that the next book’s title has me very excited.
There was one character introduced at the beginning of this book, Cobra, another assassin, who freaked me out at first, but I ended up softening toward him at the end. I mean the very, very end. I can’t say much else because of spoilers, but I felt I should at least mention him.
This review has gone on way too long and turned into more of a fangirling session, so I’ll wrap it up by saying the story just keeps getting better and you all won’t be getting away from my passionate fanaticism any time soon.
January 22, 2015
First of all - wow! I was so excited to read this book, I love Sora and Crash and the trajectory of their relationship, it is sweet, realistic but at the same time so saucy!
However Ferran's map was bit of a disappointment. I feel that Ms Shreffler's decision to split the final book into two was a bad choice (counter-intuitive because I want to read more and more of Crash and Sora!). Ferran's map was bogged down by windy descriptions and not enough plot development. After reading the book, you can list off the major events in one hand, realising that not much really has happened. We know about the baddies (Shade) and their evil intention - and so their grand plan was not much of a revelation.
I did enjoy Lori's backstory - it was a surprise and quite moving. However overall, I expected more of a struggle for Crash, when he finally faced his grandmaster. It just seemed everything was too easy for Crash and there was no real sense of danger like the other books inspired. There was no climax to Ferran's Map, no epic battle, cliffhanger or burning desire to find out what will happen to our favourite characters!
After finishing the book, I felt empty. Not a 'good' empty (when you feel like your life is worthless and you want to be sucked into magical fantasy realm of the book you just finished) but a 'bad' empty - more like "thats it? I waited soo long for this?? What happened? NOTHING HAPPENED!"
I wanted to see Sora, Ferran and Crash be mixed up in the politics of the First Tiers' - maybe some double crossing, back stabbing or a meet and great with the King and Queen and the royal family! The winter solstice festival seemed like a big deal and I wanted to see more of it - like a masquerade ball and the infiltration of the assassins to a deadly ballroom dance! I liked Caprion at the beginning and I thought he might be going for Sora, but throughout this book he has turned out to be quite an unlikeable character. But it was refreshing to see someone challenge Crash and not be intimidated.
I did enjoy Lori's and Ferran's romance - it is different to Crash and Sora's and I think Ms Shreffler has executed that amazingly. However it is unnerving that every single (male) character Sora meets, she thinks is awesome with well defined muscles. It was like Crash is sexy and hot (we know that!) then Ferran is tall, sexy - and hot (yup but from Lori's perspective - seems legit) then Caprion is amazingly beautiful - tall, sexy and hot (really Sora?) THEN the captain of the royal guard - tall, sexy and hot! It was like seriously! Please stop. Choking on too much boy candy.
Finally Krait. So sad what happened to her. I really like her character, she's an assassin, but she's rejected by everyone. She has an internal struggle of her own which is refreshing from everyone else's character development. On this note, I cannot wait to read the next book - because I want to see what happens to Krait. I really hope she has a happy ending!
Finally, I am also excited for the next book because I want to see Sora and Crash finally DO IT! I mean like, their relationship has gone through all the ups and downs - please its time for some more action! No more kisses! I want more and I think so does a lot of other fans!
Despite my review, I love the Cat's Eye Chronicles and cannot wait for the next book! Recommend to any fantasy romance lover!
However Ferran's map was bit of a disappointment. I feel that Ms Shreffler's decision to split the final book into two was a bad choice (counter-intuitive because I want to read more and more of Crash and Sora!). Ferran's map was bogged down by windy descriptions and not enough plot development. After reading the book, you can list off the major events in one hand, realising that not much really has happened. We know about the baddies (Shade) and their evil intention - and so their grand plan was not much of a revelation.
I did enjoy Lori's backstory - it was a surprise and quite moving. However overall, I expected more of a struggle for Crash, when he finally faced his grandmaster. It just seemed everything was too easy for Crash and there was no real sense of danger like the other books inspired. There was no climax to Ferran's Map, no epic battle, cliffhanger or burning desire to find out what will happen to our favourite characters!
After finishing the book, I felt empty. Not a 'good' empty (when you feel like your life is worthless and you want to be sucked into magical fantasy realm of the book you just finished) but a 'bad' empty - more like "thats it? I waited soo long for this?? What happened? NOTHING HAPPENED!"
I wanted to see Sora, Ferran and Crash be mixed up in the politics of the First Tiers' - maybe some double crossing, back stabbing or a meet and great with the King and Queen and the royal family! The winter solstice festival seemed like a big deal and I wanted to see more of it - like a masquerade ball and the infiltration of the assassins to a deadly ballroom dance! I liked Caprion at the beginning and I thought he might be going for Sora, but throughout this book he has turned out to be quite an unlikeable character. But it was refreshing to see someone challenge Crash and not be intimidated.
I did enjoy Lori's and Ferran's romance - it is different to Crash and Sora's and I think Ms Shreffler has executed that amazingly. However it is unnerving that every single (male) character Sora meets, she thinks is awesome with well defined muscles. It was like Crash is sexy and hot (we know that!) then Ferran is tall, sexy - and hot (yup but from Lori's perspective - seems legit) then Caprion is amazingly beautiful - tall, sexy and hot (really Sora?) THEN the captain of the royal guard - tall, sexy and hot! It was like seriously! Please stop. Choking on too much boy candy.
Finally Krait. So sad what happened to her. I really like her character, she's an assassin, but she's rejected by everyone. She has an internal struggle of her own which is refreshing from everyone else's character development. On this note, I cannot wait to read the next book - because I want to see what happens to Krait. I really hope she has a happy ending!
Finally, I am also excited for the next book because I want to see Sora and Crash finally DO IT! I mean like, their relationship has gone through all the ups and downs - please its time for some more action! No more kisses! I want more and I think so does a lot of other fans!
Despite my review, I love the Cat's Eye Chronicles and cannot wait for the next book! Recommend to any fantasy romance lover!
January 29, 2025
Holy chocolate cake!!!! This book was like a chocolate cake it was sweet, fantastic and so good!! Okay I feel stupid comparing Ferran’s map with chocolate cake …. But then again chocolate cake is the best thing in the whole wide world and this book series is one of my favorite of all time!!
It gets better and better!
The book was just amazing! I'm just too stunned to even figure out where to begin! There's so many emotions going on and too much in my head to write down but I try my best.
The plot was full of actions. It got everything! – Mystery, development, twist, love and action!
The story progressed so perfectly! And again I love the cover it's SO beautiful!
All POV was so balanced not to much of each POV. Since the book is called Ferran's map I am so glad the main POV was him. It was awesome too get to know him and his past I liked him the first day Lori introduced us to him. Speaking of Lori can I say how much I respect her? She is one hard working caring mother but I do wish she would let others in a bit more but then again... I will not spoiled you but it broke my heart and I love Lori a lot more than before.
Sora is still growing and I keep loving her more every time! She’s nothing like a person I read before! I have no word to describe her – just how incredible she is I guess.
OMG! I loved Crash and his demon relationship - they so funny together and interesting at the same time! Crash is still my favorite assassin I ever read.
The tension between Sora and Crash is so adorable! They are so awkward together because Sora is young and quite inexperienced and Crash ALWAYS takes everything so seriously XD.
Shreffler really took a step further and I like that A LOT!! It is more serious now I love how this book is heading!
I LOVED the massage in this book!!!:
“We all have demons, Crash,” she said quietly.” … “Just remember what's in the past, and what's in your future. Remember who you are.” Shreffler really showed us this theme in the perfect, stunning beautiful way possible in all the POV. I was mind-blowing!! – Just incredible!
“She felt the need to continue. “Some days we make mistakes,” she said gently. “We feel like we take a step backward, or even worse, like we aren’t true to ourselves. Sometimes, our lives change dramatically and yet we still feel stuck in the same place. But every day, we have the chance to start anew. ”... “We're all headed somewhere, and with each new day, we get a little better and a little wiser…”
I cried in this scene it’s was truly emotional and heart breaking. I end up reading this scene over, and over. That was the best moment in the whole book!
I cannot thanks Shreffler enough for writing this series! It was worth waiting for and I’m so excited for the next one to come out!
If you haven’t read this series yet I don’t know what you been doing all these years! – So go find a peace of chocolate cake and a BIG large of thé and start this remarkable, beautiful, loving, amazing, unique, stunning, breath-taking book series and enjoy! :D
It gets better and better!
The book was just amazing! I'm just too stunned to even figure out where to begin! There's so many emotions going on and too much in my head to write down but I try my best.
The plot was full of actions. It got everything! – Mystery, development, twist, love and action!
The story progressed so perfectly! And again I love the cover it's SO beautiful!
All POV was so balanced not to much of each POV. Since the book is called Ferran's map I am so glad the main POV was him. It was awesome too get to know him and his past I liked him the first day Lori introduced us to him. Speaking of Lori can I say how much I respect her? She is one hard working caring mother but I do wish she would let others in a bit more but then again... I will not spoiled you but it broke my heart and I love Lori a lot more than before.
Sora is still growing and I keep loving her more every time! She’s nothing like a person I read before! I have no word to describe her – just how incredible she is I guess.
OMG! I loved Crash and his demon relationship - they so funny together and interesting at the same time! Crash is still my favorite assassin I ever read.
The tension between Sora and Crash is so adorable! They are so awkward together because Sora is young and quite inexperienced and Crash ALWAYS takes everything so seriously XD.
Shreffler really took a step further and I like that A LOT!! It is more serious now I love how this book is heading!
I LOVED the massage in this book!!!:
“We all have demons, Crash,” she said quietly.” … “Just remember what's in the past, and what's in your future. Remember who you are.” Shreffler really showed us this theme in the perfect, stunning beautiful way possible in all the POV. I was mind-blowing!! – Just incredible!
“She felt the need to continue. “Some days we make mistakes,” she said gently. “We feel like we take a step backward, or even worse, like we aren’t true to ourselves. Sometimes, our lives change dramatically and yet we still feel stuck in the same place. But every day, we have the chance to start anew. ”... “We're all headed somewhere, and with each new day, we get a little better and a little wiser…”
I cried in this scene it’s was truly emotional and heart breaking. I end up reading this scene over, and over. That was the best moment in the whole book!
I cannot thanks Shreffler enough for writing this series! It was worth waiting for and I’m so excited for the next one to come out!
If you haven’t read this series yet I don’t know what you been doing all these years! – So go find a peace of chocolate cake and a BIG large of thé and start this remarkable, beautiful, loving, amazing, unique, stunning, breath-taking book series and enjoy! :D
June 26, 2017
3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book but it definitely wasn't my favourite. Things began to repeat themselves too much for my liking. Sora kept on fainting, side characters kept on replacing each other, Sora and Crash/Viper kept on arguing over the same things and even the endings were the same as the last books!! And what really pissed me off was that they were called the 5 races however A RACE IS DIFFERENT FROM A SPECIES. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT *snaps fingers rapidly*. However it does sound better calling it the 5 races instead of the 5 species but it still annoyed me.
Aside from that, I found this series to be a very addicting read. The characters were not stupid for one thing (thank God) and the history behind everything seemed to be interesting as well.
I really enjoyed this book but it definitely wasn't my favourite. Things began to repeat themselves too much for my liking. Sora kept on fainting, side characters kept on replacing each other, Sora and Crash/Viper kept on arguing over the same things and even the endings were the same as the last books!! And what really pissed me off was that they were called the 5 races however A RACE IS DIFFERENT FROM A SPECIES. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT *snaps fingers rapidly*. However it does sound better calling it the 5 races instead of the 5 species but it still annoyed me.
Aside from that, I found this series to be a very addicting read. The characters were not stupid for one thing (thank God) and the history behind everything seemed to be interesting as well.
January 24, 2015
4 Stars
This instalment of the Cat’s Eye Chronicles concentrates on a group of demonic assassins known as The Shade, who whilst trying to resurrect the Dark God spread a plague across the land. Meanwhile Crash is haunted by his old Grandmaster who is determined to draw him over to the dark side.
As ever T L Shreffler has written a faultless book, she has taken care to ensure every word used keeps the story moving and the plot itself is exciting, fast paced and interesting. This book is deserving of 4 maybe even 5 stars because it is a brilliant fantasy adventure.
But...(and I really don’t have the right to say this because The Cat’s Eye Series is not mine to write or to dictate its direction) personally, I am not happy with the way the series is progressing.
Books one and two (Sora’s Quest and Vipers Creed) really excited me, and it was all because of Sora and Crash. I was invested in those two characters, I loved their interaction and I really enjoyed the exciting journey they travelled. In fact it was possibly the first fantasy novel I’d picked up and actually fallen in love with. I pimped these books EVERYWHERE, wanting all my friends to meet the pair and fall in love with Crash as I did. (Yeah he is on my list of book boyfriends!)
By the time I got to Volcrian’s Hunt (book 3) I was disappointed that though we were still given snippets of Crash and Sora’s relationship, it was only smouldering and not really going anywhere. The tone of the story had changed in that book, other factors seemed to be taking centre stage and Sora and Crash were taking a step back. The book though well written and credible, left me feeling unsatisfied because their relationship was fading into the background yet for me that was the most important part of the storyline.
After waiting well over a year between books three and four (with only a companion novella about Harpies to keep me going) I was really hoping that this book would focus more on the characters that had pulled me in in the first place, but nope they were hardly in it at all, and when they were, they were rarely together and Sora’s thoughts about Crash were confused… A little like me over my feelings for the series now!
Copy supplied for review
This instalment of the Cat’s Eye Chronicles concentrates on a group of demonic assassins known as The Shade, who whilst trying to resurrect the Dark God spread a plague across the land. Meanwhile Crash is haunted by his old Grandmaster who is determined to draw him over to the dark side.
As ever T L Shreffler has written a faultless book, she has taken care to ensure every word used keeps the story moving and the plot itself is exciting, fast paced and interesting. This book is deserving of 4 maybe even 5 stars because it is a brilliant fantasy adventure.
But...(and I really don’t have the right to say this because The Cat’s Eye Series is not mine to write or to dictate its direction) personally, I am not happy with the way the series is progressing.
Books one and two (Sora’s Quest and Vipers Creed) really excited me, and it was all because of Sora and Crash. I was invested in those two characters, I loved their interaction and I really enjoyed the exciting journey they travelled. In fact it was possibly the first fantasy novel I’d picked up and actually fallen in love with. I pimped these books EVERYWHERE, wanting all my friends to meet the pair and fall in love with Crash as I did. (Yeah he is on my list of book boyfriends!)
By the time I got to Volcrian’s Hunt (book 3) I was disappointed that though we were still given snippets of Crash and Sora’s relationship, it was only smouldering and not really going anywhere. The tone of the story had changed in that book, other factors seemed to be taking centre stage and Sora and Crash were taking a step back. The book though well written and credible, left me feeling unsatisfied because their relationship was fading into the background yet for me that was the most important part of the storyline.
After waiting well over a year between books three and four (with only a companion novella about Harpies to keep me going) I was really hoping that this book would focus more on the characters that had pulled me in in the first place, but nope they were hardly in it at all, and when they were, they were rarely together and Sora’s thoughts about Crash were confused… A little like me over my feelings for the series now!
Copy supplied for review
January 24, 2015
Rating~ 4.5 stars
The Cats Eye Chronicles has been one of my favourite series, & Ferran's Map has just proved why!
I basically waited forever for this book to come out & I can honestly say that I wasnt dissapointed.
The beginning started off a little bit slow but once I got to the middle I was like "Yes! This is the series I love!"
I loved how the pieces of the story are beginning to come together but I feel as though it is progressing really slow.
Crash & Sora....This is a relationship that I absolutely love. T.L Shreffler did a really good job at pointing out that they still had doubts but could overcome them.
I also love how we start to see more of the other characters "hidden depths" and I love how a few more minor couples have been introduced. I really like Ferran & Lori.
Also when I first read about Krait in Volcrians Hunt, I dismissed her as a boring minor character. How wrong I was!
I see a future romance with her & Caprion!
The reason why I didnt give this book 5 stars was because I felt as though there was too little "special" moments between Crash & Sora.
Nevertheless, I am extremely happy with the ending ...and now it is time for me lament in sorrow until the next book comes out (which will probably be a long frikken time!)
If you havent read this series then I suggest you totally add it to your TBR shelf!
The Cats Eye Chronicles has been one of my favourite series, & Ferran's Map has just proved why!
I basically waited forever for this book to come out & I can honestly say that I wasnt dissapointed.
The beginning started off a little bit slow but once I got to the middle I was like "Yes! This is the series I love!"
I loved how the pieces of the story are beginning to come together but I feel as though it is progressing really slow.
Crash & Sora....This is a relationship that I absolutely love. T.L Shreffler did a really good job at pointing out that they still had doubts but could overcome them.
I also love how we start to see more of the other characters "hidden depths" and I love how a few more minor couples have been introduced. I really like Ferran & Lori.
Also when I first read about Krait in Volcrians Hunt, I dismissed her as a boring minor character. How wrong I was!
I see a future romance with her & Caprion!
The reason why I didnt give this book 5 stars was because I felt as though there was too little "special" moments between Crash & Sora.
Nevertheless, I am extremely happy with the ending ...and now it is time for me lament in sorrow until the next book comes out (which will probably be a long frikken time!)
If you havent read this series then I suggest you totally add it to your TBR shelf!
January 30, 2015
I was very excited for the book. I love the story and the author's writing gets better and better. I thought this would easily be a 5 star read, but I was disappointed. The vivid descriptions were very well written, but it seemed as if the book was mostly that- descriptions. The plot was slow without very much action. I wanted to be pulled into the city of crowns, but not much happened there either. I was pleased when Lord Seaborne made an appearance, I always wondered what happened to him and I think he can play a major role with sora in the next book and make things interesting. A little competition for Crash might do him some good. I was actually somewhat disappointed in Crash in this book. I thought he would struggle more with the decisions he made, but it almost seemed easy for him. The end of the book felt too rushed and a whole lot of information without any conclusions. It just ended and I wasn't at all satisfied. What happened between Crash and Sora left me confused more than anything. It went beyond a cliffhanger, it just kind of stopped. I know this book got chopped into two, so I hope Krait's Redemption finishes Ferran's Map. Maybe it should have stayed as one book?
January 20, 2015
I brought this book at 10pm 19/01/15 when it came up on Amazon UK. It's now 2:40am 20/01/15 in the UK and I have just finished Ferrans map….. T.L.Shreffler has outdone herself ! The story was so full of twists and turns that I never saw most of the things that happened coming !! The relationships between the characters are just brilliant! Unlike most stories at the moment the more serious relationships between characters like Sora and Crash are not rushed and there has not been one soppy moment or 'I Love You' at all, it's all in the looks and the gestures and the thought processes ! I am so, so upset that I have to wait yet again for another book but to make a story this good takes time. I can see where the story will go from here and I really like where it is going. The next book will be the best yet, and hopefully it will have more fighting as this one seemed tame compared to the other books. All in all I am really please that I waited for this book and the decision by the author to split the last story into two parts was a well thought out idea as any more than what was in this one would of been too much for one book.
March 21, 2016
I was really disappointed that there were no more books after this one. Now I'm going to go on a book hunt to find something similar. I didn't want this book to end. I need to know what happens to Sora, Crash, Burn and everyone else.....
February 1, 2015
Love Love Love it!!!! This series is a must read for anyone who enjoys fantasy
May 12, 2015
I can't wait for book 5!!!!
May 30, 2015
4,5 stars.
The romance. Sigh. <3
The romance. Sigh. <3
July 2, 2015
Great! I don't know what I should criticize.
I really looking forward for the last book of this series and are very excited about the end of this wonderfull story.
I really looking forward for the last book of this series and are very excited about the end of this wonderfull story.
March 2, 2016
(Review will contain spoilers for previous books - major spoilers for this book are hidden)
I did plan to read this book relatively slowly since we have no idea when the next one will be out, but that didn't happen, and I was at the end before I knew it. Wow. What a journey! This instalment in the series was certainly full of revelations. It feels as if a lot of the different strands of the story have finally started to come together and we're building towards a conclusion.
Ferran's Map starts off with a flashback to Crash's previous life as Viper, giving us yet more hints to his past and his identity, which is a great way of filtering information through to the reader and keeping them intrigued. Crash is an incredibly important character and it's pretty impressive how Shreffler has managed to still give us such a little amount of information about him overall, and yet make him complex and convincing enough for the reader to side with him. Crash is not my favourite character, but I'm still fond of him and his battle to choose whether to embrace his past and his demon or leave it all behind is very well-written. When in his POV, the narrative switches between 'Crash' and 'Viper' - and of course the demon - which is an effective device to show the confusion going on his mind.
After the flashback the story moves back to present time and shows us Sora and her companions travelling the Little Rain river towards the City of Crowns, when they encounter a woman who has contracted the plague and discover the situation has become even more dire than they thought. It's at this point that Ferran starts to become more of an important character, which I didn't expect somehow despite the title (I always presumed he would remain as a minor side-character like Burn). Being the only other bearer of a Cat's Eye like Sora, Ferran becomes a source of advice for her to assist her in dealing with her abilities. However, the focus is not so much on the Cat's Eye stones in this book. The focus shifts halfway through from Sora and her battle to control her necklace to Crash's battle to control his demon, which shows a great symmetry between the two main characters. In ways they are surprisingly alike.
As previously mentioned, Ferran becomes much more of a main character in this book, which I was pleased about because he's my second favourite character (Dorian was my first favourite). There's revelation after revelation about his past, his family and his relationship with Lori. Ferran is a likeable character with an entertaining POV (my favourite quote of the book has to be: 'If he had a lick of sense, he would leave immediately before he was discovered. But Ferran was not always a man of sense.') It makes a good change from the younger, less experienced POV of Sora or the darker mindset of Crash.
I also really liked how the relationship between Lori and Ferran developed in this book, despite revelations I have hidden in spoilers in the previous paragraph. I'm not much of a fan of Lori on her own as a character - her lack of knowledge about how to behave as a mother to Sora is understandable, but I just don't find her hugely likeable. But she seems to change when she is with Ferran, and I like how fiercely he protects her. I'm not much of a fan of romance which is why I'm glad the relationship between Sora and Crash has been so slow-burning across the course of four books, and the case is much the same for Lori and Ferran. Shreffler has a skill for writing convincing, steady relationships rather than quick heady romances, and it's very enjoyable to read.
The story does tend to loop back around to previous events in some place and Sora encounters two characters from her past. Sora also starts to wonder again about her stepfather's murder and Crash's obvious involvement. Her inability to trust Crash is evident and believable - after all, he doesn't make it easy to anyone to trust him, even if he is trying to do the right thing.
As for the Shade, the new enemy that has appeared since Volcrian's demise - they are truly menacing, and I never expected that I would miss Volcrian! Cerastes makes one lone Wolfy mage look like small fry, and it did make me wonder why Crash was ever frightened of Volcrian in the first place. The Shade's abilities are intriguing with their ability to pass between shadow portals and the different levels they can reach as they allow their demon to grow. I feel partly sorry for Krait, mostly since I have read Caprion's Wings so I know what she went through on the Lost Isles, but I imagine it would be difficult for someone who's never read the novella to sympathise with her. I'm interested to see how things pan out between her and Caprion.
The writing has improved substantially throughout the series and this book is no exception, with well-executed fight scenes and great character development. With a completely new environment for the characters to explore, plenty of description is needed, but it's never overdone. However, this book does suffer from some especially poor editing. There have been small inconsistencies throughout the rest of the series - for example, one minute a horse was described as a mare and the next a stallion, and Dorian was said to have been buried one minute and cremated the next. These are small issues that can be skipped over, but in Ferran's Map there are some larger issues - typos, grammatical errors and some sentences that just don't make any sense. An example: 'Caprion turned his attention back to the Grandmaster, who swept the flames back with massive wing strokes...' The last part of the sentence refers to Caprion, but it sounds as if it's referring to Cerastes. I won't mark down a book for poor editing because it's not the author's fault but it is something to note.
The book ends with events starting to creep towards a conclusion, but there are still plenty of unanswered questions and I am incredibly eager to read the next one. I haven't enjoyed a series this much for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in character-driven fantasy novels.
I did plan to read this book relatively slowly since we have no idea when the next one will be out, but that didn't happen, and I was at the end before I knew it. Wow. What a journey! This instalment in the series was certainly full of revelations. It feels as if a lot of the different strands of the story have finally started to come together and we're building towards a conclusion.
Ferran's Map starts off with a flashback to Crash's previous life as Viper, giving us yet more hints to his past and his identity, which is a great way of filtering information through to the reader and keeping them intrigued. Crash is an incredibly important character and it's pretty impressive how Shreffler has managed to still give us such a little amount of information about him overall, and yet make him complex and convincing enough for the reader to side with him. Crash is not my favourite character, but I'm still fond of him and his battle to choose whether to embrace his past and his demon or leave it all behind is very well-written. When in his POV, the narrative switches between 'Crash' and 'Viper' - and of course the demon - which is an effective device to show the confusion going on his mind.
After the flashback the story moves back to present time and shows us Sora and her companions travelling the Little Rain river towards the City of Crowns, when they encounter a woman who has contracted the plague and discover the situation has become even more dire than they thought. It's at this point that Ferran starts to become more of an important character, which I didn't expect somehow despite the title (I always presumed he would remain as a minor side-character like Burn). Being the only other bearer of a Cat's Eye like Sora, Ferran becomes a source of advice for her to assist her in dealing with her abilities. However, the focus is not so much on the Cat's Eye stones in this book. The focus shifts halfway through from Sora and her battle to control her necklace to Crash's battle to control his demon, which shows a great symmetry between the two main characters. In ways they are surprisingly alike.
As previously mentioned, Ferran becomes much more of a main character in this book, which I was pleased about because he's my second favourite character (Dorian was my first favourite). There's revelation after revelation about his past, his family and his relationship with Lori. Ferran is a likeable character with an entertaining POV (my favourite quote of the book has to be: 'If he had a lick of sense, he would leave immediately before he was discovered. But Ferran was not always a man of sense.') It makes a good change from the younger, less experienced POV of Sora or the darker mindset of Crash.
I also really liked how the relationship between Lori and Ferran developed in this book, despite revelations I have hidden in spoilers in the previous paragraph. I'm not much of a fan of Lori on her own as a character - her lack of knowledge about how to behave as a mother to Sora is understandable, but I just don't find her hugely likeable. But she seems to change when she is with Ferran, and I like how fiercely he protects her. I'm not much of a fan of romance which is why I'm glad the relationship between Sora and Crash has been so slow-burning across the course of four books, and the case is much the same for Lori and Ferran. Shreffler has a skill for writing convincing, steady relationships rather than quick heady romances, and it's very enjoyable to read.
The story does tend to loop back around to previous events in some place and Sora encounters two characters from her past. Sora also starts to wonder again about her stepfather's murder and Crash's obvious involvement. Her inability to trust Crash is evident and believable - after all, he doesn't make it easy to anyone to trust him, even if he is trying to do the right thing.
As for the Shade, the new enemy that has appeared since Volcrian's demise - they are truly menacing, and I never expected that I would miss Volcrian! Cerastes makes one lone Wolfy mage look like small fry, and it did make me wonder why Crash was ever frightened of Volcrian in the first place. The Shade's abilities are intriguing with their ability to pass between shadow portals and the different levels they can reach as they allow their demon to grow. I feel partly sorry for Krait, mostly since I have read Caprion's Wings so I know what she went through on the Lost Isles, but I imagine it would be difficult for someone who's never read the novella to sympathise with her. I'm interested to see how things pan out between her and Caprion.
The writing has improved substantially throughout the series and this book is no exception, with well-executed fight scenes and great character development. With a completely new environment for the characters to explore, plenty of description is needed, but it's never overdone. However, this book does suffer from some especially poor editing. There have been small inconsistencies throughout the rest of the series - for example, one minute a horse was described as a mare and the next a stallion, and Dorian was said to have been buried one minute and cremated the next. These are small issues that can be skipped over, but in Ferran's Map there are some larger issues - typos, grammatical errors and some sentences that just don't make any sense. An example: 'Caprion turned his attention back to the Grandmaster, who swept the flames back with massive wing strokes...' The last part of the sentence refers to Caprion, but it sounds as if it's referring to Cerastes. I won't mark down a book for poor editing because it's not the author's fault but it is something to note.
The book ends with events starting to creep towards a conclusion, but there are still plenty of unanswered questions and I am incredibly eager to read the next one. I haven't enjoyed a series this much for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in character-driven fantasy novels.
April 26, 2018
This book in one sentence: Sora and her ragtag group of accomplices head to the City of Crowns to recover the Book of the Named and to save the world from an evil menace.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️
Would I recommend: Yes. I'm hooked on this epic fantasy series. I enjoyed that this book looped back to some of the loose ends from book 1, so you really get the feeling that it's all coming together. The multiple POVs help develop the whole cast of characters, who are nuanced and all have their own driving motivations. I like that they move on to a different main villain in this book, it keeps the story dynamic. The lack of diversity remains the weakest point in the series.
Tropes: will-they-or-won't-they, only our hero has the power to save the world, super evil diety, anti-heroes drawn to the dark side
Content warnings: Violence, torture, trauma from past (non-descriptive) sexual assault
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 🌶️
Would I recommend: Yes. I'm hooked on this epic fantasy series. I enjoyed that this book looped back to some of the loose ends from book 1, so you really get the feeling that it's all coming together. The multiple POVs help develop the whole cast of characters, who are nuanced and all have their own driving motivations. I like that they move on to a different main villain in this book, it keeps the story dynamic. The lack of diversity remains the weakest point in the series.
Tropes: will-they-or-won't-they, only our hero has the power to save the world, super evil diety, anti-heroes drawn to the dark side
Content warnings: Violence, torture, trauma from past (non-descriptive) sexual assault
September 11, 2017
The gang is headed to the City of Crowns to retrieve the Book of the Named. The plague is spreading. Crash and Sora keep getting closer and then farther apart. Ferran and Lori each look into their pasts and some revelations are made. Caprion's actual intentions are brought into question along with his ties to Krait.
I love this series! The only problem I had in this book was Sora. I felt like her character took a step backward. She and Crash have been through so much together and she completely loses faith in him at the slightest suggestion. I also didn't understand why she HAD to talk to Lord Sebourne. That seemed like the dumbest thing she could do. Besides that though, another solid part of this series.
I love this series! The only problem I had in this book was Sora. I felt like her character took a step backward. She and Crash have been through so much together and she completely loses faith in him at the slightest suggestion. I also didn't understand why she HAD to talk to Lord Sebourne. That seemed like the dumbest thing she could do. Besides that though, another solid part of this series.
August 19, 2017
First thoughts: I wish for a better romance but another fantastic entry into The Cat's Eye Chronicles.
Review: So it has been a while since I read The Cat's Eye Chronicles, and reading Caprion's Wings in between book 3 & 4 didn't help. So I was a bit lost. I was expecting Sora and Crash to be a thing, only to be reminded that Crash was not very nice to Sora. That was disappointing. And that feeling carried through the entire book, as it came to these two.
On the other hand, Ferran and Lori were amazing. I am glad that we get to see what the mid to late thirties' crew are doing, this is refreshing in YA, as we often see adults being the bad guys, but not the good ones. As their adventure continues, we learn more about Cerastes and his Shade. We learn more about Krait. We also learn more about Crash. Closing a very nice plot line that was opened in the first book, we get to see the first tier world - and it is fascinating.
So much going on in this book. I was really hoping for the cat people to show up, but alas, there is always the next book. Another satisfying entry in The Cat's Eye Chronicles.
Review: So it has been a while since I read The Cat's Eye Chronicles, and reading Caprion's Wings in between book 3 & 4 didn't help. So I was a bit lost. I was expecting Sora and Crash to be a thing, only to be reminded that Crash was not very nice to Sora. That was disappointing. And that feeling carried through the entire book, as it came to these two.
On the other hand, Ferran and Lori were amazing. I am glad that we get to see what the mid to late thirties' crew are doing, this is refreshing in YA, as we often see adults being the bad guys, but not the good ones. As their adventure continues, we learn more about Cerastes and his Shade. We learn more about Krait. We also learn more about Crash. Closing a very nice plot line that was opened in the first book, we get to see the first tier world - and it is fascinating.
So much going on in this book. I was really hoping for the cat people to show up, but alas, there is always the next book. Another satisfying entry in The Cat's Eye Chronicles.
September 19, 2019
2.17/5 overall
2/5 for romance (only rated this high because some parts of the romance were really satisfying. for the most part, though, I'm really tired of all this distrust and all the circling and the slow build that doesn't seem to go anywhere)
2.5/5 for plot (sometimes too much is going on to keep straight and other times not enough)
2/5 for strong female lead (she doesn't even seem like much of a MC at this point; and she sTILL needs an abnormal amount of saving)
2/5 for romance (only rated this high because some parts of the romance were really satisfying. for the most part, though, I'm really tired of all this distrust and all the circling and the slow build that doesn't seem to go anywhere)
2.5/5 for plot (sometimes too much is going on to keep straight and other times not enough)
2/5 for strong female lead (she doesn't even seem like much of a MC at this point; and she sTILL needs an abnormal amount of saving)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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