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The Lora Fletcher Chronicles #1
Common: The Lora Fletcher Chronicles Book 1
Lora Fletcher is ordinary. Or so she thought.
As a commoner, Lora never looked beyond her small life in her village… until she nearly burned down the neighbor’s house.
Sent to the capitol city all alone, Lora not only needs training as a Wielder, but also as a rare Swordwielder. Unused to the attention this brings, as well as her semi-hidden lowly status, she struggles in her new environment. But friends come along and life suddenly doesn’t seem quite so scary.
Can she succeed while hiding her common heritage? Will she lose herself in the process? Or is she silly for even worrying?
This is a mature young adult novel recommended for ages 15+ for sexuality and violence. The content in this book is similar to a PG-13 movie.
As a commoner, Lora never looked beyond her small life in her village… until she nearly burned down the neighbor’s house.
Sent to the capitol city all alone, Lora not only needs training as a Wielder, but also as a rare Swordwielder. Unused to the attention this brings, as well as her semi-hidden lowly status, she struggles in her new environment. But friends come along and life suddenly doesn’t seem quite so scary.
Can she succeed while hiding her common heritage? Will she lose herself in the process? Or is she silly for even worrying?
This is a mature young adult novel recommended for ages 15+ for sexuality and violence. The content in this book is similar to a PG-13 movie.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2017
98 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Irving
8 books31 followersAndrea Irving has been writing for practically her whole life. She started off in her own little fantasy worlds, but has been spending much of her recent time having nightmares while writing YA horror. She is happy to be bringing YA fantasy back into her repertoire. A physician and college professor by day, her previous publications were purely scientific. She is very happy to finally be sharing her more creative works with the world. Andrea lives and works in the Ottawa, ON area with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 4, 2017
I wanted to like it.
Did actually finish it. Just dont really understand why.
This seemed like a coming of age. Except nothing happened.
It was an everday school bok with no excitement, no actio, no suspens, and the heroine is boring and pretty much annoy the crap out of me. I mean, come on!
So I know more about laces, hairstyles, garments, etiquette than swordplay or wieldening or essence..
Its just.. it could have been a prologue... which you really dont need to read unless you want more meat on the story before you read book one. But other than that... Meh.
Im sorry. Wanted to like it, really, there just was so little going on.
Not my cup of tea.
Did actually finish it. Just dont really understand why.
This seemed like a coming of age. Except nothing happened.
It was an everday school bok with no excitement, no actio, no suspens, and the heroine is boring and pretty much annoy the crap out of me. I mean, come on!
So I know more about laces, hairstyles, garments, etiquette than swordplay or wieldening or essence..
Its just.. it could have been a prologue... which you really dont need to read unless you want more meat on the story before you read book one. But other than that... Meh.
Im sorry. Wanted to like it, really, there just was so little going on.
Not my cup of tea.
December 18, 2022
This series is rather an odd duck.
Mostly, it's a Regency Romance. But ... it's paired with the idea that the MC is a powerful mage. Nominally powerful enough to pass the heavily intrenched societal and gender based barriers imposed upon her.
At various points in the story she demonstrates extremely powerful magic, yet ... much of the book focuses on her table manners and period clothing and whether or not those with Noble blood are looking down on her.
Much of the books involve the MC struggling for the right to decide whether or not she'll marry, and if so, how much personal choice she'll be given in the matter. With the implication being that once she marries, her husband will send her off somewhere safe to have children and that'll be the end of her being a battle mage. Despite the power levels she displays, she's frequently just sent off to the library to do some research.
I found it curiously readable for all of that, there wasn't a point where I was bored or emotionally put off (the way some books do put me off). At the same time, I doubt I'll continue with the series either, it didn't really captivate me much.
As always: I paid retail price for the Kindle version of this book, my thoughts on it are my own. They were neither solicited by, nor compensated for, by the author or by the publisher.
Mostly, it's a Regency Romance. But ... it's paired with the idea that the MC is a powerful mage. Nominally powerful enough to pass the heavily intrenched societal and gender based barriers imposed upon her.
At various points in the story she demonstrates extremely powerful magic, yet ... much of the book focuses on her table manners and period clothing and whether or not those with Noble blood are looking down on her.
Much of the books involve the MC struggling for the right to decide whether or not she'll marry, and if so, how much personal choice she'll be given in the matter. With the implication being that once she marries, her husband will send her off somewhere safe to have children and that'll be the end of her being a battle mage. Despite the power levels she displays, she's frequently just sent off to the library to do some research.
I found it curiously readable for all of that, there wasn't a point where I was bored or emotionally put off (the way some books do put me off). At the same time, I doubt I'll continue with the series either, it didn't really captivate me much.
As always: I paid retail price for the Kindle version of this book, my thoughts on it are my own. They were neither solicited by, nor compensated for, by the author or by the publisher.
April 13, 2017
YA fantasy, female main character. Fluff but kept my interest until the end when it just stopped. I assume that it continues from that point but I don't have any urgent need to know what comes next, so I'll skip the sequel and skip rereading. 2.5 stars.
After further thought it occurs to me that while I enjoyed the parts about magic and fighting, the last few chapters were nearly all about wearing a corset, preparing to attend a ball, etc. So the fantasy story devolved into a Regency romance.
After further thought it occurs to me that while I enjoyed the parts about magic and fighting, the last few chapters were nearly all about wearing a corset, preparing to attend a ball, etc. So the fantasy story devolved into a Regency romance.
May 17, 2020
Have re-read multiple times, cannot wait for the next book. Love the charaters and the plot. would reccomend to anyone.
December 2, 2017
The beginning was a little hard to follow in terms of who she as its kinda hard to get into she thinks this way and behaves this way but then again it is a young child so it will be an intriguing experience to grow along with her. As the book goes on the character development gets better it just seemed a bit rushed to get where it was supposed to be, however by the end its a book I am waiting for the second as it leaves many questions as to what happens next, its a book I would recommend reading as you seem to be drawn into the main characters psyche, you as a reader are truly able to see the story from her mind except.
April 25, 2017
I wanted to like this book but nothing happened. I feel like Irving was trying to put a cliffhanger in but it seems like she ran out of creativity and just ended the book. So she gets ready for the ball and then nothing. All in all the book was not that good.
May 18, 2017
Interesting read!
I'm simply fascinated with the story. I appreciate the development of Lora the mail lead from. Naive 12 yr old to a lovely young lady. The ending is a cliffhanger and I could not wait for the next one.
I'm simply fascinated with the story. I appreciate the development of Lora the mail lead from. Naive 12 yr old to a lovely young lady. The ending is a cliffhanger and I could not wait for the next one.
December 1, 2022
Lora Fletcher’s chronicles are a bit lacking
Quite simple. Nothing really happens to the MC in this humdrum setting. There’s magic and swords, princess, princesses, and commoners and there’s a few things that happen. The story is earnest as is the MC, and I enjoyed the book enough to finish it.
Quite simple. Nothing really happens to the MC in this humdrum setting. There’s magic and swords, princess, princesses, and commoners and there’s a few things that happen. The story is earnest as is the MC, and I enjoyed the book enough to finish it.
December 18, 2022
Coming of age at its best
I love that it's not angsty - but still retains the awkwardness of figuring out who she is.
The magic is there but she's just growing into it. Her friend circle includes a prince and her "enemies" include the princess. She has mentors and careless instructors. The relationships seem real. It's clean so far; I hope that continues in the next book of the series - which I will start tonight.
I love that it's not angsty - but still retains the awkwardness of figuring out who she is.
The magic is there but she's just growing into it. Her friend circle includes a prince and her "enemies" include the princess. She has mentors and careless instructors. The relationships seem real. It's clean so far; I hope that continues in the next book of the series - which I will start tonight.
March 24, 2017
it's ok
I'm afraid it didn't live up to its promise. The heroine seemed more interested in chewing her hair and biting her nails than anything else. The ending also finished in a weird place which I found frustrating. Not for me I'm afraid.
I'm afraid it didn't live up to its promise. The heroine seemed more interested in chewing her hair and biting her nails than anything else. The ending also finished in a weird place which I found frustrating. Not for me I'm afraid.
March 24, 2017
:)
If you enjoy coming of age books with quiet heroine becoming stronger, you would like this book. No real romance, some learning of true friendships across genders and classes. Set groundwork for possible romantic relationship in the next book.
If you enjoy coming of age books with quiet heroine becoming stronger, you would like this book. No real romance, some learning of true friendships across genders and classes. Set groundwork for possible romantic relationship in the next book.
April 12, 2017
Just a gently pleasant story.
Slice of life, coming of age story with magic and medieval weaponry that's really well done. Looking forward to seeing where the heroine's journey continues.
Slice of life, coming of age story with magic and medieval weaponry that's really well done. Looking forward to seeing where the heroine's journey continues.
March 22, 2018
I loved this book so much!!! Very exciting and unique. Plus, I love the cliff-hanger at the end. The one thing I didn't like, though, was the fact that it stopped right when they were about to enter the party. Why!??? I'm so curious as to how the party will be like. Hopefully, nothing bad happens.
February 15, 2023
Not bad
Not much happens just a g fantasy coming of age story. Young girl sent to school to learn magic. However still enjoyed and will read next book
Not much happens just a g fantasy coming of age story. Young girl sent to school to learn magic. However still enjoyed and will read next book
December 29, 2022
Ehhh slice of life mostly
So I’ve read other books with this similar plot line. Young commoner discovers they have magic they go off to an Academy to be trained to use magic. Specifically, in the case of the girl she’s a commoner she seen is ugly doesn’t want to tell anyone her roots. This takes more of a slice of life approach to it. Very slice of life, but not quite slice of life. I hate to say this, but it’s not very interesting but you would keep reading it. We don’t really see her. Use her powers for anything we don’t even see her learn to really use her powers. It’s more slice of life and interactions with the teenage friends she has. Is it interesting interaction keeping you on the edge of your seat not really it’s just good enough to keep you reading.
Now the book really deserves 3.5 stars it’s not a 4 star title. The cover is misleading you don’t see her take any action like this. The only reason she’s good at archery is because of her heritage and her father’s old job. You don’t hear her really shoot a bow she doesn’t shoot at anyone she doesn’t really fight anyone in the story as I said, it’s literally slice of life teenagers in school.
Message to the Author:
The book was OK at best. Spoilers ahead. It’s really 3.5 stars. It’s a slice of life approach which I can appreciate but I would’ve liked more action. Do you see the girl aiming a bow in the picture for the book on the cover implies that some type of action will take place. There was no action here really. At the very least I would’ve appreciated to seeing her learn her skill in magic, or seeing her dive into the theory so we could get an understanding of how things work in this world , instead we get more or less nothing you don’t know how politics really works here we don’t know how magic really works here I don’t even know how she fights with any of her weapons. I know she can use some of them but that’s it. Some very important things were left out of the book that had they’ve been included could’ve made the story far. More interesting. I’m going to start reading the next book in the series. I hope it picks up because if it doesn’t, I have to drop this one.
So I’ve read other books with this similar plot line. Young commoner discovers they have magic they go off to an Academy to be trained to use magic. Specifically, in the case of the girl she’s a commoner she seen is ugly doesn’t want to tell anyone her roots. This takes more of a slice of life approach to it. Very slice of life, but not quite slice of life. I hate to say this, but it’s not very interesting but you would keep reading it. We don’t really see her. Use her powers for anything we don’t even see her learn to really use her powers. It’s more slice of life and interactions with the teenage friends she has. Is it interesting interaction keeping you on the edge of your seat not really it’s just good enough to keep you reading.
Now the book really deserves 3.5 stars it’s not a 4 star title. The cover is misleading you don’t see her take any action like this. The only reason she’s good at archery is because of her heritage and her father’s old job. You don’t hear her really shoot a bow she doesn’t shoot at anyone she doesn’t really fight anyone in the story as I said, it’s literally slice of life teenagers in school.
Message to the Author:
The book was OK at best. Spoilers ahead. It’s really 3.5 stars. It’s a slice of life approach which I can appreciate but I would’ve liked more action. Do you see the girl aiming a bow in the picture for the book on the cover implies that some type of action will take place. There was no action here really. At the very least I would’ve appreciated to seeing her learn her skill in magic, or seeing her dive into the theory so we could get an understanding of how things work in this world , instead we get more or less nothing you don’t know how politics really works here we don’t know how magic really works here I don’t even know how she fights with any of her weapons. I know she can use some of them but that’s it. Some very important things were left out of the book that had they’ve been included could’ve made the story far. More interesting. I’m going to start reading the next book in the series. I hope it picks up because if it doesn’t, I have to drop this one.
March 2, 2017
I enjoyed this ..... but where's the rest of it?? Felt it a really really long prologue to the actual story (which I'm still waiting on happening) and to end it where it did ...eh WTF that wasn't very nice now was it
Will look for the next one but it better get places fast!
Will look for the next one but it better get places fast!
April 24, 2023
Charming, wonderfully written
And so what if it is about young girls developing into 17 yrs old 'women'? I enjoyed the story very much. If an eighty year old woman can't remember what it was like to grow from a child into an adult, if she can't remember all the trepidations, fears, insecurities and utterly fun at becoming a woman and not yet knowing what life is holding in store for her, then reading this story will very quickly bring back so many memories. This is why I enjoyed reading this story so much, remembering all the fears and insecurities I put on myself back then and just how different my life turned out from all the things I feared.
This is not just a good book for any age, 7-100 I think, it's well written, well edited. We move through the most important five years of a girls life carefully written and filled with the unexpected. Plus! Yes, plus, we learn about a new form of magic. I can't wait to exchange book I for book II and learn how this anxious young women Lorona, Lora for short, moves forward into adulthood and how this new magic develops. I'm very excited to learn where she will be placed and more about the actual use of this battle magic will be used in "real" life, her life.
You are never too old to read young adult stories, never too old to learn something new, and never too old to be able to vividly image a fantasy world. I'm ready to step fue into this fantasy, bring it on Andrea Irving.
And so what if it is about young girls developing into 17 yrs old 'women'? I enjoyed the story very much. If an eighty year old woman can't remember what it was like to grow from a child into an adult, if she can't remember all the trepidations, fears, insecurities and utterly fun at becoming a woman and not yet knowing what life is holding in store for her, then reading this story will very quickly bring back so many memories. This is why I enjoyed reading this story so much, remembering all the fears and insecurities I put on myself back then and just how different my life turned out from all the things I feared.
This is not just a good book for any age, 7-100 I think, it's well written, well edited. We move through the most important five years of a girls life carefully written and filled with the unexpected. Plus! Yes, plus, we learn about a new form of magic. I can't wait to exchange book I for book II and learn how this anxious young women Lorona, Lora for short, moves forward into adulthood and how this new magic develops. I'm very excited to learn where she will be placed and more about the actual use of this battle magic will be used in "real" life, her life.
You are never too old to read young adult stories, never too old to learn something new, and never too old to be able to vividly image a fantasy world. I'm ready to step fue into this fantasy, bring it on Andrea Irving.
November 22, 2018
Lora is a wielding who needs training, however, she's a commoner and the Lord in her village decides to claim her as his cousin and send her off to learn. Now, Lora is in a whole new world and she can't go back home to her family at all, no matter what. And as time goes on she must hold onto this secret so no one finds out, but it gets harder than she thought.
This book was interesting, but it wasn't great. I enjoyed it, but Lora got on my nerves every now and then. It was frustrating how she acted, even if it was explained and understood, it was still annoying.
Other than that I liked the plot line, and I would like to read more.
This book was interesting, but it wasn't great. I enjoyed it, but Lora got on my nerves every now and then. It was frustrating how she acted, even if it was explained and understood, it was still annoying.
Other than that I liked the plot line, and I would like to read more.
June 8, 2017
I really liked this story and I recommend it.
I find the main character, Lora, and her group of friends (and foes) interesting. There is a lot of potential for stories to follow. I will be happy to read what adventures the main characters will get into while growing up and becoming adults.
I have one criticism though: the ending. It is a bit disappointing. It's a cliffhanger and not a cliffhanger at the same time. If you like the story, for sure you want to know what's going to happen, but you are not on your toes. You are just surprised the book ends at this moment.
I find the main character, Lora, and her group of friends (and foes) interesting. There is a lot of potential for stories to follow. I will be happy to read what adventures the main characters will get into while growing up and becoming adults.
I have one criticism though: the ending. It is a bit disappointing. It's a cliffhanger and not a cliffhanger at the same time. If you like the story, for sure you want to know what's going to happen, but you are not on your toes. You are just surprised the book ends at this moment.
December 27, 2022
Enjoyable
It's the usual story of Lora the village fletchers daughter awakening magic powers and is sent of to school with the aristocrats kids , there aren't any particularly obnoxious classmates but Lora has real difficulty accepting that her life has changed irrevocably , it's a young adult book , there is no violence or fighting ,I am curious to see if Loras "cousin" who is sponsoring her in return for ten years servitude from her father has ulterior motives , she is a very highly prized young lady.
It's the usual story of Lora the village fletchers daughter awakening magic powers and is sent of to school with the aristocrats kids , there aren't any particularly obnoxious classmates but Lora has real difficulty accepting that her life has changed irrevocably , it's a young adult book , there is no violence or fighting ,I am curious to see if Loras "cousin" who is sponsoring her in return for ten years servitude from her father has ulterior motives , she is a very highly prized young lady.
December 5, 2023
I finished the whole thing
That's about the only thing I can say. Very little happened and my review is about as interesting as the story.
That's about the only thing I can say. Very little happened and my review is about as interesting as the story.
January 19, 2023
I'll read the 2nd book, but chopping off the first was unwarranted. What was the point? Lora is almosta Mary Sue character.
I hope the follow-up is better.
I hope the follow-up is better.
March 24, 2023
This is a weird story, mainly because there isn’t one. Not a lot actually happens and the only drama seems to centre around clothes and boys.
I quite enjoy a good YA Fantasy for example Tamora Pierce’s Alanna Adventures and I was hoping that Lora might have been in a similar vein.
Having said all that, I still found the book was strangely interesting and I will be following Lora in the next book, I just hope that something actually happens. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
I quite enjoy a good YA Fantasy for example Tamora Pierce’s Alanna Adventures and I was hoping that Lora might have been in a similar vein.
Having said all that, I still found the book was strangely interesting and I will be following Lora in the next book, I just hope that something actually happens. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
July 23, 2024
Awesome
I read both books, Common and Rarity, in one day. I just couldn't stop reading, wanting to know what happened next.
I was totally immersed in the story and loved the characters. The writing flowed without getting bogged down with overstated explanations regarding the characters' feelings/ thoughts or scenic descriptions.
Both books were awesome reads and I can't wait for the next one to read what happens next.
I read both books, Common and Rarity, in one day. I just couldn't stop reading, wanting to know what happened next.
I was totally immersed in the story and loved the characters. The writing flowed without getting bogged down with overstated explanations regarding the characters' feelings/ thoughts or scenic descriptions.
Both books were awesome reads and I can't wait for the next one to read what happens next.
May 8, 2017
When is the next book?
I saw this book keep popping up and I finally decided to try it even though the character was quite young. I am so happy I did! I found the book to be very refreshing and the characters left me wanting to see how they progress as they transition from children to adults! I hope the sequel comes very soon.
I saw this book keep popping up and I finally decided to try it even though the character was quite young. I am so happy I did! I found the book to be very refreshing and the characters left me wanting to see how they progress as they transition from children to adults! I hope the sequel comes very soon.
May 12, 2017
Good book
Its funny, I love books and read a lot and I am really picky. I read this book and started to see if there was a second yet. I read the comments and I would this k some were idiots but ehh everyone's got their own opinion but put your self in the mc place, if you are and experience your lower then yes you won't get a 'tide hence put yourself in her shoes.
Its funny, I love books and read a lot and I am really picky. I read this book and started to see if there was a second yet. I read the comments and I would this k some were idiots but ehh everyone's got their own opinion but put your self in the mc place, if you are and experience your lower then yes you won't get a 'tide hence put yourself in her shoes.
February 26, 2024
A book about a special young woman....that doesn't seem special at all. I was looking forward to this book, but in the end it was just a big flop. The MC is some sort of magical prodigy, but this is hardly highlighted in the book. Instead you get high school drama, and not even interesting drama. Very sad this didn't live up to its blurb.
May 5, 2017
Greatly await the next volume
This series is working out with the first book. You will get involved with the adventures of all who show up in this tale of growing up and the Joy's involved. The making life long friendship which go unnoticed by the heron.
This series is working out with the first book. You will get involved with the adventures of all who show up in this tale of growing up and the Joy's involved. The making life long friendship which go unnoticed by the heron.
May 13, 2017
Good book
It was a very good book, well worth the read. I enjoyed the characters and the story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
It was a very good book, well worth the read. I enjoyed the characters and the story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 7, 2017
I enjoyed the magical boarding school parts and the group of friends. But I never felt like the heroine was a real person: other than being a commoner what character traits did she have? I also agree with other reviewers that nothing actually happened in the book. She went to school and learned stuff, the end. I'd at least read a sample/overview of the next book to see if I want to keep going, though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews