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The war is over. The island of Elyssia has been freed from the clutches of the Rosalian Empire, power restored to the island's monarchy. However, after leading the Resurgence from the front, Princess Caelin now finds herself sitting and waiting more often than not. When magical prodigy Alain Flynn breaks into her palace to kidnap her, she hears of a secret slave camp—and forms a plan. Under the guise of a kidnapping, she will investigate the camp, expose the secrets, and take control of the fate of her kingdom.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2017
11 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Anna Holmes
4 books8 followersAnna Holmes has been making up stories since she was too young to spell. She has held many strange jobs, including teaching high schoolers how to outwit the SAT, polishing boots and lacing corsets, and what a friend described once as “being a library elf”. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest United States with her husband, two spoiled cats, and an even-more-spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 1, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, Elyssia Books, and Anna Holmes for the opportunity to read Ember in exchange for an honest review.
This fantasy has it all: prospective coronations, plots against the crown, rebellion, magic, romance; what more can a seeker of a great young adult fantasy series ask for?
Ember is the first novel of the Elyssia Quartet. It follows the shifting first-person perspectives of Caelin and Alain. Caelin is the crown princess of the Rosalian Empire, though her advisor does not yet think she is ready. She might just agree.
In his own plotting, Alain plans to kidnap princess Caelin. Perfect timing for her to get away from her advisors and see the world, acting for the better of her people from outside the palace. Alain is confused by the ease of her kidnapping, only to find she has turned his plan against him.
In an enemies to friends to lovers tale, the two venture together, along with other close companions, to save the people of the country, stop an uprising against the crown, and forsake a marriage that was never wanted.
The novel has a fairly traditional fantasy plot, though the dynamic between character interactions is well-written and the world of Elyssia is one for fantasy lovers to immerse themselves in. An excellent start to a series for young adult readers and lovers of a tried-and-true fantasy adventure.
This fantasy has it all: prospective coronations, plots against the crown, rebellion, magic, romance; what more can a seeker of a great young adult fantasy series ask for?
Ember is the first novel of the Elyssia Quartet. It follows the shifting first-person perspectives of Caelin and Alain. Caelin is the crown princess of the Rosalian Empire, though her advisor does not yet think she is ready. She might just agree.
In his own plotting, Alain plans to kidnap princess Caelin. Perfect timing for her to get away from her advisors and see the world, acting for the better of her people from outside the palace. Alain is confused by the ease of her kidnapping, only to find she has turned his plan against him.
In an enemies to friends to lovers tale, the two venture together, along with other close companions, to save the people of the country, stop an uprising against the crown, and forsake a marriage that was never wanted.
The novel has a fairly traditional fantasy plot, though the dynamic between character interactions is well-written and the world of Elyssia is one for fantasy lovers to immerse themselves in. An excellent start to a series for young adult readers and lovers of a tried-and-true fantasy adventure.
April 27, 2020
I LOVED this novel! Caelin is a wonderful strong character and Alain is a beautiful mess. Caelin may be a princess, but she's missing just as many pieces as Alain. Together they build each other back up. Tressa is great. I have a bit of a soft spot for August and Simon. The plot flows very well as new twists and turns come up. Nothing feels forced.
The character reveals!! I had my suspicions, but I never would have thought!
The fight scenes are well described to be easy to follow and impressive. The betrayals! The stakes keep getting higher and higher until you think there is no way they can win.
Thanks to this book I'm adding a new fangirl shelf for books that I am totally biased about. I can't wait to read the next book, I've already downloaded it on my Kindle. :D
The character reveals!! I had my suspicions, but I never would have thought!
The fight scenes are well described to be easy to follow and impressive. The betrayals! The stakes keep getting higher and higher until you think there is no way they can win.
Thanks to this book I'm adding a new fangirl shelf for books that I am totally biased about. I can't wait to read the next book, I've already downloaded it on my Kindle. :D
November 6, 2018
Ember is a great ya fantasy book! It’s full of action, interesting conversations, and unexpected events. I really liked the beginning of this book. Caelin is different from other main characters, she is looking for an adventure, and she is brave. I also liked the chemistry between Caelin and Alain.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
November 13, 2024
Ember is absolutely delightful to read.
It took me longer than it should’ve but haven’t had much free headspace with current events. Much gratitude to Anna for these brilliant, messy characters (and for allowing them to be messy in the best ways) and a wonderful story. I can’t wait to keep going with the next books. Caelin and Alain…I’m rooting for you!!!
It took me longer than it should’ve but haven’t had much free headspace with current events. Much gratitude to Anna for these brilliant, messy characters (and for allowing them to be messy in the best ways) and a wonderful story. I can’t wait to keep going with the next books. Caelin and Alain…I’m rooting for you!!!
November 28, 2023
Content:
This story keeps you on your toes. It had me hooked right until the end.
I really liked Alain & Caelin's relationship and how they go from enemies to means to an end to friends to more. There are a lot of walls to break down and as they journey together, they slowly are able to see what is below the surface. Both have hard truths to face. There are secrets and betrayals. It takes a while for Alain to realize Caelin is not who he thought she was. Both have to discern the truths from what they have been told or what they believed. Ultimately, I liked how their relationship developed. This is a good read.
This story keeps you on your toes. It had me hooked right until the end.
I really liked Alain & Caelin's relationship and how they go from enemies to means to an end to friends to more. There are a lot of walls to break down and as they journey together, they slowly are able to see what is below the surface. Both have hard truths to face. There are secrets and betrayals. It takes a while for Alain to realize Caelin is not who he thought she was. Both have to discern the truths from what they have been told or what they believed. Ultimately, I liked how their relationship developed. This is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews