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The Realms of Ancient #1
Scion of the Fox
As the winter ice begins to thaw, the fury of a demon builds — all because one girl couldn’t stay dead . . .
Roan Harken considers herself a typical high school student — dead parents, an infected eyeball, and living in the house of her estranged, currently comatose grandmother (well, maybe not so typical) — but she’s uncovering the depth of the secrets her family left behind. Saved from the grasp of Death itself by a powerful fox spirit named Sil, Roan must harness mysterious ancient power . . . and quickly. A snake-monster called Zabor lies in wait in the bed of the frozen Assiniboine River, hungry for the sacrifice of spirit-blood in exchange for keeping the flood waters at bay. Thrust onto an ancient battlefield, Roan soon realizes that to maintain the balance of the world, she will have to sacrifice more than her life in order to take her place as Scion of the Fox.
American Gods meets Princess Mononoke in this powerful first installment of a trilogy sure to capture readers’ imaginations everywhere.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
51 people are currently reading
1231 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Beiko
18 books129 followersSAMANTHA MARY BEIKO is a writer of whatever tromps into her head at the time--but mostly it is YA fantasy and its derivatives.
She currently works full-time the Canadian publishing industry as a freelance editor, graphic designer, and consultant, and is the Co-Publisher of ChiZine Publications. She devotes her days to helping traditional corporate publishers, as well as independent writers and creators, realize their projects to print or digital completion, helping them to market with editorial and graphic design. She was also the co-editor on Imaginarium 2013 and Imaginarium 5, and will be co-editing Gothic Tales of Haunted Love with Hope Nicholson for Bedside Press in 2017.
Her first novel, a young adult fantasy set in rural Manitoba called The Lake and the Library, was nominated for the Manitoba Book Award for Best First Book, as well as the 2014 Aurora Award. Her next series, The Realms of Ancient, has been signed for a three book deal with ECW Press. The first book, Scion of the Fox, will be out in October 2017. The sequels to follow are Children of the Bloodlands and The Brilliant Dark in the subsequent years (2018 and 2019).
Samantha currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is the co-chair of the Winnipeg ChiSeries, a reading series that highlights speculative writers in various panels, readings, and workshops. She is also the co-organizer, along with Hope Nicholson (Bedside Press) and Alicia May (Dandizette Cosmetics) of Winnipeg Geek Girls Social Club.
She apologizes in advance if she ignores you when a dog walks by.
She currently works full-time the Canadian publishing industry as a freelance editor, graphic designer, and consultant, and is the Co-Publisher of ChiZine Publications. She devotes her days to helping traditional corporate publishers, as well as independent writers and creators, realize their projects to print or digital completion, helping them to market with editorial and graphic design. She was also the co-editor on Imaginarium 2013 and Imaginarium 5, and will be co-editing Gothic Tales of Haunted Love with Hope Nicholson for Bedside Press in 2017.
Her first novel, a young adult fantasy set in rural Manitoba called The Lake and the Library, was nominated for the Manitoba Book Award for Best First Book, as well as the 2014 Aurora Award. Her next series, The Realms of Ancient, has been signed for a three book deal with ECW Press. The first book, Scion of the Fox, will be out in October 2017. The sequels to follow are Children of the Bloodlands and The Brilliant Dark in the subsequent years (2018 and 2019).
Samantha currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is the co-chair of the Winnipeg ChiSeries, a reading series that highlights speculative writers in various panels, readings, and workshops. She is also the co-organizer, along with Hope Nicholson (Bedside Press) and Alicia May (Dandizette Cosmetics) of Winnipeg Geek Girls Social Club.
She apologizes in advance if she ignores you when a dog walks by.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 9, 2018
This Canadian gem is a great first novel in a new compelling and unique fantasy series. I'm usually not one to love urban fantasy but this is like urban meets earth magic. S.M. Beiko takes us on a journey set in frigid cold Winnipeg. She sets up the novel as if it's present day Winnipeg and her characters are all average teens or adults. That is until they aren't.
Setting
One of my favourite things about this novel is that the setting of Winnipeg (affectionately called Winter-peg by many Canadians as it is bitterly cold there in the winter) is so ingrained into the story line. You couldn't just move this story to another city or location without losing a lot of the mythological lore that Beiko has woven into it. From statues and designs in the Parliamentary building to the city's history of flooding; Beiko has used important aspects of Winnipeg to be key moments or places in her lore.
Characters
I don't adore the main character. In fact very few of the characters were standouts for me (except maybe for our lead gal's poor Aunt who is so out of the loop), but all of the were solidly written. I especially liked the inclusion of the main boy as being in a wheelchair. The challenges that come from navigating any world in a wheelchair are often lost to those who don't deal with them; but Beiko makes sure that almost nothing is convenient or easy (just like the real world) for our main boy. My cousin is bound to a chair and I thought of him a lot during this read. I made me really think about how difficult it must be to do simple things like even get up the stairs to a shop that is in a historic building (and therefore not wheelchair friendly).
There are a number of adults in this book that play side roles. Most of them were fairly typical. I'll forgive Beiko for this as it was clear she wanted to focus on our teens more than anything. However I would have liked to know more about the Uncle and the Grandmother. I'm hoping perhaps more comes to light in the second book.
The Ending
Now, don't get me wrong, this book is really, really good as a whole. But the last 100 pages were stellar. Jam-packed action, conspiracies unraveled and lots of rogue magic. The best part, you'll never guess how it ends!
Obviously this is only the first book in a series and so there is a cliffhanger of an ending. That said the ending is not cheap, too quick nor does it detract from the main plot of the novel. There is a good solid foundation being set in Scion of the Fox that is likely to make the rest of this series stand-up well.
Overall
I can't tell you how much fun it is to read a book about a place you've been! Or even one that has a climate similar to your own. I am always looking for Canadian fiction set in Canada as the setting seems to change my entire perspective of some books. If this feeling is even 1% of how poorly represented minorities feel when they read books that really represent them well, then I may understand a tiny bit about why they are so desperate to read more books with characters like themselves!
I cannot wait for book 2 and I know Beiko is more or less done it as I had a passing-by conversation at my local Comic Expo (a couple months back) where she told me that for sure there is more of our lead gal in it! I was so excited I had her book (and I won't lie I was a bit giddy) that I totally flaked on bringing back my copy for her to sign the following day. Lol.
Irregardless I really recommend this unique, earth based but set in a city, fantasy story. I think you'll be surprised by it's depth and intricacies (even if you don't know much about cold weather or Winnipeg).
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Setting
One of my favourite things about this novel is that the setting of Winnipeg (affectionately called Winter-peg by many Canadians as it is bitterly cold there in the winter) is so ingrained into the story line. You couldn't just move this story to another city or location without losing a lot of the mythological lore that Beiko has woven into it. From statues and designs in the Parliamentary building to the city's history of flooding; Beiko has used important aspects of Winnipeg to be key moments or places in her lore.
Characters
I don't adore the main character. In fact very few of the characters were standouts for me (except maybe for our lead gal's poor Aunt who is so out of the loop), but all of the were solidly written. I especially liked the inclusion of the main boy as being in a wheelchair. The challenges that come from navigating any world in a wheelchair are often lost to those who don't deal with them; but Beiko makes sure that almost nothing is convenient or easy (just like the real world) for our main boy. My cousin is bound to a chair and I thought of him a lot during this read. I made me really think about how difficult it must be to do simple things like even get up the stairs to a shop that is in a historic building (and therefore not wheelchair friendly).
There are a number of adults in this book that play side roles. Most of them were fairly typical. I'll forgive Beiko for this as it was clear she wanted to focus on our teens more than anything. However I would have liked to know more about the Uncle and the Grandmother. I'm hoping perhaps more comes to light in the second book.
The Ending
Now, don't get me wrong, this book is really, really good as a whole. But the last 100 pages were stellar. Jam-packed action, conspiracies unraveled and lots of rogue magic. The best part, you'll never guess how it ends!
Obviously this is only the first book in a series and so there is a cliffhanger of an ending. That said the ending is not cheap, too quick nor does it detract from the main plot of the novel. There is a good solid foundation being set in Scion of the Fox that is likely to make the rest of this series stand-up well.
Overall
I can't tell you how much fun it is to read a book about a place you've been! Or even one that has a climate similar to your own. I am always looking for Canadian fiction set in Canada as the setting seems to change my entire perspective of some books. If this feeling is even 1% of how poorly represented minorities feel when they read books that really represent them well, then I may understand a tiny bit about why they are so desperate to read more books with characters like themselves!
I cannot wait for book 2 and I know Beiko is more or less done it as I had a passing-by conversation at my local Comic Expo (a couple months back) where she told me that for sure there is more of our lead gal in it! I was so excited I had her book (and I won't lie I was a bit giddy) that I totally flaked on bringing back my copy for her to sign the following day. Lol.
Irregardless I really recommend this unique, earth based but set in a city, fantasy story. I think you'll be surprised by it's depth and intricacies (even if you don't know much about cold weather or Winnipeg).
For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
October 30, 2017
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Roan is an orphan that lives with her odd uncle and her loving aunt. After moving into her comatose grandmother's house she has a crazy interaction due to her infect eyeball and meets a powerful fox spirit named Sil. Marked to be sacrificed to the snake-monster Zabor Roan must gather friends from each of the families before it's too late and the flood waters unleash devastation on the world...
I too struggled with my ARC copy (lines every couple paragraphs were cut off and missing) but I contacted the publisher's marketing department and they sent me a beautiful correctly copy - THANK YOU!! I enjoyed the book!
The cover was decent and I didn't hate the title, its serviceable... what totally drew me in was the blurb! I'm a total fangirl for animals and fantasy mixed... plus toss in an orphan and this book spoke to me!
What I Liked!
Beiko has a talent for creating worlds!!
I was totally captured by the beginning with Roan's infected eye and meeting Sil... then we learn about the world that Roan didn't know was such a MAJOR part of her parent's lives. AND WHAT A WORLD! It's supernatural, it's all around Roan, hidden in plain sight and foxes are only the beginning!!
Diversity rocked the races!!
The world has 5 races and is connected to a set of garden statues that her grandmother gave to her mother... I love when a world within our own is developed and races for that hidden world are created. I loved the odd choice of animals to be those races and each character that represented one of the five was a great embodiment of their race. PLUS Barton was born with a birth defect and is in a wheelchair (loved him!) AND Natti is a large, boned (i.e. fat) girl (loved her!)
Think world killing monsters and supernatural beings!!
This is a subgenre that I enjoy... it verges on being gods and demons but in a more natural and approachable way. The premise of the world incorporates a sort of creation story that explains the mega monsters Roan will have to fight but allows the story to be set in contemporary times. It's a neat back story and supported the plot well.
Family ups and downs!!
So yeah Roan's mom and dad are dead but her grandmother is still alive albeit in a coma. Yet Roan still gets to know what her grandmother through some letters she found... and I actually found this part one if the shining moments in the book!! It was worked in so beautifully I only wish they had been spread through the entire book and no contained in that one spot. And there is some resolution with her grandmother which is surprising! Also there is some heart pounding plot with her aunt by marriage and her dad's brother.
A relatable writing style that I could read again!!
When I realized my ARC was messed up I thought about just DNFing the book and not worrying about getting a new copy... but the WRITING totally caught my attention. It contained a lyrical bent that is the perfect balance of relatable and pretty words for me. When another POV came into the story it felt totally separate from Roans and that is a HARD thing to do! I really need more multiple POVs from Beiko!
Where I Struggled!!
Alternating languishing and hurried pacing...
I enjoyed the book all the way up until 75% and then the book took a left turn into a ditch. I suddenly felt as a writer that the book needed to be rewritten with the new ideas presented after that 75%. And that end was SOOO RUSHED! When a book spends the majority of its pages at a certain pace and then suddenly amps it up to 100 times faster it makes every challenge from that point feel like it a building block easily kicked over. So it was HARD to enjoy Roan's successes. And you suddenly realize that not much relationship was developed with the other characters in that first 75% with all the changes and wins during the last 25%!!
Sudden romantic hints with a questionable character?!
I thought this was going to be a totally romance free book! AND I WAS SO EXCITED!! Then suddenly in the last 25% there it is... crammed into a cranny with the freakiest choice of love interests!! I just couldn't buy it... not so quickly after that battle. The whole relationship felt obligatory because of the role she played in "freeing" him...
An epilogue that steals the ends thunder *facepalm*
So yeah, obviously I WAS NOT a fan of the final 25%... I wanted to like it as much as I loved the rest of the book! I thought it was okay and then I turned to the last couple of pages and we got another sudden and random POV and were told a TWIST! The said twist negates all of the events of the book... UMM WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?! Why would you do all that after spending your blood, sweat and tears writing this action packed story with a beautiful, compelling world?!?!?!?!
As a reader, I enjoyed this book until the end! I don't object to the love interest happening and I would LOVE to see the return of Roan's circle of friends... I ADORE books where family is a mega part of the story. Dun, dun, dun... so I WOULD MOST DEFINITELY read the next book in this series... BEST 3 star book I've read!
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Premise & World Building
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Cover & Title
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Development & Storycraft
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing & Narrative
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Relationships
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Feelings
BOTTOM LINE: Animal centered world fighting some world crushing monsters!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
Roan is an orphan that lives with her odd uncle and her loving aunt. After moving into her comatose grandmother's house she has a crazy interaction due to her infect eyeball and meets a powerful fox spirit named Sil. Marked to be sacrificed to the snake-monster Zabor Roan must gather friends from each of the families before it's too late and the flood waters unleash devastation on the world...
I too struggled with my ARC copy (lines every couple paragraphs were cut off and missing) but I contacted the publisher's marketing department and they sent me a beautiful correctly copy - THANK YOU!! I enjoyed the book!
The cover was decent and I didn't hate the title, its serviceable... what totally drew me in was the blurb! I'm a total fangirl for animals and fantasy mixed... plus toss in an orphan and this book spoke to me!
What I Liked!
Beiko has a talent for creating worlds!!
I was totally captured by the beginning with Roan's infected eye and meeting Sil... then we learn about the world that Roan didn't know was such a MAJOR part of her parent's lives. AND WHAT A WORLD! It's supernatural, it's all around Roan, hidden in plain sight and foxes are only the beginning!!
Diversity rocked the races!!
The world has 5 races and is connected to a set of garden statues that her grandmother gave to her mother... I love when a world within our own is developed and races for that hidden world are created. I loved the odd choice of animals to be those races and each character that represented one of the five was a great embodiment of their race. PLUS Barton was born with a birth defect and is in a wheelchair (loved him!) AND Natti is a large, boned (i.e. fat) girl (loved her!)
Think world killing monsters and supernatural beings!!
This is a subgenre that I enjoy... it verges on being gods and demons but in a more natural and approachable way. The premise of the world incorporates a sort of creation story that explains the mega monsters Roan will have to fight but allows the story to be set in contemporary times. It's a neat back story and supported the plot well.
Family ups and downs!!
So yeah Roan's mom and dad are dead but her grandmother is still alive albeit in a coma. Yet Roan still gets to know what her grandmother through some letters she found... and I actually found this part one if the shining moments in the book!! It was worked in so beautifully I only wish they had been spread through the entire book and no contained in that one spot. And there is some resolution with her grandmother which is surprising! Also there is some heart pounding plot with her aunt by marriage and her dad's brother.
A relatable writing style that I could read again!!
When I realized my ARC was messed up I thought about just DNFing the book and not worrying about getting a new copy... but the WRITING totally caught my attention. It contained a lyrical bent that is the perfect balance of relatable and pretty words for me. When another POV came into the story it felt totally separate from Roans and that is a HARD thing to do! I really need more multiple POVs from Beiko!
Where I Struggled!!
Alternating languishing and hurried pacing...
I enjoyed the book all the way up until 75% and then the book took a left turn into a ditch. I suddenly felt as a writer that the book needed to be rewritten with the new ideas presented after that 75%. And that end was SOOO RUSHED! When a book spends the majority of its pages at a certain pace and then suddenly amps it up to 100 times faster it makes every challenge from that point feel like it a building block easily kicked over. So it was HARD to enjoy Roan's successes. And you suddenly realize that not much relationship was developed with the other characters in that first 75% with all the changes and wins during the last 25%!!
Sudden romantic hints with a questionable character?!
I thought this was going to be a totally romance free book! AND I WAS SO EXCITED!! Then suddenly in the last 25% there it is... crammed into a cranny with the freakiest choice of love interests!! I just couldn't buy it... not so quickly after that battle. The whole relationship felt obligatory because of the role she played in "freeing" him...
An epilogue that steals the ends thunder *facepalm*
So yeah, obviously I WAS NOT a fan of the final 25%... I wanted to like it as much as I loved the rest of the book! I thought it was okay and then I turned to the last couple of pages and we got another sudden and random POV and were told a TWIST! The said twist negates all of the events of the book... UMM WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?! Why would you do all that after spending your blood, sweat and tears writing this action packed story with a beautiful, compelling world?!?!?!?!
As a reader, I enjoyed this book until the end! I don't object to the love interest happening and I would LOVE to see the return of Roan's circle of friends... I ADORE books where family is a mega part of the story. Dun, dun, dun... so I WOULD MOST DEFINITELY read the next book in this series... BEST 3 star book I've read!
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Premise & World Building
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Cover & Title
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Development & Storycraft
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Writing & Narrative
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Relationships
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Feelings
BOTTOM LINE: Animal centered world fighting some world crushing monsters!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
October 28, 2017
This full review can be viewed on my blog along with others at: shesgoingbookcrazy.com
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Let me start out with saying that this book was good, but it was also very strange. The first quarter of it, I had little to no idea what was going on. In fact, I almost DNF'd it, as it was rather grotesque. When the incident happened when a moth popping out of Roan's eye, my stomach did more turning than the pages in that moment.
I've been putting off writing this review for a little while, trying to process what all this book as to offer, or not offer. I must say that it has a bit of both. While its originality is stunning, it almost made it difficult to relate to.
Things I liked:
#1 Their is no doubt that Beiko is masterful when it comes to creating creative worlds. Mixing theology, mysticism, animals, crazy creatures, and people, enabled complex history, depth to characters, unique beliefs, and multiple plot lines to emerge.
#2 There's not an official romance! There may have been a hint of one towards the end of the book, but I didn't pay it much mind because nothing came of it--at least, nothing up until this point.
#3 The diversity among the characters is broad, refreshing, and empowering. The main character Roan has her eye ailment, while another prominent character is wheelchair bound due to having no legs.
#4 If you like complex plots, which I tend to lean towards, this definitely has that.
Things I didn't like:
#1 The beginning fifteen to twenty percent of the book, I was utterly lost. There isn't an easy intro for the main character into this world; she's more-so thrust into it in a rather unpleasant way. So, her confusion as to what was going on, added to my confusion--which didn't help me as the reader at all. Yes, eventually things were explained, but it was perhaps too much in the beginning.
#2 The pacing couldn't figure out which speed it wanted to settle at. Actually, it never really found a rhythm that worked well. The transitions from monotonous to speeding bullet were unexpected and not always welcome.
#3 For how much I liked the creative world, I felt that it could use some more explanation. There is a lot of information to take in while reading this book and sometimes made it difficult to keep up with everything else happening around those vital details.
Overall, I enjoyed this real a lot but also had some issues with it, more so with the pacing variances than anything. It was a solid three-star read, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Vulgarity: I'm pretty sure there was some...Ahh! Now I can't remember for sure!
Sexual content: None.
Violence: Quite a bit, but it wasn't gory.
3 stars.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The world was dreamed into being and kept by the collective consciousness of all those who passed before. We call this consciousness Ancient, for it is the spirit of the universe, and it is older than all of us.
Let me start out with saying that this book was good, but it was also very strange. The first quarter of it, I had little to no idea what was going on. In fact, I almost DNF'd it, as it was rather grotesque. When the incident happened when a moth popping out of Roan's eye, my stomach did more turning than the pages in that moment.
I've been putting off writing this review for a little while, trying to process what all this book as to offer, or not offer. I must say that it has a bit of both. While its originality is stunning, it almost made it difficult to relate to.
"Ancient is the ember from which life sparks, and as each life ends, so it returns to Ancient. And the cycle continues. Ancient exists in all of us, from the smallest stone to the eldest mountain. And there are those of us whom Ancient has touched and allowed to see beyond the physical world and into the spiritual, into the realm of Ancient called the Veil. It is from the Veil that my power comes, and that yours will, too, in time."
Things I liked:
#1 Their is no doubt that Beiko is masterful when it comes to creating creative worlds. Mixing theology, mysticism, animals, crazy creatures, and people, enabled complex history, depth to characters, unique beliefs, and multiple plot lines to emerge.
#2 There's not an official romance! There may have been a hint of one towards the end of the book, but I didn't pay it much mind because nothing came of it--at least, nothing up until this point.
#3 The diversity among the characters is broad, refreshing, and empowering. The main character Roan has her eye ailment, while another prominent character is wheelchair bound due to having no legs.
#4 If you like complex plots, which I tend to lean towards, this definitely has that.
Things I didn't like:
#1 The beginning fifteen to twenty percent of the book, I was utterly lost. There isn't an easy intro for the main character into this world; she's more-so thrust into it in a rather unpleasant way. So, her confusion as to what was going on, added to my confusion--which didn't help me as the reader at all. Yes, eventually things were explained, but it was perhaps too much in the beginning.
#2 The pacing couldn't figure out which speed it wanted to settle at. Actually, it never really found a rhythm that worked well. The transitions from monotonous to speeding bullet were unexpected and not always welcome.
#3 For how much I liked the creative world, I felt that it could use some more explanation. There is a lot of information to take in while reading this book and sometimes made it difficult to keep up with everything else happening around those vital details.
Overall, I enjoyed this real a lot but also had some issues with it, more so with the pacing variances than anything. It was a solid three-star read, and I'm looking forward to the sequel.
Vulgarity: I'm pretty sure there was some...Ahh! Now I can't remember for sure!
Sexual content: None.
Violence: Quite a bit, but it wasn't gory.
3 stars.
September 26, 2019
Mysterious and magical, Scion of the Fox was a compelling tale filled with danger, demons, and possible world destruction. At the center of it all is a regular girl who’s regular life is turned upside down when she’s tasked with potentially saving the world.
Roan Harken is just your average high school student, counting down the days until graduation and doing her best to blend in. Although that’s a little difficult when you’re convinced that everyone around you thinks you’re the “weird girl”. In Roan’s defense, her life is a little strange, considering she has an eye infection that’s lingered for over a decade, she lives in her comatose grandma’s house with her aunt and uncle at the behest of said comatose grandma (who also lives in the house while comatose), parents who died under mysterious circumstances, and a stone fox in the garden that Roan is convinced has been watching her. At least her best friend doesn’t think she’s weird, which is always the best quality to look for in a best friend. Roan’s strange life gets even stranger when she’s followed by an actual real fox who decides that wherever Roan goes, it will also go. Little does Roan know that said fox is about to upend her already strange life by changing everything she’s ever known and pulling her into something deep, dark, and exceptionally dangerous.
Scion of the Fox was such an interesting and immersive read from almost the very first page. Roan’s life was indeed very strange, and if that wasn’t compelling enough, her strange life is entwined with such a fascinating mythology that was truly inventive. Earth magic, animals families, denizens — all have ancients roots and are tied to both creation and destruction, and all are prominent players in the balance of the world. The mythology was hands-down my favorite aspect with the characters coming in at a very close second.
The characters were so dimensional and varied, and such an interesting story all by themselves. Each one had a backstory and a history that added such depth to this book, and I don’t think there were any I truly disliked (the exception being the one who was definitely worthy of all the scorn. But the ending does tell of perhaps a little bit of redemption concerning said character, and I do love me a reformed villain. Or in this case, a *possibly* reformed villain.) Another important element is the value placed on friendship in this novel. Beiko highlights the incredible bond between friends, and I loved that Roan and Phae not only shared that bond, but their friendship was positive, uplifting, and supportive.
All told, I’m really glad I stumbled on this series (or, more appropriately, the publisher pointed me in the direction of it, and I’m incredibly grateful.) Highly recommended. I enjoyed every aspect of Scion of the Fox and I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out for Roan and Eli in the next installment, Children of the Bloodlands.
*Many thanks to ECW Press for providing a free copy for review purposes.
Roan Harken is just your average high school student, counting down the days until graduation and doing her best to blend in. Although that’s a little difficult when you’re convinced that everyone around you thinks you’re the “weird girl”. In Roan’s defense, her life is a little strange, considering she has an eye infection that’s lingered for over a decade, she lives in her comatose grandma’s house with her aunt and uncle at the behest of said comatose grandma (who also lives in the house while comatose), parents who died under mysterious circumstances, and a stone fox in the garden that Roan is convinced has been watching her. At least her best friend doesn’t think she’s weird, which is always the best quality to look for in a best friend. Roan’s strange life gets even stranger when she’s followed by an actual real fox who decides that wherever Roan goes, it will also go. Little does Roan know that said fox is about to upend her already strange life by changing everything she’s ever known and pulling her into something deep, dark, and exceptionally dangerous.
Scion of the Fox was such an interesting and immersive read from almost the very first page. Roan’s life was indeed very strange, and if that wasn’t compelling enough, her strange life is entwined with such a fascinating mythology that was truly inventive. Earth magic, animals families, denizens — all have ancients roots and are tied to both creation and destruction, and all are prominent players in the balance of the world. The mythology was hands-down my favorite aspect with the characters coming in at a very close second.
The characters were so dimensional and varied, and such an interesting story all by themselves. Each one had a backstory and a history that added such depth to this book, and I don’t think there were any I truly disliked (the exception being the one who was definitely worthy of all the scorn. But the ending does tell of perhaps a little bit of redemption concerning said character, and I do love me a reformed villain. Or in this case, a *possibly* reformed villain.) Another important element is the value placed on friendship in this novel. Beiko highlights the incredible bond between friends, and I loved that Roan and Phae not only shared that bond, but their friendship was positive, uplifting, and supportive.
All told, I’m really glad I stumbled on this series (or, more appropriately, the publisher pointed me in the direction of it, and I’m incredibly grateful.) Highly recommended. I enjoyed every aspect of Scion of the Fox and I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out for Roan and Eli in the next installment, Children of the Bloodlands.
*Many thanks to ECW Press for providing a free copy for review purposes.
June 19, 2017
4.5/5.
Scion of the Fox is an innovative, compelling read. Roan was very relatable, and helped to draw me in to this world. Accompanying her was a series of lovable (and not so lovable) characters, all of which helped to give this book a personality of it's own. But what captured me the most was the world building, which was filled with animals, politics and an exploration of the spirit world. There were some moments where small things felt drawn out, but, for the most part, this was an exciting fantasy read. I usually avoid YA fantasy, however, would highly recommend this novel!
Scion of the Fox is an innovative, compelling read. Roan was very relatable, and helped to draw me in to this world. Accompanying her was a series of lovable (and not so lovable) characters, all of which helped to give this book a personality of it's own. But what captured me the most was the world building, which was filled with animals, politics and an exploration of the spirit world. There were some moments where small things felt drawn out, but, for the most part, this was an exciting fantasy read. I usually avoid YA fantasy, however, would highly recommend this novel!
May 18, 2019
I'm having a hard time putting together a coherent written review so instead I'll just link my review video when it comes out
February 21, 2024
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This book is set in the modern-day world, but one steeped in ancient mythology and fantastical magical creatures. It’s an exciting combination!
What Fed My Addiction:
The worldbuilding.
The basis of this world is that there are some people who have animal spirits and magic (at least, that’s the best way I can describe it). There are five of them: foxes, rabbits, deer, owls and seals. Each type of animal has its own qualities and magic, and the people who embody each animal seem to be racially distinct. I recognize the fox (with nine tails) from some Asian folklore, but I honestly don’t know if all of the animals have these origins or not. (I felt like many of the other spirits, demons, etc may have had a background in Asian lore as well, but I confess to being mostly ignorant of the details—though the comparison in the blurb to Princess Mononoke makes me suspect even more that there’s a connection) Regardless, I thought that Beiko did a fabulous job creating a fantasy world that overlaps with our own and making it come alive!
Diversity!
Not only were many of the characters racially diverse, but one of the main characters has no legs, and he’s in a wheelchair.
Paranormal monsters with bite.
The book starts out with an incredibly intriguing scene (and a dead body), so I was invested right from the start. When the paranormal action starts… it’s pretty crazy. Seriously, yikes! Again, I thought that Beiko did a fantastic job of creating monsters (or, maybe, ancient spirits) that felt real and seriously deadly. I would not have wanted to be in Roan’s shoes.
Twists and turns.
There were a few of them that I didn’t see coming!
No romance.
(But possible hints of one to come?) Roan is too busy saving the world to indulge in a love life (though there is a tiny romantic subplot between other characters). There are a few little hints that there might be a romance in future books, but nothing is jumped into, and that was just fine with me.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Pacing.
I felt like this book started out really strong, and then there was a bit of a lull in the middle, and then the pace and the action picked way up in the end.
Set up for future books.
This book could almost have been a standalone, but then at the very end something is thrown in that pretty much negates the entire first book, and I questioned it a bit. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be eager to find out what happens!
This book is a blend of fantasy, mythology and reality that makes you want even more! I give it 4/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This book is set in the modern-day world, but one steeped in ancient mythology and fantastical magical creatures. It’s an exciting combination!
What Fed My Addiction:
The worldbuilding.
The basis of this world is that there are some people who have animal spirits and magic (at least, that’s the best way I can describe it). There are five of them: foxes, rabbits, deer, owls and seals. Each type of animal has its own qualities and magic, and the people who embody each animal seem to be racially distinct. I recognize the fox (with nine tails) from some Asian folklore, but I honestly don’t know if all of the animals have these origins or not. (I felt like many of the other spirits, demons, etc may have had a background in Asian lore as well, but I confess to being mostly ignorant of the details—though the comparison in the blurb to Princess Mononoke makes me suspect even more that there’s a connection) Regardless, I thought that Beiko did a fabulous job creating a fantasy world that overlaps with our own and making it come alive!
Diversity!
Not only were many of the characters racially diverse, but one of the main characters has no legs, and he’s in a wheelchair.
Paranormal monsters with bite.
The book starts out with an incredibly intriguing scene (and a dead body), so I was invested right from the start. When the paranormal action starts… it’s pretty crazy. Seriously, yikes! Again, I thought that Beiko did a fantastic job of creating monsters (or, maybe, ancient spirits) that felt real and seriously deadly. I would not have wanted to be in Roan’s shoes.
Twists and turns.
There were a few of them that I didn’t see coming!
No romance.
(But possible hints of one to come?) Roan is too busy saving the world to indulge in a love life (though there is a tiny romantic subplot between other characters). There are a few little hints that there might be a romance in future books, but nothing is jumped into, and that was just fine with me.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Pacing.
I felt like this book started out really strong, and then there was a bit of a lull in the middle, and then the pace and the action picked way up in the end.
Set up for future books.
This book could almost have been a standalone, but then at the very end something is thrown in that pretty much negates the entire first book, and I questioned it a bit. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be eager to find out what happens!
This book is a blend of fantasy, mythology and reality that makes you want even more! I give it 4/5 Stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
April 25, 2018
I did not enjoy this book at all. I did not like the main character one bit and found the story to be weird and the dialogue bland. The magic is this book is not properly explained and the common enemy very vague. I will not read the next instalment and will not recommend this book. 1 star for the beautiful misleading cover.
October 16, 2017
I received a free e-copy of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Publisher!
4/5 Stars
First of all, let me begin by saying that the book is beautifully written and the world which S.M. Beiko creates. It indeed reminded me of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke. The diversity of the world was also incredible, including a disabled character.
The story follows Roan, an orphaned girl, who develops a nervous condition after their death – mainly that she rubs her eye too much and needs to wear an eye patch. Years later, Roan is spirited away by a Fox, Sil, where she learns that she must overcome the snake monster Zabor with the help of others. Pretty cool so far. The world is magical, the writing is beautiful. My only deterrent is that I would have liked Roan to be more of a bad-ass. Do not get me wrong, her character development is there and very well done, it’s just that sometimes I really rooting for her…but nothing. My other complaint about the book is that the ending of it made very little sense…it was as if the author negated everything else that happened. I still do not know how I feel about the last 30% of the book. However, that being said, I really would like to find out what happens next and will def pick up the next book.
I just really hope that the publisher irons out all the kinks in the ebook because a lot of the book was cut out. I was lucky enough where Edelweiss took care of the problem, but the pub really needs to make sure it doesn’t happen to readers who are purchasing the novel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Niel Gaiman and Hayao Miyazaki, loves animal adventures and really unique worlds. This book really felt like the old fairy tales being given new life.
4/5 Stars
First of all, let me begin by saying that the book is beautifully written and the world which S.M. Beiko creates. It indeed reminded me of Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke. The diversity of the world was also incredible, including a disabled character.
The story follows Roan, an orphaned girl, who develops a nervous condition after their death – mainly that she rubs her eye too much and needs to wear an eye patch. Years later, Roan is spirited away by a Fox, Sil, where she learns that she must overcome the snake monster Zabor with the help of others. Pretty cool so far. The world is magical, the writing is beautiful. My only deterrent is that I would have liked Roan to be more of a bad-ass. Do not get me wrong, her character development is there and very well done, it’s just that sometimes I really rooting for her…but nothing. My other complaint about the book is that the ending of it made very little sense…it was as if the author negated everything else that happened. I still do not know how I feel about the last 30% of the book. However, that being said, I really would like to find out what happens next and will def pick up the next book.
I just really hope that the publisher irons out all the kinks in the ebook because a lot of the book was cut out. I was lucky enough where Edelweiss took care of the problem, but the pub really needs to make sure it doesn’t happen to readers who are purchasing the novel.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Niel Gaiman and Hayao Miyazaki, loves animal adventures and really unique worlds. This book really felt like the old fairy tales being given new life.
March 8, 2020
3.5
A very surprising but enjoyable story, rich in myth, magic and action! Well... maybe the action was too non-stop for me, messing with the pace of an otherwise solid story, but I am definitely going to read the continuation of this series!
A very surprising but enjoyable story, rich in myth, magic and action! Well... maybe the action was too non-stop for me, messing with the pace of an otherwise solid story, but I am definitely going to read the continuation of this series!
August 2, 2020
Anything animal centered gets me!
I think the audiobook made me rate it lower so I think i will have to reread it as it seems to be such a complex and fun world the author created!
It was magical, mysterious, filled with demons and a possible very bad future...
I loved how everything was balanced in this book: strange but compelling, new and old, earth magic and animal magic, destruction and creation, you had all the backstory you needed to understand everything and more, you had detail when needed...
I'm looking forward to the sequel
I think the audiobook made me rate it lower so I think i will have to reread it as it seems to be such a complex and fun world the author created!
It was magical, mysterious, filled with demons and a possible very bad future...
I loved how everything was balanced in this book: strange but compelling, new and old, earth magic and animal magic, destruction and creation, you had all the backstory you needed to understand everything and more, you had detail when needed...
I'm looking forward to the sequel
August 19, 2017
Just loved the book. The setting, the characters- finally a YA read with no roomance <3 Wonderful mix of japanese myths and paranormal fantasy. The ARC was extremely hard to read, though, that's why I gave 4 stars. I really liked the book but I think I would have loved it if the ARC hadn't been so bad.
November 7, 2017
Edit #2:
I gave this book 4 stars. Scion of the Fox was unexpected. after trying to read the eARC and having an impossible time doing so, I didn’t have very high hopes for the rest of it. However, the author completely turned that around. I loved this book. It was full of complex characters and the thickest of plots, and a relationship that I’m not sure will ever even happen, but I’m really excited for.
I was kind of stupid and I read someone else’s review before finishing this book. I know, that’s the number 1 no no for book reviewing, but I was looking for something specific (I didn’t find it), but I am happy to report that I didn’t actually agree with this other review of the book. That review was a bit negative, especially about the ending of the book. I however think it ended on a good note. It was left a bit open ended because this is going to be a series and the epilogue was there to get you even more excited for the next book in the series.
Roan was a character that I needed a bit of getting used to, but once that was all said and done with I grew to love her as a character. She wasn’t annoying or overly rude. She had no sense of entitlement or whiny at all. I genuinely liked her as a character. Reading the first chapter snippet of the second book at the end of this book, it doesn’t seem like she’ll be in it, or she may come in later. It really isn’t clear as of yet, but I really hope she is in the next one because I don’t think I’m done with her quite yet.
I like the dynamic going on between Roan and Eli. They spent most of the book hating each other and fighting, not just in the “I like you so I’m going to pick on you” kind of way, I mean the “I’m going to actively try to murder you” kind of way. They have something going on and I am here for it. I could see something possibly happening. Possibly. I would really like it if it did.
What I loved was that it was set in Canada. I find that most books are set in the U.S. and reference a lot of things only Americans are very familiar with such as historical events that are smaller than full-blown wars. It was nice to actually understand what was being referenced for once, such as Red River. Not enough books are set in Canada and usually if they are they take place in Toronto or just Ontario in general. It’s a bit annoying, so this book was very refreshing.
Edit: I have an actual finished copy now and will hopefully get to it soon and actually have a good review.
DNF at 20%
I received an ARC through Netgalley
This is the first time this has ever happened to me, but I found the formatting of the ARC to be so unbearable that I just couldn't read it anymore. Whole sentences and possibly paragraphs would be cut off in the middle and I just couldn't get a proper grasp of what was happening at times that I don't feel that I can give this book a proper review given that terrible ARC. So I won't rate it this one. I might eventually read a finished copy and hopefully get up a useful review, but I don't think I can do that with this copy.
I gave this book 4 stars. Scion of the Fox was unexpected. after trying to read the eARC and having an impossible time doing so, I didn’t have very high hopes for the rest of it. However, the author completely turned that around. I loved this book. It was full of complex characters and the thickest of plots, and a relationship that I’m not sure will ever even happen, but I’m really excited for.
I was kind of stupid and I read someone else’s review before finishing this book. I know, that’s the number 1 no no for book reviewing, but I was looking for something specific (I didn’t find it), but I am happy to report that I didn’t actually agree with this other review of the book. That review was a bit negative, especially about the ending of the book. I however think it ended on a good note. It was left a bit open ended because this is going to be a series and the epilogue was there to get you even more excited for the next book in the series.
Roan was a character that I needed a bit of getting used to, but once that was all said and done with I grew to love her as a character. She wasn’t annoying or overly rude. She had no sense of entitlement or whiny at all. I genuinely liked her as a character. Reading the first chapter snippet of the second book at the end of this book, it doesn’t seem like she’ll be in it, or she may come in later. It really isn’t clear as of yet, but I really hope she is in the next one because I don’t think I’m done with her quite yet.
I like the dynamic going on between Roan and Eli. They spent most of the book hating each other and fighting, not just in the “I like you so I’m going to pick on you” kind of way, I mean the “I’m going to actively try to murder you” kind of way. They have something going on and I am here for it. I could see something possibly happening. Possibly. I would really like it if it did.
What I loved was that it was set in Canada. I find that most books are set in the U.S. and reference a lot of things only Americans are very familiar with such as historical events that are smaller than full-blown wars. It was nice to actually understand what was being referenced for once, such as Red River. Not enough books are set in Canada and usually if they are they take place in Toronto or just Ontario in general. It’s a bit annoying, so this book was very refreshing.
Edit: I have an actual finished copy now and will hopefully get to it soon and actually have a good review.
DNF at 20%
I received an ARC through Netgalley
This is the first time this has ever happened to me, but I found the formatting of the ARC to be so unbearable that I just couldn't read it anymore. Whole sentences and possibly paragraphs would be cut off in the middle and I just couldn't get a proper grasp of what was happening at times that I don't feel that I can give this book a proper review given that terrible ARC. So I won't rate it this one. I might eventually read a finished copy and hopefully get up a useful review, but I don't think I can do that with this copy.
October 22, 2017
Scion of the Fox caught my attention as soon as I saw that it was blurbed by Kelley Armstrong, one of my favorite YA authors. If Kelley liked it then I was definitely going to like it - or at least that's what I hoped (and prayed). As it turns out, Scion of the Fox was a great series opener. Unique, compelling, and delightfully creep, Scion of the Fox ended up being the perfect way to spend an October evening.
Scion of the Fox introduces us to Roan Harken. Roan has always stayed under the radar at her high school, and that's exactly how she likes it. She doesn't want people talking about the weirdness of eye or her parent's tragic (and possibly self-inflicted) deaths. However, everything changes the minute the stone fox in her year transforms into an actual fox....and just in time, to save Roan from immense, life threatening danger. The fox, named Sil, informs Ronan that she posses a huge amount of power - a power that threatens her life AND makes her potential savor.
Roan was an interesting main character. She was very blasé (I guess you would say) about everything - she was a more of a go with flow quietly kind-of-girl - but as more and more power and responsibility were thrown her way, Ronan begins to get comfortable in her shoes, taking her new powers in stride, knowing full aware that she needs to use them for good. As the book progressed, I liked Roan, but I never felt a real connection to her for some reason, unfortunately. There was just something about her that didn't click for me, but as with all characters, sometimes you get that connection and sometimes you just don't. I will say, though, that I loved her friendship with Sil. Sil was a funny, bull-headed little Fox, always helping Roan see the real picture.
The plot in this was interesting albeit slightly weird. The owls versus fox dilemma was unique, and I thought S.M. Beiko did a decent job of fleshing it out through not only Roan's POV but the POVs of others involved on both sides. It made the story well rounded. I also liked the setting. The coldness of winter added to the "scary" and "thrilling" factors, making it all the more enjoyable for a mid-Ocotber read.
In all, Scion of the Fox was a decent debut! I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Grade: B
Scion of the Fox introduces us to Roan Harken. Roan has always stayed under the radar at her high school, and that's exactly how she likes it. She doesn't want people talking about the weirdness of eye or her parent's tragic (and possibly self-inflicted) deaths. However, everything changes the minute the stone fox in her year transforms into an actual fox....and just in time, to save Roan from immense, life threatening danger. The fox, named Sil, informs Ronan that she posses a huge amount of power - a power that threatens her life AND makes her potential savor.
Roan was an interesting main character. She was very blasé (I guess you would say) about everything - she was a more of a go with flow quietly kind-of-girl - but as more and more power and responsibility were thrown her way, Ronan begins to get comfortable in her shoes, taking her new powers in stride, knowing full aware that she needs to use them for good. As the book progressed, I liked Roan, but I never felt a real connection to her for some reason, unfortunately. There was just something about her that didn't click for me, but as with all characters, sometimes you get that connection and sometimes you just don't. I will say, though, that I loved her friendship with Sil. Sil was a funny, bull-headed little Fox, always helping Roan see the real picture.
The plot in this was interesting albeit slightly weird. The owls versus fox dilemma was unique, and I thought S.M. Beiko did a decent job of fleshing it out through not only Roan's POV but the POVs of others involved on both sides. It made the story well rounded. I also liked the setting. The coldness of winter added to the "scary" and "thrilling" factors, making it all the more enjoyable for a mid-Ocotber read.
In all, Scion of the Fox was a decent debut! I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Grade: B
October 11, 2017
Scion of the Fox is the first book in the Realms of Ancients series. It follows Roan, a high schooler with an incredible family history waiting to be discovered. When she is attacked and almost sacrificed to a river monster, she starts to learn that things in Winnipeg are not as they might appear. There are ancient families that have animal counterparts and they must offer up their children, 1 every year, to the darkling in the river so that they are not flooded.
So what can you expect? The is a lot of world building in this book so the plot takes a little while to pick up, but once you are in it, you are in it for the long haul. Beiko does a good job giving the reader just enough information to keep them hooked while leaving enough out to have the story progress. I found the pacing a little slow in the first half but I flew through the second half.
I liked the characters, they were different and interesting, but also all had issues and were trying to overcome them in their own ways, or in some cases not at all. I liked that Roan was able to grow through this experience at least a little.
As for the overall plot, it was very interesting. I liked the idea of this monster living here on earth and just going unseen by so many. I liked the alternate beings the Human/Animal mash-ups. I think that some of the big-hitting twists were very obvious from the beginning and while I enjoy when I can figure those things out, it does leave a bit to be desired in the end.
So in the end I enjoyed this book quite a bit, it was a lot of information and world building in one book, so I am interested to see how the next in the series are written, will there be more action now that the playing field is out there? I am curious. I think that teen readers that enjoy fantasy will enjoy this one.
So what can you expect? The is a lot of world building in this book so the plot takes a little while to pick up, but once you are in it, you are in it for the long haul. Beiko does a good job giving the reader just enough information to keep them hooked while leaving enough out to have the story progress. I found the pacing a little slow in the first half but I flew through the second half.
I liked the characters, they were different and interesting, but also all had issues and were trying to overcome them in their own ways, or in some cases not at all. I liked that Roan was able to grow through this experience at least a little.
As for the overall plot, it was very interesting. I liked the idea of this monster living here on earth and just going unseen by so many. I liked the alternate beings the Human/Animal mash-ups. I think that some of the big-hitting twists were very obvious from the beginning and while I enjoy when I can figure those things out, it does leave a bit to be desired in the end.
So in the end I enjoyed this book quite a bit, it was a lot of information and world building in one book, so I am interested to see how the next in the series are written, will there be more action now that the playing field is out there? I am curious. I think that teen readers that enjoy fantasy will enjoy this one.
March 24, 2018
Okay. I normally write pretty fair, balanced reviews, I think.
This isn't going to be one of them. If you don't want to listen to me gush for like, seven paragraphs, you're probably better off finding a different review.
SCION OF THE FOX IS AMAZING. Scion of the Fox is PEAK Canadian YA Fantasy. S.M. Bieko is a goddess among women and we should all consider ourselves lucky she's picked up a pen. Okay? Okay. FIRST of all, let's talk about the setting. How many times have I picked up a book by a Canadian author, been excited, and then realized the setting is in Europe or the US even though it has no bearing on the plot? Why not set it in Canada, then? Bieko goes so far in the other direction, it's amazing. Scion of the Fox is set in Winnipeg, and its setting is CRUCIAL to the plot. She works the city's unhappy relationship with devastating floods into the book, and gives it a supernatural element, no less. Bless you, Bieko, for making Canada cool, important, integral, for letting it shine and for loving it enough to make it the very lifeblood of your plot. There is no ignoring that Winnipeg is the setting, because she makes sure that she works in key details, important description, and historical pieces that make it clear that she wouldn't have, maybe couldn't have, set it anywhere else.
Moving on to characters. Our main character is Roan. She's fantastic. She's plucky, sarcastic, fallible, devoted to her friends, a careful and realistic balance of weak and strong. She isn't described as ridiculously gorgeous, or even gorgeous but insecure - Bieko describes her body as soft, awkward, maybe a bit heavy (like her mother!), her face is unremarkable by her own standards but also by those of other characters, she's what we've all been looking for in YA. She's a real teenager, with flaws, with average looks, with quirks. She's everything I've ever hoped for in a female protagonist. I loved her moments of weakness, her moments of wanting to give up, of regret. When we talk about strong female characters, Roan should be our strongest example. She's well-written, she's balanced. She'd not charging into battle and decimating everybody and being touted as strong because of her physical abilities. She's interesting, capable, nuanced, occasionally abrasive.
The supporting cast is just as fantastic. Bieko does not fuck around with diversity. There are four teenagers working together in this book. We first meet Roan's best friend, Phae, a pretty East-Indian girl whose cultural background isn't just hinted at. She's straightforward and clever and full of compassion and empathy. There's also Barton, a black boy who uses a wheelchair, who is athletic, intelligent, insecure but determined. And Natti, an Inuit girl who does not fuck around. She's no-nonsense, a hard worker, tender, and patient. Bieko takes care to ensure they all are full, complete characters, with strengths and weaknesses, with quirks, personalities, hopes and dreams that extend beyond the main thrust of the plot. A+ over here. The addition of Sil, Deedee, Arnas, and Barton's parents provide for a likeable framework of adults and guides. Even the villains are SUPER COOL, and there is nuance even here when we consider what makes a villain - the Owls are the most interesting of her "clans" by far.
Having mentioned the plot, let's talk about that. It's fresh, unique, interesting. It ties in some classic fantasy tropes with folklore and myth, working hand in hand to create an impossibly readable world, one in which you wish you could take part. It's exposed in a careful manner, avoiding too many "info dumps" so the reader stays engaged and so the plot moves along. I did feel like it dragged juuuust a bit at times, but I think that actually had more to do with the very long chapters than it did anything else. I personally felt like it would have been better served by breaking the chapters up and tightening up the transitions, because the pacing would have evened out a little bit. HOWEVER, I loved how imaginative and creative Scion of the Fox was. I loved the resistance to falling into traditional fantasy tropes, the self-awareness when it does, and the determination to include modern cultural markers rather than acting as though the book exists in a culture void, which I find frustrating although I understand the impulse.
In short, read it. Read it yesterday. I can't wait for the sequel.
This isn't going to be one of them. If you don't want to listen to me gush for like, seven paragraphs, you're probably better off finding a different review.
SCION OF THE FOX IS AMAZING. Scion of the Fox is PEAK Canadian YA Fantasy. S.M. Bieko is a goddess among women and we should all consider ourselves lucky she's picked up a pen. Okay? Okay. FIRST of all, let's talk about the setting. How many times have I picked up a book by a Canadian author, been excited, and then realized the setting is in Europe or the US even though it has no bearing on the plot? Why not set it in Canada, then? Bieko goes so far in the other direction, it's amazing. Scion of the Fox is set in Winnipeg, and its setting is CRUCIAL to the plot. She works the city's unhappy relationship with devastating floods into the book, and gives it a supernatural element, no less. Bless you, Bieko, for making Canada cool, important, integral, for letting it shine and for loving it enough to make it the very lifeblood of your plot. There is no ignoring that Winnipeg is the setting, because she makes sure that she works in key details, important description, and historical pieces that make it clear that she wouldn't have, maybe couldn't have, set it anywhere else.
Moving on to characters. Our main character is Roan. She's fantastic. She's plucky, sarcastic, fallible, devoted to her friends, a careful and realistic balance of weak and strong. She isn't described as ridiculously gorgeous, or even gorgeous but insecure - Bieko describes her body as soft, awkward, maybe a bit heavy (like her mother!), her face is unremarkable by her own standards but also by those of other characters, she's what we've all been looking for in YA. She's a real teenager, with flaws, with average looks, with quirks. She's everything I've ever hoped for in a female protagonist. I loved her moments of weakness, her moments of wanting to give up, of regret. When we talk about strong female characters, Roan should be our strongest example. She's well-written, she's balanced. She'd not charging into battle and decimating everybody and being touted as strong because of her physical abilities. She's interesting, capable, nuanced, occasionally abrasive.
The supporting cast is just as fantastic. Bieko does not fuck around with diversity. There are four teenagers working together in this book. We first meet Roan's best friend, Phae, a pretty East-Indian girl whose cultural background isn't just hinted at. She's straightforward and clever and full of compassion and empathy. There's also Barton, a black boy who uses a wheelchair, who is athletic, intelligent, insecure but determined. And Natti, an Inuit girl who does not fuck around. She's no-nonsense, a hard worker, tender, and patient. Bieko takes care to ensure they all are full, complete characters, with strengths and weaknesses, with quirks, personalities, hopes and dreams that extend beyond the main thrust of the plot. A+ over here. The addition of Sil, Deedee, Arnas, and Barton's parents provide for a likeable framework of adults and guides. Even the villains are SUPER COOL, and there is nuance even here when we consider what makes a villain - the Owls are the most interesting of her "clans" by far.
Having mentioned the plot, let's talk about that. It's fresh, unique, interesting. It ties in some classic fantasy tropes with folklore and myth, working hand in hand to create an impossibly readable world, one in which you wish you could take part. It's exposed in a careful manner, avoiding too many "info dumps" so the reader stays engaged and so the plot moves along. I did feel like it dragged juuuust a bit at times, but I think that actually had more to do with the very long chapters than it did anything else. I personally felt like it would have been better served by breaking the chapters up and tightening up the transitions, because the pacing would have evened out a little bit. HOWEVER, I loved how imaginative and creative Scion of the Fox was. I loved the resistance to falling into traditional fantasy tropes, the self-awareness when it does, and the determination to include modern cultural markers rather than acting as though the book exists in a culture void, which I find frustrating although I understand the impulse.
In short, read it. Read it yesterday. I can't wait for the sequel.
October 10, 2018
I wasn’t sure I would like this as it was based in Winnipeg (for some reason I tend to find most Canadian set movies and books lame), but I loved the mythology in this. It was really neat!
May 25, 2017
https://koeur.wordpress.com/2017/05/2...
Publisher: ECW
Publishing Date: October 2017
ISBN: 9781770413573
Genre: Fantasy/YA
Rating: 3.4/5
Publishers Description: Roan Harken considers herself a typical high school student — dead parents, an infected eyeball, and living in the house of her estranged, currently comatose grandmother (well, maybe not so typical) — but she’s uncovering the depth of the secrets her family left behind. Saved from the grasp of Death itself by a powerful fox spirit named Sil, Roan must harness mysterious ancient power . . . and quickly.
Review: This was a pretty good YA fantasy novel of which I am usually averse to reading. The writing style captured my attention in a big way. It flows (when allowed to) in comfortable fashion where everything evolves in a synchronous dance.
*Rant On* It is too bad that the first AND second run ARC were so miserably fuked up with sentences and paragraphs gone missing on every page. I asked the publisher to send a better corrected copy and they said “tough shjt”. Nah, they were nice about telling me to fukoff. There is so much missing from the story line as to render some areas nonsensical. Perhaps the author might be better served with a competent publisher as these ARC’s often define subsequent sales due to early reviews. *Rant Off* .
Roan never devolves into a mewling, whiney little, love-struck dipshjt and that is a very good thing as the characterization wins the day for this novel. The cast is as diverse as it is interesting and never fails to deliver the desired emotional intent. While the story line seems fairly simple and straightforward it is mired in complexity rendered in elegant fashion. Almost as if what you’re reading is wholly acceptable in the normal course of daily life. Animal denizens that have hidden forms and intent, frozen demons under the river and Roan’s slow discovery of an inner power are just a few examples of what awaits.
While I was sold a bill of goods by the publisher trying to get some resolution on a corrected copy, I made do with what was given and believe me, it was really hard to piece this novel together. You can only move on with a truncated story line when entire paragraphs are missing (or so I surmised). A solid 4 stars, completed…..I think.
Publisher: ECW
Publishing Date: October 2017
ISBN: 9781770413573
Genre: Fantasy/YA
Rating: 3.4/5
Publishers Description: Roan Harken considers herself a typical high school student — dead parents, an infected eyeball, and living in the house of her estranged, currently comatose grandmother (well, maybe not so typical) — but she’s uncovering the depth of the secrets her family left behind. Saved from the grasp of Death itself by a powerful fox spirit named Sil, Roan must harness mysterious ancient power . . . and quickly.
Review: This was a pretty good YA fantasy novel of which I am usually averse to reading. The writing style captured my attention in a big way. It flows (when allowed to) in comfortable fashion where everything evolves in a synchronous dance.
*Rant On* It is too bad that the first AND second run ARC were so miserably fuked up with sentences and paragraphs gone missing on every page. I asked the publisher to send a better corrected copy and they said “tough shjt”. Nah, they were nice about telling me to fukoff. There is so much missing from the story line as to render some areas nonsensical. Perhaps the author might be better served with a competent publisher as these ARC’s often define subsequent sales due to early reviews. *Rant Off* .
Roan never devolves into a mewling, whiney little, love-struck dipshjt and that is a very good thing as the characterization wins the day for this novel. The cast is as diverse as it is interesting and never fails to deliver the desired emotional intent. While the story line seems fairly simple and straightforward it is mired in complexity rendered in elegant fashion. Almost as if what you’re reading is wholly acceptable in the normal course of daily life. Animal denizens that have hidden forms and intent, frozen demons under the river and Roan’s slow discovery of an inner power are just a few examples of what awaits.
While I was sold a bill of goods by the publisher trying to get some resolution on a corrected copy, I made do with what was given and believe me, it was really hard to piece this novel together. You can only move on with a truncated story line when entire paragraphs are missing (or so I surmised). A solid 4 stars, completed…..I think.
January 5, 2018
I was first attracted to this book because of the fox. With the possible exception of the cat, the fox is my favorite animal and I loved reading books where they feature (and there aren't that many, honestly) Soon I was thrown into Roan's world, and at first I thought the rollercoaster ride was great! Action, action, action! But then I realized that 400 pages of breakneck pace was going to be too much, and I just wanted an end to it. I put it down to poor pacing? But also, there are so many prophecy aspects that need to be filled until random characters are poked into place like jigsaw pieces.
Speaking of the magic, the world building is immense and also kind of crazy. Every five seconds we were introduced to something new, and then with the fast pace, never got used to it before something else happened. This book exhausts me.
But there is still a solid premise here, and I did enjoy the emerging friendships, and what I could understand of the magic. I loved Sil, and I imagine most people will too. The ending has some real potential too. While I'm not going around raving about this one, it was good and maybe others will enjoy it more than I did. Three stars.
Speaking of the magic, the world building is immense and also kind of crazy. Every five seconds we were introduced to something new, and then with the fast pace, never got used to it before something else happened. This book exhausts me.
But there is still a solid premise here, and I did enjoy the emerging friendships, and what I could understand of the magic. I loved Sil, and I imagine most people will too. The ending has some real potential too. While I'm not going around raving about this one, it was good and maybe others will enjoy it more than I did. Three stars.
July 18, 2021
I received this book as a Christmas gift from my sister, who knows the author! My signed copies include adorable doodles of a fox and owl hand drawn by Beiko. I was told I got the last hardcover copies she had in stock, and I am thrilled! :D Thanks Beiko, for the love. I love your book covers <3
REVIEW
I enjoyed this book for many reasons, but I especially loved the Manitoba references. It was nice picturing Red River and Osborne, plus hearing about the 1997 Flood of the Century.
Then having it all tie together into a cool native-esque/animal totem fantasy world? What? Beiko's world building was subtle, but powerful. She's also really good at writing action/violent scenes, and I love the "chosen family" trope in this series. My favourite characters were Sil and Eli, for sure.
The main character was annoying most of the time (all the time), and sometimes I felt like Beiko repeated herself a lot, with cliché phrases and unnecessary information (unable to trust her reader, telling instead of showing, etc) which were major turn offs for me.
REVIEW
I enjoyed this book for many reasons, but I especially loved the Manitoba references. It was nice picturing Red River and Osborne, plus hearing about the 1997 Flood of the Century.
Then having it all tie together into a cool native-esque/animal totem fantasy world? What? Beiko's world building was subtle, but powerful. She's also really good at writing action/violent scenes, and I love the "chosen family" trope in this series. My favourite characters were Sil and Eli, for sure.
The main character was annoying most of the time (all the time), and sometimes I felt like Beiko repeated herself a lot, with cliché phrases and unnecessary information (unable to trust her reader, telling instead of showing, etc) which were major turn offs for me.
June 25, 2017
There is so much happening in this book. I was excited to find out it's set in Canada! It's really well written and the storyline is amazing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a review copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a review copy.
January 23, 2018
Animal-based fantasy set in Canada? That is totally my jam.
January 8, 2018
3.5/5 stars
The first time I read the summary of this novel in a bookstore I was hooked. Especially at the mention of any kind of Princess Mononoke eske themes.
Unfortunately, at the time that I first saw it I was there for another book and didn't have the funds to pick it up.
The book continued to nag at me and as soon as I was able I picked this book up off amazon and began reading it immediately.
The beginning of the novel gripped me and pulled me in. I really felt like I was along for the ride throughout the entirety of this novel and that I was a part of it.
The author has a way with words that created this awesome world and really fleshed it out for her readers and I was immersed!
The creatures were great albeit a bit creepy in each of their own ways, the cast of characters were diverse in races, cultures and one is even in a wheelchair and I loved how he was just as important as the rest and how he was incorporated as an incredibly useful character and not looked down upon.
Welp... now that I've gushed about some of the greater aspects, unfortunately I do have to speak of the negatives as well.
Character Development:
There... wasn't much of this unfortunately. I reread some passages just to make sure but unfortunately there just wasn't anything in particular I could really tell you about these characters other than one was nice, another is smart and nerdy and so on. then the point in which I did notice some development it was so incredibly fast that it didn't actually seem believable.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the characters, I just wish there was more to them to add to the story for me to read about them because each character had such interesting concepts going for them.
Pacing:
The pacing in the first 3/4 of the book was fine in my personal opinion, but during the final quarter everything suddenly felt rushed. It no longer felt like I was along for the ride so much as being dragged along. There was no breathing room and it was one thing after another in quick succession. Suddenly a huge amount of development happened in that last quarter and it was just so much to take in at once that it felt overwhelming.
That Questionable Romance:
Yes, I also have something to say about this though it won't be long. I went through the whole book actually pretty excited that this might be a book without romance between the main character and anyone else and it was nice. No character always leaning on a man and/or woman to save or protect them all the time and they are fending for themselves, making mistakes and learning from them and it was amazing.
Then in the last quarter these two characters who seemed to hate each other are giving off warnings of romantic feelings towards one another. I have no problem with romance but this felt like it was shoved into the story as a last minute thought and could have used a lot more work/build up.
Pros:
+Amazing world building
+Gripping story
+Storytelling
+Diversity
+A lovable cast though a bit under developped
Cons:
-Pacing
-That Romance
-The last quarter of the novel
As someone who was primarily reading this book for the enjoyment I really loved it and it kept me hooked to the end despite some of the pacing issues it had.
I look forward to the next novels in the series and I hope there's much more to read about Roan and her band of friends.
The first time I read the summary of this novel in a bookstore I was hooked. Especially at the mention of any kind of Princess Mononoke eske themes.
Unfortunately, at the time that I first saw it I was there for another book and didn't have the funds to pick it up.
The book continued to nag at me and as soon as I was able I picked this book up off amazon and began reading it immediately.
The beginning of the novel gripped me and pulled me in. I really felt like I was along for the ride throughout the entirety of this novel and that I was a part of it.
The author has a way with words that created this awesome world and really fleshed it out for her readers and I was immersed!
The creatures were great albeit a bit creepy in each of their own ways, the cast of characters were diverse in races, cultures and one is even in a wheelchair and I loved how he was just as important as the rest and how he was incorporated as an incredibly useful character and not looked down upon.
Welp... now that I've gushed about some of the greater aspects, unfortunately I do have to speak of the negatives as well.
Character Development:
There... wasn't much of this unfortunately. I reread some passages just to make sure but unfortunately there just wasn't anything in particular I could really tell you about these characters other than one was nice, another is smart and nerdy and so on. then the point in which I did notice some development it was so incredibly fast that it didn't actually seem believable.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the characters, I just wish there was more to them to add to the story for me to read about them because each character had such interesting concepts going for them.
Pacing:
The pacing in the first 3/4 of the book was fine in my personal opinion, but during the final quarter everything suddenly felt rushed. It no longer felt like I was along for the ride so much as being dragged along. There was no breathing room and it was one thing after another in quick succession. Suddenly a huge amount of development happened in that last quarter and it was just so much to take in at once that it felt overwhelming.
That Questionable Romance:
Yes, I also have something to say about this though it won't be long. I went through the whole book actually pretty excited that this might be a book without romance between the main character and anyone else and it was nice. No character always leaning on a man and/or woman to save or protect them all the time and they are fending for themselves, making mistakes and learning from them and it was amazing.
Then in the last quarter these two characters who seemed to hate each other are giving off warnings of romantic feelings towards one another. I have no problem with romance but this felt like it was shoved into the story as a last minute thought and could have used a lot more work/build up.
Pros:
+Amazing world building
+Gripping story
+Storytelling
+Diversity
+A lovable cast though a bit under developped
Cons:
-Pacing
-That Romance
-The last quarter of the novel
As someone who was primarily reading this book for the enjoyment I really loved it and it kept me hooked to the end despite some of the pacing issues it had.
I look forward to the next novels in the series and I hope there's much more to read about Roan and her band of friends.
October 16, 2023
Disappointing Disaster
This book definitely had it’s interesting points and some of it was worth reading, but if I were to sum it up in a few short words it would be; a disappointing disaster story that ends with a bigger disaster coming. I get that there are other books in this series, but I didn’t find this particular story well written enough to follow into other books.
Roan Harken lives in Winnipeg and rides to school every day on her bicycle. She is an orphan who lives with her aunt and uncle and her grandmother who is in a coma. The only thing she has left of her parents is five animal statues in the yard that they moved all the way from her parents former house. Roan has an eye infection that has lasted as long as she can remember and she wears an eyepatch.
One day, Roan finds the fox statue in the yard broken, and near it she finds an actual fox… and it talks to her and follows her. She tells her best friend about the fox, but her friend thinks she’s nuts.
Roan starts to dream strange things and suddenly moths come out of her infected eye… and well, in case you want to read this story I won’t tell you the rest of this part. Anyway, she starts seeing animals over certain people, and it turns out that some people are two natured in that they have animals as part of their nature. Oh, and the people have been donating x-number of their kids to the monster in the river for years and Roan is supposed to be next.
Anyway, just when the story seems to make sense to me or gets interesting, it will lose me like the author had a creative block with the next wild weirdness. It was good, and I would have liked it, but the author wanted a series, so it has to end with a bad thing and a bigger bad thing on the horizon. I could have ignored the writing flaws, but it’s a me thing. Don’t end a book leaving me in a pit of despair, so it was like pulling teeth to even give this three stars.
This book definitely had it’s interesting points and some of it was worth reading, but if I were to sum it up in a few short words it would be; a disappointing disaster story that ends with a bigger disaster coming. I get that there are other books in this series, but I didn’t find this particular story well written enough to follow into other books.
Roan Harken lives in Winnipeg and rides to school every day on her bicycle. She is an orphan who lives with her aunt and uncle and her grandmother who is in a coma. The only thing she has left of her parents is five animal statues in the yard that they moved all the way from her parents former house. Roan has an eye infection that has lasted as long as she can remember and she wears an eyepatch.
One day, Roan finds the fox statue in the yard broken, and near it she finds an actual fox… and it talks to her and follows her. She tells her best friend about the fox, but her friend thinks she’s nuts.
Roan starts to dream strange things and suddenly moths come out of her infected eye… and well, in case you want to read this story I won’t tell you the rest of this part. Anyway, she starts seeing animals over certain people, and it turns out that some people are two natured in that they have animals as part of their nature. Oh, and the people have been donating x-number of their kids to the monster in the river for years and Roan is supposed to be next.
Anyway, just when the story seems to make sense to me or gets interesting, it will lose me like the author had a creative block with the next wild weirdness. It was good, and I would have liked it, but the author wanted a series, so it has to end with a bad thing and a bigger bad thing on the horizon. I could have ignored the writing flaws, but it’s a me thing. Don’t end a book leaving me in a pit of despair, so it was like pulling teeth to even give this three stars.
February 25, 2020
I usually don't rate books I DNF, especially when I DNF around the 50% mark - there's too much of the story I haven't expereinced to give a fair rating - but in this case, I feel like I can't JUST DNF the book.
It isn't that the book is bad. Even now, part of me want to continue listening to it. It has that kind of language, you know? The kind you can just relax into and drift away on? At least for me.
But, there are a bunch of other problems. Like how hysterical everyone is becoming, and how out of proportion they blow the deaths. There's been 2, and you're going to a serial-killer or gang-related? Seriously? That's not how the world works!
And the story is all over the place. It's more like reading a bunch of short stories in the same world than reading a complete book. And let me not even get started on how easy everything is. Everyone just accepts it andd the powers come easy and such. And WHY would the characters think there's something going on when they haven't had any idea it's going on before that moment? Like ''They say it's a birthdefect but I know there's more to it!''. That's not how the world usually works.
The thing that finally did it for me, however, was the wheelchair character. I won't spoil too much on this, but this author falls into the same trope-trap that most other abeld bodied folks do when writing a wheelchair-bound character. They are there mostly as a tool to further the story for the other characters, and of course they hate that they're in a wheelchair and are angry at everyone because of it. We're not all angry, you know? We don't all think we deserve something better from the world. We just live, like everyone else.
The one good thing with this book, was that the traditional YA aspects that put me off weren't present. But probably because the book felt more like an MG than a YA.
It isn't that the book is bad. Even now, part of me want to continue listening to it. It has that kind of language, you know? The kind you can just relax into and drift away on? At least for me.
But, there are a bunch of other problems. Like how hysterical everyone is becoming, and how out of proportion they blow the deaths. There's been 2, and you're going to a serial-killer or gang-related? Seriously? That's not how the world works!
And the story is all over the place. It's more like reading a bunch of short stories in the same world than reading a complete book. And let me not even get started on how easy everything is. Everyone just accepts it andd the powers come easy and such. And WHY would the characters think there's something going on when they haven't had any idea it's going on before that moment? Like ''They say it's a birthdefect but I know there's more to it!''. That's not how the world usually works.
The thing that finally did it for me, however, was the wheelchair character. I won't spoil too much on this, but this author falls into the same trope-trap that most other abeld bodied folks do when writing a wheelchair-bound character. They are there mostly as a tool to further the story for the other characters, and of course they hate that they're in a wheelchair and are angry at everyone because of it. We're not all angry, you know? We don't all think we deserve something better from the world. We just live, like everyone else.
The one good thing with this book, was that the traditional YA aspects that put me off weren't present. But probably because the book felt more like an MG than a YA.
May 31, 2024
3.25✩
Difficile. Per esser bello è bello. Abbastanza fast paced ma non troppo. Interessante, tutto nell'insieme. Ma ci ho messo una vita e mezza perché boh, ad un certo punto non mi andava di leggerlo o mi annoiava. Però sì, meritava. Ma, avendolo avuto come scambio, dubito fortemente continuerò la saga anche perché il finale non mi ha entusiasmata tanto da avere la curiosità per i seguiti
Difficile. Per esser bello è bello. Abbastanza fast paced ma non troppo. Interessante, tutto nell'insieme. Ma ci ho messo una vita e mezza perché boh, ad un certo punto non mi andava di leggerlo o mi annoiava. Però sì, meritava. Ma, avendolo avuto come scambio, dubito fortemente continuerò la saga anche perché il finale non mi ha entusiasmata tanto da avere la curiosità per i seguiti
January 31, 2019
This book was AWESOME! None of your typical YA tropes, an awesome, diverse cast of characters and the most amazing world-building. The ending was a bit too rushed and neat but all in all a stellar trilogy opener and by far the best indie series I've read in about a year if not longer. I'll definitely be picking up the next one.
January 24, 2019
I so wanted to enjoy this book, but sadly, it really wasn't for me. Halfway through I wanted to DNF it, but I ended up skimming the rest. This story just didn't grip my attention.
October 23, 2017
This is a very enjoyable, quick read that presents a well-rounded cast of characters. I loved the mythology, the pacing, and the descriptions. It was also fun to read an urban fantasy set in Canada, which I am not up on my geography for, but I don't think that detracted from the story or my enjoyment. Definitely a book to pick and share!
January 13, 2018
3.5
Full Review: https://readingwithrendz.wordpress.co...
Well this was definitely an interesting read no doubt. It was a little bit of a roller coaster ride in terms of how I felt about it at times while reading, but overall it was a pretty fun read! With an added bonus that it’s set in Canada!
What I Liked
Characters
Roan: Our lovely chosen one. (As she so warmly names herself) Um…I actually have some mixed feelings about her. She was a very entertaining character to follow. She definitely wasn’t the perfect hero! She felt like giving up multiple times (she almost did), but like the good heroine she is, she pulled through. She made not so intelligent decisions, some of them more mind-boggling than others (more on that later). I wouldn’t label her as my fave character, but she was alright.
Sil: Sil was an interesting character to follow! She was the not fairy god mother but still the wise figure in Roans adventure. Wise and very sassy. I really enjoyed her banter with Roan as it made the book a whole lot more entertaining.
Eli: Very interesting. Very troublesome. Not exactly a villain but definitely possesses some evilish qualities. Not exactly the most romantic hero for Roan either (like they have issues)….but unless I read into it wrong he’s feeling something! (There wasn’t any romance in the book, I’m just pointing out from observation!)
Other characters…Roan had a great cast of friends by her side. Phae, Barton, Natti and more who helped her survive her journey. There were secondary characters that were less likeable, but that I liked to hate so I had fun following them too.
Setting:
Le duh! Set in Canada, specifically Winnipeg (a city I be never actually visited…I haven’t visited a lot of Canada FYI) The story takes places during the winter so the atmosphere really contrasts with Roan and makes her stand out! Where she burns bright with fire her surroundings are very cold, ominous and chilling. And then as the story melts into spring, her fire gets more intense and the big show down happens.
Magic System:
While I liked it, it was also kind of hard to wrap my head around. I liked the use of the elements and the Ancient system that passed down their powers from generation to generation. It was classic so I enjoyed it. What stumped me were the animal familiars. I didn’t have a problem with the Owls, Fox, Seal or Deer….what stumped me was the Rabbit, representative of the earth element. It was just funny to imagine because I see earth as a strong and fortifying element but envisioning cute little bunnies kind of threw me off (and it didn’t help that the people descending from this line looked jittery and scared). I don’t know, it just didn’t work for me. Otherwise, I really like the Magic and its ties to humanity and the villain.
What I Disliked
Predictive:
I saw a few things from a mile away, that were really no surprises or shocking revelations. I felt that the intensity of the novel was low, there weren’t any really OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG moments, but it wasn’t completely flat either. I think this was a little juvenile for me despite some of the more mature themes.
Trope Talking:
This book had some tropes in which I was like, whatever *shrug* But then the author goes and makes fun of the tropes within the book…in which I was like okay….? The obvious one is the Chosen One trope, ie Roan. She actually poked fun and makes jokes about being the Chosen one….and continues to do so throughout the story. It was funny at first, but then it gets annoying so I really could have done without it. The author does this with a few other tropes too: the white saviour w/ a diverse side cast and the old wise person, dead parents are some examples. It’s kind of like saying “these tropes kind of suck, but I’m going to use them anyways!”
Roan’s Idiot Mistake, for being an Idiot Chosen One:
I read about 400 pages of Roan trying to stop Eli from being evil. She helps him get through some intense struggle and y’all, they pull through. And then in the final chapter, she made the same damn choices as evil-Eli so now she is at risk of becoming evil! Was she not present for the earlier chapters of the book??? Did she not realize the consequences of her decision??? Apparently this book is a cycle, and we are going to get right back where we started.
Overall, I did enjoy most of the book. It was fun and magical. A little flat in some areas, but it was a solid read.
Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars
Recommend: I think this would work well with younger YA readers
Full Review: https://readingwithrendz.wordpress.co...
Well this was definitely an interesting read no doubt. It was a little bit of a roller coaster ride in terms of how I felt about it at times while reading, but overall it was a pretty fun read! With an added bonus that it’s set in Canada!
What I Liked
Characters
Roan: Our lovely chosen one. (As she so warmly names herself) Um…I actually have some mixed feelings about her. She was a very entertaining character to follow. She definitely wasn’t the perfect hero! She felt like giving up multiple times (she almost did), but like the good heroine she is, she pulled through. She made not so intelligent decisions, some of them more mind-boggling than others (more on that later). I wouldn’t label her as my fave character, but she was alright.
Sil: Sil was an interesting character to follow! She was the not fairy god mother but still the wise figure in Roans adventure. Wise and very sassy. I really enjoyed her banter with Roan as it made the book a whole lot more entertaining.
Eli: Very interesting. Very troublesome. Not exactly a villain but definitely possesses some evilish qualities. Not exactly the most romantic hero for Roan either (like they have issues)….but unless I read into it wrong he’s feeling something! (There wasn’t any romance in the book, I’m just pointing out from observation!)
Other characters…Roan had a great cast of friends by her side. Phae, Barton, Natti and more who helped her survive her journey. There were secondary characters that were less likeable, but that I liked to hate so I had fun following them too.
Setting:
Le duh! Set in Canada, specifically Winnipeg (a city I be never actually visited…I haven’t visited a lot of Canada FYI) The story takes places during the winter so the atmosphere really contrasts with Roan and makes her stand out! Where she burns bright with fire her surroundings are very cold, ominous and chilling. And then as the story melts into spring, her fire gets more intense and the big show down happens.
Magic System:
While I liked it, it was also kind of hard to wrap my head around. I liked the use of the elements and the Ancient system that passed down their powers from generation to generation. It was classic so I enjoyed it. What stumped me were the animal familiars. I didn’t have a problem with the Owls, Fox, Seal or Deer….what stumped me was the Rabbit, representative of the earth element. It was just funny to imagine because I see earth as a strong and fortifying element but envisioning cute little bunnies kind of threw me off (and it didn’t help that the people descending from this line looked jittery and scared). I don’t know, it just didn’t work for me. Otherwise, I really like the Magic and its ties to humanity and the villain.
What I Disliked
Predictive:
I saw a few things from a mile away, that were really no surprises or shocking revelations. I felt that the intensity of the novel was low, there weren’t any really OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG moments, but it wasn’t completely flat either. I think this was a little juvenile for me despite some of the more mature themes.
Trope Talking:
This book had some tropes in which I was like, whatever *shrug* But then the author goes and makes fun of the tropes within the book…in which I was like okay….? The obvious one is the Chosen One trope, ie Roan. She actually poked fun and makes jokes about being the Chosen one….and continues to do so throughout the story. It was funny at first, but then it gets annoying so I really could have done without it. The author does this with a few other tropes too: the white saviour w/ a diverse side cast and the old wise person, dead parents are some examples. It’s kind of like saying “these tropes kind of suck, but I’m going to use them anyways!”
Roan’s Idiot Mistake, for being an Idiot Chosen One:
I read about 400 pages of Roan trying to stop Eli from being evil. She helps him get through some intense struggle and y’all, they pull through. And then in the final chapter, she made the same damn choices as evil-Eli so now she is at risk of becoming evil! Was she not present for the earlier chapters of the book??? Did she not realize the consequences of her decision??? Apparently this book is a cycle, and we are going to get right back where we started.
Overall, I did enjoy most of the book. It was fun and magical. A little flat in some areas, but it was a solid read.
Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars
Recommend: I think this would work well with younger YA readers
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