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Cursed Legacy
An invasion threat. A guardian to rescue. One 17-year-old boy alone to save them all. A boy who questions his origins and sanity.
Millennia ago, an alien race granted the citizens of Levitor a stone of vast energy that saved their race from tyranny. They built a dome to shield their city from the dangers outside. But now the stone is unstable. A crack has appeared in the shield, a looming threat to the city’s ruin.
Seventeen-year-old Kallum Farron is no hero. He wants nothing more than to win the heart of the girl he loves and lead a normal life. But, after a simulation test unexpectedly leaves him reeling and he loses his guardian, what is normal takes a whole different meaning. He fears he’s turning into his worst nightmare –a Crazy. He discovers he’s gifted with a powerful legacy, and he alone can save Levitor.
But his cursed gift comes at a cost. When Levitor’s rulers and the alien race hunt him, Kallum must choose: where he belongs, and what is really worth sacrificing for the greater good.
Millennia ago, an alien race granted the citizens of Levitor a stone of vast energy that saved their race from tyranny. They built a dome to shield their city from the dangers outside. But now the stone is unstable. A crack has appeared in the shield, a looming threat to the city’s ruin.
Seventeen-year-old Kallum Farron is no hero. He wants nothing more than to win the heart of the girl he loves and lead a normal life. But, after a simulation test unexpectedly leaves him reeling and he loses his guardian, what is normal takes a whole different meaning. He fears he’s turning into his worst nightmare –a Crazy. He discovers he’s gifted with a powerful legacy, and he alone can save Levitor.
But his cursed gift comes at a cost. When Levitor’s rulers and the alien race hunt him, Kallum must choose: where he belongs, and what is really worth sacrificing for the greater good.
307 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2017
9 people are currently reading
973 people want to read
About the author
Anna K. Lane
1 book51 followersSince she was five, Anna has written stories. She reads any genre and, for a long time, couldn’t make up her mind whether she likes fantasy or science-fiction more.
That is until she came across a sub-genre: science fantasy. And that suits her perfectly.
Like so, Cursed Legacy, her debut novel, was born, blending in a mix of both worlds - a bit of science fiction and a bit of fantasy.
She is a fan of the Star Wars where the Force works similar to magic and she eagerly watches the new Doctor Who series with scientific explanations about time as a "wibbley-wobbley ball of timey-wimey stuff".
She has a major in psychology at University of New South Wales and a minor in ice cream indulgence. Born on a tropical island, she moved to sunny Australia then to cloudy London, UK and is now finally settled in Southern Ontario, Canada. There, she enjoys the snow with her husband and children and writing fiction for middle grade and young adults.
That is until she came across a sub-genre: science fantasy. And that suits her perfectly.
Like so, Cursed Legacy, her debut novel, was born, blending in a mix of both worlds - a bit of science fiction and a bit of fantasy.
She is a fan of the Star Wars where the Force works similar to magic and she eagerly watches the new Doctor Who series with scientific explanations about time as a "wibbley-wobbley ball of timey-wimey stuff".
She has a major in psychology at University of New South Wales and a minor in ice cream indulgence. Born on a tropical island, she moved to sunny Australia then to cloudy London, UK and is now finally settled in Southern Ontario, Canada. There, she enjoys the snow with her husband and children and writing fiction for middle grade and young adults.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 18, 2017
I loved the intricate world building, believable characters, and plenty of action to keep my interest. ❤️❤️❤️
September 10, 2017
Fantastic. Spectacular. Stunning.
When I read the blurb of this book, I was like, "Hey, sign me up!" I practically begged the author to let me review her book. And immediately she sent me an arc. Special thanks to Anna K. Lane.
If I could just rate it 10 stars, I would. I am a fan of Sci-fi. Cursed Legacy is not just a sci-fi, it's also fantasy, adventure, action, and dystopian. It's everything. A package deal. Perfect!
The author was really good. She can make you float in your own bubbles while reading. When you get so absorbed in reading this, it's like you don't have a care in the world because you exist with the characters in the book. I love the characters especially Kalum. I love that he's not aware how powerful he can be. I bet the next book is going to be a blast.
When I read the blurb of this book, I was like, "Hey, sign me up!" I practically begged the author to let me review her book. And immediately she sent me an arc. Special thanks to Anna K. Lane.
If I could just rate it 10 stars, I would. I am a fan of Sci-fi. Cursed Legacy is not just a sci-fi, it's also fantasy, adventure, action, and dystopian. It's everything. A package deal. Perfect!
The author was really good. She can make you float in your own bubbles while reading. When you get so absorbed in reading this, it's like you don't have a care in the world because you exist with the characters in the book. I love the characters especially Kalum. I love that he's not aware how powerful he can be. I bet the next book is going to be a blast.
September 10, 2017
I don’t think I’ve come across a story like Cursed Legacy before. It’s an exciting mashup of science fiction, fantasy, and YA dystopian. The blend works amazingly well. The main character, Kallum, is trying to test for a better position than being a baker’s apprentice and win the love of Yadira. But during the fear simulation, something inexplicable happens and changes the course of his life forever. Kallum wants to help save his domed city from the outside threats. However, as he begins to unravel the truth about the world beyond the dome, secrets to his own mysterious origins and powers are revealed. This is an excellent beginning to a series and I am looking forward to the next book.
November 5, 2017
Inside the domed city of Levitor, life is relatively safe and simple. Aliens gifted the people there a stone that provides energy, and the dome is meant to protect this stone and those in the city from the dangers of the outside world. But a crack in the dome appears, and the fissures in the society begin to show.
The book dives right into the world of Levitor, which helps keep the action moving from page one, but also takes minimal time to explain this futuristic world. It’s a little confusing at first, but not so much that it caused me to stall out. By the end of the first chapter, the stakes are pretty clear, and the action carried me from there.
The cast of characters is ample and varied. Spots of humor help keep the interactions and drama interesting. Kallen, the MC, is sympathetic, albeit a little too squeaky clean for my tastes. The storyline is twisty and fast-paced, with enough depth to sustain a series. Certain big moments are predictable, but not in a disappointing way. Kallen gets into some serious trouble, and his success, even by the end, is far from assured. The author provides enough hints along the way to keep the tension high the whole time. The ending builds to a clear, dramatic setup for a sequel.
The ending reminded me of Ursula LeGuin’s short story, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Olemas.” It’s about people who live in an apparent utopia, yet some see the dark side of the city and cannot bear the thought of what is done for “the greater good.” Kallen is clearly faced with this dilemma at the end of the story. It’s a compelling premise, and Lane handles it in a way that makes it approachable for a YA audience. I’m interested to see if Kallen’s choices in the next book lead him to his desired outcome, or if unintended repercussions will make the story a little darker.
The book dives right into the world of Levitor, which helps keep the action moving from page one, but also takes minimal time to explain this futuristic world. It’s a little confusing at first, but not so much that it caused me to stall out. By the end of the first chapter, the stakes are pretty clear, and the action carried me from there.
The cast of characters is ample and varied. Spots of humor help keep the interactions and drama interesting. Kallen, the MC, is sympathetic, albeit a little too squeaky clean for my tastes. The storyline is twisty and fast-paced, with enough depth to sustain a series. Certain big moments are predictable, but not in a disappointing way. Kallen gets into some serious trouble, and his success, even by the end, is far from assured. The author provides enough hints along the way to keep the tension high the whole time. The ending builds to a clear, dramatic setup for a sequel.
The ending reminded me of Ursula LeGuin’s short story, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Olemas.” It’s about people who live in an apparent utopia, yet some see the dark side of the city and cannot bear the thought of what is done for “the greater good.” Kallen is clearly faced with this dilemma at the end of the story. It’s a compelling premise, and Lane handles it in a way that makes it approachable for a YA audience. I’m interested to see if Kallen’s choices in the next book lead him to his desired outcome, or if unintended repercussions will make the story a little darker.
October 9, 2017
I have always been a fan of fantasy and science fiction, and yet I have never before read a book quite like Cursed Legacy. I found the unique blend of magic and science to be quite intriguing and the action takes place at an enjoyably fast pace. Once I became absorbed in the story I read non-stop until reaching the end, due to all of the twists, turns, and revelations throughout.
I liked Kallum and found him to be a good, well rounded protagonist. I loved him for his seemingly ordinariness, as well as his sense of honour and loyalty. He is realistically flawed and an interesting person, and his interactions with his friends brings a lot to the story.
I particularly liked Flyx and the humour and quirkiness that he brings to the table which serves as a good contrast to some of the more serious themes in the book. I also love that there is no lack of strong female characters here, and I am particularly interested in Aegon and her back story. I'm hoping to read more about her in the next installment!
I am keen to learn more about Kallum's world and to understand the savage Reavers, the omnipotent Silver Eyed Gods, and the political manipulations that have shaped the story so far.
I liked Kallum and found him to be a good, well rounded protagonist. I loved him for his seemingly ordinariness, as well as his sense of honour and loyalty. He is realistically flawed and an interesting person, and his interactions with his friends brings a lot to the story.
I particularly liked Flyx and the humour and quirkiness that he brings to the table which serves as a good contrast to some of the more serious themes in the book. I also love that there is no lack of strong female characters here, and I am particularly interested in Aegon and her back story. I'm hoping to read more about her in the next installment!
I am keen to learn more about Kallum's world and to understand the savage Reavers, the omnipotent Silver Eyed Gods, and the political manipulations that have shaped the story so far.
October 2, 2017
A city is powered by a mysterious energy, emitted from a stone. When the energy source becomes unstable, and the city is threatened, it is a seventeen year old resident that discovers he is gifted and has the power to save the city.
The basic plot has a lot of depth and the whole set-up (city / history / life) is well developed - the author has successfully created another world. The characters, both reluctant hero and villains, are well rounded. The pace is good – the story cracks on. The mixture of mystery / drama / Sci-Fi worked well as did the questioning of authority / power (who has it and what do they do with it).
My overall rating for this book is 3.5, as the beginning was a bit confusing, the writing style wasn’t tight enough for me and the ending wasn’t clear cut enough.
Worth a look if you are looking for something different.
The basic plot has a lot of depth and the whole set-up (city / history / life) is well developed - the author has successfully created another world. The characters, both reluctant hero and villains, are well rounded. The pace is good – the story cracks on. The mixture of mystery / drama / Sci-Fi worked well as did the questioning of authority / power (who has it and what do they do with it).
My overall rating for this book is 3.5, as the beginning was a bit confusing, the writing style wasn’t tight enough for me and the ending wasn’t clear cut enough.
Worth a look if you are looking for something different.
December 12, 2017
Cursed Legacy is a story for the young and the adventurous, but it’s well written enough to keep the interest of any curious sci-fi and fantasy reader.
Kallum, at seventeen, wants to be more than he is currently set to be. He is the baker’s apprentice living in Levitor, a protected dome, and is not expected to be ambitious. But he is in love with Yadira, and he is not afraid to undergo a horrendous test to change his destiny. Unfortunately, the fear-inducing tests alter his inner being. When a crack appears in the dome and his world’s existence is threatened, Kallum sets out to save what he cares for and discovering more about himself, his history and the world beyond than he had bargained for.
Anna writes this story with passion, paying attention to the finer details that build an imaginary world into existence and taking the reader all the way through Kallum’s journey to self-discovery. Kallum is a likeable character, strong yet ordinary in a sense – all human. I also fell in love with Flyx who brightens poignant moments and takes the edge off mounting tension. The characters are diverse and interesting, and the plot well thought out to take the series to another level. The setting is gradually eased into the story which might leave the reader floating in a vacuum at the beginning, but as it continues the gaps are filled in. There are many strange names and terms which need a high concentration to keep track of – but that would be expected in a sci-fi or fantasy.
Great story. Would gladly recommend it for both YA and the young at heart (like me).
Kallum, at seventeen, wants to be more than he is currently set to be. He is the baker’s apprentice living in Levitor, a protected dome, and is not expected to be ambitious. But he is in love with Yadira, and he is not afraid to undergo a horrendous test to change his destiny. Unfortunately, the fear-inducing tests alter his inner being. When a crack appears in the dome and his world’s existence is threatened, Kallum sets out to save what he cares for and discovering more about himself, his history and the world beyond than he had bargained for.
Anna writes this story with passion, paying attention to the finer details that build an imaginary world into existence and taking the reader all the way through Kallum’s journey to self-discovery. Kallum is a likeable character, strong yet ordinary in a sense – all human. I also fell in love with Flyx who brightens poignant moments and takes the edge off mounting tension. The characters are diverse and interesting, and the plot well thought out to take the series to another level. The setting is gradually eased into the story which might leave the reader floating in a vacuum at the beginning, but as it continues the gaps are filled in. There are many strange names and terms which need a high concentration to keep track of – but that would be expected in a sci-fi or fantasy.
Great story. Would gladly recommend it for both YA and the young at heart (like me).
August 22, 2017
Cursed Legacy is like leaving your world and entering another, almost like a dream because it feels so real!
I really enjoyed the main character Kallum and how his personality developed and deepened the further I read. Levitor city was also an intriguing place, as well as the interesting people Kallum meets.
While the book is sci-fi mixed with teen fantasy, the story made sense and felt very realistic. And the ending was great (no spoilers - don't worry, but you have to read it for yourself!)
Waiting for #2!
I really enjoyed the main character Kallum and how his personality developed and deepened the further I read. Levitor city was also an intriguing place, as well as the interesting people Kallum meets.
While the book is sci-fi mixed with teen fantasy, the story made sense and felt very realistic. And the ending was great (no spoilers - don't worry, but you have to read it for yourself!)
Waiting for #2!
September 26, 2017
3.5/5 stars
Definitely a unique and interesting book. The plot really sets it apart from others I've read. I really like the depth of the world building and universe. I also had some qualms though, which took this book down a few notches for me.
The beginning was a little rocky. I had a hard time placing the setting and visualizing it in my mind, and the immediate bombardment of in-universe terms was a bit overwhelming and confusing. I got more of a hang of things after a few pages, but I prefer more smoother starts, or at least be aware of where I am without the characters floating in a black void. As things continued on though, I noticed similar problems propping up for me.
I couldn't quite get on board with how the author wrote. The style just didn't mesh too great with me. I also had a real hard time with picturing the setting, even with further descriptions given later on. I still couldn't keep up with all the verbiage as well, which didn't help. I wish more time was given to describe things in a more normal way and have an easier transission to the in-universe words. Or at least a way to remind us what was what every now and again. I almost felt like having to make notes of what term meant what: which was a city, what city was what, which was a character's name (since they themselves are so unique too), and which character was which, etc.
Just a small sample of the writing style. Rereading it later by itself, it seems fine to me, but if you can imagine an entire book this way, it gets a little difficult to stay on top of things.
The Reavers were a really interesting species, but like above, I wish more time was given for more details. I kept jumping back and forth from them being more animalistic to them appearing more humanoid. I think with all the other terms and lack of descriptions, everything sort of muddied together for me.
Given the sheer number of characters, I found the same issue there as well. So many names, so many starting with similar letters, and very little, if anything at all, to go off of to remember them long term. Being given specific and unique descriptions of characters might've helped me remember them more. Like body shape, skin color, hair, a certain quirk, etc. Something more to attach to the name. Some of the characters weren't even described physically until later, if memory serves, which makes it even more confusing.
Don't get me wrong, I am an advocate for weaving things in the story and learning as you go, but the way the author went about it here felt more frustrating to me. I wanted to be immersed and into the story, but I kept having to pause and try to remember words, and since they come up at least once per page, I had to stop a lot. It was sort of like piecing together clues and try to get things into memory of plot-irrelevant things, which detracted a lot of enjoyment for me.
Honestly though, that's the book's main issue for me. The rest of it was great! It's just unfortunate because of how common the in-universe words are, and the awkward writing style, it's a rather large issue. Perhaps I just have an extremely awful memory or am unused to such a style, however, since this book seems to be rated very highly by others.
In any case, for positives, I loved the uniqueness of it. It was a very intricate plot with some fun mystery and drama thrown in. The time travel was cool. The history was cool. The Aeternas were cool. Basically most everything was cool, haha.
Our lead was a neat character to follow. It was interesting to see things from the perspective of someone younger as he grows to deal with more and more adult situations. The conflicts he had to overcome were from small to great and I was cheering him along from the start. (The poor kid seemed to often get himself into so much trouble xD) His whole growth arch was really well done.
Things really picked up for me in the last couple of chapters as I started to get somewhat better with the terms, and the writing style, while still difficult for me, was growing more tollerable as I got used to it. Perhaps if I had read it in larger chunks instead of taking breaks, it might've flowed better for me. I just kept taking breaks for reasons as I explained above.
All in all, still a decent start to a series. Plot wise, I find myself eager for the next one, but the writing is making me hesitate. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how I feel about it later on.
Definitely a unique and interesting book. The plot really sets it apart from others I've read. I really like the depth of the world building and universe. I also had some qualms though, which took this book down a few notches for me.
The beginning was a little rocky. I had a hard time placing the setting and visualizing it in my mind, and the immediate bombardment of in-universe terms was a bit overwhelming and confusing. I got more of a hang of things after a few pages, but I prefer more smoother starts, or at least be aware of where I am without the characters floating in a black void. As things continued on though, I noticed similar problems propping up for me.
I couldn't quite get on board with how the author wrote. The style just didn't mesh too great with me. I also had a real hard time with picturing the setting, even with further descriptions given later on. I still couldn't keep up with all the verbiage as well, which didn't help. I wish more time was given to describe things in a more normal way and have an easier transission to the in-universe words. Or at least a way to remind us what was what every now and again. I almost felt like having to make notes of what term meant what: which was a city, what city was what, which was a character's name (since they themselves are so unique too), and which character was which, etc.
Fingers over his ears as he listened to an incoming comm, Alwyn moved and Kallum saw their faces rift with emotions. He’d never seen them so…agitated. Or showing any emotion for that matter since he started. Fear and confusion but also hope and awe.
Just a small sample of the writing style. Rereading it later by itself, it seems fine to me, but if you can imagine an entire book this way, it gets a little difficult to stay on top of things.
The Reavers were a really interesting species, but like above, I wish more time was given for more details. I kept jumping back and forth from them being more animalistic to them appearing more humanoid. I think with all the other terms and lack of descriptions, everything sort of muddied together for me.
Given the sheer number of characters, I found the same issue there as well. So many names, so many starting with similar letters, and very little, if anything at all, to go off of to remember them long term. Being given specific and unique descriptions of characters might've helped me remember them more. Like body shape, skin color, hair, a certain quirk, etc. Something more to attach to the name. Some of the characters weren't even described physically until later, if memory serves, which makes it even more confusing.
Don't get me wrong, I am an advocate for weaving things in the story and learning as you go, but the way the author went about it here felt more frustrating to me. I wanted to be immersed and into the story, but I kept having to pause and try to remember words, and since they come up at least once per page, I had to stop a lot. It was sort of like piecing together clues and try to get things into memory of plot-irrelevant things, which detracted a lot of enjoyment for me.
Honestly though, that's the book's main issue for me. The rest of it was great! It's just unfortunate because of how common the in-universe words are, and the awkward writing style, it's a rather large issue. Perhaps I just have an extremely awful memory or am unused to such a style, however, since this book seems to be rated very highly by others.
In any case, for positives, I loved the uniqueness of it. It was a very intricate plot with some fun mystery and drama thrown in. The time travel was cool. The history was cool. The Aeternas were cool. Basically most everything was cool, haha.
Our lead was a neat character to follow. It was interesting to see things from the perspective of someone younger as he grows to deal with more and more adult situations. The conflicts he had to overcome were from small to great and I was cheering him along from the start. (The poor kid seemed to often get himself into so much trouble xD) His whole growth arch was really well done.
Things really picked up for me in the last couple of chapters as I started to get somewhat better with the terms, and the writing style, while still difficult for me, was growing more tollerable as I got used to it. Perhaps if I had read it in larger chunks instead of taking breaks, it might've flowed better for me. I just kept taking breaks for reasons as I explained above.
All in all, still a decent start to a series. Plot wise, I find myself eager for the next one, but the writing is making me hesitate. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how I feel about it later on.
October 22, 2017
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 13 (violence, slight gore, death)
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of KidLitExchange for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
If an impending invasion by savages threatened to destroy your home, would you risk your life to save it?
Millennia ago, an alien race granted the citizens of Levitor a stone of vast energy that saved their race from tyranny. They built a dome to shield their city from the dangers outside. But now the stone is unstable. A crack has appeared in the shield, a looming threat to the city's ruin.
Seventeen-year-old Kallum Farron is no hero. He wants nothing more than to win the heart of the girl he loves and lead a normal life. But, after a simulation test unexpectedly leaves him reeling and he loses his guardian, what is normal takes a whole different meaning. He fears he's turning into his worst nightmare -a Crazy. He discovers he's gifted with a powerful legacy, and he alone can save Levitor.
But his cursed gift comes at a cost. When Levitor's rulers and the alien race hunt him, Kallum must choose: where he belongs, and what is really worth sacrificing for the greater good.- Amazon.com
I never really got into science fiction until I met my husband. When he heard of my lack of reading in the genre, it became his mission in life to get me to read at least one science fiction novel. The novel? Ender’s Game. Read it, loved it, and now I love reading science fiction. While I enjoy the genre I do feel like I’m still a newbie in the field and I consider myself very picky on the science fiction books I choose to read. When I read the excerpt of this book I thought it would be very enjoyable. And for the most part it was a very well written book and an excellent beginning book to a series. The plot was very well developed, the characters were also developed and there were plenty of strong female characters, and the pacing was also perfect for the plot. The author has a genuine knack for describing a setting as well, as this world is amazingly well detailed.
However, even the most well developed book can have errors. From the beginning of the book I was very lost and extremely confused. The author just throws you into the story and you’re left wondering what the crap is going on for a good portion of the novel. I prefer for a sci-fi novel to gently ease me into the setting so I become accustomed to it. The writing was also very weird in my opinion. It wasn’t very easy to follow and it made following along in the novel very hard.
Verdict: I honestly would have enjoyed this book more if the first chapter was a bit slower and “dumbed down” for the audience to get accustomed to the world and if the wording was altered a bit. However, this book is very well done and is beautiful. Any sci-fi fan would love this book!
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 13 (violence, slight gore, death)
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of KidLitExchange for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
If an impending invasion by savages threatened to destroy your home, would you risk your life to save it?
Millennia ago, an alien race granted the citizens of Levitor a stone of vast energy that saved their race from tyranny. They built a dome to shield their city from the dangers outside. But now the stone is unstable. A crack has appeared in the shield, a looming threat to the city's ruin.
Seventeen-year-old Kallum Farron is no hero. He wants nothing more than to win the heart of the girl he loves and lead a normal life. But, after a simulation test unexpectedly leaves him reeling and he loses his guardian, what is normal takes a whole different meaning. He fears he's turning into his worst nightmare -a Crazy. He discovers he's gifted with a powerful legacy, and he alone can save Levitor.
But his cursed gift comes at a cost. When Levitor's rulers and the alien race hunt him, Kallum must choose: where he belongs, and what is really worth sacrificing for the greater good.- Amazon.com
I never really got into science fiction until I met my husband. When he heard of my lack of reading in the genre, it became his mission in life to get me to read at least one science fiction novel. The novel? Ender’s Game. Read it, loved it, and now I love reading science fiction. While I enjoy the genre I do feel like I’m still a newbie in the field and I consider myself very picky on the science fiction books I choose to read. When I read the excerpt of this book I thought it would be very enjoyable. And for the most part it was a very well written book and an excellent beginning book to a series. The plot was very well developed, the characters were also developed and there were plenty of strong female characters, and the pacing was also perfect for the plot. The author has a genuine knack for describing a setting as well, as this world is amazingly well detailed.
However, even the most well developed book can have errors. From the beginning of the book I was very lost and extremely confused. The author just throws you into the story and you’re left wondering what the crap is going on for a good portion of the novel. I prefer for a sci-fi novel to gently ease me into the setting so I become accustomed to it. The writing was also very weird in my opinion. It wasn’t very easy to follow and it made following along in the novel very hard.
Verdict: I honestly would have enjoyed this book more if the first chapter was a bit slower and “dumbed down” for the audience to get accustomed to the world and if the wording was altered a bit. However, this book is very well done and is beautiful. Any sci-fi fan would love this book!
September 5, 2017
“Cursed Legacy” follows Kallum Farron, a seventeen-year-old boy living on the planet Levitor. He works as a baker’s apprentice, but he has aspirations of elevating himself by working in the Control Center, and wining the affections of Yadira, the girl he loves. However, Kallum’s life takes an abrupt turn, when he takes a test which could have helped him achieved his goal of getting a better job. Something goes wrong during the test, and what follows is a sequence of strange and unexpected events in Kallum’s life. First, the sky dome which protects his planet becomes damaged. Then, he loses the protection of his guardian, Boniface. As if this wasn’t enough, Kallum later discovers, there may be more to his past than he realized. Kallum finds himself on a journey to unlock the secrets of his past, his identity, and save the world of Levitor. This is the first book in the Aeterna Chronicles, and I am looking forward to reading the next book! The characters were interesting and the story itself was engaging. I had a hard time putting this book down! Lane does such a wonderful job describing each scene, that I found myself imaging all of the different places on Levitor. Also, this is more than a sci-fi or fantasy story: there’s a wonderful coming-of-age element at work, especially where Kallum is concerned. Any sci-fi or fantasy fan will definitely enjoy “Cursed Legacy”.
October 9, 2017
First off I’d like to give a big thanks to @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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Book review: Cursed Legacy by @annaklane
If you like sci-fi and time travel/manipulation, this book is for you. I heard a lot of good things about this book so I was super happy when I was able to get a copy. At first I had a hard time actually caring about the main character (Kallum) but as the book went on and we find out a little more about his life and what role he plays in the grand scheme of things, I started to really get interested in the story. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi (even thought I’d like to) but I have always been interested in time travel so I was already intrigued by that aspect.
The only thing I was disappointed in is that the “shockers” that happened in the story weren’t as “shocking” as I wanted them to be. The shockers were really good but I think I was able to see them coming.
I think my favorite part about the story is the moral dilemma and overarching theme of the book. What would you sacrifice for the greater good? Would you sacrifice one to save the world? You’ll just have to read the book and fine out!
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Book review: Cursed Legacy by @annaklane
If you like sci-fi and time travel/manipulation, this book is for you. I heard a lot of good things about this book so I was super happy when I was able to get a copy. At first I had a hard time actually caring about the main character (Kallum) but as the book went on and we find out a little more about his life and what role he plays in the grand scheme of things, I started to really get interested in the story. I don’t read a lot of sci-fi (even thought I’d like to) but I have always been interested in time travel so I was already intrigued by that aspect.
The only thing I was disappointed in is that the “shockers” that happened in the story weren’t as “shocking” as I wanted them to be. The shockers were really good but I think I was able to see them coming.
I think my favorite part about the story is the moral dilemma and overarching theme of the book. What would you sacrifice for the greater good? Would you sacrifice one to save the world? You’ll just have to read the book and fine out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2017
Kallum is a baker, wanting to increase his standing by taking the Test to impress a girl. But then he is exposed to a series of events that will change his life drastically.
This story is face paced from the beginning, quickly leading you through this intriguing world held under a dome to keep out Reavers. The twists and turns were introduced from everywhere, upturning Kallum’s life and the reader’s perception.
Kallum’s personality is ordinary – in the best way. He is easy to connect to right away since his thoughts are logical and develop similarly to our own. Even though he lives in a crazy world, having that one peg of familiarity helped to ground the reader. His character slowly evolves as the novel progresses, needing to mature at a steep rate.
The story keeps escalating until a cliffhanger ending. I didn't see the twist coming near the end of the novel, but looking back I can see how it was built up to.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy for review.
This story is face paced from the beginning, quickly leading you through this intriguing world held under a dome to keep out Reavers. The twists and turns were introduced from everywhere, upturning Kallum’s life and the reader’s perception.
Kallum’s personality is ordinary – in the best way. He is easy to connect to right away since his thoughts are logical and develop similarly to our own. Even though he lives in a crazy world, having that one peg of familiarity helped to ground the reader. His character slowly evolves as the novel progresses, needing to mature at a steep rate.
The story keeps escalating until a cliffhanger ending. I didn't see the twist coming near the end of the novel, but looking back I can see how it was built up to.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy for review.
November 15, 2017
Exciting
Cursed Legacy is a mixture between sci-fi, fantasy and young adult dystopia. The world building is vast, and well described thought out the novel, allowing you to see it in your minds eye.
I usually am not a huge fan of sci-fi because of all the strange names given to the setting or varies items such as the glassTab and NutriPack but as I've said, the author does such a great job describing the items, you end up becoming familiar with them.
The characters are well written, Kallum, a 17 year old boy wants nothing more than to live a normal life but to please the girl, Yadira, he's in love with. Unfortunately for Kallum, things don't go his way.
This action packed book is filled with adventure and mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Kallum is at the center of it all. Overall, this book is about survival and finding out who you really are.
Cursed Legacy is a mixture between sci-fi, fantasy and young adult dystopia. The world building is vast, and well described thought out the novel, allowing you to see it in your minds eye.
I usually am not a huge fan of sci-fi because of all the strange names given to the setting or varies items such as the glassTab and NutriPack but as I've said, the author does such a great job describing the items, you end up becoming familiar with them.
The characters are well written, Kallum, a 17 year old boy wants nothing more than to live a normal life but to please the girl, Yadira, he's in love with. Unfortunately for Kallum, things don't go his way.
This action packed book is filled with adventure and mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Kallum is at the center of it all. Overall, this book is about survival and finding out who you really are.
September 1, 2017
When Kallum shows up to take a fear simulation test his primary concern is getting a decent job to impress the girl he likes. Unfortunately something goes drastically wrong during the test, something that would set into motion many events that would change his life. Upon exiting the building he learns of crack in the dome that has housed his city for as long as he can remember, then later his mentor is accused of treason and imprisoned. Soon Kallum is doubting his own sanity while trying to get to the bottom of what is rapidly becoming an overwhelming and dangerous mystery. As the pieces fall into place, Kallum learns of his own origins and is sucked into an adventure that will force him to make the kind of decisions no boy his age should ever have to make.
This is a cross between sci-fi and fantasy as well as a coming of age story. It is reminiscent of stories like Firefly and Ender's Game. The author's world building is wonderful.
This is a cross between sci-fi and fantasy as well as a coming of age story. It is reminiscent of stories like Firefly and Ender's Game. The author's world building is wonderful.
November 10, 2017
Seventeen-year-old Kallum doesn't know his origins, only that he doesn't quite fit in. Apparently even his guardian doesn't know his background. The youth experiences episodes, seeing what isn't there, or so it seems. Is he going crazy? Gradually the mystery of Kallum unravels, along with the realization that his life may be in danger, due to political intrigue. When the dome that protects the city fails, Kallum is caught between opposing ruling forces. It is up to him to find the key to saving civilization without sacrificing self and friends.
This book held my interest all the way through. It is quirky enough at the beginning that I wondered if the story was supposed to be humorous, as when Kallum's cloak leaked flour. However, although the voice of the novel is not a downer, the story is serious and complex.
Except for one chapter, the action occurs from Kallum's point of view, which includes his bias. He is vulnerable, peace-loving, and talented. However skewed his outlook is, that's the world he shows us. That is good writing.
Touches of mystery and tension draw the reader in. The mystery of Kallum, for the most part, is well handled. I like its gradual unfolding, with the bleeding in of detail. Lane does well to remind the reader about things that might be important and then leading in about Kallum's background.
She provides us with good, clear description that involved the various senses. And with only a few typos and correct grammar, the read is refreshing. For all the good writing, weaknesses intrude. Sometimes description is vague rather than specific, as in 'he cleaned himself'. Some description is missing.
Belated or inadequate explanations for people or devices that shouldn't be mysterious create confusion in the reader. For example, it was many pages in before I knew who Yadira is or why she limps. I never fully understood what a glassTab is until halfway through the book. Part of my confusion comes from the introduction of so many names and terms, no matter how well named. Most of my confusion, however, comes from where mystery is unnecessary and explanation or descriptions are missing or late in coming. What has Yadira to do with training vac bots? Why is the Good Lady shining? Is she a ghost or does she have special abilities? Such information should be offered when a character or situation is introduced or mentioned.
Several of the characters are easy to like, such as Kallum and Flyx. Many have a sense of presence, even though they are not developed. They are like untold stories. There is a certain logic behind the names, even a sense of poetry. Careful naming of sites, devices, and characters are mostly self explanatory or easy to remember--for the most part.
The ending does not satisfy. It hangs. That is, tension builds as Kallum eludes capture while preparing to save civilization. He reaches a point of self-realization, while the battle, an ocean of unresolved conflict, remains before him. Here the book ends, leaving us surprised. His self-realization is not enough to satisfy this reader. It promises and doesn't deliver. The book ends with more questions than answers. And we suspect that any future book will likewise leave us unsatisfied, each book a trail of crumbs that leads to empty promises.
Granted, some people delight in the cliff hanger ending and will eagerly pay to read the next in the series.
This book held my interest all the way through. It is quirky enough at the beginning that I wondered if the story was supposed to be humorous, as when Kallum's cloak leaked flour. However, although the voice of the novel is not a downer, the story is serious and complex.
Except for one chapter, the action occurs from Kallum's point of view, which includes his bias. He is vulnerable, peace-loving, and talented. However skewed his outlook is, that's the world he shows us. That is good writing.
Touches of mystery and tension draw the reader in. The mystery of Kallum, for the most part, is well handled. I like its gradual unfolding, with the bleeding in of detail. Lane does well to remind the reader about things that might be important and then leading in about Kallum's background.
She provides us with good, clear description that involved the various senses. And with only a few typos and correct grammar, the read is refreshing. For all the good writing, weaknesses intrude. Sometimes description is vague rather than specific, as in 'he cleaned himself'. Some description is missing.
Belated or inadequate explanations for people or devices that shouldn't be mysterious create confusion in the reader. For example, it was many pages in before I knew who Yadira is or why she limps. I never fully understood what a glassTab is until halfway through the book. Part of my confusion comes from the introduction of so many names and terms, no matter how well named. Most of my confusion, however, comes from where mystery is unnecessary and explanation or descriptions are missing or late in coming. What has Yadira to do with training vac bots? Why is the Good Lady shining? Is she a ghost or does she have special abilities? Such information should be offered when a character or situation is introduced or mentioned.
Several of the characters are easy to like, such as Kallum and Flyx. Many have a sense of presence, even though they are not developed. They are like untold stories. There is a certain logic behind the names, even a sense of poetry. Careful naming of sites, devices, and characters are mostly self explanatory or easy to remember--for the most part.
The ending does not satisfy. It hangs. That is, tension builds as Kallum eludes capture while preparing to save civilization. He reaches a point of self-realization, while the battle, an ocean of unresolved conflict, remains before him. Here the book ends, leaving us surprised. His self-realization is not enough to satisfy this reader. It promises and doesn't deliver. The book ends with more questions than answers. And we suspect that any future book will likewise leave us unsatisfied, each book a trail of crumbs that leads to empty promises.
Granted, some people delight in the cliff hanger ending and will eagerly pay to read the next in the series.
November 10, 2017
Science Fantasy: A Blend That Anna K. Lane Brings To Vivid Life
Heavy on intriguing visual images and packed with action, Cursed Legacy, the first book in the Aeterna Chronicles, invites you to discover people and places only the best of imaginations could have crafted. From the time Kallum Farron takes a FIS test so he can apply for work at the Control Center, events begin to unfold and issues consume him: his fight with Haggen, Bon’s arrest, his relationship with his love-interest Yadira, his dealings with Aegon and his encounter with Lady Althia, his apprenticeship with Earmon when he realizes he has Minites running inside him and he can open portals, his travels to Mythren and Mount Meru, his quest to find Turak and the locket, his apprehension by the guards, his reunification with Flyx and Chak, and more.
Grappling with his gift as a seer, this is the story of a 17-year-old hero who eventually begins to understand that when he disappeared from the FIS room and traveled through time, he was the catalyst for the aetherium’s failure due to his vision of the future. And, as a hero we can find ourselves rooting for, we want him to accomplish his aims. We want him to find and join the two parts of the locket to restore the Crazies’ minds by collapsing their perception of realities to save them, and we want him to rescue his mother. And, as we leave him at novel’s end, poor and hungry and defenseless, with only his wits to survive and nowhere to run or hide, receiving glimpses of a possible future only he can change, we want him to find the answers he is seeking that await inside the dome, where he has a chance to help his friends. This is a hero we can get behind, a hero we want to succeed, and a hero we want to meet again and, as such, Lane has given us the starting point to what is bound to be a successful series by an author with unique substance and style.
Heavy on intriguing visual images and packed with action, Cursed Legacy, the first book in the Aeterna Chronicles, invites you to discover people and places only the best of imaginations could have crafted. From the time Kallum Farron takes a FIS test so he can apply for work at the Control Center, events begin to unfold and issues consume him: his fight with Haggen, Bon’s arrest, his relationship with his love-interest Yadira, his dealings with Aegon and his encounter with Lady Althia, his apprenticeship with Earmon when he realizes he has Minites running inside him and he can open portals, his travels to Mythren and Mount Meru, his quest to find Turak and the locket, his apprehension by the guards, his reunification with Flyx and Chak, and more.
Grappling with his gift as a seer, this is the story of a 17-year-old hero who eventually begins to understand that when he disappeared from the FIS room and traveled through time, he was the catalyst for the aetherium’s failure due to his vision of the future. And, as a hero we can find ourselves rooting for, we want him to accomplish his aims. We want him to find and join the two parts of the locket to restore the Crazies’ minds by collapsing their perception of realities to save them, and we want him to rescue his mother. And, as we leave him at novel’s end, poor and hungry and defenseless, with only his wits to survive and nowhere to run or hide, receiving glimpses of a possible future only he can change, we want him to find the answers he is seeking that await inside the dome, where he has a chance to help his friends. This is a hero we can get behind, a hero we want to succeed, and a hero we want to meet again and, as such, Lane has given us the starting point to what is bound to be a successful series by an author with unique substance and style.
October 10, 2017
Cursed Legacy started off awesome. A young baker's apprentice Kallum Farron signs up for test that, if he passes it, would allow him to get a good job at the control center. The test is a simulation that is supposed to test his response, if his heart rate goes up too much or he panics then he's not cut out for the job. He's not sure what they'll show him during the simulation and is afraid that he'll have to face a Reaver, one of the monstrous humanoid creatures that live outside the protective dome. This is great world-building.
The problems start when the story goes on because from that point on every time something interesting happens (and there's a lot of interesting in this story) the action is either bogged down by completely unnecessary details or by a very confusing hallucination that Kallum is having. This might have been ok once or twice, but it happens literally every time we have an action scene. The result is that many awesome things were happening and being revealed, but they were difficult to follow.
Suddenly Kallum was in the middle of plots and plans by people that he knew but we never got a chance to get to know. Plans were being made, but they didn't really progress for pages on end. Really interesting things were revealed about Kallum's past but I didn't get a chance to fully appreciate them because I was trying to piece together the random details.
At the end of the day, though, the story remains really good. There's a well-thought out good backbone to this tale that I am interested in seeing through. It mixes science fiction with fantasy and magic in a good way.
I will be reading the next book and hoping that it's been edited for coherence and clarity a bit more so I can enjoy the rest of this awesome story. If you like sci-fi and fantasy check it out because there's a lot to like about it.
The problems start when the story goes on because from that point on every time something interesting happens (and there's a lot of interesting in this story) the action is either bogged down by completely unnecessary details or by a very confusing hallucination that Kallum is having. This might have been ok once or twice, but it happens literally every time we have an action scene. The result is that many awesome things were happening and being revealed, but they were difficult to follow.
Suddenly Kallum was in the middle of plots and plans by people that he knew but we never got a chance to get to know. Plans were being made, but they didn't really progress for pages on end. Really interesting things were revealed about Kallum's past but I didn't get a chance to fully appreciate them because I was trying to piece together the random details.
At the end of the day, though, the story remains really good. There's a well-thought out good backbone to this tale that I am interested in seeing through. It mixes science fiction with fantasy and magic in a good way.
I will be reading the next book and hoping that it's been edited for coherence and clarity a bit more so I can enjoy the rest of this awesome story. If you like sci-fi and fantasy check it out because there's a lot to like about it.
September 10, 2017
Some books grab you from the first sentence and never let up. Those are the books that make my soul happy. This is one of those books. There was so much action, peppered with mystery, and set amid a fantastic backdrop.
Kallum is the kind of hero you can get behind. He isn’t perfect, but he is pure and good. I felt like we were friends. I felt intense concern for him in places, sorrow, and excitement. The emotional range in this story is amazing. Everything in this novel is amazing.
The setting is described enough that I was able to see the world regardless of time, or the fact that it wasn’t a familiar setting. Word building allowed me to seamless sink into the story that was filled with names, places, and beings that were all new to me.
I await the next part, or anything by this author eagerly.
Kallum is the kind of hero you can get behind. He isn’t perfect, but he is pure and good. I felt like we were friends. I felt intense concern for him in places, sorrow, and excitement. The emotional range in this story is amazing. Everything in this novel is amazing.
The setting is described enough that I was able to see the world regardless of time, or the fact that it wasn’t a familiar setting. Word building allowed me to seamless sink into the story that was filled with names, places, and beings that were all new to me.
I await the next part, or anything by this author eagerly.
September 18, 2017
Cursed Legacy by Anna K. Lane
This book was offered through Kid Lit Exchange I was told it was sci-fi but it is so much more than that. It's fantasy, YA and dystopian. It has mystery, adventure and magic. This is the first book in the series Aeterna Chronicals. I can honestly say I am hooked. Kallum Farron is a 17 year old boy living on the planet Levitar a world under a dome. He is a bakers apprentice and aspires for more. He wants a relationship with Yadira and aspires to work in the control center. When he takes a test that could offer him the opportunity to make this all happen...Something goes very wrong and a cascade of strange events plagues him and the dome in which they reside. He is on a journey to save the world of Levitar. He will need to find out the secrets of his past and his own identity. I found it difficult to put this book down.
September 17, 2017
This is an interesting genre mix of fantasy and sci-fi written for middle-grade/teens. Seventeen-year old baker’s apprentice, Kallum Farron, is caught up in a series of life-changing events when a malfunction occurs during his simulation test. I enjoyed the latter part of this book more than the first- once I became familiar with the character names, places and equipment. The pace is good with plenty of action, keeping me turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed the revelations about the MC’s mother and her back-story. There are some deeper issues addressed- about control, life choices and freedom for different groups, depending on who is most powerful. The movement back/forward in time added to the story intrigue and suspense. The story ending left plenty of scope for a follow up.
June 17, 2018
I was offered a free copy in return for an honest review. A mixed response! Full critique and review here:
https://rhianwriting.wordpress.com/20...
https://rhianwriting.wordpress.com/20...
December 26, 2017
1.5 stars
*** I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Where to start? Honestly I can't tell you what this book is about. I got lost from the beginning and it got worse from there. The amount of time it took me to finish this (about two and a half months) is enough proof to show how much I struggled with reading it. I don't know if it's the genre? I doubt it because I try to read a little bit of everything but everytime I began this book I just dozed off.
I know there is a boy, he likes some girl and somewhere in between he finds out that he has some kind of abilities but that is all I can tell. I could not keep up with the characters and I did not care for any of them either not even the Mc. He was just another name among the many words.
I would have Dnf'ed<(is this a even a word?) this book a long time however I made the effort since I got it directly from the author and I felt weirdly indebted to her to at least give this book a chance.
I am sure some person might actually like this book so I recommend this as a try and see.
*** I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Where to start? Honestly I can't tell you what this book is about. I got lost from the beginning and it got worse from there. The amount of time it took me to finish this (about two and a half months) is enough proof to show how much I struggled with reading it. I don't know if it's the genre? I doubt it because I try to read a little bit of everything but everytime I began this book I just dozed off.
I know there is a boy, he likes some girl and somewhere in between he finds out that he has some kind of abilities but that is all I can tell. I could not keep up with the characters and I did not care for any of them either not even the Mc. He was just another name among the many words.
I would have Dnf'ed<(is this a even a word?) this book a long time however I made the effort since I got it directly from the author and I felt weirdly indebted to her to at least give this book a chance.
I am sure some person might actually like this book so I recommend this as a try and see.
March 9, 2018
Actual rating 3.5
As a story, Cursed Legacy takes a while to really get started. The initial chapters take time to explore the world and the characters, but only gives inklings of the conflict/peril brewing beneath. Once that introduction period concludes, the story picks up quite nicely, mixing in political corruption/intrigue with themes of insanity and the crumbling power source upon which the city depends.
I would have liked to see more imagination when it came to the science-fiction elements of the story and the prose, while decent, sometimes struggles to make its point clear.
The characters are varied and the plot has several nice twists scattered throughout.
As a story, Cursed Legacy takes a while to really get started. The initial chapters take time to explore the world and the characters, but only gives inklings of the conflict/peril brewing beneath. Once that introduction period concludes, the story picks up quite nicely, mixing in political corruption/intrigue with themes of insanity and the crumbling power source upon which the city depends.
I would have liked to see more imagination when it came to the science-fiction elements of the story and the prose, while decent, sometimes struggles to make its point clear.
The characters are varied and the plot has several nice twists scattered throughout.
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