Rogue Legacy: The Secret History of Issalia

The Runes of Issalia #0.5

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

*This is a previous cover/edition for ASIN B07958CJ9J

A corrupt organization, a dangerous magic, a dark plot...and the girl who stood in the way.

When tragedy strikes, Lyra runs for her life…directly into the hands of fate. Destiny places her at the heart of a plot to overthrow the rulers of Issalia - a plot she must help thwart. Led by a man armed with powerful magic, and joined by a single soldier who wields an enchanted weapon, the three must face the most fearsome army the world has ever known. Even if they survive this epic confrontation, the future is not secure…for the threats surrounding Lyra do not end there.

History often forgets the details, and sometimes, history forgets the truth. Meet Lyra: an orphan, a thief, a liar, a bard, a warrior, a princess…a rogue. Her story reveals what truly happened hundreds of years before The Runes of Issalia series takes place. Within these pages, resides her legacy.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction, Coming Of Age, Adventure, Ebooks

284 pages, ebook

First published February 8, 2018

About the author

I love fantasy, adventure, and magic. More than that, I adore my readers.

My books are written to entertain -- fantasy adventures filled with compelling characters, spectacular magic, thrilling action, constant intrigue, and a sense of discovery. I equate them to the "Marvel Movie" version of fiction, intended to be a fun escape.

I would love to have you join me and my quirky characters for one outrageous adventure after another. With over a million published words, my author journey has just begun.

Best wishes,
Jeff

_________________________________

Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer's imagination.

Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.
_________________________________

"Would you like FREE books and access to exclusive content? Join my author newsletter, which frequently includes special offers and inside info on my books.
Join at www.JeffreyLKohanek.com and download a free eBook today." -Jeff

"I LOVE to hear from readers and fans. Connect with me through email or social media."

Email - author@JeffreyLKohanek.com
Facebook - /JeffreyLKohanek

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was tired of reading about history, fifteen-year-old Harman wanted to experience life, but as his grandmother would teach him, sometimes history forgets the details, sometimes it forgets to feel alive and sometimes those you least expect to be part of history made the greatest impact on the present. And that is when Grandmother Jane told Harman the rest of the story, the story of the power one person can hold to change the future while making history.

Lyra’s life changed after that terrible night that sent her fleeing from evil. It would be a night that brought out the person she was meant to be and would set her on a tumultuous path of adventure, daring and danger. She would learn to stand for what is right, to question and to never be afraid to do what must be done to thwart evil. With the powerful magician, Cal, by her side, Lyra will become an unsung hero and while Cal and Lyra will separate, there is no doubt of the bond they have formed and that Fate will once again bring them together.

Meanwhile, Lyra’s life will be uprooted time and again and she will have to rely on her wit and the friendships she has formed throughout the years to survive, all the while unknowingly creating a legacy that will change the world.

Fabulous writing, times of high peril mixed with times of quiet and some incredible magical inventions, we witness a blossoming of a strong character, strong bonds and, like young Harman, we feel history come alive as the blanks are filled in, truths are revealed as the legacy of one girl changes the future of her world. From the first page, I was submersed in Lyra’s world, through her teenaged moments of daring to the young woman who could become like a chameleon, adapting to every situation. Wonderful characters abound as each scene comes to life, some sweet, some adventurous and some magical, Jeffrey L. Kohanek has the gift of storytelling for sure, just like Grandmother Jane!

ROGUE LEGACY by Jeffrey L. Kohanek is the story of a girl who met Fate head on and created her own destiny as a strong, intelligent warrior who will forge ahead into the unknown setting the stage for the future and the Runes of Issalia.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC edition from Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Series: The Secret History of Issalia
Expected Publication Date: February 8, 2018
Publisher: Fallbrandt Press
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 266
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Louie the Mustache Matos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue Legacy is the prequel story to the Runes of Issalia series written by Jeffrey L. Kohanek. The novel is part of a fantasy, sword and sandals, sword and sorcery epic, adventure that begins with a young girl whose father gets killed, her house burned down, and is left penniless to attempt to make her way in a harsh world. Luckily, she has a few gifts that she has nurtured at the local tavern: singing like a bard and gambling like a rogue. All that I have relayed happens in the first chapters; an inauspicious beginning to the hero's journey that Lyra has begun, and yet good fortune smiles on her because along the way she meets others that will help her acquire more skills.

This is the story before the story about an orphan, thief, gambler, magic-user, warrior, liar, bard, princess, rogue that left a tremendous legacy for her ancestors. Imagine, she is practically a one-woman adventure party, all by herself. It is such a strong story that you will wonder why continue the story with another MC when this one is so elite. Kohanek has planned this story well, and I would not mind returning to Issalia, later in time.

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rogue Legacy is the first book in Jeffrey L. Kohanek’s The Secret History of Issalia series. The story reveals what truly happened hundreds of years before The Runes of Issalia series takes place, although you do not need to read the series to understand this one. It is beneficial to have a better understanding of the world, but not necessary, as this is a story that fills in blanks whilst also working alone. Personally, I read this without any prior knowledge of the author’s world and found it worked perfectly fine.

In truth, this book is more of a three-point-five-star rating rather than the three-star rating I gave it. There were times when I considered rounding it up, but in the end I found myself unable to. There were moments where the book was worthy of the four-star rating, but as a whole it wasn’t quite enough for me to round up. Although I was engrossed throughout, I realised there was always something missing.

If I was the type to use gifs, I’d use two to reflect my expectations and the reality. I expected the popular ‘I’m going on an adventure’ gif from The Hobbit, only to be given any fantasy gif of an army marching towards their goal – you see, while the story was always moving forward it never really set of that jump in my step that had me racing towards my goal. I was interested, determined to see how things played out, but I wasn’t so deep in the world that I was racing around in search of my answers.

Considering the story was interesting, I expected to experience that additional excitement that would have me turning pages at a rapid pace. Yet I wasn’t. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I wasn’t as sucked in as I had expected to be, but I consistently felt as though something was keeping me at arm’s length. I was enjoying the way events were playing out, but I wasn’t sucked into the world. Hence why I opted to round down.

I’m sure many will love this one, but there was something – and I cannot work out what – that prevented me from truly falling into this one.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building a legecy

A great prequel to the Heroes of Issalia books. I usually do not like prequels, but this one is done especially well. It fills in the gaps in the later books, but is it's own story as well.

The book follows Lyra has many titles and names throughout her life. Always doing things her own way be it hustling sailors in games of knucklebones, or running for life, or fighting for what she believes in. She will always lead an interesting life and attract an interesting crowd of characters around her. Many of whom will become legonds in their own rights.

If you have read the Heroes of Issalia series, you will notice a number of familiar items, names, and despite being a century earlier, possibly a familiar character as well. However, this book is more than good enough to stand on its own if you want the story to end here, but I am sure after reading this, you will not want it to end. I know I did not.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A kid is tired of studying history, so his grandmother tells him a story. A young girl singer dresses up as a boy and sings in a tavern and gets swept into events that change the world.

Not bad, but didn't pull me into its world.

[Fiona Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great story. This is a new author for me, and I will definitely be read more by him. This story is told by Jane to her Grandson, he’s bored and wants excitement not studying to pass his entrance exams for the magic Academy. The story is gripping and catches you from the first page, you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. I read it in a day even though it’s not a small book.
If you’ve read any of the other books by this author this provides the backstory to this series. Enjoy it.

[Sandralena Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a novella, I was going to skip this book in the series. I am glad I didn't! Lyra's story was very entertaining reading. More great characters, twists and turns, which explained the situation that evolved into The Emblem Throne.
Lyra is a multi-talented, strong female lead. The other friends and enemies are also well-drawn, especially the two men in her life.

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know this was one of the best books I have read this year. The characters are great and they make you root for them throughout the book. Story is a page turner and you keep reading and reading until you finish it. You will not be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone!

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this story has a slow start, once you get a few chapters in it is hard to put down. Lyra goes from an angsty teen to strong willed woman others can look up to. The ending was perfect, and I enjoyed the story inside a story structure. The author does a great job of building the suspense throughout the story, and bringing all the loose ends back in at the ends.

[Cassie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, This doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.


Rogue Legacy is so good. I got engrossed in it quite quickly. It's the story of a talented lutist Lyra and how her life is upended when her father is murdered in front of her and she has to go on the run from her father's murderers. But as she begins to find out, things are more complicated than she initially thought. She finds herself among a group of free people called the Tantarri (Yup those Tantarri). She makes friends and sort of becomes their family. Her adventurous journey eventually leads her to meet Cal, a magician who works for the Hand (Yes that Hand) the same people who she overheard her father's killer talking about. Together, this duo began to work together and this partnership leads to many magical revelations/breakthroughs. They also discover that the Hand is up to no good and they're using Cal's discoveries in despicable ways to influence their horrific agenda. Cal and Lyra inform the King of what's going on and the extent of the treachery of The Hand. Lyra and Cal also find out about the main plan the members of the Hand has, They have created giant men whose voice invokes fear in anyone who hears it (Fans of the series know exactly what they are and what comes next). Due to clever thinking on Cal and Lyra's part, the Hand is momentarily thwarted. As a reward, Lyra now lives with the King and his daughter Princess Tiri and is like family to them. Tragedy strikes in the form of the man who killed Lyra's father, leading to Lyra fleeing with Tiri and going on the run. While on the run, Lyra and Tiri eventually mistakenly end up with the Tantarri. Together they have new adventures and fun.
Eventually, Lyra once more finds Cal. After a daring rescue, the two finally decided to stay by each other always. Their union led to many changes in their world most of which can be seen in the main series.
Rogue Legacy is the best possible prequel the series could have, I loved everything about it from the worldbuilding to the characters. It will resonate to the series fans. Jeffrey Kohanek has once more written a tremendous book.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful adventure!
Lyra, a young 16 year old girl, witnesses the death of her father at the hands of a group of unsavory characters working for the secretive power-seeking group called “The Hand”. They discover her and realize she witnessed their deed, could identify them and thus began a chase to capture and kill her. Escape is difficult and others die in efforts to help her. Finally, she is taken to a palace and left there by a magician to be raised as a daughter of the king, along with his family.
For a few years, things go well, except for her rocky relations with the queen. The Queen’s brother comes to visit and proves to be the very man who killed her father! She and her “sister”, the princess Tiri, are forced to run for their lives after this man orchestrates the murder of the kind and wise king who had cared for Lyra. Eventually, each girl finds love, but how it comes about is what gives this story its flesh and blood, making it an outstanding read.
The descriptive writing in the opening pages caught my attention. The attention to detail made me “see” the scenes. The transition from the beginning scene to the story was exceptionally well done. Young adults (and old!) will enjoy this clean fantasy with good values demonstrated by the main characters.
This is the first piece of work by this author I have read, and I am eager to read more of his work.

[Tatteredturtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that has the feel of Princess Bride or Howl's Moving Castle I suggest you pick up Rogue Legacy!! It's a book full of magic, secrets, and fantasy! You can read my full review here: https://tatteredturtlestittertattle.w...

[Ginger Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sucked into this one fast and hard. Quickly fell in love with just this book. Now I must get the others.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from author Jeffrey L. Kohanek was excellent! I'll be reading more from him.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing short story that introduces Issalia. Loved learning about her.

[Maggies Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue Legacy was the first book I read by the author Jeffrey L. Kohanek and it was not a disappointment, far from it, it was amazing. With my Amazon Unlimited, I have just added the Runes of Issalia Complete Boxed Set: An Epic Fantasy Adventure so I can read the first three books because I so enjoyed Rogue Legacy. It reminded me of a beautiful Disney movie.

[Silver Surfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting fantasy. Full of up and downs where you just don’t know what’s coming next. Again magic and feisty females, just what I like. She certainly knows a thing or two about life and living. Highly recommended.

[Roger Weetch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable book preceding the Issalia series and explaining much of what is to happen in them. For this reason, although it is a prequel to these books it needs to be read afterwards to avoid spoilers. There are interesting characters, well developed, and a good story line, told as though a history lesson for a young man by his grandma. Well worthwhile reading.

[Raymond Malgra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic

Very good. Nice surprise at the end. Skills make the woman. She does realize that her singing is her magic. She's a Bard.

[Nell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate it.

There were some things I didn't like from the sample, but lots of books take some time to find their footing. But I'm over a quarter in now, and my opinion of this book has been on a steady downhill course.

The early things are simple:

- That thing movies/TV sometimes do where during a confrontation, the camera will follow a person looking down to show they've been stabbed, shot, or are being threatened with such. With TV, it can be used as a twist (or for humor). With a book, I find it feels too distancing, separating me from the action, and from the character performing the action, especially when that character is supposed to be our protagonist.

- The main character fantasizing about stabbing people within minutes of what should be a serious traumatic event.

- Bad guys wandering around in the dark, in the middle of nowhere, looking for random people to attack.

- Poor handling of an injury. You don't want to try walking that off, seriously. Why was the injury there in the first place? Convenient short-term obstacle?

- And when Lyra gets caught trying to steal some stuff, she takes the time to notice the guy's "handsome tanned face". Actually, I'm not sure if the narration is supposed to be from her point of view (given the framing), but is that really the time?

And then come the later things. Still from the first quarter or so, but spoilers if you'd like:

So, maybe three days after she witnessed her father being murdered and was forced to go on the run, she's smiling and laughing, "feeling free and alive", because... guy. It's not like she's had any time to process. It's not like we've actually seen her spend any of what little time she's had on processing things. Just... next plot point.

She lets herself get talked into stealing more stuff by said guy. Okay, I don't really want to go the victim-blaming route with "letting" herself get talked into it, she's clearly in a very vulnerable position and he's obviously at fault for taking advantage. But, um, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be thinking here?

And he kisses her. Ick.

But before that. He inserts himself as a mentor ("teaching" her how to steal), has her start small (some apples to feed the group), then has her escalate (which gets her caught). He then proceeds to kiss her. Ick.

The new guy seems less awful, but doesn't appear to have a personality beyond "experiments on animals".

Enough of men! Lets talk about the other women in this book! Or really, the lack thereof.

So far there's been one other woman under the age of... like... 80?... introduced to us. She appears to exist for the sole purpose of being mean to Lyra over a guy. Okay, I know situations like this happen, but three points here:

- They mostly occur in high schools, which are a very specific social environment. This book isn't depicting that environment.

- They're not the entirety of who those women are. There will still be more to them, because real people are complicated and are more than one thing. Unlike here, where the very brief appearance was, so far, it.

- And there are other women. Or girls. Ones who are different, because people.

I think Lyra's reaction annoyed me most of all. "Oh, I just stumbled across some pests." She literally says that. She SAYS that. I... just... I don't even... Is Lyra supposed to be one of those protagonists you hate but end up rooting for anyways? Because those guys normally have to be charismatic or something. Lyra just straight up erases people's humanity, women's humanity, the only women there. Besides the grandmother. (Who disappears, and didn't impact much to begin with.)

I gave it a chance. Even after that. But I'm not finishing.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue Legacy: The Secret History of Issalia is an engaging story that pulled me in after a few pages. In this book, I was introduced to Lyra, a young woman who has a unique gift with the lute. She is living with her father until the night that he refuses to do a task that he had already agreed to do. That night she witnesses the death of her father and her own life is thrown into danger. She flees to the only person she believes can help her only to lose them as well. On the run, she changes her name trying to avoid the people who are after to silence her. Lyra meets up with a group of people while on the run, and they adopt her into their group and teach her what they know. While with them, she is befriended and taught by Gar. He seems to care for her, but due to the difference in age, she refuses him. One night while out to steal, she falls into a hole and is hurt. The young man she was going to steal from helps her out but on the condition, she stays and helps him with his work for a certain number of months. She agrees. She learns his name is Cal and that he can do magic. Cal conducts experiments, but he's doing them for an organization inside the Church called The Hand. The Hand seeks to obtain all power and will do what they must to do so. With the aid of Cal's experimentations with magic, something terrifying is created. Cal must find a way to stop it, but the danger will not stop there. Lyra will find that danger seems to follow her no matter where she goes.
Rogue Legacy is the first book that I have read by Jeffrey L. Kohanek and I loved this book. I am eager to read the other books by this author to read more about this storyline of Issalia. I completely forgot that this story was being told as a story to another character in the story! I was so engrossed in the story as it went along that when it shifted to the character the story is being narrated to I was surprised. I literally laughed out loud because of how well done this story is. For me, when the author manages to make me forget certain things like that then you know it's a great story. Lyra is such an engaging character for me. In the beginning, I was a touch annoyed with her, but as the story moved along I came to really like her. She has a lot of spirit and despite everything that happens you really don't see her sitting around feeling sorry for herself.
There honestly isn't anything that I don't like about this book. It is engaging from start to finish for me. I was constantly wanting to read what was going to happen next. I'm putting the other books that are related to this one on my TBR shelf because I am more than eager to read them.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book so much. This author absolutely has a new fan and reader in me. I look forward to reading more of his works in the near future.

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do we enjoy the books me do? What makes a book speak to your soul and why? These are the questions I contemplate as I attempt to write this review. This, very strangely, has been a harder review for me to write.

Why you may ask?

The answer is simple. I absolutely love this book! And the reason I love it so much is because of the happiness my soul feels as I read it. But feelings are hard to explain. In the last 6 months I have read Rogue Legacy 4 times, bought at least 8 copies to give as gifts, and every time I am having a not so great day my oldest son says “read Rogue Legacy…it is your happy book…” (and he is not wrong)

Rogue Legacy has everything a great epic novel should have—heroism, a great evil, giant magic infused dogs, exciting adventure, a magic lute, romance, fighting and happiness, where all the good people get all the “good stuff” in the end.

The story takes place 400 years before the Runes of Issalia and follows 15 year old Lyra as she tries to navigate the world after her father’s assassination. She faces so many obstacles along the way—assassination attempts, banshees, and hunger just to name a few—but she overcomes.

The characters are fabulous. Nobody writes characters like Jeff Kohanek. His characters are so well fleshed out and developed that it seems as if they could step out of the pages of the book and live among us. My favorite characters are Lyra and Cal. Lyra is so determined, strong and strong willed and Cal is your selfless hero that will stop at nothing to save the world. I love their slow burn romance and the way they compliment each other. I love how they just want to make the world a better place. There are so many other great characters but you will have to read the story yourself to discover them.

So if your a person like me who enjoys a book that tugs at your heart and won’t let you forget it than Rogue Legacy (as well as, Runes of Issalia and the Wardens of Issalia) are a must read!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely will not be the last as I love the smooth and easy way his writing takes the reader on their voyage through the book. Lyra is the main character and what a character she turns out to be, a young girl who seems to be beset by troubles wherever she goes, she first loses her father who is killed right in front of her, she is left on her own in life but her courage and fearlessness see her through life. Lyra encounters many different characters and situations throughout her life but she turns even the bad ones to her favour, she is adaptable, willing to learn and able to be in the right place at the right time. She is a fantastic lute player and an even better knucklebone player, she becomes a good swordswoman and an even better thief. She makes friends with a beautiful group of wandering caravan people who take her as one of their own under Gar's protection, then she meets Cal the magical inventor who had such visions for a better world but whose creations were used to control people rather than to improve their lot in life by the ministry of Issal. These were supposed to be a religious sect but they wanted to also rule the people. However Lyra knew what a good heart Cal had and supported him to see his aims fulfilled. This beautiful rogue with the mesmerising voice and hypnotising lute which is of course magically enhanced ends up being adopted and spending a few years living as a princess in the castle of the king but even this good fortune had to turn bad for her, but our survivor turns bad into good through her perseverance. What a beautiful character, will be sorry to not be reading any more about Lyra and her many escapades but still look forward to reading the series Runes of Issalia, which this book just gave us a glimpse of Issalia's historical background.

[Ana Cordoba · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took a awhile for me to become engrossed in this world. It wasn't until more than half the book where the main plot came into play. Before that the story was very jumbled and disorganized. It wasn't until the main conflict appeared that things started to even out and make sense. To be honest, I didn't care much for the first cast of characters that Lyra meets on her quest in the first half of the story. I felt that they weren't all that important. They were unnecessary and not all that remarkable.

Lrya was a engaging heroine to read about. She was her own person and went for what she wanted, no matter the obstacles. The only problem I had with her was how flaky she was with men. It appeared that no matter who they were, if they were god looking , then she started to fall in love with them. This happens two times in the book. In the first half and second. The first half has no basis to the main storyline. The reader is told Lyra and the first man spend time together, but its never shown. So, I didn't really care about the first man , because there wasn't really a relationship presented. The second man Lyra becomes infatuated with does developed a more believable bond with her. I like the second potential romantic pairing better than the first one. I hope this second relationship continues to develop.

Overall, a very interesting tale. I'm invested into what happens next with Lyra. So, might read the second part.

[Kameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

You ever have a day that starts out great but quickly turns to hell? Lyra had such a day. It all started when she went out to play Knucklebones (Tali) for a bit of excitement and to gain some coin in her purse.

For those who are unfamiliar with the game, you might know it now as Jacks.


Anyways, after Lyra left the tense game with Sully, this is where everything takes a dark turn. In a span of two chapters, Lyra saw more death than any one person should. It was in those moments I saw her for whom she really was… a survivor. She evaded death on numerous occasions. She didn’t break when death seemed to follow her. No, she trained hard. Fought hard. She prevailed.

And, she did live happily ever after.

Though Cal was the character with magical abilities, Lyra was the one who seemed to possess extraordinary abilities.

One last thing: I agree with Grandma Jane… “History can be interesting.”

(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
This book had me at the beginning with the beauty of Lyra's lute playing and her singing when it captured the attention of a bird to chirp to the music. It wasn't long after that that the action started. It kept up the pace of the book without overloading you with pain and suffering. I really wanted to pat Lyra on the back several times for the good choices that she made. Usually it is the bad choices that make an exciting story, but this author has proven that to not necessarily be the case here. Lyra was not always in a good place and suffered many losses, but her choices always seemed to work out for the best. This was a very exciting book to read and I highly recommend it.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyra watches her father die, and then spends so much time running for her life. She goes through so much at a young age. However, she has a very smart head on her shoulders. She makes friends on her journey, and eventually finds a family. However, that doesn't last and she has to run again. This time she runs back into old friends and may even find her own happy ending.

I really loved this book and the nod to The Princess bride. Lyra remains true to herself no matter what she happens to be calling herself. She is a strong young lady and every bit a survivor. She is also a hero. This was my first book by this author, but I look forward to reading more of his work.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I knew this was a prequel to the series, so I hoped I didn't need any prior information coming into this story. Thankfully, you don't need any prior information from the series for this, so yes, this is a prequel and can stand on its own. It has everything. Romance, sister love, action, suspense, and a good ending. The one thing I really love about this story is how the sister love was written. It was written really well, which is hard to do. The romance we see is how any teenager would go through. Different feelings and trying to deal with them, it was written well. We see different subplots and how it all relates to the whole large plot. I know this story adds a wonderful bonus to the series, so pick it up. It can stand on its own if you don't want to go into the series. Either way, read it. You'll love it. Everything was written very well.


*I received an e-ARC for an honest review.*

[Scott Vout · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author.

Felt more like a young adult book. I have no problem with that. Upon doing some research on the author he started out creating bedtime stories for his children so it only makes sense.

I have read many "young adult" stories and some are as good as any "adult" book.

This book is set up in two parts. I enjoyed part one more than part two.

The characters are fine and the storyline is fairly solid.

Was it enough to get me to read more by this author. Possibly, but there are many books on the pile before I go looking for the next one in this series.

[Echizero Rincewind · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are two short stories, though very similar ones.

Good world developing and clear characters.

A road story where the main character (hardly a heroin) has very few control in what is going on.
It's meant to be an introduction of the history of how the school of magic started.
Probably it would be more interesting once the reader already knows some of such history from the main series.

Though there's a villain left behind, the neatness in the character's story is a good omen.