When rains fall and tides rise, you must decide on which shore you stand.
Sibba Hallowtide has never felt like a Fielding, but fierce loyalty to her mother has always kept her close to home. When tragedy strikes, Sibba suddenly has a chance to leave the Fields in search of independence. But unless she can rescue her brother and return him to his rightful place as chief, the duty of clan leadership will fall onto her shoulders.
Rayne Crowheart is not just any rebel, but the daughter of the Casuin emperor, estranged from her family from the time she was only 12. Now, five years later, with the training of an assassin, she returns home on a mission to kill the crown princess--her own sister--and hand the country over to the rebels. That is, until she makes an unexpected ally who gives her hope there might be another way.
Sibba wants nothing more than to be free, but her journey to save her brother reveals that instead, her destiny may lie in a land across the sea. A land rife with turmoil, rich in magic and revenge, where a new queen is about to take the throne.
Two girls, two worlds, and one destiny collide in the first installment of this new fantasy series that is a must-read for fans of Morgan Rhodes, Sarah J. Maas and Kristin Cashore.
I’m Cassidy Taylor, and I write, mostly young adult fiction. I studied English and Creative Writing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It was there that I found my niche in children’s literature, and won the Bill Hooks Award for Young Adult Fiction in 2007. I live in beautiful North Carolina with two kids, two dogs, and one cat who thinks he’s a dog.
I received this book as an ARC from the author, Cassidy Taylor, for review and in no way does that influence my opinion on it.
“Soon the rains will fall and the tides will rise, and it will be up to you to decide on which shore you stand.”
A solid 4-stars! It is safe to say I’m more a YA fantasy reader than any other genres out there and mind you, I have read all the popular YA fantasy such as Falling Kingdom, ToG, and Graceling, as mentioned in the description of the synopsis. But let me tell you When Rains Fall is different!
Okay. Maybe the first few pages from the get go reminded me of ACOTAR’s first chapter and I almost rolled my eyes and thought “Here were go, your typical YA fantasy story” but I was so wrong about that!
Alright, here’s a quick summary: Two powerful women protagonists, Sibba and Rayne, both trying to figure out what are their true purpose in their life aside from their mission and more importantly, who they want to be. Sibba, chief’s daughter, needs to rescue her dear brother before getting her freedom; Rayne, rebel princess, needs to kill her own sister in order to give the throne to the rebels.
The story is action packed. The magic is really intricate and fascinating. It was interesting to read about how magic works in this world and I’m sure Cassidy has more up her sleeves! Even the political side is complex, two lands separated from the sea with very different political intrigue.
Personally, I loved Rayne more than Sibba. I guess her character development was more interesting for me than Sibba's one. There was multiple moment in the story that I got so frustrated with Sibba that made me wanted to skip her chapters. Rayne also made less unwise decisions than Sibba but don’t get me wrong, Rayne can be reckless sometimes. But Tierri, whom you will meet later on as the story progresses, was there to stop her. Tierri is by far my favourite character in this entire book, even more than the two main characters!
I was pleasantly surprised with the ending. I was sure our two main protagonists will meet on the way but they didn’t! Both sides of the story was wrapped up nicely and I can’t wait for the second book to come out to learn more about The Lost Field!
OMG! Amazing! Sheer brilliance! I can't wait for the next one! The characters were well thought out and intricate. The world building was phenomenal. Do I even need to tell you about the story??? I didn't want to put it down! I was captivated from the first page and never lost interest as the stories progressed!
Experience the world through the eyes of not one but two protagonists as they deal with their own struggles. First Sibba, daughter of a Chief, leaves her island sanctuary after tragedy strikes. This course does not come without repercussions, however. What she thought to be a magnificent opportunity of freedom has turned quickly into an unwanted adventure with even more unwanted companions. Rayne, daughter of an emperor, has been in training to be an assassin since running away from her father and palace life. Now she's back with a mission - take out the Crown Princess, her sister. What starts as a simple quest turns into a series of questions. Is this the only way?
I received an ARC from the author and have voluntarily left this review.
When the main character of the book has to bust out her ax twice in the first few chapters, it might make you think she enjoys fighting. But it's not that simple. Sibba, one of two female leads in this epic adventure, has complicated feelings about violence. There's the way her culture wants her to be, and there's what her heart pulls her toward. She's tough as nails but also real and vulnerable. She's capable of hurting, but more so of being hurt. Which is why I found myself rooting for her to both kick ass and find her peace.
And then things get complicated. Because Sibba is written incredibly well, so of course you want her enemies to eat dirt and suffer, right? Wrong. The line between friend and enemy, between "good guys" and "bad guys" isn't fixed in this world. Just as in real life, everyone does things for a reason. Acts that seem vicious and unforgiving might be motivated by love or loyalty. Characters whose paths cross Sibba's own are fascinating in their own rights.
And this is what really made me fall in love with this book. Yes, the writing is beautiful. Yes, the action is tense and thrilling. Yes, the characters and the world are rich and real, drawing on mythology that seems familiar while being new and enticing. But what makes me hungry to read the rest of this series is the way Taylor treats the themes of love, acceptance, anger, betrayal, and fear. There is such a beautiful and nuanced treatment of human emotion. Of the ways in which the strongest of us can be weak, and vice versa.
If you're looking for a story about young women growing up and coming into their power in sometimes painful ways, this is it. If you're looking for a story where heroism doesn't simply mean bashing in someone's skull, but might mean admitting when you need help, this is it. If you're looking for a story that fiercely celebrates the written word and the human spirit, this is it. A must read for those who love fantasy, magic, lore, strong female characters, and rollicking adventure.
You'll soon realize that the story follows two POVs: Rayne Crowheart and Sibba Hallowtide. I thought the pacing was well done and the exchange back and forth was well done; since we were going back and forth, there were more opportunities for cliff hangers and they weren't annoying or ill-placed.
There were also a few characters that stood out to me. I especially enjoyed Tola. I imagined her as a mature, witch version of Merida. It's probably the wild red hair that gives that image. I really enjoyed how she's introduced, her personality, and the role she takes in the novel. She's a healer, which is nifty for someone like Sibba who gets stabbed and cut more often than one prefers. She's also the voice of reason when Sibba gets violent. She's also a fantastic character on her own and I didn't feel like she was primarily functioning as a support character. Overall, I loved how there were smart and flawed women on both sides. Rayne and Sibba both made excellent protagonists.
As much as I truly enjoyed the world building and history, some aspects of past events were confusing to me. There's a bit of family and royal drama and I had to read certain passages multiple times to understand the gravity of current events. Granted, I read this during a red-eye flight, so maybe I wasn't in the best circumstances to take in exposition. All I can say is that the drama and who's related to whom took a bit of extra work to internalize and understand.
I'm also happy to say that this novel (and probably the rest of the series) is LGBTQT+ friendly. Yay! We could always use more of that.
I received this book as an ARC from the author Cassidy Taylor- and I thank her so much for it! This book was what I needed.
Wow. Just... brilliant. I read a lot of YA fantasy, and lately a lot of books have been missing the mark for me. Good... but not re-readable. Not a world or story I would read again and can't wait to delve back into. When Rains Fall however, is a book I would happily reread, a world and characters I can't wait to get back into and see where their stories take them!
Sibba is the estranged daughter of a chief, who has never felt like she belongs in the Fields. When tragedy strikes she sees her chance to finally leave, and explore the world beyond what she knows. But everything does not go as she plans, and before she knows it she's dragged down by companions she doesn't want to care for, on an adventure she wasn't planning to go on.
Rayne has been in training for five years, learning to be an assassin whose one goal is to take out the Crown Princess.... her sister. But she finds that everything is not so black and white, especially when it comes to family, and maybe there is a better way to get what she wants- a land free of slavery.
There is a beautiful symmetry to the girls stories, as they realize who they are and what is important to them. Both girls are strong warriors, who both suffer through loss and love, friendship and betrayal. I was intrigued to see how their stories would intersect, and was surprised by the direction their stories took!
I would definitely recommend this book! I loved every moment of it and am intrigued to see where Taylor takes us in the second book- which I eagerly await.
[I received this ARC from the author Cassidy Taylor for review.]
Title: When Rains Fall Genre: Young Adult Fanasty Cover: 3/5
Awesome. Action packed. Fantastical.
As a fan of Kristin Cashmore's Gracelings trilogy, I loved this. Also the hint of Viking influence sold me even more.
Two Princesses. Two Worlds. Same Destiny. Told in two points of view, Sibba and Rayne, about two princesses finding out who they are amist enemies, love, and family.
Personally I liked Sibba character a little better then Rayne. Not for any kind of reasons, just I connected to her more. But I adored Tierri's character.
The Warrior and The Rebel Princesses. Both strong and vulnerable women make great stories.
I thought that it would end with both girls meeting and was pleasantly surprised they didnt. They are meant too yet. Also it wrapped both stories but left a nice lead for the second book. For where the story can take off again.
When Rains Fall is the first book in the series The Lost Fields and this book was written on two fronts, dealing with the lives of two female characters, Sibba and Rayne, who come from very different backgrounds and lives but who are both courageous and who want to be free from their fathers and their home! They are both survivors who are highly trained to fight but both of them are also led by a strong moral compass which guides their actions. I really enjoyed the breath taking adventure which these girls lives took us on, full of magic, great fighting scenes even though sometimes these got to be quite brutal, romance even that between women and getting to meet the Vala whose strength and power in magic is awesome, no wonder Sibba fell in love with her! Am dying to see how this story unfolds and to see whether these two girls destinies will at some point bring them together, there is so much mystery they still have no clue about in their past!
I'm very hard to please, so it's always refreshing to read a good book that leaves a positive impression!
When Rains Fall is about two women (with swapping points of view between them) who never meet, but have ties that you slowly begin to uncover. Both women have known tragedy, and yet their will and strength to push past their obstacles is lovely to witness.
Both main characters are flawed, but determined. I found them each likable in different ways and enjoyed a lot of the characters they came across. (Including a sexy General. *Cough*)
The world-building is fantastic, the writing is smooth and flowed well. The only note I would make is that the beginning takes a bit to get into (there's a lot of history!). But after that? The pages turned like lightning! (... Pretend that made sense.)
I highly recommend and can't wait for the next book in this series to come out!!
If you like high fantasy with strong, capable women who kick a lot of ass, then you'll like this one!
I loved this book, and it’s prequel novella (The Dry Season) and cannot recommend them enough! They have left me wanting more in a way I haven’t found in a series in a while.
The women in this are powerful and strong and the kind of characters everyone can resonate with. The world building was fantastic and I was completely engrossed in both sides of this story (if I have to choose later it’s going to break my heart!).
A few pieces of her world I’ve read in other books in a newer, fresher take. Cassidy Taylor did an excellent job of melding snippets of various lore and really making me fall in love with all of her characters. When Rains Fall, the first in The Lost Fields series is a new favorite of mine and I cannot wait to continue it!
I have always considered fantasy to be my bread and butter. My favorite genre to read. While every book has the ability to transport you to another world full of excitement and adventure, fantasy, especially high fantasy, always seemed to do it better. Adventures were grander, dangers more dangerous, and twists od faith, more unusual.
When Rains Fall is a fantastic novel by Cassidy Taylor, that's showcases everything I love about fantasy genre. Where magic happens, heroes find strength to do what is necessary & take a step on a journey to discover who they are, where everything isn't quite what it seems, where histories are interwined, and yes perils are more perilous.
So take a step on a journey and find out for yourself what's hidden in the pages of this one
At first glance I thought this book would be just meh but it pleasantly surprised me! Both female leads, Sibba and Rayne, were very interesting. Such a well thought out, descriptive story! Speaking of descriptive, there’s a LOT in this book. Mostly great because you get a full visual of the world and characters, but some parts I did find myself going “yea, yea, let’s get on with it already!” That’s why I gave this a 4. Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Loved how it ended and really curious on what can happen as the story continues! Especially with Sibba! I found myself really drawn to her story!
Book 1 of The Lost Fields follows two young women essentially displaced in their worlds, trying to discover their roles as leaders, and how they morally handle that in relationships and in life changing decisions. The stories take place on either side of the Impassible Straight, but are very much linked. I initially had some difficulty getting oriented with the two story lines and how they are connected, but once was over that hurdle really enjoyed the plots, characters and world. I felt satisfied with the conclusion of the novel and am eager to continue on with the next book. There is plenty of opportunity for great adventure in this series and I can’t wait to read it!
I knew this book was going to be an epic adventure when I saw the cover! When Rain Falls is a non-stop action packed high fantasy novel. The two POVs complement each other perfectly because you get a taste of both worlds: Royals VS Vikings. From start to finish I was hooked. There’s so much that goes on in this novel and the world building is excellent. The only thing lacking was the emotional impact of certain character deaths, but other than that, I enjoyed reading this book.
I've had the pleasure of reading this book three different times. The characters are well developed and carry weight to them. Even the minor characters seem like they exist on their own and could have their own stories. The transitions between main characters is well done and the world is real and it breathes. I'm excited to see where the story goes from here. This is definitely a strong story.
I enjoyed reading about Rayne and Sibba as they each went through challenges and heartaches. Though their paths didn't cross in this book, it seemed like it would likely happen soon. I am eager to see how that would play out. This was an excellent first in series and I look forward to the next book.
Wonderful story that follows two girls who have their worlds turned upside down and have to find a new way in the world. The characters are complex and you can see them growing through the story and the world they are in is rich and varied.
Beautifully written fantasy adventure story steeped in magical lore. With characters that pop and seem realistic and her prodigious world-building, lovers of classic fantasy, especially those that love powerful female lead protagonists, will eat this up! Cassidy Taylor is one to watch.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fast read because the pacing was great and the action/storyline moved it along quickly. There were many points I didn’t want to put it down. Add this to your tbr. The story went places... I couldn’t guess every move and I loved that.
Siba has never felt like a Fairfield but for the sake of her Mom she has to try. When tragedy strikes, things change. An intriguing story by a great author.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. There wasn’t a part of this book that I didn’t like. It pick up very fast in the beginning g and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I thought I was going to dislike the switching between perspectives but the changes happened at the perfect times. When one left off on a cliffhanger the next person perspective was just as immersive and then you wanted to keep reading theirs! Forgetting about the others. I serious just loved this book.
When Rains Fall is an action packed story written from the perspectives of two strong female protagonists, Sibba and Rayne. Both characters go on their own journey of finding themselves and you are kept enthralled at every turn through unexpected twists and discoveries. I would 100% recommend this book to readers who love fantasy and adventure and I personally cannot wait for book 2.
This was a great story. The two main stories keep things interesting and help to make a complete story. The characters are forced to grow and change as they are faced with many challenges as well as situations that are beyond their control. They are complex and interesting and detailed enough so the reader feels invested in their fate. I’m looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and in no way does that influence my opinion on it. When Rains Fall by Cassidy Taylor is her debut novel and let me tell you, this book is amazing. I was engrossed from the very first line I read, the story pulled me in and never let go. When Rains Fall tells the story from two amazing and unique female perspectives. Sibba the daughter of a Warrior Chief who lives on a small island with her mother after her parents separation and Rayne, the runaway Princess who seeks revenge against her vile family for a heinous crime they committed. These are two special and different characters, they both have compelling storylines that's bound to cross. Theirs is a destiny many years in the making. Sibba lived a quiet life with her mother Darcey on an abandoned island for five years until tragedy struck and she had to venture out on her own. Rayne has been with the Shadderns/Knights ever since she was twelve when she ran away from the palace. She has been training to get revenge for a wrongdoing her father committed. The odds sometimes seem to be against these two characters but seeing how they prevail is part of what makes it so much fun. Rayne is reunited with her family but things begin to happen that makes her question herself and her mission. Secrets are revealed that changes everything Sibba knew about herself. On her journey towards finding herself, Sibba has adventures with the girl she loves, a stranger that may or may not be her enemy and magical girl whose power and grace captivates Sibba. It was so hard to put down this book, I leafed through the pages feverishly eager to see what's next. Cassidy Taylor has a way of writing that entrances. A lot of things both good, bad and magical happens to the two MC's but it's all worth it for them to become the powerful women they're meant to be. Rayne's romance with Tierri, the magic wielder and Sibba's love with Tola, the magical priestess is definitely one of those epic loves you can't help but root for. The moments before the ending have their shocking twists and turns and mostly left me wanting to jump into the book wielding an ax and slashing people up. I absolutely loved it all, it ended in a way that makes me thirst for what's next. The next book in this amazing series is obviously going to be epic as the pieces have been laid on the chessboard, all that remains is for everything to fall into place. I happily recommend When Rains Fall to anyone looking for a great read because it has everything, magic, adventure, romance, warrior women, brilliantly structured storyline, villains, amazing characters, genius writing and a beautiful cover.
P.S: Sibba's people are really Viking like and that was uber awesome.