Realm of Beasts

Legend of the Nameless One #1

by Angela J. Ford

An enchantress and a wizard get tangled in the grisly plans of an undead creature. 

Tor Lir, the Nameless One, is unsure what he is. However, he knows he was born to bring balance to the powers of good and evil. 

Forsaking his birthplace and fleeing from suggestions of a dark knowledge he’d rather not discover, he decides to take his fate into his own hands. 

A chance encounter with a dead body, a dangerous beast, and a desirous creature lead him on the path to Paradise, where he senses imbalance. 

Banished from her village and lost in a wicked forest, Citrine makes a deal with a dark creature, but that was before she found Paradise—the legendary land of a friendly giant.

Falling in love with the land, Citrine takes advantage of her time to study the lore of herbs and craft a spell of protection for her mythical beasts.

When darkness creeps into Paradise, bringing the mysterious Nameless One and an omen of death, Citrine realizes the consequences of her actions spell danger for herself, her beasts, and Paradise.

As time runs out the undead come to life. Citrine faces the ultimate showdown as everything she holds dear is ripped away. 

Will the Nameless One save Paradise or destroy it to welcome an era of peace?

Realm of Beasts is the first of six planned books in the epic fantasy series: Legend of the Nameless One. 

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, High Fantasy

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2018

About the author

Angela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author who writes high-stakes epic fantasy and swoon-worthy fantasy romance novels filled with atmospheric worlds, diverse characters, and satisfying happily ever afters. Her stories feature fast-paced plots, rich descriptions, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and enchanting magic, often with a musical twist. With over 30 published books, Angela's imaginative storytelling has captured the hearts of fantasy romance readers worldwide. As an avid reader herself, Angela can often be found with her nose in a book.

Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realm of Beasts by Angela Ford and narrated by Tucker McDougall is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
I am an avid reader and audible listener, fantasy and science fiction are my two favorite genres but this book has me confused for most of the first half. It started to make some sense by the last half of the book. I am giving the book a 3 star because it had all sorts of interesting characters. I had no bond with any character, there was no twists or turns I could make out, but there was some world building that was interesting, and unique creatures.
The narration was good but over the top when it was performing small animals. It just sounded silly.

[Dr. Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really thought I'd like this book. Between the cover, the synopsis and the overall vibe, it seemed like the perfect fit for me. But sadly, nothing worked for me.

First off, I really hated the narrator. Their voice grated on my nerves and made it hard to concentrate on the story. The world and overall plotline of good vs evil was okay, but I just couldn't bring myself to care about either of the main characters. None of their motivations were relatable to me and it made it hard to connect to this story.

The combination of narrator and lack of interest makes this story not for me unfortunately.

[Sebanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A world full of fantasy elements, magic, prophecy, good and evil. Everyone has a role to play. What I loved about this book is the fact that the story is told from different perspectives. We get to know a lot of characters in depth. Tor Lir and Citrine are not the only ones who are given the honor of narrating the story, other characters are included in that too.

The descriptions are so well put together that the readers could almost portray the world in their imagination. Besides it is breathtakingly beautiful.

from the tree sprite to the talking dragonfly everything is just so vibrant that the reader finds themselves being pulled into that world easily.

An adventure filled with fantastic beasts and spirits, glowing orbs, Talking animals, magic,sorcery, and a dark and evil being who awaits hidden in darkness. What more can a fantasy genre lover want?

I certain can't think of anything else.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and my heartfelt thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this splendid book.(even the cover art is amazing! If for nothing else I would've picked it up among others for it's cover).

I hope you all will also enjoy this book as much as I have.
For more reviews, check out my blog,
https://ensnaringlibri.blogspot.com/
I also take review requests.

[Nerine Dorman · Rating 2 out of 5]

At a glance, Realm of Beasts by Angela J Ford looked like exactly the kind of story I'd enjoy reading – and I'm a sucker for any kind of tale where there is a bonded relationship with fantastic beasts. But ... and yes, there is a but... The novel failed to deliver on all fronts.

The premise sounds interesting – an unlikely pair must get over their differences to stop the ominous Master of the Forest from destroying a literal paradise. Tor Lir is a man of so much mystery, he doesn't know what his name is (so he goes by Tor Lir – the Nameless One). Citrine is a fiery enchantress who is looking for a place where she can settle with her fantastic menagerie. Their paths cross when they bump into the guardian Novor Tur Woodberry, who I'm pretty sure was based heavily on Tom Bombadil, and who sends them merrily off on their quest To Save The World.
Of course, Citrine and Tor don't see eye to eye most of the way, and there's predictably a bunch of Awkward Romantic Tension. I'm not going to go further into the plot, because this is pretty much the bare bones of the story.

But what didn't work for me at all was the writing. The syntax was often peculiar and awkward to the point where the meaning becomes ambiguous. A good line edit could have fixed this. But it wasn't just that – the writing itself doesn't flow cohesively. Characters' motivations are not well developed, nor anchored within the the story and the setting. The fact that every time Woodberry's name is mentioned, it's written in full ... And repeated, often, when a good pronoun could've worked. Random occurrences take place or characters behave in certain ways that don't feel plausible. Focus on better direct and indirect characterisation would most certainly help. And unfortunately it's beyond the scope of this review to fix.

Pacing was also a massive problem for me – the set-up took so long that by the time the characters were ready to go questing, I was no longer invested in the story, and in fact found myself paging ahead to see whether the chapter was almost done – never a good sign.

Ford shows a lot of promise, and she clearly has a highly detailed world, and I do believe that if she teamed up with a savvy developmental editor to help tighten the story and, most importantly, characterisation. With deeper, more layered writing, this series could be something. But it's not for me. Not in its current shape and form.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angela Ford continues to grab my imagination and interest with her Realm books. The worldbuilding is creative, the action intense and the animals glorius. I enjoyed this series, although I read it in reverse order, but on to book three, thank you Angela, work well done, I am a fan.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn't work for me at all. For personal enjoyment I would even give it 1*, but as the other books I gave 1* are really awful I will go up to 2* for this one.

The world was interesting, the characters decently well done, but the writing itself just was an absolute "nope"for me.
First it's too many things like "her powerful calves" or "her fat legs" (not sure about the exact wording anymore) which just felt off to me. Also plenty of "males" and "females". I just find it strange to address a character as a "female".
Then even though there is sex scene at all and no real romance in the book either, there's quite some sections like (again not the exact wording) "leaner than the females he copulated with in the other land". -> Why do I need to know that? Or how she often used her charms on men, but not this time...

And then there was one name - Novor Tur Woodberry - that got repeated over and over and over and over so much, that I think I will have to punch something if I have to read it again. I think it was a style choice? But using the whole long name in almost every sentence instead of "he" or any other word annoyed the hell out of me.

So the plot and characters and world would have made it a 3 star for me, but the writing just grated from page one to the very end. If it wasn't pretty short I would never have made it to the end...

Not to say that the style can't work for other readers - it just wasn't my cup of tea at all...

[Kort Ploshay · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG what a writer!

This amazing book not only has characters whom you immediately feel you have know well for some time, and discover that you actually care about them.

The storyline is rich and varied, set in a world I personally want to visit - maybe move to?

If you want a casual read - the sort you pick it up, read a bit and put down,
DO NOT buy this book.

Personally, I Love/Hate staying up waaay too late because I simply MUST turn the next page. Rarely have I been so engrossed so early and sustained at that level for hours.

If that is your kind of book, then you will Love and Rave about it. Yes, there is plentiful Magic and Mystery, Danger and Triumph, Joy and Anguish - and you will relish every moment of it all. My word of Honor

BUY THIS BOOK and enjoy a FABULOUS read!

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so hard to put down! I had so much adulting to do, and spent hours wondering how it would end. Citrine is a well rounded character, she has flaws and weakness. She has strength but it's a instant hero. Tor Lir is also not the sure of himself, these are traits I looks for in fantasy books. I want to discover them discover themselves. Loved all of the mythical creatures, each with their own distinct personalities. A great start to a series, and so glad I read Citrine's Monsters first. It gave me a bit of secret insight. Highly recommend it. I look forward to exploring more of Angela J. Fords books, her words are a pleasure to read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can really tell the Author has big plans for this world being built. She took her time to flesh it all out and give the world the justice it deserves. The first is just a taster book, a hint of things to come. So it does makes it a little slow, I did kind of go, so what’s the goal? Whats going to happen? It took a while for that to become clear.

This is the first book in a series of 6 the Author has planned. So you know she has big plans.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)

[Eleanor Shepherd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and Mysterious

I enjoyed this story. The mysteries left me scratching my head, leaving me with a lot of questions. Like who are the bad guys or the good guys. I loved the old man in the castle. Citrine was a very interesting character...an Enchantress. Tor Lir is the nameless one. What is a nameless one? Maybe we will find out in the next book...which I will be reading.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come ... 3.5 stars

[Kevin Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book.

Unfortunately, I did not.

I can confidently say the best part of this book was the narrator. While some have complained about some of his voices, I thought every one was brilliant and just right.

Tucker McDougall is definitely a name I'm going to be looking for in the future.

Now, honestly, it wasn't a bad book. The general storyline was reasonably well thought out and the world(s) seems interesting.

Unfortunately, there was nothing to make me actually care about any of the characters and, frankly, a lot of it just seemed silly. Like the book was written for twelve-year-olds maybe.

And finally, the dialogue and character interactions. So much of this was just extremely choppy and felt contrived. My biggest complaint, though, is the way the two main characters interact. I couldn't really get a sense of what age they are supposed to be, in terms of maturity, but it seemed like it was meant to be much older than they acted. A third character even gets after them about their childish behavior. Based on how they interacted (constant bickering, arguing just to be contrary, etc), they both seem about nine to maybe eleven years old.

Now, that's all fine if you go into it expecting that. But based on the description, I was expecting an adult or (at the very least) late young adult novel.

And yet, incongruously, both of these characters are thinking and/or talking about sex pretty regularly (though there are no actual sex scenes in the book).

With all of that considered, I really don't know what to think of this book. It's almost like the author couldn't decide if she was writing a children's book or an adult one, so blended them together in a way that I, personally, at least, found quite dissatisfying.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Angela J Ford strikes a magical note with this wondrous new book of hers. It is the first book in a new series called Legend of the nameless one but it is still set in the ambience of the Four Worlds. The story is about the giant Novor-Tur-Woodberry and his amazing land of peace and plenty where people, animals and trees all lived in harmony and happiness. He had his singing men who took care that nothing untoward happened in his land as they toured and sang of his greatness all day long. His cottage was a marvel in itself and people were welcomed to eat and drink and smoke a pipe or two whilst discussing the issues of the day. Citrine was a guest of Novor’s however she felt lost without her beasts that she had left behind when she fled for her life from the forest on the boundary. A new evil is arising in this forest and the master of the forest is threatening Novor’s place of peace and harmony! Tor Lir arrives and calls himself the nameless one and says he is there to restore balance to the world which had been too much at peace since the war between mortals and immortals had ended, he thinks there is a need for chaos and Novor says his time is up and he is set on leaving. What a truly enchanting story, the magic is in the writing of such an enjoyable read. I wish there was such a place as Novor’s Paradise to settle down in! Thank you for writing this book of hope Angela Ford, you are an amazing author.

[Nadya Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. The cover art is gorgeous. The idea of a man with no name but with a humongous destiny. An enchantress dedicating herself to creating a spell of protection over herself and her magical beasts. A great protector over a peaceful land guiding the two together into saving the world. I went into this book expecting glorious creatures and a D&D adventure feel. This is book one in a six-part series.

The creatures when described were really cool but they didn’t really come into play beyond dialogue with the Enchantress Citrine until the climax and the ending. To be fair the creatures were in hiding from the evil that The Nameless One and Citrine were trying to stop.

The writing style made me extremely uncomfortable. I’m okay with mentioning sexual things, for goodness sake I’ve read ACOTAR, but there is a line of objectification and at many points, the author crosses it. I actually stopped the audiobook to double-check that the author was a woman because if it had been a man describing a woman that way I would have DNF’d it right then and there. Since it was a woman I gave it the benefit of doubt of it just being one character's perspective but as the story went on it was obvious it was just her writing style. There were no actual sex scenes in the book but the characters regularly compare them to past “copulations” even when no sexual advances or even flirting has happened. It felt like I was listening to 13-year-old boys playing D&D before they had even seen a woman.

She is extremely descriptive of every little detail but for me, it was too many adjectives that made it feel like someone was describing a movie scene by scene rather than pulling me under into the story. I didn’t feel anything for the characters.

I stopped to read other people's Goodreads reviews to decide if I should finish the book and so many of the reviews were glowing and supportive that I pushed through it but I will not be reading the sequels.

If you are interested in giving this book a chance I do recommend reading the other GoodReads reviews to get encouragement on how this book would be a better fit for you than it was for me.

[Elise Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to listen to this on Audible at the courtesy of the author. Firstly, the narration for this was excellent. Each character has their own unique voice, and they were acted out very well. So, kudos!

This was a good High/Epic Fantasy Adventure. The world building took in elements that are familiar in various mythologies, and other fantasy stories, but somehow manages to keep a feeling of its' own identity and originality.

There is some mysterious kind of intrigue going on with these characters that have been thrown together, and it's hard to tell exactly what their motives are, and they're hiding things from each other. Of course, there is magic! I liked the magic, particularly the idea that someone could command control of animals, but only if they shared the same eye color as you. I think that makes for a really neat limitation.

And, slow burn romance coming at you. There's something there: they don't HATE each other, but they're very mistrusting, and yet there's a spark there. So That's something to look forward to in the next part of the series.

Definitely recommend the audio for this one, very well done.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.

When I first started this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read any more of it. But I picked it up in the morning and found myself enjoying it. Maybe it was something I ate! I was captivated by the descriptions of the lands, the creatures and the mismatched partners setting out together on a mission to restore. Citrine to save her beasts and restore their peaceful land, and Tor Lir to restore the balance between good and evil.

The main characters were well done as antagonists and helpers. The balance between the two was comical as well as serious. Citrine was impulsive and acted on her impulses without consulting Tor Lir, while Tor Lir seemed inattentive and uncaring. As danger increased they began to value each other’s opinions and ideas. And, thus, a balance of sorts existed between them.

This story of beasts and magic; good and evil; life and death, is well done and intriguing. A fantasy adventure that draws you in and holds tight. I look forward to more.

[BookElf95 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sooooo, let me start by saying I really like Angela J Ford, and I am going to continue this series because it is Interesting, but the beginning of this book for me was quite slow and hard to get into, I had to kind of force my way through it, till I reached the middle when it finally picked up and I couldn’t put it down after that. it should not have taken me this long to read it. The ending was also a little to fast I think, there should have been more to defeating the master of the forest, the beast just swooping in and destroying him that quickly just seems a little to easy. The characters are interesting and I am liking Tor Lir the more I read about him, citrine is also growing on me. I think Nover-Tur Woodberry’s name was mentioned a little to much, like every other second it’s mentioned… I get it his name is Nover-Tur Woodberry, believe me I won’t be forgetting it any time soon… BUT! over all I liked it, I think it has potential and I will definitely be moving onto the next book, I would like to see where it all goes and if there will be some good character development.

[Georganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

No longer good versus evil, but rather balance between them. The beginning of a new adventure. Citrine and a young man called Tor Lir are teamed together to discover the strange happenings in the land. Their mistrust of one another along with their own secrets makes it hard to work as a team. Citrine is quick to react which gets her into trouble. Tor Lir on the other hand takes his time to try to learn and gain knowledge before he reacts. The pair is quite opposites, but they learn that they must learn from one another to achieve their goal. They eventually come to understand each other and find that they are good partners. Of course there are monsters of all kinds. With the descriptions, they become very real. Their claws reach out grab you. Read to start the new adventure.

[Tyra Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story !

I first found this book while scrolling through my Instagram as a recommendation, this book did not disappoint! I'm so glad I've read it. The story begin by introducing you to a world with mortals & beast , where the balance of good and evil is dire. At the this point time of good is spreading throughout the land. You are introduced to your main characters Tor Lir who is on the path to complete his destiny and Citrine who is trying to out run her past and start new. Overall this book is fast-paced and will suck you in. I lost track of time from being sucked into this new world. Definitely recommend to others interested in fantasy or look to try something new. I can't wait to start book 2 , Angela Ford is a author I will be keeping an eye on.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Ford has a great talent for vivid descriptions; she paints beautiful pictures with words. I enjoyed reading The Five Warriors, the first book in her Four Worlds series, so I jumped at the opportunity to get her new book right away.  The story is very interesting, so well-written that the reader can see the settings, get to know the characters and feel like you’re involved in the action.  This book is a good stand-alone story, even without having read the entire Four Worlds series, as it makes references to events therein.  Because of those references, since I have the other books in the Four Worlds series in my TBR pile, this will make me bring them closer to the top of the pile.  I am also looking forward to the next book, Realm of Mortals.

[Betty Poulin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realm of Beasts is what I have been waiting for. I could not read it fast enough and will be reading it again so I did not miss anything :) Angela J Ford will take you on a fantasy ride you will not forget. Her ability to have the imagination for such a story and keep all the details flowing nicely is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend reading her series. You will want to go back for more :) Anxiously awaiting the 6 book series of this addictive adventure. I just love her style of writing - Action - Fantasy - Magic - Adventure - Characters that you  can truly relate to. Get her book! You will soon be addicted.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Realm of the Stars, is book 1 of the Legend of the Nameless series.
I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Tucker McDougall. I enjoyed the world building and learning about the other worldly beasts as this series is fantasy and sci-fi. The narrator was lacking for me. It was very easy to get confused as to which character he was portraying, Citrine or Tor Lir. I wish there was a bit more of character development. I felt like I couldn’t connect to either character and the narrating of the animals was a bit cheesy. I’m thinking the narrator really affected the story telling for me as I have listened to another audiobook by the author and her writing is fantastic.

[Cori Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
Great depth of world and amazing world building. The descriptions are fantastic and I was easily about to picture everything. Highly entertaining.

There were a couple of spots that pulled me out of the narrative because of a wierd jump as though there was something missing from a sentence.

I liked the complex themes that was coming across. The balance between good and evil, order and chaos.

The unfriendlies to lover thing did turn me away at times, especially when they're goals are the same but are coming at it from different angles. Also, I admit romance isn't always my thing. Although, I'm interested to see how it all turns out.

[Chaos · Rating 1 out of 5]

Considering my absolute adoration for everything this author has written, I didn't expect anything different from this story. The cover, the synopsis, and the overall vibe should have been right up my alley. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to love this. This was my third and final attempt at this book. I actually finished it this time, but I wish I would have DNF. The writing was all over the place. The syntax of the sentences was completely off and rearranged in a weird way. The point of the story was lost on me. I hate hate that I'm feeling this way. Her other works that I've read have been perfection. This book and series isn't for me, and that's OK.

[Natasha Banton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book. At first, I found the book confusing. The description of the characters and the description of where they were, I found that very good. However, I have some negative points.

In chapter 16, I got confused. The word ax, I thought it should've been axe, but that could just be me and another point, I thought that Novor Tur-Woodberry was repeated where I think that it should be just Novor or Novor Tur to save time.

Other than the negative points I found, this book was good read and would like to read it again.

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Terrific" !

This is a wonderful fantasy! Well crafted writing with amazing characters. I enjoyed following Tor Lir and Citrine on this amazing journey. The immortal Tor Lir is here to bring balance to the world. He must gain knowledge, and the first is to learn the ways of mortals. The enchantress Citrine as his guide to help him learn. There are many different characters and the most dangerous is the Master of the Forest. . This is a very good fantasy read, and most enjoyable.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.  This is the first book in a series that takes on an epic journey. I love fantasy and this book took me on an adventure with its wonderful worldbuilding and characters that seems like old friends that the reader would almost instinct fall in love with and care deeply about. I love the POV changes and the flow of the story kept me turning the pages long after I should have gone to bed. That is what makes a great book that one could not put it down. 

[J. Else · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting start to a new series by Ford. I found the world and the beasts very intriguing. However, I didn't like the main characters. They were inconsistent and didn't do much to influence the plot. Many things happen around them, but they do very little to affect the climax. For some reason, Citrine has problems with her memory which isn't fully explained. Tor Lir is captured for most of the book and is either emotionally flat or lusting after women.

All in all, I'd read more from this author. The world intrigued me enough to discover more adventures.

[Manon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book was so whimsical, and I really enjoyed it! It gave me major Lord of the Rings vibes, and the world-building was EVERYTHING. I just lived for the world-building alone. It was so exquisitely done, it felt like being transported to this magical realm.
The reason why I gave it 3.5 stars was because I found the plot lacking. It was hard for me to follow, and at times it felt like there wasn't really a plot at all, just random events that had nothing to do with each other. But I must confess - I did not mind as much, since I immensely enjoyed it!

[Stephanie BwaBwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to keep up with the mischief of Citrine and the aloofness of Tor Lir. But after a little bit, it was nonstop intrigue! Citrine is a tall order of temper and wildness. Tor Lir is inquisitive and rational. A great balance between the duo. What a fun, magical land! I can’t wait for this duo’s next journey. And Ava of course - because who doesn’t love sarcastic dragons? I mean come on?