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Tales of Aether and Soul #1
Brightshade
Five outcasts. A forgotten secret. The looming threat of war.
When her magic sparks out of control, Jenna is cast out of the Ideian university she calls home. Armed with a mysterious book that seems to promise answers, the legacy of her disgraced House, and her crutches, she embarks on a quest to learn to control her powers. She is determined to return to researching Ideon and Saint Brazen’s war-torn history but soon realizes the countries’ shaky peace may not last the summer. Little does she know there are four others whose paths are destined to cross with hers:
The innocent arsonist, willing to sacrifice lives for the thrill of the flame.
The reformed thief, torn between atonement and revenge.
The unwilling killer, weighing a chance at love against the need for control.
The idealistic soldier, forced to examine his simplistic beliefs.
Each of them carries a piece of the secret that may unlock the true mystery behind the past wars—and the war still to come.
Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Tamora Pierce, and Robert Jordan will love this epic YA Fantasy. Includes a dash of Steampunk.
Read an Exerpt:
"Adriane breathed deeply, focusing on the air rushing in and out of her lungs. She’d spent almost two months in the city now, and the fresh air seemed almost too good, too real after the smog and grit covering Cain.
She’d have to go back soon—it was too exposed out here, even among the scattered buildings of the outer city—but for the moment all she wanted was to forget. Forget the homesickness. Forget the fact that she was still hunted. Forget that today was the day. I’ll either find a place to hide or get my throat slit trying.
It was a comforting thought, in a way. She’d taken her time scoping out the local thieves’ guilds, learning which could be reasoned with and which were best avoided. Now was her time to act, to disappear.
She almost barked a laugh before stopping herself. A year ago I was still roaming the woods, trapping for food and pelts, or helping Max in the field. Discovering mouse droppings while cleaning the grain stores was just about my biggest worry. She hadn’t even believed in magic, not really. Sure, there’d been stories, tales especially of Ideon, where magic reigned free, setting people apart, dividing society itself. But I never dreamed it would come to me.
“It’s for their own good we’re rounding ’em up. Magic makes some better than they should be,” she’d heard a Serviceman say. That was back when they’d been searching Kaeville after rumors of a mage had surfaced. Those had been frightening days. She’d hid in a low cellar, praying to the shadows to hide both her and her magic. She wasn’t sure if they’d heard. “It makes them think they’re above the law, above the rest. It’s not right.”
The funny thing was she agreed. Except for the fact that I’m the mage.
Adriane focused on her emotions, calming herself and driving the anxiety down until she could barely feel it. She’d learned early on that emotions set off her magic like nothing else. They’d betray her if she didn’t control them. At least that’s something I’ve become good at.
Turning back to the gates, Adriane let a grimace pass over her face before smoothing her features and approaching the grey masonry walls.
When her magic sparks out of control, Jenna is cast out of the Ideian university she calls home. Armed with a mysterious book that seems to promise answers, the legacy of her disgraced House, and her crutches, she embarks on a quest to learn to control her powers. She is determined to return to researching Ideon and Saint Brazen’s war-torn history but soon realizes the countries’ shaky peace may not last the summer. Little does she know there are four others whose paths are destined to cross with hers:
The innocent arsonist, willing to sacrifice lives for the thrill of the flame.
The reformed thief, torn between atonement and revenge.
The unwilling killer, weighing a chance at love against the need for control.
The idealistic soldier, forced to examine his simplistic beliefs.
Each of them carries a piece of the secret that may unlock the true mystery behind the past wars—and the war still to come.
Fans of Brandon Sanderson, Tamora Pierce, and Robert Jordan will love this epic YA Fantasy. Includes a dash of Steampunk.
Read an Exerpt:
"Adriane breathed deeply, focusing on the air rushing in and out of her lungs. She’d spent almost two months in the city now, and the fresh air seemed almost too good, too real after the smog and grit covering Cain.
She’d have to go back soon—it was too exposed out here, even among the scattered buildings of the outer city—but for the moment all she wanted was to forget. Forget the homesickness. Forget the fact that she was still hunted. Forget that today was the day. I’ll either find a place to hide or get my throat slit trying.
It was a comforting thought, in a way. She’d taken her time scoping out the local thieves’ guilds, learning which could be reasoned with and which were best avoided. Now was her time to act, to disappear.
She almost barked a laugh before stopping herself. A year ago I was still roaming the woods, trapping for food and pelts, or helping Max in the field. Discovering mouse droppings while cleaning the grain stores was just about my biggest worry. She hadn’t even believed in magic, not really. Sure, there’d been stories, tales especially of Ideon, where magic reigned free, setting people apart, dividing society itself. But I never dreamed it would come to me.
“It’s for their own good we’re rounding ’em up. Magic makes some better than they should be,” she’d heard a Serviceman say. That was back when they’d been searching Kaeville after rumors of a mage had surfaced. Those had been frightening days. She’d hid in a low cellar, praying to the shadows to hide both her and her magic. She wasn’t sure if they’d heard. “It makes them think they’re above the law, above the rest. It’s not right.”
The funny thing was she agreed. Except for the fact that I’m the mage.
Adriane focused on her emotions, calming herself and driving the anxiety down until she could barely feel it. She’d learned early on that emotions set off her magic like nothing else. They’d betray her if she didn’t control them. At least that’s something I’ve become good at.
Turning back to the gates, Adriane let a grimace pass over her face before smoothing her features and approaching the grey masonry walls.
- GenresFantasy
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2019
37 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Miriam R. Dumitra
1 book15 followersWhen she isn’t writing, Miriam R. Dumitra can be found drawing, blacksmithing, contributing to theatre productions, or (currently) sitting in front of her laptop, attempting to write an author bio. Originally from Austria and Romania (and with a five-year stint spent in the Philippines), she has put her cultural and linguistic experience into practice by writing poetry, penning flash memoirs, and helping translate a German musical into English.
She is currently based in Victoria, Canada, where she studies theatre and creative writing during the day and—predictably—sleeps at night. Brightshade is her debut novel.
She is currently based in Victoria, Canada, where she studies theatre and creative writing during the day and—predictably—sleeps at night. Brightshade is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 3, 2019
Wonderful, excitement
This book was a wonderful fantasy story of a world that is not too hard to imagine. Anyone how enjoys Science fiction and fantasy together would love this book. I am really looking forward to seeing the continuing book or books. To the author...I enjoyed the book immensely. I would enjoy reading more of your work!
This book was a wonderful fantasy story of a world that is not too hard to imagine. Anyone how enjoys Science fiction and fantasy together would love this book. I am really looking forward to seeing the continuing book or books. To the author...I enjoyed the book immensely. I would enjoy reading more of your work!
November 12, 2018
What an awesome adventure! The author does a fantastic job building this world, and readers are completely immersed in it as they follow the cast of characters to unravel the plot and overcome these challenges. I am also a big fan of assemble casts, as the relationship that builds between characters definitely makes the story and the characters more relatable and it makes for awesome character development. I know my review is very general, but I don't want to risk spoiling this story. You'll just have to read it to find out!
p.s. the cover is awesome!
p.s. the cover is awesome!
November 18, 2018
Of course, I'm biased, but what else can I say?
July 1, 2020
This book was so good. It had a little of everything. There were slight hints at romance, a lot of action and magic all set amidst a background full of political intrigue. It's always a good read for me when you have the characters begin to wonder if they are fighting on the "good" side or if there even is a good side. The only problem I had with this tale was in the beginning. We meet so many of the main characters in their own settings that it's a little bit of an info-dump woven in with the world-building and it tended to get confusing. But once the various characters set out on their journies and start to come together, the entire story picks up the pace and the book gets hard to put down. I highly recommend this one and will be actively stalking the author's blog or page to get updates for the release of book two. I can't wait to get my grubby little paws on that one!
February 1, 2019
Brightshade a review?
Review is the title
The characters are well developed. Storyline flows with only a few glitches. Good story overall. Enjoyed the read. Would have given 5 stars but for grammatical errors ( few).
Review is the title
The characters are well developed. Storyline flows with only a few glitches. Good story overall. Enjoyed the read. Would have given 5 stars but for grammatical errors ( few).
September 6, 2019
Great book. In-depth and different from other fantasy novels. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Great book. In-depth and different from other fantasy novels I normally read. I'm looking forward to book two. New and different.
Great book. In-depth and different from other fantasy novels I normally read. I'm looking forward to book two. New and different.
April 23, 2020
THIS BOOK IS AWESOME! So many cool concepts, so much tension between groups, and so much badass backstory! I absolutely loved it, just make sure you read until the end because the last 10 pages BLEW ME AWAY!
December 7, 2018
What an adventurous book!
I adore the world Dumitra built in Brightshade and the way mythology was incorporated left me amazed. The magic system is quite a complex one and honestly, will take me a bit more time to work out completely. But I was really impressed by this! Brightshade incorporates a lot of tales connected to its culture and magic system. The tales of heroes and spirits blended with political intrigue makes this book a fascinating read.
The cast of characters: Jenna, Imp, Rise, Tobin, and Adriane. This is a personal thing but I found the characters to be more fitting as adults or in their early to late twenties. I was not a big fan of Adriane Tobin's immaturity was at odds with his character as squad leader, so that left me a bit confused.
Jenna's character, a scholar who is on a quest to learn more about her magic, is a strong headed woman. Her story arc is more knowledge based as it's her journey that unravels most of the mystery. With Imp, and Rise, their stories are more personal. Still, I found each character to be uniquely written, their motivations driving them through the story.
I don't want to say more as I don't want to let any spoilers loose!
Thank you to the author for providing me an e-copy of the book in exchange for a review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Camillea Reads || Twitter || Instagram || Tumblr
I adore the world Dumitra built in Brightshade and the way mythology was incorporated left me amazed. The magic system is quite a complex one and honestly, will take me a bit more time to work out completely. But I was really impressed by this! Brightshade incorporates a lot of tales connected to its culture and magic system. The tales of heroes and spirits blended with political intrigue makes this book a fascinating read.
The cast of characters: Jenna, Imp, Rise, Tobin, and Adriane. This is a personal thing but I found the characters to be more fitting as adults or in their early to late twenties. I was not a big fan of Adriane Tobin's immaturity was at odds with his character as squad leader, so that left me a bit confused.
Jenna's character, a scholar who is on a quest to learn more about her magic, is a strong headed woman. Her story arc is more knowledge based as it's her journey that unravels most of the mystery. With Imp, and Rise, their stories are more personal. Still, I found each character to be uniquely written, their motivations driving them through the story.
I don't want to say more as I don't want to let any spoilers loose!
Thank you to the author for providing me an e-copy of the book in exchange for a review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Camillea Reads || Twitter || Instagram || Tumblr
January 7, 2019
I received this book free of charge for an honest review. Boy, am I glad I signed up for the ARC. At first, I was unsure with the differing timelines of the chapters how it was all going to come together. But, the characters drew me in and before I knew it, I had to know what happened to each of them and how they would all intersect. It was well worth the time to find out. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series. The world was rich and well developed. The characters worm their way into your heart. I would recommend this book to my fantasy-loving friends!
January 16, 2019
Brightshade is a captivating fantasy novel! I stayed up late at night to finish the book, as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to the characters. All the characters were exceptional, and the story that resulted was enchanting. Miriam Dumitra’s writing is imaginative and unique, making this debut novel a must-read.
July 26, 2024
Very good debut!
Good develop characters.
Wonderful story line - I read it breatlessly and noe I’m a little bitter, because can’t wait to see what happend next (and I don’t know when this it will be)
It reminds me of Mistborn and Wheel of time!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good develop characters.
Wonderful story line - I read it breatlessly and noe I’m a little bitter, because can’t wait to see what happend next (and I don’t know when this it will be)
It reminds me of Mistborn and Wheel of time!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews