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Tales of Inthya #4
The Empress of Xytae
Crown Princess Ioanna of Xytae has kept her truthsayer blessing a secret for twenty years. In any other nation, her powerful magic would be cause for celebration. But Xytae’s patron is the war goddess Reygmadra, and the future empress is expected to be a brutal warrior.
Reserved and peaceful by nature, Ioanna knows the court sees her as a disappointment. She does her best to assuage their worries every day, working quietly beside her mother to keep the empire running while her father is away at war. But when news of the emperor’s untimely death reaches the capital, Ioanna finds herself ousted by her younger sister Netheia, who has the war magic Ioanna lacks.
Princess Vitaliya of Vesolda has come to Xytae to avoid her father’s upcoming wedding, which she sees as an affront to her mother’s memory. Vitaliya has absolutely no interest in politics or power struggles and intends to spend her time attending parties and embarrassing her family. But when she saves Ioanna’s life during Netheia’s coup, the two are forced to flee the capital together.
Despite their circumstances, Vitaliya enjoys travelling with Ioanna and realizes that the future empress’s shy and secretive nature is the result of her unhappy childhood. Ioanna is equally unaccustomed to being in the company of one as earnest and straightforward as Vitaliya, for she has spent her life surrounded by ambitious and cutthroat nobles.
Ioanna cannot allow her sister to continue their father’s legacy, and plots to rally supporters to her side so she can interrupt Netheia’s coronation. Vitaliya knows she ought to leave Xytae before the nation is ripped apart by civil war but finds she is unwilling to abandon Ioanna. But Ioanna’s enemies are always watching…and they’ve realized that Vitaliya is a weakness to be exploited
Reserved and peaceful by nature, Ioanna knows the court sees her as a disappointment. She does her best to assuage their worries every day, working quietly beside her mother to keep the empire running while her father is away at war. But when news of the emperor’s untimely death reaches the capital, Ioanna finds herself ousted by her younger sister Netheia, who has the war magic Ioanna lacks.
Princess Vitaliya of Vesolda has come to Xytae to avoid her father’s upcoming wedding, which she sees as an affront to her mother’s memory. Vitaliya has absolutely no interest in politics or power struggles and intends to spend her time attending parties and embarrassing her family. But when she saves Ioanna’s life during Netheia’s coup, the two are forced to flee the capital together.
Despite their circumstances, Vitaliya enjoys travelling with Ioanna and realizes that the future empress’s shy and secretive nature is the result of her unhappy childhood. Ioanna is equally unaccustomed to being in the company of one as earnest and straightforward as Vitaliya, for she has spent her life surrounded by ambitious and cutthroat nobles.
Ioanna cannot allow her sister to continue their father’s legacy, and plots to rally supporters to her side so she can interrupt Netheia’s coronation. Vitaliya knows she ought to leave Xytae before the nation is ripped apart by civil war but finds she is unwilling to abandon Ioanna. But Ioanna’s enemies are always watching…and they’ve realized that Vitaliya is a weakness to be exploited
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First published December 30, 2019
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About the author
Effie Calvin
6 books294 followersEffie is a human being who spends her days writing books and taking pictures of her cat and being a librarian.
She especially likes writing (and reading!) stories about fantasy worlds where LGBTQ people aren't just tolerated, they're openly embraced and seen as equals.
She especially likes writing (and reading!) stories about fantasy worlds where LGBTQ people aren't just tolerated, they're openly embraced and seen as equals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 10, 2020
I’m definitely hooked on this series. This is book four in the Tales of Inthya series. I’m happy to say that this was another enjoyable installment. Not my favorite of the series, but I enjoyed it and had a lot of fun reading it so no big complaints. These are epic fantasy wlw romances that take place all around this world Calvin has created. One book we are in a land of Dragons, the next we are in the land of war, each country Calvin takes us to is exciting and new. And while we get to learn about new characters, old favorites mix into all the different books. This fantasy world, and it’s a whole world, is extremely well imagined and Calvin impresses me more and more every book.
I always try to include in my series reviews if you can start with this book or not. I would not recommend that. The world is so full and rich with storylines connecting all over that you really should read the first three books first. Unfortunately, in my opinion the first book is the weakest. Calvin was setting up this new world so there was a lot of information and it just didn’t flow as smoothly as her others. It’s clear how her writing has improved with every new installment. I would actually suggest to people interested in trying this series to read book 2 Daughter of the Sun first, than if you enjoy it, that’s when you go back to read book 1. Book 1 is important and needs to be read before book 3 (book 3 is like a mini sequel to book 1) so do come back to it, but I think book 2 is a better opening to the series and will hook you in if you read it first.
This book was centered on Ioanna, a princess of Xytae. Xytae is the land of war with most of its inhabitants worshiping the God of War. As the oldest, Ioanna was supposed to be Empresses but she did not receive a blessing from the God of War. How can someone become the leader when she doesn’t even believe in keeping the war going? Ioanna must decide if she can claim the thrown to bring peace or will her younger sister take over to keep the country in perpetual war.
I believe it was actually in book 2 that Ioanna appeared shortly as a young girl, where in this book she is a grown-up of around 20. Ioanna’s story was really interesting even as a little girl so I was hoping Calvin would soon fast-forward a bit so we could see how her story went. Once I realized this book was her story, I was even more excited to read it.
While I enjoyed the romance in this book, I did not think it was as great as the other main character’s romances in the series. It is the reason this book was a solid 4 stars and not higher. The romance here was much more lighthearted. I understand the approach, Ioanna need someone in her life that was light and filled with humor, but their romance was a little fast with not as much chemistry as I hoped for. Again, I still enjoyed it and maybe I’m being a little picky but I think a stronger connection here and the book could have been fantastic instead of really good.
I noticed there is a tittle for a book 5 already. That makes me really happy as I’m not ready to see this series end. Because Calvin has created a whole fantasy world and beyond, there is so much potential for even more stories. If you are a fan of this series, get this book you won’t be disappointed. If you are new to the series, grab book 2 Daughter of the Sun and see if you’ll get hooked like I did.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I always try to include in my series reviews if you can start with this book or not. I would not recommend that. The world is so full and rich with storylines connecting all over that you really should read the first three books first. Unfortunately, in my opinion the first book is the weakest. Calvin was setting up this new world so there was a lot of information and it just didn’t flow as smoothly as her others. It’s clear how her writing has improved with every new installment. I would actually suggest to people interested in trying this series to read book 2 Daughter of the Sun first, than if you enjoy it, that’s when you go back to read book 1. Book 1 is important and needs to be read before book 3 (book 3 is like a mini sequel to book 1) so do come back to it, but I think book 2 is a better opening to the series and will hook you in if you read it first.
This book was centered on Ioanna, a princess of Xytae. Xytae is the land of war with most of its inhabitants worshiping the God of War. As the oldest, Ioanna was supposed to be Empresses but she did not receive a blessing from the God of War. How can someone become the leader when she doesn’t even believe in keeping the war going? Ioanna must decide if she can claim the thrown to bring peace or will her younger sister take over to keep the country in perpetual war.
I believe it was actually in book 2 that Ioanna appeared shortly as a young girl, where in this book she is a grown-up of around 20. Ioanna’s story was really interesting even as a little girl so I was hoping Calvin would soon fast-forward a bit so we could see how her story went. Once I realized this book was her story, I was even more excited to read it.
While I enjoyed the romance in this book, I did not think it was as great as the other main character’s romances in the series. It is the reason this book was a solid 4 stars and not higher. The romance here was much more lighthearted. I understand the approach, Ioanna need someone in her life that was light and filled with humor, but their romance was a little fast with not as much chemistry as I hoped for. Again, I still enjoyed it and maybe I’m being a little picky but I think a stronger connection here and the book could have been fantastic instead of really good.
I noticed there is a tittle for a book 5 already. That makes me really happy as I’m not ready to see this series end. Because Calvin has created a whole fantasy world and beyond, there is so much potential for even more stories. If you are a fan of this series, get this book you won’t be disappointed. If you are new to the series, grab book 2 Daughter of the Sun and see if you’ll get hooked like I did.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
January 7, 2020
I have a real soft spot for Calvin’s writing. The odd couples - one footloose, fancy free, wild spirited, the other dutiful and gentle and kind - the journeys of discovery, the odd dragon.
This has a lovely story, and returns to the - to me - weird fascination with truth and the inability to tell lies. You’d be kicked out of your social group and living alone and miserable in no time if you were unable to tell lies.
And if you missed your favourite Paladin Orsina and reformed chaos goddess Aelia... then you are in for a treat!
This has a lovely story, and returns to the - to me - weird fascination with truth and the inability to tell lies. You’d be kicked out of your social group and living alone and miserable in no time if you were unable to tell lies.
And if you missed your favourite Paladin Orsina and reformed chaos goddess Aelia... then you are in for a treat!
December 21, 2019
It was so good to go back into this universe, and to start fresh with new characters. We also got to see some familiar faces as well, which - seeing as Book 2 will always be a personal favorite of mine - I loved.
I have always been a fan of this series. I loved the universe, the magic, the characters, and even the war going on with the gods above, so I’m always excited when a new book comes out.
Was this one of my favorites in the series? No. But I still enjoyed it a lot. The characters didn’t hit me as the other books did. I thought the romance happened a little too quickly - I didn’t think their connection was that strong yet - but then again, I’m someone who actively looks for slow burns so that could have just been me, and I thought the ending was a bit anticlimactic. But overall, it was a fun read.
I can’t wait for the next book, and considering what happened at the end, It’ll be another good one.
(Anyone else not mind if there’s a book just featuring the gods and goddesses? I find them so interesting!)
I have always been a fan of this series. I loved the universe, the magic, the characters, and even the war going on with the gods above, so I’m always excited when a new book comes out.
Was this one of my favorites in the series? No. But I still enjoyed it a lot. The characters didn’t hit me as the other books did. I thought the romance happened a little too quickly - I didn’t think their connection was that strong yet - but then again, I’m someone who actively looks for slow burns so that could have just been me, and I thought the ending was a bit anticlimactic. But overall, it was a fun read.
I can’t wait for the next book, and considering what happened at the end, It’ll be another good one.
(Anyone else not mind if there’s a book just featuring the gods and goddesses? I find them so interesting!)
July 21, 2020
Not as much fun as previous installments, but I enjoyed seeing Aelia and Orsina again and having Aelia tell off the flighty Vitaliya.
I actually did like her character but her incessant whining and wanting to runaway and feel sorry for herself made me want to slap her and I was so glad when that did happen! Lol.
Ioanna was solid but the ending I felt was a bit too OTT and unexplained and the cliffhanger frustrating!
But I guess that means I just have to wait for book 5 now!
I actually did like her character but her incessant whining and wanting to runaway and feel sorry for herself made me want to slap her and I was so glad when that did happen! Lol.
Ioanna was solid but the ending I felt was a bit too OTT and unexplained and the cliffhanger frustrating!
But I guess that means I just have to wait for book 5 now!
August 22, 2020
Another great installment in the Tales of Inthya series. I’m a fan of this series. What I enjoy so much about this series is that even though the topics can be tough (take this book there is war, death, deceit) they always have a light and even cute feeling to them (this book has a few slightly darker scenes near the end though). Normally, I prefer somewhat grittier books, but for this series it just works perfectly for me.
The characters are again balanced with one more serious, gentle and responsible character Ioanna, and an easygoing sometimes a bit silly character Vitaliya. I liked Ioanna a lot and was curious to read her story (as she is introduced as a young girl in book 2). Vitaliya reminded me of Adale in the first book (not feeling good enough and running away from responsibilities). I would have liked to see a bit more dynamics and depth in their romance though.
Ioanna is faced with a difficult decision, her father is dead and she’s the rightful heir to the throne, but her sister Netheia tries to claim the throne. Being blessed by the “wrong” god in the eyes of most people in the capital, Ioanna feels insecure whether she is the right fit for leading this country and has to decide whether to fight for the throne of flight. Again, the worldbuilding in the book is great and I also enjoyed the conflicts between the different gods. It was also nice to see Orsina and Aelia make an appearance.
If you’re a fan of the series you’ll most likely enjoy this one as well. Don’t know the series and are a fan of fantasy books, they should be read in order (although you could start with 2 then go to 1, 3 and 4). Enjoy!
The characters are again balanced with one more serious, gentle and responsible character Ioanna, and an easygoing sometimes a bit silly character Vitaliya. I liked Ioanna a lot and was curious to read her story (as she is introduced as a young girl in book 2). Vitaliya reminded me of Adale in the first book (not feeling good enough and running away from responsibilities). I would have liked to see a bit more dynamics and depth in their romance though.
Ioanna is faced with a difficult decision, her father is dead and she’s the rightful heir to the throne, but her sister Netheia tries to claim the throne. Being blessed by the “wrong” god in the eyes of most people in the capital, Ioanna feels insecure whether she is the right fit for leading this country and has to decide whether to fight for the throne of flight. Again, the worldbuilding in the book is great and I also enjoyed the conflicts between the different gods. It was also nice to see Orsina and Aelia make an appearance.
If you’re a fan of the series you’ll most likely enjoy this one as well. Don’t know the series and are a fan of fantasy books, they should be read in order (although you could start with 2 then go to 1, 3 and 4). Enjoy!
January 18, 2020
There's been so much going on these past couple of days that I had to take a break from reading and have only finished this book. How utterly annoying!
Anyhow, I enjoyed the fourth addition to the Tales of Inthya series. It was nice to see what became of little Ionna and it was even better to see that she finds happiness.
Anyhow, I enjoyed the fourth addition to the Tales of Inthya series. It was nice to see what became of little Ionna and it was even better to see that she finds happiness.
December 31, 2019
There's not much to say here but that the Tales of Inthya is an excellent, well rounded series. I love that the plot of each of the books are their own, but can still be tied back to the world at large - this is a tough balance to keep, but Calvin seems to do it well. I have a couple of points that I found to be weaker - and something that happens in most of the Inthya books - it still has trouble pushing the action throughout the book, so when the concluding action happens it is pretty much crammed into most of the last 2/3 of the book. In some cases its fine as Daughter of the Sun proved, mostly because there was a lot of stuff happening to get to the concluding action - but here it did feel a little too much like the characters were standing still. Another minor complaint is that the romantic chemistry between Ioanna and Vitaliya just suddenly appeared. It didn't feel like they were interested in each other at all until that point, but when it happened felt a little rushed. I understand why Ioanna would be attached to Vitaliya - she is refreshingly direct for a royal and does not really have a mask. Though she seems like a bit of a ditz, she is also wise in her own way, and offers companionship for the extremely lonely Ioanna.
Ioanna, a Truthsayer blessed with Iolar's powers is shunned by her own family. They are blessed by the war goddess, and look on Ioanna's gentler ways with scorn and contempt. Her life is that of invisibility - something that she is content with, especially since she cannot stand people lying. It both physically hurts her, and harms her sense of people. But that all changes when her father, the Emperor of Xytae, dies and Ioanna, as the first born, could be named Empress.
There's a lot of really great stuff going on in this book - like how does one handle going through life when one knows that other people are lying directly to one's face? How can a princess, who abhors violence mend a kingdom that revels in it? What happens when gods and goddesses meddle with human lives for the sake of their own goals. A lot of these themes are addressed, but because the book doesn't really have a true ending - the events of the story are resolved, but we all know that Ioanna has a long road a head of her - it feels like there could be more to be said. I do hope that we can revisit Xytae as Ioanna and Vitaliya navigate their relationship and rebuilding a country. I also hope we get more from Vitaliya, as she doesn't have tons of growth in this story, but the things we do see are very interesting.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
Ioanna, a Truthsayer blessed with Iolar's powers is shunned by her own family. They are blessed by the war goddess, and look on Ioanna's gentler ways with scorn and contempt. Her life is that of invisibility - something that she is content with, especially since she cannot stand people lying. It both physically hurts her, and harms her sense of people. But that all changes when her father, the Emperor of Xytae, dies and Ioanna, as the first born, could be named Empress.
There's a lot of really great stuff going on in this book - like how does one handle going through life when one knows that other people are lying directly to one's face? How can a princess, who abhors violence mend a kingdom that revels in it? What happens when gods and goddesses meddle with human lives for the sake of their own goals. A lot of these themes are addressed, but because the book doesn't really have a true ending - the events of the story are resolved, but we all know that Ioanna has a long road a head of her - it feels like there could be more to be said. I do hope that we can revisit Xytae as Ioanna and Vitaliya navigate their relationship and rebuilding a country. I also hope we get more from Vitaliya, as she doesn't have tons of growth in this story, but the things we do see are very interesting.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion
September 21, 2021
In a kingdom strongly blessed by Reygmadra, the goddess of war, Princess Ioanna was quickly not welcome in her family. You see, she was blessed by Iolar, the god of law. Between Ioanna’s extremely strong blessing making her a truthsayer and being the heir to the throne, she’s led a very lonely life that is lacking love from her own family. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when her father dies in a duel and her younger sister decides she’s the rightful heir and decides it’s time for Ioanna to leave, dead or alive.
I’ve loved this series from the very beginning, so I was excited to start this novel since it involves a time jump. When we last saw Ioanna, she was a kid being delivered to safety as a plot to kill her was being defused. Now she’s going to be the empress of Xytae, but only if she gets enough people to back her claim to the throne as she prepares to battle her sister’s army.
This time around, we meet Ioanna as she’s meeting the runway princess of Vesolda, Vitaliya. It’s clear that Vitaliya is the love interest from the very start even though she’s hungover and unable to find her room. Once things go south and it’s clear that Netheia is planning to kill her older sister, Vitaliya becomes caught up in Xytae’s problems as Ioanna is forced to flee the kingdom. I loved watching their adventures and see them slowly fall in love while fleeing and getting to safety.
It was really interesting to see Ioanna face a very harsh reality as she learns the truth about her kingdom: it’s falling apart. Along the way, she also learns she’s stronger than she thinks now that she’s standing up on her own, and that there are many people willing to support her once they learn the truth of her blessing that she’s been ashamed of her entire life. It’s not something she accepts easily, especially since she’s torn between whether or not her mother knows what’s been going on and if it’s been hidden from her.
I also loved seeing some familiar faces from previous books as well as hearing about what’s happened to the ones we didn’t see. One of the things I like about this series is that we get to revisit older characters over never seeing or hearing from them again. Personally, I like it better when we get to hear what happened to them or what they’re up to even if we don’t see them. It’s a huge bonus, especially since they were such a focal point in the past. I’m excited to see where Effie Calvin takes us next, especially since we’ll be following Netheia.
I’ve loved this series from the very beginning, so I was excited to start this novel since it involves a time jump. When we last saw Ioanna, she was a kid being delivered to safety as a plot to kill her was being defused. Now she’s going to be the empress of Xytae, but only if she gets enough people to back her claim to the throne as she prepares to battle her sister’s army.
This time around, we meet Ioanna as she’s meeting the runway princess of Vesolda, Vitaliya. It’s clear that Vitaliya is the love interest from the very start even though she’s hungover and unable to find her room. Once things go south and it’s clear that Netheia is planning to kill her older sister, Vitaliya becomes caught up in Xytae’s problems as Ioanna is forced to flee the kingdom. I loved watching their adventures and see them slowly fall in love while fleeing and getting to safety.
It was really interesting to see Ioanna face a very harsh reality as she learns the truth about her kingdom: it’s falling apart. Along the way, she also learns she’s stronger than she thinks now that she’s standing up on her own, and that there are many people willing to support her once they learn the truth of her blessing that she’s been ashamed of her entire life. It’s not something she accepts easily, especially since she’s torn between whether or not her mother knows what’s been going on and if it’s been hidden from her.
I also loved seeing some familiar faces from previous books as well as hearing about what’s happened to the ones we didn’t see. One of the things I like about this series is that we get to revisit older characters over never seeing or hearing from them again. Personally, I like it better when we get to hear what happened to them or what they’re up to even if we don’t see them. It’s a huge bonus, especially since they were such a focal point in the past. I’m excited to see where Effie Calvin takes us next, especially since we’ll be following Netheia.
January 3, 2020
This series is super fun. I’m loving the expanding world, and the appearances of characters from previous books. I think the MC in this one might be my favorite.
July 1, 2020
This series is the actual cutest. Inthya is my happy place. The Empress of Xytae is yet another stunner from Effie Calvin. I loved everything we learn about the gods, temples and magic. I love the large cast of both mortals and goddesses (Orsina & Aelia! my heart). I loved Ioanna's shy and introverted nature, and her care and attentiveness. Vitaliya made me laugh so many times (Burning is learning; Someone would have to run away screaming for help; No, I've died of shock), she is a true light in the world, plus her fears and flaws were handled brilliantly too. I found it fascinating how Vitaliya and Ioanna had no idea what was happening outside the castle walls because the nobility is so far removed from most people in the kingdom. The plot is brilliant & intense while the romance is of course AMAZING AGAIN ❤️. This world (as Effie says) "where LGBTQIA+ characters aren’t just awkwardly tolerated, they’re seen as part of the natural order" makes me so, so happy.
May 20, 2022
This one was a bit of a let down for me. I didn't connect with the MCs, I thought they kinda lack layers and without the return of Aelia et Orsina (which I love so much and would love to read an other book dedicated to) I would have been a bit bored. However, the plot gave us a better understanding of what the gods are up to, and I love that !! I truly love how they're written, it's like the Olympians but with more morals x)
Anyway, gonna read the next one ^^
Anyway, gonna read the next one ^^
January 19, 2020
Another delightful book in this series.
October 21, 2020
effie calvin just never misses, huh?
January 4, 2020
Loved it!
I love this entire series, and this book was every bit as exciting, romantic, and intriguing as the others. While each book stands alone, I can't wait for the next installment in the series!
I love this entire series, and this book was every bit as exciting, romantic, and intriguing as the others. While each book stands alone, I can't wait for the next installment in the series!
September 3, 2020
I was rather excited to get back to Xytae and I was satisfied in part. Calvin's stories are like candy, they're fun and sweet and when you just want some escapism they're perfect. However, I'd have enjoyed a bit more character development. The couple in this one had kind of the same dynamic as in "Daughter of the sun", and the parts that could have distinguished them weren't that developed (the truthsayer bit could have been added a lot of tension in the relationship, or Calvin could have shown how even with it the characters were insecure).
However I still want to read the next one, and I realise that since I started this series last year my horizon about LGBT+ books has just blown up. First I didn't know if I'd feel the tension the same way with these couples, as I'd have with straight people (why I don't know), but now I see it in a completely different way and I thank Calvin for that.
However I still want to read the next one, and I realise that since I started this series last year my horizon about LGBT+ books has just blown up. First I didn't know if I'd feel the tension the same way with these couples, as I'd have with straight people (why I don't know), but now I see it in a completely different way and I thank Calvin for that.
February 18, 2020
TOO SHORT.
I just love how this author can give me fluffly f/f couples but at the same time I get a really interesting overarching plot. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.
I just love how this author can give me fluffly f/f couples but at the same time I get a really interesting overarching plot. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE.
February 15, 2020
Effie's books are all so wholesome and cute. If you loved the previous ones, you can't miss this. Also Orsina and Aelia are back! And fluffyness!
January 2, 2020
God I love this series and this world. The Empress of Xytae did not disappoint and I devoured it. It was interesting, paced well, and well-written. I was thrilled to see the return of Orsina and Aelia, who are my favorite characters in the series. Vitaliya and Ioanna were both great characters - Ioanna especially. I love that each character in this series is so different. Calvin does a great job of giving each an individual voice. Esofi, Adale, Orsina, Aelia, Ioanna and Vitaliya are all so interesting because they are dynamic and REAL. I hate to say it, but most authors only know how to write one kind of woman and that is a problem Calvin definitely does not have.
My only wish was that the bond between Vitaliya and Ioanna was developed more - but that might just be because I'm obsessed with slowburn romance, like Aelia and Orsina's.
I cannot wait for the next book, this series is one of my all time favorites.
My only wish was that the bond between Vitaliya and Ioanna was developed more - but that might just be because I'm obsessed with slowburn romance, like Aelia and Orsina's.
I cannot wait for the next book, this series is one of my all time favorites.
December 28, 2019
I love this entire series, and this one brings back characters from earlier books who get their turn in Iolar's light. This book shows that the author is not afraid to move the timeline forward a bit, which is a good way of making Inthya (the world of the books) the main focal point of the books, rather than a specific character. The characters from my favorite books make another appearance, though, which I appreciate! The book continues to flesh out the theology of the world, the stakes for the gods, and the negatives that can exist with the non-chaos gods.
The one complaint I have is that it's a bit too short; I wish it had fleshed out Vitaliya's journey a bit more and had her perform her blessing more often during the journey, if nothing else as a way to get to know more of the population of Xytae. That might just be my preference for traveling in fantasy books speaking, though!
The one complaint I have is that it's a bit too short; I wish it had fleshed out Vitaliya's journey a bit more and had her perform her blessing more often during the journey, if nothing else as a way to get to know more of the population of Xytae. That might just be my preference for traveling in fantasy books speaking, though!
August 7, 2020
This book was actually a 3.5 star read for me. There were things I liked a lot about this book. The plot was interesting, but it didn't feel taken seriously in some spots. I didn't like Vitaliya, but that's a personal taste thing. Her character just grated on my nerves. I also felt like their romance didn't make any sense nor had any chemistry, which kind of killed the climactic scene for me because their romance was a reason that led to it. Ioanna was interesting as a main character. Of course I loved Orsina and Aelia coming back. I wish things had been slowed down, everything felt kind of rushed. I wanted to really savor the story and feel the development. But there were Pantheon shenanigans and I loved them! This was a jumble of things I liked and didn't like so that's why its a middle score for me.
January 28, 2020
4.5/5 Finished it last night. Has become my 2nd favourite after Daughter of the Sun. I like the inclusion of the gods and some familiar faces coming back from that book. I wish there was a bit more but I'll wait patiently until the next book to ask my questions.
**Spoilers ahead**
I loved Daughter of the Sun so the return to Xytae and seeing Ioanna as a grown woman was a happy return. Her relationship with Vitaliya moved kind of fast but with gods and goddesses actively meddling, I can see why it did.
Didnt expect that ending. Not surprised by it but I was thrown for a loop for a minute. Probably shouldnt have read this at 2am so I'll reread the last 2 chapters during the day today. Still an amazing book.
**Spoilers ahead**
I loved Daughter of the Sun so the return to Xytae and seeing Ioanna as a grown woman was a happy return. Her relationship with Vitaliya moved kind of fast but with gods and goddesses actively meddling, I can see why it did.
Didnt expect that ending. Not surprised by it but I was thrown for a loop for a minute. Probably shouldnt have read this at 2am so I'll reread the last 2 chapters during the day today. Still an amazing book.
May 20, 2020
I enjoyed this more than the previous in the series, largely I think due to the characters, who had a lovely dynamic and sweet romance. (Even if it IS fast. C’mon, even in a romance story you can date for longer than a fortnight before promising to spend your lives together!)
I liked Ioanna, even while I struggled with slightly inconsistent characterisation - her appearance as a child in book #2 she seemed confident, self-possessed and a little fey. By this book she’s beaten down and quite quiet - but has occasional burst of boldness that made me wonder if she’s really cautious or not.
Vitaliya was a delight - impetuous and fun, but not necessarily foolish. I really liked her character and could see her doing fun things with her life - once she’s grown up a bit.
I think the book’s pace was just okay, and I struggled a little with the scope of it. Ioanna is becoming an empress, but it seems like her supporting characters are few and far between. I wish we’d seen more of her life - and who she speaks to - beyond her family and had a more solid basis for the power base she develops.
I liked Ioanna, even while I struggled with slightly inconsistent characterisation - her appearance as a child in book #2 she seemed confident, self-possessed and a little fey. By this book she’s beaten down and quite quiet - but has occasional burst of boldness that made me wonder if she’s really cautious or not.
Vitaliya was a delight - impetuous and fun, but not necessarily foolish. I really liked her character and could see her doing fun things with her life - once she’s grown up a bit.
I think the book’s pace was just okay, and I struggled a little with the scope of it. Ioanna is becoming an empress, but it seems like her supporting characters are few and far between. I wish we’d seen more of her life - and who she speaks to - beyond her family and had a more solid basis for the power base she develops.
February 3, 2020
I would give this three and a half stars, but will round it up to 4. Kept my interest the whole way through. I find it difficult reading a story with names and places I cannot pronounce as it causes me to stumble every time I come across them. Other than that I found the story interesting and it stands on its own even though this is book four in the series. I had never read the others and don't feel I missed too much except maybe a bit of history or backstory on the world itself. Perhaps I will look into the first three books now.
Thanks to NineStar Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Thanks to NineStar Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
April 6, 2025
Interesting book but I’m sorry I cannot stand Vitaliya, despite her storyline being a significant aspect of the events later in the book. I find her to be a spoiled brat with a completely misguided anger. “Worst thing that ever happened to me” she says at some point as if losing her mom in her teenage years mattered not in comparison to what she was obsessing about.
She’s also too similar to Aelia and Adale, all three so carefree and trying hard to avoid any responsibility, esp compared to their companions. It’s getting a little old tbh, hope next book isn’t like that.
Not a bad story (or series for that matter) for some light and easy reading.
She’s also too similar to Aelia and Adale, all three so carefree and trying hard to avoid any responsibility, esp compared to their companions. It’s getting a little old tbh, hope next book isn’t like that.
Not a bad story (or series for that matter) for some light and easy reading.
May 6, 2022
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
Once again, there were parts of this that I really enjoyed - mostly the conflict between the gods - and most of it which I felt meh about. It's such a shame, because I love fantasy romance, but the romances in all of the Tales of Inthya just do absolutely nothing for me. I don't care about them, I'm not invested, they just feel...empty. So I'm going to finish out what's written for the sake of finding out what happens with the god conflict and then be done with Calvin, who I think just doesn't write in a way that works for me.
Once again, there were parts of this that I really enjoyed - mostly the conflict between the gods - and most of it which I felt meh about. It's such a shame, because I love fantasy romance, but the romances in all of the Tales of Inthya just do absolutely nothing for me. I don't care about them, I'm not invested, they just feel...empty. So I'm going to finish out what's written for the sake of finding out what happens with the god conflict and then be done with Calvin, who I think just doesn't write in a way that works for me.
December 30, 2019
Really enjoyable series
This is a really enjoyable series and I can’t wait for the next book to be out. That being said, I think this book could’ve benefitted from another 15 pages or an epilogue.
There are quite a few Questions about the fate and relationship of a few key players in the story and I was interested in what is going to happen with those relationships both mortal and divine.
Overall looking forward to the next book.
This is a really enjoyable series and I can’t wait for the next book to be out. That being said, I think this book could’ve benefitted from another 15 pages or an epilogue.
There are quite a few Questions about the fate and relationship of a few key players in the story and I was interested in what is going to happen with those relationships both mortal and divine.
Overall looking forward to the next book.
May 3, 2020
Yaaaaasssss
Another great addition to this universe!
I’m forever excited to read these tales as they come.
This is hella gay!! And super fluffy.
I’ll be honest here though, I believe that the struggles these characters go through are only become more complex with every book. The depth of the world building is only becoming more colorful. I have questions but I feel that the answers are only going to come when more books come out.
Another great addition to this universe!
I’m forever excited to read these tales as they come.
This is hella gay!! And super fluffy.
I’ll be honest here though, I believe that the struggles these characters go through are only become more complex with every book. The depth of the world building is only becoming more colorful. I have questions but I feel that the answers are only going to come when more books come out.
May 24, 2020
Great series, I always love this series from book 1. And book 2 is always my favorite and that was where we met Ioanna as a child. I always wonder what will happen to her, so glad that we can read about her in this book.
Reading this book make me want to reread the series from book 1, it is so enjoyable to read
The world building is amazing, and I really love the character. I wonder what will happen to the goddess of warfare (can't spell her name) after this.
Reading this book make me want to reread the series from book 1, it is so enjoyable to read
The world building is amazing, and I really love the character. I wonder what will happen to the goddess of warfare (can't spell her name) after this.
December 23, 2020
Not sure I have the right words for how delightful this book and the entire series are. People find partners that respect them, care about them and want to help them while respecting their autonomy and motivations. They genuinely help each other and don't try to fix people. People are flawed, but also full of the potential for love and compassion. These are just wonderful. I love the world they are set in and the struggles the characters deal with
January 1, 2021
4.5 stars
Effie Calvin always writes such cute and endearing romances and this one was no exception. Ioanna and Vitaliya are sweet, lovable characters and their relationship was delightful if a little rushed. We also get more scenes featuring the gods, which I adored. I hope there'll be even more such scenes in the next books because I think the gods are their interactions are so fascinating and I want to know more about them. I'm enjoying this series very much and will continue reading it.
Effie Calvin always writes such cute and endearing romances and this one was no exception. Ioanna and Vitaliya are sweet, lovable characters and their relationship was delightful if a little rushed. We also get more scenes featuring the gods, which I adored. I hope there'll be even more such scenes in the next books because I think the gods are their interactions are so fascinating and I want to know more about them. I'm enjoying this series very much and will continue reading it.
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