What do you think?
Rate this book
Calixta, The Vanquishers of Alhambra, A Grimdark Fantasy
I am Madame Calixta Harlow Carlyle, the owner of the Shining Star Salon, the best Brothel in the Kingdom of Alhambra. However, I am also an exquisitely trained exotic prostitute. Only the wealthiest and most powerful can afford my time.
Anyway, I will never forget the first time I died. Yes, there were others. But the first time brought me to the antechamber to Heaven. What an experience it was. I learned I am a Vanquisher.
Those devious embodiments of Virtues gave me magic, sent me back to the Kingdom of Alhambra, and told me I must never sell my body again. None of those blasted virtues said it would be open season for Calixta Carlyle. All the demons from hell are looking for me. A devil of a man named Jadro wants me dead. Why? I honestly do not know. The wretched man killed all my girls in my Brothel, setting it on fire. A horrible sight when the blood of my girls flowed on the marble floors of my Brothel.
I am running for my life with my friends, and I found this so-called First Vanquisher, Lord Dreyden. He must train me, but I hate him.
The second time I died, my blood ran cold. Jadro must have done a lot to get me.
Lord Dreyden is a hypocrite, but I must let him train me. I want to roast him alive with my fire magic. My friends keep dying, and I want to run away with the ones I have left. Oh, but where can I live with a trade of prostitute? Prostitution is the only job my society allows me to do.
Death is after me, the devil is chasing me, and I have no coin to my name. I have magic and don’t know how to use it. Can life get any worse?
“I own you, Calixta, and I can make your life a lot worse,” said Jadro.
Author’s Note: This is a dark and sexy fantasy. The first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. For a list of CW, please visit the author’s website.
Anyway, I will never forget the first time I died. Yes, there were others. But the first time brought me to the antechamber to Heaven. What an experience it was. I learned I am a Vanquisher.
Those devious embodiments of Virtues gave me magic, sent me back to the Kingdom of Alhambra, and told me I must never sell my body again. None of those blasted virtues said it would be open season for Calixta Carlyle. All the demons from hell are looking for me. A devil of a man named Jadro wants me dead. Why? I honestly do not know. The wretched man killed all my girls in my Brothel, setting it on fire. A horrible sight when the blood of my girls flowed on the marble floors of my Brothel.
I am running for my life with my friends, and I found this so-called First Vanquisher, Lord Dreyden. He must train me, but I hate him.
The second time I died, my blood ran cold. Jadro must have done a lot to get me.
Lord Dreyden is a hypocrite, but I must let him train me. I want to roast him alive with my fire magic. My friends keep dying, and I want to run away with the ones I have left. Oh, but where can I live with a trade of prostitute? Prostitution is the only job my society allows me to do.
Death is after me, the devil is chasing me, and I have no coin to my name. I have magic and don’t know how to use it. Can life get any worse?
“I own you, Calixta, and I can make your life a lot worse,” said Jadro.
Author’s Note: This is a dark and sexy fantasy. The first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. For a list of CW, please visit the author’s website.
376 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2019
24 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Omayra Vélez
13 books86 followersOmayra Vélez is a retired US Army disabled veteran, now an award-winning author for the book Ultima Skylar. Her family now calls her Lady of Grimdark after they read her book Calixta.
The author loves Spaniel dogs and now is a fur-mom of two puppies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one named Winston Carlyle Velez and the other named Otto Hightower Velez.
The author loves Spaniel dogs and now is a fur-mom of two puppies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one named Winston Carlyle Velez and the other named Otto Hightower Velez.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 31, 2020
**I have requested and received a free digital copy of this book through booksirens in exchange for an honest review**
This is a spoiler free review that includes all my own opinions and thoughts.
-Synopsis-
Fantasy+ Romance+ Adventure
Calixta grabbed my attention from the very first sentences. I cried, I laughed, I really enjoyed reading this. I had no clue what to expect from this book and wow just wow, it was so good. This book started of strong and ended strong too. Calixta helped me through a reading slump I was in. There is good representation of slaves and how they are viewed in the world, we get many scenes about that. This book I would recommend mainly for adults or older teens because their are many sensitive topics dealt with in this book (which were amazingly written).
“You must fight evil wherever you find it. But above all, you must learn to hope, love, have faith, and forgive.”
-Plot-
The plot of Calixta was well thought of. You can read the blurb to know what this book is about. Calixta carried through skillfully. I was really obsessed with the plot. I think lots of people can enjoy the plot or find it interesting. The plot to Calixta was so entertaining. I really have no words to express how good the plot was.
“I am not anyone’s property.”
-Setting-
The world building really is adequate and detailed. One of my favorite parts of this world that has been created is the box train station it was described excellently lots of my favorite scenes were taken place there.
“We will forever be surrounded by demons. I am not going to live my life without loving or being loved.”
-Writing-
There were many things in this book I liked and the writing might be my most favorite of them. Calixta dealt with sensitive topics really beautifully and it was written spectacularly. I loved how Calixta handled slavery and how many people in society view slaves. It also discussed rape in general throughly. The pace of this book was pretty good, each chapter left me wanting more and more. The romance was highly detailed. I was in a reading slump during entering this book and Calixta strongly helped me get through it.
“Dreyden found love, and Calixta found a gift.”
-Characters-
I just love the characters in Calixta. I immediately loved Calixta. She was so strong, smart but not smart , and at times stubborn (but not too stubborn). I’m not going to lie I did not like Dreyden when I first got introduced to him. But as I kept on reading I came to adore and understand him. I also enjoyed that each character have a personality. I like all the other characters too specifically Isalia , Miomi, Jadro (as a character, though I do wish we got more scenes with him but at the same time I don’t), and Orra just to name a few.
“You look like a beautiful firestorm, taste like lemons, and smell like lavender. You are splendidly beautiful,”
-Conclusion-
Do I think you should read this book? Yes! definitely give it a try! I need the next book asap. I would recommend this book to those looking for enemies to lovers vibe, slow burn romance, adventure, fantasy, magic, and so much more that you can find out by reading Calixta.
This is a spoiler free review that includes all my own opinions and thoughts.
-Synopsis-
Fantasy+ Romance+ Adventure
Calixta grabbed my attention from the very first sentences. I cried, I laughed, I really enjoyed reading this. I had no clue what to expect from this book and wow just wow, it was so good. This book started of strong and ended strong too. Calixta helped me through a reading slump I was in. There is good representation of slaves and how they are viewed in the world, we get many scenes about that. This book I would recommend mainly for adults or older teens because their are many sensitive topics dealt with in this book (which were amazingly written).
“You must fight evil wherever you find it. But above all, you must learn to hope, love, have faith, and forgive.”
-Plot-
The plot of Calixta was well thought of. You can read the blurb to know what this book is about. Calixta carried through skillfully. I was really obsessed with the plot. I think lots of people can enjoy the plot or find it interesting. The plot to Calixta was so entertaining. I really have no words to express how good the plot was.
“I am not anyone’s property.”
-Setting-
The world building really is adequate and detailed. One of my favorite parts of this world that has been created is the box train station it was described excellently lots of my favorite scenes were taken place there.
“We will forever be surrounded by demons. I am not going to live my life without loving or being loved.”
-Writing-
There were many things in this book I liked and the writing might be my most favorite of them. Calixta dealt with sensitive topics really beautifully and it was written spectacularly. I loved how Calixta handled slavery and how many people in society view slaves. It also discussed rape in general throughly. The pace of this book was pretty good, each chapter left me wanting more and more. The romance was highly detailed. I was in a reading slump during entering this book and Calixta strongly helped me get through it.
“Dreyden found love, and Calixta found a gift.”
-Characters-
I just love the characters in Calixta. I immediately loved Calixta. She was so strong, smart but not smart , and at times stubborn (but not too stubborn). I’m not going to lie I did not like Dreyden when I first got introduced to him. But as I kept on reading I came to adore and understand him. I also enjoyed that each character have a personality. I like all the other characters too specifically Isalia , Miomi, Jadro (as a character, though I do wish we got more scenes with him but at the same time I don’t), and Orra just to name a few.
“You look like a beautiful firestorm, taste like lemons, and smell like lavender. You are splendidly beautiful,”
-Conclusion-
Do I think you should read this book? Yes! definitely give it a try! I need the next book asap. I would recommend this book to those looking for enemies to lovers vibe, slow burn romance, adventure, fantasy, magic, and so much more that you can find out by reading Calixta.
December 22, 2019
A great fantasy read, I really enjoyed this, went in not knowing what to expect but left pleasantly surprised. It’s not an honest easy read but definitely worthwhile. Calixta I loved, strong willed, stubborn just my kind of girl, Dreyden I wasn’t as keen on at first but he does grow on you by the end, he just has a journey to go on first. Great story and I look forward to more.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
September 21, 2019
This is one of the best fantasy books that I have read in quite some time. It surprised me at every turn. The characters are well developed and the storyline is intriguing. Omayra has a unique voice. I can hardly wait for the next installment. I must go read her other books right away. I think I will buy them in hard copy and add them to my library.
February 18, 2021
This book made me feel things! It made me feel rage and passion and inspired and angry all at once. Personally, I can appreciate when an author really makes you mad and sets your teeth on edge. The fantasy elements of this novel were incredibly interesting, and I find the themes unnerving but bold. It's clear that Vélez had no intention to remain on the path well taken with her writing, daring to veer off into the unknown and display some incredibly dark thoughts and some very unpopular opinions in her writing.
That being said, I believe this was done effectively. However, the writing style itself wasn't best suited to me — though I think this is more personal preference, and the love interest infuriated me to the point that I just couldn't love this book.
A perfectly enjoyable read, but missing the unputdownable spark I look for in novels.
That being said, I believe this was done effectively. However, the writing style itself wasn't best suited to me — though I think this is more personal preference, and the love interest infuriated me to the point that I just couldn't love this book.
A perfectly enjoyable read, but missing the unputdownable spark I look for in novels.
November 8, 2019
I loved this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me want more. I loved the fact that there was a ton of adventure - I definitely stayed up way too late reading it. The best thing about reading this book was that I loved it all so much, I couldn't choose a favorite part.
Calixta is a great character, the kind of strong woman I love reading about, and someone who is trying to get along in a world when (almost) everything is stacked against her.
I would recommend this book to fantasy readers and those who enjoy a little romance thrown in to the mix.
Calixta is a great character, the kind of strong woman I love reading about, and someone who is trying to get along in a world when (almost) everything is stacked against her.
I would recommend this book to fantasy readers and those who enjoy a little romance thrown in to the mix.
April 22, 2021
“And this was the first time I died!”
“But if you are a mage and you received your power the second time you died, doesn’t that mean you are now obliged to work for the king?”
(Vanquishers of Alhambra 1) Calixta by Omayra Vélez
My thoughts on Review spoilers, and ratings may be relevant before you venture below --- the spoiler line ---. Click the [Back] button there to return here if you take a look. Review 1250± words
My Rating:
I reluctantly recommended this 3.5 star fantasy romance novel.
Calixta is a whore house madam. Not just any old slut with good management skills. Sold into slavery at 8, she's been trained to be far beyond the best. She speaks, reads, & writes in several languages, talks intelligently about any topic. Her brothel is the best in the Alhambra. And Calixita herself wears the tattoo of an "exotic". Among the most beautiful and most extensively trained in her profession. Few of the royals can afford an hour with her. That was before the first time she died.
Arriving at death's processing center, Calixta did not have the proper items to be processed and was hauled into an emergency meeting with the Virtues. Among these were Wisdom, Justice, Hope, Love, Peace, to name a few. Their job is management on behalf of "Father" (aka "Boss of the Virtues") and these "Virtues" had unusual news for Calixta. She's special; and the dark, painful life she lived wasn't suppose to happen that way, and worse... her mission is not complete. She'll being going back to that body that was just shot in the chest while protecting one of her pregnant girls.
Generally: ----- Possible Spoiler Line -----
Jadro is high level management of evil incarnate and his boss has high expectations of him conquering the entire world. He's been highly successful. He's already murdered the mentors of Alhambra's Vanquishers who are now almost entirely untrained. Most are unaware of who they are. He's just received information that the third Vanquisher has been identified.
The reason Jadro was never able to find this third Vanquisher was because she has always belonged to the dark. Now that she's been discovered, he even remembers having enjoyed her exotic sexual services. While that had been pleasant, he is glad to hear she has just been murdered. One less Vanquisher. The fourth Vanquisher is in a coma along with all the Elves. If the second Vanquisher survived the attack that murdered his mentor, then he is severely crippled in addition to being untrained.
Jadro is very close to owning Alhambra's royalty. They are virtually inept, and are doing nothing to prevent the obvious war Jadro has broiling in all the lands. With all but one Vanquisher dead, disabled, or soon to be dead, there's nothing to stop evil from overrunning the world.
Then Jadro learns the dead third Vanquisher has miraculously come back to life. No matter, she should be easy to find and kill. She was never noticed before because she's always belonged to the darkness or has always been in and surrounded by darkness. If she turns away from the darkness, Jadro will notice and will quickly find her.
My Notable Notes:
This has been one of those novels that I wrote a novella of notes about. Let's start with, "Why reluctantly recommend?"
Omy is an indie author, and Calixta is like most books today, more like part one of a three to fifteen part series with each ending on a cliffhanger with at least two major unresolved threads. Worse, I sometimes research what I'm about to read. Ms. Vélez has some part of two more novels complete and a spin off novella, but no money for necessary work like an editor. (I nearly consider offering, but retirement is actually hard work enough.)
I listened to the audiobook, primarily, and haven't decided if I really like Corina Ollett's performance... More like, I'm not sure her performance fits. Undecided still.
In any case, while I'm confident Ms. Vélez is anxious to get more Calixta out to her fans, life happens. If her unfinished manuscripts were published soon, and there were signs of a conclusion, I'd be happy to recommend it without hesitation.
I do take issue with at least one "DNF" one-star review I ran across. I'll address that with an entire article on sagelyfox.com. I was pleased to see Ms. Vélez replied to that review.
The rest of my notes are a rather detailed summary of the book. Almost Cliff Notes on the book. If I published that, little need to read the book.
Likes and Dislikes:
My daughter, is another avid reader. She goes through over 100 books a year. She raves about book covers... or not so much.
I rarely think about book covers, but I do buy books based on their cover (unconsciously). The Calixta cover caught my attention. The spoiler "sales blurb" and Chirpbooks deep discount sale "sold me" the book. It didn't hurt that I learned Omy is a veteran, and dedicated the book to an Army Major.
I was engaged in the book. I had issues, but none discouraged me from "turning pages".
I liked the spiritual concepts in the book. I recently read The Poppy War Series. Ms. Kuang's series had a different culture, a different pantheon of gods, but was similar in concepts.
In Calixta, her heroic journey, at least in part, is a gradual redemption from the cold hardness crushed into her since a child. It's interesting to me that, despite the appearance of being on the wrong side of life spiritually, her behavior to her friends, employees, and even the downtrodden, are the definition of "goodness". Like all good fiction, truth is loud and clear. As is routine in life, good folks rarely think there's much good in themselves, despite their heroic efforts.
The Technical: About the writing critique?
Omy worked hard on this book. I suspect she has a streak of perfectionism in her. The cover art is excellent. She's taken her work to an editor, and had beta readers. (In my day, I was an early member of Critters). She even managed to keep her thumb on the pulse of the production of the audiobook. While I admire this in anyone doing any task or job, in writing it can cripple your productivity. Having been both a writer, artist, and musician, I know creative people are rarely entirely satisfied with their work, and getting it to market "flawed" in any way is painful, but commercially necessary.
If I were to critique Calixta seriously, I could give Omy pages of constructive criticism. I think I'd be disappointed if she took even half of the critique's seriously. In her case, and the case of most indie authors, Harper-Collins perfection isn't expected. Getting a book into professionally published shape takes a pride of professionals with a multitude of skills to get a book on bookshelves. It is rare when an indie author can afford a day or two of that much professional assistance, specially in their early first novels.
Conclusion
Calixta is a good beginning of a series. It may be some time before it is all available. Almost certainly quicker that George R.R. Martin or Diana Gabaldon would manage. I would love to see more of this story.
Calixta is a competitor in this genre that blends magic, mystical, good verses bad, and action in with a good dose of romance.
Read on: Apr 8, 9, 10, & 13, 2021
More about me here and here .
View all my Goodreads reviews
or visit my Home/2021 HTLM Reviews Page
Coming soon Sagely Fox Website
Links:
Author: Omayra Vélez
Narrator: Corina Ollett
Audiobook Production: e-Audio Productions.
Ebook Retailer(s): Book 2 Read
Audiobook Retailer: Chirpbooks
Read & Runtime: Chapters: 35, Paperback, 467 pages, Runtime: 12h 3min
“But if you are a mage and you received your power the second time you died, doesn’t that mean you are now obliged to work for the king?”
(Vanquishers of Alhambra 1) Calixta by Omayra Vélez
My thoughts on Review spoilers, and ratings may be relevant before you venture below --- the spoiler line ---. Click the [Back] button there to return here if you take a look. Review 1250± words
My Rating:
I reluctantly recommended this 3.5 star fantasy romance novel.
Calixta is a whore house madam. Not just any old slut with good management skills. Sold into slavery at 8, she's been trained to be far beyond the best. She speaks, reads, & writes in several languages, talks intelligently about any topic. Her brothel is the best in the Alhambra. And Calixita herself wears the tattoo of an "exotic". Among the most beautiful and most extensively trained in her profession. Few of the royals can afford an hour with her. That was before the first time she died.
Arriving at death's processing center, Calixta did not have the proper items to be processed and was hauled into an emergency meeting with the Virtues. Among these were Wisdom, Justice, Hope, Love, Peace, to name a few. Their job is management on behalf of "Father" (aka "Boss of the Virtues") and these "Virtues" had unusual news for Calixta. She's special; and the dark, painful life she lived wasn't suppose to happen that way, and worse... her mission is not complete. She'll being going back to that body that was just shot in the chest while protecting one of her pregnant girls.
Generally: ----- Possible Spoiler Line -----
Jadro is high level management of evil incarnate and his boss has high expectations of him conquering the entire world. He's been highly successful. He's already murdered the mentors of Alhambra's Vanquishers who are now almost entirely untrained. Most are unaware of who they are. He's just received information that the third Vanquisher has been identified.
The reason Jadro was never able to find this third Vanquisher was because she has always belonged to the dark. Now that she's been discovered, he even remembers having enjoyed her exotic sexual services. While that had been pleasant, he is glad to hear she has just been murdered. One less Vanquisher. The fourth Vanquisher is in a coma along with all the Elves. If the second Vanquisher survived the attack that murdered his mentor, then he is severely crippled in addition to being untrained.
Jadro is very close to owning Alhambra's royalty. They are virtually inept, and are doing nothing to prevent the obvious war Jadro has broiling in all the lands. With all but one Vanquisher dead, disabled, or soon to be dead, there's nothing to stop evil from overrunning the world.
Then Jadro learns the dead third Vanquisher has miraculously come back to life. No matter, she should be easy to find and kill. She was never noticed before because she's always belonged to the darkness or has always been in and surrounded by darkness. If she turns away from the darkness, Jadro will notice and will quickly find her.
My Notable Notes:
This has been one of those novels that I wrote a novella of notes about. Let's start with, "Why reluctantly recommend?"
Omy is an indie author, and Calixta is like most books today, more like part one of a three to fifteen part series with each ending on a cliffhanger with at least two major unresolved threads. Worse, I sometimes research what I'm about to read. Ms. Vélez has some part of two more novels complete and a spin off novella, but no money for necessary work like an editor. (I nearly consider offering, but retirement is actually hard work enough.)
I listened to the audiobook, primarily, and haven't decided if I really like Corina Ollett's performance... More like, I'm not sure her performance fits. Undecided still.
In any case, while I'm confident Ms. Vélez is anxious to get more Calixta out to her fans, life happens. If her unfinished manuscripts were published soon, and there were signs of a conclusion, I'd be happy to recommend it without hesitation.
I do take issue with at least one "DNF" one-star review I ran across. I'll address that with an entire article on sagelyfox.com. I was pleased to see Ms. Vélez replied to that review.
The rest of my notes are a rather detailed summary of the book. Almost Cliff Notes on the book. If I published that, little need to read the book.
Likes and Dislikes:
My daughter, is another avid reader. She goes through over 100 books a year. She raves about book covers... or not so much.
I rarely think about book covers, but I do buy books based on their cover (unconsciously). The Calixta cover caught my attention. The spoiler "sales blurb" and Chirpbooks deep discount sale "sold me" the book. It didn't hurt that I learned Omy is a veteran, and dedicated the book to an Army Major.
I was engaged in the book. I had issues, but none discouraged me from "turning pages".
I liked the spiritual concepts in the book. I recently read The Poppy War Series. Ms. Kuang's series had a different culture, a different pantheon of gods, but was similar in concepts.
In Calixta, her heroic journey, at least in part, is a gradual redemption from the cold hardness crushed into her since a child. It's interesting to me that, despite the appearance of being on the wrong side of life spiritually, her behavior to her friends, employees, and even the downtrodden, are the definition of "goodness". Like all good fiction, truth is loud and clear. As is routine in life, good folks rarely think there's much good in themselves, despite their heroic efforts.
The Technical: About the writing critique?
Omy worked hard on this book. I suspect she has a streak of perfectionism in her. The cover art is excellent. She's taken her work to an editor, and had beta readers. (In my day, I was an early member of Critters). She even managed to keep her thumb on the pulse of the production of the audiobook. While I admire this in anyone doing any task or job, in writing it can cripple your productivity. Having been both a writer, artist, and musician, I know creative people are rarely entirely satisfied with their work, and getting it to market "flawed" in any way is painful, but commercially necessary.
If I were to critique Calixta seriously, I could give Omy pages of constructive criticism. I think I'd be disappointed if she took even half of the critique's seriously. In her case, and the case of most indie authors, Harper-Collins perfection isn't expected. Getting a book into professionally published shape takes a pride of professionals with a multitude of skills to get a book on bookshelves. It is rare when an indie author can afford a day or two of that much professional assistance, specially in their early first novels.
Conclusion
Calixta is a good beginning of a series. It may be some time before it is all available. Almost certainly quicker that George R.R. Martin or Diana Gabaldon would manage. I would love to see more of this story.
Calixta is a competitor in this genre that blends magic, mystical, good verses bad, and action in with a good dose of romance.
Read on: Apr 8, 9, 10, & 13, 2021
More about me here and here .
View all my Goodreads reviews
or visit my Home/2021 HTLM Reviews Page
Coming soon Sagely Fox Website
Links:
Author: Omayra Vélez Narrator: Corina Ollett Audiobook Production: e-Audio Productions. Ebook Retailer(s): Book 2 Read Audiobook Retailer: Chirpbooks Read & Runtime: Chapters: 35, Paperback, 467 pages, Runtime: 12h 3min
April 17, 2020
4.7 stars.
Where do I begin? I really was focused on world-building. It's so interesting. There is an overall theme which makes it more interesting and adds meaning to the book. In addition to certain typical fantasy elements (elves, orcs...), there was a very philosophical element to the book. I'm not sure if this counts as Christian-fantasy for that reason but it reminded me of Divergent for that reason even though Divergent is a dystopia. I really enjoyed reading the fantasy element of the book (there is also a glossary on this at the back of the book). This book is also heavy in characters, throughout the book Calixta's arc is engaging. She has changed so much. There was also romance but our girl can hold her own so I wasn't worried about the romance overshadowing the plot. Also fair warning: you might need tissues later in the book.
A lovely quote from Calixta (that is very relevant given the current pandemic):
"We are not only connected to the ground, but to the air and water and each other. People don't understand that what they do to others, they do to themselves. We are all made of the same stuff[my emphasis]." -- Dreyden (@ the 71% of the book)
Two of the things that I noticed though was that some explanations were repeated a few paragraphs even though we already were told the information. The formatting, in that respect, could have been smoother. The training montage was short but it fits with the overall narrative and the use of deus ex machina in the book. I know some might not like that but is fantasy, after all.
I also feel like this could also have been a longer book because there was so many things happening so I would have still read the longer version of this.
The world and characters are very engaging. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Calixta, it was quite a journey.
***I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
Where do I begin? I really was focused on world-building. It's so interesting. There is an overall theme which makes it more interesting and adds meaning to the book. In addition to certain typical fantasy elements (elves, orcs...), there was a very philosophical element to the book. I'm not sure if this counts as Christian-fantasy for that reason but it reminded me of Divergent for that reason even though Divergent is a dystopia. I really enjoyed reading the fantasy element of the book (there is also a glossary on this at the back of the book). This book is also heavy in characters, throughout the book Calixta's arc is engaging. She has changed so much. There was also romance but our girl can hold her own so I wasn't worried about the romance overshadowing the plot. Also fair warning: you might need tissues later in the book.
A lovely quote from Calixta (that is very relevant given the current pandemic):
"We are not only connected to the ground, but to the air and water and each other. People don't understand that what they do to others, they do to themselves. We are all made of the same stuff[my emphasis]." -- Dreyden (@ the 71% of the book)
Two of the things that I noticed though was that some explanations were repeated a few paragraphs even though we already were told the information. The formatting, in that respect, could have been smoother. The training montage was short but it fits with the overall narrative and the use of deus ex machina in the book. I know some might not like that but is fantasy, after all.
I also feel like this could also have been a longer book because there was so many things happening so I would have still read the longer version of this.
The world and characters are very engaging. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Calixta, it was quite a journey.
***I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
October 26, 2019
I do not usually do reviews on books but I had to write one for this book, it is so good. Every chapter left me wanting more. I wanted to finish it in one sitting but work always getting in the way of my reading. If you like fiction, drama, fantasy this book if for you. I am obsessed with the story line and all the characters in this book. This book is not for the very young. If you are looking for a suspense filled book this is the one to pick up. I need the next book to come out already is that good.
June 17, 2021
This book made me angry with its topics, but I finish reading it. Along the way, I laugh, I cried, I was totally engaged. However, I did something I have never done with any other book. I contacted the author and asked questions on what she meant with certain things and she gave me a candid explanation of the world she created. Calixta is a complicated woman and the world of Alhambra is fascinating. I had issues when Calixta's light diminished when she had sex. But the author explained that her light diminished when she sold her body, knowing she wasn't supposed to do it.
And Dreyden knowingly placed Calixta in a place where she was in danger. They both lost points in with their bosses. They both were supposed to have a higher expectation of spiritual unity with the virtues.
The author was candid and I was surprised that she answered my email herself.
Overall, I loved the story and now that I understand the plot fully, I want to know where this is going to end.
And Dreyden knowingly placed Calixta in a place where she was in danger. They both lost points in with their bosses. They both were supposed to have a higher expectation of spiritual unity with the virtues.
The author was candid and I was surprised that she answered my email herself.
Overall, I loved the story and now that I understand the plot fully, I want to know where this is going to end.
May 11, 2020
when i say wow i mean really wow! Calixta, a woman who was sold into life of an exotic prostitute, has two unfortunate things happen at once she is killed while trying to defend a friend.Shes kept alive simply because her work is not yet done and there are plans for her life for which she was totally unaware. This is the first in a series that makes for an interesting journey as she learns her true powers while being tracked by demons who wish to make her life ending-permanent. I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again.
August 11, 2020
I caught my wife crying like a baby one night. I thought something had happened to one of our sons, but no. She was reading this book. So, I had to read it. This book starts in First-person and I dislike books written in the first person, but my wife said that it was only the first chapter. I am glad I continued reading. This author has a lot to say. I laughed, it scared the shit out of me, it made me angry, it made me happy, and it made me cry. I want to know what happens to Calixta and Alesha.
January 29, 2020
Calixta, a woman who was sold into life of an exotic prostitute, has two unfortunate things happen at once—she is killed while trying to defend a friend. She’s kept alive simply because her work is not yet done and there are plans for her life for which she was totally unaware. This is the first in a series that makes for an interesting journey as she learns her true powers while being tracked by demons who wish to make her life’s ending—permanent. She is now on the search for others who have the same talents, and this will make for an interesting series as each story unfolds.
May 8, 2020
It was an enjoyable reading, but I think it had too many and not very convincing fighting scenes for my taste.
The main character resembled a non native English speaker and when she talked to the others it seemed like she was reproducing a well learnt discourse.
The idea was interesting, but I had expected an entirely different kind of protagonist.
I don't say it is not a good book, but it hasn't caught me entirely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main character resembled a non native English speaker and when she talked to the others it seemed like she was reproducing a well learnt discourse.
The idea was interesting, but I had expected an entirely different kind of protagonist.
I don't say it is not a good book, but it hasn't caught me entirely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2019
Great fantasy story which has all the elements necessary for a successful novel. The author has poured herself, her talent, time and tears into this work, it's very obvious by the "real" way she writes. Not an easy read, but a mature, deep and honest one. This author has much to say and an effective, powerful way of doing it.
April 3, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again.
November 19, 2023
I love this story. I will not give any spoilers, so I will only write about what makes this story unique, in my opinion. I usually do not write reviews, but this book requires my attention.
First, I must say that Ms. Velez created a morally grey character that kept my attention throughout the story. The world-building is phenomenal. The author created an entire society. She constructed a corrupt religious church and a socioeconomic structure that follows a cast system. She did all into a fantasy world that resembles what is to me the late 1800 Europe. She created several kingdoms. And to top it all off, she merged magic alongside guns, trains, and prototype automobiles. All of this tugged in my fantasy lover's heart.
I have read many books in my 40-plus years, and this book is the real deal in a fantasy story. I devoured the book. I found it well written. The language made it fun and easy to read. I read it over a weekend.
I will deconstruct the story into pieces I think are important.
POV. The book starts from the First-Person Point of view, and the rest follows from a third-person omniscient. Most times, writing in a blended POV can be risky because there are writers who only like a third person and others who only like the first-person Point of view, but she merged them beautifully.
Wording. I'm not too fond of books with flowery words and overly constructed dialogue. In Calixta, the dialogue felt like it were regular every day people chatting. There were times when Calixta used highly educated language, which was expected in the scene based on her level of education. Spanish is my second language, and Italian is my third. I am glad to say they both helped me with some of the phrasings, which I thought made the character of Miomi sexy. Plus, this made the idea of different kingdoms with different languages more believable.
The characters. The author developed two great main characters. They kept a constant pace, and even the secondary characters had their moments to shine. There is one secondary character called Alesha, and I hope her story will be expanded in the sequel. One thing I didn't like was how quickly the male MC Dreyden changed his feelings for Calixta. However, I can see the man went from lust to a genuine appreciation of her.
Narrative. The narrative was outstanding. In the end, the narrative refers to the story being told. It is the account of events, experiences, and details. And this story is full of different imaginative accounts with added action and loads of adventure. Each book, to be successful, must have a strong beginning, a climax, and a satisfying resolution. And Calixta did not disappoint. At the start, the pace was a bit slow, but after chapter 6, the pace picked up and stayed at an excellent level. There were fighting scenes that added to the action. The chapters felt like a miny novel. Some had an introduction, a climax, and a point of conclusion, but most chapters kept you moving to the next chapter wanting more.
Plot. This story is a good vs. evil plot. However, it is also a romance. It has an enemy to lovers and marriage by convenience trope, among others. It is a story that does some moralizing about sex. However, I didn't care about that since, in the story, Calixta dies and goes to heaven. In heaven, she is told to follow the path to righteousness according to one of the religions. So, the whole moralizing premise is expected if the author created a religion based on Judeo-Christian beliefs. It has deep dark topics, and the author does present a nonconceptual sex act. Again, I will not add a spoiler; I only say these things because the author did mention these things in an author note with the book's blurb.
The setting. I must add that I wish she would have added more descriptions of the different settings and locations in the story. If you like description over dialogue, then you might not like this book because this author concentrates more on dialogue. However, her illustrations are to the Point and without extra flowery words, which I love. In my opinion, she gives the right amount of detail, but that is my taste.
Style. Many essential things get added together to make a writer's style. Some things are tone, word choice, grammar, language, descriptive technique, and a few others. Style is also what determines the mood of a story. So style is essential to distinguish one author from another, which is different by genre. Different types of story genres had different styles. Styles are different with each author, and Ms. Velez her style is unique. In the first chapter, I felt like the character was chatting with me, the reader. That is something I haven't seen yet. Each author has their style, and his one has one that, when united with her voice, makes me want to keep reading. Because tone indicates a particular feeling, I can't pinpoint one. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. If I were to give it a general tone, it would be a serious deconstruction of good vs. evil with an optimistic view in the end. I did find a few misspelled words but nothing that horrible. Her word choices were to the era that I felt the book portrayed, the late 1800s early 1900s Europe.
Emotions. I must say I went from angry, to crying, to happy for Calixta in a matter of chapters. This author can bring out feelings with ease.
So there you go. I deconstructed the story into what I think are the essential parts of a book without giving spoilers. I gave it 4.5 stars, so I rounded it to 5. I do recommend this book.
However, before you read it, do look at the trigger warnings.
First, I must say that Ms. Velez created a morally grey character that kept my attention throughout the story. The world-building is phenomenal. The author created an entire society. She constructed a corrupt religious church and a socioeconomic structure that follows a cast system. She did all into a fantasy world that resembles what is to me the late 1800 Europe. She created several kingdoms. And to top it all off, she merged magic alongside guns, trains, and prototype automobiles. All of this tugged in my fantasy lover's heart.
I have read many books in my 40-plus years, and this book is the real deal in a fantasy story. I devoured the book. I found it well written. The language made it fun and easy to read. I read it over a weekend.
I will deconstruct the story into pieces I think are important.
POV. The book starts from the First-Person Point of view, and the rest follows from a third-person omniscient. Most times, writing in a blended POV can be risky because there are writers who only like a third person and others who only like the first-person Point of view, but she merged them beautifully.
Wording. I'm not too fond of books with flowery words and overly constructed dialogue. In Calixta, the dialogue felt like it were regular every day people chatting. There were times when Calixta used highly educated language, which was expected in the scene based on her level of education. Spanish is my second language, and Italian is my third. I am glad to say they both helped me with some of the phrasings, which I thought made the character of Miomi sexy. Plus, this made the idea of different kingdoms with different languages more believable.
The characters. The author developed two great main characters. They kept a constant pace, and even the secondary characters had their moments to shine. There is one secondary character called Alesha, and I hope her story will be expanded in the sequel. One thing I didn't like was how quickly the male MC Dreyden changed his feelings for Calixta. However, I can see the man went from lust to a genuine appreciation of her.
Narrative. The narrative was outstanding. In the end, the narrative refers to the story being told. It is the account of events, experiences, and details. And this story is full of different imaginative accounts with added action and loads of adventure. Each book, to be successful, must have a strong beginning, a climax, and a satisfying resolution. And Calixta did not disappoint. At the start, the pace was a bit slow, but after chapter 6, the pace picked up and stayed at an excellent level. There were fighting scenes that added to the action. The chapters felt like a miny novel. Some had an introduction, a climax, and a point of conclusion, but most chapters kept you moving to the next chapter wanting more.
Plot. This story is a good vs. evil plot. However, it is also a romance. It has an enemy to lovers and marriage by convenience trope, among others. It is a story that does some moralizing about sex. However, I didn't care about that since, in the story, Calixta dies and goes to heaven. In heaven, she is told to follow the path to righteousness according to one of the religions. So, the whole moralizing premise is expected if the author created a religion based on Judeo-Christian beliefs. It has deep dark topics, and the author does present a nonconceptual sex act. Again, I will not add a spoiler; I only say these things because the author did mention these things in an author note with the book's blurb.
The setting. I must add that I wish she would have added more descriptions of the different settings and locations in the story. If you like description over dialogue, then you might not like this book because this author concentrates more on dialogue. However, her illustrations are to the Point and without extra flowery words, which I love. In my opinion, she gives the right amount of detail, but that is my taste.
Style. Many essential things get added together to make a writer's style. Some things are tone, word choice, grammar, language, descriptive technique, and a few others. Style is also what determines the mood of a story. So style is essential to distinguish one author from another, which is different by genre. Different types of story genres had different styles. Styles are different with each author, and Ms. Velez her style is unique. In the first chapter, I felt like the character was chatting with me, the reader. That is something I haven't seen yet. Each author has their style, and his one has one that, when united with her voice, makes me want to keep reading. Because tone indicates a particular feeling, I can't pinpoint one. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. If I were to give it a general tone, it would be a serious deconstruction of good vs. evil with an optimistic view in the end. I did find a few misspelled words but nothing that horrible. Her word choices were to the era that I felt the book portrayed, the late 1800s early 1900s Europe.
Emotions. I must say I went from angry, to crying, to happy for Calixta in a matter of chapters. This author can bring out feelings with ease.
So there you go. I deconstructed the story into what I think are the essential parts of a book without giving spoilers. I gave it 4.5 stars, so I rounded it to 5. I do recommend this book.
However, before you read it, do look at the trigger warnings.
January 9, 2023
While I sit staring at the blinking cursor, trying to put my impressions about “Calixta” by Omayra Vélez into words, forgive me for blurting out: “wow, what a book!”
These are my feelings in a nutshell. But it absolutely won’t do to leave “Calixta” without a proper review. The intense, imaginative, gut-searing, and thought-provoking story of unlocking your true self while fighting against the darkest of evils deserves more.
Calixta is an extraordinary book character. She isn’t what you’d call likeable. Yes, she is strong and beautiful. She is also brave and loyal to the people she loves. Still, she is edgy and harsh, for she’s been disillusioned by the life she’s been forced to live.
The society Calixta belongs to doesn’t give its people any choice. Once labelled, a person must live restricted by the requirements of their trade and harsh laws. Calixta’s trade is not what any person would choose willingly. She is a woman of the night. True, of the highest class. She is talented and educated. But it doesn’t matter to the people of Alhambra.
Calixta has a character of a fighter, so she doesn’t succumb to the fate of someone who can’t do anything to make their life better. She uses the opportunities she’s been given – as scarce and controversial as they are – and rises as high as it’s possible in her situation.
And then, we find out that she isn’t simply a strong-willed Madame of the best brothel in town.
Calixta dies, and her life takes a turn no human laws and restrictions can influence.
The book is not an easy read. There aren’t noble knights in shining armour, throwing red roses to the innocent beautiful ladies. The man who helps Calixta unlock her true identity is – pardon my language – a jerk. He behaves like one and treats the woman, who left him speechless the very moment he saw her for the first time, also like an utter bastard.
There are gruesome scenes in the book. The kind that will make you cringe and want to skip a few pages. I admit – I’ve read every word. In my opinion, they added weight to the importance of the Vanquishers’ mission to restore the balance between good and evil.
Calixta’s thorny road from a scorned but ardently desired Madame to a powerful Vanquisher with unprecedented abilities of a mage is a fascinating read that won’t let you go for a long time after you turn the last page. Ms Vélez masterfully weaves together magical and philosophical elements making the reader experience a whole range of emotions.
“Calixta” is a part of The Vanquishers of Alhambra dark fantasy series. It ends on a cliffhanger, but it didn’t bother me in the slightest, for I know for sure that I’ll be reading Ms Vélez’s next books.
These are my feelings in a nutshell. But it absolutely won’t do to leave “Calixta” without a proper review. The intense, imaginative, gut-searing, and thought-provoking story of unlocking your true self while fighting against the darkest of evils deserves more.
Calixta is an extraordinary book character. She isn’t what you’d call likeable. Yes, she is strong and beautiful. She is also brave and loyal to the people she loves. Still, she is edgy and harsh, for she’s been disillusioned by the life she’s been forced to live.
The society Calixta belongs to doesn’t give its people any choice. Once labelled, a person must live restricted by the requirements of their trade and harsh laws. Calixta’s trade is not what any person would choose willingly. She is a woman of the night. True, of the highest class. She is talented and educated. But it doesn’t matter to the people of Alhambra.
Calixta has a character of a fighter, so she doesn’t succumb to the fate of someone who can’t do anything to make their life better. She uses the opportunities she’s been given – as scarce and controversial as they are – and rises as high as it’s possible in her situation.
And then, we find out that she isn’t simply a strong-willed Madame of the best brothel in town.
Calixta dies, and her life takes a turn no human laws and restrictions can influence.
The book is not an easy read. There aren’t noble knights in shining armour, throwing red roses to the innocent beautiful ladies. The man who helps Calixta unlock her true identity is – pardon my language – a jerk. He behaves like one and treats the woman, who left him speechless the very moment he saw her for the first time, also like an utter bastard.
There are gruesome scenes in the book. The kind that will make you cringe and want to skip a few pages. I admit – I’ve read every word. In my opinion, they added weight to the importance of the Vanquishers’ mission to restore the balance between good and evil.
Calixta’s thorny road from a scorned but ardently desired Madame to a powerful Vanquisher with unprecedented abilities of a mage is a fascinating read that won’t let you go for a long time after you turn the last page. Ms Vélez masterfully weaves together magical and philosophical elements making the reader experience a whole range of emotions.
“Calixta” is a part of The Vanquishers of Alhambra dark fantasy series. It ends on a cliffhanger, but it didn’t bother me in the slightest, for I know for sure that I’ll be reading Ms Vélez’s next books.
October 28, 2019
On a rainy day I finished the book and I have to say that I can’t wait for the next one to come out. I will admit I am not a big reader but this book captivated me somehow. It made me laugh and cry. For me the first couple of chapters had me wondering where the story was headed but after chapter 23 I could not put it down.
Although the front cover shows an angel the book is not a religious book. It is just in a world that has magic, demons, elves, fairies, flying creatures, really bad humans ext ext. If I had to classify it I would say it’s like The hobbit meets Hunger games. I loved it. I took me to a world outside my own where for a brief moment I could forget that I am an adult that must go to work on Monday!
Warning this book is not for kids; there are parts that has really strong language I will let my teenager read it but I am making her skip a chapter that has this said strong language.
The main female character is stubborn, smart and with a temper but as her journey proceeds she changes and I am just so curious where the next book takes her. The main male character I disliked at first but came to appreciate his ways later in the book.
I have to admit that I’m not a big reader. I did not read Harry Potter yet but this book created a world that I just got engulfed in. I would love to see this in a movie one day!
Although the front cover shows an angel the book is not a religious book. It is just in a world that has magic, demons, elves, fairies, flying creatures, really bad humans ext ext. If I had to classify it I would say it’s like The hobbit meets Hunger games. I loved it. I took me to a world outside my own where for a brief moment I could forget that I am an adult that must go to work on Monday!
Warning this book is not for kids; there are parts that has really strong language I will let my teenager read it but I am making her skip a chapter that has this said strong language.
The main female character is stubborn, smart and with a temper but as her journey proceeds she changes and I am just so curious where the next book takes her. The main male character I disliked at first but came to appreciate his ways later in the book.
I have to admit that I’m not a big reader. I did not read Harry Potter yet but this book created a world that I just got engulfed in. I would love to see this in a movie one day!
January 2, 2024
This review is for an audible version:
Loved the story. Loved the writer's voice. And waiting with bated breath for the continuation. The story of Calixta comes to a natural endpoint of sorts at the end of this book, but if you love the protagonist as I do, you'll want to know where and how she will continue her journey. Epic fantasy style, but with the lead being a woman.
However, although the narrator had some incredible voices and accents – were they really all one person (if so, I'm most impressed) – but on numerous occasions she tended to let her voice drop mid sentence and then seemed to realise the sentence continued. This was a little disconcerting to hear, especially as it was not necessarily in long or convoluted sentences. In addition, her pronunciation of some fairly standard words was strange, such as making bosom rhyme with blossom. There are others too, but I don't recall them. On balance, I think the variety of voices and accents outweighs the lack of fluency in reading, so it's still a thumbs up from me. Four stars when balanced by the narration.
Loved the story. Loved the writer's voice. And waiting with bated breath for the continuation. The story of Calixta comes to a natural endpoint of sorts at the end of this book, but if you love the protagonist as I do, you'll want to know where and how she will continue her journey. Epic fantasy style, but with the lead being a woman.
However, although the narrator had some incredible voices and accents – were they really all one person (if so, I'm most impressed) – but on numerous occasions she tended to let her voice drop mid sentence and then seemed to realise the sentence continued. This was a little disconcerting to hear, especially as it was not necessarily in long or convoluted sentences. In addition, her pronunciation of some fairly standard words was strange, such as making bosom rhyme with blossom. There are others too, but I don't recall them. On balance, I think the variety of voices and accents outweighs the lack of fluency in reading, so it's still a thumbs up from me. Four stars when balanced by the narration.
January 22, 2022
Somewhat of a cliffhanger
Most of this fantasy novel revolves around the battle between good and evil. The female protagonist, Calixta, is a top of the line prostitute known as an exotic. She doesn't know that she was supposed to have been raised as a vanquisher. A vanquisher works to destroy evil and are trained from birth to accomplish this job. The male protagonist and Calixta's love interest is a vanquisher . He is awful when they first meet and his transition to good guy is so fast its almost unbelievable. There is an over the top amount of moralizing about sex. So much that I began to think.....enough already. My only other complaint is that there are so few good people that you wonder how the vanquishers feel motivated to help. There are some annoying editing mistakes that need fixing. But overall I think if you like an ensemble traveling fantasy story you may enjoy this story.
Most of this fantasy novel revolves around the battle between good and evil. The female protagonist, Calixta, is a top of the line prostitute known as an exotic. She doesn't know that she was supposed to have been raised as a vanquisher. A vanquisher works to destroy evil and are trained from birth to accomplish this job. The male protagonist and Calixta's love interest is a vanquisher . He is awful when they first meet and his transition to good guy is so fast its almost unbelievable. There is an over the top amount of moralizing about sex. So much that I began to think.....enough already. My only other complaint is that there are so few good people that you wonder how the vanquishers feel motivated to help. There are some annoying editing mistakes that need fixing. But overall I think if you like an ensemble traveling fantasy story you may enjoy this story.
August 28, 2022
Calixta, is a woman who has been dealt a bad hand in life. She is a woman of the night who has a big heart who will go to end and back to protect the one she loves. This stoy offers hope and second chances. It is a great read and it left me wanting more of the series. This is a good book about good vs evil and it's magical with tons of action. It's a book I couldn't put down. I am ready for the second book in the series! 😊😊
KD. Williams author of The Mysteries of Woodland Academy
KD. Williams author of The Mysteries of Woodland Academy
June 19, 2021
Madam Calixta, turned, Vanquisher Calixta, turned, Lady Calixta, and then I went from sad, to upset, to angry, to crying, to anxious, to happy. I felt so many emotions I could not put this one book down. I received a free giveaway hardcopy of this book along with a cooking book and a copy of a Stephen King book, from a local bookstore. I consider myself lucky All three of the books were awesome.
May 12, 2022
this was a really well done dark fantasy novel, it had a sense of suspense. The characters were well done and the story is so engaging.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2022
A delicious fantasy adventure, full of sisterhood, strong, impressive women, and very effective world-building - the rules of the world are clear from the very beginning and the book is subsequently perfectly immersive. I look forward to the next one in this series!
August 23, 2021
My wife read this book first and she loved it. This book has all sorts of action and even some horror. It even made me cry.
October 20, 2019
This was a strange but enjoyable book.
November 12, 2023
The book cover caught my eye and the synopsis drew me in.
The world where Calixta, The Vanquishers of Alhambra is set is a richly developed one.
A world with magic and a an almost feudal type of society where people are designated roles by birth and assigned a trade or function for life and kept at that station by a regulatory tattoo. A place where you hope that misfortune or malice doesn't cast you into slavery and keep you there.
This is a world of magic and the fight of good against evil abounding with religious allegory.
We meet a bunch of not so merry men and women as they fight against demons, encounter fae and try to stop the encroaching darkness from taking over the world.
I wanted to like this book, in fact I wanted to love it given the plot: it had all the themes that I typically enjoy. But I didn't like the way it was written; it was completely off putting - too much show and not enough tell. Pages and pages to describe one scene and a sentence to indicate months elapsing.
Characters, especially villains poorly described made it impossible to like or engage with the story.
Which was a crying shame leaving me torn between giving it 1 star for the frustration and disappointment in the execution of a fantastic idea. But the world building in spite of the delivery deserves a 2.
My thanks to NetGalley, Omayra Vélez and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
2 Stars - It Was Okay
Read this review here, others, and more on the blog
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
The world where Calixta, The Vanquishers of Alhambra is set is a richly developed one.
A world with magic and a an almost feudal type of society where people are designated roles by birth and assigned a trade or function for life and kept at that station by a regulatory tattoo. A place where you hope that misfortune or malice doesn't cast you into slavery and keep you there.
This is a world of magic and the fight of good against evil abounding with religious allegory.
We meet a bunch of not so merry men and women as they fight against demons, encounter fae and try to stop the encroaching darkness from taking over the world.
I wanted to like this book, in fact I wanted to love it given the plot: it had all the themes that I typically enjoy. But I didn't like the way it was written; it was completely off putting - too much show and not enough tell. Pages and pages to describe one scene and a sentence to indicate months elapsing.
Characters, especially villains poorly described made it impossible to like or engage with the story.
Which was a crying shame leaving me torn between giving it 1 star for the frustration and disappointment in the execution of a fantastic idea. But the world building in spite of the delivery deserves a 2.
My thanks to NetGalley, Omayra Vélez and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
2 Stars - It Was Okay
Read this review here, others, and more on the blog
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
March 10, 2024
I received this book as part of an ARC for book 2, so thank you for that. As i loathe being chucked in the deep end with no back story on a sequel ARC 😂
The book started a little slow, but it quickly gained a fast, exciting, adventurous pace.
The world that Omayra has created here is so different to what I am used to, and I absolutely love it! Who would have thought prossies & angels & demons make for such an excellent read?! The author has fully developed the characters into believable portraits of ladies of the night, the angels/godly beings were peculiar but loveable and the demons had me laughing with their rage at failing at every corner, the shenanigans they attempted.
The feelings I felt toward the near end of the book when the virtues did the thing. My eyes started watering. I truly felt for the characters. My heart yearns for a happy ending for our young archer.
I'm going to recommend this book to all who will listen, as I feel people are missing out here!!
The story gets a solid 4* from me, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only negative I have is there were a few instances of misspelled words, and grammatical errors.
Now.. onto book 2: for warriors! 🔥🗡️ I'm sure I will absolutely bloody love it!
Be aware the book contains mention of some sensitive subjects including miscarriage, rape, abortion, sex slave trade, murder, incest?, child loss
Although it is a fantastic adventure fantasy romance journey, it does touch upon those issues briefly. It does not detract from the story. It helps balance the world, just because they are fantasy characters doesn't mean they do not suffer as we do. Be they Fae, elf, mage or human. We are kin. 💜🔥
The book started a little slow, but it quickly gained a fast, exciting, adventurous pace.
The world that Omayra has created here is so different to what I am used to, and I absolutely love it! Who would have thought prossies & angels & demons make for such an excellent read?! The author has fully developed the characters into believable portraits of ladies of the night, the angels/godly beings were peculiar but loveable and the demons had me laughing with their rage at failing at every corner, the shenanigans they attempted.
The feelings I felt toward the near end of the book when the virtues did the thing. My eyes started watering. I truly felt for the characters. My heart yearns for a happy ending for our young archer.
I'm going to recommend this book to all who will listen, as I feel people are missing out here!!
The story gets a solid 4* from me, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The only negative I have is there were a few instances of misspelled words, and grammatical errors.
Now.. onto book 2: for warriors! 🔥🗡️ I'm sure I will absolutely bloody love it!
Be aware the book contains mention of some sensitive subjects including miscarriage, rape, abortion, sex slave trade, murder, incest?, child loss
Although it is a fantastic adventure fantasy romance journey, it does touch upon those issues briefly. It does not detract from the story. It helps balance the world, just because they are fantasy characters doesn't mean they do not suffer as we do. Be they Fae, elf, mage or human. We are kin. 💜🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2020
ARC from NetGalley
This book is preachy and not terribly well-written. DNF at 70% after the second mention of abortion in a negative light. There will be spoilers in this review.
I don't care what you believe, but I don't need to read about it. I should have known with all of the religious allegory and references to heaven and hell. I should have known when her soul darkened every time she had sex, but once they started talking about fetuses being children, I noped out of there really quick. I've read plenty of books that take on angels/demons and do it well without preaching, but this is not one of those books.
Calixta is a prostitute, and in this book she learns that if she just stops fucking people, she will turn out okay and save the world from evil.
Once she discovers she is a vanquisher, every time she has sex with someone, you get a dramatic bit of text that says something like, "and Calixta's aura darkened, and the demons were able to find her more easily." She doesn't go to hell though because despite being a dirty whore, she does some good things too.
I find it interesting that this author seems to be trying to get the reader to understand how awful things can be for women and slaves and especially women who are slaves. She paints almost every single man in this book with the same asshole garbage colours, even the main love interest, and then somehow tries to convince the reader that the same love interest is a decent person even though everything about him screams garbage and he treats Calixta like shit.
As stated above, her love interest treats her like a complete piece of shit, but he keeps her alive because he needs her and doesn't send her packing. Apparently we should be swooning over this.
Never mind all of the above, this book isn't very well written. The dialogue is choppy and stilted, "oh, this smell is horrible, it is my turn to puke," and almost everything is told, not shown.
This book was a series of eye rolls and are-you-fucking-kidding-mes. Read this if you want to develop a complex about sex and evil, because every single instance of sex in this book up to the 70% mark, even consensual sex, is evil. I imagine that the sex in the last 30% when Calixta and her dude are married will be much more pious and won't further darken her soul. Heck, it might even brighten it! Because all we ladies need in life to save our wretched souls is an empty vagina, unless that vagina is full of a man that we are married to.
This book is preachy and not terribly well-written. DNF at 70% after the second mention of abortion in a negative light. There will be spoilers in this review.
I don't care what you believe, but I don't need to read about it. I should have known with all of the religious allegory and references to heaven and hell. I should have known when her soul darkened every time she had sex, but once they started talking about fetuses being children, I noped out of there really quick. I've read plenty of books that take on angels/demons and do it well without preaching, but this is not one of those books.
Calixta is a prostitute, and in this book she learns that if she just stops fucking people, she will turn out okay and save the world from evil.
Once she discovers she is a vanquisher, every time she has sex with someone, you get a dramatic bit of text that says something like, "and Calixta's aura darkened, and the demons were able to find her more easily." She doesn't go to hell though because despite being a dirty whore, she does some good things too.
I find it interesting that this author seems to be trying to get the reader to understand how awful things can be for women and slaves and especially women who are slaves. She paints almost every single man in this book with the same asshole garbage colours, even the main love interest, and then somehow tries to convince the reader that the same love interest is a decent person even though everything about him screams garbage and he treats Calixta like shit.
As stated above, her love interest treats her like a complete piece of shit, but he keeps her alive because he needs her and doesn't send her packing. Apparently we should be swooning over this.
Never mind all of the above, this book isn't very well written. The dialogue is choppy and stilted, "oh, this smell is horrible, it is my turn to puke," and almost everything is told, not shown.
This book was a series of eye rolls and are-you-fucking-kidding-mes. Read this if you want to develop a complex about sex and evil, because every single instance of sex in this book up to the 70% mark, even consensual sex, is evil. I imagine that the sex in the last 30% when Calixta and her dude are married will be much more pious and won't further darken her soul. Heck, it might even brighten it! Because all we ladies need in life to save our wretched souls is an empty vagina, unless that vagina is full of a man that we are married to.
March 11, 2024
This book is a WOW in my opinion. It had all the elements of a pure grimdark story. It was dark, but at points this story was very emotional.
I am not going to give any spoilers. All I am going to say is that Calixta is a strong woman in a world where women are marginalized. I do hope the sequel is as good as this one.
I recommend to all grimdark fans.
I am not going to give any spoilers. All I am going to say is that Calixta is a strong woman in a world where women are marginalized. I do hope the sequel is as good as this one.
I recommend to all grimdark fans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews