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Tales of Inthya #3
The Queen of Rhodia
It has been sixteen months since Princess Esofi arrived in Ieflaria, and eight since her marriage to Crown Princess Adale. The princesses have a peaceful life together, preparing to become co-regents and raising their baby dragon, Carinth.Their peace is shattered when Esofi’s mother, Queen Gaelle of Rhodia, arrives in Birsgen. She has heard about Carinth and believes that she deserves custody of him due to her greater devotion to Talcia, Goddess of Magic.Adale and Esofi have no intention of giving up their son, but Gaelle is impossible to reason with—and there’s no telling what lengths she’ll go to in order to get what she wants.
313 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2019
42 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
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 68 reviews
May 29, 2019
4.25 Stars. I am happy to say that I am on a roll of good fantasy books lately. This is the third book in the Tales of Inthya series. I’m excited to see that this series just gets better and better with every book. Calvin is really hitting her stride and I can’t wait to see what will come next. While book one and two can be read in any order, I do recommend reading both books before this third installment.
After given the egg of a dragon to raise, Adale and Esofi find themselves parents to a baby dragon. The problem is no humans know how to raise one so information is sorely lacking. When a dragon comes to offer a treaty of peace, Adale and Esofi must decide if learning more about dragons would be worth risking their lives.
Book one, The Queen of Ieflaria, starred Princess Adale and Princess Esofi. Book two, took place in a different part of the world and starred Orsina, a paladin (knight) and Aelia, who is goddess. This third book brings both pairs together. It was a lot of fun to read, and my new favorite of the series. Both Adeal and Esofi have really grown from the first book, while Aelia who is my favorite, is as delightful as ever.
I do have to give a slight trigger warning. Since these books can be read by young adults or adults, I do have to mention this book does address the subject of child abuse. You don’t actually witness any, but you do see how it affects a character that is now grown, because of the abuse she went through as a child.
I could not be more excited for the next book in this series. If Calvin stays on this roll we are all in for a treat. I was not blown away by the first book, but book two and now this book have both been great. I love this world Calvin has built and I highly recommend this series to fantasy fans.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
After given the egg of a dragon to raise, Adale and Esofi find themselves parents to a baby dragon. The problem is no humans know how to raise one so information is sorely lacking. When a dragon comes to offer a treaty of peace, Adale and Esofi must decide if learning more about dragons would be worth risking their lives.
Book one, The Queen of Ieflaria, starred Princess Adale and Princess Esofi. Book two, took place in a different part of the world and starred Orsina, a paladin (knight) and Aelia, who is goddess. This third book brings both pairs together. It was a lot of fun to read, and my new favorite of the series. Both Adeal and Esofi have really grown from the first book, while Aelia who is my favorite, is as delightful as ever.
I do have to give a slight trigger warning. Since these books can be read by young adults or adults, I do have to mention this book does address the subject of child abuse. You don’t actually witness any, but you do see how it affects a character that is now grown, because of the abuse she went through as a child.
I could not be more excited for the next book in this series. If Calvin stays on this roll we are all in for a treat. I was not blown away by the first book, but book two and now this book have both been great. I love this world Calvin has built and I highly recommend this series to fantasy fans.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
June 9, 2019
I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via NetGalley for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
4.5 stars!
I was so proud to see that the few minor issues I had with the first installment of this series were completely absent here. Not to brag but I KNEW IT and I love seeing that I was right about the writer's potential.
So, our main characters Esofi and Adale got married and are now in an established relationship and dealing with their dragon son and with the political repercussions of The Things That Happened in book one. Of course Esofi's mother, who is a fucking abusive bitch, enters the picture and stirs trouble. Plot happens, they're still gay, the MCs from book two have cameos and they're also gay, everything's good, the end.
In all seriousness, I loved how this book dealt with pretty much everything. I knew it was going to be tough to read because of the abuse that Esofi went through her whole life and because she was forced to deal with her mother again. I wouldn't say that any of that particular plot line was, strictly speaking, pleasant to read, and it didn't offer me personally any sort of closure because of the particular abuse dynamics here, but I know it will help another victim of abuse out there, and I'm so glad.
I don't usually care for established relationship conflict in most cases, but here I thought it was done so well and so delicately. I'm really grateful to Effie Calvin for giving this couple their well-deserved sequel and exploring things we usually don't get to see in get-together romances.
I don't know what else to say except that I loved this and that I'm going to pick up book two as soon as I can (yes, I know, I suck, but in my defense this was perfectly understandable without having read book 2 since it followed the couple from book one, okay).
4.5 stars!
I was so proud to see that the few minor issues I had with the first installment of this series were completely absent here. Not to brag but I KNEW IT and I love seeing that I was right about the writer's potential.
So, our main characters Esofi and Adale got married and are now in an established relationship and dealing with their dragon son and with the political repercussions of The Things That Happened in book one. Of course Esofi's mother, who is a fucking abusive bitch, enters the picture and stirs trouble. Plot happens, they're still gay, the MCs from book two have cameos and they're also gay, everything's good, the end.
In all seriousness, I loved how this book dealt with pretty much everything. I knew it was going to be tough to read because of the abuse that Esofi went through her whole life and because she was forced to deal with her mother again. I wouldn't say that any of that particular plot line was, strictly speaking, pleasant to read, and it didn't offer me personally any sort of closure because of the particular abuse dynamics here, but I know it will help another victim of abuse out there, and I'm so glad.
I don't usually care for established relationship conflict in most cases, but here I thought it was done so well and so delicately. I'm really grateful to Effie Calvin for giving this couple their well-deserved sequel and exploring things we usually don't get to see in get-together romances.
I don't know what else to say except that I loved this and that I'm going to pick up book two as soon as I can (yes, I know, I suck, but in my defense this was perfectly understandable without having read book 2 since it followed the couple from book one, okay).
June 8, 2019
The third book in the Tales of Inthya series. The first, Queen of Ieflaria, introduces us to Esofi and Adale as they fall in love, fight dragons, and adopt a baby dragon. It's a great book, and I loved especially the resilient, resourceful, patience-of-a-saint Esofi.
The second book, Daughter of the Sun, is another favourite and introduces us to Palladin (knight) Orsina and goddess in disguise Aelia. Aelia the ancient chaos goddess is one of my favourite characters in ff fantasy.
I was waiting on tenterhooks for this third instalment. But it didn't live up to my hopes or expectations. This book follows Esofi and Adale as they negotiate a nasty mother showing up (OMG, it is so like a visitation from the in-laws that this part just threatened to give me an ulcer), bringing up a dragon, assassination attempts, and... stuff. Orsina and Aelia have a small part in this book, but we don't get any real glimpses of their relationship. Writing about established couples is always hard, because to bring in any suspense you have to have them fight, or bicker, or something. It's not my favourite kind of read.
But what knocked my enjoyment back quite a bit was the world-building. Things that are hinted at in earlier books are becoming more detailed. And in that detail they come apart, and many elements no longer really make sense.
This book has the feeling of a filler episode, maybe building up to something? I hope there are more in this series, and I look forward to reading them. But I won't be picking this one up again.
The second book, Daughter of the Sun, is another favourite and introduces us to Palladin (knight) Orsina and goddess in disguise Aelia. Aelia the ancient chaos goddess is one of my favourite characters in ff fantasy.
I was waiting on tenterhooks for this third instalment. But it didn't live up to my hopes or expectations. This book follows Esofi and Adale as they negotiate a nasty mother showing up (OMG, it is so like a visitation from the in-laws that this part just threatened to give me an ulcer), bringing up a dragon, assassination attempts, and... stuff. Orsina and Aelia have a small part in this book, but we don't get any real glimpses of their relationship. Writing about established couples is always hard, because to bring in any suspense you have to have them fight, or bicker, or something. It's not my favourite kind of read.
But what knocked my enjoyment back quite a bit was the world-building. Things that are hinted at in earlier books are becoming more detailed. And in that detail they come apart, and many elements no longer really make sense.
This book has the feeling of a filler episode, maybe building up to something? I hope there are more in this series, and I look forward to reading them. But I won't be picking this one up again.
July 20, 2020
More epic adventures with dragons and royals!
Lots of action and also personal growth between our MC's.
I read it all in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down!
Lots of action and also personal growth between our MC's.
I read it all in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down!
June 2, 2019
This series improves with each book, and though the pacing is still slightly off, it's a more subjective level than a notable issue. I really enjoyed the interactions between Adale and Esofi, as well as the bits of Aelia being, well, herself. Very amusing.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about Gaelle's
I'm also a bit confused about But I suppose we might learn more about the consequences of all that in the next book.
Overall, I liked this book, and I'm eagerly awaiting the fourth book. I should also probably reread the other two to refresh my memory about details, because it took me a few minutes to recall some previous details that were relevant in some parts of this book.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about Gaelle's
I'm also a bit confused about But I suppose we might learn more about the consequences of all that in the next book.
Overall, I liked this book, and I'm eagerly awaiting the fourth book. I should also probably reread the other two to refresh my memory about details, because it took me a few minutes to recall some previous details that were relevant in some parts of this book.
June 15, 2020
I really like reading these series, they keep me intrigued. The first book (the beginning of the relationship between Esofi and Adale) was a bit hard to read because of all the info about the world of Inthya, but now I’m really used to this world with all its gods and goddesses and it was also nice to see the storylines of book 1 and 2 come together.
The story picks up about 2 years after Adale and Esofi meet and adopted their baby dragon Carinth (book 1). The news about their baby dragon has finally reached Esofi’s mother Gealle (news travels slow) and she decides to visit the newlyweds. In the first book I was already curious of Esofi’s mother and I was hoping to learn more about her and here I get a whole book about it. Gealle turns out to be a truly horrible person who is only visiting to take away Carinth and she’s not easily sent away. In the meantime, Ieflaria also receives a visit from a dragon to establish a truce between dragons and men and Esofi, Adale and Carinth set up a meeting. They are accompanied by Orsina (a paladin/knight) and Aelia (a goddess) known from book 2 and I loved their return in this book, especially Aelia is wonderful again.
When I started the book, I was a bit surprised by the relationship between Esofi and Adale. At the end of the first book you really see a romance develop, now, 2 years later and married I just did not feel the romance at all at the beginning of the book, it felt more like a friendship. When Esofi struggles with her past and pushes Adale away this becomes even more awkward. Luckily Adale is not giving up and later on in the book a started believing in their love for each other again. Adale has really grown as a character, she is balanced and strong in this book (with some minor insecurities) whereas Esofi, who is so strong in the first book, is insecure. This change in dynamics between the two is nicely done. Their connection to Carinth is great and he’s really too cute. I am wondering what will happen in the future concerning having a ‘human’ child, due the enormous push they receive to have a baby.
Gealle turns out to be the perfect villain, she seems to have no feelings (especially not toward Esofi) and her only concern is to get Carinth. On top of that, she’s the queen of Rhodia and she has strong magic, so she has to be handled with care. Even though there are a lot of things happening and Gealle is merciless I did not really feel as if they were in great danger. It is a bit like the romance, it is very PG, personally I like my stories a little bit darker and grittier, but this series remains very entertaining and I will keep on reading them.
The story picks up about 2 years after Adale and Esofi meet and adopted their baby dragon Carinth (book 1). The news about their baby dragon has finally reached Esofi’s mother Gealle (news travels slow) and she decides to visit the newlyweds. In the first book I was already curious of Esofi’s mother and I was hoping to learn more about her and here I get a whole book about it. Gealle turns out to be a truly horrible person who is only visiting to take away Carinth and she’s not easily sent away. In the meantime, Ieflaria also receives a visit from a dragon to establish a truce between dragons and men and Esofi, Adale and Carinth set up a meeting. They are accompanied by Orsina (a paladin/knight) and Aelia (a goddess) known from book 2 and I loved their return in this book, especially Aelia is wonderful again.
When I started the book, I was a bit surprised by the relationship between Esofi and Adale. At the end of the first book you really see a romance develop, now, 2 years later and married I just did not feel the romance at all at the beginning of the book, it felt more like a friendship. When Esofi struggles with her past and pushes Adale away this becomes even more awkward. Luckily Adale is not giving up and later on in the book a started believing in their love for each other again. Adale has really grown as a character, she is balanced and strong in this book (with some minor insecurities) whereas Esofi, who is so strong in the first book, is insecure. This change in dynamics between the two is nicely done. Their connection to Carinth is great and he’s really too cute. I am wondering what will happen in the future concerning having a ‘human’ child, due the enormous push they receive to have a baby.
Gealle turns out to be the perfect villain, she seems to have no feelings (especially not toward Esofi) and her only concern is to get Carinth. On top of that, she’s the queen of Rhodia and she has strong magic, so she has to be handled with care. Even though there are a lot of things happening and Gealle is merciless I did not really feel as if they were in great danger. It is a bit like the romance, it is very PG, personally I like my stories a little bit darker and grittier, but this series remains very entertaining and I will keep on reading them.
June 21, 2021
Princess Esofi and Princess Adale have been enjoying the married life in addition to motherhood with their baby dragon, Carinth. Things seem to be going well, especially since they have begun peace discussions with the dragons. At least, things were going well until Esofi’s mother, Queen Gaelle of Rhodia, hears about Carinth. Convinced that Esofi is undeserving of this blessing from Tacia, Gaelle arrives unannounced to take what she believes is hers no matter the cost.
After the previous book, I was a little sad to leave Orsina and Aelia behind. It turns out that I’m indecisive because I was initially sad to leave Esofi and Adale behind to follow Orsina and Aelia, and now I’m sad to leave Orsina and Aelia behind! However, I quickly found that I was happy to see Esofi and Adale again. Plus, I have been wondering how big of a showdown there would be when Gaelle showed up to snatch Carinth. All I have to say is that I’m glad I’ll never meet Gaelle. Phew. Talk about one mean and powerful woman. I’m interested to learn more about Esofi’s upbringing as the series continues, but I have a pretty good idea about what that looked like.
One of the most interesting parts about this book was the dragons. I was very excited to learn more about them. This time around, we got to see them up close and personal. It was so exciting to see how they lived, how their views differed from humans, and what led to their war with humans. I’m excited to see where this goes in addition to seeing whether or not Gaelle is going to turn up again with her crazy plans for dragons.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was great to revisit Esofi and Adale along with everyone I grew to know and love from the first book in addition to seeing some characters from the second book turn up. The pace was a bit slower, but I didn’t mind. I was too busy finding myself absorbed in the story and excited about where it was going to think much about the pace until later.
After the previous book, I was a little sad to leave Orsina and Aelia behind. It turns out that I’m indecisive because I was initially sad to leave Esofi and Adale behind to follow Orsina and Aelia, and now I’m sad to leave Orsina and Aelia behind! However, I quickly found that I was happy to see Esofi and Adale again. Plus, I have been wondering how big of a showdown there would be when Gaelle showed up to snatch Carinth. All I have to say is that I’m glad I’ll never meet Gaelle. Phew. Talk about one mean and powerful woman. I’m interested to learn more about Esofi’s upbringing as the series continues, but I have a pretty good idea about what that looked like.
One of the most interesting parts about this book was the dragons. I was very excited to learn more about them. This time around, we got to see them up close and personal. It was so exciting to see how they lived, how their views differed from humans, and what led to their war with humans. I’m excited to see where this goes in addition to seeing whether or not Gaelle is going to turn up again with her crazy plans for dragons.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It was great to revisit Esofi and Adale along with everyone I grew to know and love from the first book in addition to seeing some characters from the second book turn up. The pace was a bit slower, but I didn’t mind. I was too busy finding myself absorbed in the story and excited about where it was going to think much about the pace until later.
May 30, 2019
Okay, So I might have the unpopular opinion here: while this third installment has a lot going for it: the world building, complex topics, and a genuinely sweet romance that sees our leads grow, I do not think this is that strong an entry into the series. It's a really slow build up to some great scenes in the middle half of the book, almost as if the author thought we had to see a lot of struggle within the characters relationship before the external force is pushed on it. I understand for Adale (who is still struggling with her self worth) to be worried and suspicious of Esofi's secrecy around her heritage and the kingdom of Rhodia.
This is a continuation of the first book, The Queen of Ieflaria, where we pick up just under a year after Princess Adale and Princess Esofi are married. They are raising a baby dragon while dealing with different cultural norms and the conversation around providing the Kingdom of Ieflaria with an heir. We also see Paladin Orsina and the Goddess Aelia from Daughter of the Sun, when both pairs have to team up for a bit near the second half of the book.
What is great about this fantasy, is both Esofi and Adale are dealing with their own problems that we saw in Ieflaria and haven't been resolved once the young women fell in love and got married. I know it sounds contradictory, but hear me out: The focus on Esofi's and Adale's mental health is both what makes this book so good, and what is frustrating about it. These young women have as much going for them as they have working against them, and all the magic or adorable dragons can't fix it, but darn it, there are times where it drags.
Esofi's arc is probably the stronger of our two leads, as we get to see the effects of past childhood trauma on an adult (or young adult). We know Esofi had a boogeyman - we just didn't know it was her own horrific mother. Gaelle is not just a typical, hard noblewoman from a harsh land, she embodies some of the worst types of abusers. And she doesn't limit it to her children or family members, either. It's no wonder Esofi made the choices she did.
I thoroughly enjoyed elements of this book, but wished that some of them were just framed a little differently. Overall, though, I enjoy this series so very much. Calvin still has some issues with pacing, but her themes are not usually covered in high fantasy. I can't wait to see what else she has in store.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a continuation of the first book, The Queen of Ieflaria, where we pick up just under a year after Princess Adale and Princess Esofi are married. They are raising a baby dragon while dealing with different cultural norms and the conversation around providing the Kingdom of Ieflaria with an heir. We also see Paladin Orsina and the Goddess Aelia from Daughter of the Sun, when both pairs have to team up for a bit near the second half of the book.
What is great about this fantasy, is both Esofi and Adale are dealing with their own problems that we saw in Ieflaria and haven't been resolved once the young women fell in love and got married. I know it sounds contradictory, but hear me out: The focus on Esofi's and Adale's mental health is both what makes this book so good, and what is frustrating about it. These young women have as much going for them as they have working against them, and all the magic or adorable dragons can't fix it, but darn it, there are times where it drags.
Esofi's arc is probably the stronger of our two leads, as we get to see the effects of past childhood trauma on an adult (or young adult). We know Esofi had a boogeyman - we just didn't know it was her own horrific mother. Gaelle is not just a typical, hard noblewoman from a harsh land, she embodies some of the worst types of abusers. And she doesn't limit it to her children or family members, either. It's no wonder Esofi made the choices she did.
I thoroughly enjoyed elements of this book, but wished that some of them were just framed a little differently. Overall, though, I enjoy this series so very much. Calvin still has some issues with pacing, but her themes are not usually covered in high fantasy. I can't wait to see what else she has in store.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2019
Read it all in a day! It was so nice to see Esofi and Adale again, and how close and loving their relationship is. Orsina and Aelia were charming as always, and there were plenty of breadcrumbs to see the unfolding conflict in other lands.
Queen Gaelle was a believable villain, one who leaned hard into the mother knows best trope. I could sympathize heavily with Esofi, trying to survive the gaslighting and bullying. It was cathartic to watch it all unfold, and know I wasn't the only one who has to heal from a mother like that.
I don't think it was my favorite of all of them, but it was good and important for me to read.
Queen Gaelle was a believable villain, one who leaned hard into the mother knows best trope. I could sympathize heavily with Esofi, trying to survive the gaslighting and bullying. It was cathartic to watch it all unfold, and know I wasn't the only one who has to heal from a mother like that.
I don't think it was my favorite of all of them, but it was good and important for me to read.
August 31, 2019
There's a part of me that wants to say, "Authors, this is how you do F/F and gender representation; take notes." But at the same time, I recognize that any one method of doing so is the wrong method if it's the only method. And that's what the self-publishing revolution has brought us -- scope. Many ways to be right.
So instead, I'm just going to say, I love Effie Calvin's characters, and Effie for creating them so delightfully.
So instead, I'm just going to say, I love Effie Calvin's characters, and Effie for creating them so delightfully.
June 1, 2019
It was fun to see the return of Adale and Esofi. This time they're raising the dragon given to them by Talcia, trying to work out diplomatic relations with the dragons of the Silver Isles now that the dragon emperor is dead, and facing Esofi's abusive and terrifying mother, Queen Gaelle. So there's a lot of stuff going on. Esofi's pretty glad that she can go and work on diplomatic relations because it gives her an excuse to run away from her mother's visit to the capital--as anyone might be. Adale tries to offer her support, and we see their relationship developing from the strong base set in The Queen of Ieflaria. They've been together for about a year now, so they've already gone through some things (parenting, courtly matters) and are a bit more settled down.
While I liked seeing Adale and Esofi back at work, and the continued expansion of Inthya's worldbuilding, this book didn't quite grab me the way the first two books in the series did. Maybe it's because Gaelle feels a little flat, maybe it's because the diplomatic relations with the dragons (which are a major subplot) are so peaceful and easygoing, or maybe it's because some of the plot threads don't seem to quite tie together. (What's going on with the gryphons, for example? Is that gonna come up in later books?) It's the longest book in the series so far, and maybe that's the reason why I felt like there was a certain amount of filler, or plot threads that weren't really going anywhere.
Anyways, I enjoyed it, but not as much as Queen of Ieflaria or Daughter of the Sun. Looking forward to seeing what more the series will have to offer in the future!
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
While I liked seeing Adale and Esofi back at work, and the continued expansion of Inthya's worldbuilding, this book didn't quite grab me the way the first two books in the series did. Maybe it's because Gaelle feels a little flat, maybe it's because the diplomatic relations with the dragons (which are a major subplot) are so peaceful and easygoing, or maybe it's because some of the plot threads don't seem to quite tie together. (What's going on with the gryphons, for example? Is that gonna come up in later books?) It's the longest book in the series so far, and maybe that's the reason why I felt like there was a certain amount of filler, or plot threads that weren't really going anywhere.
Anyways, I enjoyed it, but not as much as Queen of Ieflaria or Daughter of the Sun. Looking forward to seeing what more the series will have to offer in the future!
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2020
This book marked an unexpected shift in the series -- I kind of assumed that this series was going to follow the typical romance series format where each book is about a new couple that are peripherally connected to one another, but it was really nice to come back to Adale and Esofi. I thought I was going to dislike the decrease in romance, but honestly, this story didn't feel lacking. It was a lot darker than its predecessors (about an abusive mother and how that abuse affected her daughter) but that also made it feel more grounded.
June 1, 2019
Adale and Esofi's relationship is adorable. I loved that Orsina and Elyne were a part of this tale too 'cause Elyne's hilarious. From the first book I always thought Esofi was a strong young lady and to learn how unsure she truly was in this book made me respect her more when she gained the courage to confront her mother.
I saw there's a fourth book for this series and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
I saw there's a fourth book for this series and I can't wait to get my hands on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2019
Argh, what happened? The last book in this series was a hilarious, rollicking delight that I wanted twelve more of. This is... not. The plot meanders around to not much purpose, the prose is workmanlike, the characters are sweet and engaging but they just sort of amble from place to place. I was disappointed.
June 16, 2020
3.5/5 stars
I like this world and the overall plot, but I just haven't been liking these books as much as the first one. I found the fact that the princesses wouldn't talk to each other and share their feelings really annoying. I did enjoy the part when we got to the dragons though. The whole book picked up after that.
I like this world and the overall plot, but I just haven't been liking these books as much as the first one. I found the fact that the princesses wouldn't talk to each other and share their feelings really annoying. I did enjoy the part when we got to the dragons though. The whole book picked up after that.
September 22, 2020
trigger warning
It was great to see the plots from books one and two merging, but since it was supposed to be a comfort read, I was shocked about the mother-daughter relationship that reminds me so much of stuff my mother pulls off.
Non binary and trans people are mentioned to exist but don't feature in this one.
It was great to see the plots from books one and two merging, but since it was supposed to be a comfort read, I was shocked about the mother-daughter relationship that reminds me so much of stuff my mother pulls off.
Non binary and trans people are mentioned to exist but don't feature in this one.
May 27, 2019
Absolutely wonderful, I adore seeing Esofi and Adale continue to grow and become such beautiful people. I didn't think I could love these girls more. The world that Calvin has such a rich and expansive world. It's just... such an excellent experience and I would highly recommend the sequel to anyone.
July 14, 2020
I am in so much love with this series. I want dozens more series like this. I want this to be as overdone as GOT or LOTR. I want to curl up with this at night and write fanfic for it. I am easy for this sort of thing ok.
December 15, 2020
Sapphic princesses, a plus size heroine and her wife who can and will fight anyone who is mean to her, AND dragons. This book really has it all, huh?
May 25, 2019
This book is a worthy sequel to this series!
This is in many ways a tougher read than the first two books, dealing with issues of parental abuse and the mental health of one of the main characters due to it. It deals with those issues well, showing the value of love and a support system when facing such issues.
I continue to love the series, and the characters, who are allowed to have flaws while being admirable and often adorable.
I will keep spending my Hugo nominations on this series :)
This is in many ways a tougher read than the first two books, dealing with issues of parental abuse and the mental health of one of the main characters due to it. It deals with those issues well, showing the value of love and a support system when facing such issues.
I continue to love the series, and the characters, who are allowed to have flaws while being admirable and often adorable.
I will keep spending my Hugo nominations on this series :)
April 30, 2020
Unfortunately reading this series a bit out of order due to wait times at the library for the 2nd book (but thankfully they are standalones so it doesn't seem to matter much). I found this to be as enjoyable as the first book!
May 22, 2020
I love Effie Calvin's Tales of Inthya series a lot. With my whole heart. And I love a story about someone finding their way past abuse and discovering they are stronger than they thought. However if moping around and wondering what to do until something bad happens feels like its half the book then I get kind of bored. Stuff did happen sometimes, but when it wasn't happening the book would fall back to Esofi doesn't want to talk about her past and she's scared of her mother. Pacing was my biggest issue. I don't mind going back to that when its executed right, but it really dragged the rating down two stars for me. And the stakes felt like they were supposed to be high, but honestly they weren't high enough. A few things happened and it felt like I was supposed to think they were big things, but some of them came off as not a huge deal or didn't really make sense to me. I didn't really feel a lot of urgency because things resolved so quickly. I wanted some dramatic high stakes and I don't feel like I got that. Also Esofi got all the growth and story in this. Adale didn't get anything though I thought her parents were being almost as ridiculous. They acted like she was going to ruin everything ever step of the way because in the past when she was younger she acted like someone who was young? Every makes a big deal out of her not being responsible but she was a kid. I really felt like she should have gotten a big moment to put her parents in their place and show everyone she's actually an adult too, and she's allowed to have emotions about things and when something goes wrong its not her. Also the twins were just there? I guess? They weren't super necessary to the story. The one big they did could have been easily replaced with someone else and they didn't really get a chance to show they grew.
Even with all my issues I enjoyed it, because I love this world and these characters. Orsina and Aelia should have been in it more because I'm biased and love them. Daughter of the Sun is still my favorite of the series because of this. Adale was absolutely phenomenal and I want someone who loves me just as much as she loves Esofi. Esofi grew a lot and is still kickass. There's a little dragon that follows them around and I love them! The characters and the payoff at the end are why this is a three star read for me. Not all of it dragged, some parts picked up faster, especially when they got to the Silver Isles. There are parts that I enjoyed that I don't want to spoil, so really it wasn't all things I didn't like.
Even with all my issues I enjoyed it, because I love this world and these characters. Orsina and Aelia should have been in it more because I'm biased and love them. Daughter of the Sun is still my favorite of the series because of this. Adale was absolutely phenomenal and I want someone who loves me just as much as she loves Esofi. Esofi grew a lot and is still kickass. There's a little dragon that follows them around and I love them! The characters and the payoff at the end are why this is a three star read for me. Not all of it dragged, some parts picked up faster, especially when they got to the Silver Isles. There are parts that I enjoyed that I don't want to spoil, so really it wasn't all things I didn't like.
November 6, 2019
Wow, happy times! I adore this series and really hope it's not a trilogy* because I need more books from this world in my life. Effie Calvin's writing is so good, I would read (almost) anything she writes next. I'm reading multiple books at the moment and this book just overtook everything and stole my focus/heart - I'm also reading Sanderson and Austen so if you know me you know that's saying something. So good.
The romance takes a back seat in this book but is still my favourite thing. It's not wedding bells then happily ever after but also not unnecessary drama and miscommunication, yay. I thought Esofi & Adale's insecurities were written beautifully, and seeing vulnerabilities in them both made them even more loveable, something I didn't think possible. The bath scene was so good. I also loved seeing the characters from book 2, because wow I loved Daughter of the Sun so much.
This book is probably the darkest in the series so far (abusive parent relationship, also unrelated attempted murder) but I always felt safe with the characters and their friendships and communication and this wonderful world where we get beautiful dress descriptions and dragons and sexuality and gender as a spectrum is embraced and normal. Gaelle is horrible, would like to read more about / from Esofi's siblings POV. Random sidenote, I find the description of this book a bit misleading as I kept expecting more to happen with the Gaelle / Carinth storyline.
Loved exploring the world, very excited to learn more about Ioanna, and the elves. I found the dragon storyline a little tame and I can see why some people think this book is a little more all over the place than the first two. I didn't mind the travel and though the plot was perhaps weaker than the first two it was still brilliant. Like I said the characters and their relationships were my favourite thing about this book. I love this series.. more please.
* just read on Effie's website that #4 may be coming out December 2019 and she's planning at least 6 books in the series.. HYPE!
(my heart says 5 stars, my head says 4 - my rating may change and I'm sure I'll re-read this series at some point.)
The romance takes a back seat in this book but is still my favourite thing. It's not wedding bells then happily ever after but also not unnecessary drama and miscommunication, yay. I thought Esofi & Adale's insecurities were written beautifully, and seeing vulnerabilities in them both made them even more loveable, something I didn't think possible. The bath scene was so good. I also loved seeing the characters from book 2, because wow I loved Daughter of the Sun so much.
This book is probably the darkest in the series so far (abusive parent relationship, also unrelated attempted murder) but I always felt safe with the characters and their friendships and communication and this wonderful world where we get beautiful dress descriptions and dragons and sexuality and gender as a spectrum is embraced and normal. Gaelle is horrible, would like to read more about / from Esofi's siblings POV. Random sidenote, I find the description of this book a bit misleading as I kept expecting more to happen with the Gaelle / Carinth storyline.
Loved exploring the world, very excited to learn more about Ioanna, and the elves. I found the dragon storyline a little tame and I can see why some people think this book is a little more all over the place than the first two. I didn't mind the travel and though the plot was perhaps weaker than the first two it was still brilliant. Like I said the characters and their relationships were my favourite thing about this book. I love this series.. more please.
* just read on Effie's website that #4 may be coming out December 2019 and she's planning at least 6 books in the series.. HYPE!
(my heart says 5 stars, my head says 4 - my rating may change and I'm sure I'll re-read this series at some point.)
May 14, 2020
I enjoyed this for the "what happened next?" factor for both the sets of main characters in book 1 and book 2. Unfortuately it fell a bit flat for me. The focus of this book is emotional distress and conflict, but I don't know if I felt it was really resolved.
The stuff with the dragons was vaguely interesting, but a bit meandering and low-stakes. I also felt like while it was fun to include Orsina and Aelia, they were a bit (literally) deus-ex-machina for the plot.
The stuff with the dragons was vaguely interesting, but a bit meandering and low-stakes. I also felt like while it was fun to include Orsina and Aelia, they were a bit (literally) deus-ex-machina for the plot.
May 28, 2019
This third installment of the Tales of Inthya series delves into the subject of parental abuse in a big way. This might make for a more stressful read than one is used to with this series, but it serves to develop and grow the main characters in really interesting and welcome ways. As someone who has had similar experiences in real life, Esofi's character growth means a lot to me, and it feels very validating to read about.
This book is a direct sequel to the first two installments in the Tales of Intya series, and I would highly recommend one reads the first two installments before starting this one. That said, it's really cool to see the characters from the first 2 books interact and see how their journeys intersect with each other.
A lot of world building happens as well, and it's really cool to learn more about different aspects of the setting with each installment. There's a lot of dragons in this one!
Despite the somewhat heavy theme of parental abuse, the overall tone of the book remains light and as always, Effie Calvin's humor remains on point. I've had to pause several times while reading cos I was just giggling so much.
While there is no new romance blooming in this novel, it was lovely to see how the relationship of the characters from book 1 is progressing a year and a half later. As is par for the course with Calvin's writing, the portrayal of loving healthy queer romance is just wonderful.
This book is a direct sequel to the first two installments in the Tales of Intya series, and I would highly recommend one reads the first two installments before starting this one. That said, it's really cool to see the characters from the first 2 books interact and see how their journeys intersect with each other.
A lot of world building happens as well, and it's really cool to learn more about different aspects of the setting with each installment. There's a lot of dragons in this one!
Despite the somewhat heavy theme of parental abuse, the overall tone of the book remains light and as always, Effie Calvin's humor remains on point. I've had to pause several times while reading cos I was just giggling so much.
While there is no new romance blooming in this novel, it was lovely to see how the relationship of the characters from book 1 is progressing a year and a half later. As is par for the course with Calvin's writing, the portrayal of loving healthy queer romance is just wonderful.
March 24, 2024
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first two in this installment. My main gripe was with Esofi and the author’s use of her character to play into the miscommunication trope between her and Adale. In some ways it felt realistic to what one might expect for a recently married couple. But often times the resolution to Esofi not communicating with Adale didn’t feel complete or meaningful. And as a result, I didn’t enjoy reading about these ‘conflicts’ — especially when it was just Esofi not communicating something that was bothering her directly, and Adale being concerned about it. While I understand why Esofi might feel these things, as a result of her upbringing with her mother, I didn’t like that there was never any meaningful change/growth in Esofi’s character that came about from these issues… so I’m not sure why I had to read about it at all.
This also felt like a filler episode/book to me because the main conflict that the characters are facing in this book is fairly simple. And the bulk of it lays in Esofi’s willingness to face her mother and challenge her. Ultimately, it just didn’t feel like her mother was a formidable enough villain to warrant being the primary conflict in this book. Though, it was a nice treat to have Orsina and Aelia in this book.
This also felt like a filler episode/book to me because the main conflict that the characters are facing in this book is fairly simple. And the bulk of it lays in Esofi’s willingness to face her mother and challenge her. Ultimately, it just didn’t feel like her mother was a formidable enough villain to warrant being the primary conflict in this book. Though, it was a nice treat to have Orsina and Aelia in this book.
February 29, 2020
I’ll start by saying I love the series, that having been said, this was not my favorite entry. It wasn’t badly written I just didn’t find the arc as enjoyable as the last book.
Esofi was my favorite character in the first book, I admired her strength and pragmatism. This book delves into her upbringing and gives her more internal obstacles to overcome instead of external. However, I think how she dealt with her problems felt a little out of character, like she was a bit washed out for the sake of “growth”. For this reason, the first half of the book was hard for me to really get engaged in but the second half does pick up.
I really liked Calvin bringing in Orsina and Aelia. Their dynamic was a very welcome addition given how much I loved book two.
Overall, it’s a easy read and should keep you entertained. Even though this book didn’t catch me as much as the second, I can’t express how excited I am to read book four. I love the world of Inthya and can’t wait to read many more adventures therein.
Esofi was my favorite character in the first book, I admired her strength and pragmatism. This book delves into her upbringing and gives her more internal obstacles to overcome instead of external. However, I think how she dealt with her problems felt a little out of character, like she was a bit washed out for the sake of “growth”. For this reason, the first half of the book was hard for me to really get engaged in but the second half does pick up.
I really liked Calvin bringing in Orsina and Aelia. Their dynamic was a very welcome addition given how much I loved book two.
Overall, it’s a easy read and should keep you entertained. Even though this book didn’t catch me as much as the second, I can’t express how excited I am to read book four. I love the world of Inthya and can’t wait to read many more adventures therein.
March 13, 2021
4.5 Stars
It's a great book, I was wondering if the storylines from book one and two would cross paths or remain independent and was really happy when the characters met. Adale and Esofi both grew as characters and I now like them both a lot more than at the beginning of the series. Orsina and Aelia were awesome from the start, so I was really hoping to see them again.
I still think Adale's character lacks a little something. It kind of feels like her only ability in the series is her complete and utter disregard for any kind of authority. But unlike in book one, this time around it seams more useful, it lets her actually do something instead of just getting her in trouble.
Overall I loved it, I recommend it and I'm getting really attached to this series witch means I can expect a heavy case of book hangover when it ends.
It's a great book, I was wondering if the storylines from book one and two would cross paths or remain independent and was really happy when the characters met. Adale and Esofi both grew as characters and I now like them both a lot more than at the beginning of the series. Orsina and Aelia were awesome from the start, so I was really hoping to see them again.
I still think Adale's character lacks a little something. It kind of feels like her only ability in the series is her complete and utter disregard for any kind of authority. But unlike in book one, this time around it seams more useful, it lets her actually do something instead of just getting her in trouble.
Overall I loved it, I recommend it and I'm getting really attached to this series witch means I can expect a heavy case of book hangover when it ends.
May 30, 2019
Enjoyable sequel and look forward to next book
This is an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to the next book. However I agreed with Eosfi about many things and I didn’t really like Adale throughout much of the book.
I think Adale has a lot of growing up to do in both diplomacy, and many other matters.
While Eosfi does have family issues. She is much more mature and understands statecraft and diplomacy etc....
They make a good pair, but Adale has some catching up to do.
Also while the first two books advanced the plot and were pretty intricate and fun...I felt that this one needed a little more resolutions, overall plot items and was missing a few things..
That being said I really love this series and eagerly await book 4.
This is an enjoyable sequel and I look forward to the next book. However I agreed with Eosfi about many things and I didn’t really like Adale throughout much of the book.
I think Adale has a lot of growing up to do in both diplomacy, and many other matters.
While Eosfi does have family issues. She is much more mature and understands statecraft and diplomacy etc....
They make a good pair, but Adale has some catching up to do.
Also while the first two books advanced the plot and were pretty intricate and fun...I felt that this one needed a little more resolutions, overall plot items and was missing a few things..
That being said I really love this series and eagerly await book 4.
January 6, 2024
3 stars. This is a continuation of book one following Adale and Esofi and while they’re both likable characters and their romance is really sweet, they’re just not the most interesting to me. I didn’t feel it was necessary to go back to these two. The second book was fantastic and I was hoping for more from this one but it didn’t deliver. The plot was fine. Some in law drama as Esofi’s mother comes to visit but I did like the way the author addressed and handled Esofi’s trauma and issues from childhood. That was good. There’s also dragons in this and that was fun. While this wasn’t anywhere near as good as book two it wasn’t bad. I just really hope this is the last time we come back to these characters.
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