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The Tomes of Kaleria #1
Tomes Apprentice
It’s like the start of a bad joke: a Master of Tomes, his apprentice, and ninety world-saving records get lost at sea.
Mei Li really wishes the joke wasn’t her life. For two years she’s been stranded in a remote village with no knowledge of where her master is or what’s going on in the world. What she does know is one: she refuses to be sacrificed to the “god” the villagers think live on the mountain, two: she fully plans on negotiating with said “god” (who, luckily for her, turns out to be a dragon more than happy to rescue her).
Her relief over being rescued is short lived when she learns that her master is still lost, along with the tomes detailing how to reseal and fix all the upcoming problems for the next decade. And at least four world disasters are due to be prevented in the next two months. To make matters worse, the Tomes Masters are the only people in the world who carry the knowledge of how to reseal the pesky problems like five-thousand-year-old sleeping demons and disintegrating harbor walls.
With her master gone, everyone is looking to Mei Li for answers she doesn’t have, but still has to procure. Her options are to solve the disasters—with high potential for the world ending—or somehow find Master and the missing tomes.
Right now, Mei Li wants to go back in time and punch her six-year-old self for being an idiot. Being able to read books all day is not worth the stress of dealing with ancient, evil things on a regular basis.
Mei Li really wishes the joke wasn’t her life. For two years she’s been stranded in a remote village with no knowledge of where her master is or what’s going on in the world. What she does know is one: she refuses to be sacrificed to the “god” the villagers think live on the mountain, two: she fully plans on negotiating with said “god” (who, luckily for her, turns out to be a dragon more than happy to rescue her).
Her relief over being rescued is short lived when she learns that her master is still lost, along with the tomes detailing how to reseal and fix all the upcoming problems for the next decade. And at least four world disasters are due to be prevented in the next two months. To make matters worse, the Tomes Masters are the only people in the world who carry the knowledge of how to reseal the pesky problems like five-thousand-year-old sleeping demons and disintegrating harbor walls.
With her master gone, everyone is looking to Mei Li for answers she doesn’t have, but still has to procure. Her options are to solve the disasters—with high potential for the world ending—or somehow find Master and the missing tomes.
Right now, Mei Li wants to go back in time and punch her six-year-old self for being an idiot. Being able to read books all day is not worth the stress of dealing with ancient, evil things on a regular basis.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2019
374 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Honor Raconteur
62 books841 followersEver since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
May 24, 2021
There is one problem with this book. The sequel isn’t out yet!!!!
Added later: the sequel IS out yay! Now waiting for third book.
Added later: the sequel IS out yay! Now waiting for third book.
June 1, 2024
What a fantastic read.
But I read it too fast, was just going to savor it and only read a chapter or two and now it's done and I'm ready for book 2.
Once again the author provides a story with all that I love - admirable fleshed out characters, well thought out plot, interesting world, dragons, complex magic, suspense and some spoilers I partially anticipated and some I didn't.
Having finished the book I now have to reread it, factoring in said spoilers.
I want to be unreasonable and ask for all the books now - Case Files #4, Imagineer #2 and now Tomes #2 and whatever else is brewing in the authors head. But I won't, reluctantly.
Highly recommend. Overall another enjoyable read from an author who has become an auto buy.
cross posted goodreads, bookbub, amazon
But I read it too fast, was just going to savor it and only read a chapter or two and now it's done and I'm ready for book 2.
Once again the author provides a story with all that I love - admirable fleshed out characters, well thought out plot, interesting world, dragons, complex magic, suspense and some spoilers I partially anticipated and some I didn't.
Having finished the book I now have to reread it, factoring in said spoilers.
I want to be unreasonable and ask for all the books now - Case Files #4, Imagineer #2 and now Tomes #2 and whatever else is brewing in the authors head. But I won't, reluctantly.
Highly recommend. Overall another enjoyable read from an author who has become an auto buy.
cross posted goodreads, bookbub, amazon
May 16, 2020
So good! I can't wait for the sequel!
December 7, 2019
Riveting
If you like well-written fantasy (and dragons), you’ll love this book! The world building is impressive and immersive without massive info-dumps. It has enough action and emotional content to keep the story moving briskly along. I love the main characters. While there are a lot of secondary characters, they are individual enough to make them distinct and easy to keep track of rather than faceless ‘extras’.
The only quibble I have is that the first part of the book has a distinct tone to it with little details of the heroine’s culture like food, hair styles, and how expected behaviors interact with relationships. That gets a bit lost as the characters start moving around the world more and the setting becomes more generic fantasy and less specific. Or perhaps i just started reading too fast!
If you like well-written fantasy (and dragons), you’ll love this book! The world building is impressive and immersive without massive info-dumps. It has enough action and emotional content to keep the story moving briskly along. I love the main characters. While there are a lot of secondary characters, they are individual enough to make them distinct and easy to keep track of rather than faceless ‘extras’.
The only quibble I have is that the first part of the book has a distinct tone to it with little details of the heroine’s culture like food, hair styles, and how expected behaviors interact with relationships. That gets a bit lost as the characters start moving around the world more and the setting becomes more generic fantasy and less specific. Or perhaps i just started reading too fast!
November 19, 2021
It's so nice to find another clean fantasy author. The Tomes of Kaleria series follows Mei Li, an apprentice record-keeper who is shipwrecked and separated from her master, without her training completed. She and her master are the only two who know the old-magic ways of sealing up dangerous magical artifacts, dangerous entities and preserving life. Mei Li partners with a few dragons to save the world without all the knowledge she should have. This series has an enjoyable Asian feel to it.
November 30, 2021
A fun start to an interesting and cute series. I never thought I’d think dragons were adorable but there you have it. The mystery, if it can even be called that, was fairly obvious. However, I’m curious to see how it all comes to a head. Onto the next book!
January 11, 2020
I've been too busy rereading this book for a while to write a review and I also been hoping that the sequel is already in the works or if I reread it long enough it will pop up ready for me to devour in my amazon updates section...*sigh* waiting is hard.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Tomes Apprentice.
I am so enthusiastic about this book I would buy a T-shirt with this written on it, and I never buy t-shirts with anything written on them.
So far The Artifactor series has always been my top favourite from Honor Raconteur, really unrivaled. However, Tomes Apprentice is well on its way at the very least sharing that top position in my eyes, and I have high hopes that it will eventually surpass even the Artifactor series there. The Tomes of Kaleria shares some similarities with The Artifactor series (mainly in their heroines) although it is a totally unique story with equally unique world and a profession - Tomes, and also this series come with the twist I particularly liked.
Requirements to become the Master of Tomes are exceptionally high, requiring among other things very sharp mind and eidetic memory, so there are never any surplus of candidates for this important position. There are barely two people at any given time, one master and another their apprentice, to safeguard the world that requires knowledge of old magic that's largely forgotten by others. Mei Li is a tomes apprentice who after disappearance of her master must shoulder the responsibilities of her profession although she's not fully trained yet. Not unlike Sevana, Mei li ,especially in the situation she finds herself in, becomes a magical troubleshooter and problem solver, and I imagine she's especially going to be that as this series progress and in the next book. She has an exceptional mind and a bit of temper, although I find Sevana still one of a kind, especially with her eccentric quirks, Mei Li's edges feel a bit smoother in that respect. There's a hint of romance and I am incredibly excited about it too. Same as I was excited about Sevana and Aran, which is saying a lot, since that was my favourite romance not only from Honor Raconteur's books, but it also left many other good romances by other authors in the dust. I loved loved loved Shunley, and I can't wait to see Mei Li interact with him and the magicians she met later in the book.
I really hope the sequel is coming soon.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Tomes Apprentice.
I am so enthusiastic about this book I would buy a T-shirt with this written on it, and I never buy t-shirts with anything written on them.
So far The Artifactor series has always been my top favourite from Honor Raconteur, really unrivaled. However, Tomes Apprentice is well on its way at the very least sharing that top position in my eyes, and I have high hopes that it will eventually surpass even the Artifactor series there. The Tomes of Kaleria shares some similarities with The Artifactor series (mainly in their heroines) although it is a totally unique story with equally unique world and a profession - Tomes, and also this series come with the twist I particularly liked.
Requirements to become the Master of Tomes are exceptionally high, requiring among other things very sharp mind and eidetic memory, so there are never any surplus of candidates for this important position. There are barely two people at any given time, one master and another their apprentice, to safeguard the world that requires knowledge of old magic that's largely forgotten by others. Mei Li is a tomes apprentice who after disappearance of her master must shoulder the responsibilities of her profession although she's not fully trained yet. Not unlike Sevana, Mei li ,especially in the situation she finds herself in, becomes a magical troubleshooter and problem solver, and I imagine she's especially going to be that as this series progress and in the next book. She has an exceptional mind and a bit of temper, although I find Sevana still one of a kind, especially with her eccentric quirks, Mei Li's edges feel a bit smoother in that respect. There's a hint of romance and I am incredibly excited about it too. Same as I was excited about Sevana and Aran, which is saying a lot, since that was my favourite romance not only from Honor Raconteur's books, but it also left many other good romances by other authors in the dust. I loved loved loved Shunley, and I can't wait to see Mei Li interact with him and the magicians she met later in the book.
I really hope the sequel is coming soon.
December 31, 2019
Yay! Another strong, intelligent female lead.
So glad to see Honor Raconteur is writing more strong female lead fiction. I love her character development and the importance of teamwork in her novels. Each character has its strengths and weaknesses and match themselves courageously against the challenges. Fun plot twists included.
So glad to see Honor Raconteur is writing more strong female lead fiction. I love her character development and the importance of teamwork in her novels. Each character has its strengths and weaknesses and match themselves courageously against the challenges. Fun plot twists included.
December 23, 2019
Great start to a new series
If you're a Honor Raconteur fan like me you'll love it.
Sassy, intelligent heroine. Strong, experienced hero. Nice well rounded support characters made from the fantasy tradition of mages, dragons, half elves etc.
A world where demons, deities & enchanted flutes abound & the core characters are duty bound to help protect the general populace from their effects.
Very like the Artifactor & Guild series but within a new world & character context. There are elements of Midnight Quest (favourite book) & Imagineer free floating around too. It makes for a highly enjoyable combination.
If you're a Honor Raconteur fan like me you'll love it.
Sassy, intelligent heroine. Strong, experienced hero. Nice well rounded support characters made from the fantasy tradition of mages, dragons, half elves etc.
A world where demons, deities & enchanted flutes abound & the core characters are duty bound to help protect the general populace from their effects.
Very like the Artifactor & Guild series but within a new world & character context. There are elements of Midnight Quest (favourite book) & Imagineer free floating around too. It makes for a highly enjoyable combination.
December 14, 2019
Dragons, Mages and Magic! Oh, my!
Once again, we get to start an epic adventure in an amazing world. There are dragons. There are strong, likeable characters that are well-rounded and relatable. Wonderful world building. Did I mention Dragons? I am a huge fan of this author and strongly encourage people to read her other books, along with this one, of course!
Once again, we get to start an epic adventure in an amazing world. There are dragons. There are strong, likeable characters that are well-rounded and relatable. Wonderful world building. Did I mention Dragons? I am a huge fan of this author and strongly encourage people to read her other books, along with this one, of course!
December 7, 2019
Awesome and unique Fantasy Novel!
Loved it, and very much looking forward to a sequel! Really interesting world building and magic, good drama and characters. I am not familiar enough with the various Asian mythologies to know what all is in-line with myth and what is not, but it was a lovely tale, and really want to read the additional adventures!
Loved it, and very much looking forward to a sequel! Really interesting world building and magic, good drama and characters. I am not familiar enough with the various Asian mythologies to know what all is in-line with myth and what is not, but it was a lovely tale, and really want to read the additional adventures!
December 6, 2019
I think this is one of her better novels. This was a great start to a series, the characters were well developed, and the plot twist I thought was coming turned out to be slightly different than I was expecting (yay!). I hope she publishes the next one quickly as this ended on something of a cliff-hanger.
December 6, 2019
Another winner
I got this yesterday. I was reading along, enjoying and anticipating what was coming next, when the end of the book jumped up and hit me. And now I have to wait for the next book. Sigh. Good books go so fast.
I got this yesterday. I was reading along, enjoying and anticipating what was coming next, when the end of the book jumped up and hit me. And now I have to wait for the next book. Sigh. Good books go so fast.
August 23, 2025
Another year, another reread of this series, I just enjoy it so much, and I only missed last year in rereading it, because it's such a great series!
*First Read July 30th, 2023*
Loved reading this book again, I had to reread this series, and I just adore it so much!
*Fourth Read September 3rd, 2022*
Yeah, I felt the urge to read this series again, so I did, and I loved reading it again, it's just so amazing!
*Third Read July 21st, 2021*
I had to reread this book in preparation for Master of Tomes! I just need to consume this series so much!
*Second Read March 15th, 2020*
Yeah, I loved this book so much, I had to reread it less than a month later! Loved reading it again, such a great world and characters, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
*First Read February 19th, 2020*
Fantastic book, loved the world and the characters so much! I can't wait to read more! Honor Raconteur writes addicting books and worlds!
*First Read July 30th, 2023*
Loved reading this book again, I had to reread this series, and I just adore it so much!
*Fourth Read September 3rd, 2022*
Yeah, I felt the urge to read this series again, so I did, and I loved reading it again, it's just so amazing!
*Third Read July 21st, 2021*
I had to reread this book in preparation for Master of Tomes! I just need to consume this series so much!
*Second Read March 15th, 2020*
Yeah, I loved this book so much, I had to reread it less than a month later! Loved reading it again, such a great world and characters, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here!
*First Read February 19th, 2020*
Fantastic book, loved the world and the characters so much! I can't wait to read more! Honor Raconteur writes addicting books and worlds!
December 22, 2023
I absolutely love the dragons in this book. I loved the unique way the author made the dragons. It wasn’t the stereotypical personalities of dragons. The relationship and history they have with humans and their abilities was interesting. I love the visual the author provides for these creatures too. They are beautiful and unique! Mei Li Tomes is a fantastic character as well. She has spunk, is super smart, and brave! Shunlie and Me Li’s dynamics and relationship is so intriguing. So many fun mages and dragons and creepy demons and curses. The writing was great and I feel comfortable recommending it to YA audience. The audiobook was fun too. Special effects for the dragon and demons voices.
SPOILERS and book notes:
This book!!! Mei Li (18yo) and her sassy personality is amazing. The humor is perfect. And the audio is fun!! They have a women narrator for Mei li and a deep gravelly voice for the dragon. Oh and chapter one we get an equally as sassy talking DRAGON. A young dragon who is under 100 yo. Red scales. Named Wi. They are escaping the island together! He can fly but she can’t ride on his back bc his scales are too slippery and she would fall off. So she built a harness to ride underneath. Ohh Wi has a dragon AND a human form! Dragons are civilized and don’t eat humans. They change colors depending on their age. Red is youngest and black is oldest. Purple in between. She needs to find her Tomes master! Three types of magic. She and the Tomes master are the only ones that can do one type. They seal demonds and such. She has to remember everything she has ever read or listened to. Shoon Lei is the oldest black dragon. Saved her and Wi. Ooo I like shoon lei and his dry humor and genuine care for her. I love how humble this leader of the dragons is. No pride. He does the most mundane tasks. Her serves. He lifts others up. He is meek. And he is the most oldest and wisest and powerful dragon!! What a gentleman. Awww they rescued a baby dragon egg! When they hatch they are creamy white. Then they turn bright yellow then red! These dragons have feathers on their wings!!!! So they have to clean them and preen them. SOOOOO COOOOL. She is preening him! Awww such a beautiful gesture. Their is an albino dragon. So he is white and you don’t know his age. Dragons can breathe fire. Their fire is so hot it burns anything. And they can transform to humans and they are fire proof. But that can’t do magic. sprites and elves here too. Sprites deliver messages. I love the baby dragon! So adorable and acting like a human baby! Shoon Li looooved when Mei Li got sassy with him. Stoooooop. She is going into the past 5000 years to figure out how to defeat a demon. And she meats shoon li. I just know they get married in the past and that is why Shoon li never got remarried! And wears his wedding ring!! And that he immediately took her under his wing! And how he knew all her favorites!! Ugh this is so romantic. She is getting to know him when he is such a young red dragon! HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR HER FOR 5000 YEARS to catch up to her in the present day. And then it just ENDS!?!?!? What the heck!! I need the next book immediately. This 5000 years ago is when dragons and humans didn’t get along. Shoon li is actually the one that brings humans and dragons together.
SPOILERS and book notes:
This book!!! Mei Li (18yo) and her sassy personality is amazing. The humor is perfect. And the audio is fun!! They have a women narrator for Mei li and a deep gravelly voice for the dragon. Oh and chapter one we get an equally as sassy talking DRAGON. A young dragon who is under 100 yo. Red scales. Named Wi. They are escaping the island together! He can fly but she can’t ride on his back bc his scales are too slippery and she would fall off. So she built a harness to ride underneath. Ohh Wi has a dragon AND a human form! Dragons are civilized and don’t eat humans. They change colors depending on their age. Red is youngest and black is oldest. Purple in between. She needs to find her Tomes master! Three types of magic. She and the Tomes master are the only ones that can do one type. They seal demonds and such. She has to remember everything she has ever read or listened to. Shoon Lei is the oldest black dragon. Saved her and Wi. Ooo I like shoon lei and his dry humor and genuine care for her. I love how humble this leader of the dragons is. No pride. He does the most mundane tasks. Her serves. He lifts others up. He is meek. And he is the most oldest and wisest and powerful dragon!! What a gentleman. Awww they rescued a baby dragon egg! When they hatch they are creamy white. Then they turn bright yellow then red! These dragons have feathers on their wings!!!! So they have to clean them and preen them. SOOOOO COOOOL. She is preening him! Awww such a beautiful gesture. Their is an albino dragon. So he is white and you don’t know his age. Dragons can breathe fire. Their fire is so hot it burns anything. And they can transform to humans and they are fire proof. But that can’t do magic. sprites and elves here too. Sprites deliver messages. I love the baby dragon! So adorable and acting like a human baby! Shoon Li looooved when Mei Li got sassy with him. Stoooooop. She is going into the past 5000 years to figure out how to defeat a demon. And she meats shoon li. I just know they get married in the past and that is why Shoon li never got remarried! And wears his wedding ring!! And that he immediately took her under his wing! And how he knew all her favorites!! Ugh this is so romantic. She is getting to know him when he is such a young red dragon! HE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR HER FOR 5000 YEARS to catch up to her in the present day. And then it just ENDS!?!?!? What the heck!! I need the next book immediately. This 5000 years ago is when dragons and humans didn’t get along. Shoon li is actually the one that brings humans and dragons together.
February 3, 2022
A One-Time Read
I liked the idea of this book—an apprentice with minimal information is forced to deal with things outside her abilities. As a Tomes, Mei Li is supposed to travel and reseal dangerous creatures or objects. Unfortunately, she never finished learning how, and the books are gone. It’s a clever plot and has fun characters. Also, despite what others have written, there are some close calls with dangerous creatures.
Some reviewers don’t like how all the characters are sunshine and roses. However, I feel that Honor gives credit to the goodness of people. Yes, it feels like the characters are flat at times, but I believe that when things are really tough (like they are in this book), we see the best in people. Reading this book gives you warm fuzzies about humanity in general.
On the other hand, there were a couple things about this book that really distracted/annoyed me.
1) Mei Li and Shunlei’s voices/characters were inconsistent. Sometimes, Mei Li sounded like a mature adult as she ordered the dragons and mages around—“Hold the line!” or “Shunlei, bend down so I can unbuckle that strap.” Other times, her language was that of a modern-day teenager (which didn’t fit the genre at all). She said things like, “Just kill me now.” or “Give me cookies. All the cookies.” Shunlei was similar. He was a 5,000 year old dragon warrior who sometimes whimpered or acted like a besotted puppy. Other times, he was stopping arguments in their tracks with his commanding presence. I didn’t mind Shunlei’s inconsistencies so much, but Mei Li’s jarred me as a reader. (In retrospect, I find it’s when Honor is trying to make Mei Li or Shunlei seem funny that the dialogue becomes weird.)
2) Mei Li spent WAY too much time thinking. She mentally rehashed the same problems over and over in her mind. Then conveniently, people would start talking about the very thing she was thinking about. Every. Time. Dunno, it just didn’t feel necessary or realistic.
I did like that the story moved along quickly, and we didn’t get the play-by-play of every conversation or day of travel. Also, the magic system was AMAZING, and the problems the mages dealt with were clever.
I knew when I picked up the book that it wouldn’t be the best writing, so I still plan on reading the next one. But if you are looking for something on the level of Jennifer Nelson, this isn’t it.
I liked the idea of this book—an apprentice with minimal information is forced to deal with things outside her abilities. As a Tomes, Mei Li is supposed to travel and reseal dangerous creatures or objects. Unfortunately, she never finished learning how, and the books are gone. It’s a clever plot and has fun characters. Also, despite what others have written, there are some close calls with dangerous creatures.
Some reviewers don’t like how all the characters are sunshine and roses. However, I feel that Honor gives credit to the goodness of people. Yes, it feels like the characters are flat at times, but I believe that when things are really tough (like they are in this book), we see the best in people. Reading this book gives you warm fuzzies about humanity in general.
On the other hand, there were a couple things about this book that really distracted/annoyed me.
1) Mei Li and Shunlei’s voices/characters were inconsistent. Sometimes, Mei Li sounded like a mature adult as she ordered the dragons and mages around—“Hold the line!” or “Shunlei, bend down so I can unbuckle that strap.” Other times, her language was that of a modern-day teenager (which didn’t fit the genre at all). She said things like, “Just kill me now.” or “Give me cookies. All the cookies.” Shunlei was similar. He was a 5,000 year old dragon warrior who sometimes whimpered or acted like a besotted puppy. Other times, he was stopping arguments in their tracks with his commanding presence. I didn’t mind Shunlei’s inconsistencies so much, but Mei Li’s jarred me as a reader. (In retrospect, I find it’s when Honor is trying to make Mei Li or Shunlei seem funny that the dialogue becomes weird.)
2) Mei Li spent WAY too much time thinking. She mentally rehashed the same problems over and over in her mind. Then conveniently, people would start talking about the very thing she was thinking about. Every. Time. Dunno, it just didn’t feel necessary or realistic.
I did like that the story moved along quickly, and we didn’t get the play-by-play of every conversation or day of travel. Also, the magic system was AMAZING, and the problems the mages dealt with were clever.
I knew when I picked up the book that it wouldn’t be the best writing, so I still plan on reading the next one. But if you are looking for something on the level of Jennifer Nelson, this isn’t it.
December 16, 2022
Global warming has decimated the earth by flooding much of the land and destroying crops. A group of teenagers are training and competing to become the final six that will travel to Europa one of Jupiters moons to terriform it and makes it hospitable forward humans from earth.
This is the exact plot that I absolutely love. The people are being told that one happy and hopeful event is happening, not understanding that it is just hiding some terrible nefarious plot that the people in charge are ACTUALLY planning. It is so fun to try to figure out the underlying plot before the characters do. In the final six the subplot is convoluted and complicated. I think at this point we have only glimpsed the tip of it. I cannot wait to continue reading about the rest of it in the next novel.
My only serious complaint about this book is the number of characters. There were clearly too many characters for the length of the story. The author really only spent a cursory amount of time on anyone beyond the two main characters. Leo and Naomi are great characters though. They are interesting and unique. I wish there was a bit more character growth and length to the story. Also the author did get kind off preachy about the environment and humans impact on it. As a person that cares about the impact humans have on the environment, I think the preaching can definitely be overlooked.
PG-13 - Kissing. Computer hacking. Suicide.
is the tome Apprentice. Unfortunately her master and several important tomes have been lost at sea. Well Mei Li is lost too, but she knows where she is. Can she get rescued and help to keep the world working.
I LOVE this book. The world building, the story telling, the characters are all exceptional. I love that the main character is questioning the system that her world uses to make all the bad magical creatures and objects unable to harm people. I love it that she questions the very use of magic. I love that she does what has to be done not because it will make her famous or anything but rather because it is the right thing to do.
It is a breath of fresh air to read a book where good people do good things and are not harmed because of it. I feel like this book highlights all the good parts of humanity workout having to drag everyone through the muck to show it.
I cannot wait to find out what happens to Mei Li next.
PG- There is some fighting and injuries but it isn’t bloody
This is the exact plot that I absolutely love. The people are being told that one happy and hopeful event is happening, not understanding that it is just hiding some terrible nefarious plot that the people in charge are ACTUALLY planning. It is so fun to try to figure out the underlying plot before the characters do. In the final six the subplot is convoluted and complicated. I think at this point we have only glimpsed the tip of it. I cannot wait to continue reading about the rest of it in the next novel.
My only serious complaint about this book is the number of characters. There were clearly too many characters for the length of the story. The author really only spent a cursory amount of time on anyone beyond the two main characters. Leo and Naomi are great characters though. They are interesting and unique. I wish there was a bit more character growth and length to the story. Also the author did get kind off preachy about the environment and humans impact on it. As a person that cares about the impact humans have on the environment, I think the preaching can definitely be overlooked.
PG-13 - Kissing. Computer hacking. Suicide.
is the tome Apprentice. Unfortunately her master and several important tomes have been lost at sea. Well Mei Li is lost too, but she knows where she is. Can she get rescued and help to keep the world working.
I LOVE this book. The world building, the story telling, the characters are all exceptional. I love that the main character is questioning the system that her world uses to make all the bad magical creatures and objects unable to harm people. I love it that she questions the very use of magic. I love that she does what has to be done not because it will make her famous or anything but rather because it is the right thing to do.
It is a breath of fresh air to read a book where good people do good things and are not harmed because of it. I feel like this book highlights all the good parts of humanity workout having to drag everyone through the muck to show it.
I cannot wait to find out what happens to Mei Li next.
PG- There is some fighting and injuries but it isn’t bloody
August 16, 2023
Content:
Language: I don't recall any language. Typically if this author has any language it is sparse and mild.
Violence: Mild. This book has a lot of perilous situations depicted, mostly in the fantastical. There are demons, wraiths, and possessed type objects depicted but no graphic violence.
Sexual: None. Only thing I can think is a backwater country trying to get the MC to marry one of their men and she knees him...in a tender spot.
As per usual with Honor Raconteur, I snuggled in with my blankets and started off reading this with the expectation of fun characters and a slow burn romance. I was surprised and delighted that this book heavily features shape-shifter dragons. Dragons are always welcome.
There is, of course, a mystery happening between Mei Li and Shunlei that I was trying to figure out for half of the book until I recalled seeing the first line of the synopsis for book two when I was making sure I got the right book first, and I was livid that it totally ruined the surprise for me. It was pretty obvious knowing that one line what was going to happen. I wish I hadn't seen it. But, it wouldn't have been long after that that I'd have found out anyway by just reading. Still miffed I got my surprise snatched away from me though through my own diligence. Haha.
Shunlei makes me smile. He's the type of character that is super duper powerful, but down to earth and sweet. This is a character type Honor seems to love, and I don't mind too much because I like it too! Mei Li is the smart, sassy, strong female that Honor also tends toward. The character types are the same as her other series I've read, but the fun is in the differences. Shunlei is an Elder dragon, over 5,000 years old, wise, sweet, and scary when necessary. Mei Li is thrown into the deep end of crazy when she ends up being the only one with the knowledge to spare their world from disaster.
The entire story was set up as one quest after another, introducing a huge cast of side characters that I struggled a bit to differentiate between mages and dragons. But again, the fun is always in the character relationships and banter. I live for the banter.
Not much I can relate without spoiling things, so I'll just say I'm excited for book two and hoping for...developments. Hehehe.
Language: I don't recall any language. Typically if this author has any language it is sparse and mild.
Violence: Mild. This book has a lot of perilous situations depicted, mostly in the fantastical. There are demons, wraiths, and possessed type objects depicted but no graphic violence.
Sexual: None. Only thing I can think is a backwater country trying to get the MC to marry one of their men and she knees him...in a tender spot.
As per usual with Honor Raconteur, I snuggled in with my blankets and started off reading this with the expectation of fun characters and a slow burn romance. I was surprised and delighted that this book heavily features shape-shifter dragons. Dragons are always welcome.
There is, of course, a mystery happening between Mei Li and Shunlei that I was trying to figure out for half of the book until I recalled seeing the first line of the synopsis for book two when I was making sure I got the right book first, and I was livid that it totally ruined the surprise for me. It was pretty obvious knowing that one line what was going to happen. I wish I hadn't seen it. But, it wouldn't have been long after that that I'd have found out anyway by just reading. Still miffed I got my surprise snatched away from me though through my own diligence. Haha.
Shunlei makes me smile. He's the type of character that is super duper powerful, but down to earth and sweet. This is a character type Honor seems to love, and I don't mind too much because I like it too! Mei Li is the smart, sassy, strong female that Honor also tends toward. The character types are the same as her other series I've read, but the fun is in the differences. Shunlei is an Elder dragon, over 5,000 years old, wise, sweet, and scary when necessary. Mei Li is thrown into the deep end of crazy when she ends up being the only one with the knowledge to spare their world from disaster.
The entire story was set up as one quest after another, introducing a huge cast of side characters that I struggled a bit to differentiate between mages and dragons. But again, the fun is always in the character relationships and banter. I live for the banter.
Not much I can relate without spoiling things, so I'll just say I'm excited for book two and hoping for...developments. Hehehe.
April 1, 2020
Hmm, I'm a bit ambivalent about this book at the moment. It's not bad, but I'm not loving it like previous others. particularly the time travel aspect. I pegged Mei Li being Sunani's wife very early at the beginning which meant I figured out the time travel aspect fairly quickly (that and I accidentally read a review that mentioned it without a spoiler tag, so I'm putting this as a spoiler) but honestly even without the time travel bit, it was fairly, fairly obvious which makes this book pretty predictable.
I did like the characters. Mei Li is giving me serious Sevana vibes. (Sevana is still tops though) and I did like her. Even though I figured she was a bit dense. Like really, really? you couldn't figure out what happened in the past between the two of you? really?
And our Dragon main um yeah okay I cannot spell his name moving on. Is nice. But um really right now that's all he is. Nice. As a centuries-old dragon, you'd think he'd have an air of mystery, of age, or some weight to him. He can't help it he's got years and years of experience. (and heartbreak) but no he's just nice. and protective. So far nothing unexpected from him. It's like dude you're a centuries-old dragon I should be impressed in spite of myself. But not so much. I like that he's a nice guy, but for a dragon, he's kind of bland.
The same for the side characters. They're unique enough to be memorable in their own right. but still, they feel like place holders. Especially since at the end of the book, they're all gone, and I haven't actually felt invested in them yet. Really we have Leah, no her sister nearly gets her leg burned off and I'm like, ouch... okay moving on.
I have to say I love the worlds Honor creates she is one of my go-to authors for a good fantasy story and I enjoyed this one. It's just the story, not so much.
So while I'll pick up the sequel when it comes out it's not one I'm waiting with bated breath for. Imagineer I'm looking at you here. Or maybe another Case files, I would love another Case files.
In any case:
Recommended? Yes
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
I did like the characters. Mei Li is giving me serious Sevana vibes. (Sevana is still tops though) and I did like her. Even though I figured she was a bit dense. Like really, really? you couldn't figure out what happened in the past between the two of you? really?
And our Dragon main um yeah okay I cannot spell his name moving on. Is nice. But um really right now that's all he is. Nice. As a centuries-old dragon, you'd think he'd have an air of mystery, of age, or some weight to him. He can't help it he's got years and years of experience. (and heartbreak) but no he's just nice. and protective. So far nothing unexpected from him. It's like dude you're a centuries-old dragon I should be impressed in spite of myself. But not so much. I like that he's a nice guy, but for a dragon, he's kind of bland.
The same for the side characters. They're unique enough to be memorable in their own right. but still, they feel like place holders. Especially since at the end of the book, they're all gone, and I haven't actually felt invested in them yet. Really we have Leah, no her sister nearly gets her leg burned off and I'm like, ouch... okay moving on.
I have to say I love the worlds Honor creates she is one of my go-to authors for a good fantasy story and I enjoyed this one. It's just the story, not so much.
So while I'll pick up the sequel when it comes out it's not one I'm waiting with bated breath for. Imagineer I'm looking at you here. Or maybe another Case files, I would love another Case files.
In any case:
Recommended? Yes
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
October 3, 2023
I found this a little slow to get into -- you're thrown into a world with very little explanation of how everything works. But as you read, you pick things up and pretty soon it starts moving at a good pace. I mainly stuck with it as I'd read another series by this author which I really enjoyed.
What I like best is that people are actively trying to help and do good. Doesn't always work, but the positive motivation is there. Maybe that's not how the 'real world' often works -- and maybe that's why these are published independently and distributed via Kindle Unlimited. My feeling is the big publishers all want angst and troubled heroes. Turns out I like folks who are just trying to do their best and appreciative of having allies who are the same.
So the story: The world is periodically threatened by malevolent more-or-less magical beings who have, over thousands of years, been dealt with by the Tomes who specialize in more ancient magic than is usually practiced by your everyday mages. BUT, there are only two Tomes, and one is really only an apprentice. Both are lost at sea -- along with all their reference material -- and for 2 years the magical protections of the world are deteriorating to where disaster is approaching all too soon. And then Mei Li, the apprentice is found! Unfortunately, she find she must assume the role of Master of Tomes with the help of dragons, mages, and her own, albeit limited, knowledge. She's willing ... but does she have the knowledge required?
The end of the book is very clearly not the end of the story, which some may find problematic, but that became pretty clear to me by about 2/3 of the way in at which point I'd already decided I'd continue so it didn't bother me in the least.
What I like best is that people are actively trying to help and do good. Doesn't always work, but the positive motivation is there. Maybe that's not how the 'real world' often works -- and maybe that's why these are published independently and distributed via Kindle Unlimited. My feeling is the big publishers all want angst and troubled heroes. Turns out I like folks who are just trying to do their best and appreciative of having allies who are the same.
So the story: The world is periodically threatened by malevolent more-or-less magical beings who have, over thousands of years, been dealt with by the Tomes who specialize in more ancient magic than is usually practiced by your everyday mages. BUT, there are only two Tomes, and one is really only an apprentice. Both are lost at sea -- along with all their reference material -- and for 2 years the magical protections of the world are deteriorating to where disaster is approaching all too soon. And then Mei Li, the apprentice is found! Unfortunately, she find she must assume the role of Master of Tomes with the help of dragons, mages, and her own, albeit limited, knowledge. She's willing ... but does she have the knowledge required?
The end of the book is very clearly not the end of the story, which some may find problematic, but that became pretty clear to me by about 2/3 of the way in at which point I'd already decided I'd continue so it didn't bother me in the least.
May 24, 2021
This is the first book I've read from this author; it turned up in my Goodreads recommendations when I was avoiding my TBR pile. :)
In a world which runs on the "Sealed Evil in a Can" trope, someone has to keep inventory of the Pantry of Doom (j/k. This term is just my interpretation of the records!) to know WHICH cans are nearing their expiration dates and are likely to corrode, explode, or otherwise release their fermented demonic contents onto the world. It's a fun concept, and the main character is humorous, insightful, and enjoyable to follow along with. I adored some of her commentary- one line about the nature of "virgin sacrifices" legitimately made me laugh out loud.
Also- it has awesome dragons.
However, I feel like the book could have used another pass from an editor; it suffers a bit from clunky exposition at the beginning, from scattered phrases which don't quite fit the setting, and from a few oddities in the world-building, like a spot where we briefly meet a half-elf, before there's any hint that elves even exist in the world. (As of the end of this book, we have no idea what KIND of elves these are, or where they live, or what they're doing, and unless it makes a difference later, it just felt like it was tossed in for Fantasy Setting Flavor. There was enough going on that the setting doesn't benefit from a Generic D&D Sauce Packet.)
If you take it as a self-published story and accept that there are going to be quirks, it's worth the time. 3.75 stars, and I'll be buying and reading the next one!
In a world which runs on the "Sealed Evil in a Can" trope, someone has to keep inventory of the Pantry of Doom (j/k. This term is just my interpretation of the records!) to know WHICH cans are nearing their expiration dates and are likely to corrode, explode, or otherwise release their fermented demonic contents onto the world. It's a fun concept, and the main character is humorous, insightful, and enjoyable to follow along with. I adored some of her commentary- one line about the nature of "virgin sacrifices" legitimately made me laugh out loud.
Also- it has awesome dragons.
However, I feel like the book could have used another pass from an editor; it suffers a bit from clunky exposition at the beginning, from scattered phrases which don't quite fit the setting, and from a few oddities in the world-building, like a spot where we briefly meet a half-elf, before there's any hint that elves even exist in the world. (As of the end of this book, we have no idea what KIND of elves these are, or where they live, or what they're doing, and unless it makes a difference later, it just felt like it was tossed in for Fantasy Setting Flavor. There was enough going on that the setting doesn't benefit from a Generic D&D Sauce Packet.)
If you take it as a self-published story and accept that there are going to be quirks, it's worth the time. 3.75 stars, and I'll be buying and reading the next one!
February 11, 2020
Starting from a personal disaster, Mei Li, the titular Tomes Apprentice, sets off on an adventure to try to stabilize and rebind the evils of the known world.
This is a curious book. It has an odd tone to it, and I have a bit of trouble putting into words how it strikes me. On the one hand, it has a very structured formality to it. Or rather I should say that the characters in the book approach each other with a structured formality that I find strange. At the same time, they are also unusually familiar with each other. I think ... that this is because the book is intended to present an "Eastern" culture, which has different social values and structures than the "Western" one which I'm more familiar with.
I also find the book a bit odd in that the action is somewhat stylized. A curious thing in a book that is technically, an action book. Perhaps it might be best to describe the action as fairytale like.
Overall, it's a decent book, with a fairly well developed world and magic system. The challenges the main character faces are considerable, but approachable from a narrative perspective.
I find the gradually emerging romance to be a bit awkward, but that might just be me.
Anyway, good book, highly recommended to fans of High Fantasy.
As always: I paid retail price for the Kindle version of this book, my thoughts on it are my own. They were neither solicited by, nor compensated for, by the author or by the publisher.
This is a curious book. It has an odd tone to it, and I have a bit of trouble putting into words how it strikes me. On the one hand, it has a very structured formality to it. Or rather I should say that the characters in the book approach each other with a structured formality that I find strange. At the same time, they are also unusually familiar with each other. I think ... that this is because the book is intended to present an "Eastern" culture, which has different social values and structures than the "Western" one which I'm more familiar with.
I also find the book a bit odd in that the action is somewhat stylized. A curious thing in a book that is technically, an action book. Perhaps it might be best to describe the action as fairytale like.
Overall, it's a decent book, with a fairly well developed world and magic system. The challenges the main character faces are considerable, but approachable from a narrative perspective.
I find the gradually emerging romance to be a bit awkward, but that might just be me.
Anyway, good book, highly recommended to fans of High Fantasy.
As always: I paid retail price for the Kindle version of this book, my thoughts on it are my own. They were neither solicited by, nor compensated for, by the author or by the publisher.
June 14, 2021
I'm honestly a bit baffled this series has such a high rating and so many devotees- that being said, I couldn't put the books down. After reflecting, I realized my experience reading this and the next book in the series is akin to Twilight, where rationally I know that nothing much is happening, there isn't much conflict, and I'm not really invested in/interested in the characters, and yet there is some strange element pulling me along that keeps me turning pages. Thoughts, in random order:
- I love dragons, but I prefer for them to be sassy and even if they are good, at least just a little bit evil/sardonic, whereas all of these dragons are just sappy.
- Also, EVERY human is a joy with a heart of gold, whereas we all know that there are plenty of humans who very much are not that, and it would be much more realistic if there was at least one grumpy innkeeper (basically think of this series as the exact opposite of The Wheel of Time, which is unparalleled in complex characterization of even minor characters).
- I really, really detest the main character, Mei Lei. She acts about 16 and like a total brat, and yet everyone is falling all over her?
All of this being said, I will still probably get the next one for a frothy read inbetween more compelling YA.
- I love dragons, but I prefer for them to be sassy and even if they are good, at least just a little bit evil/sardonic, whereas all of these dragons are just sappy.
- Also, EVERY human is a joy with a heart of gold, whereas we all know that there are plenty of humans who very much are not that, and it would be much more realistic if there was at least one grumpy innkeeper (basically think of this series as the exact opposite of The Wheel of Time, which is unparalleled in complex characterization of even minor characters).
- I really, really detest the main character, Mei Lei. She acts about 16 and like a total brat, and yet everyone is falling all over her?
All of this being said, I will still probably get the next one for a frothy read inbetween more compelling YA.
February 21, 2020
Not my cup of tea. The book is somewhat reminiscent of a comforting bowl of porridge. Rather bland, comforting on a cold day, no unexpected surprises. Translating to this book, all the characters are one-dimensional. What you see is precisely what you get. The heroine is smart .. and a good person. The dragon hero is smart, powerful, patient, and all in all, ... a very good person. There is not a single character in the book who does anything even mildly questionable. Everybody is just ... nice. That would be fine if there were some interesting world-building going on. But it is largely a mechanical plotline. Mechanical in more ways than one - magical seals are failing, and the heroine has to fix them all. Which sounds better than what it really is: Seal fails, consult magic book in head, turn gear two, oil sprocket three, well done, let's move to the next seal. And the big reveal is rather obvious, telegraphed well in the beginning of the book.
If you like porridge, an excellent book for a cold rainy day.
If you like porridge, an excellent book for a cold rainy day.
May 24, 2020
A new series from the always reliable and wonderful Honor Raconteur. I wasn't entirely sure about this world as I less at home in an entirely fantasy world/setting but I needn't have feared. As ever it is the characters that leap off the page, with wonderful female role models who are strong and independent and men who are strong without being idiots are over bearing. That sprinkle of humour is always present and once I got into the story I could not put this book down.
Mei Li is resourceful and resilient and after she pretty much rescues herself, with a bit of help from a dragon, she finds herself joining forces with them, in what turns out to be mad cap adventures all over the country in a quest to keep magic from imploding after two years without the help of the Tomes. The adventures are fun and frightening and the relationship she starts to develop with her comrades is hilarious and heart felt. With an an ever growing sense of what must be done Mei Li starts on an even bigger adventure at the end of the book, all on her own and I can't wait for the next book!
Mei Li is resourceful and resilient and after she pretty much rescues herself, with a bit of help from a dragon, she finds herself joining forces with them, in what turns out to be mad cap adventures all over the country in a quest to keep magic from imploding after two years without the help of the Tomes. The adventures are fun and frightening and the relationship she starts to develop with her comrades is hilarious and heart felt. With an an ever growing sense of what must be done Mei Li starts on an even bigger adventure at the end of the book, all on her own and I can't wait for the next book!
August 10, 2020
This book was a delightful surprise
I’ve been between good reads lately, not really finding anything to catch my fancy. This one popped up, and so I thought why not— I’ll try it.
I was thoroughly surprised and had no earthly idea what I was getting into. Plot line is delectable. Characters are relatable. And I love love love the strange, mysterious relationship between dragon and human. Not saying anything more, as it could lead to spoilers. It took a little while for me to become immersed, but oh boy, when it did I was a goner.
Love the clean friendship and sass, the adventure and mystery, and can I say I love the dragons? Of course I do.
It’s clean, it’s fun, it’s adventitious, and has a hint of a budding romance mixed in. So yes, buying next book now.
Give it a try. I have a feeling you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
I’ve been between good reads lately, not really finding anything to catch my fancy. This one popped up, and so I thought why not— I’ll try it.
I was thoroughly surprised and had no earthly idea what I was getting into. Plot line is delectable. Characters are relatable. And I love love love the strange, mysterious relationship between dragon and human. Not saying anything more, as it could lead to spoilers. It took a little while for me to become immersed, but oh boy, when it did I was a goner.
Love the clean friendship and sass, the adventure and mystery, and can I say I love the dragons? Of course I do.
It’s clean, it’s fun, it’s adventitious, and has a hint of a budding romance mixed in. So yes, buying next book now.
Give it a try. I have a feeling you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
September 6, 2021
I must say, I reread the Advent Mage series right before starting this one, and the author’s writing has progressed so much. It wasn’t bad before, but it’s much more polished now (or a new editor).
The author excels at world building and adding unique touches to her magic or systems, such as the dragon preening in this case. The characters are likeable and the story grabs you from the start—adventure, mystery, and even the subtle beginnings of a slow burn romance.
Do be warned that it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. You WILL want the next book on hand.
* * *
Just finished the trilogy. There’s plenty of action and adventure, and romance actually does come to the forefront as well. It’s not one of those at first sight romances or steamy passion, but one of a strong, steadfast love and commitment. It’s quite lovely. The hero is also a treat as he’s such a sweetheart so honest in his delight and feelings.
The author excels at world building and adding unique touches to her magic or systems, such as the dragon preening in this case. The characters are likeable and the story grabs you from the start—adventure, mystery, and even the subtle beginnings of a slow burn romance.
Do be warned that it ends in a bit of a cliffhanger. You WILL want the next book on hand.
* * *
Just finished the trilogy. There’s plenty of action and adventure, and romance actually does come to the forefront as well. It’s not one of those at first sight romances or steamy passion, but one of a strong, steadfast love and commitment. It’s quite lovely. The hero is also a treat as he’s such a sweetheart so honest in his delight and feelings.
July 12, 2021
Good (spoilers)
Time travel in books hurts my head.
I’m giving this book 4 stars because it was grating how easily the characters solved problems in the middle of it. They were all strong and/or knowledgeable, and it didn’t feel like they had to struggle for anything. I’m hoping the next book will have more character growth. The main character traveled back in time at the end of this book, to a time when no one knew how to do anything, and a character hadn’t gotten a lot of power.
One thing that is a little odd about books by this author is the way she portrays dragons. The dragons in this book have feathered wings, are friends with the humans, and drink milk when they’re babies. It’s definitely different.
Time travel in books hurts my head.
I’m giving this book 4 stars because it was grating how easily the characters solved problems in the middle of it. They were all strong and/or knowledgeable, and it didn’t feel like they had to struggle for anything. I’m hoping the next book will have more character growth. The main character traveled back in time at the end of this book, to a time when no one knew how to do anything, and a character hadn’t gotten a lot of power.
One thing that is a little odd about books by this author is the way she portrays dragons. The dragons in this book have feathered wings, are friends with the humans, and drink milk when they’re babies. It’s definitely different.
June 10, 2023
Absolutely fantastic
Things I love about this book:
- The world building is fantastic.
-The dragons are so cool. I love that they change colors as they age. Such a fascinating way to have them develop, and very unique.
- The foreshadowing in this book is absolutely spot on and masterful. I've already read the rest of the series and so going back to read this first book again, it's even better. Trust me, this book is a work of art that can't fully be appreciated until you've finished the series.
- The ending. Such a beautiful cliff hanger but I love how it sets everything up for book 2. So good.
- I love seeing Mei Lin and her growth as a character. How she grows in confidence is so cool to see.
Things I love about this book:
- The world building is fantastic.
-The dragons are so cool. I love that they change colors as they age. Such a fascinating way to have them develop, and very unique.
- The foreshadowing in this book is absolutely spot on and masterful. I've already read the rest of the series and so going back to read this first book again, it's even better. Trust me, this book is a work of art that can't fully be appreciated until you've finished the series.
- The ending. Such a beautiful cliff hanger but I love how it sets everything up for book 2. So good.
- I love seeing Mei Lin and her growth as a character. How she grows in confidence is so cool to see.
abandoned
March 5, 2024DNF @ 1.5 hours, leaving unrated
This just didn't land for me. This was published by Raconteur House, presumably the author's self-publishing company. And if so, it shows. The end result is a story not as well developed and polished, and the author herself comes across as immature, lacking nuance in her perspectives.
The audio production was a bit odd as well, with various filters applied to the narrator's voice to create the dragon's voice. I can't fathom why they didn't just pick one and stay with it.
I'm still willing to give the author another try, once she's had more experience personally and professionally.
**Update: turns out I quite enjoyed her later writing, Magic and the Shinigami Detective (3.5 Stars). I'll continue with that series instead 👍👍
This just didn't land for me. This was published by Raconteur House, presumably the author's self-publishing company. And if so, it shows. The end result is a story not as well developed and polished, and the author herself comes across as immature, lacking nuance in her perspectives.
The audio production was a bit odd as well, with various filters applied to the narrator's voice to create the dragon's voice. I can't fathom why they didn't just pick one and stay with it.
I'm still willing to give the author another try, once she's had more experience personally and professionally.
**Update: turns out I quite enjoyed her later writing, Magic and the Shinigami Detective (3.5 Stars). I'll continue with that series instead 👍👍
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