What do you think?
Rate this book
Fellowship of the sky pirates #1
A Pinch of Salt
A survivor with no memory and a warrior looking for her path unite against the pirate horde.
Two hundred soldiers walk into the burning sands of Gypta, but only a handful make it out. When Magda Stoner wakes in an infirmary halfway across the world, she discovers her memories of the desert are gone. Something happened that tore her mind and soul apart, and the only thing keeping her sane is the fact that she can't remember a thing.
Ascara d'Jharaena ael Korphen is a warrior, not a soldier, and trying to fit herself into the lesser role at Veritas Traders has left her body battered and broken in the same infirmary where Magda recovers.
As they both mend, they meet a survivor of a pirate attack that included gifted attackers. Finding themselves without a unit or mission, they propose a daring plan to infiltrate the pirate horde and bring them to justice.
Can the pirates be stopped? Or will Magda and Ascara be caught before they even begin?
This novella is the first prequel in the Towers of the Earth fantasy adventure series.
Two hundred soldiers walk into the burning sands of Gypta, but only a handful make it out. When Magda Stoner wakes in an infirmary halfway across the world, she discovers her memories of the desert are gone. Something happened that tore her mind and soul apart, and the only thing keeping her sane is the fact that she can't remember a thing.
Ascara d'Jharaena ael Korphen is a warrior, not a soldier, and trying to fit herself into the lesser role at Veritas Traders has left her body battered and broken in the same infirmary where Magda recovers.
As they both mend, they meet a survivor of a pirate attack that included gifted attackers. Finding themselves without a unit or mission, they propose a daring plan to infiltrate the pirate horde and bring them to justice.
Can the pirates be stopped? Or will Magda and Ascara be caught before they even begin?
This novella is the first prequel in the Towers of the Earth fantasy adventure series.
182 pages, ebook
First published January 10, 2020
35 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Nita Round
28 books85 followersNita Round is a British author who creates vibrant and unique new worlds as quirky as she is. She takes inspiration from her studies of history and blends together ‘what was’ and creates fantastical worlds, ‘what could be’.
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 1, 2020
I just love this series! Round’s The Towers of the Earth is a three book series (with book 4 on its way this month) plus two novella prequels. This novella is the first of the two prequels and it is a great way to get a feel for this steampunk-fantasy series. In a world of pirates, mermaids, and mummies, Round has created a version of Earth filed with magic and adventure, and I loved every minute of it.
What was great about this prequel is we get to see how two of the main characters, Ascara and Magda, grew such a strong connection and bond together. And as a huge Ascara fan, I loved getting to learn even more of her backstory. So many questions you had reading the books are now answered here. And what is great is this is truly where the series begins so new readers can absolutely start here.
I also read the second novella prequel and it was just as good as this one. It answers the question of how Magda finally became an airship captain. It was action from beginning to end and my only disappointment is that the story is over. I’m so glad that book 4 is coming out this month because I want to keep reading this series. It’s addicting for sure. This series is now on Kindle Unlimited which it is an absolute steal.
What was great about this prequel is we get to see how two of the main characters, Ascara and Magda, grew such a strong connection and bond together. And as a huge Ascara fan, I loved getting to learn even more of her backstory. So many questions you had reading the books are now answered here. And what is great is this is truly where the series begins so new readers can absolutely start here.
I also read the second novella prequel and it was just as good as this one. It answers the question of how Magda finally became an airship captain. It was action from beginning to end and my only disappointment is that the story is over. I’m so glad that book 4 is coming out this month because I want to keep reading this series. It’s addicting for sure. This series is now on Kindle Unlimited which it is an absolute steal.
December 28, 2021
I didn’t think I would get to this. I added this to my list for Jae’s unicorn challenge and was running out of time. But then I got Covid and found a lot more time to read. 😬
I really enjoyed this novella. I know it’s a prequel and I’m very interested in what happens next. I like both magda and ascara even though I don’t really understand everything about them yet. Edited to add that this book is also funny. It made me laugh out loud several times!
I really enjoyed this novella. I know it’s a prequel and I’m very interested in what happens next. I like both magda and ascara even though I don’t really understand everything about them yet. Edited to add that this book is also funny. It made me laugh out loud several times!
March 18, 2020
So much makes sense now with this prequel to the touch of truth series. In the deserts of Gypta, Magda Stoner finds herself leading the charge against an army of demons that rise up from the sands. On the other side of the world, Ascara is a new recruit using her brain and agility trying to get a place in the Veritas Traders. The misogyny and arrogance of one of her team members puts her in a very dangerous position. Magda and Ascara only meet because they end up in the same hospital ward together.
I needed this prequel because it answers so many questions that were tumbling around in my brain. It clarifies Magda and Ascara's bond and further deepens their characterisation. Besides being the tale of their acquaintance, there is a quest that they need to fulfil. The main characters of this series are queer woman but it is a steampunk fantasy and not a romance, even though Ascara is an incorrigible flirt.
The writing is so vivid in description that the action scenes took on a life of their own and I felt completely tied to the story. I read the first published Touch of Truth series books one to three but they have been changed and re-released. I don't know how dramatic the changes are but I have no problem reading them again. Even though I have read the prequel after the first three books, I think it can be read before or after books of the series. What I do recommend is that if you're not sure the series is for you, the prequel is a short read which gives a good idea of what to expect.
I have to add that the cover is superb. I usually hate depictions of characters on the cover because I don't like my imagination being tampered with. In this case, however, Round describes her characters so beautifully that the depiction is even better than I imagined. May Dawney is multi-talented indeed.
I needed this prequel because it answers so many questions that were tumbling around in my brain. It clarifies Magda and Ascara's bond and further deepens their characterisation. Besides being the tale of their acquaintance, there is a quest that they need to fulfil. The main characters of this series are queer woman but it is a steampunk fantasy and not a romance, even though Ascara is an incorrigible flirt.
The writing is so vivid in description that the action scenes took on a life of their own and I felt completely tied to the story. I read the first published Touch of Truth series books one to three but they have been changed and re-released. I don't know how dramatic the changes are but I have no problem reading them again. Even though I have read the prequel after the first three books, I think it can be read before or after books of the series. What I do recommend is that if you're not sure the series is for you, the prequel is a short read which gives a good idea of what to expect.
I have to add that the cover is superb. I usually hate depictions of characters on the cover because I don't like my imagination being tampered with. In this case, however, Round describes her characters so beautifully that the depiction is even better than I imagined. May Dawney is multi-talented indeed.
December 25, 2021
A novella full of action, adventure and magic, set in a steampunk fantasy world. I loved reading this novella and was amazed by the worldbuilding (without info dumping) and the various stories coming together into one main storyline in only such a short read. Really well done. As you might expect, this is not for the faint of hearted as there is plenty of injury already in the first pages of the book.
I was immediately captured by the story and couldn’t stop reading, but this is a prequel and it was written after the first books of the book series. As I haven’t read the books yet, I decided to start with this prequel and I feel that I might be at a bit of a disadvantage here. While this book is written in the third person with POVs from Ascara and Magda, I seemed to be missing some insights in their personalities, resulting in so many questions. Both characters are super interesting, but I often didn’t understand their actions, I didn’t get to know what makes them tick. For instance, why is Ascara’s faith in Magda so unwavering, even before they really knew each other, and why is she so angry all the time? Magda is even more of a mystery to me, calm and calculating and while she seems loyal, it is questionable to whom. I hope that this will become clearer in the following books, as I look forward to reading them. There is no romance in this novella, but I recommend this to those looking for lot of adventure in an amazing world.
I was immediately captured by the story and couldn’t stop reading, but this is a prequel and it was written after the first books of the book series. As I haven’t read the books yet, I decided to start with this prequel and I feel that I might be at a bit of a disadvantage here. While this book is written in the third person with POVs from Ascara and Magda, I seemed to be missing some insights in their personalities, resulting in so many questions. Both characters are super interesting, but I often didn’t understand their actions, I didn’t get to know what makes them tick. For instance, why is Ascara’s faith in Magda so unwavering, even before they really knew each other, and why is she so angry all the time? Magda is even more of a mystery to me, calm and calculating and while she seems loyal, it is questionable to whom. I hope that this will become clearer in the following books, as I look forward to reading them. There is no romance in this novella, but I recommend this to those looking for lot of adventure in an amazing world.
June 12, 2020
A Pinch of Salt is about friendship. It is my first read in the fantasy series known as the Towers of Earth. It is about the power of women and about order and chaos. It is about pre-judgment and the dangers of it. I believe it is about Ascara and Magda and their developing relationship. That is what “a pinch of salt” refers to.
Ascara is the younger and impetuous one: "“Has anyone ever told you that you're incorrigible?”
“Once or twice. It's a part of my almost irresistible charm.”
Magda is the woman of mystery and history.
"“Dear Mother of all of Creation, should I be saying that sort of thing to an envoy?”
Magda laughed even harder. “I’m a liaison to the envoy. That’s at least one step further down the diplomatic tree.”
“And how many steps is that above a grunt like me? I’m not even a proper grunt, only a recruit. I’ve not been accepted yet. Should I even aspire to talk to you?”"
Nita Round may have over-stylized her lead characters but she has given a lot of thought to the alternative “Earth” that she has created. It isn't quite a "modern" world. Long distance travel is by airship and there don't seem to be atomic weapons for the military. Yet, it is a world in conflict. Those with paranormal “gifts” are being hunted. Apparently Magda and Ascara are the keys to what comes next. “We asked and we prayed to the Mother of all creation, and she sent you. You are the one who needs to know what could and should be done. Only then will the Order succeed in caring for the gifted.”"
There isn’t much here except laying the foundation. I hope I have given you enough to determine whether you want "in.”
Ascara is the younger and impetuous one: "“Has anyone ever told you that you're incorrigible?”
“Once or twice. It's a part of my almost irresistible charm.”
Magda is the woman of mystery and history.
"“Dear Mother of all of Creation, should I be saying that sort of thing to an envoy?”
Magda laughed even harder. “I’m a liaison to the envoy. That’s at least one step further down the diplomatic tree.”
“And how many steps is that above a grunt like me? I’m not even a proper grunt, only a recruit. I’ve not been accepted yet. Should I even aspire to talk to you?”"
Nita Round may have over-stylized her lead characters but she has given a lot of thought to the alternative “Earth” that she has created. It isn't quite a "modern" world. Long distance travel is by airship and there don't seem to be atomic weapons for the military. Yet, it is a world in conflict. Those with paranormal “gifts” are being hunted. Apparently Magda and Ascara are the keys to what comes next. “We asked and we prayed to the Mother of all creation, and she sent you. You are the one who needs to know what could and should be done. Only then will the Order succeed in caring for the gifted.”"
There isn’t much here except laying the foundation. I hope I have given you enough to determine whether you want "in.”
January 20, 2020
I love this series. This is a great addition. I’m waiting for the sequel to Raven, Storm & Shadows, but this prequel is good, too. In this, we learn a bit about Magda’s backstory and how she and Ascara met. Round doesn’t take us all the way back to Magda’s origin but to the desert when she met the creature she battled in the earlier books. There's also insight into Ascara's background as a recruit. The women’s friendship develops, and we get some information about characters that are in the other novels. I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say if you like action and steampunk/gaslamp/whatever and heroic women, you’ll enjoy this. This is labeled as the first prequel so I am eagerly looking forward to it even though I still want the sequel, too.
June 10, 2020
Fascinating! I think Magda Allentoft Stoner and Ascara d'Jharaena ael Korphen both of them are strong characters. I'm looking forward to read all of the series because their journey just began! and I think I got a crush with nurse Alex Banham and I'm not going to jump from the cliff just because I want to be at the hospital.
Thanks Lex!
Thanks Lex!
December 24, 2021
Full disclosure - I chose to read this now because I needed a Steampunk book for the Unicorn category of Jae's 2021 Sapphic Reading Challenge. When I tried to find one, I looked at the suggested offerings, but since I had no clue about this genre I wasn't sure where to go. Then when I saw that some of my Goodreads friends gave this a high rating, I decided to give it a try. So glad I did! How cool was this!?! I understand since I'm new to this series that I have the benefit(?) of reading the prequels first to get what I am assuming are the characters' back stories. I have no idea where all of this is going - although this gave me a clue - but I'm in. Very excited to have found this! I hope we get to see more of Alex in the future?? Both of these MCs are great! Thanks for the rec, Goodreads friends! :-)
February 2, 2020
Love this series. Its a mixture of steampunk, fantasy and adventure combined with interesting lead female characters. Great introduction to 2 of the main characters and some of their back story.
Looking forward to reading the second prequel.
Looking forward to reading the second prequel.
October 5, 2022
4 stars. This was really cool. The writing was great, the world building was fully developed and the characters were so awesome. This is only a prequel novella at 175 pages but it was action packed and didn’t feel rushed or too short in the slightest. There’s another novella before I can get to book one but so far this has me super intrigued. Magda and Ascara are such awesome characters and I cannot wait to see where their adventure takes them next.
February 6, 2021
This was totally a fun origin story for our besties Magda and Ascara.
It was light and quick with not a lot of world building which suited me fine. I already know everything.
I think it works well to read it after the main series to get a sense of how M and A's relationship came to be.
I have to admit I'm not looking forward to when Magda remembers what happened if that's going to be part of the next novella. She has Ascara though, but my heart already hurts for her.
It was light and quick with not a lot of world building which suited me fine. I already know everything.
I think it works well to read it after the main series to get a sense of how M and A's relationship came to be.
I have to admit I'm not looking forward to when Magda remembers what happened if that's going to be part of the next novella. She has Ascara though, but my heart already hurts for her.
August 16, 2020
Well I've found a new author who writes the stories I enjoy reading. Women who are damaged who will overcome obstacles placed in their way to fight for those who can't fight for themselves. I'm not sure what genre that is but the women are strong, confident, full of vim & vigor, and get the job done. Magda's fighting in the desert was phenomenal. Nita Round's word use is not overly done. I saw the sand, saw the monster, and Magda just kept fighting. Could the hole in her soul be what the monster sucked out? Her recall will be knee dropping I'm sure. Ascara, her cheeky badass sidekick, doesn't want to embarrass the family, doesn't follow orders blindly and has a temper that needs cooling. I will read the entire series for sure. Airships, pirates, spies, secrets and big trouble...oh yeah!
November 15, 2020
I'm so happy I grabbed this book. I can't wait to read the rest of The Towers of the Earth series.
I love how we get an introduction to our MC's and there's no romance/lust clouding their adventure. It's friendship first and foremost. I totally dig it.
I love how we get an introduction to our MC's and there's no romance/lust clouding their adventure. It's friendship first and foremost. I totally dig it.
January 23, 2020
As a subscriber to Nita Round’s newsletter, I was treated to the opportunity to download a copy A Pinch of Salt. Thanks to Ms. Round for that! I am a reader of her Towers of the Earth series, so I was excited to read this prequel novella and share my unbiased review.
If you have read and enjoyed the other books in her series, you will love A Pinch of Salt. Magda and Ascara, younger and less wise, meet for the first time in a hospital, each recovering from their own unfortunate experiences. Their backgrounds are brief, but vital. Their initial meeting is just what you might expect (especially from the irrascible Ascara). Flirting and friendship. The mission they undertake is dangerous and vital to understanding these characters and where their relationship is headed, as well as a hint at the overall mission.
I loved this novella and, even if you have not read any other books in the series, I think you will enjoy it.
A note about the series. Three novels, previously released as 1) Raven, Fire and Ice 2) Raven, Sand and Sun and 3) Raven, Storm and Shadow are going to be re-released in 2020. According to the author’s website, you may anticipate another prequel, the 3 previously released novels and one more novel – all to be released between now and the end of May. I will be looking forward to the progression of this series!
If you have read and enjoyed the other books in her series, you will love A Pinch of Salt. Magda and Ascara, younger and less wise, meet for the first time in a hospital, each recovering from their own unfortunate experiences. Their backgrounds are brief, but vital. Their initial meeting is just what you might expect (especially from the irrascible Ascara). Flirting and friendship. The mission they undertake is dangerous and vital to understanding these characters and where their relationship is headed, as well as a hint at the overall mission.
I loved this novella and, even if you have not read any other books in the series, I think you will enjoy it.
A note about the series. Three novels, previously released as 1) Raven, Fire and Ice 2) Raven, Sand and Sun and 3) Raven, Storm and Shadow are going to be re-released in 2020. According to the author’s website, you may anticipate another prequel, the 3 previously released novels and one more novel – all to be released between now and the end of May. I will be looking forward to the progression of this series!
March 24, 2020
I really liked this book. I hope there are more books. I’d kind of like to find out about Ascara’s version of how she was injured and the punishment of the person who left her to die.
I really liked Magda’s power. I also want her to remember and for the story to go back to what they had been fighting in the desert.
The story flowed well and I liked the mention of ancient things.
I recognized some of the things but not all.
I’ll be looking up these books and ordering more.
I really liked Magda’s power. I also want her to remember and for the story to go back to what they had been fighting in the desert.
The story flowed well and I liked the mention of ancient things.
I recognized some of the things but not all.
I’ll be looking up these books and ordering more.
March 19, 2020
A worthy prequel
The cover caught my eye but the world building/characters the author created clinched it. I just bought the entire series and highly recommend it.
The cover caught my eye but the world building/characters the author created clinched it. I just bought the entire series and highly recommend it.
April 21, 2020
This gives all (a chunk) of the back story to the two characters, Ascara and Magda. I needed this.
A good start, stand alone, and yet fills in from the other books. I always wanted to know how they were friends. Now I know.
A good start, stand alone, and yet fills in from the other books. I always wanted to know how they were friends. Now I know.
February 14, 2022
The beginning of the beginning
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: full-time writer, out of your comfort zone, unusual job, non-US/UK setting, not a romance, butch character, author's pick (possibly other categories.)
I don't have the skills to write long, descriptive, or eloquent reviews, but I'll try my best. This is a reread for me because it was fantastic the first time that I read it, and I knew it would be just as great for any future reads. It's the first of two prequels to The Towers of Earth series, and it is the story behind how Magda and Ascara met.
If you love strong, complex women in outstanding steampunk/fantasy stories, you'll thoroughly enjoy this novella, and the rest of The Towers of Earth series.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: full-time writer, out of your comfort zone, unusual job, non-US/UK setting, not a romance, butch character, author's pick (possibly other categories.)
I don't have the skills to write long, descriptive, or eloquent reviews, but I'll try my best. This is a reread for me because it was fantastic the first time that I read it, and I knew it would be just as great for any future reads. It's the first of two prequels to The Towers of Earth series, and it is the story behind how Magda and Ascara met.
If you love strong, complex women in outstanding steampunk/fantasy stories, you'll thoroughly enjoy this novella, and the rest of The Towers of Earth series.
April 25, 2020
I have not read the rest of the series, so this was really a prequel for me.
Pro:
Detailed world filled with both fantasy and steampunk
Strong women with many facets
Exciting adventure with twists and turns
Pirates!
Con:
A bit short
Pro:
Detailed world filled with both fantasy and steampunk
Strong women with many facets
Exciting adventure with twists and turns
Pirates!
Con:
A bit short
April 11, 2020
The plot follows Ascara - an underestimated army recruit, who has suffered a series of injuries during an exercise, and Magda - a former soldier, now diplomat, who has suffered a terrible trauma in the desert and finds herself, with no memory of what happened, in the same infirmary as Ascara. There, the injured women meet a nurse, the survivor of an attack by the gifted who are holed up with pirates and might never see justice. Except that Ascara and Magda decide to embark, alone, on a perilous journey, to seek out the Sonos who damaged Alex.
I liked this prequel to The Towers of the Earth series. Having not read any steampunk/sci-fi/adventure stories before, I really enjoyed the author's writing style, I liked the story, but I felt I probably needed a little more understanding of steampunk to really roll around in the story.
I liked this prequel to The Towers of the Earth series. Having not read any steampunk/sci-fi/adventure stories before, I really enjoyed the author's writing style, I liked the story, but I felt I probably needed a little more understanding of steampunk to really roll around in the story.
January 25, 2020
Great story. Looking forward to reading more!
September 18, 2021
I guess I probbly should have started with the actual number 1 not the prequel? I like reading things in consecutive order and I would have expected this to be written as an entry point.
The book itself was very readable. I like strong, confident female characters and the world this is set in is an attractive world. Some of Ascara's "banter", a lot of it actually was sexual harrassment. Nurses in fact hear shit like that all the time and are hardworking and deserve not to have that as well. That really irritated me. But there was a sweetness to the way she related to Magda and the idea of them both being heroes and going out there guns blazing of whatever appealed to me. I did get bothered that Ascara just ignores what medical professionals say to her because she doesn't like to be constrained and her body heals fast (for no reason that is explained within the book). Shades of anti-vaxxer there. I've criticised Ascara twice but i liked her when she was ignoring or disobeying authority (doctors who are trying to heal you are not the same thing as some male recruit who is "leader" for no good reason).
The story itself, while laudably brief needed a little bit of world-building (put us in this exciting world of airships and desserts) a lot of contextualising and more defined plot. The plot is mainly dialogue which sometimes makes sense, sometimes doesn't really and is very abrupt. I feel like there is more in the author's head than has come out on the page but it was too sparse even for me. More editing process could fix that because I think the idea is a good one. I don't know if maybe the original story was more carefully put together and this was a prequel demanded by fans?
I haven't completely given up on this series yet, I want to like it because of two strong and determined female protagonists and a setting with potential.
The book itself was very readable. I like strong, confident female characters and the world this is set in is an attractive world. Some of Ascara's "banter", a lot of it actually was sexual harrassment. Nurses in fact hear shit like that all the time and are hardworking and deserve not to have that as well. That really irritated me. But there was a sweetness to the way she related to Magda and the idea of them both being heroes and going out there guns blazing of whatever appealed to me. I did get bothered that Ascara just ignores what medical professionals say to her because she doesn't like to be constrained and her body heals fast (for no reason that is explained within the book). Shades of anti-vaxxer there. I've criticised Ascara twice but i liked her when she was ignoring or disobeying authority (doctors who are trying to heal you are not the same thing as some male recruit who is "leader" for no good reason).
The story itself, while laudably brief needed a little bit of world-building (put us in this exciting world of airships and desserts) a lot of contextualising and more defined plot. The plot is mainly dialogue which sometimes makes sense, sometimes doesn't really and is very abrupt. I feel like there is more in the author's head than has come out on the page but it was too sparse even for me. More editing process could fix that because I think the idea is a good one. I don't know if maybe the original story was more carefully put together and this was a prequel demanded by fans?
I haven't completely given up on this series yet, I want to like it because of two strong and determined female protagonists and a setting with potential.
September 9, 2021
I really liked coming into this after having finished the first four regular novels. Magda's story still hurt though even knowing what would happen to her. But it's an excellent prequel in that it elaborates on things that are mentioned but not thoroughly shown in the regular series, and I appreciated that. Also nurse Alex was a dear and Ascara and Magda's beginning was just lovely. Nita Round writes such loveable characters and it is a delight to see them here fighting and growing and being awesome even before they gain all the power they have in the main books.
January 29, 2021
This is my first book by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
Plenty of action from start to finish. Magda and Ascara are strong women. There are pirates and mermaids. What more could you want to take you away to a different place for a few hours.
I will definitely be reading more in the series.
Plenty of action from start to finish. Magda and Ascara are strong women. There are pirates and mermaids. What more could you want to take you away to a different place for a few hours.
I will definitely be reading more in the series.
February 14, 2020
This is an amazing story. I really liked the chapter with Magda and the sonos. It shows compassion. I noticed some grammar and editing issues, which is why I gave 4 stars, otherwise this is a 5 star book
February 9, 2021
I really liked the characters and the world building, and now really want to read book 1 in the series. But having not read the series, this novella feel a little flat for me as it didn’t seem like a complete story, even if short. I’m guessing if I’d read the series this would have been better.
April 21, 2022
A hint of hope it is
This story has a fast moving plot. The dialogues are authentic and natural, making you feel that you are actually part of the scenes. One thing struck me is that the story moves by acts and by showing rather then telling, something that is made by only few talented writers.
The assertive character of Magda is illuminated at the beginning by showing her attitude and courage against the beast, and by her standing along with the men in her unit. The same was done nicely for the recruiter, Ascara, showing her character through the challenging training process. Yet, I expected a bit more tense emotional responses from these two warriors.
I guess at time of stress such emotions can remain hidden, which is fine.
A nice, turning point sentence:
“Where I come from, they say that the measure of a friendship is in the salt that the two have shared.
Salt is expensive…”
Throughout the plot Ascara was a perfect character to balance the spontaneous acts of Magda, building on personal attachment as well.
There are few nice metaphorical text as well.
For example: ‘The creature made a sound. A sound that echoed not only around the cavern but through her. Like the distant waves of a faraway ocean and the quiet beat click of the sea-borne.’
The dialogues by Magda and Ascara in the last few pages are music to my soul, feeding my inspirational feelings.
This story has a fast moving plot. The dialogues are authentic and natural, making you feel that you are actually part of the scenes. One thing struck me is that the story moves by acts and by showing rather then telling, something that is made by only few talented writers.
The assertive character of Magda is illuminated at the beginning by showing her attitude and courage against the beast, and by her standing along with the men in her unit. The same was done nicely for the recruiter, Ascara, showing her character through the challenging training process. Yet, I expected a bit more tense emotional responses from these two warriors.
I guess at time of stress such emotions can remain hidden, which is fine.
A nice, turning point sentence:
“Where I come from, they say that the measure of a friendship is in the salt that the two have shared.
Salt is expensive…”
Throughout the plot Ascara was a perfect character to balance the spontaneous acts of Magda, building on personal attachment as well.
There are few nice metaphorical text as well.
For example: ‘The creature made a sound. A sound that echoed not only around the cavern but through her. Like the distant waves of a faraway ocean and the quiet beat click of the sea-borne.’
The dialogues by Magda and Ascara in the last few pages are music to my soul, feeding my inspirational feelings.
October 20, 2023
It's astonishing to me that a book with so much potential for excitement could prove so bland.
There's mummies and mermaids, airships and pirates, mystical injuries, sexy nurses, superpowers, and adventure. I can see how such a melting pot of tropes and ideas could cause for a messy story, but a boring one? Inconceivable!
And yet, here we are.
In short: Nita Round's writing is boring, and it makes the most interesting of events seem dull. More happens in this teensy novella than in most full-length novels, but it is presented so dryly, so matter-of-fact, that I had absolutely no investment. Mysteries arise, but they seem to be solved within a few paragraphs. People have interminable discussions, asking each other inane questions and seeming to never hear one another's answers. Everything is so rigid. So artificial. None of their interactions feel lifelike.
Anyway, most people seem to love it. Just do yourself a favor: Read the free sample before you buy. The quality of the writing is consistent, and you should know immediately if it's worth your time or not.
There's mummies and mermaids, airships and pirates, mystical injuries, sexy nurses, superpowers, and adventure. I can see how such a melting pot of tropes and ideas could cause for a messy story, but a boring one? Inconceivable!
And yet, here we are.
In short: Nita Round's writing is boring, and it makes the most interesting of events seem dull. More happens in this teensy novella than in most full-length novels, but it is presented so dryly, so matter-of-fact, that I had absolutely no investment. Mysteries arise, but they seem to be solved within a few paragraphs. People have interminable discussions, asking each other inane questions and seeming to never hear one another's answers. Everything is so rigid. So artificial. None of their interactions feel lifelike.
Anyway, most people seem to love it. Just do yourself a favor: Read the free sample before you buy. The quality of the writing is consistent, and you should know immediately if it's worth your time or not.
April 17, 2021
3.5 stars
It took me a little bit to get into this book. For a few pages I debated whether it was worth continuing. This could have been a personal issue of mine as I have read very few steampunk novels and not one for some time. However, I’m so glad I decided to give it a few more pages because suddenly it took off full steam (yes pun definitely intended).
I really enjoyed the gradual drip of information that’s given and the characters and mysteries are quite fascinating.
Was it the best written book? No.
Was it a worthwhile read? Absolutely.
I look forward to reading more of this world and author.
It took me a little bit to get into this book. For a few pages I debated whether it was worth continuing. This could have been a personal issue of mine as I have read very few steampunk novels and not one for some time. However, I’m so glad I decided to give it a few more pages because suddenly it took off full steam (yes pun definitely intended).
I really enjoyed the gradual drip of information that’s given and the characters and mysteries are quite fascinating.
Was it the best written book? No.
Was it a worthwhile read? Absolutely.
I look forward to reading more of this world and author.
November 15, 2020
Having started this series of by reading the touch of truth 1st, then learning about the 1st 2 prequel books. Reading a pinch of salt and Following up with the Second pre quil book called a hint of hope I have Come to enjoy this book series much more thank you !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews