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The Towers of the Earth #1
A Touch of Truth
Three women. One bloody mystery, and a prophesy that transcends time.
People have gone missing and no one knows where they've gone. The only clue left behind is blood, lots of blood, and a single silver brooch.
Magda Stoner, captain of the airship Verity, has questions, and the Order for which she works has no answers to give. She has been directed to enlist assistance from Lucinda Ravensburgh, a tower witch and truthsayer.
Lucinda sees truth in everything she touches, a gift, or curse, enhanced by the magic of the tower in which she resides. It's a gift that comes with great responsibility and a duty to those she serves. When Magda asks for aid, Lucinda cannot refuse.
Whilst Magda and Lucinda seek the evil behind the disappearances, all manner of threats imperil their lives. Ascara is the warrior who must protect them as their search becomes more and more dangerous.
At the moment Lucinda touches the silver brooch, all three lives are changed forever. Three must become one if these strong women are to succeed when traversing the path of justice. But the path they tread is littered with lies, deception, betrayal, and dark forces.
No matter what, the Trinity of Truth must form and hold strong.
"Wise birds whisper, Rage of Fire, Strength of Ice”.
This is the first in the Towers of the Earth fantasy adventure series.
(Note previously released as Raven, Fire and Ice in 2018)
People have gone missing and no one knows where they've gone. The only clue left behind is blood, lots of blood, and a single silver brooch.
Magda Stoner, captain of the airship Verity, has questions, and the Order for which she works has no answers to give. She has been directed to enlist assistance from Lucinda Ravensburgh, a tower witch and truthsayer.
Lucinda sees truth in everything she touches, a gift, or curse, enhanced by the magic of the tower in which she resides. It's a gift that comes with great responsibility and a duty to those she serves. When Magda asks for aid, Lucinda cannot refuse.
Whilst Magda and Lucinda seek the evil behind the disappearances, all manner of threats imperil their lives. Ascara is the warrior who must protect them as their search becomes more and more dangerous.
At the moment Lucinda touches the silver brooch, all three lives are changed forever. Three must become one if these strong women are to succeed when traversing the path of justice. But the path they tread is littered with lies, deception, betrayal, and dark forces.
No matter what, the Trinity of Truth must form and hold strong.
"Wise birds whisper, Rage of Fire, Strength of Ice”.
This is the first in the Towers of the Earth fantasy adventure series.
(Note previously released as Raven, Fire and Ice in 2018)
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2020
178 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Nita Round
29 books86 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 13, 2018
4.5 Stars. I thought this was excellent and I really enjoyed the book. I was very excited to read this. Steampunk fantasy, yes please! This is the first I have read by Round and it will definitely not be my last. If you are a fan of steampunk and or fantasy, give this book a shot. This is the first book in a series. Luckily, while there are storylines open, the main story is complete. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger so you don’t need to wait for the other books to release before you start this series.
This book is about three main characters. Lucinda, a Tower Witch (meaning her powers are amplified by an actual magical tower structure), Ascara a warrior who is as deadly as she is charming, and Magda an airship captain. Magda and Ascara work for a secret organization that deals with monsters and things not quite human. They need Lucinda’s help to discover what has happened to the missing people of Wash Town. The three women most work together to overcome the evil that awaits them.
While this is steampunk it also had a post-apocalyptic feel. With places that had names like Ama’Rican and Angels, it felt like it took place here after something has happened to the earth to put us back into almost Victorian times. Maybe I’m reading too much into everything but that is the impression that I got. The world building is wonderful as is the whole imagination of the story. I was very impressed. Round does a good job of not info dumping in this story. Because of that it does take a little while to understand all the magical aspects, in the beginning, but everything comes together nicely and I was immersed in this new world. This is the kind of book that is well described enough to play like a movie in your mind.
I loved the three strong women main characters. You had the powerful but a bit naive Lucinda (naive because she had not left her tower since the age of 16). The strict by the book captain, with a big heart, Magda. And last but not least the killing machine, warrior who cares Ascara. I just loved Ascara. She is the perfect fantasy character for my personal tastes. There is no romance in this book, but there are definitely feelings between these three women. I enjoyed reading about it and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in the next book.
This book had a great mix of imagination, world building, characters, some mystery, and monsters. This first book was a great step in the beginning of an epic fantasy adventure. I absolutely recommend this to fantasy and or steampunk fans. I will be reading book 2 as soon as it releases.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
This book is about three main characters. Lucinda, a Tower Witch (meaning her powers are amplified by an actual magical tower structure), Ascara a warrior who is as deadly as she is charming, and Magda an airship captain. Magda and Ascara work for a secret organization that deals with monsters and things not quite human. They need Lucinda’s help to discover what has happened to the missing people of Wash Town. The three women most work together to overcome the evil that awaits them.
While this is steampunk it also had a post-apocalyptic feel. With places that had names like Ama’Rican and Angels, it felt like it took place here after something has happened to the earth to put us back into almost Victorian times. Maybe I’m reading too much into everything but that is the impression that I got. The world building is wonderful as is the whole imagination of the story. I was very impressed. Round does a good job of not info dumping in this story. Because of that it does take a little while to understand all the magical aspects, in the beginning, but everything comes together nicely and I was immersed in this new world. This is the kind of book that is well described enough to play like a movie in your mind.
I loved the three strong women main characters. You had the powerful but a bit naive Lucinda (naive because she had not left her tower since the age of 16). The strict by the book captain, with a big heart, Magda. And last but not least the killing machine, warrior who cares Ascara. I just loved Ascara. She is the perfect fantasy character for my personal tastes. There is no romance in this book, but there are definitely feelings between these three women. I enjoyed reading about it and I can’t wait to see how it plays out in the next book.
This book had a great mix of imagination, world building, characters, some mystery, and monsters. This first book was a great step in the beginning of an epic fantasy adventure. I absolutely recommend this to fantasy and or steampunk fans. I will be reading book 2 as soon as it releases.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
March 4, 2019
This is a wonderful start to steampunk/fantasy series. Lucinda Ravensburgh, the primary of the rainbow tower, is sent some artefacts, and a lot of money, to ascertain what happened to the owners of the artefacts. Lucinda’s power is that she envisions the circumstances of the owner when she holds something belonging to them, especially when there is strong emotion or trauma associated with it. The token she is sent gives her gruesome and ghastly visions of blood and mayhem so that when the sender of the token arrives at her tower she is rightly infuriated at not having received any warning. Captain Magda Stoner, of the Order of Sacred Truth and captain of the airship Verity is the unlucky recipient of her ire.
Captain Stoner needs to accompany Lucinda across the ocean to Wash Town to the scene of the crime as Lucinda’s power may be the key to unravelling the mystery. Between Magda and Officer Ascara, the chief security officer, Lucinda is to be guarded and protected at all times and their journey turns out to be very eventful.
I was completely immersed in this world which is a mash-up of steampunk and fantasy. Lucinda is a strong-willed, quick-witted and flirtatious woman and she’s hard not to like. Magda is stoic and dedicated to her duty and Ascara has the same dedication but she’s much freer with her emotions. The three of them have a really engaging dynamic and even though there is no romance in this novel there is a lot of connection and emotion.
There were one or two parts where the pace slowed a little but that seems to happen in most fantasy novels where a new world is being described. The world bears a strong resemblance to earth where Lucinda is from the Angles (probably England) and their journey is to the Ama’ Rican city of Wash Town which gives an easier concept of distance and land mass although the culture and habitats are incredibly imaginative.
Even though this doesn’t end in a cliff hanger there is clearly a continuation needed I’m really looking forward to the second in the series which is due in April.
Book received from the author for an honest review.
Captain Stoner needs to accompany Lucinda across the ocean to Wash Town to the scene of the crime as Lucinda’s power may be the key to unravelling the mystery. Between Magda and Officer Ascara, the chief security officer, Lucinda is to be guarded and protected at all times and their journey turns out to be very eventful.
I was completely immersed in this world which is a mash-up of steampunk and fantasy. Lucinda is a strong-willed, quick-witted and flirtatious woman and she’s hard not to like. Magda is stoic and dedicated to her duty and Ascara has the same dedication but she’s much freer with her emotions. The three of them have a really engaging dynamic and even though there is no romance in this novel there is a lot of connection and emotion.
There were one or two parts where the pace slowed a little but that seems to happen in most fantasy novels where a new world is being described. The world bears a strong resemblance to earth where Lucinda is from the Angles (probably England) and their journey is to the Ama’ Rican city of Wash Town which gives an easier concept of distance and land mass although the culture and habitats are incredibly imaginative.
Even though this doesn’t end in a cliff hanger there is clearly a continuation needed I’m really looking forward to the second in the series which is due in April.
Book received from the author for an honest review.
April 3, 2019
I'm struggling to write a review for this read. While "Raven, Fire and Ice" is the type of book I love to consume, I came away with a lukewarm response. Part of this may be explained by the fact that I was only able to read about a chapter a day versus reading the book over a day or two. The other part has to do with pacing and characters.
Basically, if you're into superhero like stories and/or journey style adventures, you'll probably enjoy this.
Despite my lukewarm impression, there are elements of the story I loved. I was excited to jump in the airship along with Lucinda and the other characters. We have three strong women that lead the narrative, fighting baddies and going on adventures. Lucinda Ravensburgh is a lead witch whose point of view we see most of the story through and she's a fun, spitfire of a character. Magda is the by the book military officer leading the mission and Ascara is her more rogue-like second in command. We get a lot of witty banter from Lucinda and I liked the interactions between the ladies.
Overall, the book holds a good amount of action, the world was original, and there's no lack of imagination from Nita Round.
That said, there's a lot that needed to be established in this debut book to the series and I think that impacted part of my enjoyment because it created a meandering effect. The story quickly kicks off with a missing persons mystery but that gets side-railed as we journey to a new land and encounter various obstacles and monsters along the way. I almost forgot what the mission was ultimately for.
The middle of the book is meant for us to discover what types of powers the lead characters possess, particularly for Lucinda to learn her true abilities and who she is, grow the relationships between the three women, and let us in on the rules of how this world works. It kept my interest but at the expense of pacing. The last quarter of the book, we return to the missing persons case which I found less riveting due to predictability and the characters suddenly seeming more generic.
I think more than anything, my key issue was that, though I liked the three women and their dynamic, there was also a superficial feel to them. Lucinda we get a pretty good idea of but Magda and especially Ascara are more of a mystery. I couldn't get very deep into their psyches or vulnerabilities or where they came from. I really crave this kind of thing. I have an inkling we'll uncover more as the series unfolds.
Do know the story introduces a potential f/f/f V-shaped poly relationship between these three ladies and there's a sort of instalove between at least two of them (that's explained by their powers). However, there's no sex in this book and the relationship statuses remain undefined. We get a good amount of flirting and cuddles though.
The book ends on a "more to come" style cliffhanger but the first book wraps itself up and feels complete.
Being a fan of these types of reads you may be asking how it compares to Anna Burke's "Compass" or Elizabeth Watasin's "Dark Victorian" because they share a lot of qualities. I'd say it was on par with my enjoyment of "Compass" while not achieving the levels of "Dark Victorian".
I think this is a good start to a fresh and original series and look forward to the adventures with Lucinda, Magda, and Ascara.
3.6 rounding up to 4 stars.
Basically, if you're into superhero like stories and/or journey style adventures, you'll probably enjoy this.
Despite my lukewarm impression, there are elements of the story I loved. I was excited to jump in the airship along with Lucinda and the other characters. We have three strong women that lead the narrative, fighting baddies and going on adventures. Lucinda Ravensburgh is a lead witch whose point of view we see most of the story through and she's a fun, spitfire of a character. Magda is the by the book military officer leading the mission and Ascara is her more rogue-like second in command. We get a lot of witty banter from Lucinda and I liked the interactions between the ladies.
Overall, the book holds a good amount of action, the world was original, and there's no lack of imagination from Nita Round.
That said, there's a lot that needed to be established in this debut book to the series and I think that impacted part of my enjoyment because it created a meandering effect. The story quickly kicks off with a missing persons mystery but that gets side-railed as we journey to a new land and encounter various obstacles and monsters along the way. I almost forgot what the mission was ultimately for.
The middle of the book is meant for us to discover what types of powers the lead characters possess, particularly for Lucinda to learn her true abilities and who she is, grow the relationships between the three women, and let us in on the rules of how this world works. It kept my interest but at the expense of pacing. The last quarter of the book, we return to the missing persons case which I found less riveting due to predictability and the characters suddenly seeming more generic.
I think more than anything, my key issue was that, though I liked the three women and their dynamic, there was also a superficial feel to them. Lucinda we get a pretty good idea of but Magda and especially Ascara are more of a mystery. I couldn't get very deep into their psyches or vulnerabilities or where they came from. I really crave this kind of thing. I have an inkling we'll uncover more as the series unfolds.
Do know the story introduces a potential f/f/f V-shaped poly relationship between these three ladies and there's a sort of instalove between at least two of them (that's explained by their powers). However, there's no sex in this book and the relationship statuses remain undefined. We get a good amount of flirting and cuddles though.
The book ends on a "more to come" style cliffhanger but the first book wraps itself up and feels complete.
Being a fan of these types of reads you may be asking how it compares to Anna Burke's "Compass" or Elizabeth Watasin's "Dark Victorian" because they share a lot of qualities. I'd say it was on par with my enjoyment of "Compass" while not achieving the levels of "Dark Victorian".
I think this is a good start to a fresh and original series and look forward to the adventures with Lucinda, Magda, and Ascara.
3.6 rounding up to 4 stars.
August 8, 2018
Raven, Fire and Ice is the first book in A Touch of Truth Series by Nita Round. It follows the story of Lucinda Ravensburgh a Tower Witch, who is also a psychometrist, (in short the ability to read objects) and the lead on Rainbow Tower. I do not pretend to understand her special gifts/skills and I think my brain tuned out when it believed the concept would be too difficult, however this did not stop me from liking the character of Lucinda and being invested in what happened to her.
Lucinda is tasked with working with Captain Magda Stoner and Ascara, a security officer. Captain Stoner asked for her help in finding out why the people of Wash Town are disappearing, but was particularly secretive about all that it would entail. I liked the relationship that develops between the three of them, it made for interesting reading. I got the sense that they cared for each other in their own unique ways and humour was part of the mix too. And because they cared I cared too.
I particularly liked the way the book ended with dialogue, so you are left with no uncertainty there is more to come, though this being the first in a series should also give let you know that too!
I believe the book fits the series title A Touch of Truth perfectly. If you want a book that will stretch your imagination and contains strong leading female characters, then this is one to read. It is a Steam Punk novel and has essences of Fantasy, Dystopian and Sci Fi too.
Lucinda is tasked with working with Captain Magda Stoner and Ascara, a security officer. Captain Stoner asked for her help in finding out why the people of Wash Town are disappearing, but was particularly secretive about all that it would entail. I liked the relationship that develops between the three of them, it made for interesting reading. I got the sense that they cared for each other in their own unique ways and humour was part of the mix too. And because they cared I cared too.
I particularly liked the way the book ended with dialogue, so you are left with no uncertainty there is more to come, though this being the first in a series should also give let you know that too!
I believe the book fits the series title A Touch of Truth perfectly. If you want a book that will stretch your imagination and contains strong leading female characters, then this is one to read. It is a Steam Punk novel and has essences of Fantasy, Dystopian and Sci Fi too.
May 3, 2018
This is my favourite book so far in 2018, and has set the standard I hope others follow. I confess I have never been that interested in steampunk and sci-fi, but with this book who cares, its just a fantastic gripping read. Its set in Victorian times but with a scifi twist.
It has not one but three strong female MCs. How great is that? One has magical powers (foresight), female warrior and an airship captain (very proper, but full of promise). So a witch, amazon & airship captain are thrown together to solve a crime which leads to so much more.
I love the depth of the characters, the action packed story and how the interplay between the 3 unfolds.
My only niggle is when will book 2 be released?
It has not one but three strong female MCs. How great is that? One has magical powers (foresight), female warrior and an airship captain (very proper, but full of promise). So a witch, amazon & airship captain are thrown together to solve a crime which leads to so much more.
I love the depth of the characters, the action packed story and how the interplay between the 3 unfolds.
My only niggle is when will book 2 be released?
December 21, 2020
This story is so fun and I really can't believe more folx haven't read it. The world building and character development is terrific. While there is little to no romance there is no shortage of emotional intimacy between the three powerful women.
Very much looking forward to the next books and learning more about Magda and Ascara. I'm definitely team Magda, though. She's my kinda dashing soldier.
Very much looking forward to the next books and learning more about Magda and Ascara. I'm definitely team Magda, though. She's my kinda dashing soldier.
June 12, 2018
Definitely one of my favorite books of 2018. This book is hard to put into a specific genre, but think dystopian (sometime in the future, post-apocalypse), steampunk (with a Victorian feel), urban fantasy (except not contemporary urban). Again, Round writes with her slow reveal style, holding back on some information, creating riddles and puzzles for us to figure out right alongside her characters. And again, I was thoroughly captivated, turning pages as fast as I could, unable to put the book down. She's created three extremely different and well-developed characters, and it's hard to pick a favorite. The world is new, exciting, and complete, yet just familiar enough to keep you making connections. This all results in a story that delivers the whole experience, entertaining, engaging, intriguing, and more. A great start to the series and definitely leaving me wanting more.
May 3, 2020
A re-read update: Reads as well the second time. Nice to read after the two prequels fill in some of the blanks.
There are three lead characters, and they are three kick-ass women who are fleshed out and interesting. Each woman has her own strengths and weaknesses which blend well with the other women. The triangle between them reads well and adds tension and humour, but the romance is a minor issue at this point, but I hope there is more in the next book. Secondary characters are also well devised.
Stylistically. It is all show. No telling and no info dumping. The story takes you on a ride through the book with action and humour. World building is complete and subtle. There are clues and potential puzzles everywhere, and from past experience, Nita Round always litters her plot with subtle, and some not so subtle, hints that blend into the story, like little threads that when you see them they become more meaningful. For this reason, as soon as I had read it, I read it again.
The story is complete, but there are lots of questions that I expect to see answered in book two.
There are three lead characters, and they are three kick-ass women who are fleshed out and interesting. Each woman has her own strengths and weaknesses which blend well with the other women. The triangle between them reads well and adds tension and humour, but the romance is a minor issue at this point, but I hope there is more in the next book. Secondary characters are also well devised.
Stylistically. It is all show. No telling and no info dumping. The story takes you on a ride through the book with action and humour. World building is complete and subtle. There are clues and potential puzzles everywhere, and from past experience, Nita Round always litters her plot with subtle, and some not so subtle, hints that blend into the story, like little threads that when you see them they become more meaningful. For this reason, as soon as I had read it, I read it again.
The story is complete, but there are lots of questions that I expect to see answered in book two.
November 16, 2020
This is so bloody good!!
This night Queen that Lucinda, Mag and Ascara have to face seems so untouchable, and the bitch keeps using innocents to do her evil bidding. The bond between the three just keeps getting stronger, which is great to see... but is this gonna turn into a threesome? Someone's gonna get hurt, aren't they? Please NO!
I must start the next book now.
This night Queen that Lucinda, Mag and Ascara have to face seems so untouchable, and the bitch keeps using innocents to do her evil bidding. The bond between the three just keeps getting stronger, which is great to see... but is this gonna turn into a threesome? Someone's gonna get hurt, aren't they? Please NO!
I must start the next book now.
September 4, 2018
Oh wow! As soon as I started reading Raven, Fire and Ice, my eyes were glued to the page. Do not let the very brief book blurb fool you. This is a riveting story of rich characters, compelling earth magic and a vibrant setting that pulls you right into the scene.
Okay, that was a typical wrap-up paragraph for me. But I wanted to get your attention. The reason I decided to read Raven, Fire and Ice is because the author described it as steampunk. When added to the blurb, I thought, sure, I’ll give it a go. Wise move.
When the story begins, Lucinda Ravensburgh is doing her thing, using her gifts in her position as… Well, you don’t know what she is, so you just keep reading to figure it out. And it takes a while, but in the mean-time the action is riveting. The author’s style of writing is mostly dialog and action. There is not an abundance of descriptive narration and almost no internal character musings. It works well and made the story move very quickly for me, despite the 422 pages (so says Amazon).
The just right amount of descriptive narration vividly paints settings. From the Angles tower to the huge airship that must cause a bit of airship envy. From the new Raven Tower to the city of Wash Town with it’s many levels and layers. The brilliant settings seemed to take a life of their own, as much as the characters did.
And since characters make the story, I should say a bit about them. Lucinda is both confident and unsure. These two traits seem contradictory, but her honesty about them is both humble and boastful. I like her direct manner very much. Captain Magda Stoner made a brilliant entrance into the story clinging to proper titles so much that it became almost irritating. But it set the tone for her character. Correct, maybe a little uptight, but extremely capable. She is Captain of the airship with an assorted crew of able airship operators. Officer Ascara is in charge of security on the airship and off of it. Her seemingly casual manner is supplemented by vigilance and she is relentless when performing her duties.
This trio of women are an unlikely team of detectives that will discover the truth about disappearing people in Wash Town. While Lucinda was the person hired to do the job, Magda and Ascara are the catalysts that help her complete the process. Individually, each has her strengths. But as the team, the sum of the whole is greater than the parts. I like them very much!
They are more than a team which you will discover when you read about the Raven Tower and its emergence. They do spend a little time naked together and admiring each other in their nakedness. Are they meant to be more than a crime-solving team? In Raven, Fire and Ice, they do not become lovers, but the implication is that there might be something in the future. Each approaches the possibility of such a relationship in her own unique manner: amusement, pointlessness, hopefulness. I like that the relationship stays on a professional level, at least for now. These three women as main characters overshadow all the other characters.
I will leave you with a passage from early in the book. More of foretoken of things to come, it also ties into the title:
The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Okay, that was a typical wrap-up paragraph for me. But I wanted to get your attention. The reason I decided to read Raven, Fire and Ice is because the author described it as steampunk. When added to the blurb, I thought, sure, I’ll give it a go. Wise move.
When the story begins, Lucinda Ravensburgh is doing her thing, using her gifts in her position as… Well, you don’t know what she is, so you just keep reading to figure it out. And it takes a while, but in the mean-time the action is riveting. The author’s style of writing is mostly dialog and action. There is not an abundance of descriptive narration and almost no internal character musings. It works well and made the story move very quickly for me, despite the 422 pages (so says Amazon).
The just right amount of descriptive narration vividly paints settings. From the Angles tower to the huge airship that must cause a bit of airship envy. From the new Raven Tower to the city of Wash Town with it’s many levels and layers. The brilliant settings seemed to take a life of their own, as much as the characters did.
And since characters make the story, I should say a bit about them. Lucinda is both confident and unsure. These two traits seem contradictory, but her honesty about them is both humble and boastful. I like her direct manner very much. Captain Magda Stoner made a brilliant entrance into the story clinging to proper titles so much that it became almost irritating. But it set the tone for her character. Correct, maybe a little uptight, but extremely capable. She is Captain of the airship with an assorted crew of able airship operators. Officer Ascara is in charge of security on the airship and off of it. Her seemingly casual manner is supplemented by vigilance and she is relentless when performing her duties.
This trio of women are an unlikely team of detectives that will discover the truth about disappearing people in Wash Town. While Lucinda was the person hired to do the job, Magda and Ascara are the catalysts that help her complete the process. Individually, each has her strengths. But as the team, the sum of the whole is greater than the parts. I like them very much!
They are more than a team which you will discover when you read about the Raven Tower and its emergence. They do spend a little time naked together and admiring each other in their nakedness. Are they meant to be more than a crime-solving team? In Raven, Fire and Ice, they do not become lovers, but the implication is that there might be something in the future. Each approaches the possibility of such a relationship in her own unique manner: amusement, pointlessness, hopefulness. I like that the relationship stays on a professional level, at least for now. These three women as main characters overshadow all the other characters.
I will leave you with a passage from early in the book. More of foretoken of things to come, it also ties into the title:
As the door closed Lucinda leaned back in her chair and stared at the bare walls over the book cases. There were three quotes etched into the wall, and Lucinda recalled reading them over and over again. “Wise birds whisper,” she read, “Rage of fire,” on another part. Finally, “Strength of ice.” The words didn’t mean anything, yet they gave her a kind of comfort. No one knew why the words had appeared, but it had been in the early days of the tower’s formation.
The author provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2018
Raven, Fire and Ice by Nita Round is a highly original steampunk story imbued with spirits, airships, Krakens, mysticism and demons. The world building is superbly creative, loosely based on our own world or perhaps, a future/alternate version of our world. We are introduced to places such as Mid-Angle and the Ama’Rican city of Wash Town which have obvious real-life parallels but with a more industrial revolution fused with Victorian propriety and mystic feel to them. Citizens of Wash Town are disappearing and officials are unable to solve the mystery. A special investigations group known as the Order of Sacred Truth, that deal with more supernatural crimes, enlist the help of a Tower Witch to try and piece together this strange and deadly puzzle.
The characterization is equally phenomenal. The three protagonists embody each component of the title:
Wise Birds Whisper…Lucinda Ravensburgh, a powerful tower witch and psychometrist (someone able to read objects), represents the Raven. Embodying the raven’s symbolic traits of intellect, inventiveness and intimidation (ooh alliteration!), she is a strong-willed, powerful and proper Victorian woman! The raven is symbolically known to solve puzzles, and Lucinda is tasked with seeking the truth and solving the mystery plaguing the people of Wash Town.
Rage of Fire…Ascara, a loyal and fierce Amazon, represents Fire. Her rage fuels Lucinda’s power. She embodies fierce, difficult to control passion and her fiery rage is a destructive weapon harnessed and focused by Lucinda.
Strength of Ice…Magda Stoner is an Oceanic, people who live their entire lives aboard-ship. She is Captain of the impressive airship Verity, an apt name for the conveyance of seekers of the truth. She represents Ice and is a symbol of cool rigidity.
Rather than pondering a la Robert Frost whether Fire or Ice will bring upon the end of the world, it is the power of both, harnessed by the Raven that will be needed to save it from destruction at the hands of Sh’Na queen of the desert. The pace of the story flowed very naturally keeping me fully rapt from start to finish. This was a very hard book to put down! I completely enjoyed the fruits of the author’s imagination and found this to be a very refreshing and original read. This is the first book in Round’s Touch of Truth series and I very much look forward to the rest!
The characterization is equally phenomenal. The three protagonists embody each component of the title:
Wise Birds Whisper…Lucinda Ravensburgh, a powerful tower witch and psychometrist (someone able to read objects), represents the Raven. Embodying the raven’s symbolic traits of intellect, inventiveness and intimidation (ooh alliteration!), she is a strong-willed, powerful and proper Victorian woman! The raven is symbolically known to solve puzzles, and Lucinda is tasked with seeking the truth and solving the mystery plaguing the people of Wash Town.
Rage of Fire…Ascara, a loyal and fierce Amazon, represents Fire. Her rage fuels Lucinda’s power. She embodies fierce, difficult to control passion and her fiery rage is a destructive weapon harnessed and focused by Lucinda.
Strength of Ice…Magda Stoner is an Oceanic, people who live their entire lives aboard-ship. She is Captain of the impressive airship Verity, an apt name for the conveyance of seekers of the truth. She represents Ice and is a symbol of cool rigidity.
Rather than pondering a la Robert Frost whether Fire or Ice will bring upon the end of the world, it is the power of both, harnessed by the Raven that will be needed to save it from destruction at the hands of Sh’Na queen of the desert. The pace of the story flowed very naturally keeping me fully rapt from start to finish. This was a very hard book to put down! I completely enjoyed the fruits of the author’s imagination and found this to be a very refreshing and original read. This is the first book in Round’s Touch of Truth series and I very much look forward to the rest!
July 16, 2018
Little bit of steampunk, little bit of fantasy, full on mystery Raven, Fire and Ice will keep you captivated! Nita Round has delivered a well developed setting, characters and plot, check out my review below!!
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June 6, 2019
I really really loved this book. You know a story is good when you go back and reread lines. Not out of confusion but out of pure enjoyment, in wanting to relive that moment again. It’s great to come across a book with not one badass lead but three. Three who are completely comfortable in their sexuality.
The world building and story were just so on point, the Author let you get to know the characters from the very first page. She made them real, made them easy to connect with. I just love how the magic/abilities and all that work in this world. It kept the story fresh.
Loving forward to the rest in the series.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
The world building and story were just so on point, the Author let you get to know the characters from the very first page. She made them real, made them easy to connect with. I just love how the magic/abilities and all that work in this world. It kept the story fresh.
Loving forward to the rest in the series.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
July 17, 2018
My first steampunk read was The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger. I had hoped then to find something close to that with more female power and I believe this is a good one. I hope to see more of their power unravel further and see how the story continues.
August 18, 2020
It's all coming together with this book. There's lots of 'gifted' activity and Lucinda is a piece of work. Somehow Magda's past is tied into whatever's going on with what Lucinda saw in that brooch and OMG it's a story to follow. Effective description of land and seascapes and I did desire to ride in an airship. This is the first steampunk genre I've read that is enjoyable. Crisp dialogue and the surprises abound. I truly can't share more than 'read the book' because if I go into any detail it will be full of spoilers. I'm on to the next in the series.
February 3, 2019
*I received a free copy of this novel, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Raven, Fire and Ice is either a mystery with fantasy elements, or a fantasy with mystery elements. Either way it is an intriguing addition to either genre.
Aesthetically the novel is steampunk in style, with airships, corsets and clocks at the forefront of the action. There is also a strong ‘female power’ vibe, not just because all of the main characters are lesbian, but more because men do not feature strongly in the plot, with the females taking the lead in magic, leadership, decision-making and action. Nita Round has created a society which seems to be old-fashioned in technology and forward-thinking in equality.
The plot manages to cover a lot of ground in quite a short space of time: cults, old gods, murder mystery, and some Lovecraftian shenanigans with creatures of the deep. Lucinda keeps her cool and banters her way lightly through much of the gore and peril, even managing to score herself two or three love interests and a whole score of additional admirers! I was reminded of both Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate and Elizabeth Peters’ Peabody in terms of the witty style of dialogue and sharply affectionate relationships between the main characters.
Those who enjoy strongly femalecentric steampunk fantasy will really enjoy this book, and the great news is that it’s the first in the A Touch of Truth series, so there will be more to come from the psychometrist and her dashing ‘bodyguards’!
“You need to settle yourself. I’ll organiser a pot of tea for your whilst I arrange for the captain to be admitted.” She couldn’t hide the distaste in her voice. “Some food might be a good idea, too. I’m not sure when you last ate anything.”
Lucinda shook her head. She couldn’t recall her last meal either. “I know I forget sometimes, but a nice slice of fruitcake would be wonderful, and be a dear and fetch my shotgun at the same time please?”
“What on earth for?”
“I need to be ready for the soldier.”
“Lucinda!”
“Well you don’t want him here either.”
“That’s no reason to shoot someone.”
Lucinda snorted. “Calm down, I’m not going to shoot anyone, not in here. It’d ruin the rug for a start. No, I want to wave the gun around in a threatening manner.”
“Right,” Amelia said as she left.
– Nita Round, Raven, Fire and Ice
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Raven, Fire and Ice is either a mystery with fantasy elements, or a fantasy with mystery elements. Either way it is an intriguing addition to either genre.
Aesthetically the novel is steampunk in style, with airships, corsets and clocks at the forefront of the action. There is also a strong ‘female power’ vibe, not just because all of the main characters are lesbian, but more because men do not feature strongly in the plot, with the females taking the lead in magic, leadership, decision-making and action. Nita Round has created a society which seems to be old-fashioned in technology and forward-thinking in equality.
The plot manages to cover a lot of ground in quite a short space of time: cults, old gods, murder mystery, and some Lovecraftian shenanigans with creatures of the deep. Lucinda keeps her cool and banters her way lightly through much of the gore and peril, even managing to score herself two or three love interests and a whole score of additional admirers! I was reminded of both Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate and Elizabeth Peters’ Peabody in terms of the witty style of dialogue and sharply affectionate relationships between the main characters.
Those who enjoy strongly femalecentric steampunk fantasy will really enjoy this book, and the great news is that it’s the first in the A Touch of Truth series, so there will be more to come from the psychometrist and her dashing ‘bodyguards’!
“You need to settle yourself. I’ll organiser a pot of tea for your whilst I arrange for the captain to be admitted.” She couldn’t hide the distaste in her voice. “Some food might be a good idea, too. I’m not sure when you last ate anything.”
Lucinda shook her head. She couldn’t recall her last meal either. “I know I forget sometimes, but a nice slice of fruitcake would be wonderful, and be a dear and fetch my shotgun at the same time please?”
“What on earth for?”
“I need to be ready for the soldier.”
“Lucinda!”
“Well you don’t want him here either.”
“That’s no reason to shoot someone.”
Lucinda snorted. “Calm down, I’m not going to shoot anyone, not in here. It’d ruin the rug for a start. No, I want to wave the gun around in a threatening manner.”
“Right,” Amelia said as she left.
– Nita Round, Raven, Fire and Ice
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
July 1, 2020
Wow! A must read for any fantasy, steampunk -like genre readers!
An incredible story. The main character, Lucinda, is spectacularly written. I was so into The lead characters and story I lost track of time and was up til the middle of the night soon could finish the book. Can't wait to read book 2!
An incredible story. The main character, Lucinda, is spectacularly written. I was so into The lead characters and story I lost track of time and was up til the middle of the night soon could finish the book. Can't wait to read book 2!
November 6, 2020
wow.. I didnt expect to like this story that much... the cover threw me off since I'm really not into sea monsters at all.
Another reason I didnt read this book right away ( came across this series a few months back) was that there is no romance either, and that's currently a deal breaker for me..
Well I was wrong... sea monsters are awesome ( actually I really liked the entire story from beginning to end) and the connection between the 3 mains runs deep and and the feels are definitely beyond friendship... love it..
I'm going to start reading book 2 right away.. :)
Another reason I didnt read this book right away ( came across this series a few months back) was that there is no romance either, and that's currently a deal breaker for me..
Well I was wrong... sea monsters are awesome ( actually I really liked the entire story from beginning to end) and the connection between the 3 mains runs deep and and the feels are definitely beyond friendship... love it..
I'm going to start reading book 2 right away.. :)
December 25, 2018
This fantasy/steampunk novel was a glue read, one you can't put down and sticks with you. The development of the characters relationship was almost a character itself and a strong driving force in the story. The conflict and draw of the three main characters will keep you reading that "one more page".
September 6, 2021
(Maybe not quite a five but I'm rounding up) I nearly didn't pick this one up, as I sometimes find "steampunk" things irritating, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. It's a fine adventure story with a unique world and creative mythology. There's an airship and some steam/clock stuff but it's not over the top or detracting from the story. There's an implication that it's sort of a post apocalyptic society (mentions of a "fall") but has more of an alternate reality timeless feel to it. Yes it's a "chosen one" narrative and it does meander a bit, but it's fun and captivating throughout. There's no romance to speak of, but some flirtation and the implication of a relationship of some type between three women, NOT a love triangle, which I thought was kind of cool. Oh and for content warnings there's some pretty nasty blood and gore.
June 13, 2018
I put it aside a few weeks ago, and I still don't have the feeling I should pick it up again. I think it's time to admit defeat.
July 5, 2020
This series is, one hell of, an epic adventure! I’m totally addicted and can’t get enough of it. Everything you could possible dream of is here. Mummies, Magic, Gods, Witches, Pirates, Robots, Krackens, Mermaids, the fight for all humanity, and so much more. I especially love the bond between Magda, Ascara, and Lucinda. With each book their connection and Trinity only strengthens and becomes deeper. I definitely can’t wait for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2020
Great story telling and world building
Well balanced between action and mystery. Love all three protagonist and there relationships and growth. The world building is great
Well balanced between action and mystery. Love all three protagonist and there relationships and growth. The world building is great
August 25, 2020
This is such a worth series. I read one book and couldn't stop. Each character brings a whole new perspective and challenges, the plot is exciting and always brings new twists.
August 8, 2021
A touch of ingenuity
Thrilling, layered, and deliciously complicated, this book and series blends steampunk, fantasy, and magic in a new unique way. The author’s trinity is complicated, layered, and oh so addicting in a very welcome queer twist of sapphic and possible polyamorous badassery! If you enjoy diverse narratives, speculative fiction, and enrapturing mythos this is the book for you. Best of all the queer women have not been killed, which is a huge bonus. Did I mention the strength of these layered women mirrors the strength of the towers that this book centers on? Long live the trinity!
Thrilling, layered, and deliciously complicated, this book and series blends steampunk, fantasy, and magic in a new unique way. The author’s trinity is complicated, layered, and oh so addicting in a very welcome queer twist of sapphic and possible polyamorous badassery! If you enjoy diverse narratives, speculative fiction, and enrapturing mythos this is the book for you. Best of all the queer women have not been killed, which is a huge bonus. Did I mention the strength of these layered women mirrors the strength of the towers that this book centers on? Long live the trinity!
July 12, 2023
3 stars. A very entertaining and fun read but the pacing of this was so off. It was uneven and a lot of the time I felt myself a bit bored. I went in already familiar with these characters and the world because of the two prequel novellas. This series is well written but I’m not totally in love with it. This was good but I didn’t get to the end with an urge to immediately jump into the next book. I’ll get there eventually. I don’t have much to say honestly which is the hardest books to review when I all I can say is ‘it was good…next’. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a steampunk fantasy series with a sapphic poly relationship between the three main characters.
March 31, 2022
Funny and Interesting
I like much of the dialogue and characters. The story is very interesting. I’m not sure if I like the relationship of the 3 main characters. I feel it is unresolved and I am unsure if I will read more.
I like much of the dialogue and characters. The story is very interesting. I’m not sure if I like the relationship of the 3 main characters. I feel it is unresolved and I am unsure if I will read more.
January 25, 2021
The genre of this book isn’t something I’d normally read. I enjoyed the character Ascara the most, the other 2 mains were okay, I found Lucinda to be a bit aloof and seemed to lack a sense of urgency. There was a lot happening in this book and I had some trouble following. Being the first in a series I’m sure this will all come together in the following books.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and following the progression of the 3 mains.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and following the progression of the 3 mains.
February 14, 2022
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: full-time writer, butch character, out of your comfort zone, unusual job, meet-cute, not a romance, author's pick; UNICORN: 400+ pages, faith
This was a reread for me, and the second time was just as fantastic as my first read. I loved this book so much that I hadn't even completed reading it when I bought the prequels and the rest of the series last year.
A blend of mostly fantasy and a bit of steampunk, with strong and complex female leads, created a marvelous story that leaves a reader wanting more. Three women were unknowingly bound in a destiny that was barely revealed in book one of The Towers of Earth. I highly recommended it last year, & I still do.
This was a reread for me, and the second time was just as fantastic as my first read. I loved this book so much that I hadn't even completed reading it when I bought the prequels and the rest of the series last year.
A blend of mostly fantasy and a bit of steampunk, with strong and complex female leads, created a marvelous story that leaves a reader wanting more. Three women were unknowingly bound in a destiny that was barely revealed in book one of The Towers of Earth. I highly recommended it last year, & I still do.
October 26, 2024
3 stars. This book was fairly interesting with a unique world having been built by the author. Unfortunately, I simply felt everything was slightly off. The notion that a "trade company" can cruise around the world and enforce its will on countries/societies was odd, or at least needed explanation/development. The three main characters were inconsistent. At times they were strong and at times weak. Then the sapphic atmosphere. We have the three female main characters immediately physically attracted to one another, yet none of them moving beyond hand holding and brief cheek kisses. None of the three is a young girl, yet they blush and act extraordinarily prudish when one of them simply has to remove her outer garments to be cleaned, I'll likely read the next in the series, but I'm hoping for more story consistency, character development, and world background.
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