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Sufferborn #1
Sufferborn
Her life had been planned out for her, until an elf with a fiery past came to tempt her future.
In an age of hostility toward elves in her region, Kalea couldn't just stand and gawk while one of the handsome creatures was caught stealing. He might've died had she not helped him escape his grim fate. This was her first sin and she is aware of it. She might have set in motion the ruination of her social standing, her chastity, and ultimately her life...if not her own preservation.
She warns him not to follow her, yet the elf, Dorhen, manages to find her home at the convent where she is looking forward to a long, peaceful life of prayer and study. She is about to take her vow of chastity, and although consorting with any male is forbidden, Kalea can't resist her fascination with his beautiful eyes and sweet, gentle nature. A precarious interest in Dorhen begins to blossom within her. Meanwhile, a sinister plot unfolding in her home region is about to slither right into her safe little convent in the forest, bringing Dorhen's ominous past with it.
When sorcerers raid the convent and kidnap the other novices, Kalea manages to escape with Dorhen's help, but he vanishes in the aftermath of the attack. Determined to save her sisters and the elf she loves, Kalea sets out on a perilous journey across a land rife with magic and festering with an unknown evil... an evil that threatens to destroy all Kalea holds dear.
Sufferborn is a sprawling, dark fantasy with sensual elements that explores the power of faith, supernatural dreams, and love. It follows the treacherous journey of a heartbroken young woman as she struggles to let her old life go in order to achieve the desires of her heart.
In an age of hostility toward elves in her region, Kalea couldn't just stand and gawk while one of the handsome creatures was caught stealing. He might've died had she not helped him escape his grim fate. This was her first sin and she is aware of it. She might have set in motion the ruination of her social standing, her chastity, and ultimately her life...if not her own preservation.
She warns him not to follow her, yet the elf, Dorhen, manages to find her home at the convent where she is looking forward to a long, peaceful life of prayer and study. She is about to take her vow of chastity, and although consorting with any male is forbidden, Kalea can't resist her fascination with his beautiful eyes and sweet, gentle nature. A precarious interest in Dorhen begins to blossom within her. Meanwhile, a sinister plot unfolding in her home region is about to slither right into her safe little convent in the forest, bringing Dorhen's ominous past with it.
When sorcerers raid the convent and kidnap the other novices, Kalea manages to escape with Dorhen's help, but he vanishes in the aftermath of the attack. Determined to save her sisters and the elf she loves, Kalea sets out on a perilous journey across a land rife with magic and festering with an unknown evil... an evil that threatens to destroy all Kalea holds dear.
Sufferborn is a sprawling, dark fantasy with sensual elements that explores the power of faith, supernatural dreams, and love. It follows the treacherous journey of a heartbroken young woman as she struggles to let her old life go in order to achieve the desires of her heart.
380 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2019
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31 people want to read
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January 17, 2020
5 dark and heartbreaking stars
If you're looking for a light and fluffy, easy to read romantic fantasy, don't waste your time with either this review or this book. This won't be for you.
Sufferborn is NOT your typical cookie cutter fantasy romance. It is a sprawling epic fantasy for deep thinkers. And it is really dark. The hair-stand-on-end enough to break a heart kind of dark! That is what the author herself is trying to show with that cover. Her own work. Gorgeous and dark, just like the tale.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
Making use of all the typical high fantasy themes, J.C. Hartcarver gives us here a classic good versus evil battle, with an absolutely despicable antagonist and a clearly outmatched protagonist. And yet, she manages to stand out with something unique and downright impressive.
At heart, Sufferborn is a love story. The story of Dorhen and Kalea.
Dorhen Sufferborn, the elf on the cover, is said to have been doomed to a short existence full of suffering by his very name. His mother wouldn't be dissuaded from it, despite being told it is the forbidden name. Because she'd never been so sure about anything in her whole life. 'It's like he told me his name. It's my duty to say it aloud.'
Dorhen... The Stranger. The one who brings bad luck to his clan is born and named according to the elven tradition but is forced to walk outside it by tragedy - as expected from one with his cursed name.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
For years, Dorhen walked a path designed for him by Arius Medallus - a mysterious magic creature. He lived his life walking, drifting through forests and cities and farms. Unseen and unheard, according to his master's wish. He fell easily into the routine and lost his soul.
Until he met Kalea. A gentle and beautiful young girl who saved his life when he got caught stealing.
Kalea makes Dorhen resist his master order to keep walking and for her, he stays back. He shadows her every move and slowly gets closer, with a stubborn desire to care for her and protect her.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
Kalea had lived almost her entire life at a convent, looking forward to a long peaceful life of prayer and study. That was the only proper path for a mentally ill girl like her. Or so she had been told. She is about to take her vow of chastity, and although consorting with any male is forbidden, Kalea can’t resist her fascination with his beautiful eyes and sweet, gentle nature. Especially since Dorhen always shows up to protect her whenever she is threatened.
Slowly, feelings blossom between the two and Kalea is caught into an inner struggle between her already set path of becoming a Vestal and the new temptation of a life as a laywoman, outside the convent walls. A life at Dorhen's side.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
But dark forces are stirring in the world and a sinister plot starts to unfold in Kalea's home region, and she is forced to make a choice.
Danger slithers right into her safe little convent in the forest, bringing Dorhen’s ominous past with it. Sorcerers raid the convent and kidnap the other novices. While Kalea manages to escape with Dorhen’s help, he vanishes in the aftermath of the attack. Choosing the love for her elf over that for the Creator, Kalea sets out on a perilous journey to get him back and save her sisters in the process.
Across a land rife with magic and festering with an unknown evil… an evil that threatens to destroy all Kalea holds dear.
As I said, this is the tale at heart. But there is so much more beside it!
The world created by J.C Hartcarver here is impressively intricate and beautifully detailed.
Take sorcery for example:
Sorcery was for the literate. It worked by contacting demons or pixies and satisfying their demands in return for their aid. And it's use could rot the user, both inside and out.
The Elven culture is downright fascinating. With females faerhain being revered and males saehgahn considering themselves born to serve and protect them. Outstandingly written. I loved the little details and descriptions of customs and behavior.
And then we have the faith and divination - with pixies and demons worshiped on one side, and The One Creator or The Bright One on the other. Nicely structured and absolutely intriguing. I still didn't get the full picture of the system by now but I'm patiently waiting for more clues in the sequel.
Speaking of which, I have got to stop here and applaud the author for the skill with which she left little clues all over the story for the reader to pick up and follow. If you pay attention and don't skip and skim, the thread you need to pick up is bright and shining, despite the initially overwhelming impression.
Sufferborn is one of those books that will stick with you long after turning the last page. Because of not one but many things.
The tale itself is one of the most imaginative I have ever read and its end - which is supposed to be only the beginning - hints at an addictive sequel.
The characters will slowly get under your skin and make you practically live the story through them. Yes. For me J.C. Hartcarver pulled that off like a charm! My heart broke for Dorhen and I wanted to alternately slap and hug Kalea.
Complex and masterfully written characters are a strong point for this author who doesn't forget the complementary cast either. From Elven granfathers to young saehgahn and mad princes, from little Elven girls to human swordsmen and apprentices, they are all complex and wonderfully written down to the little details like flowers added to a braid or gruff but gentle gestures done for the sake of a child left behind.
The feeling - pain, sorrow, heartache, despair - this author makes you feel it all, through her characters. She really pulled it off for me. She gives you anguish enough to wring a heart through a beautiful show not tell.
And then the food for thought. What is going on and why? Who does what and why? You must pay attention and piece it all together.
Masterfully entwined with that fine line in between good and evil. Just as all other great high fantasies out there, Sufferborn also presents a deep concern with moral issues.
From how one decides who will have the last 3 bowls of food in a time of famine, to the inner conflict of a future Vestal meditating on impure thoughts; as well as that threshold one needs to cross to turn into a monster when sacrificing someone dear for the sake of another.
Is the purpose worth the sacrifice, would you agree with the reasons for which it has been made? Faith or Fate? Worthy sacrifice or despicable murder? And much more.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
Just as with all other sprawling high fantasies out there, Sufferbon's pace is a bit slow in the beginning. It starts with a long prologue written in three different POVs, to set out the base and goes on at a slower pace in the first half of the book to orient the reader properly and solidify the setting. And then the ball starts really rolling and events unfold at breakneck speed. You'll find yourself at the edge of the seat, glued to the pages and waiting to see what happens next. And be warned. It ends in the mother of all cliffhangers that will have you wanting the sequel on the spot. I for one hope that will be out soon because I NEED TO KNOW!!!
All in all, this is a brilliant debut by an Indie author to watch for! And it already gained a place on my all-time-favorites-shelf.
If you love dark classical high fantasy go ahead and give this one a try. You will not regret it!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
If you're looking for a light and fluffy, easy to read romantic fantasy, don't waste your time with either this review or this book. This won't be for you.
Sufferborn is NOT your typical cookie cutter fantasy romance. It is a sprawling epic fantasy for deep thinkers. And it is really dark. The hair-stand-on-end enough to break a heart kind of dark! That is what the author herself is trying to show with that cover. Her own work. Gorgeous and dark, just like the tale.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
Making use of all the typical high fantasy themes, J.C. Hartcarver gives us here a classic good versus evil battle, with an absolutely despicable antagonist and a clearly outmatched protagonist. And yet, she manages to stand out with something unique and downright impressive.
At heart, Sufferborn is a love story. The story of Dorhen and Kalea.
Dorhen Sufferborn, the elf on the cover, is said to have been doomed to a short existence full of suffering by his very name. His mother wouldn't be dissuaded from it, despite being told it is the forbidden name. Because she'd never been so sure about anything in her whole life. 'It's like he told me his name. It's my duty to say it aloud.'
Dorhen... The Stranger. The one who brings bad luck to his clan is born and named according to the elven tradition but is forced to walk outside it by tragedy - as expected from one with his cursed name.
Fan Art by The Magic Book CornerFor years, Dorhen walked a path designed for him by Arius Medallus - a mysterious magic creature. He lived his life walking, drifting through forests and cities and farms. Unseen and unheard, according to his master's wish. He fell easily into the routine and lost his soul.
Until he met Kalea. A gentle and beautiful young girl who saved his life when he got caught stealing.
Kalea makes Dorhen resist his master order to keep walking and for her, he stays back. He shadows her every move and slowly gets closer, with a stubborn desire to care for her and protect her.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
Kalea had lived almost her entire life at a convent, looking forward to a long peaceful life of prayer and study. That was the only proper path for a mentally ill girl like her. Or so she had been told. She is about to take her vow of chastity, and although consorting with any male is forbidden, Kalea can’t resist her fascination with his beautiful eyes and sweet, gentle nature. Especially since Dorhen always shows up to protect her whenever she is threatened.
Slowly, feelings blossom between the two and Kalea is caught into an inner struggle between her already set path of becoming a Vestal and the new temptation of a life as a laywoman, outside the convent walls. A life at Dorhen's side.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
But dark forces are stirring in the world and a sinister plot starts to unfold in Kalea's home region, and she is forced to make a choice.
Danger slithers right into her safe little convent in the forest, bringing Dorhen’s ominous past with it. Sorcerers raid the convent and kidnap the other novices. While Kalea manages to escape with Dorhen’s help, he vanishes in the aftermath of the attack. Choosing the love for her elf over that for the Creator, Kalea sets out on a perilous journey to get him back and save her sisters in the process.
Across a land rife with magic and festering with an unknown evil… an evil that threatens to destroy all Kalea holds dear.
As I said, this is the tale at heart. But there is so much more beside it!
The world created by J.C Hartcarver here is impressively intricate and beautifully detailed.
Take sorcery for example:
Sorcery was for the literate. It worked by contacting demons or pixies and satisfying their demands in return for their aid. And it's use could rot the user, both inside and out.
The Elven culture is downright fascinating. With females faerhain being revered and males saehgahn considering themselves born to serve and protect them. Outstandingly written. I loved the little details and descriptions of customs and behavior.
And then we have the faith and divination - with pixies and demons worshiped on one side, and The One Creator or The Bright One on the other. Nicely structured and absolutely intriguing. I still didn't get the full picture of the system by now but I'm patiently waiting for more clues in the sequel.
Speaking of which, I have got to stop here and applaud the author for the skill with which she left little clues all over the story for the reader to pick up and follow. If you pay attention and don't skip and skim, the thread you need to pick up is bright and shining, despite the initially overwhelming impression.
Sufferborn is one of those books that will stick with you long after turning the last page. Because of not one but many things.
The tale itself is one of the most imaginative I have ever read and its end - which is supposed to be only the beginning - hints at an addictive sequel.
The characters will slowly get under your skin and make you practically live the story through them. Yes. For me J.C. Hartcarver pulled that off like a charm! My heart broke for Dorhen and I wanted to alternately slap and hug Kalea.
Complex and masterfully written characters are a strong point for this author who doesn't forget the complementary cast either. From Elven granfathers to young saehgahn and mad princes, from little Elven girls to human swordsmen and apprentices, they are all complex and wonderfully written down to the little details like flowers added to a braid or gruff but gentle gestures done for the sake of a child left behind.
The feeling - pain, sorrow, heartache, despair - this author makes you feel it all, through her characters. She really pulled it off for me. She gives you anguish enough to wring a heart through a beautiful show not tell.
And then the food for thought. What is going on and why? Who does what and why? You must pay attention and piece it all together.
Masterfully entwined with that fine line in between good and evil. Just as all other great high fantasies out there, Sufferborn also presents a deep concern with moral issues.
From how one decides who will have the last 3 bowls of food in a time of famine, to the inner conflict of a future Vestal meditating on impure thoughts; as well as that threshold one needs to cross to turn into a monster when sacrificing someone dear for the sake of another.
Is the purpose worth the sacrifice, would you agree with the reasons for which it has been made? Faith or Fate? Worthy sacrifice or despicable murder? And much more.
Fan Art by The Magic Book Corner
Just as with all other sprawling high fantasies out there, Sufferbon's pace is a bit slow in the beginning. It starts with a long prologue written in three different POVs, to set out the base and goes on at a slower pace in the first half of the book to orient the reader properly and solidify the setting. And then the ball starts really rolling and events unfold at breakneck speed. You'll find yourself at the edge of the seat, glued to the pages and waiting to see what happens next. And be warned. It ends in the mother of all cliffhangers that will have you wanting the sequel on the spot. I for one hope that will be out soon because I NEED TO KNOW!!!
All in all, this is a brilliant debut by an Indie author to watch for! And it already gained a place on my all-time-favorites-shelf.
If you love dark classical high fantasy go ahead and give this one a try. You will not regret it!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
May 23, 2020
Sufferborn is a sprawling dark fantasy novel and the first in a series. Though there is romance, I'd file this as dark fantasy first and foremost. The story spans two generations and closely follows multiple and very distinct characters. I was drawn in quickly by the vividly described and enthusiastically detailed fantasy world that follows magic users, humans, and elves. There is a handy glossary that helps keep all types of unique terms in order, but I found most of them easily learnable through context. The quality of writing, though sometimes draggy, is largely quite effective at world building and immersion.
I found the characterization (and especially conversations between the characters) to not measure up by comparison.
The overall mood is kind of a roller coaster with marked tonal shifts. It can be very light and peaceful only to lead toward more harrowing and miserable events. Also worth noting- there is some disturbing content and this book is best suited to adults. The romance is handled in an unorthodox way that I think would leave some feeling embittered- but there is an air of unpredictability invoked by its unusual approach.
My favorite point-of-view to follow was that of Kalea. She has spent much of her life devoted to religious practices and is determined to live a chaste life until meeting her star-crossed suitor, the titular lead character Dorhen. They become sort-of friends and gradually grow closer. He is the most detailed of all the characters- a mild-mannered elf with a grim past and perhaps grimmer future. But curiously, the story mainly follows from either Kalea's perspective or that of his father, Daghahen. I really didn't care much for Daghahen, a hapless magic user who comes off as remarkably impotent.
The villains of the story lack nuance and seem generically evil and overpowered. The plot has several open threads and the lattermost chapters lay groundwork for what should be an eventful sequel. While this was a very readable fantasy novel with some merits, I found some of the most major characters to be too lacking in personal growth or charisma.
Disclosure : I received a copy of this book for review.
I found the characterization (and especially conversations between the characters) to not measure up by comparison.
The overall mood is kind of a roller coaster with marked tonal shifts. It can be very light and peaceful only to lead toward more harrowing and miserable events. Also worth noting- there is some disturbing content and this book is best suited to adults. The romance is handled in an unorthodox way that I think would leave some feeling embittered- but there is an air of unpredictability invoked by its unusual approach.
My favorite point-of-view to follow was that of Kalea. She has spent much of her life devoted to religious practices and is determined to live a chaste life until meeting her star-crossed suitor, the titular lead character Dorhen. They become sort-of friends and gradually grow closer. He is the most detailed of all the characters- a mild-mannered elf with a grim past and perhaps grimmer future. But curiously, the story mainly follows from either Kalea's perspective or that of his father, Daghahen. I really didn't care much for Daghahen, a hapless magic user who comes off as remarkably impotent.
The villains of the story lack nuance and seem generically evil and overpowered. The plot has several open threads and the lattermost chapters lay groundwork for what should be an eventful sequel. While this was a very readable fantasy novel with some merits, I found some of the most major characters to be too lacking in personal growth or charisma.
Disclosure : I received a copy of this book for review.
January 27, 2020
Sufferborn is the story of elves and humans, how they live, and what happens when their worlds overlap. We start off in the past where Orinleah has just given birth and Daghahen is found by his brother. We learn Orinleah gives the boy a name that is banned from most of the tribes, Dorhen, meaning 'stranger'. Apparently, it means his life will not be long but be very arduous. Why she names him this isn't exactly clear as she seems so happy about it.
The pacing of this book is overall very slow. There are moments when it picks up but then it slows down again. This is good in the majority of the cases as there is always a lot going on, so it gives you time to grasp the situation as well as learning more about the characters. I would say that personally I would have found chapter headings to be helpful, just so I could find out who was talking and when, but that's probably just me.
And there are a LOT of characters too! The main ones end up being Daghahen, Dorhen, and Kalea, but trust me when I say there is a whole caboodle of characters there that will draw your attention. In fact, even in the last few chapters, you are introduced to new characters to take into book two with you.
With the slow pace and the amount of characters, it comes as no surprise this is a long book, typical of Fantasy. I wouldn't call it a Fantasy Romance as I felt the romance between Dorhen and Kalea actually wasn't that important. I mean, obviously it is or Kalea wouldn't have gone looking for him, but on the whole, there is so much more to the story than "just" romance. I would call it Dark Fantasy as there is plenty of violence and the threat of rape and/or rape scenes.
It ends on a cliffhanger so fair warning and I haven't found anything online to say when the next book is available. If Dark Fantasy ticks your box then I would recommend it.
The pacing of this book is overall very slow. There are moments when it picks up but then it slows down again. This is good in the majority of the cases as there is always a lot going on, so it gives you time to grasp the situation as well as learning more about the characters. I would say that personally I would have found chapter headings to be helpful, just so I could find out who was talking and when, but that's probably just me.
And there are a LOT of characters too! The main ones end up being Daghahen, Dorhen, and Kalea, but trust me when I say there is a whole caboodle of characters there that will draw your attention. In fact, even in the last few chapters, you are introduced to new characters to take into book two with you.
With the slow pace and the amount of characters, it comes as no surprise this is a long book, typical of Fantasy. I wouldn't call it a Fantasy Romance as I felt the romance between Dorhen and Kalea actually wasn't that important. I mean, obviously it is or Kalea wouldn't have gone looking for him, but on the whole, there is so much more to the story than "just" romance. I would call it Dark Fantasy as there is plenty of violence and the threat of rape and/or rape scenes.
It ends on a cliffhanger so fair warning and I haven't found anything online to say when the next book is available. If Dark Fantasy ticks your box then I would recommend it.
December 8, 2019
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book to review!
3.75 Stars
Let's do my overall opinion followed by cons then pros. Sound good?
Overall:
✦This book is a definite recommended read for big fans of old-school high fantasy. I struggled at first but by the end I was ready for a sequel and I think that it's because the story, the characters, and the writing became stronger as the book went on not to mention the story's core is certainly intriguing.
Time to rip-off the bandaid with a few cons...
✦Okay so to be honest it could be a bit confusing, rather slow, and there didn't always seem to be a strong purpose or drive to the characters/scenes which made it difficult to remain engaged in the story.
✦I don't think I understood their objectives clearly enough early enough and that contributed to my confusion and the sense of purposelessness some of the scenes made me feel. Once I realized who wanted what and saw them pursuing that, then I was able to fall into the story more easily. (It seemed like a lot of exposition and rising action at a very shallow incline until shortly before Dorhen disappears and then things start to really move and get interesting but that's past the book's halfway point and I think you can set things up for that plot-shifting moment and still keep everything moving beforehand. Peaceful doesn't have to be slow. But I almost wonder if his disappearance wouldn't have made a better cliff-hanger ending and then the book could spend more time actually developing his and Kalea's relationship? Idk just thinking out loud. I don't know the author's overall vision so totally ignore me lol)
✦As far as the romance plot line...I feel invested in it for Dorhen's sake rather than invested in the couple themselves, ya know? I just struggled to vibe with Kalea for most of their time together and because of her own internal struggles their relationship never truly felt like it developed into anything deep enough for me to invest in/attach to. (I will say that once Dorhen disappears I start to root for Kalea more)
✦I had...a lot of questions. Some were obviously story questions that I'm not supposed to know the answers to yet. But other questions (which were eventually answered in this book) took too long to be answered and instead of being set up to create mystery they just seemed out of the blue (until eventually linked to the developing plot). Maybe I'll understand more with the next book/as the series unfolds so I'm probably just being impatient haha
So yeah, those are my overall cons BUT all this said, I was still curious enough to keep reading to the last page.
So yes, I had some issues with the story, but now I want to go onto the pros!
✦The world-building was intricate, grand, and addicting to any fantasy fan. Elves, humans, sorcerers, magic...I feel like the author really spent a lot of time developing it in preparation for her story.
✦I also greatly appreciate the pronunciation guide, etc. at the back of the book haha more fantasy novels should include them!
✦This book was darker than I'd expected and was less of a romance, but I like the overall goal of the story and it kept me turning the pages. I think that fans of classic high fantasy will be curious to explore this world so if that's you then definitely give this one a look.
✦The author includes several drawings/art pieces depicting characters and scenes which I loved!! It definitely adds a special something to the book!
Characters!
✦I like Dorhen a lot but Kalea sort of irritated me for a while (even she recognizes it eventually lol). I mean I get where it's coming from but I feel like it could've been unfolded in a less annoying manner? Haha sorry Kalea! Also her shift from clinging to the strict religious path she was placed upon and throwing it all away to marry an elf seemed quite sudden. The majority of moments where she admitted to enjoying his company were in her dreams lol and I think it would've helped to see her soften more/have their relationship develop more.
✦The elves are interesting and the villains are horrifying (Content Warning: Violence, rape, general evilness) and Daghahen puzzled me.
I'm glad J.C. Hartcarver reached out to me about her book because although I struggled a bit in parts, I'm intrigued to read what the sequel will hold!
3.75 Stars
Let's do my overall opinion followed by cons then pros. Sound good?
Overall:
✦This book is a definite recommended read for big fans of old-school high fantasy. I struggled at first but by the end I was ready for a sequel and I think that it's because the story, the characters, and the writing became stronger as the book went on not to mention the story's core is certainly intriguing.
Time to rip-off the bandaid with a few cons...
✦Okay so to be honest it could be a bit confusing, rather slow, and there didn't always seem to be a strong purpose or drive to the characters/scenes which made it difficult to remain engaged in the story.
✦I don't think I understood their objectives clearly enough early enough and that contributed to my confusion and the sense of purposelessness some of the scenes made me feel. Once I realized who wanted what and saw them pursuing that, then I was able to fall into the story more easily. (It seemed like a lot of exposition and rising action at a very shallow incline until shortly before Dorhen disappears and then things start to really move and get interesting but that's past the book's halfway point and I think you can set things up for that plot-shifting moment and still keep everything moving beforehand. Peaceful doesn't have to be slow. But I almost wonder if his disappearance wouldn't have made a better cliff-hanger ending and then the book could spend more time actually developing his and Kalea's relationship? Idk just thinking out loud. I don't know the author's overall vision so totally ignore me lol)
✦As far as the romance plot line...I feel invested in it for Dorhen's sake rather than invested in the couple themselves, ya know? I just struggled to vibe with Kalea for most of their time together and because of her own internal struggles their relationship never truly felt like it developed into anything deep enough for me to invest in/attach to. (I will say that once Dorhen disappears I start to root for Kalea more)
✦I had...a lot of questions. Some were obviously story questions that I'm not supposed to know the answers to yet. But other questions (which were eventually answered in this book) took too long to be answered and instead of being set up to create mystery they just seemed out of the blue (until eventually linked to the developing plot). Maybe I'll understand more with the next book/as the series unfolds so I'm probably just being impatient haha
So yeah, those are my overall cons BUT all this said, I was still curious enough to keep reading to the last page.
So yes, I had some issues with the story, but now I want to go onto the pros!
✦The world-building was intricate, grand, and addicting to any fantasy fan. Elves, humans, sorcerers, magic...I feel like the author really spent a lot of time developing it in preparation for her story.
✦I also greatly appreciate the pronunciation guide, etc. at the back of the book haha more fantasy novels should include them!
✦This book was darker than I'd expected and was less of a romance, but I like the overall goal of the story and it kept me turning the pages. I think that fans of classic high fantasy will be curious to explore this world so if that's you then definitely give this one a look.
✦The author includes several drawings/art pieces depicting characters and scenes which I loved!! It definitely adds a special something to the book!
Characters!
✦I like Dorhen a lot but Kalea sort of irritated me for a while (even she recognizes it eventually lol). I mean I get where it's coming from but I feel like it could've been unfolded in a less annoying manner? Haha sorry Kalea! Also her shift from clinging to the strict religious path she was placed upon and throwing it all away to marry an elf seemed quite sudden. The majority of moments where she admitted to enjoying his company were in her dreams lol and I think it would've helped to see her soften more/have their relationship develop more.
✦The elves are interesting and the villains are horrifying (Content Warning: Violence, rape, general evilness) and Daghahen puzzled me.
I'm glad J.C. Hartcarver reached out to me about her book because although I struggled a bit in parts, I'm intrigued to read what the sequel will hold!
July 10, 2023
This is my second time of reading, albeit in a different edition. I read the ebook version the first time around. Now I have the paperback version.
This epic fantasy tale fully immerses the reader with its superb world-building and intricate magic systems.
The world is populated with memorable characters, some endearing and others utterly despicable. Another aspect I particularly like is that there are other characters who fit into neither camp, being morally grey. Those are most interesting of all.
The author constructs a compelling tale with a good mixture of intrigue, dialogue and action. I enjoy the way the characters grow and change with each new experience.
Complex plotting keeps the reader’s interest all the way through and the cliff-hanger ending entices the reader in for the next book.
This epic fantasy tale fully immerses the reader with its superb world-building and intricate magic systems.
The world is populated with memorable characters, some endearing and others utterly despicable. Another aspect I particularly like is that there are other characters who fit into neither camp, being morally grey. Those are most interesting of all.
The author constructs a compelling tale with a good mixture of intrigue, dialogue and action. I enjoy the way the characters grow and change with each new experience.
Complex plotting keeps the reader’s interest all the way through and the cliff-hanger ending entices the reader in for the next book.
December 8, 2019
Engaging, dynamic characters.
This was a lovely, romantic story with fleshed-out characters. Each had such a distinct voice that remained consistent throughout the book. Looking forward to book 2!
This was a lovely, romantic story with fleshed-out characters. Each had such a distinct voice that remained consistent throughout the book. Looking forward to book 2!
September 7, 2020
High fantasy reborn, with a Dark twist!
This was an amazing debut for an up and coming independent writer.
The premise makes like traditional high fantasy much like the books of Robert Jordan and J.R. Tolkien, but takes an amazingly dark turn.
J.C. Hartcarver put a massive amount of time, effort, and detail into a world steeped in lore turmoil to bring this story to life.
The prologue itself introduces you into that fact that this story is dark....and very mature.....very mature.
The characters introduced through out this first book bring an abundance of story from many perspectives. A plus for me because it shows depth in the story development.
Progression of the main story gives many different and sometimes surprising twists that you may not expect the first read through.
There hasnt been many times where I've anxiously awaited the next in a series, but I just can't wait for the next installment.
There's many different aspects that capture you and keep you drawn into the story. I would describe a few but why give it away.
Well developed characters, well developed world, and a story that leaves you waiting and urging for more.
This was an amazing debut for an up and coming independent writer.
The premise makes like traditional high fantasy much like the books of Robert Jordan and J.R. Tolkien, but takes an amazingly dark turn.
J.C. Hartcarver put a massive amount of time, effort, and detail into a world steeped in lore turmoil to bring this story to life.
The prologue itself introduces you into that fact that this story is dark....and very mature.....very mature.
The characters introduced through out this first book bring an abundance of story from many perspectives. A plus for me because it shows depth in the story development.
Progression of the main story gives many different and sometimes surprising twists that you may not expect the first read through.
There hasnt been many times where I've anxiously awaited the next in a series, but I just can't wait for the next installment.
There's many different aspects that capture you and keep you drawn into the story. I would describe a few but why give it away.
Well developed characters, well developed world, and a story that leaves you waiting and urging for more.
November 30, 2019
Just finished this book. I'm giving Sufferborn 5 stars because it's a solid indie debut novel. There were parts I loved about the book, particularly the romance between Dorhen and Kalea. Be aware there is a lot of adult content. The prologue was very long and told from three perspectives, which I found unusual. The overall quality of the book is good. You can tell the author did well in the production. Love the cover art (by the author) and the illustrations in the back of the book. It's definitely the beginning of a bigger story.
October 26, 2019
Epic in every way - intrigue, mystery, magic, betrayal, rivalry, discovery, romance... this book has tons of personality and a unique set of characters that are vividly and expertly portrayed by Harcarver. How refreshing to find something that goes beyond and is sophisticated and brave enough to appeal to a mature audience! Trust me: this is one indie author you do not want to dismiss! I cannot wait for the next book.
July 29, 2020
An exciting read until the end. Sufferborn's in-depth characters and plot combine well; creating a romantic, and compelling adventure. As Kalea journeys, she not only explores the world around her, but also the complex emotions that surround her new fate. This dark fantasy is a refreshing addition to its genre and can't be missed!
November 12, 2020
This epic fantasy tale fully immerses the reader with its superb world-building and intricate magic systems.
The world is populated with memorable characters, some endearing and others utterly despicable. Another aspect I particularly like is that there are other characters who fit into neither camp, being morally grey. Those are most interesting of all.
The author constructs a compelling tale with a good mixture of intrigue, dialogue and action. I enjoy the way the characters grow and change with each new experience.
Complex plotting keeps the reader’s interest all the way through and the cliff-hanger ending entices the reader in for the next book.
The world is populated with memorable characters, some endearing and others utterly despicable. Another aspect I particularly like is that there are other characters who fit into neither camp, being morally grey. Those are most interesting of all.
The author constructs a compelling tale with a good mixture of intrigue, dialogue and action. I enjoy the way the characters grow and change with each new experience.
Complex plotting keeps the reader’s interest all the way through and the cliff-hanger ending entices the reader in for the next book.
June 19, 2023
I originally gave this book 3 stars but after pondering it for a couple of days, I’ve settled on 4.
It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s mysterious and it’s the first building block to what has the potential to be a huge universe. It’s establishing the characters, and they all have back stories and aren’t your run of the mill story-fodder characters.
There’s very dark scenes which some could find hard to read.
I found the conversations occasionally a bit odd, some parts read more like a screen-play.
I enjoyed the story but it took me a long time to get through the book and I wasn’t reaching for it as often as I thought I would.
But overall I had no disagreements with the book, it’s plot or it’s writing. It’s a book to take slow and really sink your teeth into.
I received this book to review.
It’s dark, it’s gritty, it’s mysterious and it’s the first building block to what has the potential to be a huge universe. It’s establishing the characters, and they all have back stories and aren’t your run of the mill story-fodder characters.
There’s very dark scenes which some could find hard to read.
I found the conversations occasionally a bit odd, some parts read more like a screen-play.
I enjoyed the story but it took me a long time to get through the book and I wasn’t reaching for it as often as I thought I would.
But overall I had no disagreements with the book, it’s plot or it’s writing. It’s a book to take slow and really sink your teeth into.
I received this book to review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews