The Lost Princess

The Riddle of the Key #1

by Elliott Teron

Vera Castellana awakens in her kingdom to find it in deathly silence, its people turned into shades of the past. Joining with a wandering scholar and a mysterious warrior, she explores the kingdom to learn the truth of its history and her own, while fending off those who would seek to erase both from memory.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2020

About the author

Elliott W. Teron is a Canadian independent author who lives in Southern Ontario. Elliott writes complex, interlocking sword & sorcery novels that blend action with rich world-building and characters. An advocate for inclusivity, Elliott applies this belief in his wording, character development, and diversity.

An infrequent reader, Elliott instead pays special attention to the storytelling in video games, which he believes goes underappreciated. Involving the player in the story through movement, visuals, music, and mechanics can create a vivid and high-impact experience.

A video game was the sole inspiration for Elliott to begin writing his Riddle of the Key narrative. That video game is Odin Sphere, a game which Elliott still plays annually.

Reviews

[Cece ❀Rants, Raves &Reviews❀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I was provided with an ARC for an honest review.**
In a word: potential
In a gif :


The characters:
There isn't necessary a "squad"thats formed in this book, rather we learn different storylines of each character and how they all entwine, and honestly the characters were the best part!

Selene, the ice bitch! I'm gonna be honest... she scared the *absolute shit* outta me and I loved her character best

"I'll freeze Nemesine's heart, I'll chill her bones to the marrow, that every step will shatter her legs like grass!" Selene vowed"

Pierrce , the scholar wizard! *cough* nerd
"You stare at certain death and you take it as an opportunity for research?"

Temur aka Iron Flower aka Temornac aka a dragon !! CURSED by her father to STAY IN HUMAN FORM ... oof


Nemesine, the ... ! I have no clue how to describe this character. Her redemption arc in this one book is more complicated than Zuko's 3 seasons of AVATAR

She goes from threats that literally gave me GOOSEBUMPS:
"Who watches your lifeless body bob towards surface, satisfied with the terror and desperate I've caused."

to ... Flirting with the goddamn dragon:

"Why not? We're both scourges upon humanity"


And yah sure there's also our MC: Vera, the sleeping beauty... I mean soul mage. Kinda got miss perfect vibes, i mean she didn't feel any emotions about being in a COMA FOR SEVERAL CENTURIES ??? girl please ??? there was just a strong disconnect and I liked her least

The world building ... there's just a lot of it. I shit you not, the first 10 chapters is world-building and character intros, sprinkled with plot developments. Its around ch. 20 that characters start actually interacting with each other, have some banter, and fight scenes to attack some shit



Like why was the world building and character description soooo excessive ... When the dialogue was genuinely sooo funny *once all the characters were in same place:

“So, my question is: what happened next?” Vera asked.

Nemesine raised her brow at the question. “Okay. A couple of things: One, that was centuries ago, you think I'd remember that? Second, what makes you think I'll be truthful?”

“Because you have nothing better to do, you said so yourself.” Vera replied with a cheeky expression. Nemesine wasn't as amused.”

Something I appreciated was how the world DIDN'T revolved around the MC. Instead it was all a tangled web, that author just so creatively throws MC in the middle of chaos rather than having it all spiral about her. Classy *chef’s kiss*



There were also several kingdoms and epic cultures in play that I wished we knew more about. Here's a list of some that just POPPED up and if it seems a *tad confusing* and overwhelming... thats because it fucking was ノಠ_ಠノ

Arlysians (foe)
Jade Emperor, father of dragons (friend)
Brass Empire (friend or foe?)
Vanir (?)
Aesir (?)
Pteleiros (all dead)
Umr At-Tawaii ( friend ? )
Wizards of Orient (friend ?)


I NEED A GODDAMN DIAGRAM TO KEEP THIS SHIT STRAIGHT

.....
Update : the author has released said "goddamn diagram" ... tis a glorious preview of the different lands but be warned...there is more yet to be revealed *cough* its the clouds. foreshadowing.*cough*


.......


The writing style ... again ... very descriptive of the world when I prefer more thought process of our heroes just mocking the shit outta everything, thats just iconic

But generally, the author had some decent character descriptions and build-up, *once he got going*
there were some brilliant lines that I could picture in my head clearly:

“She spoke and two voices emerged from her throat; one heard by ear, one heard by soul. To hear with either was a sobering experience and mortals could feel their lack of permanence as their minds reeled.”

Like HOLY CRAP

And now, lets talk about elephant in the room ... the flashbacks ... jesus christ

“The clouds in her eyes began to part, but the world she would see was not her own. Thus, a vision began to play out before her…”

there were flashbacks from good guys, bad guys and dragons
there were flashbacks about other people's flashbacks
there were flashbacks from centuries ago, a month, and 2 hundred years

To say it felt a little tedious and overused...

and pLeAse please take this note that my BIGGEST COMPLAINT was the constant change in POV but no label ?? Like for real bro? it takes like 2 seconds smh

Overall, I liked the general plot. But the writing style of prolonginggg the world building made this book feel wayyy longer than it was. So if you in the mood for a long burn with enough kingdoms and cultures and details to rival game of thrones, I recommend give this a try. Cuz it genuinely surprised me. Even looking back at my critiques, now that I've finished it I see the *general* logic behind the writer's decisions even if it didn't end up being the fast paced action novel that I wanted ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review of it.

This is the first book I have read by this author, although the book didn't completely wow me it also didn't put me off the author. I just felt that although the storyline was good and it had a lot of potential it was a bit flat due to not being able to picture/imagine the characters and the world that Elliott has created, for me it lacked depth as I think if the characters were a bit more together rather than the story jumping for POV to POV it would flow better, I did like how the characters did entwine even though there was a lot of them.

I did enjoy reading the books, but due to the time jumps, POV swapping randomly I don't think it is one that I would re-read

[Marie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I was pretty confused for the first few chapters of this book, but it really picked up and got me curious about what the rest of the series could include. There are a lot of characters, with POV changes and time jumps without any warning. A few characters were only around for a very short amount of time for the details given about their backstory. If this were to go through another editing round I would advise to leave these character introductions for later when they will take up more time in the book. I would also advise to keep the italics out of a certain character's dialog, as she is hundreds of years old and it makes her sound like an immature teenager.

However, all in all this was a very good mix of fantasy and steam punk and I am looking forward to future books.

[Apurva Nair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

In the beginning, the book totally kept me hooked for the way it was written and for a fast-paced apt description of the plot and the characters.

However, with the entry of too many characters and too many details, twists, and plots are where I started losing interest. It just kept on adding to the confusion for if the characters were at the good/bad side.

Overall the book was really good for its interesting plot but fewer details and a minimum number of characters would have worked out as real magic and given a smooth exit to the Lost Princess.

[Shreya Vijay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Princess
Elliott Teron

“I received this book as an ARC and I’m giving an honest review.”

Princess Vera Castellana wakes up years after a mystical slumber. What she finds is an empty kingdom with secrets buried deep within. Soon enough, she joins forces with a learned scholar and a mysterious warrior who help Vera decipher the dark secrets of her kingdom and restore it to its previous glory. But, no quest is complete without sinister villains blocking the path of our protagonists. Here, we have the Arlysians who are willing to do anything to stop the restoration of the Kingdom of Cagliostro. What will be the fate of the Princess and her kingdom? Read the book to find out.

The Lost Princess is an enthralling Fantasy meets Sci-Fi novel set in the medieval times, the era of kings and queens. Most of the novel takes place in the Palace Cagliostro where all the characters strive hard to uncover a way to defeat the villain, Arlysian Queen-Nemesis who will do just about anything to unleash the Dark Goddess Arlys on the surface of the Earth.

First things first, the cover of the book, seems a little childish which might be off putting for some people. But hey, never judge a book by its cover! The title is nice and justifies the book, however, I believe with the type of story-line, the title could’ve been way better.

The book maintained a fast pace throughout. The plot was unique and captivating. There was a perfect amalgamation of magic, dragons, sword fights, astrology and science. The action sequences were detailed and descriptive. The writing style of the author was truly mesmerizing as you can’t help but be lost in the world of Vera and Pierre. The scenes are penned in such a way that you can feel yourself practically ‘living’ the story as it unfolds.

Coming to the characters, I think I need to admit that every character was well penned. The book delved into all the characters at least once and did not just focus on the protagonist, which was one of the best parts. Also, this story refuges a strong female lead and contains references of Norse Mythology - Vanirs and Aesirs which I thoroughly enjoyed.

All things aside, the best part about this novel, was the language. Set up in the Medieval area, this was one of the very few books that had the language aligned with its setting. The Dialogues were strong and impactful. The story-line was unique and fresh. The book ends on a cliffhanger which leaves the reader craving for more.

I, for one, have already reserved a place in my TBR pile for the second instalment in the series. Can’t wait for it to come out!

[David Wimsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot W. Teron’s fantasy novel, The Lost Princess: Part of the Riddle of the Key, tells an engrossing story of a young woman who awakens in a magical castle not knowing who she is or where she is. As she searches to solve these mysteries, she encounters a host of fully drawn characters and discovers a force that threatens the existence of every human being. The plot pulled me along with constant action and twists that were unexpected, yet made complete sense. Each character is unique in mannerism, motivation and voice. The story is highly inventive as is introduces traps, foes and situations that elevate the novel above standard sword and sorcery books. The characters have different goals that are demonstrated through complex interactions. Both the female and male characters are multi-dimensional and play important roles in the novel. This all occurs in a richly developed world that the author describes in detail such that I could see all the settings, every character and follow the action as if I were watching a movie. Yet, the descriptions never stop or slow that action. The ending was very satisfying. I enjoyed this book and read it over two days. Mr. Teron is a natural story teller.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚖️⚖️ONE INTERESTING JOURNEY⚖️⚖️
Bracing blizzard! Elliot delivers with this skillfully composed debacle, weaving a cocoon around you so intricately and precise, drawing you deeper into this tangled web until everything else ceases to exist, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Add the arduous trials and challenging triumphs, while traversing the dramatic twists and steep turns, putting our characters through their paces, catapulting this gem to a whole new level. Shenanigans, mayhem and havoc run amuck, redefined limitations and broken boundaries are amplified and expanded, drawing deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of self preservation, propelling onward with such intensity and vigor, blasting this baby to life flawlessly. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Elliot, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a fight between Gaio, the King and Alessandra, Queen, the King bests the Queen temporarily and flees with their daughter Princess Vera, putting her and the Kingdom in statsis for several hundred years. Vera awakens alone not knowing who she is. She starts searching the castle and finds Pierre, a scholar of history in the library. Their search continues and they find the shade of the Queen who tries to win Vera to her. Vera finds a mechanical butterfly and carries it with her. She is visited by her mother's shade and travels to her Magical realm and is taught magic through magic. She returns to the throne room and in her search, finds an object that enables her to see the past, learning her father not the evil person her mother has her believe. Continuing her search, she finds a device that enables speech, allowing her father, who has placed himself into the butterfly to speak. She finds several more friends from outside as well as a few enemies. Can she find out how to restore the Kingdom and defeat the dark goddess that has taken possession of her mother, or will all be in vain.

I received this book free for my review of same.

[hayley preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free from Voracious Readers Only, in exchange for an honest review!

This book is not my cup of tea!! I have not even been able to finish it. The author writes of a princess who awakens 200 years after a major catastrophe! That catastrophe was described in the first chapter and was compelling enough for me to read on!

The next 10 chapters had me totally and utterly confused and by the time I reached page 123 ( a third in) I was seriously struggling. However the next 100 pages or so were interesting but again, I struggled to relate to the time period/language/mechanicals verses magic and so on.

I am now on page 226 and although I may come back and finish this book eventually, for now I shall have to leave Princess Vera with her friends and foe, trying to release a 200 year person whom we don’t even know if we can trust!

For people who love to read fantasy, this may be a great read, however this fantasy is not one for me.

[A Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

This work had potential to be quite interesting but it needs some editing and reworking. The formatting throughout the work is inconsistent and awkward - sometimes there are spaces between paragraphs, sometimes there aren't; sometimes there are indentions at the beginning of paragraphs, sometimes there aren't. There are also way too many commas used throughout the work. All of this was distracting and took away from the quality of the work. The way the characters are written makes them pretty boring, which makes getting into the book difficult. Overall, the story and world seemed like it could be quite fascinating but there were too many things that detracted from that.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this book from Voracious Readers Only and the Author in exchange for an honest review**

This book was hard for me to get through. Great story, just a hike to read. Normally a book of this length would have taken two days for me, but I pushed to finish in 9. I just can’t put my finger on what would have made this a better read.

Princess Vera awakens after a 200 year “nap” to find all her people gone. With the help of Scholar Pierre she discovers the events that occurred while she was asleep and that she needs to find a way to break the spell to awaken her people.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review; and, to be honest it wasn't that great. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't great. It felt like I as reading a revised draft. There are times it as genuinely good but there are also times that I wanted to grab a red pen to make corrections to stilted sentences.

Overall, good first attempt. But I'll wait for the author to get a few more books under his belt before I bother considering reading more by them.

[Sarah L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review... I had a hard time getting into this book. It was purely the desire to find out how and why a princess could be asleep for 200 years that kept me reading it. Once the action started though, I had a hard time putting it down. It is original, action packed and you really do fall in love with the characters it just takes a little time. I would recommend this book!

[Krista Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. I found this book very entertaining. I because invested in the main characters almost immediately. The story was unique and captivating. Secondary characters were interesting but there were a lot to try and keep track of. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed and was entertained by this book.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I received a copy of this novel through Voracious Readers Only and this is the first review I've ever written so be gentle please. :-)

The Lost Princess thrusts readers into a fantasy world that is part DND, part video game but is also a little overwhelming and confusing. While I enjoyed the novel overall and found most of the characters compelling I was a little confused at times. The author sets up a rich universe with monsters, gods, princesses, sorcerers, knights and dragons but I had a hard time keeping track of all the names which is more a fault of mine than the author's I'm sure! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels!