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Carving Legacies #1
Key of Arcandus
Three mages need her.
A warlock is using her.
The goddess of death is hiding her.
And Siroun’s story is only the beginning.
A bookish pariah finds her world turned upside down when a nefarious outsider leaves a trail of death in his wake. As the sole survivor of the onslaught, Siroun finds herself accused of crimes she didn’t commit and banished from her homeland. With nowhere to go and only one way to clear her name, Siroun’s journey takes her far from comfort and into the arms of destiny.
A warlock is using her.
The goddess of death is hiding her.
And Siroun’s story is only the beginning.
A bookish pariah finds her world turned upside down when a nefarious outsider leaves a trail of death in his wake. As the sole survivor of the onslaught, Siroun finds herself accused of crimes she didn’t commit and banished from her homeland. With nowhere to go and only one way to clear her name, Siroun’s journey takes her far from comfort and into the arms of destiny.
- GenresFantasy
567 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2020
11 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Lauren N. Sefchik
1 book17 followersLauren Sefchik is an Arizona native who avoids the sun by day, and conquers raid bosses by night. Her love for geek culture started with a video game system from the 70's, a set of polyhedral dice, and a team of heroines in sailor suits. She seeks an army of adventurers willing to journey with her to the furthest reaches of their imaginations with love, laughter, and a lot of mead!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 1, 2020
Lauren's debut novel is beautifully created and the creatures within are not the standard ones I see in fantasy books which was a nice fresh take on the genre for me. The main character, Siroun, grew up isolated from the people around her because of how she looked and was treated terribly, so when an evil necromancer comes after her and she is banished from her home it's sad that she won't be able to visit her father again but feels like an almost healthier outcome despite how scary it clearly is for her. She meets three powerful mages who help her along the way and we are treated to some great world building.
My favorite location is the Hive where the battle mage Zikky is from. In the middle of a desert, underground it's filled with lights and noise and colors that glow and though-ought the entire thing is a crazy racetrack that sounds like so much fun.
Siroun grows through-ought the book, learning what a wide world there is around her and while some of it is terrible some of it is wonderful and the people she meets along the way push her to become something greater for better or for worse. The driving forces we find near the end make it clear that the series is going to build up to something epic and I'm looking forward to see how that plays out.
You love to hate Felthane, the books big bad. You learn to appreciate Zikky who is brazen and rambunctious and does whatever she wants despite the circumstances so much so that it's difficult to deal with at first but really grows on you as the book progresses. Her behavior is a great way to deal with the dangers she has to face. You meet Sebastian who Siroun should relate to in ways that are surprising and interesting and enjoy his antics. And you meet some rulers who are terrifying and frustrating that pretty much remind me of normal politicians in so many ways.
The magic structure in the books is also really interesting. A lot of work goes into spell casting and if you cut corners it takes a toll. And the gods in these books have a pretty hands on approach to dealing with the world Even appearing to the people and moving them around at their pleasure. You can tell there's going to be several levels of conflicts as the series progresses. On a human level, on a magic level, on a political level and on a god level.
Being a first book and self published there are some bits are that are rough around the edges but I can already see how much Lauren is growing as an author and I expect to see those edges smooth out going forward. I can't wait to see people pick up the book and start to fall into the world Lauren has created!
Please be aware I was a beta reader and received my copy without charge but was in no way paid for this review and these are my true opinions reading the final version.
My favorite location is the Hive where the battle mage Zikky is from. In the middle of a desert, underground it's filled with lights and noise and colors that glow and though-ought the entire thing is a crazy racetrack that sounds like so much fun.
Siroun grows through-ought the book, learning what a wide world there is around her and while some of it is terrible some of it is wonderful and the people she meets along the way push her to become something greater for better or for worse. The driving forces we find near the end make it clear that the series is going to build up to something epic and I'm looking forward to see how that plays out.
You love to hate Felthane, the books big bad. You learn to appreciate Zikky who is brazen and rambunctious and does whatever she wants despite the circumstances so much so that it's difficult to deal with at first but really grows on you as the book progresses. Her behavior is a great way to deal with the dangers she has to face. You meet Sebastian who Siroun should relate to in ways that are surprising and interesting and enjoy his antics. And you meet some rulers who are terrifying and frustrating that pretty much remind me of normal politicians in so many ways.
The magic structure in the books is also really interesting. A lot of work goes into spell casting and if you cut corners it takes a toll. And the gods in these books have a pretty hands on approach to dealing with the world Even appearing to the people and moving them around at their pleasure. You can tell there's going to be several levels of conflicts as the series progresses. On a human level, on a magic level, on a political level and on a god level.
Being a first book and self published there are some bits are that are rough around the edges but I can already see how much Lauren is growing as an author and I expect to see those edges smooth out going forward. I can't wait to see people pick up the book and start to fall into the world Lauren has created!
Please be aware I was a beta reader and received my copy without charge but was in no way paid for this review and these are my true opinions reading the final version.
September 1, 2022
Sefchik’s Novel, “Key of Arcandus,” was such an enthralling tale. The characters/ species in this book were not of the typical fantasy, which was one reason I loved it. Siroun is from a lizard humanoid clan in a secluded community. The other townspeople look down on her because she is not entirely of their species. Suddenly, her sheltered life ends when she gets drawn into a mission to track down a warlock who has stolen a map. Since Siroun was working in the library, she is a suspect in the theft and wants to prove her innocence. Siroun joins three mages on this crazy adventure in this coming-of-age story.
I enjoyed the diversity of the characters, each with their own background and culture. There were so many twists and turns during this book that I didn’t see coming. Just when I thought I had figured something out, Sefchik’s plot took me for a 180. I simply could not put this book down since it had me guessing until the end. Another aspect of this novel that I liked was, for some reason, I imagined the story like a video game. I don’t know if this was just my perspective, but this epic quest could fit into a game’s storyline. The only thing that could have been more detailed was the fight scenes in this book since they seemed to end a little quickly without much description.
Overall, I was delighted by the plot and the characters, and I’ll definitely be buying book two when it releases!
June 11, 2021
This book went beyond all my expectations. Romance, intrigue, action, adventure, unique characters & unexpected plot twists! Perfect read for all epic fantasy fans.
The writing style grips the reader from the first page. The dialogues are smart & true to each character’s personality. The action scenes were mindblowing! (Literally, I jumped & sat up straighter when I was reading! lol). The magical system is closer to mythological power systems but logical to the storyline. The author is remarkably skilled in her writing technique. I’m a huge fan now!
Siroun is an outcast in her own village due to her physical appearance & possibly her birth. Despite having a loving father & an overprotective brother, she faces abuse & bullying from everyone else. Yet, she loves her life & her work at the library. When three of her colleagues are murdered one night by an intruder, who steals an ancient artifact, Siroun is put under house arrest. No one wants to believe her innocence until three mages arrive who claim to know the real murderer. What starts as her journey to find the real murderer & establish her innocence, becomes a dynamic & action-packed adventure that completely changes her life. Siroun is the most lovable character, especially seeing her progress through the story from a simple village girl to a powerful entity in her own right.
I have to admit that the story turns rather dark & sad midway through the book. Too many characters are sacrificed as a result of the strife & power struggles. Siroun meets many new friends & loses most of them. She can never go back to her family & life in the village. However, the ending is superb - a bit unexpected but still logical. I was so relieved when her love interest survived the last battle. (Until I read the last chapter, I was going to give the book 4 stars for killing off one of my favourite characters. Lol!) But this book deserves 5 stars! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series!
The writing style grips the reader from the first page. The dialogues are smart & true to each character’s personality. The action scenes were mindblowing! (Literally, I jumped & sat up straighter when I was reading! lol). The magical system is closer to mythological power systems but logical to the storyline. The author is remarkably skilled in her writing technique. I’m a huge fan now!
Siroun is an outcast in her own village due to her physical appearance & possibly her birth. Despite having a loving father & an overprotective brother, she faces abuse & bullying from everyone else. Yet, she loves her life & her work at the library. When three of her colleagues are murdered one night by an intruder, who steals an ancient artifact, Siroun is put under house arrest. No one wants to believe her innocence until three mages arrive who claim to know the real murderer. What starts as her journey to find the real murderer & establish her innocence, becomes a dynamic & action-packed adventure that completely changes her life. Siroun is the most lovable character, especially seeing her progress through the story from a simple village girl to a powerful entity in her own right.
I have to admit that the story turns rather dark & sad midway through the book. Too many characters are sacrificed as a result of the strife & power struggles. Siroun meets many new friends & loses most of them. She can never go back to her family & life in the village. However, the ending is superb - a bit unexpected but still logical. I was so relieved when her love interest survived the last battle. (Until I read the last chapter, I was going to give the book 4 stars for killing off one of my favourite characters. Lol!) But this book deserves 5 stars! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2022
I won Key of Arcandus in a giveaway and I could not be happier.
This is a solid 4 star read for me. The world was beautifully written, though sometimes a little hard to keep track of how big it was and where they were in context to where they had been, that could have been because especially at the beginning there were a lot of things to keep track of and learn about from all the different people to fractions to just the people that we were going to be spending our time with. The characters, especially at first, felt very tropey, with the grumpy one, the cooky one, and the smart lordy one. While they do get fleshed out through the story, some of them feel like the character trope was created first, and the reason why they had that personality was decided on second.
The main character and her own journey through the world and her reactions to what was going on and how strange it all was but how much she wanted to learn about it (even when people were being rude to her) was what really kept me engaged. The politics of the situation also kept me engaged and interested. How they played around each other and forgave each other was fun in the way that they didn’t get mad and stay mad when there was an obvious reason that something had been kept from them. Obviously, they wouldn’t be happy about it, but they would know that it was the sort of anger that had nothing they could do about it.
In the end, as the story went along, the characters and world seem to come together more and more and it did help that my favorite character Sebastian showed up, and I honestly loved how things played out from there and I’m seriously looking forward to the sequel!
This is a solid 4 star read for me. The world was beautifully written, though sometimes a little hard to keep track of how big it was and where they were in context to where they had been, that could have been because especially at the beginning there were a lot of things to keep track of and learn about from all the different people to fractions to just the people that we were going to be spending our time with. The characters, especially at first, felt very tropey, with the grumpy one, the cooky one, and the smart lordy one. While they do get fleshed out through the story, some of them feel like the character trope was created first, and the reason why they had that personality was decided on second.
The main character and her own journey through the world and her reactions to what was going on and how strange it all was but how much she wanted to learn about it (even when people were being rude to her) was what really kept me engaged. The politics of the situation also kept me engaged and interested. How they played around each other and forgave each other was fun in the way that they didn’t get mad and stay mad when there was an obvious reason that something had been kept from them. Obviously, they wouldn’t be happy about it, but they would know that it was the sort of anger that had nothing they could do about it.
In the end, as the story went along, the characters and world seem to come together more and more and it did help that my favorite character Sebastian showed up, and I honestly loved how things played out from there and I’m seriously looking forward to the sequel!
October 30, 2023
First off, THANK YOU, LAUREN! I won your book as part of a TikTok event you did a year ago, and I finally took time to read it, and I am so glad that I did!
I really enjoyed the voice of the distinct characters and !the complex world they live in. Although Siroun’s naïveté can be frustrating at times, it contrasts the challenges and growth that she experiences throughout. It definitely makes for a satisfying arch.
This book felt like I was making quick progress, while also still having so much story to finish. I enjoyed how much plot filled the pages, and the ending genuinely surprised me with the turn it took.
—
The only reason I gave 4 stars (5 stars for story) is because the sentence structure frustrated me at times (her sentences meander and feel colloquial). The writing still had great atmosphere— it just took the long route.
Also, with Siroun having grown up in Niravad all her life, I was surprised by some of the word choices she made, since they felt “less formal” than her brother or father talked. I guess I wasn’t sure what the rule book was on how the characters talked with the different dialects and experiences. (Like at one point, the phrase “pièce de résistance” and it doesn’t matter, I know, but I was like, how is French in here?)
—
GREAT BOOK THOUGH— PLEASE WRITE THE NEXT ONE SOON! ❤️
I really enjoyed the voice of the distinct characters and !the complex world they live in. Although Siroun’s naïveté can be frustrating at times, it contrasts the challenges and growth that she experiences throughout. It definitely makes for a satisfying arch.
This book felt like I was making quick progress, while also still having so much story to finish. I enjoyed how much plot filled the pages, and the ending genuinely surprised me with the turn it took.
—
The only reason I gave 4 stars (5 stars for story) is because the sentence structure frustrated me at times (her sentences meander and feel colloquial). The writing still had great atmosphere— it just took the long route.
Also, with Siroun having grown up in Niravad all her life, I was surprised by some of the word choices she made, since they felt “less formal” than her brother or father talked. I guess I wasn’t sure what the rule book was on how the characters talked with the different dialects and experiences. (Like at one point, the phrase “pièce de résistance” and it doesn’t matter, I know, but I was like, how is French in here?)
—
GREAT BOOK THOUGH— PLEASE WRITE THE NEXT ONE SOON! ❤️
Read
March 2, 2024DNF at 60%
This novel is set in a wonderfully crafted and interesting world and I found the plot relatively okay in terms of pacing. I was disappointed in the characterisation. Siroun has so many difficulties that the author could have engaged with, especially because there are so many readers who would identify with the feelings of not belonging, being different, but also able to step up and become an admirable person because she embraces the world around her.
What got me to lose faith in Siroun and decide to put down the book is the lack of emotion In this case, I would have expected a character to show signs of either denial or grief, but Siroun shows neither and I quite simply lost faith in the character. But although this story didn't turn out to be quite right for me, I'm sure there are readers who'd enjoy this novel.
This novel is set in a wonderfully crafted and interesting world and I found the plot relatively okay in terms of pacing. I was disappointed in the characterisation. Siroun has so many difficulties that the author could have engaged with, especially because there are so many readers who would identify with the feelings of not belonging, being different, but also able to step up and become an admirable person because she embraces the world around her.
What got me to lose faith in Siroun and decide to put down the book is the lack of emotion In this case, I would have expected a character to show signs of either denial or grief, but Siroun shows neither and I quite simply lost faith in the character. But although this story didn't turn out to be quite right for me, I'm sure there are readers who'd enjoy this novel.
October 8, 2022
There is a lot to say about Sefchik’s “Key of Arcandus” so buckle up! First, while reading this amazing story it’s evident that Sefchick took time to build the world. The names of places, things, and people (species) were so believable you would think they truly exists. The concept that magic has consequences is a great addition to the story as well.
Second, the characters felt true to themselves that while reading dialogue I knew who it was without needing the tag. Zikky takes the cake for the funniest, most down to earth, and loyal friend of them all. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and what they bought to the story.
Third, oh the plot twists (there were many) Even when I thought the story arc was going one way it changed direction and kept me entertained! “Key of Arcandus” really held me to the very end and I cannot wait to read the sequel!! Wonderful job to the author.
Second, the characters felt true to themselves that while reading dialogue I knew who it was without needing the tag. Zikky takes the cake for the funniest, most down to earth, and loyal friend of them all. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and what they bought to the story.
Third, oh the plot twists (there were many) Even when I thought the story arc was going one way it changed direction and kept me entertained! “Key of Arcandus” really held me to the very end and I cannot wait to read the sequel!! Wonderful job to the author.
December 6, 2023
Siroun has always been an outsider in her little village and when her library is attacked and villagers killed, she’s immediately blamed for it even though she tries to stop the actual attacker! With the mages from the kingdom aligning with her mission to prove her innocence while also completing theirs, Siroun embarks on a journey to new places, peoples, and ways of thinking. But the mage Felthane wants his revenge on her for denying him what he wanted from the library - can she stay safe? Or will he end the realm trying to get her?
This was a fun adventure story and the first in a series! Siroun grows from completely ignorant to realizing she’s so much more throughout the book and her companions all teach her different things. I look forward to the rest of the series!
This was a fun adventure story and the first in a series! Siroun grows from completely ignorant to realizing she’s so much more throughout the book and her companions all teach her different things. I look forward to the rest of the series!
July 3, 2023
Lauran N. Sefchik's wildly imaginative "Key of Arcandus: Book 1" is the fantasy quest novel result if the Star Wars Cantina had a baby with Lord of the Rings. It stars a half reptilian-half human heroine, a choice alone that earns a few stars just for uniqueness. Her companions are equally interesting (take a kung-fu warrior bunny with an arguably Cockney accent). "Key of Arcandus" is crammed full of magic and a constantly changing plot that can sometimes be overwhelming to keep up with (at least for me), readers will enjoy seeing what's around the next page-turn.
August 20, 2022
Key of Arcandus is not only a fun read, but the book itself is gorgeous! The world building is great, made even better by the maps. Lauren really draws you into her story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
July 26, 2022
One of my favorite books I’ve read in awhile. Non stop action and the perfect amount of romantic intention.
December 23, 2022
Intriguing characters, great magic system, and a read that accelerates to the end. I can't wait to see what comes next!
Read
January 5, 2025Dnf
July 29, 2022
Magic that comes at a cost, a main character that loves to read and is on a journey of self discovery while trying to help take down the bad guy, amazing side characters (Zikky is my absolute favorite, so much character, sarcasm and attitude in one body), and plenty of action. Be prepared to not want to put the book down, especially during the last 150 pages!!
January 6, 2021
Queer rep: Sapphic (pansexual, bi, wlw relationship)
CW: violence, death
**This review is spoiler-free**
Disclaimer: Lauren and I are good friends. I was also a beta-reader for KoA. I am a prolific reader, however, and I want to provide an honest opinion so that you can judge whether you may want to pick KoA up for yourself or a friend.
Lauren is going to be a writer to watch. First novels, as this one is, are rarely this complex. There is a LOT of lore that Lauren is building upon for this series, and instead of infodumping like some writers tend to do, she reveals bits and pieces of information as the story unfolds. That, for me, is an excellent quality, and pretty much the ideal style that I want in a novel's worldbuilding. It feels very natural, and also lets us move along with the main character as she learns more about the world she lives in.
Let's talk about characters. The main character in this story, Siroun, is a girl living in a xenophobic society. As such, most of what she knows about the world outside of her village are false, terrible stereotypes about the people and lands of the planet. Furthermore, she's a half-breed, and can't "pass" as one of the local race, and I think that was the perfect choice for the main character here, because as Siroun learns things (and overwrites harmful internal stereotypes, in her case), we learn them too. It's the perfect way to introduce a new world to us. The cast of complimentary characters is well-rounded with various genders, personalities, races, and sexualities represented. They have flaws, and is small enough that we get a good peek inside who they are as people. I can't wait to read more about each of them in subsequent books!
The story is definitely a high fantasy. I would liken it most to the Forbidden Realms books in the feel of things and worldbuilding. If you like the idea of Lord of the Rings but find it too wordy, KoA is very much like that. If you normally spend time in the fantasy section of the bookstore, I think you would want to give this a shot.
Lauren's writing style is straightforward. Perhaps here is my only real caveat - she tells (as opposed to shows) a little too much for my taste. But not everyone prefers this, and this is also her first novel. It does make this book easy to read. This book could be professionally published (and she did have it professionally edited) and sit alongside any mainstream novel and do very well, I think, as far as quality of writing and story goes.
Overall, I really enjoyed the cast of characters and their banter. I loved how things were laid out, and how we journeyed through the eyes of a character that was also experiencing things for the first time. This is a great foundation to build a series on. I think if found families, ragtag bands of adventurers, fantasy worlds, and good banter are your things, you should give Lauren's book a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I think Lauren is a writer to have on your radar. I would not be surprised if a publisher approaches her someday and either picks this series up for widespread distribution, or asks her to write for them. BTW, KoA would make an EXCELLENT movie.
CW: violence, death
**This review is spoiler-free**
Disclaimer: Lauren and I are good friends. I was also a beta-reader for KoA. I am a prolific reader, however, and I want to provide an honest opinion so that you can judge whether you may want to pick KoA up for yourself or a friend.
Lauren is going to be a writer to watch. First novels, as this one is, are rarely this complex. There is a LOT of lore that Lauren is building upon for this series, and instead of infodumping like some writers tend to do, she reveals bits and pieces of information as the story unfolds. That, for me, is an excellent quality, and pretty much the ideal style that I want in a novel's worldbuilding. It feels very natural, and also lets us move along with the main character as she learns more about the world she lives in.
Let's talk about characters. The main character in this story, Siroun, is a girl living in a xenophobic society. As such, most of what she knows about the world outside of her village are false, terrible stereotypes about the people and lands of the planet. Furthermore, she's a half-breed, and can't "pass" as one of the local race, and I think that was the perfect choice for the main character here, because as Siroun learns things (and overwrites harmful internal stereotypes, in her case), we learn them too. It's the perfect way to introduce a new world to us. The cast of complimentary characters is well-rounded with various genders, personalities, races, and sexualities represented. They have flaws, and is small enough that we get a good peek inside who they are as people. I can't wait to read more about each of them in subsequent books!
The story is definitely a high fantasy. I would liken it most to the Forbidden Realms books in the feel of things and worldbuilding. If you like the idea of Lord of the Rings but find it too wordy, KoA is very much like that. If you normally spend time in the fantasy section of the bookstore, I think you would want to give this a shot.
Lauren's writing style is straightforward. Perhaps here is my only real caveat - she tells (as opposed to shows) a little too much for my taste. But not everyone prefers this, and this is also her first novel. It does make this book easy to read. This book could be professionally published (and she did have it professionally edited) and sit alongside any mainstream novel and do very well, I think, as far as quality of writing and story goes.
Overall, I really enjoyed the cast of characters and their banter. I loved how things were laid out, and how we journeyed through the eyes of a character that was also experiencing things for the first time. This is a great foundation to build a series on. I think if found families, ragtag bands of adventurers, fantasy worlds, and good banter are your things, you should give Lauren's book a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I think Lauren is a writer to have on your radar. I would not be surprised if a publisher approaches her someday and either picks this series up for widespread distribution, or asks her to write for them. BTW, KoA would make an EXCELLENT movie.
December 21, 2023
My fascination with the fantastical started long before I discovered Boris Vallejo. But it was this beautifully mesmerizing artwork which most definitely added fuel to that particular fire. Each image created a tableau vivant as real as if it had been captured from life. And equally as extraordinary as something which could only live in the imagination.
So of course I collected the trading cards. Can you blame me for the lure of gazing endlessly at these images and finding myself constantly taken from one world into another.
With Key of Arcandus, Lauren N. Sefchik has taken me into a world seemingly from the artwork of Boris Vallejo. I find one image to hold onto as an exemplar of the world Lauren created, only to discover the one image barely touched the surface.
The vastness we experience as we traverse the world Lauren created for Siroun is vividly breathtaking. Each moment is infused with imagery akin to Vallejo. From the Dragomyr to the attack on the library to the map practically coming to life and of course the mages on a quest.
Throughout all of this there’s Siroun as battles of ice, fire, lightning and shadows are fought around her and she leaves weakness behind to find her strength.
Lauren’s Arcandus is infused with imagery that like Vallejo, adds fuel to the fire of my imagination.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8HsKcft/
So of course I collected the trading cards. Can you blame me for the lure of gazing endlessly at these images and finding myself constantly taken from one world into another.
With Key of Arcandus, Lauren N. Sefchik has taken me into a world seemingly from the artwork of Boris Vallejo. I find one image to hold onto as an exemplar of the world Lauren created, only to discover the one image barely touched the surface.
The vastness we experience as we traverse the world Lauren created for Siroun is vividly breathtaking. Each moment is infused with imagery akin to Vallejo. From the Dragomyr to the attack on the library to the map practically coming to life and of course the mages on a quest.
Throughout all of this there’s Siroun as battles of ice, fire, lightning and shadows are fought around her and she leaves weakness behind to find her strength.
Lauren’s Arcandus is infused with imagery that like Vallejo, adds fuel to the fire of my imagination.
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8HsKcft/
February 4, 2021
The underlying story is good and makes me want to read the next one, but the character develop/languages/customs all were inconsistent. Definitely got a first time author feel, hopefully the next one improves on those points.
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