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Faoii Chronicles #1
The Last Faoii
The faoii have protected Clearwall for generations. With militaristic order and stalwart discipline, these women have reigned in unopposed prosperity. But when her monastery is attacked and her sisters slaughtered, only young Kaiya-faoii is left alive.
Forced to cope without the long-standing traditions of her Order, Kaiya travels the country in a mission to avenge her sisters and preserve what is left of her heritage. The search brings her not only to dark discoveries and ancient family secrets, but to something she never wanted or dreamed of-- an estranged brother.
Fighting against an uncle that has kept them apart their entire lives and forced into a war at the heart of a broken empire, the siblings must evaluate the true meanings of enemy, betrayal and freedom--and the grey areas surrounding each.
Forced to cope without the long-standing traditions of her Order, Kaiya travels the country in a mission to avenge her sisters and preserve what is left of her heritage. The search brings her not only to dark discoveries and ancient family secrets, but to something she never wanted or dreamed of-- an estranged brother.
Fighting against an uncle that has kept them apart their entire lives and forced into a war at the heart of a broken empire, the siblings must evaluate the true meanings of enemy, betrayal and freedom--and the grey areas surrounding each.
- GenresFantasy
394 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2020
63 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Tahani Nelson
13 books63 followersTahani Nelson is an author and English teacher in Billings, Montana. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and an ever-growing army of Faoii at her back, Nelson has become a common attendee at author events, Renaissance festivals, news programs, and conventions across the US-- always wearing full armor and a face resplendent with war paint. While her most notable appearances have been at the Indie Audiobook Awards and Fantasycon discussion panels, she most frequently gives presentations about empowerment and creating strong, healthy female role models in modern media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 26, 2017
Tahani Nelson weaves a rich tapestry depicting a world on the cusp of change.
Within a few pages I was ensnared in this story. Caught in the "one more chapter, then I'll put down the book" trap that every bibliophile knows. Now, I'm in another book lovers quandary. I've finished this book and must wait for a sequel. Thank you Tahani for a masterfully created world to immerse myself in for a while. Now hurry up with more, Preoii!
Within a few pages I was ensnared in this story. Caught in the "one more chapter, then I'll put down the book" trap that every bibliophile knows. Now, I'm in another book lovers quandary. I've finished this book and must wait for a sequel. Thank you Tahani for a masterfully created world to immerse myself in for a while. Now hurry up with more, Preoii!
February 19, 2018
This book is both beautiful and dark, and it embodies all of the characteristics I want to teach my own daughters. The characters (especially Kaiya) are strong, determined and realistic. A good role model for all ages, Nelson's Faoii-Kaiya shows us what Fantasy should be like!
February 17, 2018
Epic fantasy! Nelson has built a rich world for us to explore and given us characters we want to take the journey with. The story is visceral, bloody, and even spiritual. And Faoii Kaiya is exactly the hero we need in the world... Tahani's and ours. I can't wait to read more of her adventures.
dnf
January 8, 2018I just couldn't get into this. The shorter chapters were OK, but the moment a chapter was longer than 10 pages, it just seemed like a chore to read, and that's not how it's supposed to be
Keeping it around, though, as I plan to try again later. May just be the timeing.
Keeping it around, though, as I plan to try again later. May just be the timeing.
October 1, 2017
An amazing first novel from a young voice. It's apparent that Ms Nelson comes from a world that I have only glimpsed. Her characters are strong with personality; you will care about them and remember them. Her world is unique and it's apparent that we've glimpsed only a bit of the whole.
Initially, one might assume this to be a period in the world we know. It's not. There are so many small signs, indicators, beliefs that simply aren't part of what we see every day. This is a well conceived world of it's own.
I enjoy varied books and movies. I read SF heavily and Fantasy occasionally. I have no direct comparison for this; it's unique and fulfilling. In some instances, it reminded me of Asimov's Foundation series, but mostly as you learn more of the running of the world.
Marketed as a YA book, I (a mid-50s male,) thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are vivid, the world interesting, the story fast and engrossing. As the main character is a woman of color, this is a bit unusual in today's books and is inclusive, though natural within the world of the Faoii.
Nothing here is quite what one expects; everything here is quite what it should be.
Initially, one might assume this to be a period in the world we know. It's not. There are so many small signs, indicators, beliefs that simply aren't part of what we see every day. This is a well conceived world of it's own.
I enjoy varied books and movies. I read SF heavily and Fantasy occasionally. I have no direct comparison for this; it's unique and fulfilling. In some instances, it reminded me of Asimov's Foundation series, but mostly as you learn more of the running of the world.
Marketed as a YA book, I (a mid-50s male,) thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are vivid, the world interesting, the story fast and engrossing. As the main character is a woman of color, this is a bit unusual in today's books and is inclusive, though natural within the world of the Faoii.
Nothing here is quite what one expects; everything here is quite what it should be.
December 3, 2017
I was stunned by this multilayered, action-packed dark fantasy. In this story's world, the Faoii are the protectors of the common folk - warrior women, devoted to the Goddess Illindria, living in monasteries throughout the countryside. That is, until a band of Croeli men arrives to destroy them all. Our protagonist, Kaiya, is the sole survivor of the attack, and she must rise to her position as the last remaining Faoii.
This is only the beginning of Faoii-Kaiya's journey - to say more would ruin the fast-paced, quickly turning plot. Tahani Nelson excels at world-building and story structure. There's a lot of action and swordplay, and a lot of blood, but the violence has a purpose. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
This is only the beginning of Faoii-Kaiya's journey - to say more would ruin the fast-paced, quickly turning plot. Tahani Nelson excels at world-building and story structure. There's a lot of action and swordplay, and a lot of blood, but the violence has a purpose. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
May 13, 2018
Debut author Tahani Nelson is one I will be keeping an eye on. Nelson's writing is lyrical, and I often found myself stopping and rereading certain passages. The world that Nelson creates is rich and vivid, and I was carried effortlessly through the story, which I've found is not always the case with fantasy. Nelson's depiction of each battle scene was authentic and impassioned, and her characters were multilayered, demonstrating that what classifies someone as good or evil is not always explicit. I hope this isn't the last adventure for the Faoii, and I look forward to a sequel.
October 29, 2017
A great debut! Nelson has assembled a veritable army of sympathetic - and often tragic - heroes, that readers will gladly follow into the darkness. And it does get dark! War, family, mind control, the rift between the sexes, even the gods themselves... Nelson digs deep and the result is extremely satisfying!
November 9, 2017
This book will grip you with action from the very beginning! You’re introduced to a world of magic and female warriors in an epic battle that will decide the fate of their world. The writing is rich and detailed, the characters are well defined. The plot is well fleshed out. A great fantasy read! I can’t wait for the next book! Until then I will ready my fantoii and practice my oath!
October 3, 2017
I got The Last Faoii as a pre-release. This is a nice, quick read fantasy with a diverse cast of characters and a unique world. I am looking forward to more from this author, as this was an excellent first novel!
February 23, 2019
With flowing prose and vivid imagery, this story is a great read. But what sets this novel apart is the way Ms. Nelson brings you into the world she has built. Her true love for her story is evident, and you can't help but flow along, immersed in this wonderful book. Bravo!
October 12, 2018
This was a fantastic fast-paced fantasy read that kept me on my toes. And... For the first time in a long while, I was caught off guard by a nice little plot twist. Excellent work Mrs. Nelson!
October 22, 2017
Fantastic first novel from this author. Rich description and compelling characters weave strong magic throughout this story.
July 25, 2021
Spectacular
Enthralling and heart wrenching. This is a book that pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let go. A fabulously detailed world, and characters you can’t help but care deeply for. I am very glad to have discovered this, and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Enthralling and heart wrenching. This is a book that pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let go. A fabulously detailed world, and characters you can’t help but care deeply for. I am very glad to have discovered this, and can’t wait to read more from this author.
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February 17, 2018This is an amazing work by an amazing author. She does a great job of turning fantasy on its head and showing us the struggle to be equal in a new light. It features a strong female main character that proves that women are equally capable of swinging swords and wearing real armor. Join Faoii-Kaiya as she struggles with the nearly complete destruction of her Order, and comes to realize that things weren't as idyllic as they had seemed to her.
January 22, 2021
Fun and fast paced
I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention. I fell in love with the main characters! Will be recommending to friends.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention. I fell in love with the main characters! Will be recommending to friends.
January 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this first book in the series and I look forward to where this story will go from here on. For a more full in-depth review check out my youtube channel.
December 27, 2020
Amazing
This story pulled me in from the beginning. Emotional ride that left me breathless. Author has a great gifted talent for story telling.
This story pulled me in from the beginning. Emotional ride that left me breathless. Author has a great gifted talent for story telling.
October 7, 2020
More people need to read this book! It is so, so, so good. Words cannot express how much I love this book! The author made such a riveting, unique world that is so much more than what it seems. The characters are interesting and you can't help but be invested even in ones you only met a page or two before.
This book also has fantastic representation for women and people of color. There's only two male characters aside from the antagonist, but it doesn't feel forced or unrealistic. It's such a refreshing take on the high fantasy genre, and the ending blew me away. I have not read a book like this in a long, long time.
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On my second readthrough, I still love this book and I am keeping it as my favorites. I did notice more issues this time, but not enough to knock it down a full star. I'd say 4.5/5 stars. It is still amazing writing, amazing characters, amazing worldbuilding, amazing ending, and the whole story still has left me wanting more and eager for the next book.
All of the flaws that I found personally I think can come down to that this is simply quite a big book that's been sort of funneled down, as a series (or a video game?) I feel like this might have been able to more fully explore everything. However, I know this is Nelson's first book and it was independently published so I completely understand why it's just the one instead of a full series.
I do know a sequel is planned so I am for sure being on the lookout for that, as I am eager to see where this story and these characters will go 👀
This book also has fantastic representation for women and people of color. There's only two male characters aside from the antagonist, but it doesn't feel forced or unrealistic. It's such a refreshing take on the high fantasy genre, and the ending blew me away. I have not read a book like this in a long, long time.
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On my second readthrough, I still love this book and I am keeping it as my favorites. I did notice more issues this time, but not enough to knock it down a full star. I'd say 4.5/5 stars. It is still amazing writing, amazing characters, amazing worldbuilding, amazing ending, and the whole story still has left me wanting more and eager for the next book.
All of the flaws that I found personally I think can come down to that this is simply quite a big book that's been sort of funneled down, as a series (or a video game?) I feel like this might have been able to more fully explore everything. However, I know this is Nelson's first book and it was independently published so I completely understand why it's just the one instead of a full series.
I do know a sequel is planned so I am for sure being on the lookout for that, as I am eager to see where this story and these characters will go 👀
January 14, 2021
Great characterization, Unique world (with enough left open to explore and theorize about), Solid Plot, and a very strong voice. This book is fantastic and needs to be read.
April 3, 2019
The merits of this book cannot be overstated.
The Last Faoii is a phenomenal story of tense action, deep emotion, engaging mystery, and raw inspiration. The world is intricately crafted and wholly original, unlike anything else even the most avid of fantasy readers has seen before. It captures your attention and holds you rapt from chapter to chapter. The plot is intricate and multifaceted, enough to keep delivering new surprises at every turn, but never so much that it becomes difficult to follow.
Kaiya is one of the strongest protagonists I've seen in years. We see her jump from crisis of identity to crisis of family to crisis of faith over and over throughout the story, and each time she is brought down by one of these crises, we see her find her footing once again, stronger than ever. This is always done in such a sincere and emotionally truthful way it is impossible not to feel it resonate with your own personal experiences each time, creating a pure empathetic bond between the reader and the protagonist that is almost impossible to achieve. Not only is Kaiya compelling and inspiring as a character, she's a vital addition to the literary world. This is the kind of character that shapes the lives of its readers forever.
I could praise this book endlessly (and it would deserve it), but nothing I can say will do justice to the pure excellence of this story. It defies comparison, it defies summation, and I defy you to read it and not fall in love with it.
The Last Faoii is a phenomenal story of tense action, deep emotion, engaging mystery, and raw inspiration. The world is intricately crafted and wholly original, unlike anything else even the most avid of fantasy readers has seen before. It captures your attention and holds you rapt from chapter to chapter. The plot is intricate and multifaceted, enough to keep delivering new surprises at every turn, but never so much that it becomes difficult to follow.
Kaiya is one of the strongest protagonists I've seen in years. We see her jump from crisis of identity to crisis of family to crisis of faith over and over throughout the story, and each time she is brought down by one of these crises, we see her find her footing once again, stronger than ever. This is always done in such a sincere and emotionally truthful way it is impossible not to feel it resonate with your own personal experiences each time, creating a pure empathetic bond between the reader and the protagonist that is almost impossible to achieve. Not only is Kaiya compelling and inspiring as a character, she's a vital addition to the literary world. This is the kind of character that shapes the lives of its readers forever.
I could praise this book endlessly (and it would deserve it), but nothing I can say will do justice to the pure excellence of this story. It defies comparison, it defies summation, and I defy you to read it and not fall in love with it.
February 7, 2019
I bounced back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook, thanks to Kindle's seamless transition between apps. Nelson creates a rich world that sucks you in from the very first few pages. The world-building is top-notch and the character growth from start to finish pulls you into the story in such a way that you almost feel like you are on the journey with Kaiya the whole time.
The narrator for the audiobook was a perfect choice. I'm super picky about my audiobook narrators because some voices can distract me from the story or just don't match the tone of the book. Not in this case. Sara Morsey was perfect for the tone and array of characters portrayed in The Last Faoii.
I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of strong female characters, minority characters, fantastic and rich worldbuilding, and intriguing magic systems.
The narrator for the audiobook was a perfect choice. I'm super picky about my audiobook narrators because some voices can distract me from the story or just don't match the tone of the book. Not in this case. Sara Morsey was perfect for the tone and array of characters portrayed in The Last Faoii.
I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of strong female characters, minority characters, fantastic and rich worldbuilding, and intriguing magic systems.
May 11, 2020
The Last Faoii is a poetic march through a tale of myth and legend. It may not be classical myth that we are speaking of, but it is legend nonetheless. The background world of this tale is rich, and one gets a sense of deep history right from the first two chapters. There is a sense of discovery throughout the book, which is supported by the main character, who is young and inexperienced, thus we get to learn about this world as she does in her adventures. I found myself wishing the novel was a hundred pages longer, if only to continue to follow the musical cadence of Tehani Nelson's style, and to find out more about this fascinating world that she has brought to life. While I hate to compare authors, I will say that if you've ever enjoyed curling up with a Mercedes Lackey novel, The Last Faoii will also hit the spot very nicely.
August 10, 2020
Fantasy is one of those genres I sometimes struggle to get into because the world building can bog down the storytelling, but Nelson excels at unveiling her world through the action and characters. No excessive exposition to plod through. She drops you right into a fully realized world unlike any other.
The story never lags. The action, and there's a lot of it, is well-paced and easy to visualize. The characters and relationships are rich and textured. The plot is distinct with surprising twists and turns. Thematic content is elegantly woven into the story without feeling heavy handed. This is as confident and self-assured a debut novel you will ever encounter.
While it's wholly unique, I think fans of Kristin Cashore and Sarah J. Maas would enjoy it.
I'd go so far as to call it a game changer.
The story never lags. The action, and there's a lot of it, is well-paced and easy to visualize. The characters and relationships are rich and textured. The plot is distinct with surprising twists and turns. Thematic content is elegantly woven into the story without feeling heavy handed. This is as confident and self-assured a debut novel you will ever encounter.
While it's wholly unique, I think fans of Kristin Cashore and Sarah J. Maas would enjoy it.
I'd go so far as to call it a game changer.
July 20, 2020
A fun night's read.
Could have used a little bit more meat on it, plot points flashed by with a fair stretching of credulity. The advertising boasted of strong female characters, etc cetera, there is some preachiness in that regard, and it leads to some predictability in the story arc. The conclusion is straight out of 21st century pablum, but no one's perfect. Would have appreciated a more nuance, or insightful path, but then it wouldn't have been the light read i was looking for. Overall, though, exactly what I needed to get lost in for an evening. I'll certainly give the next one a shot.
Could have used a little bit more meat on it, plot points flashed by with a fair stretching of credulity. The advertising boasted of strong female characters, etc cetera, there is some preachiness in that regard, and it leads to some predictability in the story arc. The conclusion is straight out of 21st century pablum, but no one's perfect. Would have appreciated a more nuance, or insightful path, but then it wouldn't have been the light read i was looking for. Overall, though, exactly what I needed to get lost in for an evening. I'll certainly give the next one a shot.
December 12, 2020
An Amazing Book
This had me gripped from beginning, middle, and to the end. The storyline based around a group of Faoii (warrior) women would be a great read for young girls to read today, to give them a sense of pride and women can be heroes too. This book deserves all the accolades that it gets and I can't wait to read book 2. Well done.
This had me gripped from beginning, middle, and to the end. The storyline based around a group of Faoii (warrior) women would be a great read for young girls to read today, to give them a sense of pride and women can be heroes too. This book deserves all the accolades that it gets and I can't wait to read book 2. Well done.
December 14, 2020
This has got to be one of the more original works of fantasy I’ve had the pleasure of reading. The author has managed to avoid most of the old fantasy tropes while still creating a satisfying fantasy tale.
Her take on magic is fascinating and unique with a lot of variety, but ultimately divine in nature. It is one of those rare works of fantasy that explores religion, and rarer still that manages do it so well.
The action was fast paced and gritty.
The only minor critique I had was some pacing issues towards the middle, where scenes felt a little jumbled.
Her take on magic is fascinating and unique with a lot of variety, but ultimately divine in nature. It is one of those rare works of fantasy that explores religion, and rarer still that manages do it so well.
The action was fast paced and gritty.
The only minor critique I had was some pacing issues towards the middle, where scenes felt a little jumbled.
March 9, 2018
Engaging
As an acquaintance of the author I sort of felt obligated to read her book. I bought the Kindle version on a Sunday morning and sat reading it ALL day because it grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go! The story line is engaging, although there are a few more battles and gory details than I normally prefer. Overall I really enjoyed the story, and the end managed to surprise me somewhat. This is a book I won't hesitate to recommend to friends!
As an acquaintance of the author I sort of felt obligated to read her book. I bought the Kindle version on a Sunday morning and sat reading it ALL day because it grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go! The story line is engaging, although there are a few more battles and gory details than I normally prefer. Overall I really enjoyed the story, and the end managed to surprise me somewhat. This is a book I won't hesitate to recommend to friends!
October 4, 2020
Fierce and powerful
An epic adventure with familiar elements and brand new tropes. You get a Chosen One vibe through parts of the book, but then it takes a sharp turn and turns that tired cliche right on its head. We should all be able to choose our own destinies.
I bought this one bc someone was giving the author a hard time on social media, saying that it's not realistic to have an entire class of woman warriors. So it was a spite purchase, and I have no regrets.
An epic adventure with familiar elements and brand new tropes. You get a Chosen One vibe through parts of the book, but then it takes a sharp turn and turns that tired cliche right on its head. We should all be able to choose our own destinies.
I bought this one bc someone was giving the author a hard time on social media, saying that it's not realistic to have an entire class of woman warriors. So it was a spite purchase, and I have no regrets.
November 26, 2020
Wow
This is simply a fantastic new fantasy novel. I really enjoyed reading about such a strong character like Kaiya, she has so many obstacles to over come in this book I didn't know how it would end for her. I think the author is quite brilliant at putting a scene together, I was totally engaged. She has put together a world of warriors, that wouldn't look out of place on screen. Superb first book and I am looking forward to more.
This is simply a fantastic new fantasy novel. I really enjoyed reading about such a strong character like Kaiya, she has so many obstacles to over come in this book I didn't know how it would end for her. I think the author is quite brilliant at putting a scene together, I was totally engaged. She has put together a world of warriors, that wouldn't look out of place on screen. Superb first book and I am looking forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews