Born and raised in medieval Panthera, Rhennea lives the wretched life of a typical peasant, though she aspires for greater things, love, and a life without violence. Instead, fate will take her on an epic journey of suffering, heartache, battle, and magic. When a soothsayer tasks Rhennea with protecting the infant Rose, Rhennea’s life takes a chaotic turn. Hunted by the Lords of the realm, she is led by a wise panther, guardian of Rose, and joined by the young Lord Kedor Armine and Selena, a cranky midwife; together, they search for a mythic realm.
Panthera, the first book of a trilogy, is an epic fantasy adventure. With strong protagonist and back-to-back harrowing challenges, join in, as we delve deeper into Panthera and its powerful story.
It tells the story of Rhennea, born and residing in medieval Panthera. Despite having a traumatic childhood, she hopes of good and great things. When Master Baldric and his family took her in and consider her as his own child she thought she has finally found solace and stability. But it turn out to be a pleasant delusion.
Soon enough, she is thrusts into the world of heartaches, battles, magic and mayhem. If she had troubled past then comparing to what awaited mounted to nothing. Ancient Panthera holds numerous secrets and powers. When the Soothsayer puts the responsibility of protecting Rose, an infant, all hell break loose. Rhennea and her acquittance unite in search for a mythical realm that would change everything in the future.
Here are the things I loved about this book. Firstly, let's talk about the plot and storyline, it was amazingly executed. Along with Rhennea's story we had glimpses of another story running parallel and ultimately crossing over by merging together to result into rhis epic fantasy adventure. Secondly, the writing style, the author was absolutely rocked it. Engaging and astoundingly well written creating a vivid and dynamic world- building. And finally coming to the third, the characters. The author showed the protagonist despite all the violence and vile past that she endure made her heart hope for a life full of love and happiness thus portraying that one should be brave enough to see the silver lining in the cloud.
I'd recommend this to the fantasy readers. For those who love to read Sarah J Maas and J.R.R. Tolkien epic adventures, you'll love Panthera as well. This is an one of a kind epic fantasy novel that you wouldn't want to miss.
Rhennea longs for so much more than her simple peasant life. Yes, that sounds like a 'Beauty and the Beast' set-up, but the reality is much, much more bleak.
After suffering her entire life under the abuse of her father, neglect from her mother, abandonment by her sister, and then multiple accounts of attempted assaults (among other things), Rhennea is ready to shed the weight of the life that was assigned to her at birth.
To achieve her freedom, though, she must make many impossible decisions, and lose love ones along the way. Can she withstand a journey to something better if the way is paved by even more hardships (and perhaps death)? Even with magical panthers at her side, Rhennea must accept the fact that if her lot in life is ever to change, that change must start within her, first, and that she, herself, is worth fighting for.
Although the 'coming of age' theme in Panthera is present from the start (which I see more commonly in YA fiction), I was honestly caught a bit off-guard by the amount of mature, graphically dark content throughout the piece. For parents considering this book for their younger YA teens (~12), reader discretion should be advised, as there are many potentially triggering topics within it.
Although the outlook of the story seems consistently bleak, the main characters (of which there are many) are ALL very intriguing, and I found myself totally invested in what would happen with them. The epic fantasy aspect of this world shines through clearly, and the adventuring nature combined with the dark events and themes might appeal to many readers looking for an entirely different side of mythological fantasy.
This book takes you on a journey through the fantastical world of Panthera. The writing and worldbuilding skills are great, with many characters and places that keep the story going. A medium to slow-paced action that allows you to take in the world of Panthera. The story ends on a cliffhanger with a lot of room for action in book 2!
Thank you very much, Andreas Boesch, for giving me a copy of your book in exchange for review.
"Panthera" is set in a medieval fantasy world where people have a harsh life despite the magic and adventures. It is a world of nobility and peasants, heroes and covards blended a tight knot of intrigues connected to a forgotten land and old prophecy.
The story starts with Rhennea, a young peasant girl who runs away from home and abusive father, desperate to find her place in the world. She meets good and bad people on her way and ends up clashing a noble lord who will play an important part in her upcoming fate.
The best thing I liked about this book was connection of the characters in the right place and time. In my opinion, this single trope of the enitire book is a pro. On the opposite side, this book lacks a proper world building and a system of telling a story from multiple POVs. It is a tricky thing, so authors often get slipped on it and make some confusion for readers. However, this story has a potential, and I am interested in what is next.