Casting Shadows: Wrapped in the Rays of the Sun Volume I

by Sara Ellie MacKenzie

Nora was always second fiddle to her older sister, Jayne. Older and prettier, Jayne received more attention from their father, King Gerald, and showered with honors and indulgences. Hardly noticed, Nora spent her time sword fighting, sitting with the servants and farming. She spent most of her time in the royal home of Dorth in the southern town of Brenton. She did not want to be near the monster King Gerald turned out to be.

Things drastically change when King Gerald dies. With no male heir, Jayne became Queen of Klenard. She does not readily name her sister as heir, though. Nora is trapped into her loyalty and treated like a prisoner.

After Jayne's coronation, war is declared. It is not the civil war looming, though. In the neighboring kingdom of Tommel, the girls' uncle, King Samuel, found his chance for a united land and used the rumors of the past to fuel his claim to the Klenard Crown. He sent propaganda in his quest for power, claiming that Jayne is a bastard and that Nora is too stupid to rule Klenard.

The call to war was swift. As she began to battle Tommel, the Queen's conscience immediately named for Nora's elimination. Accused of treason and faced with death, Nora flees, dressed as a man. She soon joins the Klenard Army and fights against Tommel.

It is not just a journey through destruction, banishment and accusations of treason that Nora has to shift through. She now has to decide what is best for Klenard. She grew up knowing that she had to make sacrifices for her homeland. Now was the time, for Nora will have to make the hardest decisions of her life.

Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2021

About the author

Sara Ellie MacKenzie has been creating stories, poems, political commentary and more since she was a child. In her spare time, she helps other indie authors through her organization, Connecticut Authors Partnership and experiences life to the fullest with her family. She currently lives in New Britain, Connecticut with her husband Brian, son Calvin, and fur babies, cats Skaara and Rory and dog Tips. You can visit her website for more information on events, books and news.

Reviews

[April Twist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rarely read anything pertaining to medieval times. It’s never really been my choice of book. I’ve made exceptions (looking at you, Game of Thrones!) and I have made another exception for my friend’s book.
I have known Emily well over 10 years. We have written fanfics together and still work on one story together. I can honestly say she has much talent that needs to be seen by the world. She had worked countless months on this book and to see her final product shared with the world brings me such joy.
Follow the first book as we see Eleanor (Nora for short) rise from second best to her sister, Queen Jayne of Klenard to eventual power in her own right. Secrets and betrayals are revealed and Nora has to figure out what is good for not just her, but for her people.

I’d be lying if I said I automatically loved this book. I didn’t. I even almost stopped reading. But something told me to keep reading I finally hit that point where I could not stop reading and began turning the pages because I NEEDED to know what happened next. I tried to take as much time as I could to savor it before the next book becomes available next year (ugh!). Emily also did her homework and researched much of this time period to make it as authentic as she could. I’m not an expert but I am certain she hit it on the nail.

If you would like to support a new author and if the plot interests you, check this book out!

[Ernest Hemingway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a powerful, emotional journey of loyalty, betrayal, and finding one's true strength. Nora’s transformation from overlooked princess to warrior is both heartbreaking and empowering. The political intrigue, sisterly rivalry, and threat of war make for a gripping read. The writing is vivid, the pacing tight, and the stakes constantly rising. I was completely hooked. Nora is a heroine worth rooting for, and her story is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. An unforgettable tale I couldn’t put it down!

[Royalty Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An empowering and thrilling story! *Casting Shadows* brings to life a strong and relatable heroine in Nora. Her journey from overlooked sister to brave warrior is filled with heart, loyalty, and the courage to stand up for what's right. The plot is rich with royal intrigue, betrayal, and personal sacrifice everything a great fantasy tale needs. A must-read for fans of strong female leads and epic storytelling!"*

[Simon Calloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an unforgettable tale of courage, betrayal, and resilience. Nora, long overshadowed by her sister, rises from neglect to become the heart of a kingdom in turmoil. Her journey fleeing false accusations, disguising herself, and fighting for Klenard had me hooked from start to finish. The worldbuilding is rich, the emotions are raw, and Nora’s strength is inspiring. A brilliant read that blends family, loyalty, and destiny perfectly!

[Talia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is absolutely breathtaking! Nora’s transformation from the overlooked second daughter to a warrior who holds the fate of her kingdom in her hands is both inspiring and deeply moving. The author captures betrayal, sacrifice, and sisterly rivalry with such vivid emotion that it’s impossible to put down. The battles are thrilling, the political intrigue is sharp, and the heart of the book Nora’s strength and loyalty shines brilliantly. A must-read epic!

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story swept me away from the very first page. Nora’s journey from overlooked princess to warrior on the battlefield is both heartbreaking and empowering. The characters are beautifully written, the political intrigue is rich, and the battles pulse with emotion and intensity. It’s not just a story about war, but about identity, sacrifice, and the strength it takes to choose duty over self. Absolutely unforgettable!

[Tyler Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read! The world of Klenard feels alive, the court politics are gripping, and Nora is the kind of heroine you root for every step of the way. I loved seeing her transformation from the neglected daughter to someone who takes charge of her destiny. The twists kept me hooked and the emotional depth made it more than just another fantasy war novel. This deserves every bit of praise!

[Damien Rousseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unforgettable story of courage and destiny! Nora’s journey from overlooked princess to warrior heroine had me hooked from the start. Full of political intrigue, betrayal, and sacrifice, this book delivers both heart-pounding battles and heartfelt emotion. The writing is vivid, the characters layered, and the twists kept me turning pages late into the night. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy and strong female leads!

[John Steinbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a captivating blend of betrayal, war, and resilience. Nora’s transformation from forgotten princess to fearless warrior is inspiring and unforgettable. The author weaves rich world-building with political intrigue and emotional depth, keeping you hooked with every twist. The battles are vivid, the characters compelling, and the stakes impossibly high. A brilliant tale of sacrifice, loyalty, and destiny perfect for fans of epic fantasy with strong heroines.

[William Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breathtaking tale of loyalty, betrayal, and courage! Nora’s journey from overlooked princess to warrior leader is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The author masterfully balances political intrigue, family conflict, and the brutal realities of war with moments of deep emotional truth. Every twist kept me hooked, and the vivid writing made the battles and sacrifices come alive. A must-read for anyone who loves strong heroines, rich world-building, and epic fantasy drama.

[Elowen Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic, emotional, and unforgettable read! Nora’s journey from forgotten princess to warrior heroine had me hooked from the first page. The story is packed with betrayal, war, and sacrifice, but also hope and resilience. The characters feel real, the world is rich, and the twists left me breathless. This book delivers everything I want in epic fantasy—heart, action, and a heroine worth rooting for.

[Luna Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love: royal drama, betrayal, fierce battles, and a heroine with a heart of steel. Nora’s courage and resilience were inspiring, and the writing brought every scene to life so vividly that I felt I was marching beside her. The family conflict and themes of sacrifice made the story feel so real and meaningful. A stunning read from start to finish!

[Daniella James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora’s story absolutely captured my heart. Her strength, her struggles, and her choices all made her one of the most memorable heroines I’ve read in a long time. The pacing was perfect, the stakes were high, and the tension between kingdoms kept me on edge. This book is a rare gem—I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know who loves epic fantasy!

[Cilo Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, I was hooked by the richness of the world and the complexity of the characters. The author does an amazing job weaving together political intrigue, family betrayal, and the heart of a true warrior’s journey. Nora shines as a character who refuses to be defined by others, and her determination is inspiring. This is a masterpiece of storytelling that left me in awe.

[Williams Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a shining example of how fantasy should be written. The politics, the battles, and the family drama are all gripping, but it’s Nora who steals the show. Her strength, her doubts, and her ultimate courage make her one of the most relatable heroines I’ve ever read. A brilliant, powerful story.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling and emotional read! Nora’s journey from neglected princess to brave warrior is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The story is packed with betrayal, political intrigue, and sacrifice, all woven into a gripping plot that kept me hooked. The world-building is vivid, the characters unforgettable, and the themes of loyalty and destiny shine through. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy!

[Leon De · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is pure brilliance! The author weaves together political intrigue, family betrayal, and the brutal cost of war with incredible skill. Nora is a heroine you can’t help but root for flawed, strong, and determined to do what’s right for her people. Every scene is vivid and gripping, from battles to quiet emotional moments. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page.

[Eve Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for fans of epic fantasy! Nora’s transformation from overlooked sister to warrior and leader is inspiring and powerful. The plot is full of shocking twists, high stakes, and heart-pounding action. What I loved most is how the story balances the grand scale of kingdoms and war with the deeply personal journey of one young woman discovering her strength. I couldn’t put this book down!

[Anita Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me from the very first chapter. Nora’s journey from an overlooked princess to a courageous warrior is inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. The political intrigue, family betrayal, and the chaos of war all blended into a story I couldn’t put down. If you love strong female leads and high-stakes storytelling, this is a must-read.

[Amanda Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora is the kind of character that stays with you long after the last page. Her resilience and determination, even when treated as nothing more than a shadow of her sister, made me root for her in every battle she fought both on the field and within herself. The world of Klenard is vivid, dangerous, and full of secrets, and I loved every twist and turn.

[Coraline Winslett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has everything: royal drama, sibling rivalry, political power plays, and the heat of battle. But at its heart, it’s about one young woman finding her voice in a world determined to silence her. The pacing was perfect, the writing beautiful, and the emotional payoff huge. I couldn’t recommend it more.

[Mira Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning story of power, betrayal, and bravery. Nora’s journey from the shadows of her sister’s reign to a warrior in disguise had me captivated. The politics, the tension, the emotion it’s all so well done. Nora is a fierce and relatable heroine, and the world feels rich and alive. Every chapter pulled me deeper. Loved it!

[Adam Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride! Nora’s story is raw, gripping, and full of heart. I couldn’t stop reading. The sibling rivalry, royal drama, and war backdrop made for a thrilling plot. Nora’s strength and sacrifice stayed with me long after the last page. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy with a strong female lead.

[Jean3zog5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story of the tenacious and bold Nora as she navigates the difficult world of court politics in the land of Klenard. The author paints a vivid picture of the land and its people as the story unravels.

[Luna Parfford]

This book has everything: betrayal, courage, heartache, and the unbreakable will of a heroine who refuses to give up. Nora’s transformation is breathtaking to witness, and the political intrigue kept me up late at night turning pages. A triumph of character and world-building I can’t wait for more!

[Korbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora’s journey is as raw and real as it is heroic. Every moment feels earned, every choice carries weight, and every scene is beautifully crafted. By the end, I felt like I had lived through the battles myself. This story will stay with me for a long time.

[Jessica Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn into the conflict between sisters and kingdoms. The battles are thrilling, but it’s Nora’s inner strength and emotional depth that make this story shine. One of the best fantasy novels I’ve read in years!

[Royalty Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter to the last, I was hooked. The world of Klenard is beautifully drawn, the court intrigue is sharp and believable, and the pacing never lags. Nora’s struggle to prove herself touched me deeply, and I found myself cheering for her at every turn.

[Kurt Vonnegut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had everything danger, deception, and a heroine who refuses to break. Nora is a brilliant character, navigating a brutal world with heart and grit. The writing is sharp, and the twists keep coming. If you love stories of unlikely heroes rising against the odds, don’t miss this!

[Marc Delacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bold, beautiful story of a forgotten princess who becomes her kingdom’s hidden hero. Nora’s strength, grit, and heart shine through every page. The betrayal by her sister was gutting, but her rise as a warrior was powerful. Full of emotion, tension, and purpose this book is a triumph.