First Light

by Beryl Kelland

Forest. Fear. Fate.
“Follow me...”

Briony Alder has never felt like she belongs. A yearning homesickness and a strange connection to the forest beyond her grandmother’s house fill her with a sense of foreboding. One tempestuous night, Briony is thrust into a world beyond her imagination, guided by the handsome Cirro of the Forest Realm. Briony will discover not only her future, but her destiny—who she is, and who she must become when it’s all over.

First Light is the first installment in the Call of the Forest Realm series, by Beryl Kelland.

Genres: Young Adult

41 pages, ebook

First published February 7, 2021

Reviews

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy, this is an honest review. Briny thought she knew who she was, living with her grandmother on the edge of a mysterious forest that Briny feels right at home in. But during a wild storm... the secret of who she truly is only beginning. Deep in the woods is family, a powerful destiny and deadly creatures lurking on the shadows. While a short narrative, it is a captivating read with plenty of adventure that could lead to wondrous series... highly recommended.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but firstly it’s not a novella but an extract. Unfortunately everything moved way too quickly and was very cliched and convenient. I did like the descriptions in places and I think this is a real strength of this author. I’d love to see this world expanded and more interaction and tension between the characters and events before moving on to the next scene. Grammar and spelling was well done, with only a few typos and misplaced apostrophes.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briony always felt a draw to the forest but never knew why. One night her world is turned upside down, but now she knows why the forest welcomes her and her purpose.

I really enjoyed this book. It is fun, exciting, and keeps you reading (till you fall asleep as I did at 1am). It's a great read for all ages in my opinion. I will be definitely continuing the series.

I received this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookishWeeb Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Light by Beryl Kelland is a very short (7 something chapter book), that does a pretty decent job of introducing the characters. The writing moves pretty fast, considering that it's really short, but still somehow managed to put in enough descriptions to make everything make sense. I personally thought it was intriguing enough and I'm honestly really excited to see how this story continues to play out and expand.

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - a promising beginning

This is a 7 chapter book that introduces the premise, major characters & worlds of an upcoming new series. The ending felt a smidge abrupt (and I suspect the heroine would have been much shakier after her experience), but it was interesting & engaging, and I'll be following to read more when it comes out 😊

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a basic introduction to some of the characters and their world. The unveiling of a prophecy. And a journey to the home that was never before known. The main character Briony seems to naively trust everyone she meets.

Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.

[D BIRKHOLZ]

Lovely First Book in Series!

I really liked this book and just when I was living it, I reached the end... I can't wait to read the next book. Great characters. Great location and Great setting... Wondering who she was her whole life and finding out in such a drastic way... 5 Stars from me 😄

[Quilting Tangent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, action, adventure.
This is a wonderful, fast-paced, short story about a 19 year old girl whose world changes overnight. Looking forward to reading more about her new world in this easy to read, unpredictable story.

[Auburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uh short

It was 36 pages only. Like a short story not a book. You can literally read this in 30 min.

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic journey. I loved the characters, the story line, and the plot twists. Everything was well written and executed!

[Hilda Baard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This excerpt was 7 chapters long but it was enough to enjoy a taste of the full book. well written and interesting.

[Kacy L. Kennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Briony has never felt like she belonged. She's always been drawn to the forest behind her grandmother's house, staring at the trees and into the darkness like she was looking for something. Briony had been obsessed with the forest as a child, and as she grew, she slowly stopped mentioning it - but the connection was always there. But it wasn't until one night when Briony learned the truth - she really didn't belong in the human world.

The author is really good at being descriptive. I really felt like I could see the characters, the world. But the pacing was too slow, the worldbuilding too long, and the story too incomplete. There wasn't much plot and there was no resolution. I wish the book was longer and there was more to it rather than it being broken apart into multiples and only a few chapters long. Maybe it would help me connect with the characters better, or enjoy the whimsical fantasy of the book. But I felt nothing, couldn't connect to any of the characters, or care much about any of the stakes because nothing had been established yet.

Honestly, I think the writer is good and the story could be so much. But this first book is lackluster at best and not ready for publishing especially with how open and unresolved it is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.