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The Chronicles of Lethia #1
The Exiled
The archmage of darkness has returned…
Beatrice
I never wanted to be special. Born to null parents, I wasn’t supposed to have magic, let alone the kind that could get me into the Academy. My family’s rejection still stings, but I can’t turn back. I have power coursing through me—enough to make even the strongest mages wary. But with this power comes danger, and as much as I try to stay focused on my training, there are whispers in the shadows. Whispers of betrayal, and of enemies waiting for me to fall. I need to prove I belong here, even if it means fighting everything I’ve been taught to fear.
Sab
I’ve lived this life too many times before. The faces may change, but the battles remain the same. I know what’s coming, and I know who we must fight: Zero, my cousin, the most dangerous sorcerer Lethia has ever known. Beatrice might be the only one strong enough to stop him, but I’m the one who must protect her. I’ve failed in past lives, and I can’t afford to fail again. The weight of centuries of mistakes presses down on me, but I’m running out of time. This is my last chance to make things right.
Nate
I wasn’t supposed to be here. My older brother was always the golden one, the perfect one, but now he’s gone, and I’m all that’s left. There’s a darkness inside me, something that even I don’t fully understand. The Academy thinks it can make me into something better, but I know the truth. I’ve already made my choice, and no amount of magic or training can change that. Still, I’m drawn to Beatrice and Sab, two mages more powerful than anyone I’ve ever known. They think they can trust me—but they don’t know the secret I’m hiding. And if they ever find out, it might destroy us all.
The Exiled is the first book of the Chronicles of Lethia series. If you love epic fantasies brimming with subterfuge, secrets and ancient magic lore, then you won’t want to miss out on this unique tale told between multiple perspectives.
Beatrice
I never wanted to be special. Born to null parents, I wasn’t supposed to have magic, let alone the kind that could get me into the Academy. My family’s rejection still stings, but I can’t turn back. I have power coursing through me—enough to make even the strongest mages wary. But with this power comes danger, and as much as I try to stay focused on my training, there are whispers in the shadows. Whispers of betrayal, and of enemies waiting for me to fall. I need to prove I belong here, even if it means fighting everything I’ve been taught to fear.
Sab
I’ve lived this life too many times before. The faces may change, but the battles remain the same. I know what’s coming, and I know who we must fight: Zero, my cousin, the most dangerous sorcerer Lethia has ever known. Beatrice might be the only one strong enough to stop him, but I’m the one who must protect her. I’ve failed in past lives, and I can’t afford to fail again. The weight of centuries of mistakes presses down on me, but I’m running out of time. This is my last chance to make things right.
Nate
I wasn’t supposed to be here. My older brother was always the golden one, the perfect one, but now he’s gone, and I’m all that’s left. There’s a darkness inside me, something that even I don’t fully understand. The Academy thinks it can make me into something better, but I know the truth. I’ve already made my choice, and no amount of magic or training can change that. Still, I’m drawn to Beatrice and Sab, two mages more powerful than anyone I’ve ever known. They think they can trust me—but they don’t know the secret I’m hiding. And if they ever find out, it might destroy us all.
The Exiled is the first book of the Chronicles of Lethia series. If you love epic fantasies brimming with subterfuge, secrets and ancient magic lore, then you won’t want to miss out on this unique tale told between multiple perspectives.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2021
161 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Krysten Harlow
23 books20 followersKrysten Harlow began crafting fantastical tales during moonlit nights while listening to the whispers of the winds. Her vivid storytelling invites you to lose yourself in worlds of ancient magic, epic battles, powerful demons and cunning sorcerers.
You can follow Krysten here:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3isa0PX
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3gokez4
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3iBKRmf
For a free reader magnet, please click here:
The Chronicles of Lethia Series: https://bit.ly/3cnKEk5
Visions of Darkness Series: https://bit.ly/3k2ovup
The Chronicles of Lethia
Book 0: Zero
Book 1: The Exiled
Book 2: The Hunt
Book 3: The Enthrallment
Book 4: The Redemption
Visions of Darkness Trilogy
Book 0: Grimoire
Book 1: Smoke and Mirrors
Book 2: The Red King
Book 3: City of the Forsaken
The Damiano Legacies
Book 1: Secrets of the Under Market
Book 2: Veins of Ice
Book 3: Harbinger
Book 4: The City Never Sleeps
Book 5: Winter Demon
Note: 'The Damiano Legacies takes place' just before the 'Visions of Darkness Trilogy' in a shared world. Some characters and events crossover. Each series can be read independently of the other. Book 0s are free prequel novellas.
You can follow Krysten here:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3isa0PX
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3gokez4
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/3iBKRmf
For a free reader magnet, please click here:
The Chronicles of Lethia Series: https://bit.ly/3cnKEk5
Visions of Darkness Series: https://bit.ly/3k2ovup
The Chronicles of Lethia
Book 0: Zero
Book 1: The Exiled
Book 2: The Hunt
Book 3: The Enthrallment
Book 4: The Redemption
Visions of Darkness Trilogy
Book 0: Grimoire
Book 1: Smoke and Mirrors
Book 2: The Red King
Book 3: City of the Forsaken
The Damiano Legacies
Book 1: Secrets of the Under Market
Book 2: Veins of Ice
Book 3: Harbinger
Book 4: The City Never Sleeps
Book 5: Winter Demon
Note: 'The Damiano Legacies takes place' just before the 'Visions of Darkness Trilogy' in a shared world. Some characters and events crossover. Each series can be read independently of the other. Book 0s are free prequel novellas.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 9, 2021
I am trying to gather my thoughts. I loved the beginning and the ending of the book! I have a problem with the middle part being confusing. I had trouble keeping my mind with the book at that point and that makes me sad, because I really, really liked the start.
The Exiled starts out very promising with good writing. The author knows how to suck the reader into the book, which I can really appreciate! But then when I came to the middle part of the book it lacked the flow it had at the start. I kept on reading, because I wanted to feel the same way I did in the beginning. I refound this feeling at the end. The last couple of chapters were of the same substance as the beginning.
When reading the book the reader follows three main characters, who are each given chapters from their own perspectives. This works pretty well and is handled well by the author. The characters are quite likeable and their own perspectives definitely adds to the story. I do believe the story could've been even better when it wasn't as confusing as it was at times, aka the middle part.
The Exiled starts out very promising with good writing. The author knows how to suck the reader into the book, which I can really appreciate! But then when I came to the middle part of the book it lacked the flow it had at the start. I kept on reading, because I wanted to feel the same way I did in the beginning. I refound this feeling at the end. The last couple of chapters were of the same substance as the beginning.
When reading the book the reader follows three main characters, who are each given chapters from their own perspectives. This works pretty well and is handled well by the author. The characters are quite likeable and their own perspectives definitely adds to the story. I do believe the story could've been even better when it wasn't as confusing as it was at times, aka the middle part.
June 23, 2021
It was a great book and I enjoyed reading this book. I love the storyline and characters. The magic in this book I enjoyed reading this book.
May 31, 2021
It All Begins At The Academy
Author Krysten Harlow, author of The Exiled, has a style of writing that I have never experienced before. The book is written from the points of view of 3 main players, Sab, Beatrice and Nate, who introduce many new ideas about the origins of "deep magic". Ms. Harlow takes her readers right into her character's heads. By the time the book is finished you really feel like you know them all intimately because every thought they have is made known. They share just enough information about each other and the various rooms of the Academy that you get more and more visual images as you become immersed in the story. Book 1 appealed to me enough to wonder what will happen in Book 2. I'm hoping for more action and adventure in the next one.
Author Krysten Harlow, author of The Exiled, has a style of writing that I have never experienced before. The book is written from the points of view of 3 main players, Sab, Beatrice and Nate, who introduce many new ideas about the origins of "deep magic". Ms. Harlow takes her readers right into her character's heads. By the time the book is finished you really feel like you know them all intimately because every thought they have is made known. They share just enough information about each other and the various rooms of the Academy that you get more and more visual images as you become immersed in the story. Book 1 appealed to me enough to wonder what will happen in Book 2. I'm hoping for more action and adventure in the next one.
December 16, 2023
This has a very interesting concept, but the lack of proofreading and editing leads to confusion on the part of the reader. There are unexpected perspective shifts along with a plethora of grammatical errors. However, I think that, with a little more editing this could become something great!
May 9, 2021
From the beginning to the end, I was drawn in to the story. The characters had me walking with them, especially Zero. Well written.
January 16, 2023
This is really 1.5. I reserve 1's to DNF. And this came close but like other reviewers it was rough to get through such a short book.
There is a story here and it sounds good. But its just not written the way I like. My opinion.
There was no world building. I would have liked to know more about Lethia and the academy before being dropped right in. I'm still really confused as to what the academy even was. And if they are only in the academy for 1 year. Where do they learn magic in the first place. How old are they when allowed to attend the academy? I have more questions then any answer I got out of this book.
For a short book I was expecting it to be quick. But this was like everything in fast-forward. There was no measure of time.
Lastly. So this whole thing revolves around a dark mage coming back. Where is his back story? What did he do? Where has he been? Who are the exiled?
I think there is a strong story here but it was far to rushed. There could have easily been another 100-200 pages written to help build the world and build the characters.
There is a story here and it sounds good. But its just not written the way I like. My opinion.
There was no world building. I would have liked to know more about Lethia and the academy before being dropped right in. I'm still really confused as to what the academy even was. And if they are only in the academy for 1 year. Where do they learn magic in the first place. How old are they when allowed to attend the academy? I have more questions then any answer I got out of this book.
For a short book I was expecting it to be quick. But this was like everything in fast-forward. There was no measure of time.
Lastly. So this whole thing revolves around a dark mage coming back. Where is his back story? What did he do? Where has he been? Who are the exiled?
I think there is a strong story here but it was far to rushed. There could have easily been another 100-200 pages written to help build the world and build the characters.
September 19, 2023
I really enjoyed many aspects of the book. Some great plot points and some really interesting magical mechanics. The characters where likeable and well thought out.
BUT for the life of me I don’t know if this book was proof read or not but I cannot tell you how many gramatical, spelling and punctuation mistakes there were though out this book. Being an editor myself it probably bothers me more than most but I found it incredibly difficult at times.
There were a few sections that were a little confusing to following and quite a lot of sentences that just didn’t make sense but all in all a pretty decent book.
I feel the author undoubtedly is talented and incredibly creative. I just really wish this had gone through a proper publishing house as apodes to printed by Amazon.
**** I read the physical book, it may be the case that many of my complaints are unfounded in the Ebook edition ****
BUT for the life of me I don’t know if this book was proof read or not but I cannot tell you how many gramatical, spelling and punctuation mistakes there were though out this book. Being an editor myself it probably bothers me more than most but I found it incredibly difficult at times.
There were a few sections that were a little confusing to following and quite a lot of sentences that just didn’t make sense but all in all a pretty decent book.
I feel the author undoubtedly is talented and incredibly creative. I just really wish this had gone through a proper publishing house as apodes to printed by Amazon.
**** I read the physical book, it may be the case that many of my complaints are unfounded in the Ebook edition ****
June 6, 2021
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
I feel like I am missing something. To me, the storyline and plot sounded really good and interesting, and I was truly looking forward to reading this book. But the writing style and the organisation of the story have let it down massively for me.
There are parts of the story that make no sense whatsoever, it’s like the author has forgotten what she’s said and then changed her mind along the way.
It is a DNF for me as I couldn’t really read anymore past a 25% in.
I feel like I am missing something. To me, the storyline and plot sounded really good and interesting, and I was truly looking forward to reading this book. But the writing style and the organisation of the story have let it down massively for me.
There are parts of the story that make no sense whatsoever, it’s like the author has forgotten what she’s said and then changed her mind along the way.
It is a DNF for me as I couldn’t really read anymore past a 25% in.
December 21, 2022
The Exiled is Book 1 in The Chronicles of Lethia by Krysten Harlow. I thought this fantasy was fantastic! Beatrice was a great main character while Nate, Sab, Devin are the core characters. I thought the storyline was excellent as was the character development. Everything Beatrice and her friends went through to find Zero and the Exiled was… wow! I thought the author did a good job of ending the story and opening the door to book 2, The Hunt. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
August 26, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. It was refreshing to read a first person POV with three main characters along with a great storyline and a little bit of magic. The descriptions really give you a great visual of the Academy and it definitely left me wanting to know what happens in book two. Sure there were some parts that lacked flow, but the beginning drew you in, the middle kept you going and the end made you want more. I loved the story of The Exiled and can't wait to continue the series.
September 19, 2021
Great story!
Fascinating and interesting! This story will keep you reading all the way through. It has an excellent plot that leads you through twists and turns to the end.
Fascinating and interesting! This story will keep you reading all the way through. It has an excellent plot that leads you through twists and turns to the end.
March 28, 2025
Great YA read
An academy for the special and most powerful mages. But one of the most powerful mages wants to destroy their world. Can Bea and her classmates stop him?
An academy for the special and most powerful mages. But one of the most powerful mages wants to destroy their world. Can Bea and her classmates stop him?
April 9, 2021
Wow, what a promising start!
It lagged a bit in the middle, but it was well-written. I am looking forward to the next book. I liked the triple POV. It meant we got every part of the story. It also meant I wanted to read on and on. But the story needed just a little more in the middle. Still, a very promising start!
It lagged a bit in the middle, but it was well-written. I am looking forward to the next book. I liked the triple POV. It meant we got every part of the story. It also meant I wanted to read on and on. But the story needed just a little more in the middle. Still, a very promising start!
April 16, 2021
The Exiled is the first volume in The Chronicles of Lethia series. On paper, it seemed like it had everything that would make me enjoy it. It tells the story of young (?) mages in a school academy as they prepare for the possible return of a legendary master of evil. Presented like that, it sounds a lot like another successful British series, however it is not so. The world and the characters are completely different. It is truly an original idea.
However, I couldn't really get into the story. I feel like I actually missed something when I read it. It might come from the fact that I had trouble adjusting to the multiple narrations and focalizations and had to go back a bit several times in my reading to see which character was actually speaking.
Since it's a very personal impression, I still encourage you to give it a go if you're curious.
However, I couldn't really get into the story. I feel like I actually missed something when I read it. It might come from the fact that I had trouble adjusting to the multiple narrations and focalizations and had to go back a bit several times in my reading to see which character was actually speaking.
Since it's a very personal impression, I still encourage you to give it a go if you're curious.
March 15, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is more a mind play game then real action. Only on the end we see some form of action. This is a kind of psychological fantasy even though I found it a mediocre story but I saw lot of potential and room to grow into a fabulous chronicle .
Even though the point of story telling comes from three characters, Nate, Sab and Beatrice. The star of this telling is Zero, the founder of the Exiled. There is an Exiled who has been infiltrated into the Academy. It is a search for the spy and a search of what is coming. Can Beatrice stop him, how is she related to him?
The book is more a mind play game then real action. Only on the end we see some form of action. This is a kind of psychological fantasy even though I found it a mediocre story but I saw lot of potential and room to grow into a fabulous chronicle .
Even though the point of story telling comes from three characters, Nate, Sab and Beatrice. The star of this telling is Zero, the founder of the Exiled. There is an Exiled who has been infiltrated into the Academy. It is a search for the spy and a search of what is coming. Can Beatrice stop him, how is she related to him?
March 12, 2021
I'm not really sure how I feel about this book. It started off very promising, an interesting story about magic and ended pretty good. It's the inbetween I had a problem with. I found it confusing and unclear and I kept reading to find the interest I had at the beginning, I only found it in the last 2 chapters. The three main characters, Bea, Sab and Nate, are each given chapters from their perspective, which I rather liked and flowed well from chapter to chapter, but although it has a good storyline, for me, it fell short of my expectations
March 12, 2021
From the moment I stepped into the Academy, I knew my life would never be the same. I was prepared to learn the truth behind my bloodline and what I was really capable of – but I never could have imagined it would be like this.
Will or main character be strong enough to make a difference can she get hert self together and control her magic.
What will happen if she does not ,evil will win that must not happen or her home will be lost.
great characters and a story that pulls you in from the start to the finish.
Will or main character be strong enough to make a difference can she get hert self together and control her magic.
What will happen if she does not ,evil will win that must not happen or her home will be lost.
great characters and a story that pulls you in from the start to the finish.
March 13, 2021
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC. I have reviewed honestly.
The Exiled is an intricate and magical tale. A lot of thought went into this tale and the plot had so much potential. Unfortunately, the actual story fell flat for me. I didn't love the characters. They were a bit dull for my liking. The setting was awesome. I love magical acadamies! The author has writing skills for sure, but lacks the emotion and connections you want to feel.
Overall, this book wasn't for me, but I think many will enjoy it.
The Exiled is an intricate and magical tale. A lot of thought went into this tale and the plot had so much potential. Unfortunately, the actual story fell flat for me. I didn't love the characters. They were a bit dull for my liking. The setting was awesome. I love magical acadamies! The author has writing skills for sure, but lacks the emotion and connections you want to feel.
Overall, this book wasn't for me, but I think many will enjoy it.
March 22, 2021
Loved it.. this author rocks. The story pulls you in until you feel that you're walking in the shoes of the characters as they pursue the spy amongst them. So many twists as past lives are revealed to provide insights into the evil mage's mindset.
I do recommend this story to fantasy readers who like their heroes to actually work for their victory without it falling into their laps.
I received my ebook as an author's advanced review copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review
I do recommend this story to fantasy readers who like their heroes to actually work for their victory without it falling into their laps.
I received my ebook as an author's advanced review copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review
March 12, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 8, 2021
A well written and engaging academy novel, I really enjoyed reading this. All the characters were unique and had so much depth, and learning more about them in their respective chapters was great. The storyline was also great, strong right from the get go. Looking forward to seeing how the series continues.
July 5, 2021
The Exiled.... Beatrice has come to the academy. A child of nulls, the power she holds is amazing. What she will have to face will test everything she has and more...
What a great book. I laughed, I cried, and I woop'ed out loud. This is a great book for YA and up.
You have love, conflict, betrayal, magic, what more do you want???
What a great book. I laughed, I cried, and I woop'ed out loud. This is a great book for YA and up.
You have love, conflict, betrayal, magic, what more do you want???
March 12, 2021
Well-written and an intriguing story. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking for more.
March 13, 2021
Absolutely fantastic! I enjoyed this story and i cannot wait to read the next book in this series, what is in store for Beatrice and them all..
March 21, 2021
Great Book to read, Great storyline, wonderful characters, The story pulled you in, cant wait to read next book.
April 27, 2021
truly enjoyed this new-to-me author! ... absolutely recommend
April 28, 2021
A really wonderful book by author Krysten Harlow. I love the awesome characters. Loved reading....
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews