A thousand years ago, the God of Order created two countries: Cold and Hot. Separating them is an uncrossable divine border, preventing contact between the close neighbours. The God’s world and laws are simple—follow the rules and don’t question them. Tradition is above all.
Tal is a thief. In the freezing lands of Cold, fresh produce is scarce. Breaking the God’s law and risking his life and freedom, Tal steals this invaluable resource from Hot, the neighbouring country in the south. In the five years of doing this job, Tal has never been caught. But even his luck is bound to run out one day.
Noah is the king of Hot. His country is prosperous and easy to govern. Occasional troubles caused by the northern thieves are of little concern. The king wants for nothing, except for one missing piece—he is yet to find his soulmate. After waiting for so long, Noah is on the verge of giving up hope.
In the Land of Lost and Found is a love story that brings those who can open the eyes of their heart to their happily ever after.
Warning: This book is a duology. Book 1 of In the Land of Lost and Found, Losses, ends with a cliffhanger. Book 2 of In the Land of Lost and Found, Findings, will conclude Tal and Noah’s journeys.
this was really interesting.. the blurb was curious.. and i had to read it.. it was interesting.. some spots kinda made me curious.. it is sorta a cliffy so there is that... i didnt connect with the characters as much as i wanted to but i did just enough to wanna know whats next in book 2.. the world building was really good and i enjoyed the writing. very good
This book is quite different to anything I have read before. A different world, one that is divided by a wall into Hot and Cold. Two very different terrains, temperatures, existences for those who live there and it is impossible to cross except for a select few know as Providers who risk everything to enter Hot and steal foods that they are unable to grow in Cold. Tal is a provider from Cold who unfortunately has to cross in daylight to save his life from white wolves but this leads to his capture and being brought to the king of Hot. Noah has been awaiting a sign to begin a journey leading him to his soulmate which appears in the form of Tal. Together they must journey to the ocean, something never done - to go to the ocean or someone from Hot and Cold travelling together as equals. Its dangerous as stories have told of monsters and men not returning. From when the two men meet, though very different, there's a connection on some level. It takes a moment for Noah to really notice Tal for the man he is as he's so focused on his goal and, though Tal us desperate to get back home to his family, he can't help but be in awe of Hot and the differences to his own side of the world. There is a lot for them to learn together and from each other and it's and interesting read from the start. The author's imagination is wonderful in the world that has been created and follows that by describing everything so well that its easy to visualise all that goes on. The relationship that builds between the MC's starts by a need to follow the stars but slowly evolves into do much more than either could have imagined or hoped for. They are often sweet together, noticing the little things and ensuring each others comfort. When trust and feelings develop, they move forward together and share their past pain but also future love that helps them on their path. Eventually things take a turn that comes as a complete surprise to everyone and I'm very interested to see where things will go from here in book two. A really interesting and entertaining read. I loved how things slowly developed between Tal and Noah and the vast differences of the side each man comes from. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This book is written by a new-to-me author, and I was pleasantly surprised by the writing. I have to say this first, because inevitably someone won't read the entire blurb: This is book one of a dualogy, meaning it ends with a CLIFFHANGER. Readers tend to get cranky with these, but it is included in the description like a trigger warning.
I have to admit, with the fantastic world building and character development spread throughout this book, I was completely gobsmacked with the names of the two sides of this world. I mean, Hot and Cold, really? Don't let that influence the decision to pick up this series. I almost did, and by the end of the book, the author told me in no uncertain terms that I am a word snob. Actually, they really didn't, but as the end drew near, I finally understood the reason for the simplicity.
The blurb gives a great description of the story, so I will keep this short. Cold is what you might imagine the Arctic would be, while Hot would remind me more of paradise with all things hot, including deserts. The people in both lands follow the book of Klalim as the word of God. Only the Colders risk passing through the divine wall in order to gain food sources they have no way to produce. The Colders have beliefs about the hotters, but the opposite is not really the case. Hot is perfect, and as the Klalim says, it is tradition.
The MCs are on a quest and do face a lot of dangers along the way. However, getting to know each other through training and learning about each others' lands and pasts leads to friendship, confusion, and misunderstandings. Although there is some angst, they work together to reach the goal the stars have foretold. With some guidance, the two complete their task, although in a much different way than first assumed.
I will say that I am a huge fantasy fan, and this was pretty good. There is a foretold journey, a quest to a destination that means certain death, dangers along the way, and a very happy romance. I finished this fairly quickly, as it is an easy and surprisingly light read. The author certainly uses their imagination, and I for one, will be ready when the second half is released.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest opinion. *
Foremost, the book is well-written. The author’s prose is descriptive, and I like the way that it shifts easily from the main character, Noah, to the other main character, Tal. This switch lets the reader get into the head of each character, but since the novel does not always immediately transition back and forth, the reader spends some time not knowing what the other character is thinking or feeling. I think this adds a bit of mystery to it.
The characters are likeable, and they share both differences and similarities in their personalities. They are both tough, brave, and protective. However, Tal is more rugged and stubborn whereas Noah is more patient and kinder. At some points, the reader almost wants to scream at Tal to break through is hard exterior.
The world divided into Hot and Cold sounds simplistic at first, yet the details of the worlds and the rules are sophisticated. The reader continues to learn about the differences not through descriptions, but through Tal’s and Noah’s first-time experiences in these worlds. It’s amusing when Noah, for instance, forgets that Tal’s delicate skin as a Colder will burn easily in the sun. I think it is easy for people to overlook what outsiders may not know about their culture or community. Thus, it gives it a realistic feel.
The novel ends with a good resolution and a cliffhanger, which means that I am on my way to read the next novel, Findings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this but there was something missing that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Perhaps it was a lack of depth in the characters? I didn’t feel like their connection was all that strong in the beginning, despite being told of their growing friendship. I did like the dual POVs but it was a bit unbalanced, with Noah having most of the narrative. I would’ve liked to have had more of a back and forth during their journey.
The world was interesting and I liked the explanation at the end as to why the lands were called Hot and Cold (since before this explanation I just thought these names were boring and un-creative) . Just as a heads up, there’s a pretty big cliffhanger at the end, which is frustrating. But it does leave readers wanting more. I personally just don’t like cliffhangers, especially at the end of a book 1 in a series. It always feels like a cheap way to get readers to continue on with the series.
Hopefully book 2 doesn’t take too long to come out, as I’m interested to see how the consequences of this book play out.
The grass is brown all over. Noah, was King of Hot. He was bored by the sameness and longing for someone to share his life. Tal, had a curious mind and didn’t accept the status quo. He had an entreprenurial spirit. They were basically opposites in nature, and then they met. Accident or fate? They found a great love in each other, then they were on a quest to save the world, as they knew it. There is a great adventure and lots ofunexpected revelations. The author built an interesting world, that is relatable from a human nature perspective. The story, gives the reader lots to think about and contemplate as it relates to Noah and Tal. Do Noah and Tal reach their goal? Do they save the world? Do they comprehend/enjoy the revelations? The love between these guys is intense. Sadly, this story ends on a cliffhanger. Hopefully the following stories come soon. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building of this book was fascinating to me. The God of Order created two countries divided from each other- one cold and one hot. In the country of Cold with it's never-ending winter, the people lived in poverty and had trouble growing crops as the snow never melts. Unsatisfied with this life, Tal began secretly sneaking into Hot and stealing supplies and goods that his people needed. The country of Hot is prosperous and peaceful. The only trouble they faced was thieves from cold stealing from farmers, but even that was little missed. Noah was bored of following tradition simply because it's tradition and should be followed. I loved seeing two separate ways of life in the different countries through the eyes of these two men, and even more when they are brought together and start their journey. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. This does end in a cliffhanger. 5 stars.
This book has a lot of enjoyable, interesting elements: there's some solid world building, as our protagonists inhabit a land divided between "Hot" and "Cold," with some serious geographical and cultural differences between the two. There are the protagonists, one from each realm, off on an epic quest (fantasy and epic quests go hand in hand, and this quest checks all the boxes). There's the process of falling in love and the cliffhanger at the end to make room for the next book. It all makes for an engrossing read, and if the blurb appeals to you, give this one a try!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tal and Noah were born in a world divide, between cold and hot. The worlds were separated by a wall, that could be crossed but at a price. Tal was a thief, from the cold, that found out that he could travel to the hot to get produce for his people, he knew the risk if he was caught by the people of the hot. His luck ran out. Noah was king in the land of hot. His people lack for nothing. Tal had been looking for his soulmate for years, so when his advisor told him he would have to take a journey and Tal had to go with him. Noah had to convince Tal to go with him. After making a deal with Noah, Tal agreed. Their journey was one of wonder.
This is the first book in a two-book series and does have a cliffhanger. A wonderful book the writing was great. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters enjoyable. The characters were developed and thought out. Noah and Tal are the MC’s of this book. I can recommend this book as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed learning about both hot and cold and their differences and similarities and traditions I loved reading tal and Noah’s relationship develop over their journey to the ocean and though it was a bit jarring at first I liked the way you switched perspectives by what side of the wall they were on and I need to read the next book because that cliffhanger was huge
I love the start of a new series where the author gets to create a new world for me to explore. The countries of Hot and Cold are very interesting and well done as are the characters of Noah and Tal. I found the story intriguing and didn't mind the cliffhanger as that was clearly stated in the blurb. It stopped at a point that definitely makes me want to read the second book in the series.
Such a nice story. New to me author, this book was recommended by a friend. I usually read authors I know, but I took a chance with Katz and I don't regret it. I loved the world building and how the MCs fell in love. There is a cliffhanger, but luckily, the second book was already out when I read this one, so there was no wait for me! I recommend!
I really enjoyed this unique and engaging duology. Opposites relates to not just the people, but the world. I found the world-building and character development extraordinary, and Tal and Noah's story really drew me in. I am looking forward to part two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a pretty fun fantasy to dive into. The world might seem very binary but as the reader and characters come to realize the world is what you make out of it not what it tries to mold you to be.
Wonderful read! Loved the portrayal of differences in two worlds, and the way Tal and Noah discovered that they are not that different from each other. The love story was very touching and the quest to the ocean brought the two men to many realizations.