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Ageless Mysteries #2
False Dawn
In the city of Accanter, forgeries can cost lives.
Someone is faking the ruler’s currency in her home city. And unless Thea can find out who is doing it, no one will be safe from the Archon’s and the Ageless’ wrath.
Thea just wants to do her job. Catch the criminals. Keep the people safe.
If only life was that simple.
Assigned to a new investigation, she has barely started her enquiry when Mage Niath appears, wanting her help at the one place in the city she does not want to go. The Citadel.
She wants to say no, but fake coins have been turning up and unless Thea can prove otherwise, innocent people will be killed in the Ageless’ quest for revenge.
False Dawn is the second book in a new series by Vanessa Nelson, which started with Deadly Night.
Someone is faking the ruler’s currency in her home city. And unless Thea can find out who is doing it, no one will be safe from the Archon’s and the Ageless’ wrath.
Thea just wants to do her job. Catch the criminals. Keep the people safe.
If only life was that simple.
Assigned to a new investigation, she has barely started her enquiry when Mage Niath appears, wanting her help at the one place in the city she does not want to go. The Citadel.
She wants to say no, but fake coins have been turning up and unless Thea can prove otherwise, innocent people will be killed in the Ageless’ quest for revenge.
False Dawn is the second book in a new series by Vanessa Nelson, which started with Deadly Night.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2021
230 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books419 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 18, 2021
This is second in a series that builds character and plot arcs over time. I definitely recommend reading the other before this one.
I found this deeply disappointing. Many of the things I like are still present. Niath and the investigative team are pretty good, still. And I love that we see some very strong developments with Thea's Ageless father.
But the mystery is kind of lame. And a lot of questions go unanswered. Including key plot points raised by this story. We never learn who the main bad guy is. Or even what they're trying to accomplish. And I'm never going to be content when all the religious folks are dupes or idiots or fanatics and that's never more so than when there are hints that some malevolent force is using them for nefarious plots. It's only just hints because this ends before we learn how anything fits together or who is behind it all.
And since the blurb for the next book is all about completely unrelated things and doesn't contain any reference to the open questions left by this one, I'm pretty done with the series at this point. I'm tacking on an extra star because I really do like Thea. And I liked where things were going with Niath. And with her father, too, though in a completely different way. But my bitter disappointment is going to keep this to two stars despite some few things I liked.
A note about Chaste: Still no hint of personal relationships. There's a time or two when Niath might have made a move. And he seems to want to, maybe. But nothing actually happens.
I found this deeply disappointing. Many of the things I like are still present. Niath and the investigative team are pretty good, still. And I love that we see some very strong developments with Thea's Ageless father.
But the mystery is kind of lame. And a lot of questions go unanswered. Including key plot points raised by this story. We never learn who the main bad guy is. Or even what they're trying to accomplish. And I'm never going to be content when all the religious folks are dupes or idiots or fanatics and that's never more so than when there are hints that some malevolent force is using them for nefarious plots. It's only just hints because this ends before we learn how anything fits together or who is behind it all.
And since the blurb for the next book is all about completely unrelated things and doesn't contain any reference to the open questions left by this one, I'm pretty done with the series at this point. I'm tacking on an extra star because I really do like Thea. And I liked where things were going with Niath. And with her father, too, though in a completely different way. But my bitter disappointment is going to keep this to two stars despite some few things I liked.
A note about Chaste: Still no hint of personal relationships. There's a time or two when Niath might have made a move. And he seems to want to, maybe. But nothing actually happens.
September 23, 2022
Another great story.
I just wish, this author will add a little bit romance in her books.
It feels strange without it, because the hero is already there, since chapter one!
Oh well..
I just wish, this author will add a little bit romance in her books.
It feels strange without it, because the hero is already there, since chapter one!
Oh well..
November 29, 2023
This one moved fast for me! Yep, definitely get the hang of the universe and the characters, and I'm ready to dig in for more.
I enjoyed the development in both Thea's personal and professional life (). I loved the additional "mystery" of the whole arc () and I look forward to that arc in the next books!
In the meantime, yes, Thea really grows on me. I loved her determination to bringforth justice to victims. I wish that she does indeed make a request to move out from her Brightfield Watch office, but at the same time, even in REAL LIFE, I know that kind of decision is NOT easy. Besides, she is mostly ignored rather than bullied (again, in real life, sometimes that's better). She can do what she does best this way, and the Watch Captain Ware, as well as the Iason (the morgue physician) and Dina (the Chief M.E) all like her.
Not any romantic entanglement (YET) with Mage Niath, but I don't really mind. It can be kept until the last book. I'm more into Thea anyway *laugh*
Onwards to book #3!
Thank you so much to Elvira Queen of the Darkness from Goodreads 2023 Secret Santa Event for this gift
I enjoyed the development in both Thea's personal and professional life (). I loved the additional "mystery" of the whole arc () and I look forward to that arc in the next books!
In the meantime, yes, Thea really grows on me. I loved her determination to bringforth justice to victims. I wish that she does indeed make a request to move out from her Brightfield Watch office, but at the same time, even in REAL LIFE, I know that kind of decision is NOT easy. Besides, she is mostly ignored rather than bullied (again, in real life, sometimes that's better). She can do what she does best this way, and the Watch Captain Ware, as well as the Iason (the morgue physician) and Dina (the Chief M.E) all like her.
Not any romantic entanglement (YET) with Mage Niath, but I don't really mind. It can be kept until the last book. I'm more into Thea anyway *laugh*
Onwards to book #3!
Thank you so much to Elvira Queen of the Darkness from Goodreads 2023 Secret Santa Event for this gift
January 25, 2024
3.5
In this series there are mysteries that require detective work and slow personal character revelations. The Ageless Mysteries series has me engaged enough to invest in a Kindle Unlimited trial deal for the next two months. So far, the first two books have been quick reads that leave me with a book hangover, but the binge will continue despite the late nights and headaches. Now, time to read book 3!
KU free read
In this series there are mysteries that require detective work and slow personal character revelations. The Ageless Mysteries series has me engaged enough to invest in a Kindle Unlimited trial deal for the next two months. So far, the first two books have been quick reads that leave me with a book hangover, but the binge will continue despite the late nights and headaches. Now, time to read book 3!
KU free read
September 9, 2024
Fine, I guess.
The plot and sub-plot is what carries this book forward. Character dynamic helps too. But while the story and plot moves forward, I feel like the character have no arc in themselves. Some revelations for them, but that doesn't mean there was any learning. Disappointment there.
I wish the answers would come sooner, because otherwise the plot will be a drag.
The plot and sub-plot is what carries this book forward. Character dynamic helps too. But while the story and plot moves forward, I feel like the character have no arc in themselves. Some revelations for them, but that doesn't mean there was any learning. Disappointment there.
I wish the answers would come sooner, because otherwise the plot will be a drag.
January 23, 2022
3.5
Yay for Thea continuing to be a badass!
So Thea is back on her normal watch routine after the events of the last book, which includes mostly grunt and busy work assigned to her by her shitty captain. That is until she starts noticing unrest in the local markets, is called to investigate a mysterious death, and is asked by the Mage Niath to help in a forgery case. So a lot going on for our gal.
The only problem with all of these incidents is that they bring her into even closer confines with the seemingly murder happy Ageless, as it looks like someone is distributing fake coins made by the Citadel to enrage the Ageless and sow discontent.
With the lives of the Conscripted slaves on the line if she doesn't get to the bottom of everything, Thea and Niath have to venture into the heart of the Citadel itself to sleuth out what is going on- as well as keep the Ageless from taking their anger out on the humans in her city if they don't solve it fast enough.
Looking forward to see what the next case is going to be and how Thea's family dynamics are going to progress.....considering.
Yay for Thea continuing to be a badass!
So Thea is back on her normal watch routine after the events of the last book, which includes mostly grunt and busy work assigned to her by her shitty captain. That is until she starts noticing unrest in the local markets, is called to investigate a mysterious death, and is asked by the Mage Niath to help in a forgery case. So a lot going on for our gal.
The only problem with all of these incidents is that they bring her into even closer confines with the seemingly murder happy Ageless, as it looks like someone is distributing fake coins made by the Citadel to enrage the Ageless and sow discontent.
With the lives of the Conscripted slaves on the line if she doesn't get to the bottom of everything, Thea and Niath have to venture into the heart of the Citadel itself to sleuth out what is going on- as well as keep the Ageless from taking their anger out on the humans in her city if they don't solve it fast enough.
Looking forward to see what the next case is going to be and how Thea's family dynamics are going to progress.....considering.
Read
August 29, 2024It's strange, I feel like I should like this series but I don't. I'm feeling rather bored by it instead.
This series has all the makings of a narrative I'd usually love, yet for the alarming fact that Thea, our heroine, doesn't appear to have a personality. For the majority of both books, she does what she's told when she's told to do it - no more or no less. Every once in a while she'll actually make a choice herself, although that's a minority occurrence and hinging a story on those brief interludes isn't enough to get me engaged.
Thea just isn't an active protagonist, which sucks because she has all the makings of someone who should be.
Onto the next one I suppose.
This series has all the makings of a narrative I'd usually love, yet for the alarming fact that Thea, our heroine, doesn't appear to have a personality. For the majority of both books, she does what she's told when she's told to do it - no more or no less. Every once in a while she'll actually make a choice herself, although that's a minority occurrence and hinging a story on those brief interludes isn't enough to get me engaged.
Thea just isn't an active protagonist, which sucks because she has all the makings of someone who should be.
Onto the next one I suppose.
March 9, 2023
Somehow I really find myself enjoying this totally vanilla series!
When I say vanilla, I mean it in the strictest sense - no expletives, no romance - very different from what I usually read. But the world-building, the characters! Niath is still my favourite and Thea seems to be growing a bit more of a backbone, I'm eager to see how she develops.
If you are looking for some books to have your younger children, nieces, or nephews read I highly recommend this one.
When I say vanilla, I mean it in the strictest sense - no expletives, no romance - very different from what I usually read. But the world-building, the characters! Niath is still my favourite and Thea seems to be growing a bit more of a backbone, I'm eager to see how she develops.
If you are looking for some books to have your younger children, nieces, or nephews read I highly recommend this one.
November 24, 2023
another enjoyable book. I really enjoy the characters and the mystery that they have to solve as well as some mystery around the characters. There is not as much action as I usually read but the story makes up for it. Easy reading
January 1, 2024
Very good story! Good characters! New adversary!
April 7, 2025
Ahh Thea, so brave but so naive. This was a good addition to the series, action packed with many revelations.
July 16, 2023
Barely any plot but that alone would make it 2 Stars. It's a single Star because of basic incongruencies. The Mage Nial is supposedly one of the fiercest magic creatures, but he needs the half-Human fMC to battle the monsters they face?
And fMC gets the claustrophobic shakes from being shut in a carriage, or acrophobia from merely looking up at a tall building. But somehow she agreed to take a magic elevator ride up a steep cliff instead of demand to take the long road up? In volume one, she didn't even want to get into a carriage. Now she's willingly getting into the magic elevator scaling a cliff?
And fMC gets the claustrophobic shakes from being shut in a carriage, or acrophobia from merely looking up at a tall building. But somehow she agreed to take a magic elevator ride up a steep cliff instead of demand to take the long road up? In volume one, she didn't even want to get into a carriage. Now she's willingly getting into the magic elevator scaling a cliff?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2024
Love it
I love the story line and the characters but the author says the same things over and over again. It almost felt like they needed extra words to fill a word count, and so the exact same paragraph was repeated.
I love the story line and the characters but the author says the same things over and over again. It almost felt like they needed extra words to fill a word count, and so the exact same paragraph was repeated.
January 14, 2023
Couldn't put it down... already downloaded book 3.
again a good story, interesting characters. I liked how Thea was slowly growing bolder and Niath was equal parts intriguing and adorable, can't wait to learn more about him.
Loved the rest of the gang too.
and yet I didn't feel nearly as satisfied when finished hence the slightly lower rating than the first book.
For one thing it's starting to get a quite repetitive at least when it comes to her talking about the Archon/Ageless, i.e. I remember this one scene still fairly early on in the book where Thea was having a conversation with Niath or was supposed to, cause every response was interrupted by several paragraphs, page/s even of explaining the Ageless' evil ways. It felt very disruptive especially for info we've been told several times already.
The other thing was the ending. I get that this is an ongoing story so of course not everything's gonna get resolved by the end of a book and while it wasn't an outright cliffhanger it also wasn't quite HFN and just felt way too unresolved.
I'm just glad that the next book is out all ready, cause this is the type of thing that would keep me from coming back to a series if I had to wait for the next one to be released.
again a good story, interesting characters. I liked how Thea was slowly growing bolder and Niath was equal parts intriguing and adorable, can't wait to learn more about him.
Loved the rest of the gang too.
and yet I didn't feel nearly as satisfied when finished hence the slightly lower rating than the first book.
For one thing it's starting to get a quite repetitive at least when it comes to her talking about the Archon/Ageless, i.e. I remember this one scene still fairly early on in the book where Thea was having a conversation with Niath or was supposed to, cause every response was interrupted by several paragraphs, page/s even of explaining the Ageless' evil ways. It felt very disruptive especially for info we've been told several times already.
The other thing was the ending. I get that this is an ongoing story so of course not everything's gonna get resolved by the end of a book and while it wasn't an outright cliffhanger it also wasn't quite HFN and just felt way too unresolved.
I'm just glad that the next book is out all ready, cause this is the type of thing that would keep me from coming back to a series if I had to wait for the next one to be released.
July 20, 2024
Rock, Meet Hard Place
AgelessMysteries2
They really are mysteries. No foolin’.
Thea March is still doing scut work at her sergeant’s orders - this time compiling the weekly reports to go to the captain. Thea doesn’t mind, because it is giving her insight into how her district operates. Unexpected help comes from the new junior Watchman, Everson, (who will be a great second to Thea.) because he is good at his job, too.
And Mage Niath resonates where Thea is to ask for her assistance … up at the Citadel. Cue face the music foreboding. All Thea’s nightmares in one place? Thank you! May I have seconds?
Thea has gifts being Ageless-born, that she has hidden, even from her mother. One is a sensitivity to magic, and magic’s sensitivity to her. She also has strength, speed, sight and a very quick mind; but no wings. And a deep well of empathy, which Niath taps, that pulls Thea out of her comfort shadow zone.
Someone is circulating false coin, that only lacks the magic signature of the Archon. That means it looks just as good as a Xerox, especially to mundanes who can’t sense magic, i.e., most of the human population. And that could get the entire city wiped out.
So, not a cozy mystery, by any means, but, definitely one that needs solving. Get ‘em, Thea!
AgelessMysteries2
They really are mysteries. No foolin’.
Thea March is still doing scut work at her sergeant’s orders - this time compiling the weekly reports to go to the captain. Thea doesn’t mind, because it is giving her insight into how her district operates. Unexpected help comes from the new junior Watchman, Everson, (who will be a great second to Thea.) because he is good at his job, too.
And Mage Niath resonates where Thea is to ask for her assistance … up at the Citadel. Cue face the music foreboding. All Thea’s nightmares in one place? Thank you! May I have seconds?
Thea has gifts being Ageless-born, that she has hidden, even from her mother. One is a sensitivity to magic, and magic’s sensitivity to her. She also has strength, speed, sight and a very quick mind; but no wings. And a deep well of empathy, which Niath taps, that pulls Thea out of her comfort shadow zone.
Someone is circulating false coin, that only lacks the magic signature of the Archon. That means it looks just as good as a Xerox, especially to mundanes who can’t sense magic, i.e., most of the human population. And that could get the entire city wiped out.
So, not a cozy mystery, by any means, but, definitely one that needs solving. Get ‘em, Thea!
June 24, 2023
Good
This is book two in the series, and it builds upon the story in book one, so you need to have read that book first.
Thea might regret thinking that she’d like something to happen. One minute she’s bored, the next she has several cases to work on at once!
First there is the bad product being manufactured, then a suspicious death, and finally Niath has asked for her help in finding out who has been forging the Ageless’ coins.
The plots prove to be deeper than either Thea or Niath had presumed, and it’s not long before the Watch Officer and her Mage shadow are facing danger once more…
This second book in the series, is just as good, and just as engrossing as the first. An unusual blend of fantasy and mystery, we’re slowly finding out more about Thea as the series goes on.
The mystery is cleverly built, and solved, and though the process might be slow, the book doesn’t lack for action or adventure.
It’s a fabulous adventure, in a fascinating world, with colorful characters and an interesting plot.
This is a great read for fans of fantasy and mystery, especially for readers who love strong heroines.
This is book two in the series, and it builds upon the story in book one, so you need to have read that book first.
Thea might regret thinking that she’d like something to happen. One minute she’s bored, the next she has several cases to work on at once!
First there is the bad product being manufactured, then a suspicious death, and finally Niath has asked for her help in finding out who has been forging the Ageless’ coins.
The plots prove to be deeper than either Thea or Niath had presumed, and it’s not long before the Watch Officer and her Mage shadow are facing danger once more…
This second book in the series, is just as good, and just as engrossing as the first. An unusual blend of fantasy and mystery, we’re slowly finding out more about Thea as the series goes on.
The mystery is cleverly built, and solved, and though the process might be slow, the book doesn’t lack for action or adventure.
It’s a fabulous adventure, in a fascinating world, with colorful characters and an interesting plot.
This is a great read for fans of fantasy and mystery, especially for readers who love strong heroines.
November 23, 2022
Just as good as book 1
Thea’s success in concluding her previous investigation has not made her any more appreciated at her Watch station. Nevertheless she gets on with the petty chores assigned her by the Sargeant, using one of those, to summarise reported crimes, to better know her neighbourhood.
As she ties together several apparently unrelated complaints, she stumbles upon an outrageous and potentially devastating fraud. It takes all her resilience and intelligence, and the help of her “shadow”, mage Niath, to face down this latest challenge to the city’s wellbeing. And then there’s Commander Reardon, who has reappeared in her mother’s life, bringing fresh pain and frustration with him.
I’m really enjoying being part of this series developing; Thea is an inspring lead; there is added depth - including some nice touches of humour - to her relationship with the mysterious Niath; and the magical world they inhabit is a wonderful creation. And as before, there is a solid mystery at the core of the book, upon which all the other elements successfully hang.
Highly recommended!
Thea’s success in concluding her previous investigation has not made her any more appreciated at her Watch station. Nevertheless she gets on with the petty chores assigned her by the Sargeant, using one of those, to summarise reported crimes, to better know her neighbourhood.
As she ties together several apparently unrelated complaints, she stumbles upon an outrageous and potentially devastating fraud. It takes all her resilience and intelligence, and the help of her “shadow”, mage Niath, to face down this latest challenge to the city’s wellbeing. And then there’s Commander Reardon, who has reappeared in her mother’s life, bringing fresh pain and frustration with him.
I’m really enjoying being part of this series developing; Thea is an inspring lead; there is added depth - including some nice touches of humour - to her relationship with the mysterious Niath; and the magical world they inhabit is a wonderful creation. And as before, there is a solid mystery at the core of the book, upon which all the other elements successfully hang.
Highly recommended!
March 21, 2024
My least favorite book of the series. The mystery aspect of this book fell flat. It was lackluster. I still very much like the main characters of Leah and Niath. In fact I really like the way the author has all of the characters in the book interact. I am still interested enough in the world building and interesting characters which keep showing up that I will continue the series. I hope that the mystery aspect which I enjoyed in the first book continues in the next ones.
(Still 14+ there was not as much violence in this one, still no sexual situations. There were hints that Niath may be starting to show interest in Leah but that was it. There was still workplace shenanigans which lead to emotions of frustration, but added another layer to the story instead of distract from.)
(Still 14+ there was not as much violence in this one, still no sexual situations. There were hints that Niath may be starting to show interest in Leah but that was it. There was still workplace shenanigans which lead to emotions of frustration, but added another layer to the story instead of distract from.)
May 5, 2025
Listened to the audioversion. (loved the voice of the storyteller)Liked the book
and the plot.
Had fun with the shadow and the never ending arrange of weapons Thea uses. She is not allowed to have weapons yet using them correctly and killing enemies with them is fine?
There were some repeating knowledge sentences going on while it is mentioned that you have to start with book one.
Once repeating that de ageless have such powers or don't care about the petty humans or what the shadow is behind his human face is fine, repeating it four or five times is not.
When you start noticing that it is a bit distracting.
I like to start with the next book and find out how the relationships and friendships develop.
and the plot.
Had fun with the shadow and the never ending arrange of weapons Thea uses. She is not allowed to have weapons yet using them correctly and killing enemies with them is fine?
There were some repeating knowledge sentences going on while it is mentioned that you have to start with book one.
Once repeating that de ageless have such powers or don't care about the petty humans or what the shadow is behind his human face is fine, repeating it four or five times is not.
When you start noticing that it is a bit distracting.
I like to start with the next book and find out how the relationships and friendships develop.
February 27, 2024
Another fascinating story! Recommended ❤️
Another mystery to solve by the wonderful Officer Watchman Thea and mage Niath. Some secrets from the past come out and another case is partially solved. It is great to see more growth from Thea, as the story progresses. She is gaining more confidence in herself and putting more of her fears from the Ageless aside. If you’re into mystery, magic, action and a bit of humor, you will definitely enjoy this book. Even though each book of the series focuses on a different mystery, the books need to be read in order, since there are intertwined with another. Enjoy! 💥💥💥
Another mystery to solve by the wonderful Officer Watchman Thea and mage Niath. Some secrets from the past come out and another case is partially solved. It is great to see more growth from Thea, as the story progresses. She is gaining more confidence in herself and putting more of her fears from the Ageless aside. If you’re into mystery, magic, action and a bit of humor, you will definitely enjoy this book. Even though each book of the series focuses on a different mystery, the books need to be read in order, since there are intertwined with another. Enjoy! 💥💥💥
July 10, 2022
Thea is still an extremely awesome character, but I was annoyed by some things here. This book repeated some phrases so much that it really annoyed me e.g. how many times do we need to be told things about the ageless that we have already heard a million times?? Beyond the repetitive phrases, I did feel like this mystery was more interesting (even if a little unresolved..but I'm sure it will be picked up in later books). I liked how we learned more about Thea's father and her continuing development in her friendships.
December 10, 2022
This is a pretty good series so far. The story is great. Following Thea as she unravels the problems going on is really engaging. I don't really want to put the book down.
I do wish there was more emotional connection with Thea. I wish we got more from her and Niall or even her and some of the other characters. It's like the story is dominant with characters being secondary and not a lot of depth. I want more from the characters. If I had that this would be a truly exceptional series.
I'll keep reading but damn do I wish we had more between Thea and Niall. Anything!
I do wish there was more emotional connection with Thea. I wish we got more from her and Niall or even her and some of the other characters. It's like the story is dominant with characters being secondary and not a lot of depth. I want more from the characters. If I had that this would be a truly exceptional series.
I'll keep reading but damn do I wish we had more between Thea and Niall. Anything!
April 16, 2025
Forgery, conspiracy and murder
I am loving this series. What begins with a minor customer complaint leads to Thea and Mage Niath becoming involved in a investigation into forgery and murder that could bring the wealth of the Ageless into the city. Vanessa Nelson has created a brilliant world filled with great characters. Magic, mystery and a conspiracy that could destroy the city. This book has an open ending with many secrets and mysteries left for the future. Highly recommended.
I am loving this series. What begins with a minor customer complaint leads to Thea and Mage Niath becoming involved in a investigation into forgery and murder that could bring the wealth of the Ageless into the city. Vanessa Nelson has created a brilliant world filled with great characters. Magic, mystery and a conspiracy that could destroy the city. This book has an open ending with many secrets and mysteries left for the future. Highly recommended.
Read
April 11, 2022A new type of world, with unusual people/species who behave as normally as is possible given the circumstances. That’s comforting, as my preference is for the less fantastical, less sword-wielding stuff. I had expected that, but in fact Thea displays quite admirable ethics, morality and all those human attributes one admires.
There is a flavour of Honor Raconteur in this, although more fantastical and a bit darker.
I liked the first book and will definitely buy the second.
There is a flavour of Honor Raconteur in this, although more fantastical and a bit darker.
I liked the first book and will definitely buy the second.
July 3, 2022
All Thea's secrets and fears threaten to overwhelm her when she has no choice but to enter the citadel. However Niath is by her side and her allies are forming into friends and she has plenty of people at her back. Secrets are coming out and the world gets ever more complicated. As ever this book was truly wonderful, with heart break, warmth and the compulsion to keep me turning every page until I am sad when it is over.
August 5, 2022
To Binge or not to Binge
When you discover an author who can paint a thousands of words of a mesmerising new world with characters that you have an instant dislike too along those who you you love from the first chapter what do you you do Binge buy the whole series or control yourself and buy one book per payday? That is the problem I have as author Vanessa Nelson has the skill in oodles to drag you into her beautiful powerful world, where is book 3 please?
When you discover an author who can paint a thousands of words of a mesmerising new world with characters that you have an instant dislike too along those who you you love from the first chapter what do you you do Binge buy the whole series or control yourself and buy one book per payday? That is the problem I have as author Vanessa Nelson has the skill in oodles to drag you into her beautiful powerful world, where is book 3 please?
January 7, 2023
Random mysteries, an unwelcome relative and and more questions
‘False Dawn’, by Vanessa Nelson is book 2 of the Ageless Mysteries. Looking for answers to seeming random mysteries finds Thea hunting for fake coins, dodging an uncaring relative, and running into her shadow at every turn. At least as good as the first book in the series, it is again filled with surprises, action, and a few revelations. With more mysteries to uncover, I’m ready for book 3.
‘False Dawn’, by Vanessa Nelson is book 2 of the Ageless Mysteries. Looking for answers to seeming random mysteries finds Thea hunting for fake coins, dodging an uncaring relative, and running into her shadow at every turn. At least as good as the first book in the series, it is again filled with surprises, action, and a few revelations. With more mysteries to uncover, I’m ready for book 3.
July 1, 2023
4.3/5 stars - Good Follow Up Book
This didn't have the wow-factor of the first book, but it was still really good. The mystery was engaging and had lots of different trails to follow. We also learn more about the citadel and Reardon. The secondary characters continued to be great, but I wish we had learned more about them. Also, it's just a nitpicky thing, but one piece of the mystery was super obvious from the beginning. It was a small part though, so it didn't ruin the ending.
This didn't have the wow-factor of the first book, but it was still really good. The mystery was engaging and had lots of different trails to follow. We also learn more about the citadel and Reardon. The secondary characters continued to be great, but I wish we had learned more about them. Also, it's just a nitpicky thing, but one piece of the mystery was super obvious from the beginning. It was a small part though, so it didn't ruin the ending.
May 25, 2024
Again, excellent 👌
This is a further adventure of Thea as she works as a watch officer. The mysteries continue: who is forging counterfeit coins? Again, Niath has chosen to work beside her. Danger, injuries, and poisonings, oh, my! And yes, there is more of (the hoped to be avoided) Reardon. Some mysteries are solved but not all. I am looking forward to book 3. Plus, no sex, thank you Ms Nelson.
This is a further adventure of Thea as she works as a watch officer. The mysteries continue: who is forging counterfeit coins? Again, Niath has chosen to work beside her. Danger, injuries, and poisonings, oh, my! And yes, there is more of (the hoped to be avoided) Reardon. Some mysteries are solved but not all. I am looking forward to book 3. Plus, no sex, thank you Ms Nelson.
December 19, 2024
This is the third series by Vanessa that I have read and they all feature the human race subjugated by a superior race of beings - but she does it SO well and they are all different and imaginative.
I love her writing, not just because she writes in English rather than American. Her people are logical and (almost) real. Her storylines follow through and stay within the parameters of the worlds that she creates. She writes with a bit of humour too.
I love her stuff.
I love her writing, not just because she writes in English rather than American. Her people are logical and (almost) real. Her storylines follow through and stay within the parameters of the worlds that she creates. She writes with a bit of humour too.
I love her stuff.
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