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Trine Fallacy
As the Dark Trine's noose tightens around Kinderra, young Trine Mirana Pinal and her mentor, the Trine hero Tetric Garis, embark on a quest to learn how the enigmatic watchtower of Jasal's Keep once saved the land. Teague Beltran, Mirana's beloved and an Unaspected herbsman's apprentice, wants nothing more than to kill the Dark Trine himself. As one born without magical powers, however, he is forbidden to take up arms in battle. His confrontation with the Dark Trine's forces may force him to sacrifice his healing oath. Mirana fears using her Aspects with the Light from Within will not be enough to save her people. The strength of her Aspects through the Power from Without, however, will lead her down a path she must not follow. Both must answer their true calling but each choice may leave them-and Kinderra-without hope.
Additional formats:
Paperback: ISBN 978-1735051857; ASIN 1735051853; $16.95
Ebook: ISBN 978-1735051864; ASIN B097LM1T6X; $9.95)
Additional formats:
Paperback: ISBN 978-1735051857; ASIN 1735051853; $16.95
Ebook: ISBN 978-1735051864; ASIN B097LM1T6X; $9.95)
388 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
C.K. Donnelly
3 books17 followersWhile other kids read comic books under the covers with a flashlight at bedtime, C.K. DONNELLY wrote Star Wars like fan fiction and fantasy stories.
She used her love of writing to pursue a career in journalism and was honored with several press awards. She continued to follow her dreams of writing a novel — a journey that was "uphill, both ways" — and every day she promised she would quit. Just as soon as she finished the next chapter. After 20 years, the self-described “Unsuccessful Quitter” self-published her first YA Fantasy novel.
"'Unsuccessful quitting' really means persevering, and allowing yourself the chance to catch your breath, try a new direction, even fail epically, but trying again and moving forward," C.K. says.
C.K. resides in Arizona with her oh-so-patient husband and her little black dog (who is equally patient). She no longer writes under the covers by flashlight. Usually.
(Photo Credit: Mike Harvey/Peak Image Photography)
She used her love of writing to pursue a career in journalism and was honored with several press awards. She continued to follow her dreams of writing a novel — a journey that was "uphill, both ways" — and every day she promised she would quit. Just as soon as she finished the next chapter. After 20 years, the self-described “Unsuccessful Quitter” self-published her first YA Fantasy novel.
"'Unsuccessful quitting' really means persevering, and allowing yourself the chance to catch your breath, try a new direction, even fail epically, but trying again and moving forward," C.K. says.
C.K. resides in Arizona with her oh-so-patient husband and her little black dog (who is equally patient). She no longer writes under the covers by flashlight. Usually.
(Photo Credit: Mike Harvey/Peak Image Photography)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 2, 2021
TRINE FALLACY, the second book in the Kinderra Saga, picks up right where the first book left off. Forced to reveal her hidden identity, Mirana is still grappling with her newfound status as Trine, a possessor of all 3 Aspects. Her visions that come along with the Aspect of Sight have shown her several different futures, including one where she destroys her homeland. With the help of Tetric Garis, Mirana sets off on a mission to figure out how to save her people and her home before her vision comes to fruition.
Mirana is still broken-hearted from the events in the last book and the choice she was forced to make. Things look a little brighter when Teague comes back in the picture and I have to say, one of my favorite aspects of this book is the romance and the relationship between Mirana and her love. My other favorite aspect is the super detailed world that Donnelly created and the uniqueness of the magic system. There are so many different layers and intricacies to this world, and it’s so easy to get sucked into it. Plus, there’s a really fun language that was created, and I love the inventiveness of it and how it makes the reader feel that much more connected to the world and characters.
The Dark Trine is also very much at the forefront of this book, through Mirana’s visions and prophecies, and Teague is on a mission to kill him, whoever he is. The Dark Trine is certainly a very interesting complication, and it’s anyone’s guess at this point if he will gain control. The ending is a brutal cliffhanger, and I for one cannot wait for book 3 to see what the future holds for Mirana, Teague, and Tetric.
Bottom line — add this series to your tbr if you like epic fantasy sagas with incredibly detailed worlds, Chosen Ones storylines, and characters you can’t help but root for. 4 stars.
*Many thanks to Claire McKinney PR for sending a free copy for review.
Mirana is still broken-hearted from the events in the last book and the choice she was forced to make. Things look a little brighter when Teague comes back in the picture and I have to say, one of my favorite aspects of this book is the romance and the relationship between Mirana and her love. My other favorite aspect is the super detailed world that Donnelly created and the uniqueness of the magic system. There are so many different layers and intricacies to this world, and it’s so easy to get sucked into it. Plus, there’s a really fun language that was created, and I love the inventiveness of it and how it makes the reader feel that much more connected to the world and characters.
The Dark Trine is also very much at the forefront of this book, through Mirana’s visions and prophecies, and Teague is on a mission to kill him, whoever he is. The Dark Trine is certainly a very interesting complication, and it’s anyone’s guess at this point if he will gain control. The ending is a brutal cliffhanger, and I for one cannot wait for book 3 to see what the future holds for Mirana, Teague, and Tetric.
Bottom line — add this series to your tbr if you like epic fantasy sagas with incredibly detailed worlds, Chosen Ones storylines, and characters you can’t help but root for. 4 stars.
*Many thanks to Claire McKinney PR for sending a free copy for review.
August 3, 2022
Another page-turner in this series! I loved that this plunged even deeper into the characters' inner lives and their struggles with their identities and motivations. Mirana's internal battles are at once otherworldly AND relatable to us mere mortals – who hasn't wondered if they're truly good or bad? Or if everyone around them is being truthful, acting genuinely, etc.? Overall, this book felt more intense than the first installment, and there were multiple chapters and scenes where my heart was beating like crazy. (I'm a wimp with suspense and violence!) And another cliffhanger ending?! The author is killing me, haha. Can't wait to see what happens next.
August 23, 2021
The Kinderra Saga
(Trine Rising and Trine Fallacy)
8-9/10 📚 ARC review
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Author: C K Donnelly
Publisher: Kibbe Creative Media
Prophecies • Chosen Ones•
-Synopsis-
Mirana Pinal is a trine, one of few to be gifted with all three powers of the Aspects. Sight, allowing her to see visions of possible futures. Defending, allowing her to protect and fight and healing, allowing her to heal others. Mirana has also been getting visions of her destroying her homeland if she takes on all of her powers.
When she gets a vision of the enemy forces attacking her town, she is forced to reveal to everyone that she is a Trine. As the war intensifies, the need for her powers grow. Will she be able to stop them from manifesting and killing all she loves?
-Review-
Thank you for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Before I get into the details, can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that the author created an entire language?! And I believe it was based off of Latin. Honestly, that pretty much sold me from the start! (I had a lot of fun trying to translate it!)
The first thing I loved about these books was the plot! At the start it did feel a bit slow, although lots of books with heavy world-building often are as they need to introduce the reader to the world. In the second book, the plot really picked up! This might have been because I got to know the characters much better and felt more familiar with the plot. The second book also had some great plot twists which were the perfect combination of you not completely guessing them but them making sense.
I found it a little difficult to remember all the places in the world and often forgot where plot points were happening. While this wasn't so much of a problem in the first book, in Trine Fallacy is was annoying because often people would reffer to specific events and people from different towns and I was confused.
I loved was the ethical debate in this book. Can war really solve anything? Also, our main character Mira struggles with her inner beleif that she is going to become the 'Dark Trine' (a dark lord-figure). It was really interesting to see her internal thoughts and battles with her trying to stop herself becoming a monster.
Now let's talk about romance. At the start I did quite like it, we didn't have any miscommunication nonsense - which I hate reading about! Both characters were open with talking to each other and while they had their struggles, they both worked hard to keep their relationship going. However, another romance trope that I don't like is the I have to push you away to keep you safe. In fairness to the Kinderra saga, it did make more sense than a lot of other books where this happens but it still really really irritates me!
Overall, this is a super detailed saga and you can see the absolute tons of effort the author put in! I think the first book is slow so you do have to really give it a shot but it's really worth it to get to the second book.
(Trine Rising and Trine Fallacy)
8-9/10 📚 ARC review
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Author: C K Donnelly
Publisher: Kibbe Creative Media
Prophecies • Chosen Ones•
-Synopsis-
Mirana Pinal is a trine, one of few to be gifted with all three powers of the Aspects. Sight, allowing her to see visions of possible futures. Defending, allowing her to protect and fight and healing, allowing her to heal others. Mirana has also been getting visions of her destroying her homeland if she takes on all of her powers.
When she gets a vision of the enemy forces attacking her town, she is forced to reveal to everyone that she is a Trine. As the war intensifies, the need for her powers grow. Will she be able to stop them from manifesting and killing all she loves?
-Review-
Thank you for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Before I get into the details, can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that the author created an entire language?! And I believe it was based off of Latin. Honestly, that pretty much sold me from the start! (I had a lot of fun trying to translate it!)
The first thing I loved about these books was the plot! At the start it did feel a bit slow, although lots of books with heavy world-building often are as they need to introduce the reader to the world. In the second book, the plot really picked up! This might have been because I got to know the characters much better and felt more familiar with the plot. The second book also had some great plot twists which were the perfect combination of you not completely guessing them but them making sense.
I found it a little difficult to remember all the places in the world and often forgot where plot points were happening. While this wasn't so much of a problem in the first book, in Trine Fallacy is was annoying because often people would reffer to specific events and people from different towns and I was confused.
I loved was the ethical debate in this book. Can war really solve anything? Also, our main character Mira struggles with her inner beleif that she is going to become the 'Dark Trine' (a dark lord-figure). It was really interesting to see her internal thoughts and battles with her trying to stop herself becoming a monster.
Now let's talk about romance. At the start I did quite like it, we didn't have any miscommunication nonsense - which I hate reading about! Both characters were open with talking to each other and while they had their struggles, they both worked hard to keep their relationship going. However, another romance trope that I don't like is the I have to push you away to keep you safe. In fairness to the Kinderra saga, it did make more sense than a lot of other books where this happens but it still really really irritates me!
Overall, this is a super detailed saga and you can see the absolute tons of effort the author put in! I think the first book is slow so you do have to really give it a shot but it's really worth it to get to the second book.
March 1, 2022
*Spoiler Free*
"A deep vibration rattled up from the Tomb's base. The crypt and dais on which it sat began to sink deeper into the earth. She crouched down, unsure of whether she should jump off or follow the sarcophagus down."
Trine Fallacy is the sequel to Trine Rising. It starts off where we last ended with Mirina and Tetric Garis are on their way to locate more information for Jasals keep. It is imperative that they reach it quickly to help save Kinderra from the Dark Trine. As they continue on Mirina begins to form her own opinions. She faces trials she would never expect, all in the name for her people.
There were several chapters in Trine Fallacy that were really well written, chapter 28 being my favorite. It gave off Indiana Jones vibes and provided a unique lore. It helped save the book for me. In the very beginning there was also another chapter with a pretty epic battle scene, and it made me really excited to read this one. The scenes were perfect because they held the right amount of mystery and trials. I wasn't upset with our main character during these trials in fact I thought she had improved.
Things that keep getting in the way of making this book better: The constant back and forth throughout the book where characters say one thing and then the next, they change their minds. It's okay for a few chapters because yes, we need character development, but it becomes distracting. I think the back and forth is just fluff and it just detracts from what could be a really great story.
The end became better as we went on, but I don't think the chapters with Mirina's father were necessary as he never really played a main role in the first book other than being a side character. I think once the author begins to thin out a lot of fluff, she will have a wonderous story that'll keep me engaged.
Again, I ended up giving this a 3/5-star rating. I will be donating it to the little free library in the hopes that someone else will also fall in love with chapter 28.
"A deep vibration rattled up from the Tomb's base. The crypt and dais on which it sat began to sink deeper into the earth. She crouched down, unsure of whether she should jump off or follow the sarcophagus down."
Trine Fallacy is the sequel to Trine Rising. It starts off where we last ended with Mirina and Tetric Garis are on their way to locate more information for Jasals keep. It is imperative that they reach it quickly to help save Kinderra from the Dark Trine. As they continue on Mirina begins to form her own opinions. She faces trials she would never expect, all in the name for her people.
There were several chapters in Trine Fallacy that were really well written, chapter 28 being my favorite. It gave off Indiana Jones vibes and provided a unique lore. It helped save the book for me. In the very beginning there was also another chapter with a pretty epic battle scene, and it made me really excited to read this one. The scenes were perfect because they held the right amount of mystery and trials. I wasn't upset with our main character during these trials in fact I thought she had improved.
Things that keep getting in the way of making this book better: The constant back and forth throughout the book where characters say one thing and then the next, they change their minds. It's okay for a few chapters because yes, we need character development, but it becomes distracting. I think the back and forth is just fluff and it just detracts from what could be a really great story.
The end became better as we went on, but I don't think the chapters with Mirina's father were necessary as he never really played a main role in the first book other than being a side character. I think once the author begins to thin out a lot of fluff, she will have a wonderous story that'll keep me engaged.
Again, I ended up giving this a 3/5-star rating. I will be donating it to the little free library in the hopes that someone else will also fall in love with chapter 28.
September 30, 2021
hi everyone! I know it’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted but I was given this wonderful opportunity to read these two books and thank you to C.K. Donnelly for them 🤍
Right away, I was blown away by the entire world building & a whole language (love to see) that evolves throughout these! The actual story is unique and refreshing! Seemed as YA epic fantasy but still carrying a deeper element.
Mira ~ our lovely & determined heroine~ is one of the few to ever possessed all three powers of the Aspects & has visions that ultimately might have her home Kinderra destroyed. Throughout this series, i couldn’t help but feel for Mirana & her constant battle of helping the ones she loves ~ we absolutely love a strong heroine who recognizes her own struggles ~
While the first book was slow to start as would any new fantasy series, I was really impressed how much more we got in Trine Fallacy from the battles, to more character / story development ~ Mira again I FEEL FOR YOU but girl you’re breaking my heart & if you’ve read these then you know 🥲 ~ one of my favorite things in this entire series is Mira’s inner dialogue but I swear she drives me nuts sometimes especially with Teague.
I throughly enjoyed reading these & being given this opportunity is something I will always be grateful for but please everyone go and read these! Not your average fantasy read & the detail that was put into this series has left a lasting impression & can’t wait to for book 3 !
Right away, I was blown away by the entire world building & a whole language (love to see) that evolves throughout these! The actual story is unique and refreshing! Seemed as YA epic fantasy but still carrying a deeper element.
Mira ~ our lovely & determined heroine~ is one of the few to ever possessed all three powers of the Aspects & has visions that ultimately might have her home Kinderra destroyed. Throughout this series, i couldn’t help but feel for Mirana & her constant battle of helping the ones she loves ~ we absolutely love a strong heroine who recognizes her own struggles ~
While the first book was slow to start as would any new fantasy series, I was really impressed how much more we got in Trine Fallacy from the battles, to more character / story development ~ Mira again I FEEL FOR YOU but girl you’re breaking my heart & if you’ve read these then you know 🥲 ~ one of my favorite things in this entire series is Mira’s inner dialogue but I swear she drives me nuts sometimes especially with Teague.
I throughly enjoyed reading these & being given this opportunity is something I will always be grateful for but please everyone go and read these! Not your average fantasy read & the detail that was put into this series has left a lasting impression & can’t wait to for book 3 !
February 26, 2022
TRINE FALLACY was a really enjoyable read. As the second book in the Kinderra Saga, it picks up right where book one, TRINE RISING, left off.
TRINE FALLACY has a lot quicker pace than TRINE RISING did, and I really fell in love with the characters. The love in this book hurts -- we see three different couples struggling to overcome their war-torn and aspects-driven pasts, but we also see love intensified by those same stressors.
Mirana, our tormented protagonist starts to discover who she really is... and who her mentor really is. She also begins to come to terms with the ending interpersonal conflict in TRINE RISING between herself and her parents.
However, her relationship with Teague is driving me a little nuts, and I am interested to see what direction CK takes with them in the third book.
In addition to character & relationship development, this book has incredibly detailed worldbuilding. The maps included really help keep everything organized, and the battles are incredibly detailed as well.
The battle at the end of TRINE FALLACY left me feeling all sorts of ways about our characters and the terrible truth they uncovered. I'm so ready for book 3 to see what all of it means.
I definitely recommend this book to epic fantasy lovers who enjoy detailed worldbuilding.
TRINE FALLACY has a lot quicker pace than TRINE RISING did, and I really fell in love with the characters. The love in this book hurts -- we see three different couples struggling to overcome their war-torn and aspects-driven pasts, but we also see love intensified by those same stressors.
Mirana, our tormented protagonist starts to discover who she really is... and who her mentor really is. She also begins to come to terms with the ending interpersonal conflict in TRINE RISING between herself and her parents.
However, her relationship with Teague is driving me a little nuts, and I am interested to see what direction CK takes with them in the third book.
In addition to character & relationship development, this book has incredibly detailed worldbuilding. The maps included really help keep everything organized, and the battles are incredibly detailed as well.
The battle at the end of TRINE FALLACY left me feeling all sorts of ways about our characters and the terrible truth they uncovered. I'm so ready for book 3 to see what all of it means.
I definitely recommend this book to epic fantasy lovers who enjoy detailed worldbuilding.
April 1, 2024
It's so good to be back in this creative fantasy world again. I love the way I'm pulled back into the action and adventure right away and transported to a unique place of warriors, herbsmen, and Aspects with their own versions of magic and abilities. This book starts where book one left off and the devastation of battle has left factions trying to figure out how to guard their people and their lands or what the best approach to try and defeat the Dark Trine will be.
I love that the book is written from so many viewpoints giving us a well-rounded look at what's happening all over Kinderra along with the attitudes and thoughts of the subjects. The maps in the beginning continue to be visually helpful in understanding the layout and topography of the landscape, and the glossary of terms enlightening with descriptions.
The build up for the last book is strong as we travel and struggle along with the characters. The growth and development we see now will play a huge part in whether or not they succeed in taking down the Dark Trine. I'm once again, blown away by the broad scope of this detailed world and it's ability to captivate my attention and imagination. I can't wait to read book three and see how it all plays out.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love that the book is written from so many viewpoints giving us a well-rounded look at what's happening all over Kinderra along with the attitudes and thoughts of the subjects. The maps in the beginning continue to be visually helpful in understanding the layout and topography of the landscape, and the glossary of terms enlightening with descriptions.
The build up for the last book is strong as we travel and struggle along with the characters. The growth and development we see now will play a huge part in whether or not they succeed in taking down the Dark Trine. I'm once again, blown away by the broad scope of this detailed world and it's ability to captivate my attention and imagination. I can't wait to read book three and see how it all plays out.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2025
I loved "Trine Rising," the first book in the Kinderra Saga, so much that I was actually nervous starting the second book in the series, "Trine Fallacy." The second book in a series is often just filler, a bridge to get readers from the beginning of the story to the end, but I am so happy to report this book exceeded ALL my expectations and left my heart pounding and broken by turns. "Trine Fallacy" picks up right where the previous book left off, and what I loved most was the growth in the main character, Mirana. She's not a passive spectator hoping to avoid discovery anymore...she's determined to do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones and her land. As she learns she's stronger than she ever imagined, she also discovers a devastating truth that changes everything she thought she knew (and everything I as the reader thought I knew, as well) that forces her to ask hard questions about the Aspects Above, the Trine prophecy, and what fulfilling her destiny truly means. This is fast-paced epic fantasy at its best and is perfect for fans of The Licanius trilogy by James Islington, the Swords & Fire trilogy by Melissa Caruso, and the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2021
Another epic fantasy that just blew me away.. but it wasn't surprising at all because I loved the first book in the series..
This is the kind of fantasy that I adore reading, the one you get immersed into, there's so much detailed in the world, the magic system feels fresh and uniquely intricate.. there's even a whole language (isn't that freaking cool?) It appeals to the translator in me for sure..
This time around it was much easier to follow the plot because we are already involved with the world and the characters. The perfectly placed hints of what's to come that will leave you with enough ground to guess but still be surprising.. that is awesome.
The inner struggle of our main protagonist with not becoming an "evil lord" (A Dark Trine) was so relatable to me.. and her relationship (their Romance) was perfect. There's communication between them.. they actually talk! and don't try to guess what the other is feeling and calling it a day. That is refreshing.
It does end on a huge cliffhanger which I knew it would but still I hate them because I'm left waiting for the next installment.. as I'm sure you will as well if you give it a chance..
This is the kind of fantasy that I adore reading, the one you get immersed into, there's so much detailed in the world, the magic system feels fresh and uniquely intricate.. there's even a whole language (isn't that freaking cool?) It appeals to the translator in me for sure..
This time around it was much easier to follow the plot because we are already involved with the world and the characters. The perfectly placed hints of what's to come that will leave you with enough ground to guess but still be surprising.. that is awesome.
The inner struggle of our main protagonist with not becoming an "evil lord" (A Dark Trine) was so relatable to me.. and her relationship (their Romance) was perfect. There's communication between them.. they actually talk! and don't try to guess what the other is feeling and calling it a day. That is refreshing.
It does end on a huge cliffhanger which I knew it would but still I hate them because I'm left waiting for the next installment.. as I'm sure you will as well if you give it a chance..
September 19, 2021
Poor Mirana! Our heroine is on such a journey and she faces trial after trial, but she perseveres and pushes on. The battles are well written, the characters are well developed, the truth is out now, can’t wait to see what excitement comes in the next book!
April 23, 2023
I loved being able to see Miranda’s growth in believing in herself and her abilities. I also enjoyed seeing Teague grow up a little more as well. The end battle was insane! I had to take breaks because I was so involved with what was happening. Truly a great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews