Evernigh

The House of Aurum #1

by M.J. Padgett

Elleck Aurum, King of the Autumn Realm and ruler of Evernigh, has spent too much time in battle and wants nothing more than peace in his beloved kingdom. In a time when tensions are high between the four realms, the people of his kingdom are scared and restless. When the Spring and Summer Realm leaders are murdered and winter magic invades the land, Elleck is called to action once again. The longevity of Elleck’s kingdom isn’t his only worry. Troubling dreams—premonitions—invade his sleep, pointing to another war on the horizon and the ultimate death of the woman he loves—a woman who won’t give him the time of day.Nari Crossway is desperate to save her family’s land from the abominable Autumn King, who has declared all land owned by women shall become royal property. Refusing to let go without a fight, Nari hatches a plan. She’ll dig her claws into the king’s brother, a rascal prince whose interest in Nari might be her saving grace—or the death of her. If the king or the prince discovers her newly developed abilities—the power to wield winter magic—it will be more than her family’s land on the chopping block.Evernigh’s future hangs in the balance… and there’s only one way to save it. Elleck and Nari must work together or sacrifice the land they both love.

Genres: Fantasy

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2021

About the author

M. J. Padgett is first and foremost a mom. Her free-spirited daughter has quite the vivid imagination, and her antics sometimes find their way into her mommy’s work. She is a lover of all things chocolate, a Grimm and Dickens addict, a self-proclaimed smarty-pants, and an introvert to the core.

Writing is her true passion (after raising her daughter, of course), and she writes as often as possible. One of her favorite things about writing is creating a world where people can escape reality for a little while, maybe even walk away feeling hopeful about the real world around them. When it comes to reading, she loves a book that can make her forget where she is no matter the genre. If she can get lost and feel like the characters are her real friends, she’s a happy reader.

Reviews

[Latisha Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by M.J. and I have loved every one of them! The world building was amazing. Nari and Elleck are so good together ❤ 😍

This story kept me guessing the entire time. There was magic, intrigue, murder, rebellion, love, everything you want in a good fantasy. It was a clean read and the author even incorporated faith in it with mention of God, praying, and the Bible.

There were so many little surprises that kept me in suspense. I read it in less than two days because I just couldn't put it down!

I can't wait to read the second book, Evermore. 😍

**I received a complimentary copy for my honest review.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Intriguing Fantasy Realm Based Season Magic

Parents- PG - PG13 Appropriate for 4th grade and up
Language- none
Violence- PG13- normal to genre violence and death
Sexual Content- PG- Attraction and kissing but nothing too intimate

This being the first in a series has a lot of build up. There's fantastic world and character building and the story really picks up in the last half of the book. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this story goes and can't wait for book two.

Narrator- 3⭐- has a pleasant voice easy to listen to but also pretty slow speaking speed, differentiations weren't great and not the best inflection. I found the speed normal when bumped up to 1.4x speed- I listened at 1.7x speed.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook: I liked this first book of "The House of Aurum" series, but it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be, based on the blurb. The story was good. I enjoyed the descriptive phrases that the author used to bring the world to life. The story seemed to be more of a charming romance than a book of fantasy, although there were some characters who could wield magic. Ada Thomas' narration was mediocre as I thought her performance lacked inflection. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a sweet, adventurous fairytale sprinkled with magic and romance! I love the fairytale-ish writing style in this book (which is different from the author's YA books I've read, so it's refreshing!). I also love the world building and how each character comes together. Love Nari and Elleck in this book and can't wait for the next book, Evermore, where we get to explore more of this world and the characters!

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 3 out of 5]

not my favourite
i enjoyed the other series i started from this author more
a little to young for me but i would look at listening to book two as the world building is good enough. Theme is interesting enough.
3 star listen
gifted audio
start of a YA series.