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Belvedor Saga #1
Belvedor and the Four Corners
HEALER. CREATOR. AGRARIAN. WARRIOR.
—Welcome to the Four Corners—
Arianna Belvedor has never known a world outside of this cold and cruel region, but she’s always dreamed of the freedom beyond. Per the King’s decree to weed out the weak, all children must excel in one of four special skills and survive a rigorous test to earn citizenship—win or die.
As #22 of Warrior’s District, Arianna has become notable with her swords. She’s confident she’ll survive the ultimate battle. But everything changes when she learns a secret about King Devlindor’s long-standing reign… before these dark times, the world had been filled with magic.
There had once been a thriving Golden Age where magic was for all to claim. Dwarves, mermaids, elves, and even dragons roamed the land. Then, the King’s greed and iron grip thrust the world into darkness.
Arianna must now make a choice: ignore the enchanted truth and abide by the King’s laws or use her swords to carve out a new path to freedom.
Does she have what it takes to follow the magic?
__________________________
The Belvedor Saga is a completed YA Epic Fantasy Adventure series—perfect for fans of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.
The third edition of Belvedor and the Four Corners was released in October 2020, with added and expanded scenes!
Note from the author:
Arianna Belvedor is a heroine you will love to follow, but she’s not one to give her heart away easily. Don’t expect much romance on this daring quest—her magic comes from within.
__________________________
"Belvedor and the Four Corners is a great read! It's one of those books that will keep you hooked till the end. It's up there with The Hunger Games and Harry Potter with its combination of the magical world and the fight for your life. I can't wait to see what happens the rest of the series." - From Nikola ★★★★★
"It's a novel filled with magic, sorcery, swords, bows and arrows, knives, magical creatures, oppression, freedom, and pure excitement ... I'm in love with all the main characters. Ms. Bello takes you on a remarkable adventure and you'll wish for more...” - From PixiePassion ★★★★★
Read all the Belvedor Books!
The Belvedor Saga by Ashleigh Bello
Belvedor and the Four Corners
Belvedor and the King’s Curse
Belvedor and the Desert of Secrets
Belvedor and the Trail of Fire
Belvedor and the Golden Rule
571 pages, ebook
First published December 15, 2014
107 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read
About the author
Ashleigh Bello
7 books172 followersAshleigh Bello is the author of the captivating Belvedor Saga and A Myrmaid's Kiss. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in International Studies, and she currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.
When she’s not writing, she is focused on her career in marketing. She also teaches and practices power yoga in her community, enjoys spending time with friends and family every chance she gets, and is always daydreaming about her next novel. Her endless passion for travel and spontaneous adventure continues to inspire her, for future works in the Belvedor Saga and beyond.
Join the Belvedor Bookworms for freebies, giveaways, author news, and more!
www.ashleighbello.com
When she’s not writing, she is focused on her career in marketing. She also teaches and practices power yoga in her community, enjoys spending time with friends and family every chance she gets, and is always daydreaming about her next novel. Her endless passion for travel and spontaneous adventure continues to inspire her, for future works in the Belvedor Saga and beyond.
Join the Belvedor Bookworms for freebies, giveaways, author news, and more!
www.ashleighbello.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 1, 2021
Warrior, Healer, Creator, Agrarian.
Red, Blue, Purple, Green.
And so begins an epic YA dystopian adventure set in the strange world of Olleb-Yelfra, although not quite the one I expected based on the blurb and initial chapters.
What I liked:
- The prose was strangely addicting and compelled me to keep reading, despite my feelings that this series was not quite written with someone like me in mind as the intended audience.
- Sano is the best character. He's just simply 💖
- Ara and Lessa have a lovely friendship and character dynamic, and it was nice to see that develop over time. (Those who know me will know that I ship them despite it being a futile exercise, as it is rather apparent they will be paired off with the much less interesting male characters.)
- Jeom grew on me, admittedly, although he was a late entry into the story.
- The YA characters of this book really did feel like realistic YA characters with all the immaturity and emotions and silly banter and jokes and whatnot. It rather added to their charm, especially as their journey took off midway through the book.
- The descriptive imagery was rather pretty throughout the book, and the author didn't shy away from the brutal violence implied in the blurb.
- I very much appreciated the detailed inclusion of a Dwarf kingdom. Dwarves deserve more love in books imo.
What I was iffy about:
- Even with knowing some of the details about the King, a lot of the backstory to why the Four Corners were created doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me. Also, one might note that the blurb for this series doesn't really let on to the fact that this book series is actually jam-packed with fantastical elements, so let that be a word to the wise for those who were expecting more of a speculative fiction setting.
- Also while it's very obvious this author put a lot of thought into the lore and worldbuilding details, it does kinda feel like a lot of competing genres and details all at the same time after a certain point? We start with a YA dystopia that's set up like gladiator death matches with loads of training montages and then get slammed with YA-level romantic relationship drama, sorcery, mythical creatures, ghosts, cute animal friends (who are magical), excerpts and POV switches from history, prophecies, an entire dwarf kingdom that could rival the Dwarrowdelf (with an attached Hell Maze), and blood magic. All in the same 500+ page book. It's just... a lot lmao.
- The adult characters seemed at times to be lacking in dimension, meaning that they seemed to have a set role/personality/simple morality in how they were characterized and they kinda stuck that way for their entire roles in the book. Why is Cyn so willing to commit treason? Is Tallis more than a Disposable Wise Old Mentor Figure? Not to mention General Ivo and Westerling and the King all like... uh... almost cartoonish?
- The names feel a bit inconsistent, especially once you know this isn't a dystopia set in the future, but a YA high fantasy dystopia in which characters are only allowed to keep their birth names from their parents. In TV Tropes language, it did feel rather like a case of Aerith and Bob.
- Is anyone else a bit uncomfortable with the casual alcohol consumption by minors as a coping mechanism? I mean, they're obviously all traumatized but that could stand to be commented on, I think, since it feels a bit uncomfy that once they have access to it, they start drinking on the regular.
In sum, I'd rec this series to folks looking for a longer YA fantasy read as long as they understand that this series is not really a futuristic dystopia. If I were 14 again, I'm sure I'd devour all of these books in a week, but alas, I am not and I believe I will part ways with this series now and wish the author good luck with all her writing endeavors.
Red, Blue, Purple, Green.
And so begins an epic YA dystopian adventure set in the strange world of Olleb-Yelfra, although not quite the one I expected based on the blurb and initial chapters.
What I liked:
- The prose was strangely addicting and compelled me to keep reading, despite my feelings that this series was not quite written with someone like me in mind as the intended audience.
- Sano is the best character. He's just simply 💖
- Ara and Lessa have a lovely friendship and character dynamic, and it was nice to see that develop over time. (Those who know me will know that I ship them despite it being a futile exercise, as it is rather apparent they will be paired off with the much less interesting male characters.)
- Jeom grew on me, admittedly, although he was a late entry into the story.
- The YA characters of this book really did feel like realistic YA characters with all the immaturity and emotions and silly banter and jokes and whatnot. It rather added to their charm, especially as their journey took off midway through the book.
- The descriptive imagery was rather pretty throughout the book, and the author didn't shy away from the brutal violence implied in the blurb.
- I very much appreciated the detailed inclusion of a Dwarf kingdom. Dwarves deserve more love in books imo.
What I was iffy about:
- Even with knowing some of the details about the King, a lot of the backstory to why the Four Corners were created doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me. Also, one might note that the blurb for this series doesn't really let on to the fact that this book series is actually jam-packed with fantastical elements, so let that be a word to the wise for those who were expecting more of a speculative fiction setting.
- Also while it's very obvious this author put a lot of thought into the lore and worldbuilding details, it does kinda feel like a lot of competing genres and details all at the same time after a certain point? We start with a YA dystopia that's set up like gladiator death matches with loads of training montages and then get slammed with YA-level romantic relationship drama, sorcery, mythical creatures, ghosts, cute animal friends (who are magical), excerpts and POV switches from history, prophecies, an entire dwarf kingdom that could rival the Dwarrowdelf (with an attached Hell Maze), and blood magic. All in the same 500+ page book. It's just... a lot lmao.
- The adult characters seemed at times to be lacking in dimension, meaning that they seemed to have a set role/personality/simple morality in how they were characterized and they kinda stuck that way for their entire roles in the book. Why is Cyn so willing to commit treason? Is Tallis more than a Disposable Wise Old Mentor Figure? Not to mention General Ivo and Westerling and the King all like... uh... almost cartoonish?
- The names feel a bit inconsistent, especially once you know this isn't a dystopia set in the future, but a YA high fantasy dystopia in which characters are only allowed to keep their birth names from their parents. In TV Tropes language, it did feel rather like a case of Aerith and Bob.
- Is anyone else a bit uncomfortable with the casual alcohol consumption by minors as a coping mechanism? I mean, they're obviously all traumatized but that could stand to be commented on, I think, since it feels a bit uncomfy that once they have access to it, they start drinking on the regular.
In sum, I'd rec this series to folks looking for a longer YA fantasy read as long as they understand that this series is not really a futuristic dystopia. If I were 14 again, I'm sure I'd devour all of these books in a week, but alas, I am not and I believe I will part ways with this series now and wish the author good luck with all her writing endeavors.
April 18, 2023
3.5⭐️
This book has so much potential! There were some parts that just drug on. (In the 4 corners/caves). This book was just extremely long for me. I loved the characters though! Arianna being my favorite, of course! I can tell her and the other 3 main characters (Demetrius, Jeom, and Lessa) will bloom in the coming books in the series. I cannot wait to hear more from the King and his story. Oh, and the magical creatures!
This book has so much potential! There were some parts that just drug on. (In the 4 corners/caves). This book was just extremely long for me. I loved the characters though! Arianna being my favorite, of course! I can tell her and the other 3 main characters (Demetrius, Jeom, and Lessa) will bloom in the coming books in the series. I cannot wait to hear more from the King and his story. Oh, and the magical creatures!
November 26, 2021
It is very dangerous to compare books to other books, especially those i`ve read. I`ve read Hunger games and Red queen, but not the last one so I cannot say anything about that. But my expectation gets high when that happends. In the end, this wasn`t much for me. I didn`t really connect or care my about the main character, Arianna or the story. My high expectations wasn`t meet sadly.
I got this eARC from netgalley.
I got this eARC from netgalley.
September 7, 2015
When I got this book it was free for a short period of time,was kind of hesitative about reading it,but once I started I found out that I couldn't put it down at all, if you love adventure,magic,secrets then you must pick this one up and read it.
December 6, 2021
ARC from NetGalley
I've read some mixed reviews on this book but I definitely fall into the "I loved it" camp. Arianna Belvedor has grown up in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, and her only hope at a life outside of the hell she lives in is to be the best fighter in her city, which is one of the four corners. She's been learning how to fight for as long as she can remember, but that doesn't prepare her for the direction her life is suddenly going to take.
This is high fantasy at its best. The story has so many twists and turns it keeps you interested until the end. Arianna hooks up with some other travelers along the way, and little by little you get the whole backstory as to how the four corners came to be so hellish. It really was an interesting and different take, and I enjoyed it very much.
The characters were well fleshed out and had their own unique personalities, and the world building was phenomenal.
In summary, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
5/5 stars.
I've read some mixed reviews on this book but I definitely fall into the "I loved it" camp. Arianna Belvedor has grown up in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, and her only hope at a life outside of the hell she lives in is to be the best fighter in her city, which is one of the four corners. She's been learning how to fight for as long as she can remember, but that doesn't prepare her for the direction her life is suddenly going to take.
This is high fantasy at its best. The story has so many twists and turns it keeps you interested until the end. Arianna hooks up with some other travelers along the way, and little by little you get the whole backstory as to how the four corners came to be so hellish. It really was an interesting and different take, and I enjoyed it very much.
The characters were well fleshed out and had their own unique personalities, and the world building was phenomenal.
In summary, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the other books in the series.
5/5 stars.
January 7, 2024
A fabulous Epic YA Fantasy Adventure story!
Yes, it is slightly reminiscent of a few other YA tales, but still remains uniquely its own with fresh characters who refuse to back down from any challenge thrown their way. I found it very hard to put this book down. Its simplicity and mysticism allowed me to dive head first into their world, with little time to come up for air. I certainly plan to read the rest of the series.
Yes, it is slightly reminiscent of a few other YA tales, but still remains uniquely its own with fresh characters who refuse to back down from any challenge thrown their way. I found it very hard to put this book down. Its simplicity and mysticism allowed me to dive head first into their world, with little time to come up for air. I certainly plan to read the rest of the series.
May 25, 2015
UGH. This was such an epic read, I don't even know where to start. I couldn't believe I went through 500+ pages that fast and am now dreading having to catch up on all the work I've put off to finish this book. It was that good.
The first half had me going through so many emotions. SO MANY. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and haven't felt such an adrenaline rush while reading in years! Literally could not put the book down. It was reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter but within its own unique, creative framework. I was really impressed by the intricate and complex storyline! It was more violent than I had expected, but intriguing, nonetheless. Absolutely loved all the characters and the dynamics of their relationships!
I hate to gush about anything other than positive things about this book but the second half unfortunately didn't quite live up to the first half for me. I'm no literary expert by any means, and maybe I'm just the odd one out here, but…here goes. The biggest thing that sort of threw me off (and this could just be total ignorance on my part) was the constant change in the POV (as in, there was an unpredictable shift in the perspective from which the 3rd person POV was written, not that there was a constant shift from the 1st person POV to the 3rd and vice versa - excluding Arianna's dream scenes, of course). Personally, I like it when authors stick to the same POV throughout the entire book or make a POV transition only with the start of a new section in the chapter or with a new chapter altogether. But I noticed that there were many instances in which a big chunk of the text would be written from Arianna's POV and then suddenly change to Jeom's, Lessa's, etc., for a sentence or two and then quickly revert to Arianna's again, which I thought was a bit jarring in terms of flow.
Speaking of Lessa, I loved her character dearly but she came across as a tad too similar to Arianna. I guess this could be why they got along so well but at the same time, I felt like I was reading about the same character, just in two different bodies with two different talents, when it came to Arianna and Lessa.
Also, based on the age of the main characters and the first half of the story in general, I got the feeling that the book was mostly geared towards a YA audience... but then the second half read like it was meant for a much younger audience. I don't quite know how to describe it but something about the narrative felt different. Or maybe I was just going crazy from sleep deprivation after staying up so late to finish the book :)
And the last thing that caught my eye was just some editing errors - verb tense errors, misspellings, omitted words, and so on (e.g. poured over a map instead of pored over a map; would of had instead of would have had; etc.). It wasn't that big of an issue as it didn't hinder the storytelling in any way but it was just something I noticed.
Aaaahhh and the cliffhanger just killed me! Knowing me, I knew I should've carefully saved the book until its sequel came out but I just couldn't wait because of all the glowing reviews (which it totally deserved, now that I've read it) and now I'm dying for book 2!!! I was a little devastated to find out that this book was published not too long ago, which probably means it may be awhile until the next one comes out :'( But I'm sure it'll be well worth the wait and I am so very curious as to what will happen to Arianna and her gang as well as Solomon, Liam, and Talis!
The first half had me going through so many emotions. SO MANY. I was constantly on the edge of my seat and haven't felt such an adrenaline rush while reading in years! Literally could not put the book down. It was reminiscent of The Hunger Games and Harry Potter but within its own unique, creative framework. I was really impressed by the intricate and complex storyline! It was more violent than I had expected, but intriguing, nonetheless. Absolutely loved all the characters and the dynamics of their relationships!
I hate to gush about anything other than positive things about this book but the second half unfortunately didn't quite live up to the first half for me. I'm no literary expert by any means, and maybe I'm just the odd one out here, but…here goes. The biggest thing that sort of threw me off (and this could just be total ignorance on my part) was the constant change in the POV (as in, there was an unpredictable shift in the perspective from which the 3rd person POV was written, not that there was a constant shift from the 1st person POV to the 3rd and vice versa - excluding Arianna's dream scenes, of course). Personally, I like it when authors stick to the same POV throughout the entire book or make a POV transition only with the start of a new section in the chapter or with a new chapter altogether. But I noticed that there were many instances in which a big chunk of the text would be written from Arianna's POV and then suddenly change to Jeom's, Lessa's, etc., for a sentence or two and then quickly revert to Arianna's again, which I thought was a bit jarring in terms of flow.
Speaking of Lessa, I loved her character dearly but she came across as a tad too similar to Arianna. I guess this could be why they got along so well but at the same time, I felt like I was reading about the same character, just in two different bodies with two different talents, when it came to Arianna and Lessa.
Also, based on the age of the main characters and the first half of the story in general, I got the feeling that the book was mostly geared towards a YA audience... but then the second half read like it was meant for a much younger audience. I don't quite know how to describe it but something about the narrative felt different. Or maybe I was just going crazy from sleep deprivation after staying up so late to finish the book :)
And the last thing that caught my eye was just some editing errors - verb tense errors, misspellings, omitted words, and so on (e.g. poured over a map instead of pored over a map; would of had instead of would have had; etc.). It wasn't that big of an issue as it didn't hinder the storytelling in any way but it was just something I noticed.
Aaaahhh and the cliffhanger just killed me! Knowing me, I knew I should've carefully saved the book until its sequel came out but I just couldn't wait because of all the glowing reviews (which it totally deserved, now that I've read it) and now I'm dying for book 2!!! I was a little devastated to find out that this book was published not too long ago, which probably means it may be awhile until the next one comes out :'( But I'm sure it'll be well worth the wait and I am so very curious as to what will happen to Arianna and her gang as well as Solomon, Liam, and Talis!
January 21, 2018
Belvedor and the Four Corners is the first book in the Belvedor Saga by Ashleigh Bello, a compelling entry in the young adult general fantasy category and a great coming of age story. Set against the backdrop of an unfriendly city ruled by a tyrant, a world where children earn their right to citizenship when they turn eighteen—and they must actually earn it through fierce battle or fall to the pit—readers are introduced to Arianna Belvedor, a seventeen-year-old who is looking forward to the final test to earn her place in society. She is a brave warrior with spectacular skills with the sword, but are the Free Falls Festivals what she really yearns for, or is there more? Follow her journey as she sets out to unearth dreaded secrets about the king and how she changes everything. Can she still bow to someone who stole a crown?
Ashleigh Bello is a great writer and the reader will be enticed by her ability to paint vivid scenes and to penetrate the emotional depth of her characters. The hook is powerful enough to draw readers into the story and to make them want to follow it till the end. We are introduced to the protagonist right off the bat and in a context where members of her society are not free. The sound of the brass bell already symbolizes oppression for everyone who lives in her world, because it’s a call to adhere to the rigorous routine of their day-to-day lifestyle. Belvedor and the Four Corners is written in beautiful prose and readers will enjoy the plot-driven and intelligently crafted dialogues. This story offers great entertainment and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Arianna is a character that readers will love to follow.
Ashleigh Bello is a great writer and the reader will be enticed by her ability to paint vivid scenes and to penetrate the emotional depth of her characters. The hook is powerful enough to draw readers into the story and to make them want to follow it till the end. We are introduced to the protagonist right off the bat and in a context where members of her society are not free. The sound of the brass bell already symbolizes oppression for everyone who lives in her world, because it’s a call to adhere to the rigorous routine of their day-to-day lifestyle. Belvedor and the Four Corners is written in beautiful prose and readers will enjoy the plot-driven and intelligently crafted dialogues. This story offers great entertainment and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Arianna is a character that readers will love to follow.
December 21, 2020
This was an incredible read where a touch of the hunger game world tries to hide the mysteries of magic. We find a harsh life where the sole goal is to make it long enough to compete to the death for freedom in a new world that’s told to be worth all one has been forced to endure. That’s where we meet Arianna Belvedor, a slave in the warrior district, preparing to either win her freedom or be the next sacrifice in this cruel arrangement. I love the character of Arianna as she struggles with which path to take before her, either the current path that she has been told she’s supposed to adhere to or a new wonderous, enchanted path placed before her. The familiar versus the unknown. True the familiar is a bloody one. Yet what will the cost be for this new one before her? We see her battle with the possible answer she fears. With an equally impressive supporting cast alongside Arianna, amazing world building, and an exhilarating race to stay alive, the reader is in for a heart-pounding journey with Arianna as she tries to keep from taking her last gasp. From the first to the last page, the author kept you guessing, gradually revealing how Arianna’s world came to be and uncovering a forgotten world of the past. I am eager to read the next book in the series to continue with Arianna on her journey!
December 21, 2020
I am a lover of fantasy, of strong female leads and magic that leaves you gasping for air. I am addicted to head strong characters that like to test the rules and I really love finding magic systems that have a unique feel for them. And I can tell you, Belvedor had all this and more in store for me.
I loved the writing style, it was light and easy, not a huge information dump like some fantasy books can have, instead it was stretched out and fed in small mouthfuls. It was delightful and made for a more enjoyable read. I commend the author for that, this skill is one so hard to master and so rare to see in book one.
The characters were a stunning cast of unique personalities, the magic was new and the setting was timeless. I found Belvedor to be realistic, head strong and full of fire. A real flame amongst the cinders. I loved her, and her tale of dreams.
Belvedor lives in a time. When magic is banned, slavery is a lifestyle and breaking the rules is deadly. Especially curfew. It is a deadly place to keep secrets. But how can you keep reality a secret. The things that make you, well you. It is a beautiful tale full of magic, surprise and action, full of courage and fear. I can honestly say that I will be hunting the shadows for the rest of the series, I need to finish it. I just need more.
I loved the writing style, it was light and easy, not a huge information dump like some fantasy books can have, instead it was stretched out and fed in small mouthfuls. It was delightful and made for a more enjoyable read. I commend the author for that, this skill is one so hard to master and so rare to see in book one.
The characters were a stunning cast of unique personalities, the magic was new and the setting was timeless. I found Belvedor to be realistic, head strong and full of fire. A real flame amongst the cinders. I loved her, and her tale of dreams.
Belvedor lives in a time. When magic is banned, slavery is a lifestyle and breaking the rules is deadly. Especially curfew. It is a deadly place to keep secrets. But how can you keep reality a secret. The things that make you, well you. It is a beautiful tale full of magic, surprise and action, full of courage and fear. I can honestly say that I will be hunting the shadows for the rest of the series, I need to finish it. I just need more.
December 20, 2020
Review:
Belvedor and the Four Corners by Ashleigh Bello i definitely my kind of read! This is a really wonderfully written fantasy, about a magical world filled with oppression. It reminds me a bit of the dystopian genre, while being world built like a fantasy. Awesome.
I absolutely loved the characters and the world building. Everything was so vivid, and felt so real, it was easy for me to get lost in the story. I had a hard time setting this down.
I cannot wait to read more from this author. Consider me a new fan. Highly recommended!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Random Things Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
Belvedor and the Four Corners by Ashleigh Bello i definitely my kind of read! This is a really wonderfully written fantasy, about a magical world filled with oppression. It reminds me a bit of the dystopian genre, while being world built like a fantasy. Awesome.
I absolutely loved the characters and the world building. Everything was so vivid, and felt so real, it was easy for me to get lost in the story. I had a hard time setting this down.
I cannot wait to read more from this author. Consider me a new fan. Highly recommended!
Rating:
5/5☆
*I received a free copy of this book from Random Things Tours in exchange for an honest review on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*
October 11, 2021
Few books leave me panting for the next but this is one! A life of forced vision breeds dreams of a different way. What if that new way was against all you have ever known? Arianna's life has always been in the hands of others but now it can be hers alone. All she has to do is open her mind and heart to another world altogether. An action packed involving tale of triumph and self discovery! So excited to read the sequel!
March 29, 2015
Bergeron and the Four Corners-Very intriguing story. Great read!
This adventure leaves you wanting more of the same. Keeps your interest throughout the story. The characters of this tale are wonderful and you find yourself wrapped up in their lives. You will wind up rooting for the good guys! A great story and one you will want to read.
This adventure leaves you wanting more of the same. Keeps your interest throughout the story. The characters of this tale are wonderful and you find yourself wrapped up in their lives. You will wind up rooting for the good guys! A great story and one you will want to read.
February 19, 2018
This is a well thought out story line. It has twists and turns that is not expected. The only thing I couldn't understand was the fact that Arianna Belvedor was supposed to be a warrior but every time she had to fight someone she couldn't fight her way out of a wet paper bag. Everyone could beat her. She was supposed to be the best.
May 5, 2017
Clearly the start of an epic adventure. Having to prove that you are worthy of gaining your freedom. I doubt I could have done what they did and the courage they showed if incredible.
Wonderfully written, feeling their fears and hopes all through it all!
Wonderfully written, feeling their fears and hopes all through it all!
January 30, 2015
Paints a magical picture
The story takes you on a magical adventure. The author does a wonderful job painting the story for the reader, allowing the imagination to run free.
The story takes you on a magical adventure. The author does a wonderful job painting the story for the reader, allowing the imagination to run free.
September 27, 2015
Beautifully written
I loved every moment of this adventure! I can't wait to see where we go next. Don't hesitate if you are a lover of fantastical adventure.
I loved every moment of this adventure! I can't wait to see where we go next. Don't hesitate if you are a lover of fantastical adventure.
January 27, 2016
Excellent read
Very glad I started reading this, I hope the author quality of writing stays the same for the whole series.
Very glad I started reading this, I hope the author quality of writing stays the same for the whole series.
December 23, 2015
A masterful beginning of a new saga
Well written, this tale was a great read with strong female characters. I cannot wait to read more of this saga.
Well written, this tale was a great read with strong female characters. I cannot wait to read more of this saga.
September 24, 2016
Good
The storyline is unusual,the characters are vivid and alive. I was very pleased with the overall book even though the end is a cliffhanger.
The storyline is unusual,the characters are vivid and alive. I was very pleased with the overall book even though the end is a cliffhanger.
April 17, 2017
We are proud to announce that BELVEDOR AND THE FOUR CORNERS by Ashleigh Bello is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 8, 2023
CW: violence, death, mild gore, some others
I started this book to give me some background for the ARC read of a back story novel (which comes out in February!) and I think I may have just found my newest obsession.
In the land of Olleb-Yelfra, you must earn your freedom. Separated from a young age into four districts, all residents of the land begin their life as slaves. Warriors, healers, creators, and agrarians alike must face the Free Falls to win their citizenship. Warrior-slave Arianna Belvedor, however, may just find herself stealing her freedom. In a land of hidden and forbidden magic, the stuff only of illicit legends, will she make it out alive?
Seriously though, I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop thinking about this book for ages. It’s got bad ass warrior women, it’s got found family, it’s got magic, it’s got ancient prophesies and legends, it has the most adorable mascot/sidekick/mysterious creature ever. And it’s somehow still YA?? It’s not just giving ‘good fantasy vibes;’ it is the actual embodiment of pure, unadulterated fantasy in both body and soul, and I am *here* for it.
Let’s start with our FMC, Arianna. Fierce, and a little terrified, and very much filled with an unquenchable desire to prove herself and escape her home in the Jar. An incredible threat with any blade without being a bloodthirsty monster, she’s a lot of fun to read about. Her companions become some of the best found family members a person could dream of, and it’s only book one. One of her companions in particular reminds me of a Great Dane—massive, strong, and sweet, but generally willing and able to jump at their own shadow. I’m not going to tell you who it is; you’ll have to read the book to find out. Either way, that one is one of my favorites. (They’re actually all my favorite; I refuse to pick at this point in time)
The world building is also something to swoon over. Not so much the world itself (honestly, growing up and living there sounds like an actual nightmare), but the descriptions and background the author gives us are stunning. The magic itself, or at least what little we learn of it, is wild and incredible, and the places our little group travels, though technically limited, sound so amazingly beautiful (and terrifying, and stressful, and amazing).
And the storyline? As if it wasn’t enough for the author to grace us with characters you’ll root for in a place that you can see as you read, she also had to go and give us a plot that keeps you engaged pretty much the entire time! It’s excessive, really; we’re going to get spoiled. The most astonishing part of the whole thing, to me, is that, technically, there was somehow both a ton of movement and plot progression and very little actual, physical character movement out of their existing lives. It was a delightful combination of plot-driven and character-driven, and I think it speaks volumes to the author’s skill for me (a reader who greatly prefers a plot-driven book because the focus struggles are *so* real otherwise) to stay entertained for the duration of the book.
So, the not-so-short version of this review boils down to: go read the book, immediately and without delay, and thank me later. The slightly longer summary is that, if you like a world with a lot of depth, and characters with a lot of personality, set into a pace that’s equal parts action and character development, this is probably a good fit for you. Full disclosure, this is book 1 in a 5-book series (plus that back story I mentioned before), so the ending is kind of a cliff-hanger, but it’s so worth it. Seriously, this is a series with a lot of book to sink your teeth into, and I love it.
I started this book to give me some background for the ARC read of a back story novel (which comes out in February!) and I think I may have just found my newest obsession.
In the land of Olleb-Yelfra, you must earn your freedom. Separated from a young age into four districts, all residents of the land begin their life as slaves. Warriors, healers, creators, and agrarians alike must face the Free Falls to win their citizenship. Warrior-slave Arianna Belvedor, however, may just find herself stealing her freedom. In a land of hidden and forbidden magic, the stuff only of illicit legends, will she make it out alive?
Seriously though, I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop thinking about this book for ages. It’s got bad ass warrior women, it’s got found family, it’s got magic, it’s got ancient prophesies and legends, it has the most adorable mascot/sidekick/mysterious creature ever. And it’s somehow still YA?? It’s not just giving ‘good fantasy vibes;’ it is the actual embodiment of pure, unadulterated fantasy in both body and soul, and I am *here* for it.
Let’s start with our FMC, Arianna. Fierce, and a little terrified, and very much filled with an unquenchable desire to prove herself and escape her home in the Jar. An incredible threat with any blade without being a bloodthirsty monster, she’s a lot of fun to read about. Her companions become some of the best found family members a person could dream of, and it’s only book one. One of her companions in particular reminds me of a Great Dane—massive, strong, and sweet, but generally willing and able to jump at their own shadow. I’m not going to tell you who it is; you’ll have to read the book to find out. Either way, that one is one of my favorites. (They’re actually all my favorite; I refuse to pick at this point in time)
The world building is also something to swoon over. Not so much the world itself (honestly, growing up and living there sounds like an actual nightmare), but the descriptions and background the author gives us are stunning. The magic itself, or at least what little we learn of it, is wild and incredible, and the places our little group travels, though technically limited, sound so amazingly beautiful (and terrifying, and stressful, and amazing).
And the storyline? As if it wasn’t enough for the author to grace us with characters you’ll root for in a place that you can see as you read, she also had to go and give us a plot that keeps you engaged pretty much the entire time! It’s excessive, really; we’re going to get spoiled. The most astonishing part of the whole thing, to me, is that, technically, there was somehow both a ton of movement and plot progression and very little actual, physical character movement out of their existing lives. It was a delightful combination of plot-driven and character-driven, and I think it speaks volumes to the author’s skill for me (a reader who greatly prefers a plot-driven book because the focus struggles are *so* real otherwise) to stay entertained for the duration of the book.
So, the not-so-short version of this review boils down to: go read the book, immediately and without delay, and thank me later. The slightly longer summary is that, if you like a world with a lot of depth, and characters with a lot of personality, set into a pace that’s equal parts action and character development, this is probably a good fit for you. Full disclosure, this is book 1 in a 5-book series (plus that back story I mentioned before), so the ending is kind of a cliff-hanger, but it’s so worth it. Seriously, this is a series with a lot of book to sink your teeth into, and I love it.
October 30, 2020
Bello’s novel is a young adult fantasy novel; I’m not sure why, but I thought it would be more adult than it was when I picked this book up. The story has a solid idea to build on – a dystopian version of a fairy tale world, where magic and fae alike have been outlawed, decimated, and forgotten.
In this world, everyone is born a slave and must prove themselves worthy of freedom once they come of age in an annual festival known as Free Falls. Arianna, a slave in the Warrior District, stubbles upon a secret cavern under the barracks, where she meets Lessa, a slave of the Healer’s District. The slaves of the four Districts of the Jar are forbidden to interact with one another, so their newfound friendship places both girls in great danger. The secret doesn’t remain hidden, and the girls are hidden away from authorities and learn about the fabled magic. Arianna and Lessa escape into the tunnels beyond their cavern in a bid for their freedom, discovering more about magic and forgotten creatures, forming new alliances, and casting off their slavery.
The novel has a good foundation, but it wasn’t a book for me. I did enjoy the easy camaraderie that Arianna and Lessa shared; it was refreshing to see a friendship in a YA novel that didn’t involve petty jealousy, hatred, or the girls trying to one-up each other. I didn’t like a couple of things; the briefly mentioned Liam and Arianna’s unrequited love for him, and the instant connections between the four slaves from the different districts and how they just stumbled upon one another while escaping. Liam is barely mentioned, and Arianna saves him, announces her love for him, and shoots her down immediately; it seems like an unnecessary situation. I imagining Bello is setting up something for the ever-present YA love triangle later, but it just seems like this scene is forced. Bello’s Belvedor and the Four Corners has a story with the potential to be interesting, and there is an audience out there for this, but it’s not a series for myself to continue. I enjoyed the idea presented, but the immediate idyllic relationship of the group of strangers who discovered one another in a cave and how the situations always seemed to solve themselves quickly made me lose interest in the plot.
If you've enjoyed my review, please visit my blog, Mab's Musing
In this world, everyone is born a slave and must prove themselves worthy of freedom once they come of age in an annual festival known as Free Falls. Arianna, a slave in the Warrior District, stubbles upon a secret cavern under the barracks, where she meets Lessa, a slave of the Healer’s District. The slaves of the four Districts of the Jar are forbidden to interact with one another, so their newfound friendship places both girls in great danger. The secret doesn’t remain hidden, and the girls are hidden away from authorities and learn about the fabled magic. Arianna and Lessa escape into the tunnels beyond their cavern in a bid for their freedom, discovering more about magic and forgotten creatures, forming new alliances, and casting off their slavery.
The novel has a good foundation, but it wasn’t a book for me. I did enjoy the easy camaraderie that Arianna and Lessa shared; it was refreshing to see a friendship in a YA novel that didn’t involve petty jealousy, hatred, or the girls trying to one-up each other. I didn’t like a couple of things; the briefly mentioned Liam and Arianna’s unrequited love for him, and the instant connections between the four slaves from the different districts and how they just stumbled upon one another while escaping. Liam is barely mentioned, and Arianna saves him, announces her love for him, and shoots her down immediately; it seems like an unnecessary situation. I imagining Bello is setting up something for the ever-present YA love triangle later, but it just seems like this scene is forced. Bello’s Belvedor and the Four Corners has a story with the potential to be interesting, and there is an audience out there for this, but it’s not a series for myself to continue. I enjoyed the idea presented, but the immediate idyllic relationship of the group of strangers who discovered one another in a cave and how the situations always seemed to solve themselves quickly made me lose interest in the plot.
If you've enjoyed my review, please visit my blog, Mab's Musing
December 7, 2020
ARC from NetGalley
2.5 stars
This was a bit of a slog. We follow Ariana for far too long in the Jar. The mystery of the tunnels also takes far too long, although it is at least a bit less bleak and more interesting in terms of a setting. This was a really long way to open a series, and I wonder if the author stretched everything out a bit to make it a 4-book series, 4 corners, yada yada. It wasn't a bad book, but it unfortunately wasn't gripping or terribly interesting.
The book is really quite bleak. Not a lot of things happen that are positive. There isn't any romance to sort of pull at the heart strings. There isn't anything really driving the story forward aside from the escape, and that gets tedious after a time. Ariana is such an idiot so many times in the beginning of the book. She is in a life or death situation, threatened with the pit if she misbehaves. We know that the general kills people constantly just for shits and giggles, and yet she deliberately disobeys her master several times just for a fucking flight of fancy essentially. It makes no sense, and it was frustrating to read.
We don't really gain a lot of knowledge as we trudge through the story. We learn essentially nothing about magic. We learn about the king from that laughable story that they were so surprised to learn that he had written himself (or so they suspected." I mean... duh? Who else would write such a contrived story of their having been wronged. It was so very obvious that it irritated me as I read it. There was little to 0 character growth. Essentially, too little happened in too many words, I didn't care if most of the characters lived or died, and I don't want to read the next one.
2.5 stars
This was a bit of a slog. We follow Ariana for far too long in the Jar. The mystery of the tunnels also takes far too long, although it is at least a bit less bleak and more interesting in terms of a setting. This was a really long way to open a series, and I wonder if the author stretched everything out a bit to make it a 4-book series, 4 corners, yada yada. It wasn't a bad book, but it unfortunately wasn't gripping or terribly interesting.
The book is really quite bleak. Not a lot of things happen that are positive. There isn't any romance to sort of pull at the heart strings. There isn't anything really driving the story forward aside from the escape, and that gets tedious after a time. Ariana is such an idiot so many times in the beginning of the book. She is in a life or death situation, threatened with the pit if she misbehaves. We know that the general kills people constantly just for shits and giggles, and yet she deliberately disobeys her master several times just for a fucking flight of fancy essentially. It makes no sense, and it was frustrating to read.
We don't really gain a lot of knowledge as we trudge through the story. We learn essentially nothing about magic. We learn about the king from that laughable story that they were so surprised to learn that he had written himself (or so they suspected." I mean... duh? Who else would write such a contrived story of their having been wronged. It was so very obvious that it irritated me as I read it. There was little to 0 character growth. Essentially, too little happened in too many words, I didn't care if most of the characters lived or died, and I don't want to read the next one.
March 24, 2023
In the monstrous world of Olleb-Yrefla, all under-18-year-olds are born into slavery. They are trained in the Four Corners— as fighters, healers agrarians or creators— in order to gain a chance at their freedom when they must win in the Free Falls Trials … or die. Our heroine, Belvedor, has been lucky enough to catch the attention of a warrior instructor who can still beat her without raising a sweat, even though she is the venerable age of 17 and 7/8. She fears for her time at the trials.
One day, given a bit of extra time off, she escapes to a hidden world she has discovered accidentally as a much smaller child, a paradise to call her own. On this particular day, she realizes she is not as alone as she’d like. It turns out that the interloper is Lessa, a healer from blue faction instead of her own warrior red. Exciting news, but she realizes curfew is upon her and she must dash for her barracks or risk being tossed into the pit as punishment.
The pit isn’t a deep arena; it’s almost bottomless, having stakes protruding from angles that will catch and impale a falling body. All of the kids have been traumatized by seeing friends or bunkmates slowly decay … it’s a an ending that’s always a threat, always in the background.
Before the trials at 18, Bel runs afoul of one of her classmates, Grissa, a cruel girl whom is the darling of the regulators and general running the show in the Warrior corner. It’s going to take all her warrior tricks, some magic (if she can get it to work), her master, and Lessa and *her* master to just survive until the trials.
The tumult and panic of this time is Belvedor’s life is clear. Bello writes extremely well. Life between training, trying to find a forbidden magic and friendship with Lessa is taken up with dodging Grissa … until the day she can run no longer. Her only option is to challenge Grissa to a warrior’s duel, one where she *knows* that Grissa will try to ‘accidentally’ slip and maim her, at the least. Her chances of winning the free Falls trials have slipped to very, very low. Then the unthinkable happens— Grissa .. well, you’ll have to read it. Plotting is wonderful. There’s twists that keep surprising you.
Bello is not afraid to throw trouble at her characters and let them sort it out, but she doesn’t do it in a haphazard manner that shows she’s an author keen to prove that she can write action. What she does do is thoughtfully bring you into the story, piece by piece, until you’re as mired in the muck as our heroes. I like that.
She doesn’t write her characters as if they were hormonal teens with a ton of angst up the wazoo. I approve of the way she’s handling the teens … as if they were young adults still trying to figure out life, being impulsive, yet not stupid. Their emotions are not all over the map, but they don’t read as adults either. They ring true to their age and the circumstances. This kind of YA treatment is so good.
The story itself is waaaay deeper that what I’ve described. The world-building is frankly phenomenal. Bello absolutely shines as she takes you places that I can’t tell you about, lest I give away more of the story.
This book is a set up for the others to come … which will be released very soon. Can’t wait.
One day, given a bit of extra time off, she escapes to a hidden world she has discovered accidentally as a much smaller child, a paradise to call her own. On this particular day, she realizes she is not as alone as she’d like. It turns out that the interloper is Lessa, a healer from blue faction instead of her own warrior red. Exciting news, but she realizes curfew is upon her and she must dash for her barracks or risk being tossed into the pit as punishment.
The pit isn’t a deep arena; it’s almost bottomless, having stakes protruding from angles that will catch and impale a falling body. All of the kids have been traumatized by seeing friends or bunkmates slowly decay … it’s a an ending that’s always a threat, always in the background.
Before the trials at 18, Bel runs afoul of one of her classmates, Grissa, a cruel girl whom is the darling of the regulators and general running the show in the Warrior corner. It’s going to take all her warrior tricks, some magic (if she can get it to work), her master, and Lessa and *her* master to just survive until the trials.
The tumult and panic of this time is Belvedor’s life is clear. Bello writes extremely well. Life between training, trying to find a forbidden magic and friendship with Lessa is taken up with dodging Grissa … until the day she can run no longer. Her only option is to challenge Grissa to a warrior’s duel, one where she *knows* that Grissa will try to ‘accidentally’ slip and maim her, at the least. Her chances of winning the free Falls trials have slipped to very, very low. Then the unthinkable happens— Grissa .. well, you’ll have to read it. Plotting is wonderful. There’s twists that keep surprising you.
Bello is not afraid to throw trouble at her characters and let them sort it out, but she doesn’t do it in a haphazard manner that shows she’s an author keen to prove that she can write action. What she does do is thoughtfully bring you into the story, piece by piece, until you’re as mired in the muck as our heroes. I like that.
She doesn’t write her characters as if they were hormonal teens with a ton of angst up the wazoo. I approve of the way she’s handling the teens … as if they were young adults still trying to figure out life, being impulsive, yet not stupid. Their emotions are not all over the map, but they don’t read as adults either. They ring true to their age and the circumstances. This kind of YA treatment is so good.
The story itself is waaaay deeper that what I’ve described. The world-building is frankly phenomenal. Bello absolutely shines as she takes you places that I can’t tell you about, lest I give away more of the story.
This book is a set up for the others to come … which will be released very soon. Can’t wait.
January 22, 2018
Reviewed by Maureen Dangarembizi for Readers' Favorite
Belvedor and the Four Corners (Belvedor Saga, #1) by Ashleigh Bello is a fantasy novel which begins in The Four Corners of the once magical land of Olleb-Yelfra. The Four Corners is a prison for those who are slaves, with only one way in and one way out. Arianna Belvedor is number 22 in the Warrior district and is set to win her freedom on Free Fall day when she turns 18. But all her well-laid plans go awry when she takes up an ill-advised challenge. Death doesn’t take her, but it strips away everything she ever believed. The world that she thought she knew is a lie and the freedom she’s worked for is false. With the help of her friends, Arianna must escape The Four Corners and restore the Golden Age.
I absolutely loved Ashleigh Bello’s blending of fantasy, a Hunger Games like scenario and adventure. This is a well-written book that is literally 'unputdownable.' There was so much action and unexpected twists in this story that I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. There is nothing predictable about the sequence of events that leads Arianna to her friends and their dangerous trip to freedom. Ashleigh Bello knows how to set up a mystery. It was so much fun discovering things that had been laid out for future revelation from the beginning. The world of Olleb-Yelfra is a well-developed and fascinating place, at least the little I’ve seen so far. I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series. One of the things I loved about Belvedor and the Four Corners is the inner strength of those who were viewed as weak slaves. It made the main character's victory so much sweeter in the end. An awesome book by a truly talented writer. Great work!
Belvedor and the Four Corners (Belvedor Saga, #1) by Ashleigh Bello is a fantasy novel which begins in The Four Corners of the once magical land of Olleb-Yelfra. The Four Corners is a prison for those who are slaves, with only one way in and one way out. Arianna Belvedor is number 22 in the Warrior district and is set to win her freedom on Free Fall day when she turns 18. But all her well-laid plans go awry when she takes up an ill-advised challenge. Death doesn’t take her, but it strips away everything she ever believed. The world that she thought she knew is a lie and the freedom she’s worked for is false. With the help of her friends, Arianna must escape The Four Corners and restore the Golden Age.
I absolutely loved Ashleigh Bello’s blending of fantasy, a Hunger Games like scenario and adventure. This is a well-written book that is literally 'unputdownable.' There was so much action and unexpected twists in this story that I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. There is nothing predictable about the sequence of events that leads Arianna to her friends and their dangerous trip to freedom. Ashleigh Bello knows how to set up a mystery. It was so much fun discovering things that had been laid out for future revelation from the beginning. The world of Olleb-Yelfra is a well-developed and fascinating place, at least the little I’ve seen so far. I can’t wait to read the next two books in this series. One of the things I loved about Belvedor and the Four Corners is the inner strength of those who were viewed as weak slaves. It made the main character's victory so much sweeter in the end. An awesome book by a truly talented writer. Great work!
February 28, 2023
When signing up it said 'for fans of Throne of Glass and Children of Blood and Bone.' I have not read either (is that really a surprise?).
What I would associate this book with is The Hunger Games and Divergent.
The different districts, the fighting. If one dies it doesn't matter, plus there is a fight for freedom. The connection is there!!!
Now for my opinion... Ashleigh, you may be shaking with nerves reading this wondering 'What does this reader think?' Well, you may ease those nerves because darn have you impressed me!
I fell in love with your book, with your world and with your characters. Would you believe it if I told you I read your entire book today? I wouldn't either... But I did!
I NEED the next books!!!🤩
What I would associate this book with is The Hunger Games and Divergent.
The different districts, the fighting. If one dies it doesn't matter, plus there is a fight for freedom. The connection is there!!!
Now for my opinion... Ashleigh, you may be shaking with nerves reading this wondering 'What does this reader think?' Well, you may ease those nerves because darn have you impressed me!
I fell in love with your book, with your world and with your characters. Would you believe it if I told you I read your entire book today? I wouldn't either... But I did!
I NEED the next books!!!🤩
November 16, 2020
This book has a lot of potential! I found that the world was unique and interesting, it had some suspenseful action scenes, and the friendship between Arianna and Lessa was sweet. Unfortunately, though, this was not a book for me. Some points of the storyline were a little awkward like how four slaves from different districts just happened to meet as they escaped. There was also a lot of dialogue. I know that some people really enjoy this, but I prefer a balance between dialogue and colourful prose.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 25, 2023
I tore through this book in a single day. Admittedly, I read so quickly wanting to know what happened next, that I had to go back and reread somethings.
I love the writing style; for me it was an easy read. This is a category of book that I love to read: Fantasy with strong female leads included. The headstrong trust your instincts FMC is always a win for me.
If you like books that not only pay attention to backstories, but describe scenery to where you can actually picture everything that is happening, this is one of the best descriptive books I have read in a while. This has action, puzzles, and intricate relationships. You will fall in love with the main characters and find yourself quickly rooting for them. However, everything is not as though it seems… I cannot wait to read the next book of this series!
I love the writing style; for me it was an easy read. This is a category of book that I love to read: Fantasy with strong female leads included. The headstrong trust your instincts FMC is always a win for me.
If you like books that not only pay attention to backstories, but describe scenery to where you can actually picture everything that is happening, this is one of the best descriptive books I have read in a while. This has action, puzzles, and intricate relationships. You will fall in love with the main characters and find yourself quickly rooting for them. However, everything is not as though it seems… I cannot wait to read the next book of this series!
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