What do you think?
Rate this book
EONOTORA: The Heart Trials
Skye Evenvale’s future seemed set in stone. Come of age, take The Trials and become queen to a strange kingdom of their choosing.
That was, until her childhood friend declared his love for her, and they planned to disappear.
But that morning came, and fate once again had a way of deciding what was to be.
Now faced with a task from her long lost Mother, Skye has no option.
Nightmares follow in the dark spaces between worlds, seeking her newfound power. And the only way to stop them is to travel to the Heart. For she must destroy The Trials. And no one can know what hangs around her neck.
A story of Six Magical Kingdoms, Millenia Old Matchmaking Trials, A Forgotten Past Suspended in Time and One Broken Faerie—who now holds all power within her grasp.
The Heart Trials is the first book in the EONOTORA YA Epic Fantasy Series.
That was, until her childhood friend declared his love for her, and they planned to disappear.
But that morning came, and fate once again had a way of deciding what was to be.
Now faced with a task from her long lost Mother, Skye has no option.
Nightmares follow in the dark spaces between worlds, seeking her newfound power. And the only way to stop them is to travel to the Heart. For she must destroy The Trials. And no one can know what hangs around her neck.
A story of Six Magical Kingdoms, Millenia Old Matchmaking Trials, A Forgotten Past Suspended in Time and One Broken Faerie—who now holds all power within her grasp.
The Heart Trials is the first book in the EONOTORA YA Epic Fantasy Series.
Paperback
Published August 9, 2022
6 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
C.N. McCabe
7 books94 followersBorn and raised between England and Ireland, before moving to Canada with her young family in 2016, C.N. McCabe sought greater adventure and purpose in life.
An eternal love for ethereal fantasy realms and creatures drives her current work in the YA Fantasy genre. Determined to bring the new generation works as loved as those of old.
Currently living on her small homestead along the mesmerizing Atlantic Coast, C.N. spends her days dreaming up new worlds for herself and her readers to escape into.
All you need, to become the heroine of your own dreams, is in between the pages of a good book.
An eternal love for ethereal fantasy realms and creatures drives her current work in the YA Fantasy genre. Determined to bring the new generation works as loved as those of old.
Currently living on her small homestead along the mesmerizing Atlantic Coast, C.N. spends her days dreaming up new worlds for herself and her readers to escape into.
All you need, to become the heroine of your own dreams, is in between the pages of a good book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 31, 2022
Let me just start this review by saying I was so excited when I received an ARC of this book! I have been following McCabe for some time and I have been anticipating this story’s release.
McCabe has been teasing this book on TikTok so in a lot of ways, I felt like I already knew the world of Eonotora. This universe is rich with different races and kinds of magic. I loved how McCabe took a common fantasy concept and made it all her own. The unique take on each kingdom and their powers was masterfully done and I really enjoyed learning about each one. The author’s descriptions included all the senses, making me feel even more a part of the story.
The interior art in this book is stunning as well! It brought a lot of the characters to life and I enjoyed how they changed with each viewpoint, although I do have to say I think there was an excessive use of scene breaks.
Skye was a great protagonist. Her struggles of not feeling like enough and wanting to have some choice in her own life were very relatable which made her likable to me. Her relationship with Aiden was also enjoyable and I thought they were both well fleshed out characters.
I did have some issues with this story once the 30% mark was reached though. Up until then I felt the narrative was very fluid and easy to follow, then suddenly so much was happening at once I struggled to keep up.
In my opinion, I think the author bit off too much with this book. First, the plot was super focused on the Trials, but then they were over in one chapter, leaving me confused why so much weight was put upon them. Then with the back and forth time skips I felt like I was reading two different books.
Things got cleaner in the last twenty percent, and the major plot twist did catch me entirely off guard. But then it ended so abruptly! I do realize there will be a book two but I wish book one had more of a definitive cut off point.
Despite my complaints, I did enjoy this book overall and I am already eager for book two!
*I received an ARC of this book from BookFunnel and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
McCabe has been teasing this book on TikTok so in a lot of ways, I felt like I already knew the world of Eonotora. This universe is rich with different races and kinds of magic. I loved how McCabe took a common fantasy concept and made it all her own. The unique take on each kingdom and their powers was masterfully done and I really enjoyed learning about each one. The author’s descriptions included all the senses, making me feel even more a part of the story.
The interior art in this book is stunning as well! It brought a lot of the characters to life and I enjoyed how they changed with each viewpoint, although I do have to say I think there was an excessive use of scene breaks.
Skye was a great protagonist. Her struggles of not feeling like enough and wanting to have some choice in her own life were very relatable which made her likable to me. Her relationship with Aiden was also enjoyable and I thought they were both well fleshed out characters.
I did have some issues with this story once the 30% mark was reached though. Up until then I felt the narrative was very fluid and easy to follow, then suddenly so much was happening at once I struggled to keep up.
In my opinion, I think the author bit off too much with this book. First, the plot was super focused on the Trials, but then they were over in one chapter, leaving me confused why so much weight was put upon them. Then with the back and forth time skips I felt like I was reading two different books.
Things got cleaner in the last twenty percent, and the major plot twist did catch me entirely off guard. But then it ended so abruptly! I do realize there will be a book two but I wish book one had more of a definitive cut off point.
Despite my complaints, I did enjoy this book overall and I am already eager for book two!
*I received an ARC of this book from BookFunnel and this is my honest, voluntary review.*
September 2, 2022
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that has read and reviewed the first book of EONOTORA :) It was honestly a labor of love writing (and even editing) this story and I am so excited to get started on the next. EONOTORA: The Untold Throne coming late 2023.
I am currently working on a prequel story for my EONOTORA ORIGINS series, The Dragons of Minyth, so be sure to check that out if you enjoyed the lore within my world.
I truly hope EONOTORA is, or becomes, your happy place to disappear into when the one we exist in gets strange or scary (or just boring!)
Many thanks!
C.N. McCabe
I am currently working on a prequel story for my EONOTORA ORIGINS series, The Dragons of Minyth, so be sure to check that out if you enjoyed the lore within my world.
I truly hope EONOTORA is, or becomes, your happy place to disappear into when the one we exist in gets strange or scary (or just boring!)
Many thanks!
C.N. McCabe
August 22, 2022
I enjoyed it. ♥️ It was different but in a good way.
More in depth review to come.
More in depth review to come.
August 23, 2022
I was sent an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I thought the world, the magic system and the cast were all unique.
You can tell a lot of thought was put into each and every ounce of this book. That being said, I felt lost a lot throughout the book. I wanted to look back the guide a lot but with a ebook that is not very practical. I didn't find any characters that I related to. I never really knew where in the book events took place, or when. I can normally devour a book but this left me wanting something more. There were moments where I was intrigued but more often than not it fell a little short.
I don't think this book was for me.
You can tell a lot of thought was put into each and every ounce of this book. That being said, I felt lost a lot throughout the book. I wanted to look back the guide a lot but with a ebook that is not very practical. I didn't find any characters that I related to. I never really knew where in the book events took place, or when. I can normally devour a book but this left me wanting something more. There were moments where I was intrigued but more often than not it fell a little short.
I don't think this book was for me.
August 29, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an Arc of this book which I was highly anticipating as I’ve following the author on Tiktok for a while. So thank you for the opportunity to be an Arc reader!
I’ll start with what I loved. I loved how unique the magic and the world was. It’s not like any other which shows great imagination from the Author. And despite it being different, I still had a clear image in my head as if I were the MC. Speaking of the MC, I really liked her and her determination. Some female MC’s tend to be a bit annoying at times but I didn’t find that with this MC. I loved the illustrations so so much. They just pulled the book together and just made me love looking at the pages. And the book cover was also beautiful. The ending was intriguing and leaves the question of what next which I liked.
My problem with this book could’ve been my own fault so take this with a pinch of salt. I was confused about a couple of things and as I’m sure you readers know, If something doesn’t make sense, it kind of had a butterfly effect on your experience reading the book. Whether I just didn’t process things right or not read it properly, I don’t know. But my experience reading this book did come with confusion.
Overall, I would recommend this book. If you’re a fantasy lover, give this book a try. The book was good and the Author is lovely which is a bonus.
I’ll start with what I loved. I loved how unique the magic and the world was. It’s not like any other which shows great imagination from the Author. And despite it being different, I still had a clear image in my head as if I were the MC. Speaking of the MC, I really liked her and her determination. Some female MC’s tend to be a bit annoying at times but I didn’t find that with this MC. I loved the illustrations so so much. They just pulled the book together and just made me love looking at the pages. And the book cover was also beautiful. The ending was intriguing and leaves the question of what next which I liked.
My problem with this book could’ve been my own fault so take this with a pinch of salt. I was confused about a couple of things and as I’m sure you readers know, If something doesn’t make sense, it kind of had a butterfly effect on your experience reading the book. Whether I just didn’t process things right or not read it properly, I don’t know. But my experience reading this book did come with confusion.
Overall, I would recommend this book. If you’re a fantasy lover, give this book a try. The book was good and the Author is lovely which is a bonus.
August 19, 2022
3.5/5⭐️ rounded to 4.
I want to start by saying I just don’t think this book was for me.
I found myself struggling to get through it and put it down more times than I could pick it up. (Usually I finish a book the same day I start.)
It’s not that it’s a bad book, it’s just that I found it not intriguing my interests and felt it dragged a bit in some places.
It also ends on a cliffhanger with no HEA. (Not that big of a deal but for me I wish it all ended with this book.)
With that being said;
I did enjoy the story, I found it unique and interesting in parts but wished that it skipped over some things I didn’t think were important to the story line, however that’s probably just me.
I strongly believe every book has a targeted audience and I just don’t think im it for this book. I struggle to comprehend the names and words she’s using in her world (even with the list of pronunciation’s I felt lost) and wonder if younger kids will be able to comprehend it as well.
*
All in all, it was a great plot and story.
Just not for me.
💙
I received an arc copy and am leaving my honest review willingly.
I want to start by saying I just don’t think this book was for me.
I found myself struggling to get through it and put it down more times than I could pick it up. (Usually I finish a book the same day I start.)
It’s not that it’s a bad book, it’s just that I found it not intriguing my interests and felt it dragged a bit in some places.
It also ends on a cliffhanger with no HEA. (Not that big of a deal but for me I wish it all ended with this book.)
With that being said;
I did enjoy the story, I found it unique and interesting in parts but wished that it skipped over some things I didn’t think were important to the story line, however that’s probably just me.
I strongly believe every book has a targeted audience and I just don’t think im it for this book. I struggle to comprehend the names and words she’s using in her world (even with the list of pronunciation’s I felt lost) and wonder if younger kids will be able to comprehend it as well.
*
All in all, it was a great plot and story.
Just not for me.
💙
I received an arc copy and am leaving my honest review willingly.
August 30, 2022
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book, and let me just say that I am so happy I did! I have followed this author on TikTok for quite a while and she is such a sweet and amazing person that I couldn’t help myself with this one.
This book is a YA fantasy. Not my regular genre as I am more of an NA reader, however this was so good! The world building is on point, the characters are amazing and easy to love, and I am super excited to see where these books go! Very creative and beautiful.
It’s got everything you want in a fantasy - magical ability, a beautiful landscape, mythological races… It’s like a beautiful neatly packed parcel with everything you would ever need in a book. I loved it.
This book is a YA fantasy. Not my regular genre as I am more of an NA reader, however this was so good! The world building is on point, the characters are amazing and easy to love, and I am super excited to see where these books go! Very creative and beautiful.
It’s got everything you want in a fantasy - magical ability, a beautiful landscape, mythological races… It’s like a beautiful neatly packed parcel with everything you would ever need in a book. I loved it.
August 29, 2022
I received an arc copy and the opinion is entirely my own. I do sincerely wish it had page numbers in the ebook.
4.5 stars
I love the world and magic building within this story. It did take a bit for me to get into, certain beginning scenes took a few rereads to understand what was happening. That said, once I got into the world I was hooked. I'm excited for the 2nd book! I need answers!!! The character development and inner turmoil of the main character grew throughout the story. Fantastic descriptions.
4.5 stars
I love the world and magic building within this story. It did take a bit for me to get into, certain beginning scenes took a few rereads to understand what was happening. That said, once I got into the world I was hooked. I'm excited for the 2nd book! I need answers!!! The character development and inner turmoil of the main character grew throughout the story. Fantastic descriptions.
January 22, 2023
This book was an absolutely beautiful, enchanting story. It has amazing world building, magic structure and character development. It follows Skye a princess in one of the 6 kingdoms of this world. As she faces a pinnacle point in her life truths are revealed and a destiny and prophesy unfold. So much of her world perception changes as she embarks on her journey and her power grows. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and all connected books within this world.
August 28, 2022
I found this book fantastic! I loved how the story developed and changed and brought me into the world. Many vivid descriptions that helped me visualize everything as well! Will definitely be a re read so I can experience it all again!
*I received an ARC read and my opinion was my own
*I received an ARC read and my opinion was my own
August 19, 2022
Eonotora: The Heart Trials by C.N. McCabe is an enjoyable read! Skye is very relatable, struggling to find her place and seeking freedom. Aiden is her guard, whom she is a bit too close to. Yoru is a mysterious stranger who feels familiar. This story includes action, love, magic, six different and beautiful kingdoms, and heart break.
August 16, 2022
First I’d like to say how thankful I am to have been an Arc reader!!!!
This book took a hold of me and I couldn’t put it down! It is beautifully written and took me into such a different wonderful world I can’t wait for the next book!
If you’re looking for a story that will keep you on your toes and have you falling for a world you’ve never seen this book is the one!
This book took a hold of me and I couldn’t put it down! It is beautifully written and took me into such a different wonderful world I can’t wait for the next book!
If you’re looking for a story that will keep you on your toes and have you falling for a world you’ve never seen this book is the one!
September 18, 2022
Solid world-building with a beautiful attention to detail! I tend to struggle to visualize stories in general. This was definitely not the case here. McCabe knows her world inside and out, and I could feel it as I delved into this fascinating tale. Well done :)
December 9, 2022
I'm going to have to gather my thought for this one, but oh my god I LOVE
October 27, 2022
I was so excited when I received an ARC for this book especially after I watched a teaser of this book on TikTok and I was hooked on needing to read it. Because of the teaser I started following McCabe and wanted to know more about her book and her fantasy world of Eonotora. There are different races within this fantasy world. Several kingdoms that each have their own magical powers that they control.
The art work within the book and in each chapter was beautifully done and helped the reader recognize certain transitions in the storyline. I associated the artwork in the chapters with certain kingdoms and their race within that kingdom. It even helped me to understand when the story was transitioning to the next scene. Without the intricate art work it would have been difficult to follow the story and the story transitions.
I absolutely enjoyed the main character Skye because she was very relatable and her character development I felt was nicely done. The fact that she wants to make her own destiny and not choosing the path that fate wants her to take is exhilarating. My favorite quote “Even the impossible can be achieved, with the right twist of fate.” I feel this says it all. Skye’s incredible power that she is still trying to understand and wield makes her even more enjoyable. Fighting for her freedom to no longer be controlled and her struggle with relationships with others either in love or through friendship makes you fall even more in love with her.
I loved the characters that McCabe created and the interactions between one another. As well as the kingdoms that they were in and also represented. Her description of them and also their feelings they portrayed made you connect with them and really brought the characters to life. You can almost see the characters and her world she is creating through her words.
I will say that there was a point where the book did get very confusing and at times difficult to follow and read. The time skips back and forth was hard to follow until closer to the end it started to make sense and also became easier to read and understand what was going on. In the middle there is some confusion but in the end you start to get some clarity before it ends. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and read what happens next.
I was glad to finish the book and enjoyed reading it. I am even considering rereading it after understanding the plot towards the end thinking the second time will be smoother and I will be able to understand the time skips better. I loved the characters that McCabe created and the interaction between them.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookFunnel.*
The art work within the book and in each chapter was beautifully done and helped the reader recognize certain transitions in the storyline. I associated the artwork in the chapters with certain kingdoms and their race within that kingdom. It even helped me to understand when the story was transitioning to the next scene. Without the intricate art work it would have been difficult to follow the story and the story transitions.
I absolutely enjoyed the main character Skye because she was very relatable and her character development I felt was nicely done. The fact that she wants to make her own destiny and not choosing the path that fate wants her to take is exhilarating. My favorite quote “Even the impossible can be achieved, with the right twist of fate.” I feel this says it all. Skye’s incredible power that she is still trying to understand and wield makes her even more enjoyable. Fighting for her freedom to no longer be controlled and her struggle with relationships with others either in love or through friendship makes you fall even more in love with her.
I loved the characters that McCabe created and the interactions between one another. As well as the kingdoms that they were in and also represented. Her description of them and also their feelings they portrayed made you connect with them and really brought the characters to life. You can almost see the characters and her world she is creating through her words.
I will say that there was a point where the book did get very confusing and at times difficult to follow and read. The time skips back and forth was hard to follow until closer to the end it started to make sense and also became easier to read and understand what was going on. In the middle there is some confusion but in the end you start to get some clarity before it ends. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and read what happens next.
I was glad to finish the book and enjoyed reading it. I am even considering rereading it after understanding the plot towards the end thinking the second time will be smoother and I will be able to understand the time skips better. I loved the characters that McCabe created and the interaction between them.
*I received an ARC of this book from BookFunnel.*
August 17, 2022
ARC-READER
It feels like I have waited years for this book and I'm so glad I can finally read it.
the MC is Skye and I have a real soft spot for her just because of the name.
This is a true epic fantasy and I truly enjoyed getting to know this unique world.
there are helpful things in the beginning of this book that helps with pronunciations en basic info AND a map. I LOVE MAPS
the only thing that wasn't really for me is the amount of description there was especially in the beginning.
It feels like I have waited years for this book and I'm so glad I can finally read it.
the MC is Skye and I have a real soft spot for her just because of the name.
This is a true epic fantasy and I truly enjoyed getting to know this unique world.
there are helpful things in the beginning of this book that helps with pronunciations en basic info AND a map. I LOVE MAPS
the only thing that wasn't really for me is the amount of description there was especially in the beginning.
August 28, 2022
Eonotora is a delightfully dense high magic world to disappear into. This book is filled with magical battles, chases, daring escapes and wonderfully dense world building. The hero Skye makes friends and enemies of so many people of different fantasy races while adventuring across different landscapes. You can tell that it is such a labor of love on the part of C.N. McCabe. A sparkling debut and a delightful read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews