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Right to Rule #1
Outcast
Branded an outcast, never to be trusted.
Servant, Commoner, Warrior, Priest. Which caste will Kahlahnni be assigned?
Shunned and harassed since she can remember, Kahlahnni struggles to believe she is valued and wants the branding ceremony that will reveal her caste, her future to be done. Over. But…the Gods have other plans.
When her gift shows Kahlahnni a vision of death that comes to fruition she chooses to flee. Injured and alone in the wilderness Kahlahnni must do the one thing she has never been able to do before: she must entrust her secrets to a man who could use her to his advantage…just like everyone else.
Or she might find what she has always longed for…a place to belong?
Servant, Commoner, Warrior, Priest. Which caste will Kahlahnni be assigned?
Shunned and harassed since she can remember, Kahlahnni struggles to believe she is valued and wants the branding ceremony that will reveal her caste, her future to be done. Over. But…the Gods have other plans.
When her gift shows Kahlahnni a vision of death that comes to fruition she chooses to flee. Injured and alone in the wilderness Kahlahnni must do the one thing she has never been able to do before: she must entrust her secrets to a man who could use her to his advantage…just like everyone else.
Or she might find what she has always longed for…a place to belong?
- GenresFantasy
ebook
Published May 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 19, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Interesting writing!
I discovered Ms Rune in an anthology & an looking forward to reading morel especially book 2 in this series.
Though I am male, I can relate to the main character. From childhood - 15, I was picked on unmercifully. Then from 18-35 I was the "It Guy"!
That's a simplified version of what Lahnni deals with here.
She also discovers she is extremely powerful in a magical sense, & there is a pretty surprising conclusion to book 1.
She finds her bonded/fated mate, & begins to save the world (though again that takes a surprising turn.
Well plotted out & held my attention. Sex is low key until the last 1/4, & then turns pretty much "X".
And more fun, she gets revenge against all who have harmed her other than 1.
I don't like to just paraphrase the plot, so I'll end with I can't wait for book 2!
If the sex doesn't bother you, I would definitely recommend a fun & thoughtful read.
Interesting writing!
I discovered Ms Rune in an anthology & an looking forward to reading morel especially book 2 in this series.
Though I am male, I can relate to the main character. From childhood - 15, I was picked on unmercifully. Then from 18-35 I was the "It Guy"!
That's a simplified version of what Lahnni deals with here.
She also discovers she is extremely powerful in a magical sense, & there is a pretty surprising conclusion to book 1.
She finds her bonded/fated mate, & begins to save the world (though again that takes a surprising turn.
Well plotted out & held my attention. Sex is low key until the last 1/4, & then turns pretty much "X".
And more fun, she gets revenge against all who have harmed her other than 1.
I don't like to just paraphrase the plot, so I'll end with I can't wait for book 2!
If the sex doesn't bother you, I would definitely recommend a fun & thoughtful read.
May 8, 2022
This was a fantastic read! I loved the links between the fantasy world and our world, which will bring a surprise twist at the end that you won’t see coming! Kahlahnni is a young orphaned girl in the beginning of the story, she is tortured for being different from the others. She goes through length of trauma to find her true self. Evan death is the attractive Captain who helps Lahnni find her people. This was a wonderful book with plenty of twists and turns and surprises along the way. I guarantee you will not want to put this story down! I enjoyed the characters and their development toward each other and individually. The story was intricate and well written, I would absolutely recommend this book and can’t wait for story number 2! (less)
May 3, 2022
The Outcast by Taya Rune is a beautiful captivating remake of The Little Duckling and is a definite must read for anyone that enjoys a dark fairytale retelling!
This story features our FMC Kahlahnni, who even at a young age was used to being bullied for being “different”. In a society where castes are determined by a branding ceremony, Lahnni is anxious to finally see where she belongs. However her world is quickly changed when revelations are made and enemies seek her out.
Choosing to run rather than stay and fight she escapes to the wilderness, and finds herself hurt and alone. After living a life of always being let down, when help comes she can’t help but question if he’s sincere or not. Can she put her trust in someone else and find out what she’s always wanted or is she doomed to spend her days all alone? This story was an epic journey of trust, friendship and discovery.
This story features our FMC Kahlahnni, who even at a young age was used to being bullied for being “different”. In a society where castes are determined by a branding ceremony, Lahnni is anxious to finally see where she belongs. However her world is quickly changed when revelations are made and enemies seek her out.
Choosing to run rather than stay and fight she escapes to the wilderness, and finds herself hurt and alone. After living a life of always being let down, when help comes she can’t help but question if he’s sincere or not. Can she put her trust in someone else and find out what she’s always wanted or is she doomed to spend her days all alone? This story was an epic journey of trust, friendship and discovery.
January 1, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up.
It was OK, but the worldbuilding was very flimsy. A lot of things didn’t have an explanation, and others just didn’t make sense. I never got a real sense of the world, or why it worked the way it did. I never understood the magic system, mostly because for the majority of the book we didn’t have any magic, other than some vague description of what Kahlanni could do. Then we are told her “gift” is so rare, there hasn’t been someone with her gift in centuries, yet at the end we suddenly have portals and, conveniently, the characters know how to use them.
As for the romance, I didn’t feel any real chemistry between the MCs, they were together a month,but we never got any of that, we’re just told they were travelling for that long, not even a summary of their time together, so the “I love you”came out of nowhere. She forgave him way too quickly (Hell, she forgave everyone way too quickly), and in general, their relationship felt forced. It was easy to read, though, so I finished it quickly.
It was OK, but the worldbuilding was very flimsy. A lot of things didn’t have an explanation, and others just didn’t make sense. I never got a real sense of the world, or why it worked the way it did. I never understood the magic system, mostly because for the majority of the book we didn’t have any magic, other than some vague description of what Kahlanni could do. Then we are told her “gift” is so rare, there hasn’t been someone with her gift in centuries, yet at the end we suddenly have portals and, conveniently, the characters know how to use them.
As for the romance, I didn’t feel any real chemistry between the MCs, they were together a month,but we never got any of that, we’re just told they were travelling for that long, not even a summary of their time together, so the “I love you”came out of nowhere. She forgave him way too quickly (Hell, she forgave everyone way too quickly), and in general, their relationship felt forced. It was easy to read, though, so I finished it quickly.
November 15, 2022
How dreadful it must be to be so different from those around you that you are ostracised, branded as less than worthless, used and abused. Poor Kahlahnni is such, an orphan and so different, she's a dark haired, dark eyed anomaly in a sea of fair haired, light eyed world. Her very appearance has her ignored, reviled and even bullied. But that's not the only difference... she has these strange visions that she keeps tightly hidden. I so enjoyed her character, how as much as everything looks to be against her, she will never bow down, never be broken. Although, in a way she is broken. Having to hide within herself for her own safety and sanity, led to Cellecia and her husband, Captain Emmetin to rescue her from Lord Channing devious grasp, the only 2 people who have her interests at heart. I'm curious to find out what or who they really are, they definitely know more than they're letting on. Finally finding out who she is, what she is, is a turning point for Lahnni. I love how she evolves from the fearful child she was, to a very determined young woman. Lahnni believes she has escaped from being used, but a bigger plot is evident and she the centre of it all.
What would a novel be without a dashing male interest? Enter a kind hearted and seriously secretive Captain, who not only helps Lahnni but quietly falls for her, hard! It's very hard not to like everything about him from the moment he appears and throughout his journey with Lahnni, the feeling solidifies. I was throw for a loop at what he juggles, never letting a ball drop, the level of subterfuge is incredible, yet the reasons sound. The eventual solidifying of, his and Lahnni's relationship is a dream, their coming together is gorgeous, just be aware of the steam!
An amazing, emotive, brilliantly crafted book, lots of players, lots of suspense, lots of drama and tension and beautiful self realisation. Ooo, and there's portal magic too....on to book 2 urgently!
May 10, 2022
The Outcast by Taya Rune is an adult retelling of The Ugly Duckling.
In this book Kahlahnni gets mistreated because she is short and has dark hair unlike the other people in her community who are tall and have blonde hair. She learns more about herself and her hidden identity. Can the man she befriends help her or is he like other people who want to ruin her?
Taya Rune has a way of setting the landscape out perfectly and you almost feel as if you are there in the story with the characters. It reminded me a bit like it was set in the Stone Age era, think spears, branding, lots of meats and vegetable eating.
This story was about growth and learning that the person you are is so important. I love that Lahnni was able to find herself but I wish I could have read more about her growth than jumping a few years down the track and seeing what she had become.
My only downfall was when Kahlahnni was left by herself in the story, I felt there wasn’t much of anything happening in the story and I was slightly confused when the timeline suddenly jumped towards the end of the book. I wish there was some way of knowing what year it was or how long it was between parts rather than halfway through the chapter.
But other than that I enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading the next book in the future.
In this book Kahlahnni gets mistreated because she is short and has dark hair unlike the other people in her community who are tall and have blonde hair. She learns more about herself and her hidden identity. Can the man she befriends help her or is he like other people who want to ruin her?
Taya Rune has a way of setting the landscape out perfectly and you almost feel as if you are there in the story with the characters. It reminded me a bit like it was set in the Stone Age era, think spears, branding, lots of meats and vegetable eating.
This story was about growth and learning that the person you are is so important. I love that Lahnni was able to find herself but I wish I could have read more about her growth than jumping a few years down the track and seeing what she had become.
My only downfall was when Kahlahnni was left by herself in the story, I felt there wasn’t much of anything happening in the story and I was slightly confused when the timeline suddenly jumped towards the end of the book. I wish there was some way of knowing what year it was or how long it was between parts rather than halfway through the chapter.
But other than that I enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading the next book in the future.
May 2, 2022
Kahlahnni has known from a young age that she is different, with her petite figure and dark hair. People mock her for the way she looks, for not being tall and blonde like they are. When Lahnni is revealed to be a Roamer, everything changes. She is now ostracized more than ever, and must find a safe place to live.
With the help of a charming Captain named Evannderth, Lahnni sets out to discover more people like her. She uses her abilities to read people’s emotions to find a safe space. But she must deal with her own whirring emotions years later when she runs into Evannderth yet again… and is no less attracted to him.
Okay, so this was a super unique story about a girl who just doesn’t fit in. I could definitely sympathize with the fact that Lahnni was labeled as an outcast and that others were cruel to her when she didn’t deserve it. I think that Lahnni is a sweet girl whose kind nature was hardened by her circumstances.
I also liked the romance between her and Captain Evannderth. I think it was believable and well written. I‘n glad that Lahnni eventually figured out that she didn’t deserve to be treated the way she was used to being treated, and I was so proud of her for growing into a more confident young woman. All in all, a nice fantasy read!
With the help of a charming Captain named Evannderth, Lahnni sets out to discover more people like her. She uses her abilities to read people’s emotions to find a safe space. But she must deal with her own whirring emotions years later when she runs into Evannderth yet again… and is no less attracted to him.
Okay, so this was a super unique story about a girl who just doesn’t fit in. I could definitely sympathize with the fact that Lahnni was labeled as an outcast and that others were cruel to her when she didn’t deserve it. I think that Lahnni is a sweet girl whose kind nature was hardened by her circumstances.
I also liked the romance between her and Captain Evannderth. I think it was believable and well written. I‘n glad that Lahnni eventually figured out that she didn’t deserve to be treated the way she was used to being treated, and I was so proud of her for growing into a more confident young woman. All in all, a nice fantasy read!
May 8, 2022
Deception. Secrets. Twists. Incredible
Kahlahnni was a young orphan who had a difficult childhood, often feeling invisible and as if she didn't belong. Her life was made horrible at the orphanage by an older boy. She yearned for a new life.
Kahlahnni was always afraid for her life as she moved from one servant job to the next.
She meets a man named Sergeant Evannderth with whom she immediately felt safe. Is she going to trust her instincts and her gut reaction, or is she going to live in fear once more?
The story was brilliantly written, emotionally charged, and flowed effortlessly. I had a strong sense of the characters. There was a lot to take in from a fantasy standpoint, and the descriptions were clear and were explained throughout.
Taya Rune's books include a lot of unexpected twists, which makes for an interesting read, she keeps you engaged, and often has me saying "Really...?" (or worse!)
I'm excited to see what else the author has in store for future books, and I think her fantasy work is spot on.
Kahlahnni was a young orphan who had a difficult childhood, often feeling invisible and as if she didn't belong. Her life was made horrible at the orphanage by an older boy. She yearned for a new life.
Kahlahnni was always afraid for her life as she moved from one servant job to the next.
She meets a man named Sergeant Evannderth with whom she immediately felt safe. Is she going to trust her instincts and her gut reaction, or is she going to live in fear once more?
The story was brilliantly written, emotionally charged, and flowed effortlessly. I had a strong sense of the characters. There was a lot to take in from a fantasy standpoint, and the descriptions were clear and were explained throughout.
Taya Rune's books include a lot of unexpected twists, which makes for an interesting read, she keeps you engaged, and often has me saying "Really...?" (or worse!)
I'm excited to see what else the author has in store for future books, and I think her fantasy work is spot on.
May 21, 2022
I have come to love Taya’s writing and this story didn’t disappoint. This is the first book in the Right to Rule series. This is a dark Ugly Duckling retelling. Taya did an amazing job of character development and world building, as usual. This book will have you turning the pages so fast to see what’s going to happen next.
Kahlahnni is an orphan living in a group home. She is bullied, keeps to herself and never has anyone stand up for her, as well as looking different that all the others. The struggles she faces is heartbreaking. But once she turns 19, a branding ceremony will choose the life she will live and where she belongs in the caste system. But everything changes for her then. And she chooses to run, alone in the wilderness and ends up hurt. But along the way, she meets Evannderth. Can she trust him?
Full of twists and turns, mystery, friendship, love, inner strength, trust and discovery. Can’t wait for book 2.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Kahlahnni is an orphan living in a group home. She is bullied, keeps to herself and never has anyone stand up for her, as well as looking different that all the others. The struggles she faces is heartbreaking. But once she turns 19, a branding ceremony will choose the life she will live and where she belongs in the caste system. But everything changes for her then. And she chooses to run, alone in the wilderness and ends up hurt. But along the way, she meets Evannderth. Can she trust him?
Full of twists and turns, mystery, friendship, love, inner strength, trust and discovery. Can’t wait for book 2.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
May 3, 2022
The Outcast by Taya Rune is a beautiful captivating remake of The Little Duckling and is a definite must read for anyone that enjoys a dark fairytale retelling!
This story features our FMC Kahlahnni, who even at a young age was used to being bullied for being “different”. In a society where castes are determined by a branding ceremony, Lahnni is anxious to finally see where she belongs. However her world is quickly changed when revelations are made and enemies seek her out.
Choosing to run rather than stay and fight she escapes to the wilderness, and finds herself hurt and alone. After living a life of always being let down, when help comes she can’t help but question if he’s sincere or not. Can she put her trust in someone else and find out what she’s always wanted or is she doomed to spend her days all alone? This story was an epic journey of trust, friendship and discovery.
This story features our FMC Kahlahnni, who even at a young age was used to being bullied for being “different”. In a society where castes are determined by a branding ceremony, Lahnni is anxious to finally see where she belongs. However her world is quickly changed when revelations are made and enemies seek her out.
Choosing to run rather than stay and fight she escapes to the wilderness, and finds herself hurt and alone. After living a life of always being let down, when help comes she can’t help but question if he’s sincere or not. Can she put her trust in someone else and find out what she’s always wanted or is she doomed to spend her days all alone? This story was an epic journey of trust, friendship and discovery.
May 2, 2022
Kahlanni had a hard upbringing. She is moved from one place to another and along the way bullied by one of the other children. She eventually finds a home with Cellecia, her husband Captain Emmettin and their children.
Kahlanni is branded and everything changes, after an altercation she is saved by Evan. He takes her to her people. They show her their ways and how to control her gift. Evan leaves her with them, years later they reconnect but he has put her in danger inadvertently.
Kahlanni was different from everyone else around her and singled out for it. A story that shows us being unique and different is ok. One of loyalty, forgiveness, greed and the need to protect others. Second chances are worth the possible heartbreak. This is a slow burn romance that holds your attention until the very end.
Kahlanni is branded and everything changes, after an altercation she is saved by Evan. He takes her to her people. They show her their ways and how to control her gift. Evan leaves her with them, years later they reconnect but he has put her in danger inadvertently.
Kahlanni was different from everyone else around her and singled out for it. A story that shows us being unique and different is ok. One of loyalty, forgiveness, greed and the need to protect others. Second chances are worth the possible heartbreak. This is a slow burn romance that holds your attention until the very end.
May 11, 2022
This beautiful tale is about Kahlahnni and her struggle to find where she fits in. Growing up in a group home, she doesn’t look like anyone and she struggles with a bully. She finally breaks free but still doesn’t have a sense of belonging. At the ceremony that is supposed to determine who she is meant to be, she still struggles to wrap her head around who she is. Circumstances lead her away and she is found by Evannderth, who helps guide her way. I love the slow progression of their relationship and how Taya holds true to Kahlahnni’s character and isn’t easily swayed but anyone. They must fight for each other and with each other. It’s a truly touching story with more to come!
May 13, 2022
The Outcast by Taya Rune is a unique remake of The Ugly Duckling. This story was relatable to me because with having a disability, I am ‘different.’
Kahlahnni was bullied even as a kid for being ‘different.’ She chose to run away rather than stay and fight and ended up in the wilderness hurt and all alone. The plot was fun and entertaining, but the pace of the story was a little on the slower side.
I loved that we got different characters represented and that the story embraces differences. This story was an epic journey of trust, friendship and discovery. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good dark fairytale retelling!!
Kahlahnni was bullied even as a kid for being ‘different.’ She chose to run away rather than stay and fight and ended up in the wilderness hurt and all alone. The plot was fun and entertaining, but the pace of the story was a little on the slower side.
I loved that we got different characters represented and that the story embraces differences. This story was an epic journey of trust, friendship and discovery. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a good dark fairytale retelling!!
September 7, 2024
Pretty good start
The world building is lacking a bit and some things are confusing about the brands/castes, but it was a pretty good read. Lahnni and Evan’s relationship was a bit unrealistic in its growth with the time jump and how quickly they got together after a betrayal, like hours. Not even 24 hours after not seeing each other for four years, they were a couple. It was kinda ridiculous.
Anyway, the excerpt at the end for book 2 seems interesting but also not, in a predictable kind of way. I may read it later. I need to give it some thought or not think about it and just do it lol.
Happy reading.
The world building is lacking a bit and some things are confusing about the brands/castes, but it was a pretty good read. Lahnni and Evan’s relationship was a bit unrealistic in its growth with the time jump and how quickly they got together after a betrayal, like hours. Not even 24 hours after not seeing each other for four years, they were a couple. It was kinda ridiculous.
Anyway, the excerpt at the end for book 2 seems interesting but also not, in a predictable kind of way. I may read it later. I need to give it some thought or not think about it and just do it lol.
Happy reading.
May 11, 2022
Jazlynn is training her magical powers. She wants to be apart of the Weapons of the Fae Queen. She finally gets her chance. She joins three other girls. They all train together so they can get great at working and fighting as a team. They have a mission of finding out who is selling magical items. Jazlynn and TWILA set out to find the Warlock who is selling the magical items. When Jazlynn finds out who the Warlock is will she be able to keep a clear head? Read the book to find out how Jazlynn and Twila end up helping the Warlock and why. I enjoyed this book.
October 30, 2022
Outcast is book one in the right to rule series.
Kahlanni is branded a outcast from birth and has always been harassed since she can remember. She goes to the branding ceremony to seal her fate but the gods have other plans.
I loved the twists and turns of this book and was rooting for Kahlanni throughout the novel. I truly recommend this book to other romance readers and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was sent a ebook copy of the novel from the author in turn for a honest review.
Kahlanni is branded a outcast from birth and has always been harassed since she can remember. She goes to the branding ceremony to seal her fate but the gods have other plans.
I loved the twists and turns of this book and was rooting for Kahlanni throughout the novel. I truly recommend this book to other romance readers and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was sent a ebook copy of the novel from the author in turn for a honest review.
May 9, 2022
This is a story of how a child that looks different from others is shunned by her community and only finds acceptance once she flees with the help a stranger. The journey that Kahlahnni (Lahnni) and Evannderth (Evan) must take over time only circle back to each other is one of strength and lasting love. This tale is of True Love and no matter the path you take, your love is out there; even if you feel that you passed it by.
May 12, 2022
Review for The Outcast
Kalahanni is different and when she finds out she's a Roamer, everyone treats her as such. With the help of others, she sets out to figure out who she is and where she comes from.
This was a fun tale that had a lot of twists and turns to the story. I loved that we get different characters represented and that the story embraces differences. The plot was fun and entertaining, but the pacing was on the slower side for this story.
Kalahanni is different and when she finds out she's a Roamer, everyone treats her as such. With the help of others, she sets out to figure out who she is and where she comes from.
This was a fun tale that had a lot of twists and turns to the story. I loved that we get different characters represented and that the story embraces differences. The plot was fun and entertaining, but the pacing was on the slower side for this story.
May 12, 2022
reading kahlahnni’s story broke my heart but also had me so emotionally invested. That poor girl goes through abuse, being accused of murder, being used for other peoples gains and losing herself. But she also finds herself. Realized how special she is and ends up with an incredible family and man and I just loved every bit of it.
May 12, 2022
This story had some great twists that keep you engaged. She keeps you on your toes and you just can't predict what is going to happen. You had interesting characters that you loved and some you hated. Good world building and well developed for a atho. You don't feel you're missing anything but how short it is. It What kind of storage read straight through from beginning to end.
March 20, 2024
This is a good book. The story was well written and interesting. I liked the concept of caste/branding, I would have liked the book to expand on that even more.
The steamy scenes were good although they felt a little out of place as the rest of the book was so clean.
Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward seeing what happens in the next one.
The steamy scenes were good although they felt a little out of place as the rest of the book was so clean.
Overall I enjoyed this book and look forward seeing what happens in the next one.
May 1, 2022
Lahnni has been rejected, shunned and sometimes harmed by those around her. Never knowing who she is or where she belonged until she was branded with her true path. Watching her grow into who she was meant to be and find her place. Now to see what happens next! Can't wait.
May 9, 2022
This story was very interesting to read. It's had a lot of twists and turns, lots of things happening. It is well written and has a good storyline. The characters were very interesting to read about. It's a page turner. It kept my interest.
May 12, 2022
The Outcast by Taya Rune
A different story that had me wondering where it was going. I really enjoyed that this storyline while is was the same formula, had a unusual twist to it. Can’t wait for book 2!!
A different story that had me wondering where it was going. I really enjoyed that this storyline while is was the same formula, had a unusual twist to it. Can’t wait for book 2!!
May 12, 2022
great series beginning!
May 7, 2022
I loved this book from beginning to end I really didn't expect to one it as much as I did . The twists and turns had me booked . This book is a must read
December 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this book because of the world building. I'm a sucker it because it puts me into the surroundings of the characters within the story, this story does it perfectly! There's a good mix of dialog mixed into the world building so it's not just all that in the first few chapters.
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was the strong female lead that is Kahlahnni. I love that I was able to connect with her on a certain level because of her traumatic life which was nice because there aren't many books out there that I read that I can connect like that. I have enjoyed watching the relationship build with Evan and her as well. When she met him I just knew there was something there and it was a huge "AH HA I KNEW IT" moment when they confessed their feelings.
All in all I think it's safe to say I'm hooked and I cannot wait to read Lethal!
Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was the strong female lead that is Kahlahnni. I love that I was able to connect with her on a certain level because of her traumatic life which was nice because there aren't many books out there that I read that I can connect like that. I have enjoyed watching the relationship build with Evan and her as well. When she met him I just knew there was something there and it was a huge "AH HA I KNEW IT" moment when they confessed their feelings.
All in all I think it's safe to say I'm hooked and I cannot wait to read Lethal!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
This story was a very entertaining read with a lot of twist and turns, secrets, and a captivating story line. The characters were interesting and very well written. This was definitely a page tuner and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
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