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A Speck of Darkness #1
A Speck of Darkness:
Hunters become the hunted. Worlds collide swirled in darkness. The magical world is threatened by the Shadow World. Banished Shadow Creatures found a way to escape their prison world with one goal: erase all magical creatures to release darkness. No one knew that the fate of the worlds-magical and human- hinges on two siblings… Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Kayser never seemed to fit into the human world as a shapeshifter. Until her family’s weekly hunt turned into a nightmare when a Shadow Creature left her world shattered—catapulting her brother and her into a world she had been searching for her whole life. But did her family’s secrets run too deep to win the battle that started hundreds of years ago, or are the siblings able to fight back the Shadow World once and for all?
- GenresMagic
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2022
17 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
C.K. Franziska
13 books201 followersC.K. Franziska is the author of the finished A Speck of Darkness Series, The Crymzon Chronicles, Wish for it Duet, and the Veil of Fire Series. She is the wife of a traveler, as well as the mother of two mini versions of herself and way too many pets. In her spare time, she is also a photographer, traveler, full-time entertainer, and animal lover. She does her best writing at night, at the beach listening to the waves, or while camping. C.K. loves to play make-believe, transporting readers to a place where heroes must step out of the seemingly endless cycle of family curses, where magic is as beautiful and untamable as we think, and where every person deserves to be celebrated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 15, 2022
Actual rating: 3.75*
I received ARC of this book for a honest review.
A Speck of Darkness is a magical academy kind of story. In this book we follow Cassandra a lynx shifter, who ends up in Magical World after her parents disappearance. after it happens she ends up in academy that is supposed to train magical kids like her to fight Oblitus.
Let's discuss what i liked:
This book was filled with found family trope which i adore. I love seeing group of friends being united bc of how much they've learned to care about each other and develop their powers.
I also loved training scenes in the academy. I wished there would be more of those in my ARC.
There was also first plot twist i didn't see coming and i loved how it tied story together.
About MC: she's strong but not perfect, which is very good bc i hate perfect "no flaw" characters. She is caring and kind and i liked her and her friends 😊
Also chapters are short, it's very quick read.
This book is suitable for all ages. From tweens to adults 💓
My copy had many mistakes and confusing terms, which i pointed out to author. They been very sweet and assured me the ARC will be rewritten to correct those mistakes and maybe add few scenes that would help the story get better and more interesting.
First 10 chapters are very slow, I love cliffhangers and there weren't present most of the time. The action picks up like after that 10 chapter.
I also wished there would be more chemistry between MC and love interest, but that might get fixed once author rewrites the story.
I saw the second plot twist coming, so it was a bummer bc i really like to be shocked. (Although that second plot twist also ties story together too so i guess it had to be like that)
I also wished there would be more lore to Oblitus.
Overall
The plot is intriguing and after rewrite i think it has potential to be rated 4.5* 🙂
I enjoyed this book. I'd say it's perfect to relax to🙂
I received ARC of this book for a honest review.
A Speck of Darkness is a magical academy kind of story. In this book we follow Cassandra a lynx shifter, who ends up in Magical World after her parents disappearance. after it happens she ends up in academy that is supposed to train magical kids like her to fight Oblitus.
Let's discuss what i liked:
This book was filled with found family trope which i adore. I love seeing group of friends being united bc of how much they've learned to care about each other and develop their powers.
I also loved training scenes in the academy. I wished there would be more of those in my ARC.
There was also first plot twist i didn't see coming and i loved how it tied story together.
About MC: she's strong but not perfect, which is very good bc i hate perfect "no flaw" characters. She is caring and kind and i liked her and her friends 😊
Also chapters are short, it's very quick read.
This book is suitable for all ages. From tweens to adults 💓
My copy had many mistakes and confusing terms, which i pointed out to author. They been very sweet and assured me the ARC will be rewritten to correct those mistakes and maybe add few scenes that would help the story get better and more interesting.
First 10 chapters are very slow, I love cliffhangers and there weren't present most of the time. The action picks up like after that 10 chapter.
I also wished there would be more chemistry between MC and love interest, but that might get fixed once author rewrites the story.
I saw the second plot twist coming, so it was a bummer bc i really like to be shocked. (Although that second plot twist also ties story together too so i guess it had to be like that)
I also wished there would be more lore to Oblitus.
Overall
The plot is intriguing and after rewrite i think it has potential to be rated 4.5* 🙂
I enjoyed this book. I'd say it's perfect to relax to🙂
August 17, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and I loved it. This book gets a 4 1/2 stars from me. This book is one that has made my top 10 fantasy books read of all time. The characters are ones that you can relate to through the story. A great job at building the world within the story. I love the friendship and family building. No romance within the book which was refreshing. I can’t wait for the second book to come out.
August 14, 2022
I absolutely loved reading this story. The characters were well written. The surprise really caught me of guard as I honestly didn’t work it out. Which is a great thing. This story pulled me into their world and had me wanting to find out what was happening next.
I really hope there will be a second book as I would love to know what happens next.
I really hope there will be a second book as I would love to know what happens next.
January 22, 2023
A fun YA Fantasy that kids can actually read, and adults enjoy!
Love finding true YA adventure Fantasy such as this! It has magic, academia, mystery, intrigue and plot twists galore!
Genre: YA Fantasy
Summary: Cassandra is a 17 year old who is struggling to fit in. It might have something to do with the fact that she is a Shapeshifter. She comes from a family of Shapeshifters and struggles to find her place in the human world as well as the magic world. Soon the worlds will collide and Cassandra will begin to learn her true identity and family secrets. It’s time to prepare to fight, its time to prepare for battle as Cassandra learns she is hunted by creatures of the Shadow World.
Pace: Medium - Fast
This book was a fun YA read and is perfect for young readers who want to dip their toe into fantasy or even first time fantasy readers. It has relatable characters, fun magic systems, and an academia vibe. I read a lot of fantasy and found the beginning a bit slow, but man it picks up and doesn’t stop.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but book two is already out! I think this would be a fun YA read! Great, clean story!!!
Love finding true YA adventure Fantasy such as this! It has magic, academia, mystery, intrigue and plot twists galore!
Genre: YA Fantasy
Summary: Cassandra is a 17 year old who is struggling to fit in. It might have something to do with the fact that she is a Shapeshifter. She comes from a family of Shapeshifters and struggles to find her place in the human world as well as the magic world. Soon the worlds will collide and Cassandra will begin to learn her true identity and family secrets. It’s time to prepare to fight, its time to prepare for battle as Cassandra learns she is hunted by creatures of the Shadow World.
Pace: Medium - Fast
This book was a fun YA read and is perfect for young readers who want to dip their toe into fantasy or even first time fantasy readers. It has relatable characters, fun magic systems, and an academia vibe. I read a lot of fantasy and found the beginning a bit slow, but man it picks up and doesn’t stop.
It ends on a cliffhanger, but book two is already out! I think this would be a fun YA read! Great, clean story!!!
January 24, 2023
So intriguing
I really enjoyed this book. It is a unique and intriguing YA Paranormal novel. I would have given it 5 stars, but there were quite a few grammar issues.
This book is full of imagery. The scenes are so vivid you can picture everything that is happening.
The book is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. You get plenty of action, mystery, friendship, family, magic and more.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a unique and intriguing YA Paranormal novel. I would have given it 5 stars, but there were quite a few grammar issues.
This book is full of imagery. The scenes are so vivid you can picture everything that is happening.
The book is full of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. You get plenty of action, mystery, friendship, family, magic and more.
December 19, 2022
Short review:
A Speck of Darkness is a high school fantasy novel that brought me out of my multi-year rut of being unable to read since undergrad. It was thought provoking, fun, and full of lovely life lessons that all readers of all ages can learn from. I would recommend this duology to people within high school range and up. (Parents: This book is not centered around romance. Safe for your kids to read.)
Longer review:
A Speck of Darkness by C.K. Franziska is a high school fantasy novel that takes us through the life of Cassandra. Cassandra, a seemingly normal teenager, is plagued with a secret: she’s a shapeshifter. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Cassandra is thrown into the world of magic. She quickly learns to indulge in curiosity, build friendships, become more honest with herself and others, and consequently transforms into a more confident and competent person. On this journey, she learns more about herself and uncovers the truth about her past.
Some things I enjoyed about the book include:
C.K. provides an alternative theory for why humans see ghosts. I loved it and recommend that you read A Speck of Darkness to find out what it is.
Cassandra was completely new to the world of magic. Because of this, we readers were given a unique perspective to learn about the magic world as a student just entering the magic world.
The fact that Cassandra and Lex were able to grow concurrently but separately reminded me a little of being at high school at the same time as my younger brother. Nostalgia can be (bitter)sweet.
Cassandra always knew that when rest was needed, rest was needed. I love that sleeping nightly is something that was highlighted in this book. More of us need to know that even heroes need to rest and that it’s okay, and even helpful, to do so.
I found myself relating to Cassandra. She’s messy. She’s curious. She is determined. Most of all, she learned to make the best of the cards that she had been dealt. One minute, she was happy and comfortable at home and the next she’s scared, brave, and dealing with the unknown. As someone afflicted with chronic illness, I understand what it’s like to be taken from your comfort zone and thrown into a harsher and different world. Regardless, relating to a 17 year old in a fantasy novel at 29 was an interesting development.
Even with years of shows and stories under my belt, I thoroughly enjoyed that C.K. managed to create a novel with twists and turns even I could not anticipate. The unpredictable nature of this book, paired with my curiosity and C.K.'s writing, led to a whirlwind of a day: I managed to finish this book within one sitting.
The only downside was the cliffhanger at the end.
Luckily, the author remedied this issue with her second installment in the series: A Speck of Dawn. I look forward to consuming more of this story.
Buy it. Read it. Love it. Annnd… go!
A Speck of Darkness is a high school fantasy novel that brought me out of my multi-year rut of being unable to read since undergrad. It was thought provoking, fun, and full of lovely life lessons that all readers of all ages can learn from. I would recommend this duology to people within high school range and up. (Parents: This book is not centered around romance. Safe for your kids to read.)
Longer review:
A Speck of Darkness by C.K. Franziska is a high school fantasy novel that takes us through the life of Cassandra. Cassandra, a seemingly normal teenager, is plagued with a secret: she’s a shapeshifter. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Cassandra is thrown into the world of magic. She quickly learns to indulge in curiosity, build friendships, become more honest with herself and others, and consequently transforms into a more confident and competent person. On this journey, she learns more about herself and uncovers the truth about her past.
Some things I enjoyed about the book include:
C.K. provides an alternative theory for why humans see ghosts. I loved it and recommend that you read A Speck of Darkness to find out what it is.
Cassandra was completely new to the world of magic. Because of this, we readers were given a unique perspective to learn about the magic world as a student just entering the magic world.
The fact that Cassandra and Lex were able to grow concurrently but separately reminded me a little of being at high school at the same time as my younger brother. Nostalgia can be (bitter)sweet.
Cassandra always knew that when rest was needed, rest was needed. I love that sleeping nightly is something that was highlighted in this book. More of us need to know that even heroes need to rest and that it’s okay, and even helpful, to do so.
I found myself relating to Cassandra. She’s messy. She’s curious. She is determined. Most of all, she learned to make the best of the cards that she had been dealt. One minute, she was happy and comfortable at home and the next she’s scared, brave, and dealing with the unknown. As someone afflicted with chronic illness, I understand what it’s like to be taken from your comfort zone and thrown into a harsher and different world. Regardless, relating to a 17 year old in a fantasy novel at 29 was an interesting development.
Even with years of shows and stories under my belt, I thoroughly enjoyed that C.K. managed to create a novel with twists and turns even I could not anticipate. The unpredictable nature of this book, paired with my curiosity and C.K.'s writing, led to a whirlwind of a day: I managed to finish this book within one sitting.
The only downside was the cliffhanger at the end.
Luckily, the author remedied this issue with her second installment in the series: A Speck of Dawn. I look forward to consuming more of this story.
Buy it. Read it. Love it. Annnd… go!
January 28, 2023
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. Actual rating is a 3.75*. I loved the plot and how Cassandra gets thrown into a magical world and ends up finding out who she truly is and her purpose for being there. It was a little slow for me as I reading the first few chapters, but once I got to the academy chapters, I enjoyed it more. I do see this book being more for YA readers, but anyone who loves reading fantasy can still enjoy this book just as much.
November 8, 2022
There are so many mysteries...
This book is layers upon layers of mystery and what's next? The story keeps you interested and any time I took a break I found myself thinking about this book! Just when you get answers to one question, more pop up and become important to the story! Cassandra finds out a lot about her stuff but even at the end everything isn't quite what I seems to be. I look forward to the next book so that we can get answers to all of our questions!
This book is layers upon layers of mystery and what's next? The story keeps you interested and any time I took a break I found myself thinking about this book! Just when you get answers to one question, more pop up and become important to the story! Cassandra finds out a lot about her stuff but even at the end everything isn't quite what I seems to be. I look forward to the next book so that we can get answers to all of our questions!
November 10, 2022
I’m not usually thrilled about the idea of reading a fantasy book but I’m so glad I read this one. Because I’m not a fan of fantasy the beginning was a little slow for me but it got SO good!! Without giving anything away, I had a suspicion about one of the instructors and when I realized the truth about them I was blown away. Cannot wait for the second book!!! C.K. might have turned me into someone who will read more fantasy books.
November 5, 2022
magic…..
This book is about magic and how the fantasy world they live in use it for good and bad. I don’t want to go into to much detail to give away the book. But it’s a must read. And I can’t wait for book 2
This book is about magic and how the fantasy world they live in use it for good and bad. I don’t want to go into to much detail to give away the book. But it’s a must read. And I can’t wait for book 2
December 2, 2022
I did not finish this book. It starts very very slow. It’s written in a very simple style that is not my cup of tea. The story has potential, you can kind of see which direction the story wants to go. I personally could not get past the slow pace and the writing style.
January 26, 2023
A Speck of Darkness is a clean YA that I didn’t know I wouldn’t be able to put down. Every time I tried something would grab my attention and I would read a few more pages. But then you have to finish the chapter. Before I knew it it was 4 am and I finished the book. My man Draven didn’t get a lot of lines but I’m hoping this will be remedied in book 2, A Speck of Dawn. What can I say, I like villains, and I want his story.
In a nutshell, A Speck of Darkness centers around Cassandra, a 17 year old lynx shapeshifter who along with her brother get kidnapped and sent to a Training Center for Magic Beings. Their parents are presumably dead and they are told they need to learn how to defend themselves from Oblitus along with more kids. Cassandra starts to make friends and learns about the magical world she didn’t know existed. She wants to find out what happened to her parents. Who let out the Oblitus and so much more!
If you like strong, emotionally mature FMC, you may find Cassandra annoying. Due to her previous lone wolf personality, she’s a little awkward. She lacks life experience and may react inappropriately for a seventeen year old. However, she’s learning how to be social and grows as the story progresses so just keep reading.
I’d recommend A Speck of Darkness to anyone who wants to read a clean YA with shapeshifters, magic, academia, found family, suspense, and plot twists. You don’t want to be slapped around with PDA or suffocated with romance. Now there is some smiling and blushing. And at some point he does touch her arm. That’s as far as it goes. Definitely kid friendly.
Warning: Reading this book may make you lose sleep. Start early. May make you run around the woods hoping you’ll get kidnaped to be spirited away to a magical world. May make you pick up hunting. May make you act out because you’re hangry. Read responsibly.
*I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
In a nutshell, A Speck of Darkness centers around Cassandra, a 17 year old lynx shapeshifter who along with her brother get kidnapped and sent to a Training Center for Magic Beings. Their parents are presumably dead and they are told they need to learn how to defend themselves from Oblitus along with more kids. Cassandra starts to make friends and learns about the magical world she didn’t know existed. She wants to find out what happened to her parents. Who let out the Oblitus and so much more!
If you like strong, emotionally mature FMC, you may find Cassandra annoying. Due to her previous lone wolf personality, she’s a little awkward. She lacks life experience and may react inappropriately for a seventeen year old. However, she’s learning how to be social and grows as the story progresses so just keep reading.
I’d recommend A Speck of Darkness to anyone who wants to read a clean YA with shapeshifters, magic, academia, found family, suspense, and plot twists. You don’t want to be slapped around with PDA or suffocated with romance. Now there is some smiling and blushing. And at some point he does touch her arm. That’s as far as it goes. Definitely kid friendly.
Warning: Reading this book may make you lose sleep. Start early. May make you run around the woods hoping you’ll get kidnaped to be spirited away to a magical world. May make you pick up hunting. May make you act out because you’re hangry. Read responsibly.
*I was given an arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.*
January 17, 2023
**I received this as an Arc**
Official Rating: 3.7/5
A Speck of Darkness is a YA fantasy- Cassandra and her brother are ripped from what they thought was a purely human world and sent into a magical world. The author does a beautiful job of bringing you in and gripping you- while also leaving you wanting more toward the end. (Luckily, there’s a second book!) I read this in about 24 hours.
I recommend this book to tweens and high schoolers that want to dip their toe into fantasy. This may be *too* easy of a read for more seasoned or adult fantasy readers- though if you’re an adult and new to fantasy, this would be perfect for you.
I recommend this book for tweens and new adults looking for their first fantasy read because I personally found the writing at the same level as books I read in eighth grade. It’s not super in-depth with lore as a lot of fantasy books are, and for someone being new; this book would be perfect to not scare someone away from the complexity some fantasy books can have.
I gave this a 3.7 because the beginning was rough and a little choppy, and not a lot is fully explained. It took me until about the 30% mark to fully immerse myself in the book because of the start. I would have liked to see the thoughts of the main character more expanded on, and separated from the text itself.
As the book reaches its mid-point, things level out and reel you in. Trust the process of this book, and you won't be sorry.
Official Rating: 3.7/5
A Speck of Darkness is a YA fantasy- Cassandra and her brother are ripped from what they thought was a purely human world and sent into a magical world. The author does a beautiful job of bringing you in and gripping you- while also leaving you wanting more toward the end. (Luckily, there’s a second book!) I read this in about 24 hours.
I recommend this book to tweens and high schoolers that want to dip their toe into fantasy. This may be *too* easy of a read for more seasoned or adult fantasy readers- though if you’re an adult and new to fantasy, this would be perfect for you.
I recommend this book for tweens and new adults looking for their first fantasy read because I personally found the writing at the same level as books I read in eighth grade. It’s not super in-depth with lore as a lot of fantasy books are, and for someone being new; this book would be perfect to not scare someone away from the complexity some fantasy books can have.
I gave this a 3.7 because the beginning was rough and a little choppy, and not a lot is fully explained. It took me until about the 30% mark to fully immerse myself in the book because of the start. I would have liked to see the thoughts of the main character more expanded on, and separated from the text itself.
As the book reaches its mid-point, things level out and reel you in. Trust the process of this book, and you won't be sorry.
January 30, 2023
I'm a little torn. I was only able to read half of it due to the writing style and I had to stop. This one is actually really good for readers who don't have English as their first language. But for me, who has been reading in English for a long time, the writing style was too simple and undetailed. The plot was very fast paced and predictable up to the halfway point. However, in general I found the idea very interesting. Unfortunately this book wasn't for me
January 21, 2023
Awesome! Cas, Rowan, Amara, Ella, Niam, Viera and Lex! Loved that they became vast friends. They faced challenges and overcame them! Anticipating Book 2!
November 13, 2022
4.5/5 Stars
A wonderfully magical story of darkness and light. Each character was fabulously written with a story that I can't wait to follow along with!
A wonderfully magical story of darkness and light. Each character was fabulously written with a story that I can't wait to follow along with!
January 3, 2023
Mystery and power
Very nicely written YA novel. This author has a beautiful style and could write countless stories about these characters and I would read each one! Book 2 does not disappoint either. I would love to see a prequel and more of these stories.
Very nicely written YA novel. This author has a beautiful style and could write countless stories about these characters and I would read each one! Book 2 does not disappoint either. I would love to see a prequel and more of these stories.
December 6, 2022
A Speck of Darkness by C K Franziska: YA Academy Drama. Portal Fantasy. Friendships. Sibling bonds. Mystery. Shapeshifting. Single First Person POV. Coming of age. Secrets. Shadow Creatures. Magic. Good Vs Evil. Learning tropes.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
A Speck of Darkness by C. K. Franziska is an entertaining YA Academy Drama and Portal Fantasy about the secrets people keep, the bonds of friends and family and the battle between good and evil.
It follows a 17 year old lynx shifter called Cassandra who’s living with her family in secret in the Human World. One day on a hunting trip, they’re attacked by shadow creatures; a humanoid in a dark hood and a large canine clothed in flame. Before the creatures can reach them Cas and her brother Lex are teleported to the safety of Teviena, an academy for magical creatures. Their parents, however, are left behind and captured. Together along with other kids who’ve lost their families Cas must learn to control her shapeshifting powers and how to defeat these shadow creatures or everyone they love will be lost forever.
A Speck of Darkness is full of mystery and excitement and is all about discovering one’s powers, and learning who to trust. The story is solid and engaging, and the world building is low-key. It really picked up from me after chapter 10, and I loved the growth Cas, the protagonist, goes through as she meets people and learns how to make friends. The Academy and the different magic powers are interesting and I liked the action scenes.
There are some quirky sentences and the occasional proofreading error, but nothing too big.
I’d say the age demographic is 12 - 16 year olds, and I’d recommend it to people who enjoy academy dramas, friendship groups, mature middle grade fantasy, and lower YA fantasy.
How much I liked it: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Ideas World Building: 3 Stars
Character Depth: 4 Stars
Character Interaction: Medium cast
Animal Characterisation: Standard
Warning/s: None
Execution (editing): N/A
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
A Speck of Darkness by C. K. Franziska is an entertaining YA Academy Drama and Portal Fantasy about the secrets people keep, the bonds of friends and family and the battle between good and evil.
It follows a 17 year old lynx shifter called Cassandra who’s living with her family in secret in the Human World. One day on a hunting trip, they’re attacked by shadow creatures; a humanoid in a dark hood and a large canine clothed in flame. Before the creatures can reach them Cas and her brother Lex are teleported to the safety of Teviena, an academy for magical creatures. Their parents, however, are left behind and captured. Together along with other kids who’ve lost their families Cas must learn to control her shapeshifting powers and how to defeat these shadow creatures or everyone they love will be lost forever.
A Speck of Darkness is full of mystery and excitement and is all about discovering one’s powers, and learning who to trust. The story is solid and engaging, and the world building is low-key. It really picked up from me after chapter 10, and I loved the growth Cas, the protagonist, goes through as she meets people and learns how to make friends. The Academy and the different magic powers are interesting and I liked the action scenes.
There are some quirky sentences and the occasional proofreading error, but nothing too big.
I’d say the age demographic is 12 - 16 year olds, and I’d recommend it to people who enjoy academy dramas, friendship groups, mature middle grade fantasy, and lower YA fantasy.
How much I liked it: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Ideas World Building: 3 Stars
Character Depth: 4 Stars
Character Interaction: Medium cast
Animal Characterisation: Standard
Warning/s: None
Execution (editing): N/A
December 18, 2022
A speck is all it takes...
I received an ARC copy of this and was pleasantly surprised. Cassandra is a shifter that was raised in the mortal world. When she is suddenly thrown into the magical world when her parents disappear. She has to navigate a new life of secrets and long lost family. Can she learn to use her magic to save her friends and family? can a flicker, a speck help save them all? Highly recommend for a good quick read and anyone not looking for smut.
I received an ARC copy of this and was pleasantly surprised. Cassandra is a shifter that was raised in the mortal world. When she is suddenly thrown into the magical world when her parents disappear. She has to navigate a new life of secrets and long lost family. Can she learn to use her magic to save her friends and family? can a flicker, a speck help save them all? Highly recommend for a good quick read and anyone not looking for smut.
December 13, 2022
A Speck of Darkness is a beautifully written fantasy with magic, mystery, excitement, plot twists & surprises. A story of darkness, light, trust and discovery. A sort of “ learning about one’s self” story for the MC, though it takes a major trauma in her life for these discoveries to come about. C.K. writes flawlessly; world descriptions, characterizations…just everything…amazing!
A fantasy without romance, suitable from tween to adult.
A fantasy without romance, suitable from tween to adult.
December 13, 2022
Oh my goodness this book was so good! It captured me from the first page which hasn’t happened in so long! Such a good story that I couldn’t figure out! So excited for book 2.
September 6, 2022
I did not finish this book. While the story has potential it reads poorly, with too many simple descriptive words, and quite a few "wrong words".
January 30, 2023
I received an ARC for my honest review.
This book had an interesting storyline. I liked the fantasy elements and magic system. It is a, mostly, easy read, and I finished it quite quickly.
For me, the writing style did not fit my tastes. It was redundant at parts and pretty easy to predict the main plot points. I understand this is a YA story and is meant to appeal to young readers. When I was a teenager, I still would have felt the same about it though. I typically enjoy YA stories and writing. In this case, the style of writing took me out of the story several times but I was able to jump back in and continue. My main issue is with the dialog between characters. It did not feel genuine and was stiff and felt forced most of the time. Most of the dialog was very proper and just didn't feel like how teenagers would actually speak to one another.
If there would have been a little more character development this could have been a 3 star. By the end of it, I didn't feel especially connected to any of the characters despite my interest in them. It has been a few days since I read the story and I couldn't tell you any of their names without looking it up.
I really wanted to like this story. It had some potential but for me, it was not a great fit. I do think some will love it and can overlook the minor grammar errors and the dialog. It would be a good fit for younger teens who have an interest in fantasy and magic.
This book had an interesting storyline. I liked the fantasy elements and magic system. It is a, mostly, easy read, and I finished it quite quickly.
For me, the writing style did not fit my tastes. It was redundant at parts and pretty easy to predict the main plot points. I understand this is a YA story and is meant to appeal to young readers. When I was a teenager, I still would have felt the same about it though. I typically enjoy YA stories and writing. In this case, the style of writing took me out of the story several times but I was able to jump back in and continue. My main issue is with the dialog between characters. It did not feel genuine and was stiff and felt forced most of the time. Most of the dialog was very proper and just didn't feel like how teenagers would actually speak to one another.
If there would have been a little more character development this could have been a 3 star. By the end of it, I didn't feel especially connected to any of the characters despite my interest in them. It has been a few days since I read the story and I couldn't tell you any of their names without looking it up.
I really wanted to like this story. It had some potential but for me, it was not a great fit. I do think some will love it and can overlook the minor grammar errors and the dialog. It would be a good fit for younger teens who have an interest in fantasy and magic.
January 22, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the plotline of this book. It was certainly nostalgic for me, reminding me of the fantasy books I read as a teen.
Cassandra is your typical 17 year old, aside from one thing - she’s a Shapeshifter. She’s been on the hunt for answers to her family's secrets her whole life, but is she ready for the consequences of those answers? We follow her on her journey of self discovery, finding friendships, and gathering courage to learn about who she is.
This story starts a bit slow for those of us used to high fantasy, but is perfect for people not quite sure how they feel about fantasy yet. The academy/schooling setting isn’t my favorite anymore (I prefer to learn details as I read, instead of through dialogue teachings.) but as a minor myself, I loved the concept. It is very well done, the plot certainly gave enough twists and turns to excite me and keep me wondering.
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If you’re on the fence about giving this a go, I recommend it! It’s perfect for in between high stress reads, and reminds you of what it was like to have that innocent curiosity of the world, and a thirst for knowledge.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the plotline of this book. It was certainly nostalgic for me, reminding me of the fantasy books I read as a teen.
Cassandra is your typical 17 year old, aside from one thing - she’s a Shapeshifter. She’s been on the hunt for answers to her family's secrets her whole life, but is she ready for the consequences of those answers? We follow her on her journey of self discovery, finding friendships, and gathering courage to learn about who she is.
This story starts a bit slow for those of us used to high fantasy, but is perfect for people not quite sure how they feel about fantasy yet. The academy/schooling setting isn’t my favorite anymore (I prefer to learn details as I read, instead of through dialogue teachings.) but as a minor myself, I loved the concept. It is very well done, the plot certainly gave enough twists and turns to excite me and keep me wondering.
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If you’re on the fence about giving this a go, I recommend it! It’s perfect for in between high stress reads, and reminds you of what it was like to have that innocent curiosity of the world, and a thirst for knowledge.
January 29, 2023
I received this as an ARC … here is my honest review.
This book was hard to get into, if I’m being honest. It’s very slow at the beginning & the wording of things made it confusing and I constantly has to re-read some lines. With that being said, the storyline does pick up more once you get about 30% into the book. You learn more about the world and the characters. This is a perfect YA fantasy novel. However, if you’re just getting into fantasy novels, i would start with something else since this book starts a little slower. All in all, the mystery of this book was great & it leave off on a cliffhanger for the next book.
This book was hard to get into, if I’m being honest. It’s very slow at the beginning & the wording of things made it confusing and I constantly has to re-read some lines. With that being said, the storyline does pick up more once you get about 30% into the book. You learn more about the world and the characters. This is a perfect YA fantasy novel. However, if you’re just getting into fantasy novels, i would start with something else since this book starts a little slower. All in all, the mystery of this book was great & it leave off on a cliffhanger for the next book.
January 28, 2023
great for for newcomers to fantasy
Perfect for a younger audience & those just starting to wade into the fantasy pond. There was a little bit of just awkward writing at the beginning that kind of took my out of the story for a bit but I took a break & came back more open minded & as the story continued things began to flow more. There’s great world building & interesting characters. There’s magic, action, adventure & a little romance. There’s no smut. And it ends in a cliffhanger so you’ll definitely want to jump right into the next book.
Perfect for a younger audience & those just starting to wade into the fantasy pond. There was a little bit of just awkward writing at the beginning that kind of took my out of the story for a bit but I took a break & came back more open minded & as the story continued things began to flow more. There’s great world building & interesting characters. There’s magic, action, adventure & a little romance. There’s no smut. And it ends in a cliffhanger so you’ll definitely want to jump right into the next book.
January 28, 2023
This book gave me HP world feelings but so different at the same time. So good! I didn't want to put it down. Following Cas and her friends with losing their parents, finding themselves in a parallel world, and training their individual gifts. And then finding out secrets about Cassandra's family history! This read definitely has me wanting to read book 2!
February 4, 2023
Cassandra is a lynx shifter who's in the magical academy after her parents disappeared. Now she must train to fight the oblitus. This book is filled with magic, coming to age/ adult, and a hell of a lot plot twist. This was an interesting YA paranormal adventure book and had the troupe of found family that I so enjoy.
February 1, 2023
The first 10 chapters are slow but then the story picks up. I enjoyed the creatures and plot twists ❤️
January 27, 2023
This is a great read for anyone who loves Harry Potter or Hunger Games! Such a great concept for a storyline and kept me on the edge of my seat.
The world was well crafted and I got sucked right in! I'm excited to read the second book.
The world was well crafted and I got sucked right in! I'm excited to read the second book.
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