Stolen from the world she thought was her home, Nessa finds herself trapped in a beautiful and perilous realm where magic is real and danger lurks around every corner, where the spires of castles pierce the sky and dark creatures roam the land.
As Nessa races to find a way back home, sinister forces gather around her, stalking her, threatening to destroy everything Nessa thought she had ever known, pushing her closer to uncovering powerful secrets that could change the fate of the entire world...
Secrets that may be the answer as to why she was stolen in the first place...
Shocking revelations will be uncovered... Impossible choices must be made... Loyalties shall be tested...
Kimberley J. Ward, aka The Creator of Curiosities, is a dyslexic introvert who grew up in rural Dorset. She loves a good ale and a decent night’s sleep. When she isn’t looking after her ever-growing menagerie of animals and avoiding social interaction as much as politely possible, she is either writing or making something arty or jewellery related, or having a nap.
Loved the magic, realm and darkness that this book pulls you into. Can’t wait to see how the author builds the characters especially Nessa in the second book even though it won’t come out until 2019. Oh well 🤷🏽♀️ add to your TBR especially if you are the dragon lover type
What is a book that you can compare to House of Fear and Freedom?
Having read an advanced reader copy of the book, I can say for sure that it is jam-packed with with sharp humour, overwhelming intensity and a fantasy world unlike any other; this book has negatively impacted my view on other authors' works as every read seems pale compared to this.
The two exceptionally-written main characters (named Nessa and Hunter) embark on a quest to find the last remaining mirror portal to Nessa's home dimension, known to us as Earth. However, the pair come across obstacles like malevolent dragon riders, magic, and hints of a slow-burning romance.
Taking the best sarcastic humour from the likes of The Mortal Instruments and the best of dragons from Eragon, readers are bound to adore Kimberly J. Ward's House Of Fear And Freedom.
I am really glad I picked up this book, starts off with Nessa finding a mirror and being dragged into it to another world. She finds herself in a prison that her and a fellow inmate escapes ready to find a way to get Nessa back.to her world. At the beginning the characters are not well described, and I was left wondering what do these main characters look like, what are there reasons for being there in prison. This for me is the disappointing bit, the lack of description and depth to the characters and the setting.
As you get through the book this does get better, at least the setting descriptions. I still do think the characters were not developed enough to really be able to connect to them. Having said this the story line is good, the book starts to pick up pace with dragons, dragon riders, the twelve kingdoms and houses, and you do get and excellent back story coverage as to how that world has got to the way it is.
You also get a great knowledge and story development to Nessa as to how important she is, according to the other characters who have lived in that world. This is the part for me that saved this series. I can't wait to see where the next book goes I just only hope the characters are developed more so I can engage with them.
I couldn't grasp the main character at all. I got about a third of the way into the book and I had no idea about her, from the physical to the mental. Nothing. I couldn't tell you what she looked like or how she thought. I'm not sure if that was intentional but it threw me.
I read the first 50 pages then got ill and didnt touch it again for another week but managed to finish it in less than a day! I was so unsure of it at first as it felt like every page had 'Nessa' written at least 5 or more times but the writing got so much better and the story was just *chefs kiss*. Cant wait to read the next one!!
House of Fear and Freedom was really quite good. The only reason why I haven’t given it 5 stars is because I felt the dialogues between characters could have been better and less repetitive. Otherwise, I enjoyed reading about Nessa’s journey, and wonder what will happen next.
Pacing was really slow to me and I felt like there was a ton of hinting at things repeatedly and never expanding on it. Like constantly talking about her relationship with her mom but never expanding on it. Just kinda frustrating
Absolutely incredible. Can’t wait to see how Nessa develops over the next book. Can honestly say this is one of the best reads I’ve ever had. :) (sorry for the year-late review!)
3.5 stars. Goodreads recommended this book to me when I was looking for a new fantasy series. It’s an interesting telling of a girl thrust into world she doesn’t feel she belongs in. I thoroughly enjoyed following Nessa’s journey and I eagerly bought the second book to continue her story. What’s more is that this series appears to be self-published, and the book I received was printed on demand, which is very cool.
Ever found an abandoned village with a crow that chases you into a dark hole? Even better, have you then been pulled through a mirror to another dimension? No? Well, Nessa has, and now her boring life might end if she doesn’t escape her captor’s prison.
I enjoyed the characters. I really couldn’t find anything to complain about them. Nessa was complex enough that she felt real, plus she had a strong personality that she could hold her own. As for the villains, they were good, with depth. Overall, the characters were well-written and had depth.
The plot was intriguing. Many questions but not many answers. It did well at helping the story progress while also setting up anticipation for the second book.
I would recommend this book. I think it sets up a strong start to what could be a fantastic series. Hopefully, the story continues to go as strong as House of Fear and Freedom has set itself up to be.
I am so in love with this book. I have finally found a book with a strong female lead and where romance isn't the entire focus of the storyline, after reading so many books where this is the case. I really recommend this book for fans of fae, magic, dragons and other realms.