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Aeterna Chronicles #5
Scorched Threads
To find her friend, she has to survive the brutal desert, run from bounty hunters, and fight deadly creatures. But her worst fear will bring her to her knees.
Essie lives comfortably as a companion to Simin, a wealthy merchant’s daughter selected as the prince’s new bride. But when her friend disappears on her wedding day, Essie’s world is turned upside down.
Fearing the worst, she sets off across the desert, but finding Simin isn’t exactly a walk in the park. In a land of scorching heat, bandits, and deadly creatures, nothing is as it seems.
Who is friend? Who is foe?
But Essie believes she might just have a chance. That is, if she can outrun the assassin and bounty hunters at her back. To make matters worse, a voice in her head makes her question her origins. The secrets she unearths shatter everything she knows.
When things go sideways and enemies close in, she forges ahead and faces her most difficult challenge yet.
Will she risk losing her heart?
Dive into the sprawling YA science fantasy tale in the fifth entry to the Aeterna Chronicles. If you’re a fan of Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands, you’re sure to enjoy this epic, fantastical adventure.
Essie lives comfortably as a companion to Simin, a wealthy merchant’s daughter selected as the prince’s new bride. But when her friend disappears on her wedding day, Essie’s world is turned upside down.
Fearing the worst, she sets off across the desert, but finding Simin isn’t exactly a walk in the park. In a land of scorching heat, bandits, and deadly creatures, nothing is as it seems.
Who is friend? Who is foe?
But Essie believes she might just have a chance. That is, if she can outrun the assassin and bounty hunters at her back. To make matters worse, a voice in her head makes her question her origins. The secrets she unearths shatter everything she knows.
When things go sideways and enemies close in, she forges ahead and faces her most difficult challenge yet.
Will she risk losing her heart?
Dive into the sprawling YA science fantasy tale in the fifth entry to the Aeterna Chronicles. If you’re a fan of Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands, you’re sure to enjoy this epic, fantastical adventure.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2022
4 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Kris Ruhler
28 books58 followersKris grew up reading classic novels to her mother. From these moments, she became fascinated with books and words. It was always the gritty worlds and the characters’ growth that drew her in, and she often found herself engrossed in young adult science fiction, dystopian, and fantasy.
A lifelong daydreamer, she finally decided to put down her dreams onto paper. She tried to write straight science fiction and then straight fantasy, but both never clicked. So now she creates worlds just a tad bit different from ours - a blend of the futuristic with a touch of the fantastic.
Strands of Time, her debut novel and the first book in the Aeterna Chronicles, was born.
Kris holds a degree in psychology and lives in rural Ontario, Canada, with her husband and children.
Connect with her at krisruhler.com
A lifelong daydreamer, she finally decided to put down her dreams onto paper. She tried to write straight science fiction and then straight fantasy, but both never clicked. So now she creates worlds just a tad bit different from ours - a blend of the futuristic with a touch of the fantastic.
Strands of Time, her debut novel and the first book in the Aeterna Chronicles, was born.
Kris holds a degree in psychology and lives in rural Ontario, Canada, with her husband and children.
Connect with her at krisruhler.com
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 8, 2022
‘The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.’
While each book in this series shares a world and some common characters, each also seems (to me) to have a different theme, if you will. This one touches upon forced/arranged marriage (non-consensual?) as well as hints of domestic violence.
These are balanced out by the newly-wed prince’s plans to reform the kingdom in a variety of areas.
Fave quote:
‘Society had rules to prevent chaos.’
I think I like this one the best out of the entire series.
Which future does Essie choose? Perhaps the upcoming ‘Raging Tides’ will tell…
While each book in this series shares a world and some common characters, each also seems (to me) to have a different theme, if you will. This one touches upon forced/arranged marriage (non-consensual?) as well as hints of domestic violence.
These are balanced out by the newly-wed prince’s plans to reform the kingdom in a variety of areas.
Fave quote:
‘Society had rules to prevent chaos.’
I think I like this one the best out of the entire series.
Which future does Essie choose? Perhaps the upcoming ‘Raging Tides’ will tell…
November 5, 2022
Scorched Threads is Book 5 in the Aeterna Chronicles by Kris Ruhler. I enjoyed this story as it is centered around Essie. I enjoyed the insight into her family and tribe as well as the why she was a street child. I found the story to be exciting and a little bit different from the other books in the series. I can't wait to read Book 6, Raging Tides. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
November 3, 2022
This is another great read in the Aeterna Chronicles. Essie lives a good life as a companion and a friend to Simin, a wealthy merchant’s daughter who has been chosen to be the prince’s new bride. But when Simian suddenly disappears on her wedding day, has she been kidnapped or run away? Essie is determined to find her and bring her back to her prince, What follows is a thrilling story and one I would recommend as very worth reading.
January 31, 2023
This extraordinary story has it all; unbelievable adventure, intriguing mystery, mistrust and brutal conflict, and varied unique and quirky characters. Also, it did not hurt to have and unexpected and burgeoning romance between the runaway bride's companion, Essie, and Prince Raz. Wow! Essie and Mon's trek across the desert was absolutely unforgettable. I couldn't put this exciting and engrossing book down. Really a Great Read!!!!!
October 29, 2022
Another great entry in the Aeterna Chronicles series, it does what I was hoping for from the previous books. The characters were what I was expecting and I really was glad that I continued this series. I hope this series will continue as I enjoyed this and the rest of the series a lot.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2023
This was another excellent story by the author…so enjoyed following Essie’s adventures and getting to know the girl that Khara and Belor had left behind in a previous story in this series.
Always something new and fresh in each book of this series as we visit with each character and learn more about them.
The emotions are so real, the violence described with much reality and the angst is palpable….roll on Book 6 and yet, I don’t want this series to end!!!
I could have cried for Essie about a certain situation and hope there is a happily ever after in her future!
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Always something new and fresh in each book of this series as we visit with each character and learn more about them.
The emotions are so real, the violence described with much reality and the angst is palpable….roll on Book 6 and yet, I don’t want this series to end!!!
I could have cried for Essie about a certain situation and hope there is a happily ever after in her future!
Highly recommended - please read!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2023
Book 5 continues the Aeterna Chronicles with Essie's story. You'll remember we met Essie fleetingly in the short prequel Severed Ties which primarily dealt with Belor & Khara's backstory.
When Essie is forced to stand-in for her friend Simin when she runs away rather than marry the prince it sets in motion a series of events that sees Essie fleeing the city to both track down the princess and also to escape a murder charge.
This is an excellent continuation of the series and finally reveals the third half-Aeterna said to be the destruction of the world in the prophesy.
I can't wait for Raging Tides (Book 6) which will bring this exciting series to a climax
When Essie is forced to stand-in for her friend Simin when she runs away rather than marry the prince it sets in motion a series of events that sees Essie fleeing the city to both track down the princess and also to escape a murder charge.
This is an excellent continuation of the series and finally reveals the third half-Aeterna said to be the destruction of the world in the prophesy.
I can't wait for Raging Tides (Book 6) which will bring this exciting series to a climax
December 31, 2022
Great continuation!
Kris has continued to allow us to see into a universe where an exciting story in unfolding. This series is good. You will not go wrong reading her books!
Kris has continued to allow us to see into a universe where an exciting story in unfolding. This series is good. You will not go wrong reading her books!
November 30, 2022
Such a fantastic series. This book introduces a new character Essie, who is the companion of a wealthy merchant's daughter. When her companion runs away from a forced marriage, she goes to find her. This series is set in the same universe with some common characters, but each character is endearing and fascinating. 5/5 stars
February 18, 2023
Scorched Threads by Kris Ruhler
This was an interesting read. I’d put it down from time to time, but always looked forward to picking it up again. That’s not usual for me. If I’m not engaged with a book within the first few pages, it is a pure chore to return to its reading and therefore I don’t. This happens regularly. Scorched Threads is realistic story with aspects of sci-fi thrown it which gives it an unusual and entertaining twist. In addition, the conflicts presented in the book which keep the reader’s attention, build within each chapter engaging this reader in wanting to learn what happens next.
The reason I give Scorched Threads four stars instead of five is two-fold. First, I felt word choices could have been better. The use of a thesaurus to find the exact right word to convey an experience would have been helpful. For example, one of a number of examples was the use of the word “splattered” to describe an action that actually penetrated the skin and led to bleeding. For me, splattered is more a surface phenomenon, like being splattered with water or paint. Pelted, bombarded, struck, battered, whacked, pulverized or pummeled might have better expressed the painful and alarming experience. And I’m not sure the exact right word is in that list.
The second issue is that some events simply weren’t convincing. For example, the protagonist, Essie, did not recognize Raz, her love object, because he wore a cover over his face, hiding all but his eyes. I didn’t really buy this. I can’t imagine not recognizing a love object's eyes, particularly when so much emphasis is placed on eyes in this book, nor could I imagine the voice of a love interest going unrecognized for days. Sorry, just didn’t work for me. That said, I found Scorched Threads an engaging read and would recommend it to all young adults.
This was an interesting read. I’d put it down from time to time, but always looked forward to picking it up again. That’s not usual for me. If I’m not engaged with a book within the first few pages, it is a pure chore to return to its reading and therefore I don’t. This happens regularly. Scorched Threads is realistic story with aspects of sci-fi thrown it which gives it an unusual and entertaining twist. In addition, the conflicts presented in the book which keep the reader’s attention, build within each chapter engaging this reader in wanting to learn what happens next.
The reason I give Scorched Threads four stars instead of five is two-fold. First, I felt word choices could have been better. The use of a thesaurus to find the exact right word to convey an experience would have been helpful. For example, one of a number of examples was the use of the word “splattered” to describe an action that actually penetrated the skin and led to bleeding. For me, splattered is more a surface phenomenon, like being splattered with water or paint. Pelted, bombarded, struck, battered, whacked, pulverized or pummeled might have better expressed the painful and alarming experience. And I’m not sure the exact right word is in that list.
The second issue is that some events simply weren’t convincing. For example, the protagonist, Essie, did not recognize Raz, her love object, because he wore a cover over his face, hiding all but his eyes. I didn’t really buy this. I can’t imagine not recognizing a love object's eyes, particularly when so much emphasis is placed on eyes in this book, nor could I imagine the voice of a love interest going unrecognized for days. Sorry, just didn’t work for me. That said, I found Scorched Threads an engaging read and would recommend it to all young adults.
February 23, 2023
Kris Ruhler’s Scorched Threads is the fifth instalment in the Aeterna Chronicles series, but it could definitely be read as a standalone book without needing to read the earlier ones.
My reading choices don’t normally include the Young Adult or Fantasy, but I am making a deliberate effort to widen my reading repertoire this year, and Scorched Threads looked to have lots of appeal. I’m glad this was my entry point to these genres. It’s an interesting premise based on some traditional tropes with an interesting twist. The servant takes the place of the princess, the prince is attracted to the “wrong” girl, and events unfold in an adventurous and entertaining sequence that lead to a cliff-hanger ending. Good stuff.
The lead character Essie is enterprising, intelligent and dauntless, and you find yourself rooting for her, although there were a few occasions where I felt the writer was lapsing into telling us about her rather than showing us, which is my personal preference. Overall an enjoyable, fast paced read and I would willingly go back to read the whole series. Four solid stars.
My reading choices don’t normally include the Young Adult or Fantasy, but I am making a deliberate effort to widen my reading repertoire this year, and Scorched Threads looked to have lots of appeal. I’m glad this was my entry point to these genres. It’s an interesting premise based on some traditional tropes with an interesting twist. The servant takes the place of the princess, the prince is attracted to the “wrong” girl, and events unfold in an adventurous and entertaining sequence that lead to a cliff-hanger ending. Good stuff.
The lead character Essie is enterprising, intelligent and dauntless, and you find yourself rooting for her, although there were a few occasions where I felt the writer was lapsing into telling us about her rather than showing us, which is my personal preference. Overall an enjoyable, fast paced read and I would willingly go back to read the whole series. Four solid stars.
February 16, 2023
This is the fifth book in a series, and while I had no prior knowledge of the world, I was still captivated by the writing and the vivid descriptions. The main character, Essie, stands out with her striking amber eyes, marking her as an outsider. However, this also gives her freedom from the traditional marriage rules that her friend, Princess Simin, must abide by. When Simin runs away from an arranged marriage, Essie reluctantly helps her cover her tracks. As the story progresses, Essie must not only find her friend but also escape from the clutches of the king and figure out her own future. The book has some predictable moments, but the author expertly weaves the traditions of various cultures into the story, making it an enjoyable and immersive read. There is a surprising twist towards the end, but I won't reveal it here... Ultimately, the book is a tale of adventure, friendship, and discovering and embracing one's true self.
February 27, 2023
Scorched Threads is a fast-paced fantasy wherein a young woman has to flee evil pursuers while trying to find a missing friend. Yes, there is a love interest. Also, our heroine learns a life-changing secret.
I think the author did a great job of creating an alternative reality with its own cultural norms, rules and conflicts. The settings are detailed vividly. The heroine is brave, smart, and resilient. There isn't (to my mind) much character development and the word choices are basic, but this is a YA fantasy and it succeeds where it matters: It's entertaining. I'm sure that YA readers who love a good adventure/romance will be happy with this book.
I think the author did a great job of creating an alternative reality with its own cultural norms, rules and conflicts. The settings are detailed vividly. The heroine is brave, smart, and resilient. There isn't (to my mind) much character development and the word choices are basic, but this is a YA fantasy and it succeeds where it matters: It's entertaining. I'm sure that YA readers who love a good adventure/romance will be happy with this book.
November 26, 2023
This series gets better and better with the fifth book being excellent! I love the story and the character development is wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2024
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel. I really enjoyed reading this novel very much. ShelleyMa
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews