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Mapmaking Magicians #1
Silver Beasts
A dying world.An academy to train seafaring heroes.Four eighteen-year-olds trying to survive it all.Silver beasts, lack of provisions, royal intrigue, and cloaked threats plague this realm. Four young people are chosen to attend the Hall of Explorers academy to train their minds, bodies, and magic, to sail and find their people a new world.Representing the Lakelands, Eleksander, the sensitive boy with a shrouded past. From the North, Sabina, the rational warrior with her snowtiger. On behalf of the Woodlands, Hale, the fearless orphan with something to prove. From the Peaks, Avelynne, the insecure countess with a shameful secret.Before they brave the unknown seas, they must complete their training. Not to mention getting to know each other and become a tight-knit team. Disturbing and bloody incidents soon make that even harder than it should be. Not knowing who to trust makes it worse.They will have to face their individual issues and overcome them together if they're to avoid becoming puppets in a game where they don't understand the rules. Or worse, die before even finishing their training.
418 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2020
16 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Emma Sterner-Radley
28 books170 followersEmma Sterner-Radley spent far too much time hopping from subject to subject at university, back in her native country of Sweden. One day, she finally emerged with a degree in Library and Information Science. She thought libraries was her thing, because she wanted to work with books, and being an author was just an impossible dream, right? Wrong. She's now a writer and a publisher. (But still a librarian at heart, too.)
She lives with her wife and two cats in England. There is no point in saying which city, as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.
Her tastes in most things usually lean towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.
Emma is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs, and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.
She lives with her wife and two cats in England. There is no point in saying which city, as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.
Her tastes in most things usually lean towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.
Emma is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs, and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 25, 2020
2.5 ithoughtiwasgonnalovethis stars
What I expected...
What I got...
And that my friend is the beginning of my "I am Disappointed Tale"
Up until the 60% mark..this book was 4 stars read
There was a great POC & LGBTQ+ rep
The magic system was unique
The world setting had a dystopian & fantasy vibe
But in the end, I was left disappointed
Soo basically the story revolves around a group ofKIDS teenagers who get selected in the "PIRATE SCHOOL"
Fiiiineeee..let me explain it to you properly *sighs*
In this world, nature is being destroyed by humans *pretends to be shocked*
Anyway..apparently the animals have had enough of the humans' bad behavior sooo they got mutilated into these "SILVER BEASTS"
They are really dangerous & difficult to kill
The people of this world have "silver magic"..with which they can defeat the beasts
Apparently, the beasts are always hungry & horny at the same time😂
So they destroy all the crops & reproduce at the fast rate
thereby making the life of humans miserable (I don't blame the beasts ..the people in this world are quite annoying)
Soo now the humans have to find a different land where they can start a new life AWAY from the beats
That's the reason why this school is established so as to develop a group of sea explorers..who will help them find a new land
See what I mean??!!
This book had potential..but it lacked in the execution
I think it tried too hard
Mrin to the book:
I had signed up for a good adventure with teenagers being angsty & emo & making stupid decisions
BUT the characters acted like 11 years old!!
AND NO SEA ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!!
the only water action we got was them going for a swim
Not only was there barely any action..the world-building was poor
I understand that this is the first book in the series BUT at least we could have got some basic world-building?!! Or maybe some explanation of the magic system??!!
Even the plot twists were lackluster
the mystery got solved easily and therefore it could not deliver the shock factor
Even the character arc was not done well
it felt that suddenly the characters had a change of personality
(NOT EVERYONE CAN BE SUPERMAN!!!)
In the end, I did enjoy the Buddy read with MY THERAPIST
Enjoyed shipping the characters with you Mari😂 Even though those ships sailed away xD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upadte 2
These kids represent me rn...
1) My go-to genre aka fantasy is betraying me these days
2)GR deleted HALF of my first update!!
3)This book sucked!!!
Mrin cursing GR bcoz it deleted HALF of the update
I am petty GR..won't forget this betrayal!!!
Mrin to the author because till 60% the book was "God tier" ..then it went..."I regret you tier"
the only difference is that these kids look cute when they are angry..ME???!! Not so much😂
RTC
Cause I am emotionally exhausted...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BR with PIGLET NO.3
Guess me & Mari have a thing for midnight...
What I expected...
What I got...
And that my friend is the beginning of my "I am Disappointed Tale"
Up until the 60% mark..this book was 4 stars read
There was a great POC & LGBTQ+ rep
The magic system was unique
The world setting had a dystopian & fantasy vibe
But in the end, I was left disappointed
Soo basically the story revolves around a group of
Fiiiineeee..let me explain it to you properly *sighs*
In this world, nature is being destroyed by humans *pretends to be shocked*
Anyway..apparently the animals have had enough of the humans' bad behavior sooo they got mutilated into these "SILVER BEASTS"
They are really dangerous & difficult to kill
The people of this world have "silver magic"..with which they can defeat the beasts
Apparently, the beasts are always hungry & horny at the same time😂
So they destroy all the crops & reproduce at the fast rate
thereby making the life of humans miserable (I don't blame the beasts ..the people in this world are quite annoying)
Soo now the humans have to find a different land where they can start a new life AWAY from the beats
That's the reason why this school is established so as to develop a group of sea explorers..who will help them find a new land
See what I mean??!!
This book had potential..but it lacked in the execution
I think it tried too hard
Mrin to the book:
I had signed up for a good adventure with teenagers being angsty & emo & making stupid decisions
BUT the characters acted like 11 years old!!
AND NO SEA ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!!
the only water action we got was them going for a swim
Not only was there barely any action..the world-building was poor
I understand that this is the first book in the series BUT at least we could have got some basic world-building?!! Or maybe some explanation of the magic system??!!
Even the plot twists were lackluster
the mystery got solved easily and therefore it could not deliver the shock factor
Even the character arc was not done well
it felt that suddenly the characters had a change of personality
(NOT EVERYONE CAN BE SUPERMAN!!!)In the end, I did enjoy the Buddy read with MY THERAPIST
Enjoyed shipping the characters with you Mari😂 Even though those ships sailed away xD
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upadte 2
These kids represent me rn...
1) My go-to genre aka fantasy is betraying me these days
2)GR deleted HALF of my first update!!
3)This book sucked!!!
Mrin cursing GR bcoz it deleted HALF of the update
I am petty GR..won't forget this betrayal!!!
Mrin to the author because till 60% the book was "God tier" ..then it went..."I regret you tier"
the only difference is that these kids look cute when they are angry..ME???!! Not so much😂
RTC
Cause I am emotionally exhausted...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BR with PIGLET NO.3
Guess me & Mari have a thing for midnight...
March 24, 2020
DIVERSITY in FANTASY! Lots of it!
The land of Cavarra, the Twelve, the silver beasts, 4 nations 1 Center...
LGBT-sensitive countess and knights and other students... And there's a whole huge pile of diversity talk. Nicely done!
Lots of self-congratulatory RAH-RAH at the end... It's like a giant shrink session going on.
Lol! Their companions really love giving them personal advice. For example, on masturbation:
Q:
“The word amongst the servants is that they put you in rooms together to keep you from touching yourselves. I reckon that’ll lead to nothing but trouble. Give each other some privacy so you can relieve your pressure. And make sure to tell the lasses to do so as well. It’s not natural to try to curb people’s natural needs like that.” (c)
These kids have a lot of problems. The biggest which is solved this way:
Q:
What a shameful time to be attracted to someone, ... thought, clamping her thighs together tightly. (c)
Nice excerpts:
Q:
She only knew to keep quiet, obey, and try to predict their every expectation of her before it arose. How that forced behaviour wore her down, it grated on her, like an itch under her skin. (c)
Q:
Avelynne closed her eyes and thought about drawing. Or reading. Anything that soothed her and pushed the unease of her future out. They were almost there, she needed to be calm. She imagined the crinkle of parchment and the comforting smell of books. Long rides in cheerful sunshine. Resting in a warm bed on a cold, rainy day. (c)
Q:
I lent you my book on waves and currents last semester and now it’s mysteriously gone but you didn’t lose it? Who in the name of snow did, then? (c)
Q:
For now, abide and learn how not to treat others. (c)
Q:
“Lad, did you just call me… radiant?” (c)
Q:
“That’s, um, deep. I’m really not that complicated, you know.” (c)
Q:
There was something strange about being truly… seen. (c)
Q:
“You know, I believe what you need, even more than practice, is confidence and conviction.” ...
Avelynne didn’t know what to say to that. She would happily have more confidence and conviction, but how did you get those things? Were others simply born with them? Or did they somehow acquire those skills? (c) Seems like a regular problem with coaching. Even in fantasy worlds.
Q:
Question things. Stay true to yourself... (c)
Q:
She may be weaker in most of their classes, especially arithmetic, but she was far better at manoeuvring all of their strong personalities. She always knew what to say. When to give someone their time alone or when to offer support. Or hugs. She was excellent at those. (c) Nice skill set.
Q:
He doesn’t fight, half because he doesn’t know how to and half out of fear of bloodying his clothes. (c)
Q:
“Because my way of handling things is better than yours. I can’t be bothered tiptoeing around your feelings. I have better things to do!” (c)
Q:
Avelynne had to decide how to tell him what the problem was without making him more confrontational. (c)
Q:
“Your friends back home were all like you?”
“Pretty much, yes.”
“Your friends here are different. I don’t know why. Maybe due to traumatic pasts. Or because they were born this way. Perhaps their academic inclinations or creative natures lead them to be like this. Or rather, us to be like this.” (c)
Q:
it’s good that you have a personality different from ours. It means we can learn from each other and have different perspectives on the situations we face. ...
“It gives us the advantage of diversity.” (c)
Q:
“I’m sorry. Shit. I’m not good with apologies, but I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound sexist. Or cruel. I…”
I’ve got to ask, though, do you still expect us to ‘grow thicker skins’, Hale?”...
“No, I don’t want you to grow anything. (c)
Q:
“No one wants him to change who he is. We only want him to alter his behaviour somewhat,” Sabina said while scratching Kall’s chin. “He’ll always speak his mind and be blunt. We only want him to attempt to see things from others’ perspective enough to know there are things he may not want to be blunt about.” (c)
Q:
“Sometimes I wonder if there is anything you don’t know. Or take care to learn.”
“Well, I am worse than you in every single subject so that seems a silly thing to wonder.”
“Avelynne, I didn’t mean the sort of knowledge that can be taught... I meant the knowledge of how people work. How the world works. You seem more mature than many other eighteen-year-olds.” (c)
Q:
Neither of us is better than the other one. We’re different, that’s all. (c)
Q:
I suppose none of us are only what we seem at first glance... (c)
Not so good ones:
Q:
The young woman wore an intelligent expression and a long, practical braid of white hair. (c) Huh?
The land of Cavarra, the Twelve, the silver beasts, 4 nations 1 Center...
LGBT-sensitive countess and knights and other students... And there's a whole huge pile of diversity talk. Nicely done!
Lots of self-congratulatory RAH-RAH at the end... It's like a giant shrink session going on.
Lol! Their companions really love giving them personal advice. For example, on masturbation:
Q:
“The word amongst the servants is that they put you in rooms together to keep you from touching yourselves. I reckon that’ll lead to nothing but trouble. Give each other some privacy so you can relieve your pressure. And make sure to tell the lasses to do so as well. It’s not natural to try to curb people’s natural needs like that.” (c)
These kids have a lot of problems. The biggest which is solved this way:
Q:
What a shameful time to be attracted to someone, ... thought, clamping her thighs together tightly. (c)
Nice excerpts:
Q:
She only knew to keep quiet, obey, and try to predict their every expectation of her before it arose. How that forced behaviour wore her down, it grated on her, like an itch under her skin. (c)
Q:
Avelynne closed her eyes and thought about drawing. Or reading. Anything that soothed her and pushed the unease of her future out. They were almost there, she needed to be calm. She imagined the crinkle of parchment and the comforting smell of books. Long rides in cheerful sunshine. Resting in a warm bed on a cold, rainy day. (c)
Q:
I lent you my book on waves and currents last semester and now it’s mysteriously gone but you didn’t lose it? Who in the name of snow did, then? (c)
Q:
For now, abide and learn how not to treat others. (c)
Q:
“Lad, did you just call me… radiant?” (c)
Q:
“That’s, um, deep. I’m really not that complicated, you know.” (c)
Q:
There was something strange about being truly… seen. (c)
Q:
“You know, I believe what you need, even more than practice, is confidence and conviction.” ...
Avelynne didn’t know what to say to that. She would happily have more confidence and conviction, but how did you get those things? Were others simply born with them? Or did they somehow acquire those skills? (c) Seems like a regular problem with coaching. Even in fantasy worlds.
Q:
Question things. Stay true to yourself... (c)
Q:
She may be weaker in most of their classes, especially arithmetic, but she was far better at manoeuvring all of their strong personalities. She always knew what to say. When to give someone their time alone or when to offer support. Or hugs. She was excellent at those. (c) Nice skill set.
Q:
He doesn’t fight, half because he doesn’t know how to and half out of fear of bloodying his clothes. (c)
Q:
“Because my way of handling things is better than yours. I can’t be bothered tiptoeing around your feelings. I have better things to do!” (c)
Q:
Avelynne had to decide how to tell him what the problem was without making him more confrontational. (c)
Q:
“Your friends back home were all like you?”
“Pretty much, yes.”
“Your friends here are different. I don’t know why. Maybe due to traumatic pasts. Or because they were born this way. Perhaps their academic inclinations or creative natures lead them to be like this. Or rather, us to be like this.” (c)
Q:
it’s good that you have a personality different from ours. It means we can learn from each other and have different perspectives on the situations we face. ...
“It gives us the advantage of diversity.” (c)
Q:
“I’m sorry. Shit. I’m not good with apologies, but I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound sexist. Or cruel. I…”
I’ve got to ask, though, do you still expect us to ‘grow thicker skins’, Hale?”...
“No, I don’t want you to grow anything. (c)
Q:
“No one wants him to change who he is. We only want him to alter his behaviour somewhat,” Sabina said while scratching Kall’s chin. “He’ll always speak his mind and be blunt. We only want him to attempt to see things from others’ perspective enough to know there are things he may not want to be blunt about.” (c)
Q:
“Sometimes I wonder if there is anything you don’t know. Or take care to learn.”
“Well, I am worse than you in every single subject so that seems a silly thing to wonder.”
“Avelynne, I didn’t mean the sort of knowledge that can be taught... I meant the knowledge of how people work. How the world works. You seem more mature than many other eighteen-year-olds.” (c)
Q:
Neither of us is better than the other one. We’re different, that’s all. (c)
Q:
I suppose none of us are only what we seem at first glance... (c)
Not so good ones:
Q:
The young woman wore an intelligent expression and a long, practical braid of white hair. (c) Huh?
March 6, 2020
Thanks to the overuse of magic and lack of population control the country of Cavarra is overrun with deadly insects which feed off magic and have grown into killing machines. No one is safe from their deadly attacks. The government has decided to train the best youth of the four counties, the North, the Woodlands, the Peaks and the Lakelands to navigate the seas and find a land they can repopulate hoping to leave these beasts behind.
The four chosen include rough, plain spoken Hale Hawthorn from the Woodlands. He is strong and fast and ready for a fight. He is attracted to Avelynne from the Peaks. She is the weakest of the four students being groomed, a Countess with a secret and also the peacemaker in the group. She is attracted to both Hale and Sabina. Sabina and her snow tiger (Kass) are from the North. She is all strength and skills, pale skin and white hair. She is attracted to women and does not hide her sexuality. Eleksander from the Lakelands is a giant in dreadlocks. He is the strongest of the group in magic and excels in all the skills training. He has strong opinions he is not afraid to share surrounding the exploitation of others in a search for new and safe lands for Cavarra. The school they attend,The Hall of Explorers, holds many secrets. The four students don’t know who to trust or what secret agendas are in play.
I enjoyed reading this Young Adult novel which has a Harry Potter feel to it blended with a dystopian setting. I love “what if” scenarios which keep the reader guessing as much as the characters. Themes include acceptance in the differences in others,the ecological impact of poor planning, prejudices, sexual fluidity and coming of age. The experiences these four share shape them into a team and prepare them for what their future holds.
Here’s hoping this is the beginning of a series as I’m not ready to say goodbye to this Second Wave of hope and promise.
ARC received with thanks from author for review.
The four chosen include rough, plain spoken Hale Hawthorn from the Woodlands. He is strong and fast and ready for a fight. He is attracted to Avelynne from the Peaks. She is the weakest of the four students being groomed, a Countess with a secret and also the peacemaker in the group. She is attracted to both Hale and Sabina. Sabina and her snow tiger (Kass) are from the North. She is all strength and skills, pale skin and white hair. She is attracted to women and does not hide her sexuality. Eleksander from the Lakelands is a giant in dreadlocks. He is the strongest of the group in magic and excels in all the skills training. He has strong opinions he is not afraid to share surrounding the exploitation of others in a search for new and safe lands for Cavarra. The school they attend,The Hall of Explorers, holds many secrets. The four students don’t know who to trust or what secret agendas are in play.
I enjoyed reading this Young Adult novel which has a Harry Potter feel to it blended with a dystopian setting. I love “what if” scenarios which keep the reader guessing as much as the characters. Themes include acceptance in the differences in others,the ecological impact of poor planning, prejudices, sexual fluidity and coming of age. The experiences these four share shape them into a team and prepare them for what their future holds.
Here’s hoping this is the beginning of a series as I’m not ready to say goodbye to this Second Wave of hope and promise.
ARC received with thanks from author for review.
September 3, 2022
This is the story of four teenagers who are chosen from four different places to be trained to help in fighting off deadly insects that have mutated into killer beasts after absorbing magic. These four individuals are different from each other, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. They are sent to a school to train but soon find themselves in the midst of lies, secrets and hidden agendas. Appearances are deceptive and the four characters learn that with experience.
I loved how the characters filled in for each other, if one was weak in some manner, the stronger one took over. They tended to perfectly compliment each other, like the pieces of a puzzle. But that took a lot of communication and understanding. The feelings are palpable and the reader can actually feel what the characters are going through.
This book is from the point of view of two of the four main characters. There are characters belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, including the main. And, found family, as the four get to know each other in the process of getting the required knowledge and skills. I loved the world building. There are twists and turns, several of them being the byproducts of the secrets that people keep within the deepest corners of their hearts. The story has multiple POVs. If you're looking for something different, this is your book.
I loved how the characters filled in for each other, if one was weak in some manner, the stronger one took over. They tended to perfectly compliment each other, like the pieces of a puzzle. But that took a lot of communication and understanding. The feelings are palpable and the reader can actually feel what the characters are going through.
This book is from the point of view of two of the four main characters. There are characters belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community, including the main. And, found family, as the four get to know each other in the process of getting the required knowledge and skills. I loved the world building. There are twists and turns, several of them being the byproducts of the secrets that people keep within the deepest corners of their hearts. The story has multiple POVs. If you're looking for something different, this is your book.
March 4, 2020
Truly Magical!!!
We join Avelynne, Sabina, Hale, and Eleksander on the adventure of a lifetime as they head off from their respective counties for an education at the Hall of Explorers. While there, they not only learn about how to be strong, competent explorers, who can defeat the vile Silver Beasts and any other beasts that may cross their path but also about each other, and that nothing is ever as it seems.
This story was truly a fantasy, filled with magic and wonder and all the things that really draw you into a writer’s imagination and the amazing world they create. Emma’s wonderful imagination has not only brought us a unique world, but wonderful exploration of the open minded young adults who are finding their feet, independence and creating their own little family by learning to work together, understand one another’s thoughts and feelings and be strong in the face of the unknown and danger. They really have to learn to trust one another and be a team, rather than bicker and fight over mixed feelings, and the diversity between them all shows how important it is to be kind to others, accepting of them as they are, and being supportive to really succeed. They were great characters, with passion, charm, and amazing chemistry between them. Their friendship was the type that people dream of, friends for life.
I genuinely love Emma’s take on fantasy, she has a wonderful imagination that means she really creates such wonderful things, and some quite terrifying (I never want to encounter a Silver Beast!) but she also very cleverly links everything making it personal to the characters, and you as a reader so you can truly become invested in the story, and fully submerged in the whole experience. Everything these characters went through, thoughts, feelings, difficulties, you really felt it. As for the vivid imagery painted, you could literally see the splendour of the kingdom, and the more dramatic scenes playing out. This has amazing potential for a series (and I am really hoping there will be more) because this adventure has only just begun!
You won’t want to miss this amazing, magical story. I loved every second of it and really struggled to put it down, it was so amazing I got swept away and just kept reading. I can’t wait for more, and absolutely loved it!!!
We join Avelynne, Sabina, Hale, and Eleksander on the adventure of a lifetime as they head off from their respective counties for an education at the Hall of Explorers. While there, they not only learn about how to be strong, competent explorers, who can defeat the vile Silver Beasts and any other beasts that may cross their path but also about each other, and that nothing is ever as it seems.
This story was truly a fantasy, filled with magic and wonder and all the things that really draw you into a writer’s imagination and the amazing world they create. Emma’s wonderful imagination has not only brought us a unique world, but wonderful exploration of the open minded young adults who are finding their feet, independence and creating their own little family by learning to work together, understand one another’s thoughts and feelings and be strong in the face of the unknown and danger. They really have to learn to trust one another and be a team, rather than bicker and fight over mixed feelings, and the diversity between them all shows how important it is to be kind to others, accepting of them as they are, and being supportive to really succeed. They were great characters, with passion, charm, and amazing chemistry between them. Their friendship was the type that people dream of, friends for life.
I genuinely love Emma’s take on fantasy, she has a wonderful imagination that means she really creates such wonderful things, and some quite terrifying (I never want to encounter a Silver Beast!) but she also very cleverly links everything making it personal to the characters, and you as a reader so you can truly become invested in the story, and fully submerged in the whole experience. Everything these characters went through, thoughts, feelings, difficulties, you really felt it. As for the vivid imagery painted, you could literally see the splendour of the kingdom, and the more dramatic scenes playing out. This has amazing potential for a series (and I am really hoping there will be more) because this adventure has only just begun!
You won’t want to miss this amazing, magical story. I loved every second of it and really struggled to put it down, it was so amazing I got swept away and just kept reading. I can’t wait for more, and absolutely loved it!!!
October 30, 2020
*2.5, buddy read with Sander's wife, we still have a double wedding to plan.
This book could've been great, instead it was underwhelming and childish. Still enjoyed the characters enough to have hope for the next one.
If you want an actual review, check out Sander's wife review, because she's amazing and I'm too tired to care about this any more.
This book could've been great, instead it was underwhelming and childish. Still enjoyed the characters enough to have hope for the next one.
If you want an actual review, check out Sander's wife review, because she's amazing and I'm too tired to care about this any more.
March 5, 2020
This was a very enjoyable start into a new fantasy verse that I am excited to read more of.
The concept is interesting, the book's cover is BEAUTIFUL, the writing is good and the characters are likable.
AND THERE IS A PET SNOWTIGER, I mean, come ON!
No one who knows me would be surprised that I am especially swooning for Sabina.
She came in, all warrior-lady with stunning hair and ice blue eyes and a freaking TIGER as pet and every inch of me screamed "please god, now let her be gay too!"
While I was hoping for a 'bit' more romance happening (at least for the girls, ehem) and still hope that will happen at some point, I guess this should not be the important thing about this book anyways. Even more than that I hope to get to read from her perspective later on too.
There were still a few details that have made the book miss that special spark for me.
The thing is that for most of those complaints I GET why the decisions were made the way they are, I just can't help wishing for a few changes for the sake of making it more of an fast-paced adventure.
While the school setting, the heavy learning schedule and the enclosed enviroment make total sense for the logic of the plot, I still think the excitement level of the story could have been pulled up by more variation in location and activities.
Especially the sea was missing for me. Yes, the kids are at the very beginning of their training and it might not have made sense for them to get let loose on a ship yet, but for a story that promises exploration of new lands, I was aching for at least a little taste of that already.
And since the training period is fairly long, but this book only covers the first half year, it makes me question if in next book/books it will either get boring real quick or the time jumps necessary to skip to the adventure I am waiting for will be unnerving.
But for now, I am very glad I got to read this as an ARC and recommend this YA fantasy verse that is character-driven and promising.
The concept is interesting, the book's cover is BEAUTIFUL, the writing is good and the characters are likable.
AND THERE IS A PET SNOWTIGER, I mean, come ON!
No one who knows me would be surprised that I am especially swooning for Sabina.
She came in, all warrior-lady with stunning hair and ice blue eyes and a freaking TIGER as pet and every inch of me screamed "please god, now let her be gay too!"
While I was hoping for a 'bit' more romance happening (at least for the girls, ehem) and still hope that will happen at some point, I guess this should not be the important thing about this book anyways. Even more than that I hope to get to read from her perspective later on too.
There were still a few details that have made the book miss that special spark for me.
The thing is that for most of those complaints I GET why the decisions were made the way they are, I just can't help wishing for a few changes for the sake of making it more of an fast-paced adventure.
While the school setting, the heavy learning schedule and the enclosed enviroment make total sense for the logic of the plot, I still think the excitement level of the story could have been pulled up by more variation in location and activities.
Especially the sea was missing for me. Yes, the kids are at the very beginning of their training and it might not have made sense for them to get let loose on a ship yet, but for a story that promises exploration of new lands, I was aching for at least a little taste of that already.
And since the training period is fairly long, but this book only covers the first half year, it makes me question if in next book/books it will either get boring real quick or the time jumps necessary to skip to the adventure I am waiting for will be unnerving.
But for now, I am very glad I got to read this as an ARC and recommend this YA fantasy verse that is character-driven and promising.
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this YA fantasy book. My true love when it comes to books, is sword and sorcery fantasy, but lately I’ve been reading more contemporary books. I’m so glad this was my first book back into my beloved genre!
This book follows 4 teens (18 year olds) who have been selected as the best in their counties to learn at the Hall of Explorers so they can charter new lands. The book is told from 2 of the teens POV, Avelynne and Hale, which I thought was interesting and will be curious on if the other 2 will get POVs.
I really liked the 4 main characters, especially Avelynne, who seems to be the main focus of the book despite having another POV present. All of the characters were well rounded with depth and all had complementary differences. Their love and affection for each other was endearing and I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow during the increasing awareness to the complexities of their new positions.
The world as a whole wasn’t fully explored, which worked well for the school like setting. The world was slowly revealed thru stories from the core 4 and the conspiracy they found themselves in. I’m really looking forward to learning more of the political intrigue that was only hinted at in this book.
I haven’t seen anything that suggests this is a series but I would be deeply disappointed if there isn’t at least 1 more book to this. Preferably I would like several more books because I want more time with these characters, especially as they explore their relationships. While this book doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, there is definitely the presence of so much more. And I want more!
All in all, this was a really enjoyable read and I cannot wait for a sequel to be announced and released. I recommend this book to fans of fantasy and school settings.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review
This book follows 4 teens (18 year olds) who have been selected as the best in their counties to learn at the Hall of Explorers so they can charter new lands. The book is told from 2 of the teens POV, Avelynne and Hale, which I thought was interesting and will be curious on if the other 2 will get POVs.
I really liked the 4 main characters, especially Avelynne, who seems to be the main focus of the book despite having another POV present. All of the characters were well rounded with depth and all had complementary differences. Their love and affection for each other was endearing and I look forward to seeing how they continue to grow during the increasing awareness to the complexities of their new positions.
The world as a whole wasn’t fully explored, which worked well for the school like setting. The world was slowly revealed thru stories from the core 4 and the conspiracy they found themselves in. I’m really looking forward to learning more of the political intrigue that was only hinted at in this book.
I haven’t seen anything that suggests this is a series but I would be deeply disappointed if there isn’t at least 1 more book to this. Preferably I would like several more books because I want more time with these characters, especially as they explore their relationships. While this book doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, there is definitely the presence of so much more. And I want more!
All in all, this was a really enjoyable read and I cannot wait for a sequel to be announced and released. I recommend this book to fans of fantasy and school settings.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review
May 17, 2020
A young adult fantasy with diversity.
This was a surprisingly easy read— easy to follow, easy to love. Although the book is set in a fantasy land with new rules and a range of characters, it is easy to become familiar with everything as the book gently submerges the reader into this world without too much hand-holding.
There was enough intruige and mystery for me to keep turning pages, to become excited at the prospect of what's next. The plot twists were things that I expected, but the delivery had me shocked at how little I wanted from the story and how much it gave. Some storylines had me gaping at the book in awe.
The characters themselves were well developed, and they were all very diverse in their personalities and backgrounds. Sterner-Radley has written romance books before this, and I was worried that a large scale fantasy like this would provide characters that read too alike. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I've come to care for each of the four main characters that the story centers around.
We read about four eighteen-year-olds chosen to become map makers. They are sent out to learn at an academy where they uncover secrets about themselves, each other, and a bigger force at play. And did I mention diversity? I am still very excited about that.
This was an excellent start to what I hope will be a trilogy (or more).
*The author has provided a copy of the book for an honest review.
This was a surprisingly easy read— easy to follow, easy to love. Although the book is set in a fantasy land with new rules and a range of characters, it is easy to become familiar with everything as the book gently submerges the reader into this world without too much hand-holding.
There was enough intruige and mystery for me to keep turning pages, to become excited at the prospect of what's next. The plot twists were things that I expected, but the delivery had me shocked at how little I wanted from the story and how much it gave. Some storylines had me gaping at the book in awe.
The characters themselves were well developed, and they were all very diverse in their personalities and backgrounds. Sterner-Radley has written romance books before this, and I was worried that a large scale fantasy like this would provide characters that read too alike. But I was pleasantly surprised at how much I've come to care for each of the four main characters that the story centers around.
We read about four eighteen-year-olds chosen to become map makers. They are sent out to learn at an academy where they uncover secrets about themselves, each other, and a bigger force at play. And did I mention diversity? I am still very excited about that.
This was an excellent start to what I hope will be a trilogy (or more).
*The author has provided a copy of the book for an honest review.
February 29, 2020
Maybe younger adult readers (the target audience) will enjoy this book more than I did
I read a decent amount of YA books despite not being their target audience and find many of them as rewarding to read as those explicitly targeting older audiences. I've read Emma Sterner-Radley's work since her days as a popular fan fiction writer thru her successful transition to published writer of fiction several years ago. To my knowledge this is her first foray into the YA market and she carries into that her gift for writing relationships between characters, in this case friendship where they all begin as total strangers to one another.
The four main characters of the story are diverse and distinct while also sharing the emotional turmoils most often associated with teenagers in the midst of a high intensity period of book study and physical preparation for the task they've all been chosen for. There is intrigue and mystery, secrets concealed and revealed, action and humor to fill the pages of the story. The world building is interesting and had me wondering for a time what details I'd need to remember as the story progressed, something common to my reading of fantasy stories; aspects of it did feel flimsy however, or did not make logical sense. I liked the dynamics between the four main characters despite not being overly attached to any of them; their frequent observations of one person's perceived or assumed weakness being pointed out and noted as an actual strength was heartening messaging to read in a book geared to young adults. They have their hormonal flareups and growing pains and do not always make the best or most logical decisions but they are true to their ages and life experiences in this world they inhabit.
Some of the dialogue between students and tutors did not feel authentic to that kind of relationship or the way a tutor would speak in general, and some dialogue between children was a bit unusual although the latter could be explained away as normal within this particular fantasy world. I wondered throughout the book if it's meant to be a stand alone story or the beginning of a future series and by the end it was clear that a series is planned and I'd assume will be a trilogy of books at the very least; the ending is not a cliffhanger but still did not feel satisfying to read. Overall I did not feel invested in the characters so I never felt fully immersed in their world or particularly attached to their plights or troubles; perhaps younger readers will feel different and enjoy this book more than I did. Also there were many more typos in the copy I read ahead of publication than I typically expect from this author and hope they were corrected before publication so as to not distract the reader from the story.
This is not my favorite book by this author and while I applaud her move into the YA genre I hope to enjoy her next book more than I did this one.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I read a decent amount of YA books despite not being their target audience and find many of them as rewarding to read as those explicitly targeting older audiences. I've read Emma Sterner-Radley's work since her days as a popular fan fiction writer thru her successful transition to published writer of fiction several years ago. To my knowledge this is her first foray into the YA market and she carries into that her gift for writing relationships between characters, in this case friendship where they all begin as total strangers to one another.
The four main characters of the story are diverse and distinct while also sharing the emotional turmoils most often associated with teenagers in the midst of a high intensity period of book study and physical preparation for the task they've all been chosen for. There is intrigue and mystery, secrets concealed and revealed, action and humor to fill the pages of the story. The world building is interesting and had me wondering for a time what details I'd need to remember as the story progressed, something common to my reading of fantasy stories; aspects of it did feel flimsy however, or did not make logical sense. I liked the dynamics between the four main characters despite not being overly attached to any of them; their frequent observations of one person's perceived or assumed weakness being pointed out and noted as an actual strength was heartening messaging to read in a book geared to young adults. They have their hormonal flareups and growing pains and do not always make the best or most logical decisions but they are true to their ages and life experiences in this world they inhabit.
Some of the dialogue between students and tutors did not feel authentic to that kind of relationship or the way a tutor would speak in general, and some dialogue between children was a bit unusual although the latter could be explained away as normal within this particular fantasy world. I wondered throughout the book if it's meant to be a stand alone story or the beginning of a future series and by the end it was clear that a series is planned and I'd assume will be a trilogy of books at the very least; the ending is not a cliffhanger but still did not feel satisfying to read. Overall I did not feel invested in the characters so I never felt fully immersed in their world or particularly attached to their plights or troubles; perhaps younger readers will feel different and enjoy this book more than I did. Also there were many more typos in the copy I read ahead of publication than I typically expect from this author and hope they were corrected before publication so as to not distract the reader from the story.
This is not my favorite book by this author and while I applaud her move into the YA genre I hope to enjoy her next book more than I did this one.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
Well, sometimes covers and synopsis can be rather misleading. Like really, there were like 2 "silver beast" scenes and they all seemed weak. And the characters kept whiny and then the hateful dudes, god knows why and the crazy guy cutting out that girl's tongue, I tell you, the timeline of this story needed a better formation.
Now, the book is not bad, I did like the moral lessons and the friendship between the main characters but there was no specific focus and the POVs were of slightly uninteresting characters esp Hale. They should have given me Sander and Sabina.
Sabina is my woman. I wanted to scream QB, but meh, I am soft.
Now, the book is not bad, I did like the moral lessons and the friendship between the main characters but there was no specific focus and the POVs were of slightly uninteresting characters esp Hale. They should have given me Sander and Sabina.
Sabina is my woman. I wanted to scream QB, but meh, I am soft.
March 11, 2020
This was an enticing start to the series! I'm loving the four main characters but I'm especially drawn to Kall. He's great! There are way too many questions in this book though and not enough answers... I'm hoping the second book comes out soon so I can at least have some of my questions answered.
October 24, 2022
Definitely Syfy and different but that always makes a book (and hopefully a series) really good, it follows four 16 who are to become explorers and find new unoccupied lands to get away from the sliver beast that used to be bugs but but got mutilated by magic and turned into these silver beast that attack and kill people. The king is an jerk and wants things to go his way or no way. Great job again Emma! You definitely have a way with words.
March 2, 2020
Sterner-Radley has created a dazzling fantasy world with resplendent characters, majestic world building, intrigue, and sinister beasts.
The four characters of the second wave are each uniquely suited to the world saving task ahead of them, and while they don’t always get along they mesh so well and perfectly. I loved watching their relationships develop. The strong and varying dynamic between The four of them is incredibly refreshing.
The main focus of relationships in this book is exquisite friendships. They each have such different backgrounds and personalities and I love how much communication and understanding takes place. The insightful nature of their growing bond reflects many current issues and how we can better understand and accept one another.
The four countries that make up Cavarra are richly described and developed in their individual natures and features. They are well balanced in their differences and I hope to see more in the future of the series. The magic system is well developed and balanced in its uses and consequences. The silver beasts that terrorize Cavarra are fascinating and scary.
There is so much more than meets the eye in this story, from the silver beasts to the mysterious warnings the second wave receive about their mission to save the world. The story is filled with secrets and twists that kept me on my toes throughout. So many things are left unknown and the unpredictable nature of the story left me guessing at where the future of this series will go. I am excited to find out.
There is not romance in this book. There is flirtation, attraction, and desire but according to Avelynne the importance of their mission and their need to rely on each other is too important to risk for love. I loved the way this was implemented and whether or not it stays true in the future of the series, I really enjoyed it in this first installment. Avelynne has the best view point on this even if she has trouble with it too. “she had an education to think about, a secret to keep, and now these strange warnings to contend with, attractive fellow students could not be at the forefront of her mind.”
I loved Silver Beasts and am thrilled for what ever direction the future of this series goes. Sterner-Radley phenomenally delved into the YA genre with this enthralling story.
The four characters of the second wave are each uniquely suited to the world saving task ahead of them, and while they don’t always get along they mesh so well and perfectly. I loved watching their relationships develop. The strong and varying dynamic between The four of them is incredibly refreshing.
The main focus of relationships in this book is exquisite friendships. They each have such different backgrounds and personalities and I love how much communication and understanding takes place. The insightful nature of their growing bond reflects many current issues and how we can better understand and accept one another.
The four countries that make up Cavarra are richly described and developed in their individual natures and features. They are well balanced in their differences and I hope to see more in the future of the series. The magic system is well developed and balanced in its uses and consequences. The silver beasts that terrorize Cavarra are fascinating and scary.
There is so much more than meets the eye in this story, from the silver beasts to the mysterious warnings the second wave receive about their mission to save the world. The story is filled with secrets and twists that kept me on my toes throughout. So many things are left unknown and the unpredictable nature of the story left me guessing at where the future of this series will go. I am excited to find out.
There is not romance in this book. There is flirtation, attraction, and desire but according to Avelynne the importance of their mission and their need to rely on each other is too important to risk for love. I loved the way this was implemented and whether or not it stays true in the future of the series, I really enjoyed it in this first installment. Avelynne has the best view point on this even if she has trouble with it too. “she had an education to think about, a secret to keep, and now these strange warnings to contend with, attractive fellow students could not be at the forefront of her mind.”
I loved Silver Beasts and am thrilled for what ever direction the future of this series goes. Sterner-Radley phenomenally delved into the YA genre with this enthralling story.
September 26, 2020
Good book
March 2, 2020
This story had me already at the summary as it reminded me of a cross between Hunger Games and Happy Potter. It was a story I couldn't put down. You get thrown into a I dare say a magical world where they are looking for a new map maker to form the second wave.
First of I love the development of the characters throughout this book. At the beginning I would never thought Avelynne would grow to become a warrior like the rest. I was however curious about the secret she was hiding in the start, but that was a nice twist.
I like how she calms down Hale whenever he goes too far and what seems to be a small bit of jealousy between him, Sabina and Eleksander for her attention. I do hope she will end up with one of them if there become more books in the series.
One of my favorite parts was this : Water may have put up with hulking cliffs standing in it or
Sabina and Hale I find is the toughest of the bunch, at least at the start. I liked that they change and become more sensitive towards the end. Think the two others have a lot to do with that.
The private moments where two and two of the characters get to know each other were some of my favorite parts in this book. Also that they all seem to discover their strengths and weaknesses as they go along getting to know each other.
Hope to learn more if the story progresses. I especially would love to learn if they did keep in touch over the vacation and how it went wen Avelynne confronted her parents. It would also be interesting to see things through Sabina and Hale's point of view as this was mostly from Avelynne and Elaksander's. ( That said you still get a a good view about how the others involved feel and think.)
The writing in this book is by a very skilled hand and it makes you want to live in Cavarra.
First of I love the development of the characters throughout this book. At the beginning I would never thought Avelynne would grow to become a warrior like the rest. I was however curious about the secret she was hiding in the start, but that was a nice twist.
I like how she calms down Hale whenever he goes too far and what seems to be a small bit of jealousy between him, Sabina and Eleksander for her attention. I do hope she will end up with one of them if there become more books in the series.
One of my favorite parts was this : Water may have put up with hulking cliffs standing in it or
Sabina and Hale I find is the toughest of the bunch, at least at the start. I liked that they change and become more sensitive towards the end. Think the two others have a lot to do with that.
The private moments where two and two of the characters get to know each other were some of my favorite parts in this book. Also that they all seem to discover their strengths and weaknesses as they go along getting to know each other.
Hope to learn more if the story progresses. I especially would love to learn if they did keep in touch over the vacation and how it went wen Avelynne confronted her parents. It would also be interesting to see things through Sabina and Hale's point of view as this was mostly from Avelynne and Elaksander's. ( That said you still get a a good view about how the others involved feel and think.)
The writing in this book is by a very skilled hand and it makes you want to live in Cavarra.
March 2, 2020
If you liked The Hunger Games, you'll love this book!
Silver Beasts is an absolutely fantastic book, and one that I hope will be the start of an equally fantastic series. It centres around four teenagers - Avelynne, Hale, Sabina, and Eleksander - who have been selected to train at the Hall of Explorers, and eventually to captain a ship to new lands. There are elements in the story that remind me of why I enjoyed The Hunger Games so much, but Silver Beasts also manages to be a brilliant book in it's own right.
The book explores the magic in the world, and the problems the silver beasts have been causing, really well; it manages to feed the backstory through in such a way that you always have enough information to be immersed in the world, without ever being given too much to process.
The story is really engaging, and ends in a way that's satisfying, but also leaves you wanting to know what happens next, both to the main characters, and also to the other explorers, and the rest of the realm. I'd recommend Silver Beasts to anyone who likes fantasy and/or dystopian books, as well as to anyone who loves LGBT+ YA fiction.
Outside of the main story itself, it's also so wonderful to see a variety of queer characters in a fantasy series - this book does a great job of representing a diverse set of characters, and doing so in a genuine and relatable way. I think this is something it would be good to see more of in other series too!
Silver Beasts is an absolutely fantastic book, and one that I hope will be the start of an equally fantastic series. It centres around four teenagers - Avelynne, Hale, Sabina, and Eleksander - who have been selected to train at the Hall of Explorers, and eventually to captain a ship to new lands. There are elements in the story that remind me of why I enjoyed The Hunger Games so much, but Silver Beasts also manages to be a brilliant book in it's own right.
The book explores the magic in the world, and the problems the silver beasts have been causing, really well; it manages to feed the backstory through in such a way that you always have enough information to be immersed in the world, without ever being given too much to process.
The story is really engaging, and ends in a way that's satisfying, but also leaves you wanting to know what happens next, both to the main characters, and also to the other explorers, and the rest of the realm. I'd recommend Silver Beasts to anyone who likes fantasy and/or dystopian books, as well as to anyone who loves LGBT+ YA fiction.
Outside of the main story itself, it's also so wonderful to see a variety of queer characters in a fantasy series - this book does a great job of representing a diverse set of characters, and doing so in a genuine and relatable way. I think this is something it would be good to see more of in other series too!
March 2, 2020
I was given this book to give an honest review.
I’ve ready nearly all of Emmas books and enjoyed them, but this was a break from the norm in her writing audience and genre to be fair.
This book reminded me very much of the Mercedes Lackey Heralds of Valdemar series. We have four young people on the verge of a great adventure.
Our young adults come from four separate counties within their realm, earning their places by passing various tests to get into the Explorers Hall, a training facility to get them equipped for their new adventure.
The silver beats, creations of mans own greed and fear are taking over the realm, its up to our protagonists to find a new land without them.
Throughout the book you see all our hero’s struggle to come to terms with their training and also what is expected of them by their peers as well as by themselves. We find our four teens becoming a family and supporting each other through each hurdle they face, even when one of them has their own dark secret.
I can’t wait to see where the adventure leads us in the next instalment and what other secrets we might unearth.
I’ve ready nearly all of Emmas books and enjoyed them, but this was a break from the norm in her writing audience and genre to be fair.
This book reminded me very much of the Mercedes Lackey Heralds of Valdemar series. We have four young people on the verge of a great adventure.
Our young adults come from four separate counties within their realm, earning their places by passing various tests to get into the Explorers Hall, a training facility to get them equipped for their new adventure.
The silver beats, creations of mans own greed and fear are taking over the realm, its up to our protagonists to find a new land without them.
Throughout the book you see all our hero’s struggle to come to terms with their training and also what is expected of them by their peers as well as by themselves. We find our four teens becoming a family and supporting each other through each hurdle they face, even when one of them has their own dark secret.
I can’t wait to see where the adventure leads us in the next instalment and what other secrets we might unearth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2020
Okay while at the beginning of this book we do start out with action kind of right off with a silver beast making its way in and becoming a down right nuisance, I couldn't really connect with the main character for the first tiny stretch of the book. And I will be honest, that is usually a turn off for me. Yeah I know I'm picky **shrugs** But because I have read other books by this author and loved them I wanted to give it a bigger chance and really glad I held out with this one. Once Avelynne arrived at the academy it seemed to grab my attention from there and loved it.
Both the characters developments and dynamics between them are fantastic. Getting to know each other and themselves. Also love the bit of diverseness we see within the cast of characters with queer representation. The backstory, when brought in, is woven in quite well to not overwhelm or add more substance than necessary.
I loved this authors first books but you can see the growth from then until now and it's a skilled and beautiful art. :)
Both the characters developments and dynamics between them are fantastic. Getting to know each other and themselves. Also love the bit of diverseness we see within the cast of characters with queer representation. The backstory, when brought in, is woven in quite well to not overwhelm or add more substance than necessary.
I loved this authors first books but you can see the growth from then until now and it's a skilled and beautiful art. :)
March 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. It was I interesting to see things through Hale and Avelynne’s point of view but I would have liked to see things through Sabine or Elkesander’s POV as well. The world building was wonderful and I really found myself engrossed in what was happening in the story. The King seems like a Royal jerk and I wonder what trouble the four will find themselves in.
The flirting that was going on was a bit difficult to follow. Avelynne says she doesn’t want a romance but then gets into interesting predicaments with Hale and Sabine.
I’m looking forward to the next book and would totally recommend it to others. It’s a great mainstream YA book I wouldn’t mint recommending to my nieces and nephews in the future.
The flirting that was going on was a bit difficult to follow. Avelynne says she doesn’t want a romance but then gets into interesting predicaments with Hale and Sabine.
I’m looking forward to the next book and would totally recommend it to others. It’s a great mainstream YA book I wouldn’t mint recommending to my nieces and nephews in the future.
March 9, 2020
Silver Beasts follows the four chosen 18 year-olds, Avelynne, Sabina, Hale, and Eleksander, as they begin their adventure in exploring the world beyond their borders. Its an intriguing take on entering the world of adulthood, complete with dealing with diversity and acceptance, found-family and building lasting friendships. The fantasy realm Emma Sterner-Radley created here is beautiful and terrifying. It is a fabulous beginning to a dystopian fantasy series.
March 2, 2020
I am not ashamed to admit that I am thanking all the goddesses that exist because this is the story that I've always been waiting for! I'm always having a flaming love affair with any book that has fantasy, sorcery and magic as a package deal (wicked wink!) Trust me when I say this; a huge chunk of your heart will remain with Avelynne, Sabina, Hale and Eleksander. How do I know this? Well, let's just say that I'm going through an intense book withdrawal period at the moment because I can't get over how awesome this story is and the author definitely deserves the highest of fives for creating this compelling tale.
March 2, 2020
I've read Making a Tinderbox which I loved. I was excited to get my hands on her latest and I am impressed. I loved the world she created and the characters within. It did have a slight preoccupation with who was attracted to who, but kudos for different sexualities. Looking forward to the next installment!
February 4, 2021
Not bad
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had been a lot younger. While the world building was great, imaginative and unique (loved the silver beasts), I did find it slow going in quite a few places. I appreciate this is book one of a series, but sometimes I found myself tuning out and skimming pages looking for something to move the plot forward. The characters were well developed, but we spent a lot of time in their heads dealing with their hang ups - which is one of the reasons it is YA as that kind of thing is easy for teens to relate to, not so much me and my 45 years. I am sure book two will be full of more awesome world building, but I think I might skip it as I didn't connect very well with this read.
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had been a lot younger. While the world building was great, imaginative and unique (loved the silver beasts), I did find it slow going in quite a few places. I appreciate this is book one of a series, but sometimes I found myself tuning out and skimming pages looking for something to move the plot forward. The characters were well developed, but we spent a lot of time in their heads dealing with their hang ups - which is one of the reasons it is YA as that kind of thing is easy for teens to relate to, not so much me and my 45 years. I am sure book two will be full of more awesome world building, but I think I might skip it as I didn't connect very well with this read.
February 1, 2021
This one is a total winner in the YA fantasy genre.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
July 6, 2020
SUMMARY: Four 18-year-olds are chosen to be explorers, as their country is being ravaged by silver beasts. Avelynne, Hale, Sabina, and Eleksander have to go to a seafaring academy (the Hall fo Explorers) to learn all the skills they will need during their journey.
The story has potential and could have been interesting, but a few things detracted from my enjoyment of the book. The worldbuilding felt very superficial; I didn't understand the "silver beasts" much. As the main "antagonist" of this world, I felt like they should have been developed more. The four main characters come from four different regions, but these regions weren't exactly explained. Why is the country split up? What is different about these regions other than terrain? The characters could have come from just one region without making a significant difference. We're barely given any history of the country to understand what it's like.
I wasn't all that invested in the characters, although I did like how the author made sure to emphasize that they were imperfect. While I usually like character-driven stories, I felt like the individual arcs of Avelynne, Hale, Sabina, and Eleksander weren't engaging enough to carry the book. Sabina and Eleksander particularly were were flat, one-dimensional characters (though that's partly due to the lack of their POVs). However, I did like the diversity of the characters and the sensitivity with which the author handled different issues and perspectives.
The plot wasn't very elaborate. There was one twist but it didn't have much impact; it was significant for one or two chapters and then was forgotten. Other smaller conflicts were very quickly resolved, which I partly liked because the characters were mature, which isn't seen often in YA, but I partly disliked because there was a missed opportunity to develop the characters more and add a bit more engaging drama.
Overall, it was an okay read.
The story has potential and could have been interesting, but a few things detracted from my enjoyment of the book. The worldbuilding felt very superficial; I didn't understand the "silver beasts" much. As the main "antagonist" of this world, I felt like they should have been developed more. The four main characters come from four different regions, but these regions weren't exactly explained. Why is the country split up? What is different about these regions other than terrain? The characters could have come from just one region without making a significant difference. We're barely given any history of the country to understand what it's like.
I wasn't all that invested in the characters, although I did like how the author made sure to emphasize that they were imperfect. While I usually like character-driven stories, I felt like the individual arcs of Avelynne, Hale, Sabina, and Eleksander weren't engaging enough to carry the book. Sabina and Eleksander particularly were were flat, one-dimensional characters (though that's partly due to the lack of their POVs). However, I did like the diversity of the characters and the sensitivity with which the author handled different issues and perspectives.
The plot wasn't very elaborate. There was one twist but it didn't have much impact; it was significant for one or two chapters and then was forgotten. Other smaller conflicts were very quickly resolved, which I partly liked because the characters were mature, which isn't seen often in YA, but I partly disliked because there was a missed opportunity to develop the characters more and add a bit more engaging drama.
Overall, it was an okay read.
May 17, 2020
That was actually SO GOOD.
I will try to make the review actually informative and not just squealing. To help you decide if this book is right for you!
(it is. please read it)
The Silver Beast is a perfect, lovely piece of fantasy for a rainy day. The plot is good enough not to get lost in it but intriguing enough so you get new twists to follow. What is Ave's secret? What is the other secret? Who can we trust, who should we not trust? The minor characters are well-rounded and despite my fears when I first started, they all have motive and personality.
The actual main cast is lovely. They all have their quirks, they all have good and bad qualities. You see the story through eyes of the more-sensitive and people-focused Ave and more-- harsh and hot-headed Hale. The other two are Sabine - a fierce lesbian warrior with a snow tiger, thank you so much for this, and Eleksander - a boy (??) with much muscle and even more softness. It's a pleasure to see them all grow together and become closer and closer despite their very different personalities. Yet they manage to work out their differences and navigate through the world preparing for their mission.
Im bad descriptions. In shorthand: cute fantasy perfect for a rainy day that you won't have to think too much for but will not bore you, instead of that making you love all the characters. Amen.
I will try to make the review actually informative and not just squealing. To help you decide if this book is right for you!
(it is. please read it)
The Silver Beast is a perfect, lovely piece of fantasy for a rainy day. The plot is good enough not to get lost in it but intriguing enough so you get new twists to follow. What is Ave's secret? What is the other secret? Who can we trust, who should we not trust? The minor characters are well-rounded and despite my fears when I first started, they all have motive and personality.
The actual main cast is lovely. They all have their quirks, they all have good and bad qualities. You see the story through eyes of the more-sensitive and people-focused Ave and more-- harsh and hot-headed Hale. The other two are Sabine - a fierce lesbian warrior with a snow tiger, thank you so much for this, and Eleksander - a boy (??) with much muscle and even more softness. It's a pleasure to see them all grow together and become closer and closer despite their very different personalities. Yet they manage to work out their differences and navigate through the world preparing for their mission.
Im bad descriptions. In shorthand: cute fantasy perfect for a rainy day that you won't have to think too much for but will not bore you, instead of that making you love all the characters. Amen.
December 19, 2020
Fantasy is a genre I experience strictly through audio books. That being said this was an amazing auditory experience. I was immersed from the opening lines. P.J. Morgan did and outstanding job of bringing the characters, their adventures and emotions to life with amazing skill. Emma Sterner-Radley's talent as an author is so highlighted not only through the story but by the way ti comes to life through the narration. Fantasy through audio frees me so that I get to experience the journey without having to navigate the unusual names and terms that come with the genre that any other medium requires. I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to listen to this novel. . I am hoping that this becomes a series because I am on board for trip.
March 24, 2020
Wait.....this is going to be a series right?!?!....right?!?! I need more :)
What a brilliant book! And i feel as if the journey has only just begun! :) Getting to know the four main characters (and one amazing snowtiger!) has been very interesting. It has been full of secrets, hidden emotions, sneaky twists, scary creatures and has all been set in a magical and imaginative land, what else do you need from a book?!
I cant wait to find out what the next part of training has in store for our students and then what dangers they may face in the future! Very exciting and very well written xxx
What a brilliant book! And i feel as if the journey has only just begun! :) Getting to know the four main characters (and one amazing snowtiger!) has been very interesting. It has been full of secrets, hidden emotions, sneaky twists, scary creatures and has all been set in a magical and imaginative land, what else do you need from a book?!
I cant wait to find out what the next part of training has in store for our students and then what dangers they may face in the future! Very exciting and very well written xxx
July 8, 2020
While the beginning of this book was very exposition heavy, it totally stuck the landing.
As an aspec person, the utter disillusion of the love triangle made me so happy. Lovely, queer, and intriguing this book has you on your toes (even if it has a slow start). The characters are loveable and the budding romances aren't stale at all. The plot is completely original and I can't wait for more!
If you're looking for a book about budding romances, mystery and political intrigue, and interesting world-magic, set in a magic school, this is the book for you.
As an aspec person, the utter disillusion of the love triangle made me so happy. Lovely, queer, and intriguing this book has you on your toes (even if it has a slow start). The characters are loveable and the budding romances aren't stale at all. The plot is completely original and I can't wait for more!
If you're looking for a book about budding romances, mystery and political intrigue, and interesting world-magic, set in a magic school, this is the book for you.
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