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The Caein Legacy #1
Exile
Andrew grew up in the royal palace of Novania, the eldest son of the queen. He went on to achieve fame and glory as a renowned soldier, and was eventually named commander of the king’s army. The kingdom believed he would be named heir to the throne, but he has long known he is ineligible. The king is not his father.
The truth of Andrew’s lineage is only partially known to the king; the identity of his father is a mystery that even Andrew is unaware of. He knows only that his father was a dragon-mage, and the dragons have fled to another world. Andrew is a skin-changer, but the laws of Novania forbid his very existence. If the king were to learn the truth of what he is, he would face execution.
The laws are equally hostile to humans born with the Mark of the Magi and the ability to wield magic. Andrew’s younger half-brother, Alexander, bears the Mark. The pair keep one another’s secrets into adulthood… Until the king dies unexpectedly and Colin ascends the throne.
When Alexander’s Mark is revealed for all to see, Andrew is faced with a choice: To watch his brother be killed, or reveal his true nature in an effort to save him from the headsman’s axe.
The truth of Andrew’s lineage is only partially known to the king; the identity of his father is a mystery that even Andrew is unaware of. He knows only that his father was a dragon-mage, and the dragons have fled to another world. Andrew is a skin-changer, but the laws of Novania forbid his very existence. If the king were to learn the truth of what he is, he would face execution.
The laws are equally hostile to humans born with the Mark of the Magi and the ability to wield magic. Andrew’s younger half-brother, Alexander, bears the Mark. The pair keep one another’s secrets into adulthood… Until the king dies unexpectedly and Colin ascends the throne.
When Alexander’s Mark is revealed for all to see, Andrew is faced with a choice: To watch his brother be killed, or reveal his true nature in an effort to save him from the headsman’s axe.
- GenresFantasy
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2023
12 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Calvin
13 books54 followersA.J. Calvin is a science fiction/fantasy novelist from Loveland, Colorado known best for The Caein Legacy series and The Relics of War series. By day, she works as a microbiologist, but in her free time she writes. She lives with her husband, a turtle, and a salt water aquarium.
When she is not working or writing, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and playing video games.
Be sure to follow A.J. on BookBub for new release alerts and more! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-j-c...
For more information on the author and news about her writing, please visit her website at www.ajcalvin.net.
When she is not working or writing, she enjoys scuba diving, hiking, and playing video games.
Be sure to follow A.J. on BookBub for new release alerts and more! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-j-c...
For more information on the author and news about her writing, please visit her website at www.ajcalvin.net.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 10, 2024
3.5 stars
This is quite a short book, so didn’t take too long to get through, and it serves as a bit of a palate cleanser in that sense, because it’s quite easy going, too.
It feels a bit like a low fantasy as there's not a vast amount of magic or anything along those lines until you get quite deep into the book. You've got a royal family, although they don't really come across as royal because we're nice and close to them, so they have a bit of a familiar feel to them rather than them being these high and mighties, for instance. There is an element of that, but it's not the personality of the main characters, which is good.
The story is told in the first person by Andrew, our main character, who is a skin changer. On the cover you've got a dragon and a human and that is actually the one person, as Andrew’s second form is this dragon. For much of the book, that's the main fantasy aspect and I’ll say that the dragon/human shifter is one of those things that's not one of my favourite tropes, so I was a bit apprehensive when I learned that was what we were going to have in here. I think the way it was done in this book, though, was actually handled really well. It’s not something that I really minded, so considering I don't normally like it, that's definitely a plus point.
Particularly in the early parts of the book, we spend time exclusively as Andrew rather than the dragon, and there are plot elements that tell us why that is, and I think that helped because you get to know the character and the the history before you get thrown out of your depth with all of the fantastical elements. I think it was done well and I like the way that the story really developed from there.
It was a very nicely flowing story, and the way that it opened up different avenues as you learn even more through the character, who although he is in his thirties is still learning, was done really well. The story itself is a nice and still relatively straightforward one though, it was very engaging, with very good writing and I enjoyed it overall.
This is quite a short book, so didn’t take too long to get through, and it serves as a bit of a palate cleanser in that sense, because it’s quite easy going, too.
It feels a bit like a low fantasy as there's not a vast amount of magic or anything along those lines until you get quite deep into the book. You've got a royal family, although they don't really come across as royal because we're nice and close to them, so they have a bit of a familiar feel to them rather than them being these high and mighties, for instance. There is an element of that, but it's not the personality of the main characters, which is good.
The story is told in the first person by Andrew, our main character, who is a skin changer. On the cover you've got a dragon and a human and that is actually the one person, as Andrew’s second form is this dragon. For much of the book, that's the main fantasy aspect and I’ll say that the dragon/human shifter is one of those things that's not one of my favourite tropes, so I was a bit apprehensive when I learned that was what we were going to have in here. I think the way it was done in this book, though, was actually handled really well. It’s not something that I really minded, so considering I don't normally like it, that's definitely a plus point.
Particularly in the early parts of the book, we spend time exclusively as Andrew rather than the dragon, and there are plot elements that tell us why that is, and I think that helped because you get to know the character and the the history before you get thrown out of your depth with all of the fantastical elements. I think it was done well and I like the way that the story really developed from there.
It was a very nicely flowing story, and the way that it opened up different avenues as you learn even more through the character, who although he is in his thirties is still learning, was done really well. The story itself is a nice and still relatively straightforward one though, it was very engaging, with very good writing and I enjoyed it overall.
May 24, 2023
Original review published on Jamreads
Exile is the initial installment in a new epic fantasy series, The Caein Legacy, by A.J. Calvin. A novel that follows the story of Andrew, the eldest son of the queen of Novaria, whose life drastically changes after the king reveals that he's not his son in reality. The truth of his lineage is more complicated, as he's a shape-changer, a secret he must hide as Novarian's laws forbid them.
While Andrew was considered the next heir to Novaria's throne, he was a respected and famed general and commander. After the king's announcement, putting Colin as his next heir, Andrew loses his surname, losing a great part of the consideration people had for him, as he's legally a bastard.
Adding to this complicated situation, Colin's animosity with Andrew only grows, and Andrew is hiding he's a shape-changer, a forbidden creature by Novarian's laws. In this context, Andrew decides to retire far from the capital, and try to live in peace, just keeping the promise made to his mother about trying to ensure the safety of his brothers. Once a forbidden mark is found on his brother's body, he will be forced to show his true form, fleeing and discovering a new world of secrets, especially the ones relevant to his father's origin.
In this epic fantasy, we can see Calvin's strength in how well-developed the world of The Caein Legacy is. A kingdom where magic is forbidden, and from where the dragons fleed due to persecution, but with a long history that influences the story we are reading, and later in the plot, we will get to know the place where the remaining magic still exists, as it's the only place where Andrew can hide.
I found the pace to be a little bit too slow for my taste, as a great part of the book is basically an introduction to what will be a bigger story; it improves significantly in the second half of the book, when the stakes are clearly revealed.
While the focus remains on Andrew's story, the rest of the characters are well-developed, and evolve when the plot advances. The roles are relatively clear, but there is space for some surprises among them, as we can see with Claire.
Exile acts as the introduction to the Caein Legacy series. An epic fantasy story, centered around the characters and how secrets force them to hide their true nature.
Exile is the initial installment in a new epic fantasy series, The Caein Legacy, by A.J. Calvin. A novel that follows the story of Andrew, the eldest son of the queen of Novaria, whose life drastically changes after the king reveals that he's not his son in reality. The truth of his lineage is more complicated, as he's a shape-changer, a secret he must hide as Novarian's laws forbid them.
While Andrew was considered the next heir to Novaria's throne, he was a respected and famed general and commander. After the king's announcement, putting Colin as his next heir, Andrew loses his surname, losing a great part of the consideration people had for him, as he's legally a bastard.
Adding to this complicated situation, Colin's animosity with Andrew only grows, and Andrew is hiding he's a shape-changer, a forbidden creature by Novarian's laws. In this context, Andrew decides to retire far from the capital, and try to live in peace, just keeping the promise made to his mother about trying to ensure the safety of his brothers. Once a forbidden mark is found on his brother's body, he will be forced to show his true form, fleeing and discovering a new world of secrets, especially the ones relevant to his father's origin.
In this epic fantasy, we can see Calvin's strength in how well-developed the world of The Caein Legacy is. A kingdom where magic is forbidden, and from where the dragons fleed due to persecution, but with a long history that influences the story we are reading, and later in the plot, we will get to know the place where the remaining magic still exists, as it's the only place where Andrew can hide.
I found the pace to be a little bit too slow for my taste, as a great part of the book is basically an introduction to what will be a bigger story; it improves significantly in the second half of the book, when the stakes are clearly revealed.
While the focus remains on Andrew's story, the rest of the characters are well-developed, and evolve when the plot advances. The roles are relatively clear, but there is space for some surprises among them, as we can see with Claire.
Exile acts as the introduction to the Caein Legacy series. An epic fantasy story, centered around the characters and how secrets force them to hide their true nature.
September 3, 2025
I entered this novel fairly in the dark, but what waited for me didn't disappoint.
Andrew is a strong POV, and the world is seen through his sole POV. (First person). Political intrigue (somewhat), magic, and a character already confident in who he is, even if he isn't in *what* he is.
Solid descriptions that seemed right at home in Andrew's no-nonsense way of thinking kept the pace and prose smooth.
The character interactions were the strongest part, and by the end of the novel, I was fairly invested in Andrew's future.
A few hiccups kept me from absolutely loving it, purely preference-based. I lean towards darker stories and characters, and while there are absolutely some tragic moments in this, it's subdued compared to the directions I assumed the plot was going.
Many readers will be happy to see where the series is going as a whole while also getting the resolution for book one's primary arc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book one of the series, and can see myself continuing it down the road.
Andrew is a strong POV, and the world is seen through his sole POV. (First person). Political intrigue (somewhat), magic, and a character already confident in who he is, even if he isn't in *what* he is.
Solid descriptions that seemed right at home in Andrew's no-nonsense way of thinking kept the pace and prose smooth.
The character interactions were the strongest part, and by the end of the novel, I was fairly invested in Andrew's future.
A few hiccups kept me from absolutely loving it, purely preference-based. I lean towards darker stories and characters, and while there are absolutely some tragic moments in this, it's subdued compared to the directions I assumed the plot was going.
Many readers will be happy to see where the series is going as a whole while also getting the resolution for book one's primary arc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book one of the series, and can see myself continuing it down the road.
April 17, 2024
I was given a review copy of this novel from the author in exchange for a honest review. Exile is one of those novels that just gripped me from beginning to end and all I could think about when putting it down was “what is going to happen next!” The beautiful cover screams to any new reader saying “what his hidden behind those pages”? With excellent pacing and painfully emotional moments in the style of John Gwynne, this is a series that will be binged once the four books are released. Lets dive into the story!
Andrew is the captain of the army and the oldest son of the King but he also holds a deadly secret, he is a skin changer. The last of his kind in the realm inhabited by humans and he can change forms into a dragon in an instance. No one else knows about this secret and Andrew intends to keep it that way. When a meeting is called by the King with Andrew and his three brothers to discuss the succession of the kingdom it seems like a formality that Andrew will be the next in line. This position is proved null & void when it is revealed that Andrew is indeed a bastard and not of blood relation to the King. Andrews mother was with child before she was married to the King and this secret has been kept for thirty-six years. With the next in line to the throne Colin learns of this he will stop at nothing to embarrass, shame, and humiliate Andrew for all to see. Andrew needs to leave the city to combat a threat growing in the north but political scheming is also happening back home. Magi have been killed and removed from this land for decades and if one is found to possess the mark they will be put to death. On Andrew’s mothers death bed she made him make a promise to protect his brother Alexander at all cost because he bears the mark of a magi. I will stop here as going an further will go into spoilers.
The character work in Exile is nothing short of excellent! Although this is a first person POV story, I couldn’t help but love all aspects of the story and learning about all factions of this world whether for good or evil. Andrew is of course the central figure to follow and experience first hand how he will handle the difficulties in being a last dragon alive. The pacing is almost at breakneck speed and at just over 250 pages I got through this one in basically two days. There is a romantic thread which I don’t want to go too much into but let me just say that this will warm your heart in more ways than one. I should also note that the further you get in this story the tension will continue to build and build until you reach the breaking point so be forewarned. The only downside to this story is that it is very short but holds a lot of promise for future books.
Book two titled Guardian is scheduled to be released in fall 2023 and I already have it marked on my TBR’s most anticipated. It takes a lot for me to be so absorbed in a story from the first chapter and wanting to continue reading for hours on end. This is what Exile did to me as I’m sure it will do it for you. Until next time my friends.
Cheers!
Andrew is the captain of the army and the oldest son of the King but he also holds a deadly secret, he is a skin changer. The last of his kind in the realm inhabited by humans and he can change forms into a dragon in an instance. No one else knows about this secret and Andrew intends to keep it that way. When a meeting is called by the King with Andrew and his three brothers to discuss the succession of the kingdom it seems like a formality that Andrew will be the next in line. This position is proved null & void when it is revealed that Andrew is indeed a bastard and not of blood relation to the King. Andrews mother was with child before she was married to the King and this secret has been kept for thirty-six years. With the next in line to the throne Colin learns of this he will stop at nothing to embarrass, shame, and humiliate Andrew for all to see. Andrew needs to leave the city to combat a threat growing in the north but political scheming is also happening back home. Magi have been killed and removed from this land for decades and if one is found to possess the mark they will be put to death. On Andrew’s mothers death bed she made him make a promise to protect his brother Alexander at all cost because he bears the mark of a magi. I will stop here as going an further will go into spoilers.
The character work in Exile is nothing short of excellent! Although this is a first person POV story, I couldn’t help but love all aspects of the story and learning about all factions of this world whether for good or evil. Andrew is of course the central figure to follow and experience first hand how he will handle the difficulties in being a last dragon alive. The pacing is almost at breakneck speed and at just over 250 pages I got through this one in basically two days. There is a romantic thread which I don’t want to go too much into but let me just say that this will warm your heart in more ways than one. I should also note that the further you get in this story the tension will continue to build and build until you reach the breaking point so be forewarned. The only downside to this story is that it is very short but holds a lot of promise for future books.
Book two titled Guardian is scheduled to be released in fall 2023 and I already have it marked on my TBR’s most anticipated. It takes a lot for me to be so absorbed in a story from the first chapter and wanting to continue reading for hours on end. This is what Exile did to me as I’m sure it will do it for you. Until next time my friends.
Cheers!
April 6, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Oh, I am in love with this universe and I want more so badly. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. I am trying to explain how much I love this story without giving away too much because you all deserve to go into this blind. I dare not ruin the experience.
But I can talk about how wonderfully crafted this world is. The best way I can think to describe it is that the world has weight. It feels lived in. It has nuances and tiny details that we usually don't think about which gives it a sense of reality.
And the main character, Andrew. He deserves all the good things in the world and I both love and hate the trials he is going through. I love it for the wonderful ways the author displays his awesomeness to viewer (seriously, give this guy 'best brother' award, stat) but I want to just pull him into a hug and protect him from all the bad things because he deserves all the goodness.
I am anxiously awaiting more.
Oh, I am in love with this universe and I want more so badly. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. I am trying to explain how much I love this story without giving away too much because you all deserve to go into this blind. I dare not ruin the experience.
But I can talk about how wonderfully crafted this world is. The best way I can think to describe it is that the world has weight. It feels lived in. It has nuances and tiny details that we usually don't think about which gives it a sense of reality.
And the main character, Andrew. He deserves all the good things in the world and I both love and hate the trials he is going through. I love it for the wonderful ways the author displays his awesomeness to viewer (seriously, give this guy 'best brother' award, stat) but I want to just pull him into a hug and protect him from all the bad things because he deserves all the goodness.
I am anxiously awaiting more.
June 15, 2023
I finished this book yesterday and have had some time to mull things over. This is a terrific epic fantasy. Our hero, Andrew is a physically imposing commander of his father, the king's armies. We meet Andrew at a difficult time in his life, discussing the reveal of a scandalous secret with the man he calls "father". The secret being he isn't 1st in line to Novenia's throne because his mother had already been carrying him when she met the king.
Now in his mid-thirties, Andrew loses his surname and his relationship with his wife whose own ambitious father had intended for her to marry a future king. It's encouraging to see how a protagonist who has already built a life for himself, can adjust when things are swept from under him. What no one else in the kingdom knows is the extra layer to Andrew's secret. His true father was a Dragon Mage, capable of transforming into a human. As a skin-changer, Andrew can also take on the form of a dragon but just as his brother, Alexander hides a mage's mark on his torso, Andrew must hide his other side.
I liked Andrew's distinctive personality. He holds himself to incredibly high moral standards and largely defines himself by his relationships with others. He can be surly and temperamental but is noble to a fault. This story allows you to breathe between tragedies, the moments of joy between each making the next all the more painful.
The worldbuilding in the Caein legacy is detailed and intriguing. Though the Corodan, a sentient insectoid race, initially come across as antagonistic, we see another side to them and I am keen to learn more about their culture. I must also say that "Vinterry" is a delectable name for a vineyard estate.
I am making a habit of listing content warnings for those who find such things helpful.
Family is the best and the worst thing about this book. I love that adult brothers Andrew and Alexander look out for each other. They make a great team, and it's wonderful to see Alex's excitement at learning about his brother's dragon-shifting abilities.
This is one of those rare books that is paced perfectly. It is brisk where it needs to be and slows down just enough for you to savour the character moments and place descriptions. It is a story well worth your time.
Now in his mid-thirties, Andrew loses his surname and his relationship with his wife whose own ambitious father had intended for her to marry a future king. It's encouraging to see how a protagonist who has already built a life for himself, can adjust when things are swept from under him. What no one else in the kingdom knows is the extra layer to Andrew's secret. His true father was a Dragon Mage, capable of transforming into a human. As a skin-changer, Andrew can also take on the form of a dragon but just as his brother, Alexander hides a mage's mark on his torso, Andrew must hide his other side.
I liked Andrew's distinctive personality. He holds himself to incredibly high moral standards and largely defines himself by his relationships with others. He can be surly and temperamental but is noble to a fault. This story allows you to breathe between tragedies, the moments of joy between each making the next all the more painful.
The worldbuilding in the Caein legacy is detailed and intriguing. Though the Corodan, a sentient insectoid race, initially come across as antagonistic, we see another side to them and I am keen to learn more about their culture. I must also say that "Vinterry" is a delectable name for a vineyard estate.
I am making a habit of listing content warnings for those who find such things helpful.
Family is the best and the worst thing about this book. I love that adult brothers Andrew and Alexander look out for each other. They make a great team, and it's wonderful to see Alex's excitement at learning about his brother's dragon-shifting abilities.
This is one of those rare books that is paced perfectly. It is brisk where it needs to be and slows down just enough for you to savour the character moments and place descriptions. It is a story well worth your time.
September 18, 2024
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Exile
Thank you to AJ Calvin for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
Commander of the king’s forces and well respected by all, the kingdom assumed Andrew would inherit his father’s throne. But when the king announces his heir, it’s revealed Andrew has no ties to the king. Quickly the beloved son is cast aside and ridiculed by the public. When his cruel younger half-brother Colin becomes the heir, everyone knows the kingdom is in for a brutal ruling at his hand. But the King’s love remains, and while he still considers Andrew a son, there are secrets about Andrew even the king doesn’t know.
Andrew is a loyal and kind man. One who does not deserve the gossip or unpleasantries his unknown patronage grants him. People lash out at him both for the lie they were led to believe and the harsh reality of having to accept his half-brother Colin as the future king. Colin immediately shows his true nature by tormenting and goading Andrew and those around him. Readers will feel a deep connection to Andrew and feel sympathy towards what he must endure.
Readers will face Andrew's greatest tragedies to witness his path to discovery. Each time readers believe he has a semblance of peace in his life, a new challenge will arise greater than the last. Exile is just starting to show the full expanse of this world. The fact Andrew is a shapeshifter and forced into learning more about his abilities is thrilling. Every start is rough, but with time the potential to become great grows.
AJ Calvin does a fantastic job crafting a villainous adversary for Andrew and his companions. Not only does Colin strike out against Andrew directly, but in devious ways behind Andrew’s back he never will see coming. Readers will thoroughly hate Colin by the end of book one and will be eagerly awaiting book two to see if Colin can be taken down a notch or two.
Exile is for fans of epic fantasy and quickly moving plots. There is so much detail given to character building and plot development in this first novel. Yet it never feels as if there is a lack of information—book two promises to bring in more magic and soul crushing battles.
Thank you to AJ Calvin for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
Commander of the king’s forces and well respected by all, the kingdom assumed Andrew would inherit his father’s throne. But when the king announces his heir, it’s revealed Andrew has no ties to the king. Quickly the beloved son is cast aside and ridiculed by the public. When his cruel younger half-brother Colin becomes the heir, everyone knows the kingdom is in for a brutal ruling at his hand. But the King’s love remains, and while he still considers Andrew a son, there are secrets about Andrew even the king doesn’t know.
Andrew is a loyal and kind man. One who does not deserve the gossip or unpleasantries his unknown patronage grants him. People lash out at him both for the lie they were led to believe and the harsh reality of having to accept his half-brother Colin as the future king. Colin immediately shows his true nature by tormenting and goading Andrew and those around him. Readers will feel a deep connection to Andrew and feel sympathy towards what he must endure.
Readers will face Andrew's greatest tragedies to witness his path to discovery. Each time readers believe he has a semblance of peace in his life, a new challenge will arise greater than the last. Exile is just starting to show the full expanse of this world. The fact Andrew is a shapeshifter and forced into learning more about his abilities is thrilling. Every start is rough, but with time the potential to become great grows.
AJ Calvin does a fantastic job crafting a villainous adversary for Andrew and his companions. Not only does Colin strike out against Andrew directly, but in devious ways behind Andrew’s back he never will see coming. Readers will thoroughly hate Colin by the end of book one and will be eagerly awaiting book two to see if Colin can be taken down a notch or two.
Exile is for fans of epic fantasy and quickly moving plots. There is so much detail given to character building and plot development in this first novel. Yet it never feels as if there is a lack of information—book two promises to bring in more magic and soul crushing battles.
May 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and breezed through it in three sittings. The prose is excellent and direct, Exile reads like John Gwynn’s Shadow of the Gods if it was written in first-person single pov.
That pov is our protagonist Andrew. The first few chapters do a perfect job showing who he is and all the supporting cast’s relationship to him. I expected to like Thomas the most but Andrew is the ultimate bro. Colin is the perfect villain. He gives us adult-Joffrey vibes and I actually admired how awful he was until it got worse (this book isn’t super grimdark but there are sad scenes) Although I do suspect Colin is a placeholder for the true villain and some big bad more powerful is going to appear in the next entry or two.
The world building is fascinating, especially near the end where instead of closure, we start getting answers that only lead to more questions. I enjoyed the insect race the most. I’m hoping they have more a more impactful role in the series and don’t end up a minor part of the story. Looking forward to part 2 in November. It’s nice to know the entire series is already written!
That pov is our protagonist Andrew. The first few chapters do a perfect job showing who he is and all the supporting cast’s relationship to him. I expected to like Thomas the most but Andrew is the ultimate bro. Colin is the perfect villain. He gives us adult-Joffrey vibes and I actually admired how awful he was until it got worse (this book isn’t super grimdark but there are sad scenes) Although I do suspect Colin is a placeholder for the true villain and some big bad more powerful is going to appear in the next entry or two.
The world building is fascinating, especially near the end where instead of closure, we start getting answers that only lead to more questions. I enjoyed the insect race the most. I’m hoping they have more a more impactful role in the series and don’t end up a minor part of the story. Looking forward to part 2 in November. It’s nice to know the entire series is already written!
May 13, 2024
Andrew is a skilled warrior and commander, and when the kingdom is devastated when they discover he is not the king's biological son, so he cannot inherit the throne. That leaves his spiteful and cruel half-brother Colin to succeed, and when the time comes, he makes life especially hard for Andrew. To top it off, another of Andrew's brothers, Alexander, is found to have the Mark of the Magi, which is a sentence of death in Novania. When Colin plans to have Alexander executed, Andrew must decide to reveal his dragon side to save him and risk losing his own life or hide his true self forever.
This is the first book in the wonderful epic fantasy series, The Caein Legacy. It's told from Andrew's point of view, and he is no young man. This isn't a coming of age trope. It's discovering one's true self later in life when sometimes it's even scarier to accept it. The story is slow paced like traditional fantasy tales, and much of the beginning is court and family intrigue rather than action. It's the set up for what is to come. Yet this allows the world building and characterization to be phenomenal. I'm invested in Andrew's and Alexander's journeys. Each will be very different, but they are irrevocably intertwined. I can't wait to read more in this series.
This is the first book in the wonderful epic fantasy series, The Caein Legacy. It's told from Andrew's point of view, and he is no young man. This isn't a coming of age trope. It's discovering one's true self later in life when sometimes it's even scarier to accept it. The story is slow paced like traditional fantasy tales, and much of the beginning is court and family intrigue rather than action. It's the set up for what is to come. Yet this allows the world building and characterization to be phenomenal. I'm invested in Andrew's and Alexander's journeys. Each will be very different, but they are irrevocably intertwined. I can't wait to read more in this series.
September 22, 2023
Exile by A.J. Calvin is the first entry in a new fantasy series full of magic, mystery, and (best of all) dragons. While certainly an epic fantasy, the tale is grounded, first-and-foremost, in family. For good or evil, these relationships drive this fast-paced tale and its main character, Andrew.
Told from a first-person point of view, Andrew’s are the eyes with which the reader sees the world. Our hero is powerful, but humble; loyal himself, but often betrayed; and he loves with a fierceness that one cannot help but love him for. Throughout the book, Andrew suffers heartbreaking loss after loss, but he doesn’t dwell on them, nor does he let them affect what he feels is his true purpose in life: protecting his little brother, Alexander. It is this steadfast loyalty and protectiveness of his sibling that is the center of the story, and what makes me relate to and root for Andrew.
The crux of the story, and possibly the series as a whole, is that each of the brothers has a secret that could ruin their lives if discovered. Alexander bears the mark of a magi, which could get him killed if discovered. Andrew’s mother made him swear to protect his brother because of this, which he has the strength to do because Andrew has his own dangerous secret: He is not the King’s real heir. His real father was a dragon mage, and he’s a skin changer.
This lore and history regarding magic and dragons is wonderfully explained, bit by tantalizing bit, as the story progresses. It’s never overwhelming or dry, and there are enough glimpses of both the world and magic to know there is much we as readers still do not know and can expect to learn as the series progresses.
As for this book, it begins with a bang when part of Andrew’s secret is immediately revealed. The King chooses to tell the court that Andrew is not his biological son due to Novenia’s laws. This is the one nitpick I have about the plot/novel as a whole. In my completely subjective opinion, this decision didn’t make sense. A King would make the laws, so why not change them when he clearly loves Andrew and knows he’s the best suited as successor? Failing that, I didn’t get the sense there was an impending threat of the truth being revealed by a third party, so why not continue keeping the secret? In any case, the King does tell the court, and the decision costs Andrew (and the kingdom) dearly.
Andrew loses his title and his social-climbing wife and becomes the favorite punching bag of the new heir apparent. Enter the villain: Andrew’s other half-brother, Colin. This is a character created to hate. While he starts as annoyingly arrogant and mean-spirited, he becomes loathsome in every way, a power-hungry sociopath who cares for no one but himself. As the tale goes on, it becomes clear he has no line he won’t cross, and he is poised to bring war to the kingdom.
Exile was a fast-paced read with loads of action and intrigue and a short, but well-done romantic subplot. The characters, world, and the stakes are all well-defined and will have fans of fantasy flipping pages well into the night. For anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, this book is a great start to the series, with an ending that perfectly sets up what promises to be even bigger adventures in book 2, which releases in November.
Told from a first-person point of view, Andrew’s are the eyes with which the reader sees the world. Our hero is powerful, but humble; loyal himself, but often betrayed; and he loves with a fierceness that one cannot help but love him for. Throughout the book, Andrew suffers heartbreaking loss after loss, but he doesn’t dwell on them, nor does he let them affect what he feels is his true purpose in life: protecting his little brother, Alexander. It is this steadfast loyalty and protectiveness of his sibling that is the center of the story, and what makes me relate to and root for Andrew.
The crux of the story, and possibly the series as a whole, is that each of the brothers has a secret that could ruin their lives if discovered. Alexander bears the mark of a magi, which could get him killed if discovered. Andrew’s mother made him swear to protect his brother because of this, which he has the strength to do because Andrew has his own dangerous secret: He is not the King’s real heir. His real father was a dragon mage, and he’s a skin changer.
This lore and history regarding magic and dragons is wonderfully explained, bit by tantalizing bit, as the story progresses. It’s never overwhelming or dry, and there are enough glimpses of both the world and magic to know there is much we as readers still do not know and can expect to learn as the series progresses.
As for this book, it begins with a bang when part of Andrew’s secret is immediately revealed. The King chooses to tell the court that Andrew is not his biological son due to Novenia’s laws. This is the one nitpick I have about the plot/novel as a whole. In my completely subjective opinion, this decision didn’t make sense. A King would make the laws, so why not change them when he clearly loves Andrew and knows he’s the best suited as successor? Failing that, I didn’t get the sense there was an impending threat of the truth being revealed by a third party, so why not continue keeping the secret? In any case, the King does tell the court, and the decision costs Andrew (and the kingdom) dearly.
Andrew loses his title and his social-climbing wife and becomes the favorite punching bag of the new heir apparent. Enter the villain: Andrew’s other half-brother, Colin. This is a character created to hate. While he starts as annoyingly arrogant and mean-spirited, he becomes loathsome in every way, a power-hungry sociopath who cares for no one but himself. As the tale goes on, it becomes clear he has no line he won’t cross, and he is poised to bring war to the kingdom.
Exile was a fast-paced read with loads of action and intrigue and a short, but well-done romantic subplot. The characters, world, and the stakes are all well-defined and will have fans of fantasy flipping pages well into the night. For anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, this book is a great start to the series, with an ending that perfectly sets up what promises to be even bigger adventures in book 2, which releases in November.
July 27, 2023
When I first sat down to read this book I read the author's note. I found the story of how the book came to be not only touching, but really well written. This in turn gave me a good feeling about Exile itself. I was not disappointed!
Exile is the story of two (half) brothers, Andrew and Alexander. Andrew is a skin-changer (he can transform into a dragon) while Alexander has the sign of the Magi, a sort of natural tattoo that symbolises his ability to wield magic, though he is not quite at that stage yet. I would say that the genre falls into the high fantasy category.
I found both brothers likeable. Alexander is impulsive but brave, whereas Andrew - the main character - is loyal to a fault, always putting others ahead of himself, especially Alexander. I sometimes didn't understand Andrew's actions but I always found myself sympathetic to his plight. It's also nice to have a main character in his mid-thirties, especially in fantasy! They have another brother, Colin, a nasty piece of work, who seeks to have, or destroy, everything Andrew has. The fourth brother, Thomas, is a more sensitive soul who enjoys his books. I liked him as well!
The story felt like it was separated into two main parts. I felt the first part was very Robin Hobb esq in its descriptions of court and it's intricacies. The pace was great. About half-way through, the brothers journey to the Southlands, where we learn a bit more about Andrew's family history and an upcoming war (likely caused by Colin) that they must be ready for. First, they must make a pilgrimage, which sets things up nicely for the next book. I really liked the stone dragons that the brothers come across, as well as the host of other characters i hope turn up for the sequels.
For me a real strength of this book was the prose. It was written in such an immersive way and flowed so beautifully. I think this massively contributed to the pace I mentioned above and to the connection you feel with the characters.
One other thing - I really liked looking at the map. My app allowed me to switch back and forth to it from the page I was on (I've not seen this done before) so I could keep checking the brothers' progress as they journeyed south.
Bring on the next book!
Exile is the story of two (half) brothers, Andrew and Alexander. Andrew is a skin-changer (he can transform into a dragon) while Alexander has the sign of the Magi, a sort of natural tattoo that symbolises his ability to wield magic, though he is not quite at that stage yet. I would say that the genre falls into the high fantasy category.
I found both brothers likeable. Alexander is impulsive but brave, whereas Andrew - the main character - is loyal to a fault, always putting others ahead of himself, especially Alexander. I sometimes didn't understand Andrew's actions but I always found myself sympathetic to his plight. It's also nice to have a main character in his mid-thirties, especially in fantasy! They have another brother, Colin, a nasty piece of work, who seeks to have, or destroy, everything Andrew has. The fourth brother, Thomas, is a more sensitive soul who enjoys his books. I liked him as well!
The story felt like it was separated into two main parts. I felt the first part was very Robin Hobb esq in its descriptions of court and it's intricacies. The pace was great. About half-way through, the brothers journey to the Southlands, where we learn a bit more about Andrew's family history and an upcoming war (likely caused by Colin) that they must be ready for. First, they must make a pilgrimage, which sets things up nicely for the next book. I really liked the stone dragons that the brothers come across, as well as the host of other characters i hope turn up for the sequels.
For me a real strength of this book was the prose. It was written in such an immersive way and flowed so beautifully. I think this massively contributed to the pace I mentioned above and to the connection you feel with the characters.
One other thing - I really liked looking at the map. My app allowed me to switch back and forth to it from the page I was on (I've not seen this done before) so I could keep checking the brothers' progress as they journeyed south.
Bring on the next book!
April 2, 2024
Thank you to AJ Calvin and Indie book tours for providing me with a review copy of the book!
The dragon on the cover drew me in, not going to lie. I love a good dragon story!
But once I started reading Exile, it became much much more than JUST a dragon story.
I really loved the dynamics within the book between the half brothers and I think Colin is a great villian.
Also the relationship Andrew has with the king, even though he isn't really his father is beautiful. A great example of a man stepping up and raising a child that isn't his by blood as his own.
I don't think I was shocked by anything happening and called what was about to happen but it didn't take away from how incredibly engaging and enjoyable the book was.
Im interested to see more of the Magic system with Alexander and his mark and see what he is capable is within the next book(s) and also what will be asked of Andrew next as Andrew has given and gone through so much, especially towards the end to give Alexander a set of armour.
From the start of the book, Andrew has not has an easy ride. From the title of the next King being stripped away and the truth of his blood line being laid bare before the kingdom, to his wife leaving him for more power and him being shunned by various people because of his birth to the later events that I can't mention as they will be spoilers!
This is a series I will DEFINITELY carry on with! I can't wait to read the next one! I just hope Andrew has it a little easier 🥹
The only reason I give it a 4 not a 5 is because there are a few points in the book that felt like the dialogue was repetitive and in some parts I felt like the sentences needed switching in their order to make more sense. There was also alot of telling in the beginning rather than showing but I felt the author gained their pace after a 1/4 of the way in and really turned the book into a GREAT read.
The dragon on the cover drew me in, not going to lie. I love a good dragon story!
But once I started reading Exile, it became much much more than JUST a dragon story.
I really loved the dynamics within the book between the half brothers and I think Colin is a great villian.
Also the relationship Andrew has with the king, even though he isn't really his father is beautiful. A great example of a man stepping up and raising a child that isn't his by blood as his own.
I don't think I was shocked by anything happening and called what was about to happen but it didn't take away from how incredibly engaging and enjoyable the book was.
Im interested to see more of the Magic system with Alexander and his mark and see what he is capable is within the next book(s) and also what will be asked of Andrew next as Andrew has given and gone through so much, especially towards the end to give Alexander a set of armour.
From the start of the book, Andrew has not has an easy ride. From the title of the next King being stripped away and the truth of his blood line being laid bare before the kingdom, to his wife leaving him for more power and him being shunned by various people because of his birth to the later events that I can't mention as they will be spoilers!
This is a series I will DEFINITELY carry on with! I can't wait to read the next one! I just hope Andrew has it a little easier 🥹
The only reason I give it a 4 not a 5 is because there are a few points in the book that felt like the dialogue was repetitive and in some parts I felt like the sentences needed switching in their order to make more sense. There was also alot of telling in the beginning rather than showing but I felt the author gained their pace after a 1/4 of the way in and really turned the book into a GREAT read.
May 18, 2024
This book falls somewhere between a 3 and 4 for me, but it doesn't do anything to make me want to dip it lower in rating. It doesn't do anything actually. It's a very mid story and obviously a set up for the series. This seems directed at a younger YA audience if not teens (but could be wrong) with good guy characters that are good guys and bad guy characters that are bad.
The story does hinge on something that could have completely broken it though. Andrew, our main character, is the bastard son of the late Queen. The only people who knew this are Andrew, his mom and the King. He's lived his whole life with everyone assuming he would take the throne as the eldest son (and ofc only legit sons can inherit). However, EVERYONE in the kingdom thinks that the second in line, his half-brother Collin would be a HORRIBLE ruler (which is later proven correct). Nobody believes Andrew is illegitimate... why didn't the King and Andrew just not say anything?
There's no dna testing, nor would anyone have asked for it anyway if it was available. Everyone assumed he'd take the throne and be good at it, much better than Collin at least.
That potential plot-breaking issue aside, this book is set up for the rest; Andrew meets an attractive recently widowed young woman who loves him for himself unconditionally (even his secret which he reveals) and ofc you know what happens to them on their fairy tale happy rainbow vineyard estate. The stakes are low for most of this book, and you can see everything coming from a mile away.
Despite all that, I think the book isn't bad at all. It's a fun if very typical fantasy story. I'm more interested to see what the author does with all this; will they spin expectations on their head? Who knows? I'm already on book 2 haha
The story does hinge on something that could have completely broken it though. Andrew, our main character, is the bastard son of the late Queen. The only people who knew this are Andrew, his mom and the King. He's lived his whole life with everyone assuming he would take the throne as the eldest son (and ofc only legit sons can inherit). However, EVERYONE in the kingdom thinks that the second in line, his half-brother Collin would be a HORRIBLE ruler (which is later proven correct). Nobody believes Andrew is illegitimate... why didn't the King and Andrew just not say anything?
There's no dna testing, nor would anyone have asked for it anyway if it was available. Everyone assumed he'd take the throne and be good at it, much better than Collin at least.
That potential plot-breaking issue aside, this book is set up for the rest; Andrew meets an attractive recently widowed young woman who loves him for himself unconditionally (even his secret which he reveals) and ofc you know what happens to them on their fairy tale happy rainbow vineyard estate. The stakes are low for most of this book, and you can see everything coming from a mile away.
Despite all that, I think the book isn't bad at all. It's a fun if very typical fantasy story. I'm more interested to see what the author does with all this; will they spin expectations on their head? Who knows? I'm already on book 2 haha
September 30, 2023
I started Exile knowing only that it had dragons (I only read the blurb *after* finishing the book), and it did not disappoint, though it did surprise me: While Andrew's ability to shift into a dragon is pivotal to the plot, that's not exactly what the book is about.
The first thing I'd like to say about this book is that I really like how, instead of having a very important main character from the beginning, Exile deals with an important person falling from grace. We get to watch as Andrew's world slowly falls apart and he pieces it back together, only for his brother Colin to get in the way.
The worldbuilding in this one is pretty good. We have several different races, magic, prophecies, different cultures, dragons, other worlds, and more. And we only explore a fraction of it in book one, which makes the fact that we'll get another *three* books pretty exciting.
The main cast, while small, pretty much steals the spotlight. One of the core themes is family, and this quickly becomes apparent in Andrew's relationship to his brothers. In spite of his hardships he never stops looking after them, sometimes to his own detriment. Likewise, they do their best to keep him afloat when he's at his worst. The one exception is Colin (also the main antagonist), who proves himself to be a power-hungry piece of garbage. The author really did a good job in getting me to hate that one.
The plot didn't move how I expected it to, which is a plus. More importantly, it hooked me and made me devour this book, so I can't help but recommend it to anyone looking for a good epic fantasy. Considering that book two is set to come out in November, I think you're in for a treat.
The first thing I'd like to say about this book is that I really like how, instead of having a very important main character from the beginning, Exile deals with an important person falling from grace. We get to watch as Andrew's world slowly falls apart and he pieces it back together, only for his brother Colin to get in the way.
The worldbuilding in this one is pretty good. We have several different races, magic, prophecies, different cultures, dragons, other worlds, and more. And we only explore a fraction of it in book one, which makes the fact that we'll get another *three* books pretty exciting.
The main cast, while small, pretty much steals the spotlight. One of the core themes is family, and this quickly becomes apparent in Andrew's relationship to his brothers. In spite of his hardships he never stops looking after them, sometimes to his own detriment. Likewise, they do their best to keep him afloat when he's at his worst. The one exception is Colin (also the main antagonist), who proves himself to be a power-hungry piece of garbage. The author really did a good job in getting me to hate that one.
The plot didn't move how I expected it to, which is a plus. More importantly, it hooked me and made me devour this book, so I can't help but recommend it to anyone looking for a good epic fantasy. Considering that book two is set to come out in November, I think you're in for a treat.
May 24, 2023
Exile: If you're looking for adventure, magic, strife, fun, heart break and a little romance then Exile is the book for you. Four brothers who are the sons of a king each with their own secrets and strife. Who’s secrets will be revealed and who will come out victorious. When the king is ready to name his successor a long held secret is revealed that his oldest son is not of his blood and the son thought to be his second born will take the throne. A son who is not a leader or warrior as the elder brother Andrew is. Now Andrew must make it known to his wife that she is not who she thought he was, this is only one of his hidden secrets; the others may have dire consequences if they are known in a world where the magical and unbelievable are seen as threats to those in power. Andrew is a shapeshifter who has forever hidden his true self from anyone in his world. Andrew knows the secret of another brother, Alexander who could also be seen as a threat to the new king as he takes the throne.Alexander bears the mark of the Magi powerful wizards. Once the new king is in power and seeks out those who have magical talents no one is safe, even his own flesh and blood. Who will come out victorious and who will survive this battle for blood and country. This story will keep you hooked to the very end and leave you begging for more.
September 26, 2023
I loved it!
The characters have depth and you, as the reader, feel their tragedy and their triumph. Calvin handles the range of emotions equally well - love and fury, happiness and distress.
I find the world interesting in that Calvin has built her story around old laws and conservative intransigence. “Everybody knows” this will be bad, but the law says… Then what will the protagonists do – come out of hiding and find who they really are!
That is truly the core of the story – who are you behind your façade. At least in my opinion – that is where I found the tension. It is a journey on which we follow the main character, Andrew. At each step he learns something new he faces the question of do I share this? Does it become part of my public appearance, or do I keep it hidden.
The one nit I have with the story is that Calvin gets repetitive on the central interaction between Andrew and his brother Alexander. In my opinion there could be fewer reminders that Andrew sees himself as Alexander’s protector. But, like I said, this is a minor nit in an excellent story. The pace is excellent, the writing is crisp, the result is quite enjoyable.
Very much looking forward to Guardian, the next book in the Caein Legacy series.
The characters have depth and you, as the reader, feel their tragedy and their triumph. Calvin handles the range of emotions equally well - love and fury, happiness and distress.
I find the world interesting in that Calvin has built her story around old laws and conservative intransigence. “Everybody knows” this will be bad, but the law says… Then what will the protagonists do – come out of hiding and find who they really are!
That is truly the core of the story – who are you behind your façade. At least in my opinion – that is where I found the tension. It is a journey on which we follow the main character, Andrew. At each step he learns something new he faces the question of do I share this? Does it become part of my public appearance, or do I keep it hidden.
The one nit I have with the story is that Calvin gets repetitive on the central interaction between Andrew and his brother Alexander. In my opinion there could be fewer reminders that Andrew sees himself as Alexander’s protector. But, like I said, this is a minor nit in an excellent story. The pace is excellent, the writing is crisp, the result is quite enjoyable.
Very much looking forward to Guardian, the next book in the Caein Legacy series.
July 10, 2023
I LOVED EXILE and couldn’t put it down. Andrew is the eldest son of the aging king… or so everyone believes. But Andrew and the king have long known that Andrew is actually an illegitimate heir and due to the laws of the kingdom, the king will soon have to name his unstable younger brother Colin as king rather than Andrew. I loved all the family drama. Andrew was in an arranged marriage which quickly goes south when he is revealed to not be of noble blood. Drama and plotting and court politics galore. He also has two other brothers (I liked the bond between the good brothers) and one of them bears a mark that identifies him as a mage and will get him killed if anyone discovers it. Oh, and Andrew is half-dragon-shifter. Could the plot get any cooler? This had treachery and twists, cool battle scenes and great suspense. I can’t wait for book two and more exploration of the brothers’ dynamic! 5/5 stars.
April 21, 2024
Originally posted at
SFF Insiders
A very good, solid start to a dragon-based epic fantasy series with family as a strong theme. The characters are well-written (with a super evil antagonist!), and the writing altogether is pretty good. And although the first half was a bit slow paced for me, the second half was extremely enjoyable and equally intriguing. I’m very much looking forward to the sequels, and to see where this journey goes. This was my first-ever entry into the author’s work, but it most certainly won’t be the last. Had a fun time with it!
A massive thanks to the author for providing a review copy, and to indiebooktours for organizing the book tour.
A very good, solid start to a dragon-based epic fantasy series with family as a strong theme. The characters are well-written (with a super evil antagonist!), and the writing altogether is pretty good. And although the first half was a bit slow paced for me, the second half was extremely enjoyable and equally intriguing. I’m very much looking forward to the sequels, and to see where this journey goes. This was my first-ever entry into the author’s work, but it most certainly won’t be the last. Had a fun time with it!
A massive thanks to the author for providing a review copy, and to indiebooktours for organizing the book tour.
September 16, 2023
It took me few days to sit down and mull over what I just read. It's pretty short for a fantasy read [200+pages] but the impact was imprinted in my brain for days.
This is probably one of the rare moments that I read a fantasy book that was just right paced. The plot was very much straightforward yet the author's ability to build a mesmerizing setting and characters is just top notch.
"Exile" is a beautifully written epic fantasy that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between siblings. It delivers a riveting narrative that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series
This is probably one of the rare moments that I read a fantasy book that was just right paced. The plot was very much straightforward yet the author's ability to build a mesmerizing setting and characters is just top notch.
"Exile" is a beautifully written epic fantasy that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between siblings. It delivers a riveting narrative that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series
December 12, 2024
This book had so many good reviews but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The writing was not my preferred style. It felt very young adult although there were a few moments of grimdarkness.
I really got tired of the internal dialog of the characters who would rehash things over and over and not add anything to the story. I started skimming those paragraphs and that’s how I know I’m getting tired of the writing style.
The story was ok, but for me it was just not that engaging. Clearly others will like it a lot more than I did.
I really got tired of the internal dialog of the characters who would rehash things over and over and not add anything to the story. I started skimming those paragraphs and that’s how I know I’m getting tired of the writing style.
The story was ok, but for me it was just not that engaging. Clearly others will like it a lot more than I did.
Read
September 15, 2023I found the beginning to be a bit of a slog, but I REALLY LOVED the relationship between Andrew and Alexander, and what they'll do for each other. This is an awesome tale of loyal and true love between brothers who seem to have quite a healthy relationship so far. I love stories where such beautiful non-romantic love is shown!
Full review here: https://enthralledbylove.com/2023/09/...
Full review here: https://enthralledbylove.com/2023/09/...
September 22, 2024
A strange beast, the concept is great, but there's something a bit strange in the pacing, it feels very rushed, the book feels like it could have done with 100 more pages, an awful lot happens in the 265 pages and at times it feels like it is a bit forced
Having said that I have already ordered the second book in the series and will be aiming to finish the first 3 books in time for the release of book 4 in November
Having said that I have already ordered the second book in the series and will be aiming to finish the first 3 books in time for the release of book 4 in November
February 28, 2024
Brilliantly written epic fantasy. Really loved the bond between Andrew and Alexander and learning more about each of their powerful secrets. Colin, the villain, was truly despicable and poses as a continuing threat to not only our hero but the kingdom at large. A fair amount happens in this book, but ultimately it sets the stage for an even bigger adventure to come. Bring on the quest!
April 28, 2024
fianl rating 4.5 stars retiew to come
January 5, 2025
Entertaining start
Exile is a an enjoyable read, and a great start for this series. I love Andrew and Alex, and definitely look forward to seeing what happens next.
Exile is a an enjoyable read, and a great start for this series. I love Andrew and Alex, and definitely look forward to seeing what happens next.
July 10, 2025
Did not finish - I did not like the writing style at all
May 14, 2024
I loved being able to read this book I loved the way in which the author has written this book. Andrew as the main character was very fascinating he had a lot going on for himself, let alone what was going on around him. He developed as a character throughout the book. Alexander as a character I instantly cared for, he seemed like a person that just seemed to care for others and wanted to make sure everything is okay, no matter what he should believe. And with what he had to go through this character had gone through many hard times but it didn't change his personality in a way that he was completely different. With the way that he cared for Andrew, and knew Andrews secret and didn't care about it made me love him as a character very easily. I loved the magic elements of this book especially that it seems that having magic is against the country's rules. I enjoyed the premise of the book, as it made the story very gripping, as I wanted to keep finding out what was going to happen next. And with how the author has integrated dragons into this story was amazing, and something which intrigued me. With the way the book ended and the information in which we received I am curious to see where the next book will take the series and these characters, with what challenges that they may face.
Read
December 8, 2023It took me a while to get into it, but I really liked the relationship between Andrew and Alex.
Full review here: https://enthralledbylove.com/2023/09/...
Full review here: https://enthralledbylove.com/2023/09/...
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