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Essence
The Daughter of Three will divine the prophecy and ignite the Essence.
Kelsey’s heart is shattered. She has lost the people she holds most dear, and the weight of the world sits on her shoulders.
Taken to the capital city, Kelsey is summoned by the Rex and commanded to fulfill her destiny. Kelsey accepts the role, but a surprising discovery causes her to question what kind of saviour she will be.
But the Vaa have infiltrated Aracron and their evil taints the land. Citizens and protectors are dying, and the Vaa are evolving. Despite struggling with her growing doubt in the prophecies, Kelsey must meet the High Lord, Irapra, and his minions in battle.
In a fight to save the world, will Kelsey fulfil the prophecy, or be forced to watch the destruction of Aracron?
Kelsey’s heart is shattered. She has lost the people she holds most dear, and the weight of the world sits on her shoulders.
Taken to the capital city, Kelsey is summoned by the Rex and commanded to fulfill her destiny. Kelsey accepts the role, but a surprising discovery causes her to question what kind of saviour she will be.
But the Vaa have infiltrated Aracron and their evil taints the land. Citizens and protectors are dying, and the Vaa are evolving. Despite struggling with her growing doubt in the prophecies, Kelsey must meet the High Lord, Irapra, and his minions in battle.
In a fight to save the world, will Kelsey fulfil the prophecy, or be forced to watch the destruction of Aracron?
573 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2023
About the author
Bethany Arliss
4 books60 followersAuthor of the Shadow Fractures Trilogy, Bethany is an enthusiastic nerd with an unwavering passion for all things fantasy and sci-fi.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Otway Ranges in Australia she rules over her kingdom alongside her trusty sidekicks: a dashing husband, a dynamic duo of furry canines, and a feathery flock of chickens who are surprisingly well-versed in intergalactic politics..
Never miss a beat of Bethany Arliss' fantastical adventures! Become an honorary member of her nerdy brigade by subscribing to her newsletter at bethanyarliss.com. Don't worry, she promises not to teleport you into another dimension without your consent (unless you're into that kind of thing). Get ready for exclusive sneak peeks, and more nerdy goodness than you can shake a wand or lightsaber at!
Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Otway Ranges in Australia she rules over her kingdom alongside her trusty sidekicks: a dashing husband, a dynamic duo of furry canines, and a feathery flock of chickens who are surprisingly well-versed in intergalactic politics..
Never miss a beat of Bethany Arliss' fantastical adventures! Become an honorary member of her nerdy brigade by subscribing to her newsletter at bethanyarliss.com. Don't worry, she promises not to teleport you into another dimension without your consent (unless you're into that kind of thing). Get ready for exclusive sneak peeks, and more nerdy goodness than you can shake a wand or lightsaber at!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 10, 2023
I knew as soon as I finished Sanda last night that I’d be reading Essence today in it’s entirety. And I was correct.
Let me just say that this book was the perfect ending to this series. It brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions and had me sitting on the edge of my seat for most of it. Seeing Kelsey grow so much from the first page of Aracron to the last of Essence was an adventure in and of itself. Love, adventure, sadness, loss, grief, strife, war within oneself and within the world… this series had it all. Kelsey of Dennor found herself as Kelsey of Aracron in all the perfect ways. So much happened and the stakes and emotions were high throughout the entire book. It’s definitely a must read.
Ever Aracron.
Let me just say that this book was the perfect ending to this series. It brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions and had me sitting on the edge of my seat for most of it. Seeing Kelsey grow so much from the first page of Aracron to the last of Essence was an adventure in and of itself. Love, adventure, sadness, loss, grief, strife, war within oneself and within the world… this series had it all. Kelsey of Dennor found herself as Kelsey of Aracron in all the perfect ways. So much happened and the stakes and emotions were high throughout the entire book. It’s definitely a must read.
Ever Aracron.
April 16, 2023
The timeline in this book is fantastic! ALOT happens.
This is definitely a coming of age trilogy and is a great read for probably 16 years and up.
The world development (mostly Aracron) is well done. The author weaved an extremely twisted genealogy for the FMC and wrapped it up beautifully at the end.
Congratulations, Bethany! Well, well done.
This is definitely a coming of age trilogy and is a great read for probably 16 years and up.
The world development (mostly Aracron) is well done. The author weaved an extremely twisted genealogy for the FMC and wrapped it up beautifully at the end.
Congratulations, Bethany! Well, well done.
April 13, 2023
I am so sad that it had to end but it did so beautifully
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
{4.5/5}
“Essence” is the third and final book in the Shadow Fractures trilogy. Publishing April 21, 2023
**Please check the trigger warnings prior to reading this series**
I had the distinct pleasure of being part of the ARC team for “Essence” and I’m incredibly grateful for that; I don’t think I could have waited another second to find out how this series ends.
Kelsey Denner, formerly of Earth, has made quite a lot of life-altering discoveries and choices since arriving in Aracron. But the Vaa are still an increasing threat, and something really needs to be done about them. Theoretically, that’s Kelsey’s job.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a series where all of the books consistently rated as well as these did. 4.5’s, all three of them. And yet, each of the three had a distinctly different feel to it. “Aracron” saw Kelsey learning and connecting with people, “Sanda” saw her really stepping up to fight for the world, and “Essence” sees her finally embrace who she is and what she can do. It was a beautiful journey and the conclusion did not fail to deliver action and feels in abundance.
I absolutely refuse to risk spoiling anything about this book. I laughed, I teared up, I got angry, I think I might have experienced almost the full range of human emotion in this book alone. So I’m going to have to insist that you go read it for yourself so that you can also have this marvelous experience. Bethany Arliss has created an amazing fantasy world and crafted a story that beautifully matches the detail she poured into it; you’d be severely missing out if you didn’t take a look.
“Essence” is the third and final book in the Shadow Fractures trilogy. Publishing April 21, 2023
**Please check the trigger warnings prior to reading this series**
I had the distinct pleasure of being part of the ARC team for “Essence” and I’m incredibly grateful for that; I don’t think I could have waited another second to find out how this series ends.
Kelsey Denner, formerly of Earth, has made quite a lot of life-altering discoveries and choices since arriving in Aracron. But the Vaa are still an increasing threat, and something really needs to be done about them. Theoretically, that’s Kelsey’s job.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a series where all of the books consistently rated as well as these did. 4.5’s, all three of them. And yet, each of the three had a distinctly different feel to it. “Aracron” saw Kelsey learning and connecting with people, “Sanda” saw her really stepping up to fight for the world, and “Essence” sees her finally embrace who she is and what she can do. It was a beautiful journey and the conclusion did not fail to deliver action and feels in abundance.
I absolutely refuse to risk spoiling anything about this book. I laughed, I teared up, I got angry, I think I might have experienced almost the full range of human emotion in this book alone. So I’m going to have to insist that you go read it for yourself so that you can also have this marvelous experience. Bethany Arliss has created an amazing fantasy world and crafted a story that beautifully matches the detail she poured into it; you’d be severely missing out if you didn’t take a look.
April 25, 2023
This is the final book in the Shadow Fractures series and it was amazing! This book has Kelsey fighting for her life and facing her destiny as Sanda, to rid the land of the Vaa.
This was an emotional one, with many highs and lows, but it was also a busy story! So much happens - from relationships to friendships, battles and balls, travel, negotiations - there's a lot going on. The writing is well done and the story paced well, so no moment feels rushed or too slow.
I have really enjoyed this series and this final book ties everything up well. The epilogue was sweet, also. A great read!
This was an emotional one, with many highs and lows, but it was also a busy story! So much happens - from relationships to friendships, battles and balls, travel, negotiations - there's a lot going on. The writing is well done and the story paced well, so no moment feels rushed or too slow.
I have really enjoyed this series and this final book ties everything up well. The epilogue was sweet, also. A great read!
April 18, 2023
This is the third book in the shadow fractures trilogy and it brings it to its end spectacularly. I couldn’t put this book down - read it in one day! It had everything I had hoped for and more. I cried a lot in this one. Maybe partly because I knew this story was coming to its end… but it’s left me fulfilled and introspective. Remember what you’re fighting for. Ever Aracron
April 20, 2023
Perfect YA coming of age fantasy!
If you like cozy vibes, found family, alongside romance with action and adventure this series is for you!!
The timeline follows on flawlessly from book two and is very well-paced! I smashed through the book in two sittings!
Everything is slowly revealed and beautifully done! I loved it!
Ever Aracron ❤️
If you like cozy vibes, found family, alongside romance with action and adventure this series is for you!!
The timeline follows on flawlessly from book two and is very well-paced! I smashed through the book in two sittings!
Everything is slowly revealed and beautifully done! I loved it!
Ever Aracron ❤️
April 24, 2023
We return to Pardok to end all the battles that threaten Aracron. However, before that, we get to see the great city of Rex, which is filled with the royalty of Aracron. I liked getting to know more about Kelsey's family! I also liked all the new characters introduced in this series ending book.
June 8, 2023
I so enjoyed the second book of the Shadow Fractures trilogy, that I've consumed the finale, Essence, in two days.
As displaced Kelsey finally embraces her Aracron heritage, the long awaited battle with the murderous Vaa looms. Prophecy tells of a saviour, but who will survive?
A perfect wrap up to a fabulous story gives the reader what they crave: peril, pain, found family, secrets revealed and unfolding destiny. Characters we have grown to love face their darkest day, the reader right there with them.
5 stars for the entire trilogy. Bravo.
As displaced Kelsey finally embraces her Aracron heritage, the long awaited battle with the murderous Vaa looms. Prophecy tells of a saviour, but who will survive?
A perfect wrap up to a fabulous story gives the reader what they crave: peril, pain, found family, secrets revealed and unfolding destiny. Characters we have grown to love face their darkest day, the reader right there with them.
5 stars for the entire trilogy. Bravo.
April 18, 2023
Amazing finish to a great story!! I really wanted to get to the end and find out how it all would come to fruition and it didn't disappoint! Kelsey discovers all of her talents and some. Great plot development and beautiful writing. I can't wait to find out what Bethany will be writing next!!
April 14, 2023
This is my favourite book in the trilogy! It has everything I love in a fantasy story: adventure, romance, an opulent palace, court life drama, magic, and wonderful characters that I have grown to love.
There are lots of ups and downs for Kelesy in this one as she learns more about her past and her powers. She struggles to live with a prophecy hanging over her and the huge expectations resting on her shoulders, but I love that she always pushes forward.
To be honest, I didn’t want this book to end, and I could happily read more in the world of Aracron. I loved every minute of finding out more about the world in this book and seeing what this large cast of characters was up to. I’m sad that it’s over, but it was a wonderful ending and a highly satisfying conclusion to this fantasy trilogy.
I look forward to reading more from Bethany Arliss in the future.
There are lots of ups and downs for Kelesy in this one as she learns more about her past and her powers. She struggles to live with a prophecy hanging over her and the huge expectations resting on her shoulders, but I love that she always pushes forward.
To be honest, I didn’t want this book to end, and I could happily read more in the world of Aracron. I loved every minute of finding out more about the world in this book and seeing what this large cast of characters was up to. I’m sad that it’s over, but it was a wonderful ending and a highly satisfying conclusion to this fantasy trilogy.
I look forward to reading more from Bethany Arliss in the future.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews