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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
fast-paced
2025 is giving so many 5 star books for me. I love the viking type of the clans. Magic system is unique.
Another gem from LJ!
I was immediately drawn to this world of Vikings and magic. The world building was fantastic, now I think it might be good to have some sort of glossary that shows the different melders and Viking/norse terminology? Maybe that’s just me but I had to look up a few things here and there but other than that, loved the creative magic system we have here. The plot was chefs kiss, the spice, the battles, the Viking myths incorporated, the secrets, the side characters and that ending….. yeah I’m gonna need to know when book 2 is coming!
You have different magic systems and it’s incredibly unique. Unlike anything I’ve read. You have bone, blood and soul craft each with its own abilities.
You have two opposing sides, and I’m really not sure either are good. I think they are both pretty evil but maybe that will change?
Lyra who is a powerful melder is hidden away but found by one of the sides and is forced by the king to build him an army of berserkers. Then you have a broody mute Sentry, Roark, that is battling his own demons and there’s a pull between Lyra and Roark, which of course you figure out in the end.
What I was not ready for was the twists and turns. When I had an inkling on something the rug was pulled out from under me!
I absolutely love this new series and I truly cannot wait for what’s next!
I was immediately drawn to this world of Vikings and magic. The world building was fantastic, now I think it might be good to have some sort of glossary that shows the different melders and Viking/norse terminology? Maybe that’s just me but I had to look up a few things here and there but other than that, loved the creative magic system we have here. The plot was chefs kiss, the spice, the battles, the Viking myths incorporated, the secrets, the side characters and that ending….. yeah I’m gonna need to know when book 2 is coming!
You have different magic systems and it’s incredibly unique. Unlike anything I’ve read. You have bone, blood and soul craft each with its own abilities.
You have two opposing sides, and I’m really not sure either are good. I think they are both pretty evil but maybe that will change?
Lyra who is a powerful melder is hidden away but found by one of the sides and is forced by the king to build him an army of berserkers. Then you have a broody mute Sentry, Roark, that is battling his own demons and there’s a pull between Lyra and Roark, which of course you figure out in the end.
What I was not ready for was the twists and turns. When I had an inkling on something the rug was pulled out from under me!
I absolutely love this new series and I truly cannot wait for what’s next!
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This could just be me but I felt that a few plot points weren’t explained very well & pretty vague. It took me a minute to figure out that the MMC used sign language to communicate & I figured the FMC’s powers as a melder would be more substantial than what they actually were. Oh well, 🤷🏻♀️ it by no means diminished the story as I had a great time reading along.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
first things first: I totally called it, on both counts.
Second: listened to this on audiobook and the voice for Roark is great but also so gruff and gravely that I had to slow down the speed for the entire book because his words all melded together (pun intended).
third: I had beef with the first half of this book because nothing was actually happening. He only had like four chapters from his point of view (coulda used MORE). Lyra didn’t ask enough questions which meant we the reader didn’t get enough answers (I needed MORE). The magic was fascinating but not actually, fully explained (I could have used MORE).
It definitely picks up in the second half, and I did really enjoy the Viking aspect of the setting (even tho I could have used MORE).
Are we noticing a pattern here yet. Because I really and truly went into this story excited, and just feel like it could have been more. That being said I’m still going to read the next one because, as we have established, I need more.
Oh but the best part is the hand speak! It’s so unique to have a story with a love interest who is reliant on sign language!!!!
Second: listened to this on audiobook and the voice for Roark is great but also so gruff and gravely that I had to slow down the speed for the entire book because his words all melded together (pun intended).
third: I had beef with the first half of this book because nothing was actually happening. He only had like four chapters from his point of view (coulda used MORE). Lyra didn’t ask enough questions which meant we the reader didn’t get enough answers (I needed MORE). The magic was fascinating but not actually, fully explained (I could have used MORE).
It definitely picks up in the second half, and I did really enjoy the Viking aspect of the setting (even tho I could have used MORE).
Are we noticing a pattern here yet. Because I really and truly went into this story excited, and just feel like it could have been more. That being said I’m still going to read the next one because, as we have established, I need more.
Oh but the best part is the hand speak! It’s so unique to have a story with a love interest who is reliant on sign language!!!!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes