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archdaimon's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Minor: Rape
readtheblurb's review
4.0
I received a copy of Isla’s Reach through a giveaway and I’m so glad I did as this book had been on my TBR for a long time. I now know, I should have read it ages ago, as it exceeded my expectations in every way and made me a fan of the fantastic world Francisca has created.
Isla’s Reach is the first book in the Breaths and Depths trilogy set in the world of Iona. This is an adventurous, grimdark novel, filled with themes of family, friendship and trauma and set in a world where dragon companions and magic are the norm.
Isla’s Reach started with a bang, following on from a gut-wrenching prologue, before introducing us to its protagonist and last Viden – Evelyn. Evelyn grew up within the shadow of The Evandis War, sequestered away in a tiny mountain village, with only her grandmother as family. Evelyin is just moments before bonding with her dragon, and all seems perfect. That is before Maun arrives and Evelyins entire life is turned upside down, sending her on an epic quest, fraught with danger, minimal allies and a Reticent assassin on her heels.
Evelyn was a really interesting protagonist, I think her personality really shone throughout the book, alongside her emotional response to such a rollercoaster of events. She also seemed believable. I loved how much importance she placed on family and friends. I also loved her companionship with Sou, who was her guide and teacher throughout the story. The two other protagonists were Meric and Maun. Meric we don’t see until a little later, but I found his introduction fit well into the pace of the plot. I also loved his ragtag group of companions. Maun on the other hand was the antagonist of the story, or should I say Reticent assassin. This man alongside his raptor bird Saiya, who actually communicated for him, made for a very unique antagonist. In my mind these two encompassed an evil pairing, however their depth and trauma revealed later in the book made for some great storytelling and answered questions as to his motivations. There were also some other pretty cool animal companions, but I won’t mention those…
The writing was excellent throughout the novel. Francisca really knew how to keep my on the edge of my seat. The pace was exactly what I look for in such a novel with a delicious grimdark level of violence, alongside emotional moments and a vivid description of Iona.
If you’re looking for an interesting new world to explore, filled with great characters, dragons, animal companions, assassins and more, then you’re looking in the right place. I highly recommend you try this excellent novel… and be ready for some emotional moments!
I should also mention….that cover is stunning!
Isla’s Reach is the first book in the Breaths and Depths trilogy set in the world of Iona. This is an adventurous, grimdark novel, filled with themes of family, friendship and trauma and set in a world where dragon companions and magic are the norm.
Isla’s Reach started with a bang, following on from a gut-wrenching prologue, before introducing us to its protagonist and last Viden – Evelyn. Evelyn grew up within the shadow of The Evandis War, sequestered away in a tiny mountain village, with only her grandmother as family. Evelyin is just moments before bonding with her dragon, and all seems perfect. That is before Maun arrives and Evelyins entire life is turned upside down, sending her on an epic quest, fraught with danger, minimal allies and a Reticent assassin on her heels.
Evelyn was a really interesting protagonist, I think her personality really shone throughout the book, alongside her emotional response to such a rollercoaster of events. She also seemed believable. I loved how much importance she placed on family and friends. I also loved her companionship with Sou, who was her guide and teacher throughout the story. The two other protagonists were Meric and Maun. Meric we don’t see until a little later, but I found his introduction fit well into the pace of the plot. I also loved his ragtag group of companions. Maun on the other hand was the antagonist of the story, or should I say Reticent assassin. This man alongside his raptor bird Saiya, who actually communicated for him, made for a very unique antagonist. In my mind these two encompassed an evil pairing, however their depth and trauma revealed later in the book made for some great storytelling and answered questions as to his motivations. There were also some other pretty cool animal companions, but I won’t mention those…
The writing was excellent throughout the novel. Francisca really knew how to keep my on the edge of my seat. The pace was exactly what I look for in such a novel with a delicious grimdark level of violence, alongside emotional moments and a vivid description of Iona.
If you’re looking for an interesting new world to explore, filled with great characters, dragons, animal companions, assassins and more, then you’re looking in the right place. I highly recommend you try this excellent novel… and be ready for some emotional moments!
I should also mention….that cover is stunning!
khan_book_reviews's review
4.0
The first book in 'The Breaths and Depths' duology, and Francisca Liliana's debut grimdark fantasy novel, follows Evelyn, the last of the Videns, bonded with the final living dragon. However, her life is turned upside down when everything dear to her is destroyed, and a Reticent assassin haunts her every step, battling his own demons.
"Islas Reach" presents multiple POVs that help in understanding the characters' drives and decisions throughout the novel. It's insightful to glimpse the antagonist's POV to comprehend their thoughts and internal struggles.
The story starts a bit slowly, understandably laying the foundation for Francisca's new world and introducing the extensive history. As the initial chapters set this groundwork, the pacing gradually increases to a comfortable level. Vital information isn't overlooked, and key moments are fully appreciated.
Francisca excels in character interaction, creating a profound sense of companionship between them. I could have easily read multiple chapters of the characters conversing about their pasts or sharing stories.
Overall, "Islas Reach" is a promising start to the duology. I'm intrigued to discover what lies ahead for these characters I've grown attached to and what more there is to uncover about them. If you enjoy a tale of camaraderie, coupled with significant revelations and compelling action sequences, then this book is for you.
"Islas Reach" presents multiple POVs that help in understanding the characters' drives and decisions throughout the novel. It's insightful to glimpse the antagonist's POV to comprehend their thoughts and internal struggles.
The story starts a bit slowly, understandably laying the foundation for Francisca's new world and introducing the extensive history. As the initial chapters set this groundwork, the pacing gradually increases to a comfortable level. Vital information isn't overlooked, and key moments are fully appreciated.
Francisca excels in character interaction, creating a profound sense of companionship between them. I could have easily read multiple chapters of the characters conversing about their pasts or sharing stories.
Overall, "Islas Reach" is a promising start to the duology. I'm intrigued to discover what lies ahead for these characters I've grown attached to and what more there is to uncover about them. If you enjoy a tale of camaraderie, coupled with significant revelations and compelling action sequences, then this book is for you.
pagesofash's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
graff_fuller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I usually don't like reading first books in a series, without them having sequels (if not a completed series). But, for some reason...I really wanted to read this book.
They say, "don't judge a book by its cover", but I do. Sorry.
I was attracted to this story...I had heard that it was not for the faint at heart. So, I braced myself and read.
The first part was fairly straight forward, but when I got to the second part...I felt lost, like I hadn't been paying attention (enough). So, I backed up and reread (from Chapter 11 to 21) and I am so thankful that I did that. I also wrote down all the pertinent characters, to that point) and then the story fell into place. A smarter person wouldn't have gotten lost, but what can you say?
Obviously, we love Evelyn. She's the beating heart of the story. But, wow! You've put her through the mill.
One of the things that I have been thinking about while reading this story, and now afterwards...is how do we deal with death (near to us, inflicted ON us, and when we've had to cause death). It changes a person...to have been young, and seen death. There are many examples of this, in this story (of the good and the evil). The death of someone SO close, that it seems like a little part of you...has died too. This one is such a sad piece of life. Then also, the death that the character (or us) have to deal onto another, for survival. So many layers of grief are involved.
I have suffered death of family near to me...at a young age...and also lost loved ones along the way (none were done by violent means, but still). I also have never killed anyone, but through this story...I vicariously FELT their pain...each step of the way.
Loved the "found family" trope, and how...it was hard fought. Nothing in this story comes easy. The ones we hate and the ones we love...take a toll on us.
I look forward to the sequel...and all your other stoires in the futue.
They say, "don't judge a book by its cover", but I do. Sorry.
I was attracted to this story...I had heard that it was not for the faint at heart. So, I braced myself and read.
The first part was fairly straight forward, but when I got to the second part...I felt lost, like I hadn't been paying attention (enough). So, I backed up and reread (from Chapter 11 to 21) and I am so thankful that I did that. I also wrote down all the pertinent characters, to that point) and then the story fell into place. A smarter person wouldn't have gotten lost, but what can you say?
Obviously, we love Evelyn. She's the beating heart of the story. But, wow! You've put her through the mill.
One of the things that I have been thinking about while reading this story, and now afterwards...is how do we deal with death (near to us, inflicted ON us, and when we've had to cause death). It changes a person...to have been young, and seen death. There are many examples of this, in this story (of the good and the evil). The death of someone SO close, that it seems like a little part of you...has died too. This one is such a sad piece of life. Then also, the death that the character (or us) have to deal onto another, for survival. So many layers of grief are involved.
I have suffered death of family near to me...at a young age...and also lost loved ones along the way (none were done by violent means, but still). I also have never killed anyone, but through this story...I vicariously FELT their pain...each step of the way.
Loved the "found family" trope, and how...it was hard fought. Nothing in this story comes easy. The ones we hate and the ones we love...take a toll on us.
I look forward to the sequel...and all your other stoires in the futue.
meetmeinmalkovich's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
sporadicbooks's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Can I make indie authors debuts my new favourite genre? I mean this is just another brilliant instalment of fantasy.
Francisca has found a way to grab your emotions from the depth of your black heart and smear them all over the pages, and you end up thanking her for it.
Following Evelyn’s journey through every page is a wonderful experience. Seeing her grow and face adversity through out the book was the reason I was hooked from the start. Following the classic fantasy journey Isla’s Reach doubles down with one of the best found family storylines I’ve read recently and reminding you of why you fell in love with fantasy book like lord of the rings, and kingkiller.
With beautifully descriptive prose you will have no problem imagining the green fields and artic landscapes as you read through tear filled eyes.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s a 5/5 with nothing but excitement for the second instalment. I cannot wait to see where the story goes in the finally instalment of this duology
aminakara's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
smolhousewitch's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What an amazing first ARC to receive - I definitely cried a bit at the end of this one! This debut book has all the things I love about high fantasy novels but is less dense, making it a wonderful place for fantasy readers to start if they're interested in reading more high fantasy. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the 2nd book!