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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Couldn’t give it a five ONLY BECAUSE what the hell was that ending???????? All of this tension and build up for….nothing? I’m annoyed
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
I have not read the prequel series Legends of Thezmar and perhaps lost some of the emotional impact to the history of the characters. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I now want to go back and read the series that came before.
This was an incredibly enjoyable start to a new romantasy series, our main character Wren an alchemist-turned-assassin has her heart set only one revenge but is thrust out of the shadows into the ancient academy of Drevenor to learn alchemy in order to find a cure for the dark magic being used against the kingdom.
In need of a guard due to her heritage, Torj the person Wren least wanted is given the job. They have a history and it’s this that creates a fantastic yearning relationship that really sets this romantasy going.
This was a quick read despite being a long one I found I could not put it down. The pacing worked well for me as having not read the previous series I felt that the flashbacks added to the story where necessary. There was action littered throughout and I found myself unable to predict what was coming next.
Wren is a complex character torn apart by grief and trauma. She is clever and quick thinking and I loved her character development throughout this book. Seeing her healing through new friendships and academic achievements made me really root for her.
The relationship - Wren and Torj whilst not having a great deal of direct communication had some excellent banter and I felt the yearning from both sides. I do wonder if their back story could have been hashed out a little better (though this could be because I hadn’t read the prequel). Their romance is a slow burn which is perfect for me as I want to feel all the yearning, almost moments so this hit the spot.
The ending - whilst this is quite a common plot in other fantasies I did not see it coming and I felt that it worked well for these characters and gave me a real desire to continue the series and also visit Helen’s earlier books.
Overall this was a great solid first book in a series that set up the twisting and intriguing magical plot and promises for more heartbreak and trauma between the romantic pair.
A strong 4/4.5 stars for me ✨
I was given a proof copy by the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own
This was an incredibly enjoyable start to a new romantasy series, our main character Wren an alchemist-turned-assassin has her heart set only one revenge but is thrust out of the shadows into the ancient academy of Drevenor to learn alchemy in order to find a cure for the dark magic being used against the kingdom.
In need of a guard due to her heritage, Torj the person Wren least wanted is given the job. They have a history and it’s this that creates a fantastic yearning relationship that really sets this romantasy going.
This was a quick read despite being a long one I found I could not put it down. The pacing worked well for me as having not read the previous series I felt that the flashbacks added to the story where necessary. There was action littered throughout and I found myself unable to predict what was coming next.
Wren is a complex character torn apart by grief and trauma. She is clever and quick thinking and I loved her character development throughout this book. Seeing her healing through new friendships and academic achievements made me really root for her.
The relationship - Wren and Torj whilst not having a great deal of direct communication had some excellent banter and I felt the yearning from both sides. I do wonder if their back story could have been hashed out a little better (though this could be because I hadn’t read the prequel). Their romance is a slow burn which is perfect for me as I want to feel all the yearning, almost moments so this hit the spot.
The ending - whilst this is quite a common plot in other fantasies I did not see it coming and I felt that it worked well for these characters and gave me a real desire to continue the series and also visit Helen’s earlier books.
Overall this was a great solid first book in a series that set up the twisting and intriguing magical plot and promises for more heartbreak and trauma between the romantic pair.
A strong 4/4.5 stars for me ✨
I was given a proof copy by the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone who enjoyed the Legends of Thezmarr series and was so curious to see how the story between Wren and Torj would unfold, I have to say... it did not disappoint.
This book isn’t as fast-paced as I expected, but it’s still a very easy read. You don’t need to have read the Legends of Thezmarr series beforehand, as this is set five years later, but I’d definitely recommend it to fully appreciate the returning characters.
Wren is drowning in grief at the start. We meet someone so consumed by sorrow that the only thing keeping her going is the promise of revenge. Her journey through that pain - and her growth along the way - is incredible to witness. And then there’s our Bear Slayer, Torj, who’s so in love with her he’d scour the ends of the earth just to make sure she’s alright. I devoured their scenes together. I loved their dance along the fine line between love and hate, and the slow burn was everything. The only thing that got on my nerves (again, same as in Legends of Thezmarr) was the indecisiveness. Thankfully, it’s (sort of) short-lived.
WE HAVE KIPP AND CAL!! I was SO HAPPY to find out they’d be showing up throughout the story. Their dynamic just makes everything better. I'm not even joking when I tell you they're my favourite characters.
As for the plot twist near the end... it was definitely unconventional. I don’t think there’s any real hint, so I was a bit thrown. But that ending? I can’t. I’m already counting down the days until book two lands in my hands, because the second it does... I’m diving straight in.
This book isn’t as fast-paced as I expected, but it’s still a very easy read. You don’t need to have read the Legends of Thezmarr series beforehand, as this is set five years later, but I’d definitely recommend it to fully appreciate the returning characters.
Wren is drowning in grief at the start. We meet someone so consumed by sorrow that the only thing keeping her going is the promise of revenge. Her journey through that pain - and her growth along the way - is incredible to witness. And then there’s our Bear Slayer, Torj, who’s so in love with her he’d scour the ends of the earth just to make sure she’s alright. I devoured their scenes together. I loved their dance along the fine line between love and hate, and the slow burn was everything. The only thing that got on my nerves (again, same as in Legends of Thezmarr) was the indecisiveness. Thankfully, it’s (sort of) short-lived.
WE HAVE KIPP AND CAL!! I was SO HAPPY to find out they’d be showing up throughout the story. Their dynamic just makes everything better. I'm not even joking when I tell you they're my favourite characters.
As for the plot twist near the end... it was definitely unconventional. I don’t think there’s any real hint, so I was a bit thrown. But that ending? I can’t. I’m already counting down the days until book two lands in my hands, because the second it does... I’m diving straight in.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated