Review : Sacaran Nights (Book one in the masque duology) by Rachel Emma Shaw

There are a few books, which just by reading the synopsis, you know that you are going to love every bit of it. Scaran Nights was one such book for me, and below is my review on it.

"Sacara is decaying. The dead walk the streets, fungi light the night, and Dagner must fight to keep the rot at bay."

Legacy is everything in Sacara. Those few who inherit live only to keep theirs alive, protecting the ghosts of their ancestors from the corruption seeping into every corner of the city.

Dagner longs to leave - to create a legacy for himself and see the world beyond - but he is trapped by an inheritance that was never meant to be his. When a figure from his past returns to claim the legacy Dagner has sworn to protect, he must decide if he will forge his own path, or stay and make the sacrifices needed to save the city of the dead.

Review

Sacaran Nights is sort of a mix between Avatar the movie (with respect to the kind of aesthetics of Sacara) and Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (but told through a male perspective). Sacara is such an immersive and beautiful world. I love how apart from the story, this book has a pictorial representation of all the different kinds of fungi that grow in Sacara and their uses. By fungi I don't mean the icky kind, these are beautiful, and one of my personal favorites was the fallen stars. They are so pretty.

This story is super creative and captivating. The storyline is one that I have never really read ever before. It is unique in every aspect, be it the world or even the elements of the story. It is fast-paced and well-written. Sacaran nights has a dark YA fantasy feel to it. 

The characters in this story are well developed and have a very interesting arc. It was easy to connect with these characters, especially with the protagonist, Dagner. He goes from something considered spare to somebody who I really respect a lot. Apart from Dagner, I also enjoyed the character Merany. She is a strong-willed lady, who always has her friends back. I thoroughly enjoyed their friendship.

Coming to the world-building in this story. It's a little complex world, but since it has been written in a clear and concise manner, as a reader I found it very easy to imagine and fall in love with. Sacara is very nuanced and is immersed in very different cultures. These cultures are at times a little infuriating, and somewhere you can very easily connect them to the reality around you.  

With Sacaran nights, you sort of hit the ground running. Initially, it is a little confusing, but after almost the first 10% of the novel is done, you understand each aspect of the story. I am super excited to read the second installment in this duology. And would highly recommend it to other readers of dark YA fantasy.

I would rate it 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Get you copy today!!

Amazon INDIA

Amazon.com

Follow the author

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56774788-sacaran-nights

Author's website - https://www.rachelemmashaw.wordpress.com

Instagram -  @rachel_emma_shaw

Twitter - @RachelEmma_Shaw

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Review: Hall of Bones (The Brotherhood of The Eagle Book 1) by Tim Hardie

If you are into epic fantasy done right, then this week you are in for a treat. I recently read Hall of bones by Tim Hardie, which is an introduction to what I believe is going to be a marvelous fantasy series.   

 

In the remote land of Laskar,  the seven ruling clans have vied with each other for power for over a century. The son of the Reavesburg Clan Chief, Rothgar, has been groomed all his life for a role supporting his elder brother, Jorik, in leading their kingdom when their father’s time finally comes to an end.

However, the rulers of their greatest rivals, the Vorund Clan, are in the grip of something older and far darker. They have been conquered by evil, a remnant from the time when the gods warred with one another and the world of Amuran collapsed into the Fallen Age.

Everything is about to change …

The first book in The Brotherhood of the Eagle series, Hall of Bones begins a tale of epic fantasy, magic and intrigue.

Review

Hall of bones is a novel with great cast of characters and epic world building. Upon reading the synopsis of this novel, I knew that I had to pick this one up.  A story about clans fighting each other, is something that I am always on a look out for. And after reading this book I can proudly say that it is one of the best epic fantasy novels that I have read in 2021.

You can think of Hall of bones as when viking meets a lighter version of game of thrones. Told from Rothgar's point of view, this story is sort of a coming of age story with loads of politics, epic fighting sequences, dark evil elements which add an all new flavour to the story, and intense plot. 

I was totally invested in this book from the first few pages. And one of the main elements that really drew me in was the world building.  I feel the most important element of any epic fantasy book is the world that it is set in. The world building does set a book apart and gives life to the story. Laskar is a land that is deep seated in history, and mythology. The mythological stories that build this world, set the story apart. Laskar does not feel like a fictional world, it feels real and an old place that has seen a a lot of wars and blood shed in it's time.The world building in Hall of bones is very nuanced and the way it's been written about, paints a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

The other elements were the writing of the fighting sequences and characters. The fighting sequence are well written and feel so real, as if you are literally witnessing them first hand. At times they become a little gory, but what is a fight if it does not have goriness and violence in it. Coming to the characters, I felt this story has well rounded and developed cast of characters. They range from ones who are full of wisdom, and ones that are down right evil. One character that I admired the most was Etta. A lady full of wisdom and loyalty. She is one of those people whose advice will never go wrong.     

The plot of the book is well paced and keeps the reader engaged till the end. It involves elements of politics which add more flavour to the story and make it thrilling. Every piece of history and mythology, ensures that the plot is well informed. Even though there are a few sub-plots, still the story does not derail from the main plot. There are multiple twists and turns that would keep the reader guessing what is going to happen. It's easy to follow and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

Hall of bones is one of those books that needs to be enjoyed with a cup of tea and a comfy chair. It's one of those books that has great story telling. Once you start reading it, you will immerse you in this world where clans collide and gods fight. 

I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

 

Download you copy

Amazon IN 

Amazon US 

(Also, available in kindle unlimited)

 

Connect with the author

 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/timhardieauthor?lang=en
Facebook - @Tim.Hardie.Author
Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/Tim.Hardie.Author.Public/ (business account)
Website - www.timhardieauthor.co.uk

 

 

 

If you have read hall of bones, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. Also, I would love to get more recommendation of epic fantasy books. Add them to the comments section below.

 

If you like what I do, share it with your loved ones. 

 

 

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Review : Trader Prince of Aleshtain by Ariel Paiement

Happy new year to all the readers out there. May your 2021 be filled with success, prosperity and happiness.

To start my new year right, I wanted to pick up a book that had romance, great characters and an incredible plot. Trader prince of Aleshtain by Ariel Paiement was just what I needed. This is the second book in the legends of Alcardia fantasy series, (you can find my review of the first book in this series here) and can be read as a standalone. 

In the first book we are introduced to two characters Dhiabhan and Rhubhian. They are an important element in the first book, but their back story is kept under wraps. At the time of reading the first book, I was very curious to know Dhiabhan’s back story, as, it’s unusual to hear of a prince who becomes a trader. The second book eased my curiosity as it provides us with Dhiabhan and Rhubhian's back story.

Dhiabhan, who is also known by the name of Eras, is the prince of Aleshtain and next in line to become a king. Aleshtain is a kingdom where corruption, greed, and slavery are rampant. It’s a place where the king eagerly participates in buying women slaves and filling up his harem. But this is something that Eras hates. It’s against the principles that his mother brought him up with. Until one day, Eras is forced by his father, the king, to take up a slave. This slave’s name is Rhubhian. Eras accepts his father’s decision but takes a bold step to protect her rather than enslave her. Will Eras be able to protect her amidst a rotten system? Will he be able to give her freedom back?

This book is special. I went into it thinking that, like the first book it would be an adventure. But this is not an adventure, it’s a story about two people developing a very pure relationship. This relationship is based on trust, love and friendship. It’s about how two people protect each other from all the wrongs that the world has in store for them. I loved how the author gave enough time to the characters to build a relationship. This helped me as a reader to get a lot more invested in the story. 

 

 

With complex character and an amazing plot this story engages the reader from the first page. I loved the friendship that Eras shares with Ifan. Ifan  and Eras support each other no matter what danger faces them. Each character in this book was very beautifully crafted and well rounded. They served their purpose to the story very well.

Writing in this book is commendable. Crafting of the complex relationship is extremely well done. For instance, as a reader I could feel what predicament Eras and Rhubhian were in. Especially, when they start to develop feeling for each other, which according to the society is wrong, since he is a prince and she is a slave. 

Another notable thing about this story is the elements that are used in it. For instance, one of the elements of this story is how bad advisors to a king, who only give advice that serves them rather than the entire kingdom, can lead to a kingdom’s downfall. Specifically, when the king is cowardly and does not have his own opinions. Another element, that I really appreciated in this story was when Eras find an unlikely ally in Aladhan.

Trader prince of Aleshtain is a beautiful story of perseverance, friendship, trust and an incredible love story. It’s a book that will take you through an emotional roller coaster. A book that leaves you with wanting more. 

I would rate it a 5 out of 5 stars.

 

Get you copy here :

Amazon

(also available in kindle unlimited)

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Review: Bane of Ashkarith by Ariel Paiement

 Hey there!!

Hope you are doing well. 

I have a super amazing book recommendation today. It is Bane of Ashkarith (Legends of Alcardia) by Ariel Paiement.

 

Bane of Ashkarith is set in Alcardia. It follows two Searchers (archeologists), Kaidan Tadegan and his wife Zerua. They are asked by the king of Argos
to excavate the Dubarian Hill, to determine whether those who clashed there were gods. While excavating the Dubarian Hill, Kaidan and his wife come across the bones of a woman, with a book in her hand. This mysterious book has something written inside of it in the ancient language of Wyrdhan. The text written inside of this book, if true, would raise questions on their entire belief system. Everything from old world myths to the concept of good and evil will come into question.

To find the truth it is essential for them to find the city of Ashkarith. This sets them off on a dangerous adventure to the land of Ashkarith that is known to be cursed that no one sane dares to enter.

Will Kaidan and Zerua be able to find the truth? What happens if they are true? Would the world accept it?

This is a true page turner and a very well written story. It has some of the most interesting and well-rounded characters. I fell in love with the protagonists of the story - Kaiden and Zerua. They have one of the most beautiful relationships ever.  Without going too much into their love story, Paiement has done a fabulous job at portraying the love and trust these two characters share.  If one loses hope the other is always there to pick the other up. 

The world building in this story is terrific, at some point I forgot that Alcardia was actually imaginary. This story is fast paced and keeps the readers on an edge with multiple plot twists.

Another commendable aspect of this story is that nowhere, through out the book, you would find overwhelming description of the places involved. There is no deviation of the story from the main plot. 

One of the best scene in this story comes when the two protagonists go to the land of Faeridhia. The characters get themselves in a very precarious situation which is super funny but at the same time is a lot scary too.

If you are a fan of stories with curses, archeologist, questioning myths, and history, then this is the book for you.

I loved every aspect of this book, and would highly recommend it to all the fantasy readers out there. 

My rating for this book is 5 out of 5.

Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

 

You can find this book on Amazon India.

This book is also free for all the subscribers of Kindle Unlimited.

 

 

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