I was a simple farm girl living in the magical land, Alyria, where men ruled and women only existed.Call me sheltered. Call me naive. I was probably both. I never expected to be the key to Alyria’s destruction.The journey I was on wasn’t only one to save me. But one where I had a lot of learning to do. With men. With magic. And with myself.But I wasn’t alone. I had an escort. One I wasn’t so sure … wasn’t so sure about. But one I couldn’t afford to lose and one I wasn’t so sure I could even leave.
I had many hopes. But the most important one was that my name wouldn’t become my fate.
WARNING: This novel contains blood, violence, profanity, and some sexual content.
It does end on a cliffhanger.
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Holy shit! This is why I love fantasy.
5 phenomenal Stars!
I was given the opportunity to read and review this book freely and I am very happy I accepted. This book was very different from what I usually read. Not because of the genres (I’m a big romance and fantasy fan, so that I’m used to), but because the whole idea and execution behind the book is very unique in itself. It did not follow the standard “woman meets man and through their adventure they fall madly in love with one another”. No, the main characters in this book were much more closer to being enemies than lovers. It gave the story a darker tone and setting than what is the norm for romance books. One I found myself both liking and disliking.
While I loved the different on take on the relationship between the main characters compared to most other romance stories, I also felt that it took away the romance a bit. Instead of them developing a relationship as they traveled it felt more like they only became stronger enemies. The romance does not really take off anywhere and I never really saw Calamity and Weston show any feelings towards one another other than distrust, betrayal and hate. The only indication was lust and that does not qualify as romance. Because of this I never saw any development in the relationship and not much personality development throughout the book.
In the beginning it felt like the story was building up to where Calamity would learn not to trust everyone she met and not to be so naive and blunt. We learned from the beginning that these were her weaknesses and since she was thrown into similar situations often (being kidnapped, in-prisoned and confronted) you’d think she would have learned from her weaknesses and mistakes, develop and become smarter and stronger. But, she never learned and kept handling situation from situation the exact same way. It was only Weston or dumb luck that got her out of trouble. Even Weston’s personality did not change one bit throughout the story. He was mysterious, silent, violent and brutal from beginning to finish. As he got to know Calamity he should have gotten more relatable and open, but that never happened. This I felt ruined the storyline a lot since it did not feel like it was heading anywhere, romance and personality-wise.
Still, I found myself enjoying the story, adventure and drama this book gave and although the romance did not develop as much as I would have hoped I really loved the adventure and every struggle, fight, will of wits and lusting moments between the main characters. I wish the author would have made more room for the romance too, but it also felt like that’s where it is heading in the next book. I can’t wait to read it!
This is a great read for fans of Sarah Maas and Morgan Rhodes (I love them both!). Calamity’s journey is one both of the adventure she has following her grandmother’s order to travel and find the sealed magic without being caught and used by those who want to use her abilities as well as one of a girl growing into a young woman and all of the emotions and confusion she feels. Cal is easy to relate to and believable as she makes mistakes, deals with her fears, and keeps her goal in mind
Do Not Pass This One Up – No Spoilers -This is one of those books that just drags you in and holds you under!
Calamity has truly lived her life sheltered from most of its harsher realities – this leaves her a bit naive – okay a lot naive – When she is suddenly thrust into the world she literally has very little chance of surviving on her own – she is also a little impulsive, and quite opinionated which seems to get her into a lot of trouble
Then there is Weston – Mysterious – Quiet – Dangerous -full of secrets – the oh so yummy good guy or is he the bad guy? The Jury is still out on him.
The undertones and chemistry between him and Calamity is off the charts –
There is so much going on I honestly do not know who to trust or which direction to go
I do not want to write any spoilers – I can say that it was easy for me to get sweep away in this story and I loved every minute of it.
Danielle Lori built an amazing world – we definitely do not lack for knowledge as each new tribe or town is introduced – some of them are pretty fantastical –
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre –
My only pet peeve is this does end on a serious cliff hanger –
If that is not your thing then you’re in luck – book 2 is out 😉
I originally received a free copy from the author but ended up purchasing the book – yeah it is a must own