Draft day arrives, and Ciro Sinsal will do anything to keep his family safe.
In Maize, war is tradition—and Ciro’s wife comes from a line of warriors who answer the call without hesitation. When conscription looms, Ciro makes a desperate choice to protect the people he loves.
After an unexpected encounter with his Talonhound, Ciro discovers he can see disease—its spread, its hunger, its intent—like no one else can. Hoping to avoid the front lines, he enlists as a medic, believing his strange gift can save lives without demanding something in return.
He is wrong.
As war with the neighboring Coalition intensifies, Maize takes a keen interest in Ciro’s evolving abilities. Disease does not only heal or kill—it can be moved, shaped, redirected. What begins as mercy becomes strategy. What was meant to save begins to wound.
When the consequences of war follow Ciro home to Cornia, Maize’s capital, politics tighten their grip and peace becomes a fragile illusion. Caught between loyalty, family, and a power he no longer fully controls, Ciro must decide how much suffering he is willing to redirect in the name of love—and who will bear it when he does.
In a world where war demands sacrifice, defying death does not end it. It only changes its course.
Benjamin Kamphuis writes fantasy for readers who crave magic systems with meaning, creatures with heart, and characters who confront the storm within. A mental health advocate and former anxiety survivor, Benjamin crafts young adult and adult stories that celebrate community, neurodivergence, and personal power.
Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon, and RuPaul’s Drag Race will feel right at home in his worlds. Lyrical in tone and emotionally rich, his novels are written to remind readers that their inner world matters just as much as the outer one.
When he’s not writing, Benjamin draws inspiration from musicians like Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift, and Noah Kahan, blending emotion with epicness.
I absolutely loved this book. This is book 4 of the Shades of Aura series by this author but isn’t really connected to the first 3, so you can read this without the first three. I enjoyed the first trilogy a lot but I think this is my favorite so far. The MMC Can see diseases that others cannot see. He goes to war as a medic to help the sick but his gift is discovered and is wanted to be used for a different purpose to help win the war. This goes against everything he stand for and he now we had a moral dilemma. That’s the part I loved exploring and seeing how the author navigates this conundrum. I kind of got emotional is some parts too. It may be bad but I wanted to see the so called best friend get more of what he had coming. That would have made me happy.
I want to thank BookSirens and the author for a free copy of the e-book. My review is voluntary.
I got this book as an ARC and just wow. I hadn't read any of the authors books before this and now he's on my buy list. Ciro has an ability to see where disease is, where it going and how to manipulate it. So he does the heroic thing. He joins the war as a medic. Protect his family, protect his country but like all things we don't like to think about the government wants to profit. Now it's not all...oh how can we help our people it's all...how can we use you to destroy our enemies. A descriptive fantasy book where you can see the impact our choices and choices that really are no longer ours to give and how we handle. I look forward to more.
This book is part of a series, however this is the first I have read and I will say it is a great standalone book. I'm sure reading the rest of the series would make it even better. I really enjoyed the mmc and his relationships and journey throughout the book. He is just a man trying to do what is best for his family and community and sometimes things go wrong. I did find the ending predictable but it felt like the right way for the story to go and I still very much enjoyed reading it.
Hello, people! First of all, let me mention that this book is the fourth book in the Shades of Aura series. If you could identify a disease in someone and drive it away from them by transferring it to another, what would you do? How far would you go to save a loved one? These are two issues that the author of the book touches on. All with a central axis of morality. And because I lost my dad when I was a child, if they told me that you could save him, I honestly don't know what I would do... Therefore, I felt this dilemma and the weight that such a thought, answer and decision adds to my soul. I found the book's premise quite clever and original, which creates additional tension due to the "transfer" of the disease to another body. Additionally, due to this theme, the characters are well-written and real, they have depth and live with their own weight that darkens them internally. I understand that this can be heavy and difficult to read for some. Nevertheless, the author, I think, is trying, through his story, to put us in inner thoughts, to search deep within ourselves for our own answer, our own truth... In conclusion, this is an important and special psychograph that is worth reading by everyone, which in combination with its direct, emotional, shocking, captivating and engaging writing creates an excellent read with dynamics and food for thought for all of us. Read it!
Thank you very much to the author and Happily Booked PR for the eARC!
"Was it better to throw in the warrior or the coward?" A choice to be made with our constant companion: fear. Ciro was never the picture-perfect hero. He was a representation of what so many of us go through. But what makes him an undisputable hero figure is his constant decision to move forward even when it was hard, even when uncertainty dominated the circumstances, even when the internal spiral excelled at its job. He. Moved. Forward. Ciro is many things: a husband, a friend, but most importantly, a dad. "They are our children. Our better halves talk about us to them." A dad is very different from a father. A dad teaches his child everything he knows, tries to give them what he never had, even when it's unfair, even when it's hard because loving someone doesn't simply mean caring, but also showing up in every way that matters. I really deeply appreciate the representation of someone who has to constantly deal with some form of anxiety and panic attacks as a main character someone who controls the wheel. Often, people who deal with the same symptoms are categorized as a burden, too much, or too weak. But Ciro broke that box by actively proving that yes, maybe we might need a bit more support, and yes, maybe what may appear as a "simple" decision can be a whole storm but that never meant it was impossible to achieve. Furthermore, we see the importance of friendship and even the dissolution of some. Whether it was Victor, Ofelia, Ameen, or even Count Ariba, they all played a significant role in shaping Ciro as the protagonist we got. The pacing throughout the story was appropriate to each event unfolding, and I personally found the ending bittersweet but I could never ask for a different version. But Valeria was also a figure to admire a warrior who held firm beliefs, an anchor of stone, not only for her values but also for her family. A united family is one that sticks together through thick and thin. One of the hardest things anyone can figure out is compromise. We see her struggle with it, but so does Ciro. We see the real representation of what it means to be married not the easy sprint, but the whole marathon with its ups and downs. Isabelle also stole the spotlight with her wit and character a perfect mix of both her parents. We see how important it is to be there for the children. Not perfectly we're messy and complicated but despite all that, a good person is someone who knows how to handle the good and the bad in the best way they know. The political dilemma and world-building were nothing short of perfection, especially Gaia's deity and the different colored doors. I know it might appear an odd comparison, but in some ways, Ciro's story has a lot in common with Odysseus's mythology. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. And what will really help you understand who Ciro is and what truly made this book unforgettable; is a quote from within: "It was easier to say everyone else pushed me to the decisions I made. But really, it was me. All the dark, the light, the good, and the bad were part of my life. They were part of who I was, of the decisions I had made." Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book completely wrecked me in the best way possible. Serendipitous Sight feels like the start of a darker, more mature phase for the Shades of Aura series, and I was hooked from the very first page!!! Ciro is not your typical fantasy hero, and that is exactly what made him feel so real. He is anxious, messy, terrified half the time, and constantly carrying the weight of impossible choices, but he keeps moving forward anyway. Watching him struggle between protecting the people he loves and becoming something he no longer recognizes was heartbreaking and so incredibly compelling. I could not get enough.
What really stood out to me was how emotional and human this story felt underneath all the fantasy elements. The PTSD and anxiety representation hit hard, and the book does not shy away from showing the lasting impact war has on people and families. Ciro and Valeria’s relationship especially felt so raw and real. They love each other deeply, but that does not magically make everything easy, and I appreciated that so much. Their family dynamic absolutely got me emotional, too, especially with Isabella, who completely stole scenes whenever she popped in!!
The world-building and magic system were also incredible, but I expect nothing less of Benjamin, as I love his worlds, so this was no exception! The way disease and healing were woven into the magic felt so unique and honestly kind of terrifying in the best way. Every new revelation about Ciro’s abilities made the stakes feel heavier and heavier, especially once politics and war started twisting something meant to heal into a weapon. Benjamin also continues to create some of the coolest creatures and lore in this world. I was fully immersed the entire time and I know that we are just getting started!
Overall, this book was emotional, intense, thoughtful, and devastatingly beautiful. It explores grief, fear, love, sacrifice, and the impossible choices people make for family in such a powerful way. As a parent and a partner, I was so emotional reading this, and I appreciate all the work that Benjamin did to make sure this story felt so authentic! Easily one of my favorite books in the series, and I already know this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
As a fan of Of Benjamin Kamphuis’ writing, I will admit to being so enamored by his young adult fantasy books that I feared that I may find his foray into adult fantasy lackluster in comparison.
I didn’t see how he could do both facets of the genre equally well, but I was surprised in the best way.
The main character Ciro discovers a magical ability to preemptively diagnose and treat illness, first in beasts, and then in people. As his homeland is smack in the middle of the war and each family must send a conscript to fight, this seems like an answered prayer at first. He can join as a medic, allowing his warrior wife to stay home with their daughter, and as a medic, hopefully not see any action and remain safe.
But things start to shift when his magic requires a sacrifice and he discovers that the sickness can be manipulated and weaponized, and someone must pay the price.
I quickly became obsessed with the moral dilemmas Benjamin explored in this story. Never one to shy away from the tough questions, he explored the heavier themes of just how far you’d be willing to go in order to save your family, save your child. How many people would you hurt in order to heal those who mean the most to you?
And also, how does shouldering the burden of these decisions change you as a person? How does it change your relationships and friendships? Will any of them ever be the same?
The author’s ptsd representation is real and raw and his unflinching look at the realities and consequences of war is immersive and heart breaking, while helping the reader truly walk in the main character’s shoes.
A thought provoking book that will make you feel the height of discomfort as you battle your own morals and what you feel is right. And yet, you will want more, as the addictive writing plows you toward the story’s end, and your need to know what ultimately befalls these incredibly flawed (human) and intriguing characters keeps you up at night.
Obsessively keeping my eye out for whatever blessings Benjamin’s talent bestows on us next.
Unexpected is the right word. It surprised me how emotionally wrecked I was after reading this. 🥹
When I was asked if I would like to apply for ARC and review this book, the fact that it is a Fantasy, and has “Parents who’d burn the world to save their children” as a trope, was enough for me to say Yes! And wow, I was not prepared for what’s in store for me. 🫣
Ciro, the MMC that has just recently discovered that he has the ability to see diseases, took us in a journey on what it was like being a Father, a Husband, a Healer, and “sort-of” a Politician during a war. While having fantasy elements, this book shows Ciro's experience realisticly and very much human. What stood out to me most is how he embodies the role of a true family man, despite the trauma he endured during the war. He makes a genuine effort to reconnect with his daughter and be the father she deserves upon returning home.
I also found his internal struggle compelling, as the story shows how he grapples with fulfilling his duty to protect his country, while being forced to confront and, at times, compromise his own moral principles. The political elements of Serendipitous Sight highlights how individuals can justify their actions as "right," even when they are morally questionable, which adds another layer of realism to the story.
But what struck me most is the depth of Ciro's love for his family, as everything he does ultimately stems from his desire to protect and provide for them.
To add, I particularly appreciate how the author presents PTSD with sensitivity and respect. It shows the importance of having a support system can keep a person going.
I look forward to see what’s next on this world. I thank @christyschapters for tapping me and ARC review this book. And @bengar_kamphuis for writing and sharing this beautiful story.
Serendipitous Sight is a quietly powerful war‑driven fantasy about the cost of healing, the weight of love, and the way a gift meant to save lives can become a weapon. Ciro just wants to protect his family when conscription looms in Maize, a nation where war is tradition and his own wife comes from a long line of warriors. His desperate choice leads him to enlist as a medic after discovering he can see disease—its spread, hunger, and intent—with terrifying clarity. The emotional core of the book is what carries it. As Ciro’s ability evolves, he starts to see disease not just as something to cure but as something that can be moved, shaped, and redirected. What begins as mercy becomes strategy, and his struggle to balance love, loyalty, and the ethics of using his power feels raw and believable. The war narrative builds slowly, and the moment conflict reaches the capital, the stakes feel personal and intimate rather than just epic. At 3 stars, this is a thoughtful and atmospheric read that leans into internal conflict and moral ambiguity more than fast‑paced action. The pacing is deliberate, and some readers might wish for a bit more worldbuilding density or sharper plot turns, but if you enjoy character‑driven wartime fantasy with a speculative twist on healing magic, Serendipitous Sight offers a haunting, meditative experience. Thank you, Benjamin Kamphuis, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A quietly powerful, war-driven dark fantasy, that explores the cost of healing, the weight of love, and how a gift meant to save lives can become something far more dangerous.
At its core is Ciro’s journey discovering his rare ability to see disease and choosing to enlist as a medic in hopes of saving both his family and others. But as his power evolves, healing becomes something more complex. Disease is no longer just something to cure, but something that can be moved, shaped… even weaponized. What begins as mercy slowly transforms into strategy, and watching Ciro wrestle with the ethics of his gift feels raw, intimate, and deeply human.
The emotional depth truly carries this story. The war unfolds with a slow, deliberate pace, and when it finally reaches the capital, the stakes feel intensely personal. I especially loved the infusion of Hispanic culture and the seamless integration of Spanish throughout it, added so much authenticity and heart.
This is not a fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy. It leans into introspection, moral ambiguity, and atmosphere. While some readers may wish for denser worldbuilding or sharper plot turns, those who love character-driven stories with meaningful, thought provoking magic will find this haunting and unforgettable.
It’s heavy, it’s dark, and it lingers long after the final page, it’s something truly special. Looking foward for what's next.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this installment in the Shades of Aura series and rated it 3.25 stars, though I do think readers may get more out of it if they are already familiar with the previous books. While the author states this can be read as a standalone, the story felt very much like part of a larger saga. The plot itself is complete and understandable on its own, but I often felt like I was missing additional depth surrounding the world building, political systems, and history of the setting.
The pacing is slow and steady throughout, but it consistently held my attention. One of the most interesting aspects of the book was the setting itself. At first it feels almost historical in tone, but modern technologies are woven into the world in unexpected ways, creating a unique atmosphere. I also found it interesting that Spanish was treated as a separate fictional language rather than simply acknowledged as Spanish.
The magic system was one of the strongest elements for me. I especially enjoyed watching Ciro’s abilities slowly evolve over the course of the story and seeing the emotional toll of being manipulated and used by both the government and military. His journey was compelling, even when the emotional connection to the characters felt somewhat distant for much of the book.
That emotional attachment was what kept this from being a standout read for me. I wanted to connect more deeply with Ciro and the supporting cast, but that connection didn’t fully click until near the end of the novel.
Even so, this is a story that has lingered in my mind for weeks after finishing it, which says a lot about the atmosphere and ideas Kamphuis created. While it wasn’t a book I completely loved, it was thoughtful, unique, and memorable.
Thank you to the author for giving me an E-ARC and the opportunity to give my honest review.
Serendipitous Sight is a wonderful continuation of the Shades of Aura series. I adored the story and the concept was excellent and very relevant.
The cover is very well designed. I liked the Dio de los Muertos vibes. The colours were excellent. I thought that it was extremely eye-catching.
I loved the writing! It was excellent and the story flowed beautifully. The book is written in first person and from Ciro's point of view. I liked this style a lot.
The setting was excellent. It was set in Maize and a few surrounding areas which was wonderful. I enjoyed the uncovering of more places in the Shades of Aura world. Ben's world-building is faultless and it's a tremendous writing skill he has.
The magic system in this world is wonderful. I love that it tied into disease and illness. It was dealt with compassion and empathy which are definitely more skills Ben has and does well.
The characters were excellent and they were very well developed and thought out. I really liked Ciro. I enjoyed his journey uncovering his powers and dealing with them under horrendous pressures of war and pestilence.
I definitely recommend the book but do check out the Toterrum Trilogy first, the first three Shades of Aura books.
ARC REVIEW I received this book from the author and am choosing to review it of my own free will.
I have so much to say about this book. It made me laugh in parts. It also ripped my heart out and stomped on it in parts. It was a super quick and easy read. The storyline just completely drew me in. The plot was solid. I loved the descriptions of all the different beasts. I was drawn in from the very first sentence of the book. I have never read or even heard of the rest of the series, but now that I have read this book I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series.
This book talks about so many relatable things. Love. Family. Friendship. Betrayal. Sickness. Death. Mental health issues like PTSD. Anger. Fear. The overwhelming urge to protect those you love at any cost.
I truly felt everything Ciro, the main character, was feeling. Benjamin is very gifted at all the details and being able to make his readers step into his characters' shoes.
This book contains war. It features character death. Severe illness. Major PTSD and Other mental health issues. I give this book 6 ⭐. I recommend having a box of Kleenex on standby while reading this.
Thank you Benjamin for the opportunity to read and review your book in advance.
3.25/5...A grim, morally tangled fantasy that starts with a compelling premise and keeps raising the emotional stakes, even when the pacing drags under the weight of its themes. Ciro’s disease-based abilities are genuinely fresh, and the progression from healer to weapon feels natural and unsettling in the best way. The strongest parts of the book are the quieter moments—his fear of losing his family, the tension between duty and survival, and the growing realization that every “merciful” choice leaves damage somewhere else. The worldbuilding is interesting without being overwhelming, especially the militaristic culture of Maize and the political pressure surrounding conscription. There’s a steady sense of dread throughout that works well with the story’s focus on sacrifice and consequence. Ciro himself is easy to root for because he never feels heroic in a traditional sense—just desperate, intelligent, and increasingly trapped by the uses of his gift.the core idea carries the novel a long way. It’s a thoughtful take on war, medicine, and the illusion of “clean” sacrifice, with a protagonist whose choices become harder to defend the more understandable they are. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Serendipitous Sight by Benjamin Kamphuis is a heavy, emotionally charged dark fantasy that doesn't shy away from the harsh consequences of its magic system. As part of the Shades of Aura series, this story follows a battlefield medic who gains the ability to see and move diseases, saving loved ones by transferring their illnesses to others.
What I Loved: Deeply Emotional Stakes: The central dilemma—how far would you go to save those you love?—is gut-wrenching. The book perfectly captures the moral ambiguity of "necessary" evil.
Unique Magic System: The concept of moving physical illness rather than just curing it adds a unique layer of tension to the genre.
Character-Driven Plot: The characters feel real, managing not just the external fantasy elements but their own internal struggles.
Why 4 Stars: The story is compelling, but it is very heavy and dark in tone, which may not be for everyone. However, for those who love stories with high emotional stakes and meaningful magic, this is an incredible, haunting read.
Wow! I read Ben's first book, and while I loved it, this one absolutely blows it out of the water.
The concept was so neat. What happens if someone can *see* disease? Are they obligated to use their powers for good? How accountable do we hold them for healing others?
I was hooked from page one.
I'm not a fantasy reader & I was a bit nervous to dive in, but I found myself reading on my Kindle while making dinner, changing laundry, and taking a walk. I couldn't put it down!
My only critique is the ordering of the books, which I found very distracting. Did I just read a book in a series? I read it as a standalone, and it was great. I kept wondering if I was supposed to read anything before this. The index at the start made me feel more confused. There seems to be two "sets" of books, and this is number 6... but isn't this a new series? I found that perplexing and it is still bothering me.
Besides that, this is one of those novels that had me yearning for my own laptop to start writing. It really drew me back into reading & writing.
Serendipitous Sight by Benjamin Kamphuis is an Epic Fantasy with healing powers, found family, beasts with powers, mental health rep and immense depth in the characters. I loved this book! There are a lot of morally gray situations and questions to wrestle with in this tale! I love a book and author that get you thinking about dilemmas people come across in life. This book absolutely delivers on that and how characters will respond in good, bad and ugly ways. The way war time action, epic journeys and repercussions of power both natural and supernatural are on display throughout really spoke to me. I like being able to ride the wave of adventure AND having the opportunity to contemplate the morality of choices along the way. This results in feeling your way through a book as opposed to simply following along. That takes a lot of skill. Our MMC, Ciro is not your typical hero. He has mental health issues which are represented so eloquently. He isn’t the bravest guy in the land and he is often in a struggle. His growth is really special to witness. The other characters are also detailed and stand out as individuals. I cannot forget to mention the top notch world building! I already NEED to know what happens next!! Thank you to Netgalley and Benjamin Kamphuis for allowing me read this book in advance!
Serendipitous Sight was such an emotional journey from beginning to end. This epic fantasy completely pulled me into its world, and I found myself so invested in both the characters and everything they were going through.
The world-building was immersive without feeling overwhelming, and the story had the perfect balance of emotion, adventure, and fantasy elements. I loved watching the characters grow and connect throughout the book, and there were so many moments that had me feeling everything right alongside them.
I’m honestly so glad I decided to give this book a chance because it exceeded my expectations in the best way. If you love emotional fantasy stories with strong characters and an engaging world, this is definitely one to pick up.
I really loved this book and it kept me interested from beginning to end. Just like with the previous books, Benjamin Kamphuis continues to write a fantasy world that feels emotional and full of adventure.
I really liked the characters! Ciro feels like a real person. Just like any of us, he makes mistakes, struggles with guilt, tries to do the right thing even when the choices are difficult, and tries to protect those that he loves. He also struggles with fear and anxiety, but no matter what, he keeps moving forward.
I would say that Serendipitous Sight is a great read for those that enjoy fantasy with deep characters, emotional moments, and morally difficult choices.
I am always honored to read his books. This time it was as a Beta reader and an arc reader. This book is hauntingly beautiful where it makes you think! For me it was so cool to see the different stages. I think the characters and plot development is awesome to read and I couldnt put it down again. The action and how this books shows the basic part of humanity, survival, id important to think about in society today. I enjoy reading this book and I highly reccomend it. I love the characters. It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions but man it teaches you a lesson. 10/10 must read this book series. Its is amazingly beautiful.
I really enjoyed this even though it was wildly different from the first three books in the Shades of Aura series. I thought it was really unfair for people to put pressure on Ciro to use his gifts for things he wasn’t comfortable with and it ended up being kind of catastrophic, so maybe let that be a lesson. There were a lot of interesting characters in this and people I hated on first meeting I ended up loving and vice versa. Ciro was a wonderful father and usually a wonderful husband. The ending was a little sad but also beautiful. Am looking forward to the rest of this set of books.
Serendipitous Sight by Benjamin Kamphuis (4/6-5/26 Fable Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐ Goodreads Rating: 3/5 ⭐ Genre: Romance Tropes: 🖤Parents who cross the line 🖤Tragedy 🖤Unkind Healing 🖤Impossible choices 🖤Forced love Format: ebook Pages: 406 Spice: 3.5 🌶️ MCs: Maize and Ciro S/S: Shades of Aura
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This is the fourth book in the Shades of Aura series. Thank you to the author Benjamin Kamphuis and Happily Booked PR for an advanced copy. Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
4.5⭐️ Ciro has a tough decisions to make., with a family at home and war looming on their country’s doorstep choices made will change everything. Not only that but Ciro finds that he can see disease. He wonders what is the best way to make use of this newly discovered talent? How will this change his family, the war, and himself along the way? Emotional and intense Ciro and his friends and family will keep you on the edge of your seat!
I really enjoyed this. I hadn't realised this was book 4 in the Shades of Aura series, and while I do think it would have benefitted me from reading the earlier books, I was able to follow reasonably well. If anything, it just made me want to go back and start the series properly! And with my TBR, that says a lot. The world building is fantastic and the characters are relatable, genuine and totally believable. Really good fun!
This is the fourth book within the series and I was honored to be part of the arc team for each of them! Benjamin Kamphuis's writing has a wonderful way of looping you in and becoming the characters. I love that each book is a continuous representation of mental health. Breaking the stigma within books!
This book was a ride from start to finish. It was very much out of my usual wheelhouse and strictly fantasy. And boy howdy was this a tale. This book follows Ciro and his discovery of seeing diseases. He sees different icons for diseases and all is well until his country plans on going to war. He enlists as a medic to keep his family safe, this war ends up consuming his life for years and all the while his gift has proven invaluable to his comrades. That is until he accidentally creates a super-disease and it spreads like the plague. Only he can cure it (as far we know) and the rest of the book is spent through his eyes trying to work through the PTSD from the war and come to terms with this new reality. Infused with Hispanic culture throughout and color as far as the eye can see, this book really takes you on a trip. I really enjoyed this one, except the animals kinda weirded me tf out 🤣. Overall, I definitely recommend if you want a powerful and heart warming read.
For me the story had a bit of a slow start. There were dilemmas to solve and some mental health issues. The story is very well written and some parts are very relatable, even to modern life. I enjoyed the magic.
Serendipitous Sight By: Benjamin Kamphuis 5🌸 First and foremost, Thank you Ben for the opportunity to read this book in its unfinished stage! I got the chance to Beta/ARC read this book. I can’t wait to re-read it again as a finished copy, the book was that good!! This book portrays a lot of darker themes like PTSD and war time situations and a parent who will protect family at whatever cost. As someone who loves reading fantasy books, I really enjoyed how raw and real the emotions were while reading this, and I appreciate a book more when I can relate to many of the situations it represents. With being a veteran, my husband (also a veteran) who also lives with PTSD (it is not for the faint of heart, and I don’t wish this on anybody.) and having family history of the military, this book really resonated with me. Ben did a wonderful job representing these themes and the character progression was extraordinary! And always a favorite of mine is the beasts of biome!! (if you love Pokémon, you will love these beasts!!) If you have read his Toterrum Trilogy and thought I really loved this but wanted something geared more towards the adult fantasy, then this is that book!!
There was great character development and excellent PTSD representation. The story line of best friends having a falling out and then reconnection after years was really well expressed. The book felt real and raw with emotions (very relatable) as if I was right there with them. The relationship between the MMC and spouse was like real life (they had some troubles with communication at points, but pulled through and found a way to overcome them. (It’s nice to read something that feels real and not always the fairytale type where nothing ever goes wrong, or that the spouse could do no wrong.)