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Evalyce Worldshaper #1
Mother of Wolves
A being of ancient power is beginning to stir, and a counterbalance must rise.
For the realm of De Sikkari, the Year of the Golden Hart is a time of great awakening and change. This is particularly true for Kalla kyl’Solidor, also known as The Wolf Who Sleeps. A mage trainee of Cryshal Kanlon, Kalla seeks a magister — one who serves to protect their magi’s energy source. Travelling to the skycity, Kalla is appointed Arkaddian magister Aleister “Sky Fox” Balflear.
After the city is attacked by a fire wyvern, the pair discovers that dragonkin have been enslaved and sent to destroy the realm. Kalla and Aleister find themselves propelled down a harrowing path — one that will determine not only the fate of the world, but their own.
For the realm of De Sikkari, the Year of the Golden Hart is a time of great awakening and change. This is particularly true for Kalla kyl’Solidor, also known as The Wolf Who Sleeps. A mage trainee of Cryshal Kanlon, Kalla seeks a magister — one who serves to protect their magi’s energy source. Travelling to the skycity, Kalla is appointed Arkaddian magister Aleister “Sky Fox” Balflear.
After the city is attacked by a fire wyvern, the pair discovers that dragonkin have been enslaved and sent to destroy the realm. Kalla and Aleister find themselves propelled down a harrowing path — one that will determine not only the fate of the world, but their own.
- GenresFantasy
156 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2015
11 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
J. Aislynn d'Merricksson
12 books50 followersI am a university graduate with a BA in Anthropology, and both a Masters and a PhD in Philosophy. I have a specialization in mythic studies, especially dragon mythology, and in archaeology and anthropology. I have taught classes in mythic studies and ethics, among which were Blessings of Bragi: An Introduction to Myth and Legend, and a pair of classes (The Mythic Feminine, The Mythic Masculine) which focused on the Heroine’s Journey and the Hero’s Journey respectively.
From a young age, I was attracted to the spiritual. My paternal grandmother taught me the value of openness, and being myself. She'd managed to synthesise a spirituality from the Native American beliefs her own great-grandmother passed on, and the Methodist faith of the majority of her family. I went further afield than that. My beliefs are a blend of Rokkatru and Druidry. I do Oracular consulting. I have practised Reiki and EFT.
I have been an avid, albeit shy, writer of both poetry and creative fiction for over two decades. I am a published author, with several books to my name (Dragonlore, as Ash DeKirk, Evalyce Worldshaper 1-3 and Evalyce Obsidian Alcatraz under J Aislynn d'Merricksson), and one co-authorship (The Wizard’s Bestiary, as Ash DeKirk).
I am currently working on another story set in the world of Evalyce, and an art print book centred around my poem 'No Price'. I would eventually like to compile the type of book of world mythology that I’ve always wanted.
I live in beautiful California, with my sister, brother-in-law, five adorable kitties, and a service Labradoodle. I currently do freelance art, and offer life/ self-help coaching and mindfulness training. I also do professional book reviewing.
Some of my favourite things include: books, creating art, Star Trek (any and all), Sherlock Holmes (any and all), Jurassic Park/ World, and orchestral movie and game music.
Websites: www.portjericho.com
www.thecatsquill.com
Instagram: drjadmerricksson
Twitter: JAdMerricksson
Facebook: J Aislynn d'Merricksson
From a young age, I was attracted to the spiritual. My paternal grandmother taught me the value of openness, and being myself. She'd managed to synthesise a spirituality from the Native American beliefs her own great-grandmother passed on, and the Methodist faith of the majority of her family. I went further afield than that. My beliefs are a blend of Rokkatru and Druidry. I do Oracular consulting. I have practised Reiki and EFT.
I have been an avid, albeit shy, writer of both poetry and creative fiction for over two decades. I am a published author, with several books to my name (Dragonlore, as Ash DeKirk, Evalyce Worldshaper 1-3 and Evalyce Obsidian Alcatraz under J Aislynn d'Merricksson), and one co-authorship (The Wizard’s Bestiary, as Ash DeKirk).
I am currently working on another story set in the world of Evalyce, and an art print book centred around my poem 'No Price'. I would eventually like to compile the type of book of world mythology that I’ve always wanted.
I live in beautiful California, with my sister, brother-in-law, five adorable kitties, and a service Labradoodle. I currently do freelance art, and offer life/ self-help coaching and mindfulness training. I also do professional book reviewing.
Some of my favourite things include: books, creating art, Star Trek (any and all), Sherlock Holmes (any and all), Jurassic Park/ World, and orchestral movie and game music.
Websites: www.portjericho.com
www.thecatsquill.com
Instagram: drjadmerricksson
Twitter: JAdMerricksson
Facebook: J Aislynn d'Merricksson
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 11, 2020
Mother of Wolves is the first book in a fantasy series called 'Evalyce Worldshaper' written by J. Aislynn d'Merrickson. I came across this book because I've been a follower of the author's blog for a few years. Although I'm rarely a fantasy genre reader, I wanted to see what a novel would read like from this author. What I got was a lovely tale full of magic, striking creatures, good writing, and the possibility for a wonderful future.
The thing I found most intriguing was the use of mythology in the book. While it's not an ode to classical Greek or Roman myths, there are lots of components in the story that clearly trace back to stores our ancients would tell around a fire... at least that's the impression this book gives off -- it's in preparation for the upcoming second, third, et al books in the overall series. This is a great beginning because we see things that happened from ~1500 years in the distance (past or future, it's hard to tell!). Technology isn't quite present, yet there are traveling ships. Reincarnation is hinted at. Animal and human interaction, friendships, and potential transfiguration? Maybe I'm seeing more than there is at this stage... but between what I've read thus far and the cover, I sense a much more complex story in the works.
Kalla is our main character. We get to know this strong female well. She is likable but acts quickly. I enjoyed the relationships she developed and the intrigue surrounding her quest. It ends in a place where you know it's just the beginning. Not being a regular reader in this genre, I struggled with understanding the larger picture and connecting some of the names, as well as knowing if this is part of a larger fantasy realm I should know more about. That said, as a stand-alone book just based on story, character, and setting, it was very good. I look forward to seeing where this one will go.
The thing I found most intriguing was the use of mythology in the book. While it's not an ode to classical Greek or Roman myths, there are lots of components in the story that clearly trace back to stores our ancients would tell around a fire... at least that's the impression this book gives off -- it's in preparation for the upcoming second, third, et al books in the overall series. This is a great beginning because we see things that happened from ~1500 years in the distance (past or future, it's hard to tell!). Technology isn't quite present, yet there are traveling ships. Reincarnation is hinted at. Animal and human interaction, friendships, and potential transfiguration? Maybe I'm seeing more than there is at this stage... but between what I've read thus far and the cover, I sense a much more complex story in the works.
Kalla is our main character. We get to know this strong female well. She is likable but acts quickly. I enjoyed the relationships she developed and the intrigue surrounding her quest. It ends in a place where you know it's just the beginning. Not being a regular reader in this genre, I struggled with understanding the larger picture and connecting some of the names, as well as knowing if this is part of a larger fantasy realm I should know more about. That said, as a stand-alone book just based on story, character, and setting, it was very good. I look forward to seeing where this one will go.
May 26, 2016
This is a well written fantasy book with both magic and technology mixed together. We meet our heroin (Kalla Kyl’Solidor) when she searches for a bodyguard which she finds in prison. The author is clearly very imaginative and I enjoyed reading about the relationship which grows between these two characters. The characters in this book whether good or bad are well developed and therefor easy to picture and either root for or dislike.
There were many places, creatures and characters within the story but what I found was quite off putting were the complicated names for all of the above which made it somewhat confusing to read and remember who was who and what was what. If it wasn’t for this I would be giving Mother of Wolves 4 stars as the writer is clearly good at what she does and I think many fantasy readers will love this book but for me it did kinda spoil it.
There were many places, creatures and characters within the story but what I found was quite off putting were the complicated names for all of the above which made it somewhat confusing to read and remember who was who and what was what. If it wasn’t for this I would be giving Mother of Wolves 4 stars as the writer is clearly good at what she does and I think many fantasy readers will love this book but for me it did kinda spoil it.
April 22, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The book tells the story of Kalla Kyl’Solidor, a short, green-eyed black-haired Argosian woman. Kalla had allied herself with Aleister, a magister, and Amaterasu, a fire wyvern, and together they fight against the evil Al’dhumarna, Lord of the Living Nightmare.
Overall, it is a decent read and the scenes between Kalla and Aleister are sometimes quite charming. However, I did get confused here and there by the difficult and unfamiliar names, and was put off by the overlong chapter titles.
The book tells the story of Kalla Kyl’Solidor, a short, green-eyed black-haired Argosian woman. Kalla had allied herself with Aleister, a magister, and Amaterasu, a fire wyvern, and together they fight against the evil Al’dhumarna, Lord of the Living Nightmare.
Overall, it is a decent read and the scenes between Kalla and Aleister are sometimes quite charming. However, I did get confused here and there by the difficult and unfamiliar names, and was put off by the overlong chapter titles.
February 14, 2016
I recently re-read this book in preparation for Volume 2, and it was just as fun and engaging as the first time around. With tantalising touches of mythology, a hint of romance, and a rising evil threatening, what's not to love? The writing style is light enough so that I didn't feel bogged down, while still providing fantastic fuel for the imagination. I can't wait to start Volume 2: Lady of Wolves.
June 2, 2017
Mother of Wolves is one of those books where I had an internal battle of whether I was to round my rating up or down. It’s a solid three-point-five star read, and in the end I decided to round down due to my belief of the rest of the series being capable of offering up solid four star ratings. Many will easily hand over a four star rating for the book, but recently I’m finding it hard to hand out the number of four-star ratings I used to.
Mother of Wolves is a very interesting read, one that pulls you in and leaves you curious as to how everything will come together. The action begins almost instantly and does not let up throughout the book. Every time you think you can stop to take a breather, you’re pulled into a new form of action. Honestly, there really is so much going on throughout this story. It is event after event, and I loved this about the story. Although there is so much going on, you never feel as though there is too much happening. It is action packed without being over the top, enough to keep you engaged throughout without leaving you spiralling out of control.
All of this action takes place in a wonderful fantasy world. This, however, is where I found myself unsure of whether I wanted to round to three or four stars. Whilst the fantasy world was wonderful, I didn’t quite understand it in the way I had wanted to. We had wonderful cultures, we had fantastic mythology, and we had so many things introduced to us – however, I never really understood the world in the way I had been hoping to. It was interesting, yes, but I couldn’t create a solid image in my mind. It was a vivid world, yet it felt like some of the foundations were missing. The heavy lifting happened to quickly, and the little things that help you find your way around were absent. I cannot deny that I really enjoyed the world building, I cannot deny that it was amazing, yet without those solid images in my mind I did feel a little bit lost.
Despite this, as I’ve stated, I really was pulled into the story. Getting to know the characters, in particular, was wonderful. You quickly come to love the main characters, their stories pulling you in. They’re both such amazing characters, and by the end you’re left with numerous questions as to how things will play out for them. You know so much and yet you don’t really know anything at all – just the way it should be when characters are wrapped up in mystery. It really does set you up well for the future books, leaving you excited to read how the characters stories will play out.
Overall, this was a nice introduction to the series. It certainly pulls you in and leaves you excited to see what comes next.
Mother of Wolves is a very interesting read, one that pulls you in and leaves you curious as to how everything will come together. The action begins almost instantly and does not let up throughout the book. Every time you think you can stop to take a breather, you’re pulled into a new form of action. Honestly, there really is so much going on throughout this story. It is event after event, and I loved this about the story. Although there is so much going on, you never feel as though there is too much happening. It is action packed without being over the top, enough to keep you engaged throughout without leaving you spiralling out of control.
All of this action takes place in a wonderful fantasy world. This, however, is where I found myself unsure of whether I wanted to round to three or four stars. Whilst the fantasy world was wonderful, I didn’t quite understand it in the way I had wanted to. We had wonderful cultures, we had fantastic mythology, and we had so many things introduced to us – however, I never really understood the world in the way I had been hoping to. It was interesting, yes, but I couldn’t create a solid image in my mind. It was a vivid world, yet it felt like some of the foundations were missing. The heavy lifting happened to quickly, and the little things that help you find your way around were absent. I cannot deny that I really enjoyed the world building, I cannot deny that it was amazing, yet without those solid images in my mind I did feel a little bit lost.
Despite this, as I’ve stated, I really was pulled into the story. Getting to know the characters, in particular, was wonderful. You quickly come to love the main characters, their stories pulling you in. They’re both such amazing characters, and by the end you’re left with numerous questions as to how things will play out for them. You know so much and yet you don’t really know anything at all – just the way it should be when characters are wrapped up in mystery. It really does set you up well for the future books, leaving you excited to read how the characters stories will play out.
Overall, this was a nice introduction to the series. It certainly pulls you in and leaves you excited to see what comes next.
June 10, 2017
I didn't realise how apt the title is till the end. The story is all about the Mother of wolves and it is a nicely woven piece of fiction. The blurb had me interested in the story but the cover, though contained the elements of the story, didn't have the right look to complement the book.
I admit as soon as I started the book and finished the first scene, I was a bit disappointed. It felt too familiar as with other books. But thank goodness I continued because after that, it was a completely unique fantastical story with elements of Scifi thrown in. Actually I loved the mix of fantasy and scifi in the story. That's one reason I fell in love with the book.
The plot was pretty fast paced. There was no time to sit and think at all. From the start till the end, I was in a race to know what was going on. The flow of the scenes was pretty good. There was no jumps. Only thing I found hard was keeping straight the characters because of their names. Another thing which was well done was the world building. It is a completely unique and fun universe and it was a pleasure to read. I am expecting to know more of it in the sequels. I am sure the next book will rock as much as this one has.
As for the characters, they are a very good bunch. Kalla is such a strong and dominant person. She adds her own twist to each scene. I love her confidence and her righteousness. Aleister is a delight with her part serious and part mischievous persona. But Vander is the one who touched my heart. I really felt for him. The author has created characters who not only settle in good in the storyline but also touch the heart with their dilemmas and past.
I look forward to the sequels with much anticipation because yeah it was kind of a cliffhanger. And I can't wait to continue! I want more of Kalla and Aleister especially. There are so many things hinted at that I can't keep my head straight. It is a refreshingly new voice inspite of a familiar beginning. I can't recommend it enough!
I received a copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't impact my review in any way.
My one line review : A refreshingly new blend of scifi and fantasy for the adventurous readers.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
I admit as soon as I started the book and finished the first scene, I was a bit disappointed. It felt too familiar as with other books. But thank goodness I continued because after that, it was a completely unique fantastical story with elements of Scifi thrown in. Actually I loved the mix of fantasy and scifi in the story. That's one reason I fell in love with the book.
The plot was pretty fast paced. There was no time to sit and think at all. From the start till the end, I was in a race to know what was going on. The flow of the scenes was pretty good. There was no jumps. Only thing I found hard was keeping straight the characters because of their names. Another thing which was well done was the world building. It is a completely unique and fun universe and it was a pleasure to read. I am expecting to know more of it in the sequels. I am sure the next book will rock as much as this one has.
As for the characters, they are a very good bunch. Kalla is such a strong and dominant person. She adds her own twist to each scene. I love her confidence and her righteousness. Aleister is a delight with her part serious and part mischievous persona. But Vander is the one who touched my heart. I really felt for him. The author has created characters who not only settle in good in the storyline but also touch the heart with their dilemmas and past.
I look forward to the sequels with much anticipation because yeah it was kind of a cliffhanger. And I can't wait to continue! I want more of Kalla and Aleister especially. There are so many things hinted at that I can't keep my head straight. It is a refreshingly new voice inspite of a familiar beginning. I can't recommend it enough!
I received a copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't impact my review in any way.
My one line review : A refreshingly new blend of scifi and fantasy for the adventurous readers.
My rating : 4/5
My reread factor : 4/5
March 24, 2016
Mother of Wolves is a gripping, fast-paced adventure that rather brilliantly merges Fantasy with a bit of Scifi. d'Merricksson has crafted a fascinating world that we barely scratch the surface of. Mother of Wolves encompasses many bits and pieces of folklore and real-world mythology, most notably of the Japanese variety, so some names and concepts will be familiar, while others seem to be original to the author and quite well-done.
There's so much to like about this story, and the primary compliment I can pay to it is to say that I already want to read the next installment. The protagonists are easy to identify with and root for, and there are some pleasant twists and turns in the plot that keep you guessing yet satisfied. This is a big world with some intriguing mythology and sociology built into it, and while it seems it would have been easy for the author to get lost in their own creation, d'Merricksson never does.
I particularly enjoyed the "domestication" myth that the main character, Kalla, tells to the children. There's so much creativity here, and every new encounter between our heroine and even her enemies is like opening a gift. You don't know what you're going to get, but the surprise is usually a very pleasant one. The creation myths that are given credence by the animal aspects of some of the races is very cool.
Looking forward to installment #2. If you're interested in magic-filled adventure spiced with a little bit (and I stress little, because it's not overwhelming and it meshes with the fantasy elements well) of technology, this is a book for you.
There's so much to like about this story, and the primary compliment I can pay to it is to say that I already want to read the next installment. The protagonists are easy to identify with and root for, and there are some pleasant twists and turns in the plot that keep you guessing yet satisfied. This is a big world with some intriguing mythology and sociology built into it, and while it seems it would have been easy for the author to get lost in their own creation, d'Merricksson never does.
I particularly enjoyed the "domestication" myth that the main character, Kalla, tells to the children. There's so much creativity here, and every new encounter between our heroine and even her enemies is like opening a gift. You don't know what you're going to get, but the surprise is usually a very pleasant one. The creation myths that are given credence by the animal aspects of some of the races is very cool.
Looking forward to installment #2. If you're interested in magic-filled adventure spiced with a little bit (and I stress little, because it's not overwhelming and it meshes with the fantasy elements well) of technology, this is a book for you.
July 30, 2015
Evalyce: Worldshaper
By: J Aislynn d’Merricksson
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Theme: Set in a world of blended ‘magik’ and technology--ripe with the dragon-kin, kitsune, mages, demi-gods and starships—this is a story of good versus evil.
mage/m'j/
archaicliterary
noun
1. a magician or learned person
magik
adjective
1. used in magic or working by magic; having or apparently having supernatural powers.
Young and beautiful, Kalla kyl’Solidor, an incredible, naturally gifted mage trainee and her newly appointed Arkaddian magister (body guard, assistant, conduit for magik), Aleister ‘Sky Fox’ Balflear, and a Wyvern (a dragon-like creature with the ability to communicate telepathically with Kalla) named Amaterasu, and other mages and mystical creatures, must defeat and re-imprison the evil Al’dhumarna Lord of the Living Nightmare, “a creature crafted of the deepest, darkest fears of humanity”, after he escapes his magik-held cage and wreaks havoc on the world of De Sikkari.
I very much liked the story of Kalla and Aleister; I found it entertaining and intriguing--so much so that I read it in about 4 hours. I found myself rooting for the heroes and mentally “boo-ing” the bad guys. These characters, all of them, are engaging and very personable, very real in a manner of speaking. I discovered, in no time at all, that I wanted—desperately—for Kalla and her magister to win against all odds and come out the victors. Just as desperately, I wanted Al’dhumarna to be defeated. In other words, I was able to put myself into the story…I chose sides and became, if only minimally, a part of the action. In my book, that’s always a sign of a really good story!
I will admit, however, that I did have a hard time with the many, many almost un-pronounceable names of characters and places. Every time I came across the name, Amaterasu (the dragon-like Wyvern, a main character), I mentally stumbled and had to go back and sound it out in my head. I had the same trouble with the name Al’dhumarna and others. This was a stumbling block to my complete enjoyment of the story. However, I do recognize the need to use exotic sounding names for such an exotic and mysterious setting as De Sikkari. Calling the Wyvern “Jane” would have been just as much of a stumbling block…
Let me say though, despite the hard-to-pronounce names of people and places, the author-- J Aislynn d’Merricksson—did succeed in drawing me into the setting and the narrative. The book is very well written. The settings—both locale and character temperament—are so well drawn in the imagination the reader has no trouble visualizing where the story takes place or the attitudes and moods of the players involved. The author leads the reader into following the story logically from beginning to end. I never found myself wondering “what just happened” or “how did we get here” as has happened to me while reading other Science Fiction and Fantasy genre books.
Overall, I found the story and its characters to be fun and likeable—except for the bad guys, whom I loathed, as I was supposed to!
Evalyce: Worldshaper is BOOK ONE in a series. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the story and seeing how it all turns out. I would definitely recommend this book and its fellows to anyone interested in a fantasy-filled good time!
By: J Aislynn d’Merricksson
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Theme: Set in a world of blended ‘magik’ and technology--ripe with the dragon-kin, kitsune, mages, demi-gods and starships—this is a story of good versus evil.
mage/m'j/
archaicliterary
noun
1. a magician or learned person
magik
adjective
1. used in magic or working by magic; having or apparently having supernatural powers.
Young and beautiful, Kalla kyl’Solidor, an incredible, naturally gifted mage trainee and her newly appointed Arkaddian magister (body guard, assistant, conduit for magik), Aleister ‘Sky Fox’ Balflear, and a Wyvern (a dragon-like creature with the ability to communicate telepathically with Kalla) named Amaterasu, and other mages and mystical creatures, must defeat and re-imprison the evil Al’dhumarna Lord of the Living Nightmare, “a creature crafted of the deepest, darkest fears of humanity”, after he escapes his magik-held cage and wreaks havoc on the world of De Sikkari.
I very much liked the story of Kalla and Aleister; I found it entertaining and intriguing--so much so that I read it in about 4 hours. I found myself rooting for the heroes and mentally “boo-ing” the bad guys. These characters, all of them, are engaging and very personable, very real in a manner of speaking. I discovered, in no time at all, that I wanted—desperately—for Kalla and her magister to win against all odds and come out the victors. Just as desperately, I wanted Al’dhumarna to be defeated. In other words, I was able to put myself into the story…I chose sides and became, if only minimally, a part of the action. In my book, that’s always a sign of a really good story!
I will admit, however, that I did have a hard time with the many, many almost un-pronounceable names of characters and places. Every time I came across the name, Amaterasu (the dragon-like Wyvern, a main character), I mentally stumbled and had to go back and sound it out in my head. I had the same trouble with the name Al’dhumarna and others. This was a stumbling block to my complete enjoyment of the story. However, I do recognize the need to use exotic sounding names for such an exotic and mysterious setting as De Sikkari. Calling the Wyvern “Jane” would have been just as much of a stumbling block…
Let me say though, despite the hard-to-pronounce names of people and places, the author-- J Aislynn d’Merricksson—did succeed in drawing me into the setting and the narrative. The book is very well written. The settings—both locale and character temperament—are so well drawn in the imagination the reader has no trouble visualizing where the story takes place or the attitudes and moods of the players involved. The author leads the reader into following the story logically from beginning to end. I never found myself wondering “what just happened” or “how did we get here” as has happened to me while reading other Science Fiction and Fantasy genre books.
Overall, I found the story and its characters to be fun and likeable—except for the bad guys, whom I loathed, as I was supposed to!
Evalyce: Worldshaper is BOOK ONE in a series. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the story and seeing how it all turns out. I would definitely recommend this book and its fellows to anyone interested in a fantasy-filled good time!
June 1, 2017
Cursed Pride: A Pride of City Lions Novella
by Cara St. Clair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG! What a great Fantasy, Sci-fi and Mythology all roll in one my kind of story. Well this is my first time reading J. Aislynn dMerricksson and I'm willing to say I really enjoyed this story and I will read her books again. This a well written and beautiful blended story. I really enjoyed how this author mixed magic and everything else together to this fantastic storytelling. WOW her characters are well-developed with multiple factions and she creates awesome realms (worlds). The main characters will make you fall in love with magic. Kalla is a master mage. Their names are so creative such as Kalla Kyl’Solidor but the names are kind of complicated that's why I wanted to give them nicknames but other than the characters names I enjoyed how Kalla finds the bodyguard and how their relationship is. This story is captivating, with action, adventure, humor and suspenseful. Kalla kyl’Solidor is on a journey. She is looking for a bodyguard and she finds Aleister, a thief and murderer in prison. Then they set out on their journey. I enjoyed the characters, the suspenseful plot and their dialogue between them. I'm excited to read more of this series and this author has me wanting to read more books in this series.This is a great book to add to your TBR list. Its a rousing surprise and full of intrigue. What a well paced, paranormal suspenseful, full of intrigue and heart! I recommend it to all. I voluntarily reviewed this book because I enjoy sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
by Cara St. Clair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG! What a great Fantasy, Sci-fi and Mythology all roll in one my kind of story. Well this is my first time reading J. Aislynn dMerricksson and I'm willing to say I really enjoyed this story and I will read her books again. This a well written and beautiful blended story. I really enjoyed how this author mixed magic and everything else together to this fantastic storytelling. WOW her characters are well-developed with multiple factions and she creates awesome realms (worlds). The main characters will make you fall in love with magic. Kalla is a master mage. Their names are so creative such as Kalla Kyl’Solidor but the names are kind of complicated that's why I wanted to give them nicknames but other than the characters names I enjoyed how Kalla finds the bodyguard and how their relationship is. This story is captivating, with action, adventure, humor and suspenseful. Kalla kyl’Solidor is on a journey. She is looking for a bodyguard and she finds Aleister, a thief and murderer in prison. Then they set out on their journey. I enjoyed the characters, the suspenseful plot and their dialogue between them. I'm excited to read more of this series and this author has me wanting to read more books in this series.This is a great book to add to your TBR list. Its a rousing surprise and full of intrigue. What a well paced, paranormal suspenseful, full of intrigue and heart! I recommend it to all. I voluntarily reviewed this book because I enjoy sharing my thoughts with my fellow readers.
October 11, 2015
Evalyce: Worldshaper: Vol. 1: Mother of Wolves starts with a character’s troubled sleep, but begins in full with a jolt. Kalla, a masterful female mage, enters the pit of Dante’s Inferno to seek out a protector. Although she is more than able to fend for herself, she is forced to acquire a bodyguard. She chooses Aleister, a thief (or murderer, depending on who is asked) from the lowest rung of prison.
As the story unfolds, we learn Kalla is more than just a high-powered mage and Aleister a mere bodyguard. They share a hidden history that reaches far back into the past. Together they face danger, solve riddles, gain friends, and overcome unseen powers in a fully realized fantasy world that tests their strengths.
Mother of Wolves is a blend of myths from various cultures and history, carefully weaving a new course of outcomes in this fantasy world. The author’s knowledge of lore and classic stories keeps this arcanepunk story fresh and expertly detailed. The world she creates is rich in fantasy and adventure with a touch of technology. I’m curious to see how these stories Kalla tells a group of children play out in the greater storyline.
While I did like that d’Merricksson did not create a contrived cliffhanger at the end of this first volume, I would have liked to see a little more of conclusive end to volume one. In all, an interesting look into an alternate past/future world full of exotic characters.
Very good. Sign me up for the next volume!
As the story unfolds, we learn Kalla is more than just a high-powered mage and Aleister a mere bodyguard. They share a hidden history that reaches far back into the past. Together they face danger, solve riddles, gain friends, and overcome unseen powers in a fully realized fantasy world that tests their strengths.
Mother of Wolves is a blend of myths from various cultures and history, carefully weaving a new course of outcomes in this fantasy world. The author’s knowledge of lore and classic stories keeps this arcanepunk story fresh and expertly detailed. The world she creates is rich in fantasy and adventure with a touch of technology. I’m curious to see how these stories Kalla tells a group of children play out in the greater storyline.
While I did like that d’Merricksson did not create a contrived cliffhanger at the end of this first volume, I would have liked to see a little more of conclusive end to volume one. In all, an interesting look into an alternate past/future world full of exotic characters.
Very good. Sign me up for the next volume!
September 20, 2015
Fantastic Read for epic Fantasy Fans!
This is not something you're going to be able to plow through in a weekend. This book has taken me the better part of a month to finish. I cannot believe that J Aislynn d'Merricksson got the amount of story that she did into 170 pages. The writing style is very much like that of George R.R. Martin, or J.R.R. Tolkein. This author's world building skills are top notch. I loved the imagery of the floating cities, and all of the fantasy creatures.
Some of the place/character names are difficult, but I don't think that's unusual to this genre and in many respects is quite helpful and necessary to helping you immerse yourself into this story. There was some bouncing between POV, but it wasn't too difficult to follow. There is an element of romance between Kalla/Aleister which I loved (of course) and there was plenty of adventure and beautiful imagery.
This story retells the classic good vs. ancient "waking evil" which makes for a very plot driven story. It does end on a cliffhanger technically, but it didn't make me want to scream and throw my kindle. It flows with the story and is free of shock factor. There is as much resolution as there can be for the first part of a serial fantasy. This is a fantastic read for epic fantasy fans.
This is not something you're going to be able to plow through in a weekend. This book has taken me the better part of a month to finish. I cannot believe that J Aislynn d'Merricksson got the amount of story that she did into 170 pages. The writing style is very much like that of George R.R. Martin, or J.R.R. Tolkein. This author's world building skills are top notch. I loved the imagery of the floating cities, and all of the fantasy creatures.
Some of the place/character names are difficult, but I don't think that's unusual to this genre and in many respects is quite helpful and necessary to helping you immerse yourself into this story. There was some bouncing between POV, but it wasn't too difficult to follow. There is an element of romance between Kalla/Aleister which I loved (of course) and there was plenty of adventure and beautiful imagery.
This story retells the classic good vs. ancient "waking evil" which makes for a very plot driven story. It does end on a cliffhanger technically, but it didn't make me want to scream and throw my kindle. It flows with the story and is free of shock factor. There is as much resolution as there can be for the first part of a serial fantasy. This is a fantastic read for epic fantasy fans.
April 4, 2016
This is one of those super fun fantasy/steampunk/sci-fi crossover stories that adds elements of the wider fantasy genre together into one really cool book. The author has done very well blended these together, heaviest on the fantasy and mythic realms.
Main character Kalla is a multitalented bad-A. One of those heroines you love to love! I still got the feeling that she was real, not some over the top image of perfection. She gets into some serious danger, and she’s far from invincible. The story takes off at a good pace and proceeds in that direction, taking us readers along for a fun ride.
The fantasy world is well-developed with multiple factions and a load of different creatures. Among them were wyverns, manticores, vykr (some sort of unicornish creature but less majestic and more practical) as well as kitsune (awesome little magical foxes). A revelation about the kitsune had me grinning ear to ear, but I won’t spoil the fun. :)
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Main character Kalla is a multitalented bad-A. One of those heroines you love to love! I still got the feeling that she was real, not some over the top image of perfection. She gets into some serious danger, and she’s far from invincible. The story takes off at a good pace and proceeds in that direction, taking us readers along for a fun ride.
The fantasy world is well-developed with multiple factions and a load of different creatures. Among them were wyverns, manticores, vykr (some sort of unicornish creature but less majestic and more practical) as well as kitsune (awesome little magical foxes). A revelation about the kitsune had me grinning ear to ear, but I won’t spoil the fun. :)
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 18, 2016
Kalla is a young mage that is sent to find a magister. Once she has found one that she is drawn to, they are attacked by fire-breathing wyvern which sets them on a journey to fight against evil.
I am not fully familiar with this kind of genre, but I did fully enjoy it. Because I am not used to all the strange names and places it was a little confusing at times but not to the extent that I wanted to give up. I enjoyed reading about the bond between Kalla and Aleister (her magister). Once they set out on their journey across their world to fight evil, the story picks up pace. The reader is able to get a sense of what each place was like, and this was especially true at the end of the book. The very last place they visit drew me in with its voice of mythology. I would definitely like to continue the series as it is released to follow Kalla and Aleister's journeys.
I rated this 4/5 stars and recommend it.
I am not fully familiar with this kind of genre, but I did fully enjoy it. Because I am not used to all the strange names and places it was a little confusing at times but not to the extent that I wanted to give up. I enjoyed reading about the bond between Kalla and Aleister (her magister). Once they set out on their journey across their world to fight evil, the story picks up pace. The reader is able to get a sense of what each place was like, and this was especially true at the end of the book. The very last place they visit drew me in with its voice of mythology. I would definitely like to continue the series as it is released to follow Kalla and Aleister's journeys.
I rated this 4/5 stars and recommend it.
November 21, 2017
I downloaded Mother of Wolves, book 1 of the Evalyce Worldshaper series, as a free book from Amazon. An interesting blurb although I'll admit, some of the segues and plot explanations were weak. I really like the characters which has made this a really good read for me (in spite of aforementioned storyline issues).
June 23, 2021
The story is really execellent.
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