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Diffraction
From daybreak 'til the sun goes down, Devoted are called to serve the Light and follow the edicts of the pacifist Abbey. But to Lyllithe, the outcast half-blood in the remote village of Northridge, power is meant to be displayed and used, not hidden.
When her Aeramental heritage pulls Lyllithe in a different direction, her convictions conflict with the faith of her family and force her to choose:
What exactly am I devoted to?
When her Aeramental heritage pulls Lyllithe in a different direction, her convictions conflict with the faith of her family and force her to choose:
What exactly am I devoted to?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2015
4 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2016
The book started out a little slow, but seemed to get better as it went on, and the latter quarter was very good. I liked the personal characterization, however interpersonal relationship building was a bit clunky. There were some spots where I felt that characters didn't react to situations like I think they, or even normal people, would. The world was believable, though some scenes could have done with a bit more description. Overall I enjoyed the story and look forward to the second one.
March 28, 2016
An immensely interesting fantasy world
This is a great book! I've read it twice already and looking forward to the next installment. There's mystery, intrigue, some politics, religion (fantasy), fighting, friendship and humor. It all takes place in a novel world with its own history and magic. The story follows two friends from a village caught up in a desperate struggle for survival. The main character of the two friends had a mysterious beginning and a mysterious ability that makes her of interest to some powerful persons of questionable motives. After being disowned by her adopted father, the two friends set off to seek their fortunes and do some good for their homeland only to be drawn into political intrigue. Some misadventures later the heroes are banished to assist in the border defense against an overwhelming foe.
The cast of characters are interesting. Each has his or her own back story with loss or personal tragedy. No one is a stereotypical anything. Each has their own flaws and weaknesses. Each grows in not necessarily expected ways. There are very few easy good choices.
I highly recommend this book.
This is a great book! I've read it twice already and looking forward to the next installment. There's mystery, intrigue, some politics, religion (fantasy), fighting, friendship and humor. It all takes place in a novel world with its own history and magic. The story follows two friends from a village caught up in a desperate struggle for survival. The main character of the two friends had a mysterious beginning and a mysterious ability that makes her of interest to some powerful persons of questionable motives. After being disowned by her adopted father, the two friends set off to seek their fortunes and do some good for their homeland only to be drawn into political intrigue. Some misadventures later the heroes are banished to assist in the border defense against an overwhelming foe.
The cast of characters are interesting. Each has his or her own back story with loss or personal tragedy. No one is a stereotypical anything. Each has their own flaws and weaknesses. Each grows in not necessarily expected ways. There are very few easy good choices.
I highly recommend this book.
March 18, 2016
Several key elements make Diffraction stand out from typical fantasy genre reads. Strong writing and well-drawn characters draw readers into the story. I was able to clearly envision each vivid scene. The author's created world contains a satisfying blend of complexity and realism. For me, the heart of the story was the relationship between Jo and Lylith. Of course, the male protagonist with a mysterious background had definite appeal. I appreciated that the secondary characters were well fleshed out rather than one dimensional.
I recommend this book for both fantasy and non-fantasy readers.
Spoiler alert:
This is part 1 of a series. At the end of this book I rose to my feet screaming at one of the main characters, "No! Don't fall for that! It'll destroy you!"
I recommend this book for both fantasy and non-fantasy readers.
Spoiler alert:
This is part 1 of a series. At the end of this book I rose to my feet screaming at one of the main characters, "No! Don't fall for that! It'll destroy you!"
January 14, 2016
Full disclosure, I read an early copy of the manuscript and provided feedback to the author and was rewarded with a character named after me.
Diffraction is an interesting read with all the requisite fantasy elements that readers will enjoy. The world, characters, and magic system are all very well developed and add to the overall enjoyment. There are personal struggles each character must handle, larger geopolitical political intrigue, and a supernatural battle of good and evil spirits going on throughout the story. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and other similar fantasy titles this book should be on your list of books to read.
Diffraction is an interesting read with all the requisite fantasy elements that readers will enjoy. The world, characters, and magic system are all very well developed and add to the overall enjoyment. There are personal struggles each character must handle, larger geopolitical political intrigue, and a supernatural battle of good and evil spirits going on throughout the story. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones and other similar fantasy titles this book should be on your list of books to read.
February 9, 2016
Over all a solid fantasy novel with fun characters and novel magic. My one complaint would be the fight scenes. They came off as un story like and more DnD roll play than novelization, I could almost see the initiative rolls and critical hits. Some folks will like this, others like me will roll their eyes and get past it. The end was also a bit abrupt, things were all temporarily tied up and finished but the story just sort of stopped. I would definitely read more books as they come out.
December 31, 2015
I'm a little biased, go figure.
The fight scenes read very well (feedback from multiple alpha readers) and the characters are well-developed, even if they fill traditional fantasy roles.
The magic systems are unique (again, from multiple early readers) and mingled well with the setting.
The three separate arcs of the book come off a little disjointed from each other, but contribute to a greater whole. And since it's really the story of the main character's journey toward belonging, the book tells what's necessary to reach that end while leaving readers ready for more.
The fight scenes read very well (feedback from multiple alpha readers) and the characters are well-developed, even if they fill traditional fantasy roles.
The magic systems are unique (again, from multiple early readers) and mingled well with the setting.
The three separate arcs of the book come off a little disjointed from each other, but contribute to a greater whole. And since it's really the story of the main character's journey toward belonging, the book tells what's necessary to reach that end while leaving readers ready for more.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews