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Sharani #3
Skies
From #1 bestselling author of Sands, Kevin L. Nielsen, comes book 3 in the Sharani Series.
About Skies
For the Rahuli people, the world has just gotten a lot bigger.
Gavin, now the unchallenged leader of the displaced Rahuli, grows increasingly frustrated with the members of the so-called slave “rebellion.” The former slaves are frightened by the Rahuli’s war-filled history, but the Rahuli’s warrior ways might be the only thing to stop the Orinai from slaughtering them all.
Meanwhile, Lhaurel is held prisoner by the Seven Sisters, the mysterious and ruthless mages who rule the Orinai. Cut off from her magic, she is forced to travel to the Orinai capital under threat against the Rahuli. Unbeknownst to Lhaurel, despite their promises the Sisters have no intention of letting the Rahuli live.
While Lhaurel begins to understand the Seven Sisters, their armies march toward the Rahuli once again. To defend his people, Gavin must earn the trust of the former slaves or nobody stands a chance against the approaching horde.
Can Gavin defeat the Orinai, or have the Rahuli entered a fight they cannot win?
About Skies
For the Rahuli people, the world has just gotten a lot bigger.
Gavin, now the unchallenged leader of the displaced Rahuli, grows increasingly frustrated with the members of the so-called slave “rebellion.” The former slaves are frightened by the Rahuli’s war-filled history, but the Rahuli’s warrior ways might be the only thing to stop the Orinai from slaughtering them all.
Meanwhile, Lhaurel is held prisoner by the Seven Sisters, the mysterious and ruthless mages who rule the Orinai. Cut off from her magic, she is forced to travel to the Orinai capital under threat against the Rahuli. Unbeknownst to Lhaurel, despite their promises the Sisters have no intention of letting the Rahuli live.
While Lhaurel begins to understand the Seven Sisters, their armies march toward the Rahuli once again. To defend his people, Gavin must earn the trust of the former slaves or nobody stands a chance against the approaching horde.
Can Gavin defeat the Orinai, or have the Rahuli entered a fight they cannot win?
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
363 pages, Paperback
Published August 18, 2016
34 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Kevin L. Nielsen
13 books108 followersFind Kevin on his website, www.kevinlnielsen.com, where he pontificates about writing, living life with two (soon to be three) small kids, and balancing writing with a day job and a family.
He's owned over 300 guinea pigs at the same time, been nationally ranked as a guinea pig breeder, played duets through his nose on recorders to the embarrassment of many, and lived without air conditioning for almost 2 years.
Kevin owes his publishing debut to a kindly librarian back in the 6th grade, the LTUE Symposium, a purple shirt, and a passing editor who didn't mind some mild sarcasm. His books have been Utah Book Awards finalists, Whitney Award Nominees, and #1 bestsellers on Amazon.
He currently resides in Utah with his amazing wife and two wonderful children. He's still writing and continuing a lifelong quest to become a dragon rider.
He's owned over 300 guinea pigs at the same time, been nationally ranked as a guinea pig breeder, played duets through his nose on recorders to the embarrassment of many, and lived without air conditioning for almost 2 years.
Kevin owes his publishing debut to a kindly librarian back in the 6th grade, the LTUE Symposium, a purple shirt, and a passing editor who didn't mind some mild sarcasm. His books have been Utah Book Awards finalists, Whitney Award Nominees, and #1 bestsellers on Amazon.
He currently resides in Utah with his amazing wife and two wonderful children. He's still writing and continuing a lifelong quest to become a dragon rider.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 19, 2016
I absolutely loved this book and can I say that this series is incredible! This installment is the best yet! ! The good....and bad part...is it isn't over yet. I am left longing for the next book. I really like the characters in the book and the plot so interesting. .I haven't been able to predict what is going to happen. . and I love that! (Plus for my friends who prefer clean reads this one is... and so is everything I have read of his so far! ) You will need to start with the beginning book " Sands".. but you will love it toooo..
August 18, 2016
Skies picks up where Storms left off. It both deepens and broadens the conflict, giving you a look into the larger world of the Rahuli people and the Orinai beyond. I hope you enjoy.
April 29, 2017
Another excellent adventure with this installment of the series! I was so happy that it started right with where the last one left off with Lhaurel and the Sisters. This time, though, I'm not able to speculate or predict what's going to happen with that part of the story (it's a good thing)...there are so many questions and possible scenarios!! Can't wait to see how this will play out. Loving the detail and the fact that we get to see Estrelar through Lhaurel's eyes. This is all so fascinating.
I love the further development of Gavin and getting to see him rise to becoming a great leader. I knew he had it in him, and he's a Storm Ward!!! What???!!!! I also love that he and Farah are finally finding their way to each other 😍 The new characters in this part of the story are great, my favs are Tadeo and Benji. Once again, the saga does not disappoint! Great book.
I love the further development of Gavin and getting to see him rise to becoming a great leader. I knew he had it in him, and he's a Storm Ward!!! What???!!!! I also love that he and Farah are finally finding their way to each other 😍 The new characters in this part of the story are great, my favs are Tadeo and Benji. Once again, the saga does not disappoint! Great book.
June 18, 2017
Just like with all the other books in this series, it's really the story that draws you in. Constantly willing you to keep reading further and not putting it down. The series itself is not perfect (i have a couple misgivings about the writing style itself), but the captivating characters and overarching storylines coming together really makes it one worth continuing the read for. Looking forward to the next installment.
This book concentrates heavily on Gavin's emergence as a leader, as well as Lhaurel's struggles with the decisions she's made and her changes. It's fascinating to see the other worlds and civilizations contained within this universe, so it's really wonderful how it's being put altogether.
I actually enjoyed this book the best out of all three.
This book concentrates heavily on Gavin's emergence as a leader, as well as Lhaurel's struggles with the decisions she's made and her changes. It's fascinating to see the other worlds and civilizations contained within this universe, so it's really wonderful how it's being put altogether.
I actually enjoyed this book the best out of all three.
August 20, 2016
Before I start my review, I would like to thank Future House Publishing for allowing me to review Skies by Kevin L Nielson.
**All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received Skies from Future House Publishing as an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**
Now onto my review:
I am going to start off this review by saying you need to read Sands and Storms first. Skies is not, stress is not a standalone book. I made the mistake of not reading Sands and Storms before reading Skies and I was so utterly confused that I ended up stopping reading Skies, buying Sands and Storms, reading them and then restarting Skies. Which is why I didn’t have my review ready on the date it was released.
Lhaurel’s character really progressed from the first 2 books and I felt awful that she was shut off from her powers. I also felt bad that she was held captive by those creepy Sister. Now, when I think of Sisters, I think of kind little nuns in their habits. From what I gleaned about these Sisters, they are the opposite. They wear tight-fitting clothes (which Lhaurel really didn’t like), filed their teeth to points (well most of them did, Talha painted hers) and were generally bad ass bitches that no one wanted to mess with. And I loved it. I did like Talha. She seemed the most easy-going out of all the sisters.
The other storyline focused on Gavin and his band of Rahuli. Gavin is having a hard time as being the ruler and trying to keep the peace with the head of the village, a man named Brisson, who in my opinion was a dick (foreshadowing here). Brisson kept reminding Gavin of the hardship that the Rahuli are putting on his people and Gavin keeps reminding Brisson that his people could help. It’s a stalemate until Gavin decides that he has had enough and forces Brisson to accept him as an equal (after all, Gavin is a warrior).
Not going to go too much into that storyline but I was impressed with how it ended up and I loved the twist at the end. Absolutely freaking loved it. There were hints pointing to the hint but I was still surprised when it came.
Lhaurel’s storyline was a little more complicated but none the less just as enthralling. I did like the waking dreams and the end of her story was totally not what I was expecting. I honestly thought that it would go another way.
The author did leave it open for a 4th book. But no cliffhangers, which I hate. I wrapped up each storyline in a way that it definitely closed the door on that story and opened a new door for the next story.
How many stars will I give Skies? 4
Why? It’s a wonderfully written, thoroughly engrossing book with vividly written worlds and characters.
Will I reread? Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes
Age Range? Teen on up
Why? Violence but otherwise, it is a very clean book.
**All opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone. I received Skies from Future House Publishing as an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**
Now onto my review:
I am going to start off this review by saying you need to read Sands and Storms first. Skies is not, stress is not a standalone book. I made the mistake of not reading Sands and Storms before reading Skies and I was so utterly confused that I ended up stopping reading Skies, buying Sands and Storms, reading them and then restarting Skies. Which is why I didn’t have my review ready on the date it was released.
Lhaurel’s character really progressed from the first 2 books and I felt awful that she was shut off from her powers. I also felt bad that she was held captive by those creepy Sister. Now, when I think of Sisters, I think of kind little nuns in their habits. From what I gleaned about these Sisters, they are the opposite. They wear tight-fitting clothes (which Lhaurel really didn’t like), filed their teeth to points (well most of them did, Talha painted hers) and were generally bad ass bitches that no one wanted to mess with. And I loved it. I did like Talha. She seemed the most easy-going out of all the sisters.
The other storyline focused on Gavin and his band of Rahuli. Gavin is having a hard time as being the ruler and trying to keep the peace with the head of the village, a man named Brisson, who in my opinion was a dick (foreshadowing here). Brisson kept reminding Gavin of the hardship that the Rahuli are putting on his people and Gavin keeps reminding Brisson that his people could help. It’s a stalemate until Gavin decides that he has had enough and forces Brisson to accept him as an equal (after all, Gavin is a warrior).
Not going to go too much into that storyline but I was impressed with how it ended up and I loved the twist at the end. Absolutely freaking loved it. There were hints pointing to the hint but I was still surprised when it came.
Lhaurel’s storyline was a little more complicated but none the less just as enthralling. I did like the waking dreams and the end of her story was totally not what I was expecting. I honestly thought that it would go another way.
The author did leave it open for a 4th book. But no cliffhangers, which I hate. I wrapped up each storyline in a way that it definitely closed the door on that story and opened a new door for the next story.
How many stars will I give Skies? 4
Why? It’s a wonderfully written, thoroughly engrossing book with vividly written worlds and characters.
Will I reread? Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes
Age Range? Teen on up
Why? Violence but otherwise, it is a very clean book.
August 27, 2016
Skies is the 3rd book in the Sharani series.
I was offered an ARC of the book for my honest opinion and review from Future House Publishing.
Lhaurel has sacrificed herself to save her friends. Her path is set upon learning the secrets of the ruthless seven sisters.
Gavin must adapt to the harsh new surroundings. Learning to lead the Rahuli people and unite the former slaves because the Orinai march towards them.
Great fantasy with unique mythology. I loved the metaphors that stayed true to the crafted world. An adventure of politics, magic and power. Vivid imagery and believable characters. The romance was understated, I personally prefer more emotional depth. I loved Gavin and Benji's connection, it was warm and heartfelt. The ending left me with unresolved questions I had anticipated. I want to know more of Lhaurel's journey. I await book 4.
Great for fans of fantasy adventure who enjoy plots that continue over a series of novels.
I was offered an ARC of the book for my honest opinion and review from Future House Publishing.
Lhaurel has sacrificed herself to save her friends. Her path is set upon learning the secrets of the ruthless seven sisters.
Gavin must adapt to the harsh new surroundings. Learning to lead the Rahuli people and unite the former slaves because the Orinai march towards them.
Great fantasy with unique mythology. I loved the metaphors that stayed true to the crafted world. An adventure of politics, magic and power. Vivid imagery and believable characters. The romance was understated, I personally prefer more emotional depth. I loved Gavin and Benji's connection, it was warm and heartfelt. The ending left me with unresolved questions I had anticipated. I want to know more of Lhaurel's journey. I await book 4.
Great for fans of fantasy adventure who enjoy plots that continue over a series of novels.
April 5, 2017
Man, this series is freaking fantastic. It continues to remind me of Dune, even now that they are out of the desert. The Seven Sisters bring to mind the bene gesserit, with their past lives and memories...yet not. They aren't the same, just terrifying and powerful with memories stretching back eons. This book also starts to hint at the political aspects that were so prominent in Dune.
Skies took a bit of a different turn from the previous installments, following Lhaurel and Gavin almost exclusively. The two story lines were vastly separated, with Lhaurel heading off towards the center of everything with her sisters, while Gavin hides out with the remains of their civilization. Both are stories of learning, Lhaural's education; Gavin's figuring out leadership and joining his group with the slave people they've joined, but they are in way different places by the end.
I really liked some of the new characters. Benji is awesome, the sisters are fascinating, Josi is sweet and I worry for her, Tadeo...he's tough and cool, although he drove me bonkers with his "this thing"(seriously, every time he talked). Honestly, is there a villain at this point? I can't find anyone to hate....I guess I'm not supposed to like the sisters? That one is a jerk, but the rest seem okay.
All the way through, I felt like the climax was going to be mild and this book was a transitional novel. It was, in a way...establishing Gavin with the new group and Lhaurel's introduction to her "new" life. But I was wrong about the climax...
This book was good. This whole series is good. It's unpredictable, and well written. I can't wait for more.
Skies took a bit of a different turn from the previous installments, following Lhaurel and Gavin almost exclusively. The two story lines were vastly separated, with Lhaurel heading off towards the center of everything with her sisters, while Gavin hides out with the remains of their civilization. Both are stories of learning, Lhaural's education; Gavin's figuring out leadership and joining his group with the slave people they've joined, but they are in way different places by the end.
I really liked some of the new characters. Benji is awesome, the sisters are fascinating, Josi is sweet and I worry for her, Tadeo...he's tough and cool, although he drove me bonkers with his "this thing"(seriously, every time he talked). Honestly, is there a villain at this point? I can't find anyone to hate....I guess I'm not supposed to like the sisters? That one is a jerk, but the rest seem okay.
All the way through, I felt like the climax was going to be mild and this book was a transitional novel. It was, in a way...establishing Gavin with the new group and Lhaurel's introduction to her "new" life. But I was wrong about the climax...
This book was good. This whole series is good. It's unpredictable, and well written. I can't wait for more.
November 29, 2017
The story is pretty interesting: Our knowledge of the world is greatly expanded, along with the history, religion, and culture that have been influenced by magic. Lhaurel leaves with the other Sisters when they promise to not destroy her people. They expect her to become one of them. (Will she??) Gavin leads the remnant of the Rahuli and hopes to get his people and the leftover slaves of the Orinai to become united as one people for their mutual defense (because the Sisters are not keeping their promise). There’s a lot of buildup, so I see the possibility of a sequel series.
The writing is fine but not exceptional. There are quite a few editing errors, several per page. There are grammar and tense errors, usage errors, homophone errors, punctuation errors, missing words, extra words, transposed letters, and random letters missing or inserted. It gets pretty distracting. This is just a sample from a single reading session:
Several people sat inside, staring over that the barge with awe.
A window opened forty feet above them and woman looked out.
She had a hard, square face and figure was blocky ...
One who’s presence is a constant reminder of their desperation ...
“Why would you betray us to being with?”
He seemed to try and be deciding if he’d made a mistake.
The writing is fine but not exceptional. There are quite a few editing errors, several per page. There are grammar and tense errors, usage errors, homophone errors, punctuation errors, missing words, extra words, transposed letters, and random letters missing or inserted. It gets pretty distracting. This is just a sample from a single reading session:
Several people sat inside, staring over that the barge with awe.
A window opened forty feet above them and woman looked out.
She had a hard, square face and figure was blocky ...
One who’s presence is a constant reminder of their desperation ...
“Why would you betray us to being with?”
He seemed to try and be deciding if he’d made a mistake.
June 9, 2017
I do agree that this book opens up the larger world of this series. The first book made you feel like this was a desert world, but as with the story, we come to find there is more to the realms of the Orinai and Rahuli. We also come to see that there is depth to the Sisters and that as with most people, there is some good sprinkled in the evil.
This is truly a broadly set stage with many stories yet to be told.
A good read that leaves you wanting more.
This is truly a broadly set stage with many stories yet to be told.
A good read that leaves you wanting more.
August 20, 2016
I loved this book! I have to say that I stepped outside of my reading no-no box by reading this book without having read the first two books. I don't normally do that but I loved the synopsis of the book and couldn't wait to read the Skies ARC. And now, I have to read the first two books in the series. I love the dynamic between the main character Lhaurel and the Sisters. From the first page the action and highly developed plot was great! I also loved several of the other characters in the book. I love a band of heroes that come together to conquer darker forces so this book was a great read for me. Plus, I love being transported to a fantasy land out of time where magic and mythical subject matter are everyday life. If you love fantasy, adventure, and magical beings then you will love reading Skies.
I received a copy of Skies from Future House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Ryan Mendenhall and everyone at Future House Publishing for sending me the Skies ARC!
I received a copy of Skies from Future House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Ryan Mendenhall and everyone at Future House Publishing for sending me the Skies ARC!
August 18, 2016
I have to give this book 5 stars because I could not put it down! As in the previous books in the series, the world expands just a bit more for Lhaurel, as well as for the other characters. They begin to see how small and insignificant they are, yet they don’t let it stop their determination to do what they feel is right. There is quite a bit of character development, and I enjoyed the addition of several new characters. After reading Storms, I was hoping for an explanation of several things in Skies, and wasn’t disappointed, yet I also have enough new questions to keep me wanting more. In addition, I love how unique this story is. Although I am a fan of all fantasy fiction, I find that too many follow the same patterns and have the same types of characters. The Sharani series is fresh, interesting, and unpredictable. You won’t regret reading this!
August 18, 2016
I always think I've read the best that is to come then get blown away by the next novel.
Again Skies follows on as if no time has changed between each book. Brilliantly written.
Gavin and Lhaurals characters have grown so much since the first novel but probably the most in this one.
This series will appeal to any fantasy lover or anyone who enjoys mystery and intrigue.
I really hope that there is a 4th book, I don't think I can manage not knowing what becomes of our beloved characters.
Again Skies follows on as if no time has changed between each book. Brilliantly written.
Gavin and Lhaurals characters have grown so much since the first novel but probably the most in this one.
This series will appeal to any fantasy lover or anyone who enjoys mystery and intrigue.
I really hope that there is a 4th book, I don't think I can manage not knowing what becomes of our beloved characters.
August 16, 2016
This third installment in the Sharani Series kept me riveted. The characters were developed in depth, and as they struggled and grew I gained new insights. Kevin L. Nielson's plots always carry one along, and this novel is no exception. I was especially entranced by the deeper exploration of the already beautifully crafted world.
August 29, 2016
This is a series I intend to follow intently. Kevin does great world building, tying everything into place nicely.
You can feel his characters evolving as you read. Their flaws frustrating you and reeling you in at the same time. Superb storytelling too.
Any fan of fantasy should give this a read.
You can feel his characters evolving as you read. Their flaws frustrating you and reeling you in at the same time. Superb storytelling too.
Any fan of fantasy should give this a read.
October 24, 2019
I enjoyed probably 1/3 of this book. I craved Lhaurel's perspective, but had to skim Gavin's. Gaven, still comes across as naive with long internal monologues (We get it! You don't like your damn amazing magic sword!) His perspective became better in the end, but it took me a long time to finish this book. I'm curious about what happens to Lhaurel. Like something tragic you can't take your eyes off of.
May 11, 2017
BORING
Boring, tedious and completely unengaging. I could not stomach various descriptions of religious beliefs, uninspired Gavin, no passion, no emotion just blah.
Boring, tedious and completely unengaging. I could not stomach various descriptions of religious beliefs, uninspired Gavin, no passion, no emotion just blah.
September 12, 2016
***I received this e-book for free for an unbiased review***
I started reading this book and immediately thought the writing was better and flowed well of the three books in the series so far. I was so excited that the story was moving a long and that we were getting to see what would happen to the Rahuli people as well as Lhaurel. With about 30% left in the book I realized this was not the end to the series!!! There is still one more book! So that was a let down because I thought the series was ending and we were getting all the answers we'd been missing. Oh well....the next book will hopefully be a good ending to the series!
I started reading this book and immediately thought the writing was better and flowed well of the three books in the series so far. I was so excited that the story was moving a long and that we were getting to see what would happen to the Rahuli people as well as Lhaurel. With about 30% left in the book I realized this was not the end to the series!!! There is still one more book! So that was a let down because I thought the series was ending and we were getting all the answers we'd been missing. Oh well....the next book will hopefully be a good ending to the series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews