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The Last Namsara
(Iskari #1)
by
In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be darkness—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death-bringer.
These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed ...more
These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed ...more
Hardcover, 421 pages
Published
October 3rd 2017
by HarperTeen
(first published October 2nd 2017)
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Linda Gleaves
I was thinking the same thing about the cover!
Captain Dem the second
An awesome romance story
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Start your review of The Last Namsara (Iskari, #1)
I'm loving my Fairyloot More pictures and synopsis of things on link below
BOOKISH THINGS
I freaking love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's on my favorites list now =)
And it has dragons
I put off reading this book for a long time because I thought it was just about some jerk girl that was killing dragons. I don't do killing dragons books. Unless it's just some random thing in the book.
But..
THIS. IS. NOT. THAT. BOOK.
BOOKISH THINGS
I freaking love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's on my favorites list now =)
And it has dragons
I put off reading this book for a long time because I thought it was just about some jerk girl that was killing dragons. I don't do killing dragons books. Unless it's just some random thing in the book.
But..
THIS. IS. NOT. THAT. BOOK.
In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of the sky and spirit, who...more
If you die here, after I've just saved your life, I will hunt you past Death's gates and kill you a second time.
I said it once, I'll say it again: I loved everything about this. This is one of the best YA fantasy debut novels I have ever read. This is not my favorite book, but it has become one of my favorites (and favorite fantasy books for sure). Honestly, I knew this was fantasy and about dragons and that was it, but that wasn't what intrigued me. It was actually the cover (although not ...more
the fact that this book isn't that hyped and other shit books get more recognition than this masterpiece is absolutely disrespectful and I do not stan that shit.
this book had 20 different plot twists that literally had my jaw dropped and gave me an unhealthy amount pain. It's just so beautifully written and everything about this book, especially Torwin and Asha had me:
anyways, I'm physically incapable of writing a review because there are literally no words to describe how absolutely gorgeous ...more
this book had 20 different plot twists that literally had my jaw dropped and gave me an unhealthy amount pain. It's just so beautifully written and everything about this book, especially Torwin and Asha had me:
anyways, I'm physically incapable of writing a review because there are literally no words to describe how absolutely gorgeous ...more
"Once there was a girl who was drawn to wicked things. Things like forbidden, ancient stories."
I haven’t stopped grinning since the last 4 chapters of this book, I don’t think I can!
I was entranced by this book since the first sentence and I know this is going to be one of this year’s favorites. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of this and my expectations were pretty high and I can say with no doubt that all my expectations were met and that I love this book. Kristen Ciccarelli ...more
I haven’t stopped grinning since the last 4 chapters of this book, I don’t think I can!
I was entranced by this book since the first sentence and I know this is going to be one of this year’s favorites. This book was one of my most anticipated reads of this and my expectations were pretty high and I can say with no doubt that all my expectations were met and that I love this book. Kristen Ciccarelli ...more
I am a simple girl. I see dragons, I like.
All I can say is thatThe Last Namsarawas intenselygripping—full of claws, horns and fangs. And ithooked me.
To be honest, it did have its fair share of faults—a hole-riddled plot, jarring character inconsistencies and disjointed, forgettable settings to list a few. But let's not dwell on them.
The writing was clean and concise but no less evocative, leaping off the pages and soaring with outspreadwingsto rarefied heights. And as for the characters—well, I ...more
All I can say is thatThe Last Namsarawas intenselygripping—full of claws, horns and fangs. And ithooked me.
To be honest, it did have its fair share of faults—a hole-riddled plot, jarring character inconsistencies and disjointed, forgettable settings to list a few. But let's not dwell on them.
The writing was clean and concise but no less evocative, leaping off the pages and soaring with outspreadwingsto rarefied heights. And as for the characters—well, I ...more
Mar 03, 2018
☘Misericordia☘ ~ The Serendipity Aegis ~ ⚡ϟ⚡ϟ⚡⛈ ✺❂❤❣
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
favorites
A story of stories and dragons who love them. Love them enough to breathe fire.
A story of a girl who loved stories. Loved them enough to destroy a grand city.
A story of a ruthless dragon king who feared his story-seeking daughter.
Behold crafty ancient gods and their defeated priestesses, warrior tyrants versus lost-and-found girls. Authentic and flowing.
Gorgeous cover!
Q:
Asha lured the dragon with a story.
It was an ancient story, older than the mountains at her back, and Asha had to dredge it ...more
A story of a girl who loved stories. Loved them enough to destroy a grand city.
A story of a ruthless dragon king who feared his story-seeking daughter.
Behold crafty ancient gods and their defeated priestesses, warrior tyrants versus lost-and-found girls. Authentic and flowing.
Gorgeous cover!
Q:
Asha lured the dragon with a story.
It was an ancient story, older than the mountains at her back, and Asha had to dredge it ...more
3 1/2 stars. Finally, a dragon fantasy YA book that doesn’t s—smell bad. It does show that this is the author’s debut novel, from how careful she is being in her writing (take risks, madam!), but it’s a worthy debut.
The idea of telling stories to dragons fascinated me. I mean, the dragons listen! They even speak. They have a brain, like there could be a whole community of them living next to the humans.
Except Asha—the dragon slayer—wants them all to die. Indeed, if she destroys Kozu, they will ...more
The idea of telling stories to dragons fascinated me. I mean, the dragons listen! They even speak. They have a brain, like there could be a whole community of them living next to the humans.
Except Asha—the dragon slayer—wants them all to die. Indeed, if she destroys Kozu, they will ...more
warriors, and magic, and dragons; oh my!
cant really say anything bad about this, if im honest. it had all the makings of a wonderful fantasy novel - dragons, magical old stories, rebellions against a wicked kingdom, a savage warrior princess and her romantic fling. all good in my book!
the reason this wasnt a 5 star read for me was, even though i thought it was an entertaining story, i just couldnt shake the feeling that i had read it before? it honestly felt like nearly every other YA fantasy ...more
cant really say anything bad about this, if im honest. it had all the makings of a wonderful fantasy novel - dragons, magical old stories, rebellions against a wicked kingdom, a savage warrior princess and her romantic fling. all good in my book!
the reason this wasnt a 5 star read for me was, even though i thought it was an entertaining story, i just couldnt shake the feeling that i had read it before? it honestly felt like nearly every other YA fantasy ...more
I am so MAD at myself for not reading this sooner?! IT WAS SO SO GOOD! It basically just kept piling really delicious and wickedly entrancing things onto the page that I adore: like forbidden storytelling that could kill you + dragons + slowburn romance + plot that captivated my heart !!! Did I mention dragons? I love dragons. Seriously, I should have read this ages ago afjdkslad it is such a good story.
SHOUT OUT @ the epicness of the dragons
These dragons are lured by old stories. So if you ...more
SHOUT OUT @ the epicness of the dragons
These dragons are lured by old stories. So if you ...more
“I’m not in danger, I’m the danger.”
This book deserves all the stars in the sky! Not only was the cover of this book was absolutely jaw-droppingly gorgeous (the cover stopped me in my tracks and made me want it immediately, I didn’t even know what the story was about, lol), it was also a shockingly beautiful story that was mind blowing to read. I now know which book I’m gonna be rereading.
Kristen woven this story into a masterpiece of art. The stunning writing style, character development, ...more
This book deserves all the stars in the sky! Not only was the cover of this book was absolutely jaw-droppingly gorgeous (the cover stopped me in my tracks and made me want it immediately, I didn’t even know what the story was about, lol), it was also a shockingly beautiful story that was mind blowing to read. I now know which book I’m gonna be rereading.
Kristen woven this story into a masterpiece of art. The stunning writing style, character development, ...more
The most simple thing I can say is this is the best book I have ever read and Kristen Ciccarelli is now my favorite author.
Her story and her words have so much beauty, and love, and passion, and adventure. By the end I gasped every 5-10 pages and got goosebumps every 10-20 pages.
There are not many books I would say this for, but pre-order this now because your soul has been waiting for a story this beautiful.
Her story and her words have so much beauty, and love, and passion, and adventure. By the end I gasped every 5-10 pages and got goosebumps every 10-20 pages.
There are not many books I would say this for, but pre-order this now because your soul has been waiting for a story this beautiful.
i was hella pleasantly surprised with the turnout of this one.
Likes
- asha is a butt kicking star
- the writing is really fast paced and v easy to read
- a prince who isn't an a*shole (hes a precious boy)
- very action packed
- dragonssss
- stories within stories
- it ties in really nicely together
- the mc is a savage, honestly i love this axe wielding beast
Dislikes
- the political building is weak
- the pace was really quick but it made for many plot holes/too quick turn of events
- the ...more
The plot!!! The characters!!! The DRAGONS!!! This story really has all the Elements I love best in fantasy, a heart wrenching story with a main character who’s villainized (is that a word?) there are plot twists and an unlikely romance, all while maintaining a very bad ass main character. She’s vicious and ruthless but with a heart of gold and a secret she needs to hide from everyone who protects her. This review is a mess but this book has quickly climbed its way into my favorites and my mind
...more
3.5/5 stars!! Okay so I can’t say I wasn’t a bit hesitant about picking this book up since I am not a big fan of dragons and the plot just didn't sound like my cup of tea. But boiiii was I surprised at the badass protagonist and the mythical side of the story! Didn't really enjoy the political bits but the romance made up for it ~ it was a slow burn and I just loved it I would have liked some more plot twists since I wasn't really shook by any of them but I liked the 'old stories' concept and I
...more
Listen to everyone who’s been saying that this story is underhyped. They’re all right. What a shame. I hope this story gets the attention it deserves one day...
Jan 10, 2018
sam {Multi Dreamer}⚔
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE!!!
Shelves:
fantasy-read,
owned
“Iskari let others define her because she thought she didn't have a choice. Because she thought she was alone and unloved.”
Rating: 4.5
I really this book. Like..I didn't really know what to expect from it at first but it surprised me. I absolutely love Asha. I mean, even though she's a dragon slayer. This story captured me from the very first line. There wasn't a lot of romance in this book and it wasn't forced either so i'm pretty satisfied. The world building was so fantastic too. I really ...more
Rating: 4.5
I really this book. Like..I didn't really know what to expect from it at first but it surprised me. I absolutely love Asha. I mean, even though she's a dragon slayer. This story captured me from the very first line. There wasn't a lot of romance in this book and it wasn't forced either so i'm pretty satisfied. The world building was so fantastic too. I really ...more
Aug 27, 2017
Dannii Elle
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantastic-fabrications
First Read: August 2017, Rating: 4 Stars
Second Read: September 2018, Rating: 4.5 Stars
The book opened with the intriguing line, "Asha lured the dragon with a story", and I was pretty much sold from this point forward.
Asha is the daughter of The Dragon King. Responsible for the dragons that burned her city, murdered her mother, and left her with a disfiguring scar, she is both feared and loathed by her people. It is only her closeness to the throne that keeps her from becoming openly ridiculed, ...more
Second Read: September 2018, Rating: 4.5 Stars
The book opened with the intriguing line, "Asha lured the dragon with a story", and I was pretty much sold from this point forward.
Asha is the daughter of The Dragon King. Responsible for the dragons that burned her city, murdered her mother, and left her with a disfiguring scar, she is both feared and loathed by her people. It is only her closeness to the throne that keeps her from becoming openly ridiculed, ...more
Oh wow oh wow oh wow 4.50 Stars!!!!
Can I just say that it’s been awhile since I’ve read a ya fantasy book with such rich world building and complex history??? I mean shit the world building is as rich as Bill Gates I am SHOOK
I was instantly drawn to the story and the world by the first few pages.
What I loved
-THE STORIES!!!!
In this book, stories are illegal and deadly. Every once in awhile we get these beautiful short stories in the book and can I just say that they are just absolutely ...more
Can I just say that it’s been awhile since I’ve read a ya fantasy book with such rich world building and complex history??? I mean shit the world building is as rich as Bill Gates I am SHOOK
I was instantly drawn to the story and the world by the first few pages.
What I loved
-THE STORIES!!!!
In this book, stories are illegal and deadly. Every once in awhile we get these beautiful short stories in the book and can I just say that they are just absolutely ...more
Feb 16, 2018
Maggie ☘ (Wonderland-Reader)
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Fans of The Winner's Curse and dragons!
*4.75/5 stars*
“The old heroes were called Namsara after a beloved god, he said. So she would be called Iskari, after a deadly one.”
This is such a strong debut fantasy novel! I loved basically everything about it! The characters - especially Asha and her character arc, the slow burn romance, the world building was rich and beautiful, the compelling storyline and the dragons!! I also loved the little stories in-between chapters. It's still a debut book so I think that in terms of the overall ...more
“The old heroes were called Namsara after a beloved god, he said. So she would be called Iskari, after a deadly one.”
This is such a strong debut fantasy novel! I loved basically everything about it! The characters - especially Asha and her character arc, the slow burn romance, the world building was rich and beautiful, the compelling storyline and the dragons!! I also loved the little stories in-between chapters. It's still a debut book so I think that in terms of the overall ...more
Mar 02, 2018
nat.
added it
" The old heroes were called Namsara after a beloved God, he said. So she would be called Iskari, after a deadly one."
things that happened while reading this book:
* loss of sleep
* a lot of crying
* half the time I didn’t know why I cried
* but I did
* I sighed. A LOT
* headaches because like I said crying
* wishing I had my own dragon
* and sad because I don’t
* and never wanting this book to end
with a kickass MC. a heart-palpitations-kind-of-romance, a breathtaking world building and DRAGONS! ...more
things that happened while reading this book:
* loss of sleep
* a lot of crying
* half the time I didn’t know why I cried
* but I did
* I sighed. A LOT
* headaches because like I said crying
* wishing I had my own dragon
* and sad because I don’t
* and never wanting this book to end
with a kickass MC. a heart-palpitations-kind-of-romance, a breathtaking world building and DRAGONS! ...more
Jan 15, 2018
Mel Anie
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone, mostly fantasy lovers
Rating: 5 stars of amazement
This book was amazing. I've loved her from the very first paged till the very last one. No, this is not an exaggeration. This book is ultimate happiness in my opinion. The happiness of reading something awesome. Something that features dragons, kickass heroine, beautiful story of love and loss. A story which sucked me in that I was barely able to put down my smartphone (only time I've put it down was to charge the battery).
Story:
Story and all those little stories ...more
This book was amazing. I've loved her from the very first paged till the very last one. No, this is not an exaggeration. This book is ultimate happiness in my opinion. The happiness of reading something awesome. Something that features dragons, kickass heroine, beautiful story of love and loss. A story which sucked me in that I was barely able to put down my smartphone (only time I've put it down was to charge the battery).
Story:
Story and all those little stories ...more
Jan 13, 2018
Zoe Stewart (yerabooknerdzoe)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
default
Updated December 3, 2018
I liked it just as much the second time around, but I still kind of hate Asha? She's an awful person for most of the book, but she does redeem herself by the end. On to the next one!
--------------
For the love of all that is holy, I need the next book now! This was perfection. There were only tiny things I felt could be better, but that's not enough to bring it down for me. I'm hoping her writing continues to get better with each book. I'm so excited to see what she does ...more
I liked it just as much the second time around, but I still kind of hate Asha? She's an awful person for most of the book, but she does redeem herself by the end. On to the next one!
--------------
For the love of all that is holy, I need the next book now! This was perfection. There were only tiny things I felt could be better, but that's not enough to bring it down for me. I'm hoping her writing continues to get better with each book. I'm so excited to see what she does ...more
Checkout my full review on my blog!! http://omgbooksandmorebooks.blogspot....
This book is everything I want in a book and more. We have a MC who is strong, fearless, unemotional, hard set in her ways but she meets someone who shows her the truth of the world she lives in. She slowly breaks down her own walls and becomes self aware of the horrors around her. Asha doesn't care about looks or charms, she wants to fight, she wants to prove her self as being called the Iskari. Yet when a dark truth ...more
This book is everything I want in a book and more. We have a MC who is strong, fearless, unemotional, hard set in her ways but she meets someone who shows her the truth of the world she lives in. She slowly breaks down her own walls and becomes self aware of the horrors around her. Asha doesn't care about looks or charms, she wants to fight, she wants to prove her self as being called the Iskari. Yet when a dark truth ...more
This book was just not for me. I loved the idea behind it but I felt completely separated from the world and the characters, as if I wasn’t given enough information or reason to feel part of it, or feel some type of suspense. I also felt like there were quite a few plot inconsistencies and underdeveloped elements.
I did care about the dragons though!
But this was part of the Book in a Jar read and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing what other people thought; some really loved it!
Full Book Diary video ...more
I did care about the dragons though!
But this was part of the Book in a Jar read and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing what other people thought; some really loved it!
Full Book Diary video ...more
Tried to read this three times and it isn't holding my attention.
Jan 20, 2019
Nenia ⚡ Aspiring Evil Overlord ⚡ Campbell
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
ya-ya-land,
fantasy
Instagram || Twitter || Facebook || Amazon || Pinterest
THE LAST NAMSARA was ... okay. I liked it, but I'm not in love with it, which I guess puts this book in the reader equivalent of the "friend zone." It's better than a lot of the YA fantasy that's been coming out lately, but falls short of reaching that level that would put it on my favorites list or make me truly invested in reading the sequel. Which is a shame, because it contains a lot of things I love, like court intrigue, dragons, ...more
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once there was a girl who was drawn to wicked things...
I ended up really, really enjoying this. The Last Namsara follows Asha - the daughter of the dragon king of Firgaard, as she tries to atone for her sins of the past and embrace the role of dragon slayer, warrior and weapon. The Iskari. Betrothed to the high commander, trapped in a cycle of death and hate from all around her, when she's offered the chance of freedom by destroying ...more
Once there was a girl who was drawn to wicked things...
I ended up really, really enjoying this. The Last Namsara follows Asha - the daughter of the dragon king of Firgaard, as she tries to atone for her sins of the past and embrace the role of dragon slayer, warrior and weapon. The Iskari. Betrothed to the high commander, trapped in a cycle of death and hate from all around her, when she's offered the chance of freedom by destroying ...more
You know what? I enjoyed this book but I also was really bored by this book. There were about 150-200 pages of complete boredom but then the other 200 pages were pretty interesting. I skimmed this book a lil bit so I couldn’t give it a 4 like I wanted to. Look, it was good but it’s not anything amazing.
THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING AWESOME!
Ever since I saw this while browsing at a bookstore I fell in love. Just with the cover guys. I didn't even want to know what this book was about. All I knew was that I wanted this book more than I ever had. Sadly, I didn't buy it... yet. I did find an audio version though and I felt that I'd rather get it for free from the library right now and if I loved it then I would most definitely buy the book. Lord knows that I wouldn't buy a book that I wouldn't end up ...more
Ever since I saw this while browsing at a bookstore I fell in love. Just with the cover guys. I didn't even want to know what this book was about. All I knew was that I wanted this book more than I ever had. Sadly, I didn't buy it... yet. I did find an audio version though and I felt that I'd rather get it for free from the library right now and if I loved it then I would most definitely buy the book. Lord knows that I wouldn't buy a book that I wouldn't end up ...more
FULL REVIEW CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON MY BLOG
Disclaimer: I was kindly sent a review copy by Hachette Australia Books. This in no way impacts my opinions and views on this book.
R A M B L E
This book has basically everything I’ve been looking for this year. I’ve been hunting for a book featuring dragons, a kickass female character who holds a blade and war. I wanted someone reminiscent of a series I read when I was in primary school, where the young orphan girl acquires a dragon and many adventures ...more
Disclaimer: I was kindly sent a review copy by Hachette Australia Books. This in no way impacts my opinions and views on this book.
R A M B L E
This book has basically everything I’ve been looking for this year. I’ve been hunting for a book featuring dragons, a kickass female character who holds a blade and war. I wanted someone reminiscent of a series I read when I was in primary school, where the young orphan girl acquires a dragon and many adventures ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YA Buddy Readers'...: The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli - Restarting December 3rd 2019 | 152 | 142 | Dec 11, 2019 04:25PM | |
| Read Rate Review: Chapters 38 to the end | 13 | 131 | Nov 03, 2018 03:51PM | |
| Fantasy Buddy Reads: The Last Namsara [Jun 16, 2018] | 85 | 58 | Jul 13, 2018 09:51AM | |
| A Court of Books ...: January BOTM | 1 | 21 | Feb 28, 2018 11:18AM | |
| The Last Namsara ...: The Last Namsara Discussion: Chapters 1-10 | 2 | 21 | Nov 10, 2017 05:13AM |
Readers also enjoyed
Kristen Ciccarelli is the internationally bestselling author of the Iskari series. Her first book, The Last Namsara, debuted on the UK’s children and YA chart, was one of Indigo’s Best Book for Teens, and has been translated into 12 languages. Before writing books for a living, she worked as an artisanal baker, an indie bookseller, and a ceramic artist. These days she resides in a blustery seaside
...more
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“Once there was a girl who was drawn to wicked things.
Things like forbidden, ancient stories.
It didn’t matter that the old stories killed her mother. It didn’t matter that they’d killed many before her. The girl let the old stories in. She let them in eat away at her heart and turn her wicked.”
—
37 likes
Things like forbidden, ancient stories.
It didn’t matter that the old stories killed her mother. It didn’t matter that they’d killed many before her. The girl let the old stories in. She let them in eat away at her heart and turn her wicked.”
“Then may Death send his worst. Cold to freeze the love in my heart. Fire to burn my memories to ash. Wind to force me through the gates. Time to wear my loyalty away. I'll wait for you at Death's gate.”
—
32 likes
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