First Words

The Final Lesson #1

by Shakyra Dunn

A recently-crowned princess with a thirst for magic accidently destroys her home. A simple youthful rebellion grows into a lifelong friendship. A young woman meets reliable allies. And a young boy is dealt a harsh hand when he sets out to make his own path.

Four tales. Four parties. All intertwined to set the stage for a bigger event. The sense of adventure builds as lessons prepare to be learned.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2017

About the author

Shakyra Dunn can't stray away from the impression that there is always an adventure around every corner! When she isn’t playing the role of the Creator, she is marching through the worlds of her favorite video game characters or taking drives around her city to see the sights. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she currently resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, striving to experience more than the little town.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

After learning the basics of their magic, it is the time for the final examination, a test that prove the worth of several students to become one their realm’s Warlords. Not all will pass the final test, a quest to learn the truths of human nature, its strengths and weaknesses. Along this journey, Leilana must identify unique magical totems held within the hearts of humans. Now far from the safety of their academy, four young magic users will begin their journey together, but who will succeed? Who will fall to their dark side?...Then, there was one...

Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Linmus, its Prince Remiel’s birthday celebration at the castle. It was only his penchant for youthful rebellion that saved his life as his home was attacked, his parents murdered. Alone with only his best friend and guard, Solus, he has become a fugitive, a king without his kingdom and he vows to avenge their death and take back what is rightfully his.

When Leilana, Solus and Rem meet, they make a tentative pact to travel together, each with their own quest, but strength comes in numbers and understanding comes in getting to know strangers. In a land where magic means power, their journey will take them through lands filled with both friends and foes and danger could lurk in every shadow.

Shakyra Dunn’s THE FINAL LESSON is a tale of discovery of self, of learning to trust and knowing when to temper one’s powers for good. It is a coming of age for teens alone and the awakenings of young love in an often dark world. There will be heartbreaking losses, mistakes made, lessons learned and bonds formed as these young adults learn independence, compassion and loyalty.

For lovers of epic fantasy, incredible new worlds and watching characters grow, Shakyra Dunn’s writing is magnetic, and the rich details she adds to her world will have readers walking the same paths as the characters, feeling their youthful emotions and witnessing the turmoil and rewards of their journey!

An amazing journey into both adulthood and self-awareness wrapped in a cloak of magic!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Shakyra Dunn!

Series: The Final Lesson - Book 1
Publication Date: June 13, 2018
Publisher: Shakyra Dunn
Genre: YA Fantasy
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shakyra Dunn has set the stage for some fascinating fantasy reading with FIRST WORDS: FINAL LESSON by brilliantly weaving four lives together with the events that will lead them to their destiny.

What a prequel! A young girl is made “princess” in a land who opposes magic, yet she is given a grimoire filled with lessons in just that. Encouraged by a mysterious stranger to try out her ability, she destroys her home, her people and in turn, destroys her mind. It is her older brother who takes her away to learn to control her powers, even as he prepares for his own magical journey in the world.

As a young prince in another land steals away in a childlike act of harmless rebellion, he befriends a young stranger in tears, a boy lost, yet with a fiery passion and loyalty that will build a bond between them.

These are just a few pieces of the puzzle that Shakyra Dunn has begun putting together for her readers, and it will whet the appetites of readers perfectly! Short, yet filled with vivid characters, all youthful and untried, I couldn’t help but think that we will be reading of their personal and magical coming of age as this series progresses! Colorful, emotionally charged and wonderfully written, even the dialogue felt like it was spoken by young adults! I am looking forward to more from this gem of an author!

I received this copy from Shakyra Dunn in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Publication Date: July 12, 2017
Publisher: Shakyra Dunn
Genre: YA Fantasy
Print Length: 85 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shakyra Dunn's First Words: Final Lesson is a short novella that, I think, sets up a longer story Final Lesson

The story is written from four perspectives (though at times dipping into other minds)- from the young princess Leilana and her brother Ennis in a land that forbids magic and is inadvertently destroyed by it, of two magic students and best friends in the magical academy, and of a young, carefree, generous prince and his mysterious friend in the royal city. The different perspectives and stories weave together to foreshadow a darkness coming to destroy the peace of the land Leilana and Ennis flee to. I particularly found young Ennis' story gripping - with a heavy burden of responsibility placed on a young (sixteen) and talented teen - and Leilana who is almost destroyed by the act of a moment - and who must find the courage to live. The stories read best with the start of the next book provided.

While I understood what stimulated Leilana to take control of her destiny, I felt that she never really deals with the tragic past and the part she and her brother played in it. There are also noticeable typos (including whole words or phrases missing), yet First Words: Final Lesson was an enjoyable read in an interesting fantasy world.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intense…

First and foremost this is an intriguing paranormal story with an original and interesting premise and a complex imagined world where magic is seen more as a curse than a blessing…..I did think that the author’s descriptive narrative was overly detailed at times and detracted both from the pace of the plot and my comprehension of the events as they unfolded …

Leilana, the heroine, commences the story as a young innocent child who learns in the most devastating way imaginable what it truly means to wield power….she is surrounded by a fascinating cast of characters who, as forces for both good and evil, war for overall power..a special mention here for Ennis, her brother, who has his own brutal path to follow…

I believe this coming of age storyline, with it’s alternative universe and the intense and intriguing characters inhabiting it, has the potential to be the start of a thrilling series however this novella felt a bit too rushed and too full of plot development without the depth that a full length novel would have provided and as such I was unable to feel completely invested in the characters and their envisioned and actual destinies …..this novella was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads.

[Stan Faryna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic is dangerous. Ten-year-old Princess Leilana burned down her kingdom. Everyone was killed by her spell-casting (if I am not mistaken) and she and her brother became the last people of Minsura. Indeed, magic is dangerous and the young author has a good intuition about this mischief.

In this children's fantasy, Shakyra Dunn begins to explore what it means to be a better her and truer her. Led by her intuitions and story to discover such virtues as love, friendship, understanding and humility, she must also seek courage, prudence, fortitude, temperance. Leilana's brother, Ennis, lacked these and died (in my opinion) for their lack.

Shakyra, the author, has a great adventure ahead of her. As does Leilana.

Recent books I can recommend with strong, young heroines: Morgan Smith's A Spell in the Country, Madolyn Locke's Silent Love and Judith Rook's Planet Woman.

[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Cranky Stars


I am giving this book a 4.5 star rating because I kept getting lost in the timing of this story. I would have to keep going back a page or two to see if maybe I had misread something or if there had just been a jump in time. Mostly it was just a jump in time or location as one turned the page. The other disappointment was right in the beginning, I had conjured a picture of the main characters and then the author put a date of January 1930. The characters were no longer mythical wizards and mages but wore clothes popular in the 1930’s. They also had battery operated radios and paper/plastic products.


This is the story of four young Warlords in training. They are students at Magiten Academy. As part of their training, they must go on a quest to obtain totems representing the virtues that make up humanity. Each has their only special ability with magic and its use. Leilana, Amiria, Kindall and Lancett start out on this quest but in the first town they come too, circumstances change drastically. It is here we are introduced to Remiel and Solus. Remiel is the deposed Prince of Linmus and Solus is his best friend and guardian. All of these characters are in their teens and fighting for their lives.


I feel that this story is an allegory of World War II. War is breaking out and countries are falling to the evil Order of Helix. It is our heroes duty to save and restore the kingdom of Ardylls and place Prince Remiel on the throne. It is a lively, fast paced and action packed tale that is filled with magic. If you can get past the time warp, you’ll love this tale. I couldn’t wait to dive into Book II- The Sage’s Reign.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic and kingdoms collide in an epic fantasy where personal growth, friendship and trust are key.

Leilana is studying to become a Warlord; all that's missing is the final lesson. Heading out into the world on her own, she is to collect totems. But the journey isn't only about totems, it's about learning more about human emotions, compassion and control. Meanwhile, Prince Remiel has snuck out of the castle...again...with his attendant. While out, the castle is attacked. He and his attendant vow to return and regain his kingdom. When Leilana, Prince Remiel and the attendant's paths cross, the adventure begins.

This is sold as a book for young adults, but especially the first chapters form the setting for a slightly younger audience—upper middle grade to tween. The characters are introduced nicely, each background very distinct from the other. The world building, at first, is well done and allows the reader to settle in. It's easy to cheer all three characters on and feel for them when things go wrong.

There are several messages in this tale, and they hit clearly. Especially Leilana has a lot to learn about compassion, mercy and basic human emotions. And the author pulls this off in an engaging and natural way. The forming friendship between the three shows the trials surrounding growing trust, mistakes, and learning to know ones self. It's a coming-of-age perfect for those growing into their teenage years.

Fans of magic, epic fantasy, journeys, intrigue and friends fighting together will enjoy this tale.

I received complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.

[Magik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book with potential. It's an indie book and like a lot of indie books it probably needed another round of edits before being published. There are times when the wrong word is used or even a word that isn't actually a word. It also has some pacing issues, especially in the beginning. It goes way too fast and leaves you kind of confused about what is going on. There was one part in the first half where something traumatic happens and I found I didn't care because there wasn't enough time developing character relations. There also isn't enough world building which is pretty important for a fantasy story. I have so many questions about the world. Is Adrylis a country or a continent? Is there a difference between Maesters and Arcanas? Or is it like witch and warlock where one is male and one is female? Is Linmus a kingdom or just a big city? What exactly is the technology? At one point the character mentions that its 1930. It's clearly not our world but 1930 brings to mind a very specific time period technologically. They have radios but use wagons and swords. I feel like there is a disconnect with that? I liked Leilana a lot but she doesn't seem much like a 14 year old she seems at least a few years older. I liked the idea of magic users not having the stuff that gives a person humanity and that in order to be a warlord they have to go out into the world and learn all that stuff and collect physical objects that are like daily reminders. The story seemed to figure out it's voice halfway through and I liked the direction it was heading. I'm definitely going to read book 2 at some point because I want to know who the big bad is and see if Leilana becomes a Warlord.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a beta reader prior to the release of the book. Shakyra does a very good job of pulling you in to this book. I stayed up all night reading it in one sitting (or laying if you want to get technical). It is marketed as a young adult book and I think it fits well in the genre, but I also believe it is a good read for adults. It is well rounded with mystery and twists and has a good cliffhanger at the end as well. The book is a must read for anyone that likes magic and fantasy. I can't wait to see where the following books will go.

[Vikkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good read. I’ve been really surprised how much I’ve enjoyed this read. Although, on occasions I’ve found myself a little lost and had to recap. This is definitely a read to concentrate on.
This is definitely a well written story with likeable characters. Although this sways away from my preferred genres, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in this book.
This is a complex and dynamic read which I have enjoyed. I’ve loved the action filled moments they have definitely kept me engaged and gripped in this one.
This is a four star rating for me, only because occasionally I lost track of where I was and had to recap. I would definitely recommend.

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story, well written with a great plot and characters. This is a unique story, the characters had to find totems that represent certain people. I enjoyed this read. I think both teens and adults will like this story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Lots Book Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrown into a world of magic and learning how to control it can be ummm dangerous.... and fun 😉
Shakyra Dunn is a fantastic author and I can't wait to read more!

[Amber Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concept of the book where the characters had to find totems that are represented by certain people was an interesting topic to think about, and I really enjoyed how it was portrayed! It's hard to choose one trait that someone expresses the most of! I loved the characters and was able to connect to them easily! Some of the language in the book took a little time to learn but reading further in everything was eventually explained! I can't wait to continue the journey with these amazing characters!

[Rune Divina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have some things that I like about this book and some things that I don't.

Let's start with the things I like. I appreciate that the author put in great moral messages to readers. The story is about the journeys of different characters, intertwined by fate. And through their entanglements, each learned more about who they are and what they can be. The main character, Leilana, especially had more to learn about humanity and morality. Even though the author used 3rd perspective, it was fun to get to know Leilana's thought processes as she unravels about friendship, happiness, anguish even, love.

The plot was quite enjoyable. I feel the story was more leaning to middle grade than young adult.

Sadly, the worldbuilding seems a bit off. I couldn't really grasp what kind of world they live in. There were kingdoms and magical beings, but it was not clearly stated how the kingdom and Warlords, Maesters, and Arcanas cope with each other. What is the system in this world? I could not understand it. From the beginning, readers were thrown into a world where Maesters and Arcanas had to go on a pilgrimage to become Warlords. Yet, until now I fail to understand what is really a Warlord, what is the importance of becoming one.

I also think the author's elaboration of some emotions were quite confusing. Some were so deep and dramatic that I find it hard to understand some characters.

Also, I feel like at page 234, there had been an unintended sexism.

Page 234 (ebook)
Harming an ill-intending man was one story, but seeing placing a woman in the same position was gut-wrenching.

Yet it was the woman herself who had ill intentions. If she hadn't been stop, other victims could fall. So why does it differ when it comes to harming a woman?

[Primrose Passage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book would take longer but I honestly couldn't seem to put it down. I read it in just a few hours. This author did an amazing job writing this story. Ennis introduces Lielana to a book of spells which she wasn't ready for in my opinion. What grasped me the most was the whole warlock training but when Ennis weakens and falls, it upsets me. I knew that Leilana would want to be the best she could be after losing the most important person to her. I look forward to reading more from this Author. (ARC given for honest review)

[Laila Viking · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written story in a fantasy world. Unique characters, different story line, drama, danger, suspence all of this is included in this story. Unfortunately the story is not flowing that well as I would have liked. The characters also have a lack of emotions sometimes where they could have been described better/deeper.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Read Copy of this book.

[J.B. Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Leilana Erovina continues to travel the lands of Adrylis and collect magical totems in order to follow in her late brother’s footsteps and become one of her realm's greatest Warlords, the exiled Prince Remiel of Linmus and his attendant Solus are planning on restoring their kingdom against all odds. When Fate draws these two parties together, they learn a tough lesson—Magic always has a price.

Growing up is hard enough, and for the protagonists in Dunn’s fantasy novel, this coming-of-age saga is a lesson in overcoming many of the same mental, physical, and emotional challenges that plague today’s adolescents and teens. Dunn’s characters are teenagers—forced out into the world on their own after experiencing a variety of difficult and differing circumstances. These naive and inexperienced peers are set upon the proverbial Road of Life to complete their educations and find their destinies on their own. Their trial-by-error upbringing attempts to resolve the most challenging situations while pitting them for and against each other to overcome truly impossible odds. These trials often result in disaster, and Dunn uses the opportunity to peel off the many layers of her characters and bring to light their inner strengths and beliefs as she exposes them to what remains—the truth.

Dunn presents an exciting journey in “The Final Lesson” as she leads her main characters in and out of friendships and surprising—and sometimes shocking—rivalries. Mystery and suspense are woven throughout this tale as the author reveals eye-opening facts about her protagonists, their peers, and their enemies.

“The Final Lesson” is an absorbing read with many lessons to teach. Not only are readers exposed to the wonder and magic of Dunn’s world during the course of this amazing trek through the lands of Adrylis, each fascinating and well-rounded character is infused with a unique blend of personality and talent—valuable assets that add much to the general moral of the story.

“The Final Lesson” is a compelling and provocative introduction to becoming a young adult, and all the responsibilities that entails. Dunn’s tale stands on its own merit as a masterpiece of storytelling. The story does contain some violence, but no more than the average preteen read, and the romance scenes are both clean and quite limited. I highly recommend “The Final Lesson” for ages 12 and up.

[Maria Vermisoglou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I didn't expect much of this book but it came with flying colors.

The story travels us through unknown lands and mainly we follow Leilana - a young Mage as she sets course to find totems, hidden in people and complete her pilgrimage. While she and her companions, leave the safety of the Magical Academy to discover themselves as well as the dangers of the world, war has began.

Leilana crosses paths with Prince Rem and his servant who are trying to survive and take the throne back.

Challenges await the three of them as they wander through the country.

Will they survive through their journey? Who really is Prince Rem and why do cloaked figures appear on their path? What happened to Leilana's brother? Who is a friend and who a foe?

A very exceptional read and even though it was difficult to connect at first, once I got the hang of it, it turned to be a great adventure. I'm getting the #2 for sure.

If you are looking for your next magical read, try it. You will not be disappointed!

[Emily Portman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical, awe-inspiring book like this one should be read by as many people as possible! The Final Lesson really sparked up my ever growing love for fantasy, and reading the author's unique style of writing from start to finish is especially motivating for me. The book teaches about forgiveness, teamwork and working hard to get what you want, and is filled with lovable characters and a fantasy world that will be difficult to erase from your memory. I'd definitely recommend that fans of fantasy read this one - a perfect five stars from me!

I wrote a more in depth review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/02...

[Nunuv Yurbiznes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic tale with ominous undertones and more twists and turns than your average roundabout, The Final Lesson is a dive into a magical world like no other.

With a pilgrimage across the land, Leilana and her friends are brought to life through brilliant uses of emotive language and personality quirks, which makes for one of the most well-written and excellently paired characters I've seen in quite a while. Not one of the characters feel underdetailed, they all have their own emotional struggles, despite their distinct differences from one another!

Seriously impressed with this book, cannot recommend highly enough!

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my genre

This isn't a book I would normally read, not my genre, I prefer historical, realistic settings, not fantasy or magic, except for some good old fashioned Voodoo.
The story was good, sometimes a little too wordy, I wanted the action to move a little faster. I would have given it 5 stars if she could have chopped it down 25 pages or so, but s good story.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about friendship and fighting for what one believes, “The Final Lesson” brings readers along on an epic journey.

Read full review in the 2018 holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Katlyn Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex and dynamic novel and not just because of it’s unique magic system. It is full of action, drama, suspense, and strong themes of love, friendship, and self discovery. It left me wanting more!

[Kira Kathlene Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved this story! I have book two that I plan to read in the future.

[J.B. Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Expectations and responsibilities are a heavy burden for 10-year-old Leilana Erovina when her elder brother, Ennis, is unable to fulfill his duties as heir to the throne after being stricken by a sudden illness. Leilana’s freedom is restricted even more when she is crowned Princess and—in her brother’s place— becomes leader of Minsura. When she takes it upon herself to follow in her brother’s footsteps and learn forbidden magic, her curiosity leads her to find her homeland destroyed. Leilana is sent off to a sort of boarding school for magical learning to develop her skills under greater constant supervision as Ennis roams the land on a quest for totems that will help him restore the altered destinies of both himself and his sibling.

At first, Dunn’s story seems vague and fragmented in spots, and it’s not clear who the main villain is—or even if there is one—as well as why there is such a grave danger to the characters and their kingdoms. Aside from a few structural issues with the author’s writing, such as fragmented sentences, unfinished statements, and even a hanging paragraph, Dunn’s telling is well-paced. As we follow Ennis’ journey to become a warlord, the complexity if the tale improves vastly.

Dunn elicits strong feelings of support and empathy for her characters, and it is the grand sense of purpose—of fighting for a cause—that becomes the driving force behind this fantasy tale. She easily draws the reader into the plight of her characters as they fight to restore the fallen kingdoms and prevent further damages from occurring. The length of Dunn’s novel is perfect for a pleasant weekend read, and I would recommend this story to fantasy and young adult readers alike. Those who enjoy this story will be pleased to know that the author has left the tale open to a sequel.

[Nunuv Yurbiznes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short but sweet novella that sets up a gripping and tense story, First Words uses a masterful combination of terror and despair with friendship and bliss that makes for a prequel that is well worth a read.

Even with the lower stakes, Shakyra Dunn once again provides the suspense, coupled with sad and heartwarming moments that makes this series such a great time for any magic-loving reader to delve into. Despite the short length, I absolutely recommend this book!