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Heart of the Citadel #1
Heart Of Destiny
Magic suppressed. Magic exiled. Magic murdered.During the Great Purge, all magic was destroyed and those who could wield it were driven into exile. From that time on, the world of Gaia churned on in relative peace and prosperity.When the emperor of the central Citadel suddenly dies, his apprentice takes his place. Benevolent and loved, the new emperor is a benign ruler, bridging the age-old conflicts between the provinces. The citadel is a symbolic as well as a physical barrier to maintaining the fragile peace.However, the brazen kidnapping of ten young women shatters the accord, and the councilors of the provinces gather at the Citadel to demand that justice be served. It is a flame dropped into dry tinder. Rife with suspicion and hatred, each province accuses its neighbour of treachery.But the emperor has other plans. He alone knows who is responsible for the kidnapping of the young women, and he has no intention of sharing that knowledge. Where magic is involved, there can only be one conqueror. The fight for ultimate control of magic has begun.Purchase this thrilling first novel of The Heart of The Citadel today, and strap in for an amazingly magical ride!
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2017
180 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Susan Faw
49 books209 followersA lover of unusual worlds, Susan is a masked crusader for the fantastical world. Championing mythical rights, she quells uprisings and battles infidels who would slay the lifeblood of her pen. It’s all in a night’s work, for this whirlwind writer. Welcome to the quest.
Dante Rossetti Grand Prize awarded for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2016, Chanticleer Reviews, for Seer of Souls.
First in Category, Dante Rossetti, Best Young Adult Mythology, 2016, Chanticleer Reviews, for Seer of Souls.
First in Category, Dante Rossetti , 2017 Chanticleer Reviews, for Soul Sanctuary
Find out how it all began! You can download the prequel novella to the series for free!
Visit susanfaw.com to download your copy, or copy and paste this link: http://susanfaw.com/
Dante Rossetti Grand Prize awarded for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2016, Chanticleer Reviews, for Seer of Souls.
First in Category, Dante Rossetti, Best Young Adult Mythology, 2016, Chanticleer Reviews, for Seer of Souls.
First in Category, Dante Rossetti , 2017 Chanticleer Reviews, for Soul Sanctuary
Find out how it all began! You can download the prequel novella to the series for free!
Visit susanfaw.com to download your copy, or copy and paste this link: http://susanfaw.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 11, 2020
Wow, such a short quick read; yet it is filled with all the background history necessary to maintain this story.
Because of the concept of this story, this first book briefly introduces all the players - and there are many - throughout the story but does not focus on any one character...
The writing style is smooth and uncomplicated, capable of creating atmospheric spaces and cinematic scenes, but there is a little something (maybe some repetition) that grates on my nerves, but I can live with that.
3.5 stars
Because of the concept of this story, this first book briefly introduces all the players - and there are many - throughout the story but does not focus on any one character...
The writing style is smooth and uncomplicated, capable of creating atmospheric spaces and cinematic scenes, but there is a little something (maybe some repetition) that grates on my nerves, but I can live with that.
3.5 stars
January 20, 2019
Heart of Destiny introduced me to a very interesting and new world. A world that has been split into separate realms by a magical wall where they only meet in the middle at the Citadel. This was supposed to bring peace, but it seems to have only brought about petty squabbles instead, especially with a corrupt emporer ruling them all.
When children begin to disappear - everyone wants to blame their neighboring realm. And here is where I wish there had been more to the story than a novella can hold. Being introduced to so many characters - one from each realm - was a bit confusing, and I still wasn't sure who was who and where they came from by the end of the book. I'm hoping they separate themselves a little more in future books of the series, because I see a lot of good possibilities ahead.
The djinn and the dragons were a great spin on more traditional creatures, and the concept of them having a triad merger of beings with girls that were taken was a fun new element.
When children begin to disappear - everyone wants to blame their neighboring realm. And here is where I wish there had been more to the story than a novella can hold. Being introduced to so many characters - one from each realm - was a bit confusing, and I still wasn't sure who was who and where they came from by the end of the book. I'm hoping they separate themselves a little more in future books of the series, because I see a lot of good possibilities ahead.
The djinn and the dragons were a great spin on more traditional creatures, and the concept of them having a triad merger of beings with girls that were taken was a fun new element.
August 26, 2018
3.5 stars
I think this is a pretty solid start to a series. I had a few issues with it. There are so many characters, with no focus really on anyone in particular, so while I appreciated what we learned from the perspectives, there was just a lot of them without too much depth. I reckon we get it as we move along. I like the idea of the Djinn and dragons and their witches/wizards. Our villain is...pretty fucking evil...I usually like my bad guys to have some depth to where maybe we can almost sympathize at times.
I am interested to see strong idea, hopeful for the future. not very developed as far as characters and relationships go, but maybe that's just this first one.
I think this is a pretty solid start to a series. I had a few issues with it. There are so many characters, with no focus really on anyone in particular, so while I appreciated what we learned from the perspectives, there was just a lot of them without too much depth. I reckon we get it as we move along. I like the idea of the Djinn and dragons and their witches/wizards. Our villain is...pretty fucking evil...I usually like my bad guys to have some depth to where maybe we can almost sympathize at times.
I am interested to see strong idea, hopeful for the future. not very developed as far as characters and relationships go, but maybe that's just this first one.
February 24, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was truly impressed by the characters and world building. I really enjoyed reading this book and had a hard time putting it down, and can not wait to see what transpires in the future books.
August 11, 2017
Heart of Destiny by Susan Faw is book one in her Heart of the Citadel series. Right from the beginning, we are introduced to several characters in the middle of a fight. We are immediately introduced to Marion. She is a witch bonded with a dragon and Djinn who is a dragon shifter. They are fighting to save not just Gaia but the entire world that they live in. The Emperor is out to destroy all magic or enslave it. Marion and her triad fail in this fight but live to fight another day. The story jumps ahead two hundred years to a new generation. The time has come for those who wear the crystal hearts to be collected. A new Emperor is hunting them with his wizards, and it is no longer safe. The dragons and their Djinn come to collect the children, but are only able to acquire the girls. The boys are soon collected by the Emperor and sent to the Citadel to be trained. The girls and boys will each be trained and danger to all will once again run rampant across the land.
Heart of Destiny is an engaging start to a new series by Susan Faw. In this story we are introduced to a variety of characters, each one unique in their own way. The land has lived in sustainable peace until the disappearances of the girls who bear the crystal hearts. The Emperor sees his opportunity and takes it. This is an engaging story that pulls you in right from the beginning. There is story telling that tells us of things that has transpired before. We read about destruction, betrayal and danger. The author does a good job weaving a story that brings so much together. As we read we see how the girls learn the truth both from their education, but from the dragons as well. The Emperor is working hard to build the empire and the power that he craves and will do whatever he must to secure the future he dreams of.
I have read several books by Susan Faw before and I have to say that this book is my new favorite. I really like how the story immediately starts off with bang. Immediately there is drama and danger. We start off seeing a struggle for power and a fight that ends with the enemy winning. Then the author takes the time to let us know that time has passed, which I really like. Some authors just jump forward and expect you to recognize the change. But I tend to find that off-putting, and prefer it when an author takes the time to let me know. I like the story shifts to follow different characters. Despite the fact that it isn’t identified each time it happens I like that it is easily recognizable.
Heart of Destiny is an engaging fantasy novel. This book appears to be professionally edited. If I had to say that there is something I didn’t like it would have to be a couple of the chapter titles. For me, there were a couple chapter titles that had me a bit confused. The chapter would have me believe that the story is going in one direction, but then it would be different. Other than that I would have just liked it if there had been someone in the Citadel who was not totally on the Emperor’s side.
All in all I really enjoyed reading this book. This is one book that I found very hard to put down. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a fan of a good fantasy novel then this is one that I recommend. Now, if you are not a fan of cliffhanger novels then I say avoid this one. This book ends abruptly which is a bit jarring, but it leaves you wanting more. Since there will be twelve more books in this series I am eagerly awaiting reading the next installment in this series.
Heart of Destiny is an engaging start to a new series by Susan Faw. In this story we are introduced to a variety of characters, each one unique in their own way. The land has lived in sustainable peace until the disappearances of the girls who bear the crystal hearts. The Emperor sees his opportunity and takes it. This is an engaging story that pulls you in right from the beginning. There is story telling that tells us of things that has transpired before. We read about destruction, betrayal and danger. The author does a good job weaving a story that brings so much together. As we read we see how the girls learn the truth both from their education, but from the dragons as well. The Emperor is working hard to build the empire and the power that he craves and will do whatever he must to secure the future he dreams of.
I have read several books by Susan Faw before and I have to say that this book is my new favorite. I really like how the story immediately starts off with bang. Immediately there is drama and danger. We start off seeing a struggle for power and a fight that ends with the enemy winning. Then the author takes the time to let us know that time has passed, which I really like. Some authors just jump forward and expect you to recognize the change. But I tend to find that off-putting, and prefer it when an author takes the time to let me know. I like the story shifts to follow different characters. Despite the fact that it isn’t identified each time it happens I like that it is easily recognizable.
Heart of Destiny is an engaging fantasy novel. This book appears to be professionally edited. If I had to say that there is something I didn’t like it would have to be a couple of the chapter titles. For me, there were a couple chapter titles that had me a bit confused. The chapter would have me believe that the story is going in one direction, but then it would be different. Other than that I would have just liked it if there had been someone in the Citadel who was not totally on the Emperor’s side.
All in all I really enjoyed reading this book. This is one book that I found very hard to put down. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a fan of a good fantasy novel then this is one that I recommend. Now, if you are not a fan of cliffhanger novels then I say avoid this one. This book ends abruptly which is a bit jarring, but it leaves you wanting more. Since there will be twelve more books in this series I am eagerly awaiting reading the next installment in this series.
August 8, 2017
A great and thrilling read about magic and its suppression by a tyrannical emperor who wants to own and control all magical power himself! The witches/healers and wise women have been burnt and their dragons killed, however children infused with magical powers are still being born, they are the owners of the crystal hearts and the emperor wants to get hold of these too. However the girls are taken by the Jintessa to the islands across the sea in the South to be trained and to form triads with dijinn and dragons so that their strength and intelligence is triple in strength! The boys on the other hand are taken by the citadel and trained to obey the emperor and to weed out magic use wherever they feel it! So will the triad mergers of human woman, dijinn and dragon be able to overcome the evil tyranny of the emperor and free the land of Gaia once again? I especially enjoyed reading a book where women are heroines and trained in magic and are dragonriders and where we get to meet with djinn who are shapeshifters and of course the beautiful multi-coloured dragons! The end leaves the reader in suspense too so we really need to read the next book in this exciting series! Keep them coming Susan Faw!
August 23, 2017
A complicated story line, with young girls abducted and whisked away on dragons, young boys trained who are the brothers to the girls who were abducted and a diabolical emperor, who will stop at nothing to control everything. This being the first of the series, it lays out some of the background information to understand the world depicted in these stories.
I found some of the story inconsistent , or even missed. Like a child and grandfather, who disappeared but to where. The Djinn were not supposed to exist outside their own islands, unless merged with another, but 10 Djinn girls were taken , when the rogue Djinn escaped, but the dragon eggs they now mind, have only recently been stolen from the incubator area.
I believe that the questions I have will be answered in future books , but for now, I am left with questions.
I found some of the story inconsistent , or even missed. Like a child and grandfather, who disappeared but to where. The Djinn were not supposed to exist outside their own islands, unless merged with another, but 10 Djinn girls were taken , when the rogue Djinn escaped, but the dragon eggs they now mind, have only recently been stolen from the incubator area.
I believe that the questions I have will be answered in future books , but for now, I am left with questions.
April 16, 2018
This is the first book of this series and sets the stage for the future books. You find out that witches here are not evil; they do only good. You meet the ten girls destined to save their individual provinces. Each one forms a triad merge with her own dragon and Dragonmerger (shapeshifter). Things are not always as they appear. Emperor Madrid is actually seeking to control all magic in the kingdom rather than destroy it. He is truly evil, using whatever means necessary to get what he wants. Because of that, there are two slightly gruesome events in this story. This story held my interest from beginning to end, but I would recommend reading this book first so you understand these characters in following books of this series. If you like magic, dragons, and strong characters, this book is for you. I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
April 20, 2018
HOLY SMOKES!!!
If you're looking for a fast paced, easy to follow, hard hitting, smooth flowing read that captivates you from the start. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters and scenes are so realistic they capture your attention and hold until the last word. It was fascinating watching the characters and their personalities transform and blend. The detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture. You can feel the tension in the air as you sit on the edge of your seat. Susan did an awesome job bringing this read together in an explosive way. Great job Susan and thanks for sharing.
If you're looking for a fast paced, easy to follow, hard hitting, smooth flowing read that captivates you from the start. Congratulations my friends you've found it. The characters and scenes are so realistic they capture your attention and hold until the last word. It was fascinating watching the characters and their personalities transform and blend. The detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture. You can feel the tension in the air as you sit on the edge of your seat. Susan did an awesome job bringing this read together in an explosive way. Great job Susan and thanks for sharing.
April 20, 2018
A curates egg.
This book is frustrating: by turns evocative, malevolent and childish.
The writing is inconsistent. The characters are many and shallow. I’m not even sure who the protagonists are.
But here and there the flashes hint of an engaging series which this volume is nothing more than stage setting.
It’s hard to recommend it. It’s equally hard to say ‘don’t bother.’
If you like villains with no redeeming qualities, dragons with pet names, Mary-Sue shapeshifters, and heroines with no depth, then go for it. If you find there’s enough to whet your appetite for more, good. As for me, I’ve more promising books awaiting my attention.
This book is frustrating: by turns evocative, malevolent and childish.
The writing is inconsistent. The characters are many and shallow. I’m not even sure who the protagonists are.
But here and there the flashes hint of an engaging series which this volume is nothing more than stage setting.
It’s hard to recommend it. It’s equally hard to say ‘don’t bother.’
If you like villains with no redeeming qualities, dragons with pet names, Mary-Sue shapeshifters, and heroines with no depth, then go for it. If you find there’s enough to whet your appetite for more, good. As for me, I’ve more promising books awaiting my attention.
August 8, 2017
This book is the opening salvo in what could be an almost epic saga between good and evil, as Ms Faw has said she hopes to have 12 or 13 books in the series. This was a very enlightening and formidable buildup to the upcoming battle or wars between the magic and non-magic realms. Her characters include witches, wizards, djinns and of course dragons. Definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
July 31, 2017
An engaging fantasy adventure. Magic has been banned, or so it seems. 12 young girls go missing from the 12 provinces of the known world, that is run from the citadel. There is bad on the way, but who are the good people and who are the bad.
Engaging to the end. And a setup for a future series.
I received a free copy as a beta reader. I looked for editing problems. This is an honest review.
Engaging to the end. And a setup for a future series.
I received a free copy as a beta reader. I looked for editing problems. This is an honest review.
December 19, 2017
This is a great little story that sets the theme for the next and future books.
It is fast paced and outlines who the goodies and baddies are.
Susan Faw has a knack of writing a story that immediately grabs the reader and doesn't let them go until it spits you out at the end.
I can't wait to find out what happens from here.
If you haven't read any of Susan's books, grab this one and jump right in. You won't be sorry!
Well done again Susan!
It is fast paced and outlines who the goodies and baddies are.
Susan Faw has a knack of writing a story that immediately grabs the reader and doesn't let them go until it spits you out at the end.
I can't wait to find out what happens from here.
If you haven't read any of Susan's books, grab this one and jump right in. You won't be sorry!
Well done again Susan!
October 5, 2018
A good book, and a promising start to the series.
It was an enjoyable read, though it felt very much like character development was sacrificed in order to build the world. There are many characters, both male and female, whose stories I look forward to reading as the series progresses, but I got very little in-depth analysis of those characters in this book. About the only character we really got to know was Madrid. (That dude is EEEEEEEVIL.)
All in all, a good story.
It was an enjoyable read, though it felt very much like character development was sacrificed in order to build the world. There are many characters, both male and female, whose stories I look forward to reading as the series progresses, but I got very little in-depth analysis of those characters in this book. About the only character we really got to know was Madrid. (That dude is EEEEEEEVIL.)
All in all, a good story.
May 3, 2025
I just finished Marion’s journey, and it was a wild ride. From her bond with Djinn to the failed battle against the Emperor, the stakes kept climbing. The rescue was intense, but losing the boys to the Citadel was brutal.
The pacing never let up, pulling me through betrayals, revelations, and the girls’ training with the dragons. Every moment felt earned, every twist kept me hooked. If you love high-stakes fantasy with deep magic and impossible choices, this one delivers.
The pacing never let up, pulling me through betrayals, revelations, and the girls’ training with the dragons. Every moment felt earned, every twist kept me hooked. If you love high-stakes fantasy with deep magic and impossible choices, this one delivers.
August 1, 2017
This was a great introduction to the new fantasy series. There is not much action in this one only an outline of future events and who is who in the end. We get to know suspicious motives of Madrid - the bad guy here, and heart bearers that will try to defeat him in order to protect their home - 12 provinces.
I can't wait to read next book of this series (and there will be even 11 more!)
I can't wait to read next book of this series (and there will be even 11 more!)
April 2, 2018
Strong characters with such a variety of people. Wonderful storyline. Dragons, Djinn and magic in this book and the control of the Citadel with a guy named Madrid. To control everyone with magic and kill the dragons. Children taken away from their homes for training to fight each other. Loved reading this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
October 9, 2018
My first read from author Susan Faw. I got this book back in April of this year & I’m just getting around to reading it. A thoroughly entertaining well-written read that has all the makings of an epic with likable, well-developed characters that make you want to read more by this author! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 19, 2019
Loved this book this is a fantastic story that draws you and makes you want to know more , you don't want to put this down . The main characters are fantastic and you catch yourself cheering for them and who doesn't love a grandpa with his granddaughter in his lap telling a story . You need to read this story you will love it . 😊😊😊😊
October 29, 2021
Unduly rushed and condensed.
This had the potential to be an engaging and interesting story, but unfortunately, it came across as lacking clarity and development. This is due to the fact the book is only 150ish pages long, which is just too short to do the plot justice.
The ideas are interesting but only the bullet points are really conveyed.
This had the potential to be an engaging and interesting story, but unfortunately, it came across as lacking clarity and development. This is due to the fact the book is only 150ish pages long, which is just too short to do the plot justice.
The ideas are interesting but only the bullet points are really conveyed.
July 30, 2017
I love this story it has a great story line and the character are great and there is a battle for control of magic that cant stay in the hands of the wrong side. i received a copy of this for a honest review
August 7, 2017
This is an auspicious beginning to a new series! I really enjoyed reading this and had a bad time putting it down. I was very disappointed when I got to the end. I can hardly wait for the next book to continue the story.
February 12, 2018
This book has potential but I found it very hard to read. When I saw the author had about 12 books planned I decided I was happy with the first book and not really keen on plodding through 11 more. The writing just couldn't keep me interested. Disappointing as this really has potential to be great
March 12, 2019
The Citadel
The cover caught my eye and my curiosity followed! A good read and interesting characters. Some more likable than others...though I wonder/hope if there is hope for the emperor's bondmate....
The cover caught my eye and my curiosity followed! A good read and interesting characters. Some more likable than others...though I wonder/hope if there is hope for the emperor's bondmate....
March 27, 2019
Mystical Mayhem
I think this is more for the YA reader, though the story is intriguing. First I've read that mixed Eastern & Old World concepts (i.e. Djinn & Dragons), though the theme is widely used.
I think this is more for the YA reader, though the story is intriguing. First I've read that mixed Eastern & Old World concepts (i.e. Djinn & Dragons), though the theme is widely used.
nevermind
July 5, 202025% of the way through a short book and the story is still in its introduction of several points of view. The plot has no more form than a brief prologue and children being abducted, possibly to magically fight some great evil. Just not taking shape well enough for me. dnf
September 11, 2020
When the new Emperor takes over after all magic is banned on Gaia, 10 young women are taken from the school.
All the provinces come together to demand something to be done.
Unknown to the provinces, the Emperor has his own plans, and magic will play a large part in his new reign.
All the provinces come together to demand something to be done.
Unknown to the provinces, the Emperor has his own plans, and magic will play a large part in his new reign.
March 7, 2018
Interesting
Different type of Dragon story with riders and sharpshooter that go back to millions past where factions are at war.
Different type of Dragon story with riders and sharpshooter that go back to millions past where factions are at war.
April 10, 2018
I loved this book. This is my first read by this author and I’m thoroughly impressed by her story telling. The story is tightly woven with magic, history and above all fantastic characters!!! 💜💜
October 8, 2018
Dragons
Interesting start to a series with dragons. The Emperor is attempting to gain control of all magic and the dragons. Excellent plotting and characterization.
Interesting start to a series with dragons. The Emperor is attempting to gain control of all magic and the dragons. Excellent plotting and characterization.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews