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Rogue Legacy: The Secret History of Issalia

(The Runes of Issalia #0.5)

Jeffrey L. Kohanek (Goodreads Author)

4.15 · Rating details · 102 ratings · 35 reviews

*This is a previous cover/edition for ISBN 9780999410714

A powerful organization, a dangerous magic, a dark plot...and the girl who stood in the way.

When tragedy strikes, Lyra runs for her life…directly into the hands of fate. Destiny places her at the heart of a plot to overthrow the rulers of Issalia - a plot she must help thwart. Led by a man armed with powerful magic, a ...more

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Paperback, 284 pages

Published February 8th 2018 by Fallbrandt Press

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Oct 14, 2017 Dianne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-read, author-review, coming-of-age, fabulous-reading, fantasy, great-dialogue, action-and-adventure, own, magic

He was tired of reading about history, fifteen-year-old Harman wanted to experience life, but as his grandmother would teach him, sometimes history forgets the details, sometimes it forgets to feel alive and sometimes those you least expect to be part of history made the greatest impact on the present. And that is when Grandmother Jane told Harman the rest of the story, the story of the power one person can hold to change the future while making history.

Lyra’s life changed after that terrible ni He was tired of reading about history, fifteen-year-old Harman wanted to experience life, but as his grandmother would teach him, sometimes history forgets the details, sometimes it forgets to feel alive and sometimes those you least expect to be part of history made the greatest impact on the present. And that is when Grandmother Jane told Harman the rest of the story, the story of the power one person can hold to change the future while making history.

Lyra’s life changed after that terrible night that sent her fleeing from evil. It would be a night that brought out the person she was meant to be and would set her on a tumultuous path of adventure, daring and danger. She would learn to stand for what is right, to question and to never be afraid to do what must be done to thwart evil. With the powerful magician, Cal, by her side, Lyra will become an unsung hero and while Cal and Lyra will separate, there is no doubt of the bond they have formed and that Fate will once again bring them together.

Meanwhile, Lyra’s life will be uprooted time and again and she will have to rely on her wit and the friendships she has formed throughout the years to survive, all the while unknowingly creating a legacy that will change the world.

Fabulous writing, times of high peril mixed with times of quiet and some incredible magical inventions, we witness a blossoming of a strong character, strong bonds and, like young Harman, we feel history come alive as the blanks are filled in, truths are revealed as the legacy of one girl changes the future of her world. From the first page, I was submersed in Lyra’s world, through her teenaged moments of daring to the young woman who could become like a chameleon, adapting to every situation. Wonderful characters abound as each scene comes to life, some sweet, some adventurous and some magical, Jeffrey L. Kohanek has the gift of storytelling for sure, just like Grandmother Jane!

ROGUE LEGACY by Jeffrey L. Kohanek is the story of a girl who met Fate head on and created her own destiny as a strong, intelligent warrior who will forge ahead into the unknown setting the stage for the future and the Runes of Issalia.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC edition from Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Series: The Secret History of Issalia
Expected Publication Date: February 8, 2018
Publisher: Fallbrandt Press
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 266
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

...more

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Feb 13, 2018 Siobhan rated it liked it · review of another edition

Rogue Legacy is the first book in Jeffrey L. Kohanek’s The Secret History of Issalia series. The story reveals what truly happened hundreds of years before The Runes of Issalia series takes place, although you do not need to read the series to understand this one. It is beneficial to have a better understanding of the world, but not necessary, as this is a story that fills in blanks whilst also working alone. Personally, I read this without any prior knowledge of the author’s world and found it Rogue Legacy is the first book in Jeffrey L. Kohanek’s The Secret History of Issalia series. The story reveals what truly happened hundreds of years before The Runes of Issalia series takes place, although you do not need to read the series to understand this one. It is beneficial to have a better understanding of the world, but not necessary, as this is a story that fills in blanks whilst also working alone. Personally, I read this without any prior knowledge of the author’s world and found it worked perfectly fine.

In truth, this book is more of a three-point-five-star rating rather than the three-star rating I gave it. There were times when I considered rounding it up, but in the end I found myself unable to. There were moments where the book was worthy of the four-star rating, but as a whole it wasn’t quite enough for me to round up. Although I was engrossed throughout, I realised there was always something missing.

If I was the type to use gifs, I’d use two to reflect my expectations and the reality. I expected the popular ‘I’m going on an adventure’ gif from The Hobbit, only to be given any fantasy gif of an army marching towards their goal – you see, while the story was always moving forward it never really set of that jump in my step that had me racing towards my goal. I was interested, determined to see how things played out, but I wasn’t so deep in the world that I was racing around in search of my answers.

Considering the story was interesting, I expected to experience that additional excitement that would have me turning pages at a rapid pace. Yet I wasn’t. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why I wasn’t as sucked in as I had expected to be, but I consistently felt as though something was keeping me at arm’s length. I was enjoying the way events were playing out, but I wasn’t sucked into the world. Hence why I opted to round down.

I’m sure many will love this one, but there was something – and I cannot work out what – that prevented me from truly falling into this one. ...more

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Jan 21, 2018 Fiona Andrew rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-reads

Wow what a great story. This is a new author for me, and I will definitely be read more by him. This story is told by Jane to her Grandson, he’s bored and wants excitement not studying to pass his entrance exams for the magic Academy. The story is gripping and catches you from the first page, you have to keep reading to find out what happens next. I read it in a day even though it’s not a small book.
If you’ve read any of the other books by this author this provides the backstory to this series. ...more

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Jan 16, 2019 Sandralena Hanley rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Being a novella, I was going to skip this book in the series. I am glad I didn't! Lyra's story was very entertaining reading. More great characters, twists and turns, which explained the situation that evolved into The Emblem Throne.
Lyra is a multi-talented, strong female lead. The other friends and enemies are also well-drawn, especially the two men in her life. ...more

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Aug 19, 2018 Stephen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

You know this was one of the best books I have read this year. The characters are great and they make you root for them throughout the book. Story is a page turner and you keep reading and reading until you finish it. You will not be disappointed. Great Reading Everyone!

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Apr 03, 2018 Sabetha | Aconite Cafe rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

While this story has a slow start, once you get a few chapters in it is hard to put down. Lyra goes from an angsty teen to strong willed woman others can look up to. The ending was perfect, and I enjoyed the story inside a story structure. The author does a great job of building the suspense throughout the story, and bringing all the loose ends back in at the ends.

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Oct 03, 2017 Cassie James rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: beautiful-cover, epic-fantasy, fantasy, great-read, magic, monsters, young-adult, adventure, fiction, ya-romance

Thanks to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review, This doesn't in any way influence my opinion on it.
description

Rogue Legacy is so good. I got engrossed in it quite quickly. It's the story of a talented lutist Lyra and how her life is upended when her father is murdered in front of her and she has to go on the run from her father's murderers. But as she begins to find out, things are more complicated than she initially thought. She finds herself among a group of free people called the Tantarri (Yup those Tantarri). She makes friends and sort of becomes their family. Her adventurous journey eventually leads her to meet Cal, a magician who works for the Hand (Yes that Hand) the same people who she overheard her father's killer talking about. Together, this duo began to work together and this partnership leads to many magical revelations/breakthroughs. They also discover that the Hand is up to no good and they're using Cal's discoveries in despicable ways to influence their horrific agenda. Cal and Lyra inform the King of what's going on and the extent of the treachery of The Hand. Lyra and Cal also find out about the main plan the members of the Hand has, They have created giant men whose voice invokes fear in anyone who hears it (Fans of the series know exactly what they are and what comes next). Due to clever thinking on Cal and Lyra's part, the Hand is momentarily thwarted. As a reward, Lyra now lives with the King and his daughter Princess Tiri and is like family to them. Tragedy strikes in the form of the man who killed Lyra's father, leading to Lyra fleeing with Tiri and going on the run. While on the run, Lyra and Tiri eventually mistakenly end up with the Tantarri. Together they have new adventures and fun.
Eventually, Lyra once more finds Cal. After a daring rescue, the two finally decided to stay by each other always. Their union led to many changes in their world most of which can be seen in the main series.
Rogue Legacy is the best possible prequel the series could have, I loved everything about it from the worldbuilding to the characters. It will resonate to the series fans. Jeffrey Kohanek has once more written a tremendous book. ...more

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Feb 14, 2018 Joy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wonderful adventure!
Lyra, a young 16 year old girl, witnesses the death of her father at the hands of a group of unsavory characters working for the secretive power-seeking group called “The Hand”. They discover her and realize she witnessed their deed, could identify them and thus began a chase to capture and kill her. Escape is difficult and others die in efforts to help her. Finally, she is taken to a palace and left there by a magician to be raised as a daughter of the king, along with his ...more

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Apr 27, 2018 Tatteredturtle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

If you're looking for a book that has the feel of Princess Bride or Howl's Moving Castle I suggest you pick up Rogue Legacy!! It's a book full of magic, secrets, and fantasy! You can read my full review here: https://tatteredturtlestittertattle.w... ...more

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Feb 09, 2018 Natashasiberian79adgmail.Com rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was sucked into this one fast and hard. Quickly fell in love with just this book. Now I must get the others.

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Feb 14, 2018 Roger rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

My first read from author Jeffrey L. Kohanek was excellent! I'll be reading more from him. ...more

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May 06, 2018 Maggies Daisy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, ebooks, magical, women

Rogue Legacy was the first book I read by the author Jeffrey L. Kohanek and it was not a disappointment, far from it, it was amazing. With my Amazon Unlimited, I have just added the Runes of Issalia Complete Boxed Set: An Epic Fantasy Adventure so I can read the first three books because I so enjoyed Rogue Legacy. It reminded me of a beautiful Disney movie.

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Aug 07, 2020 Roger Weetch rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A thoroughly enjoyable book preceding the Issalia series and explaining much of what is to happen in them. For this reason, although it is a prequel to these books it needs to be read afterwards to avoid spoilers. There are interesting characters, well developed, and a good story line, told as though a history lesson for a young man by his grandma. Well worthwhile reading.

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Feb 13, 2018 Jantine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: free-for-review, netgalley

I just noticed that there is a trilogy about Issalia next to this book. It reads as a standalone though, and I like that. It gives some kind of closure. However, I do want to read the other books too now!

I received a free copy through Netgalley, in return for an honest review

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Jan 29, 2018 Silver Surfer rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is a very interesting fantasy. Full of up and downs where you just don’t know what’s coming next. Again magic and feisty females, just what I like. She certainly knows a thing or two about life and living. Highly recommended.

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Mar 03, 2019 Nell rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: dnf

I hate it.

There were some things I didn't like from the sample, but lots of books take some time to find their footing. But I'm over a quarter in now, and my opinion of this book has been on a steady downhill course.

The early things are simple:

- That thing movies/TV sometimes do where during a confrontation, the camera will follow a person looking down to show they've been stabbed, shot, or are being threatened with such. With TV, it can be used as a twist (or for humor). With a book, I find it I hate it.

There were some things I didn't like from the sample, but lots of books take some time to find their footing. But I'm over a quarter in now, and my opinion of this book has been on a steady downhill course.

The early things are simple:

- That thing movies/TV sometimes do where during a confrontation, the camera will follow a person looking down to show they've been stabbed, shot, or are being threatened with such. With TV, it can be used as a twist (or for humor). With a book, I find it feels too distancing, separating me from the action, and from the character performing the action, especially when that character is supposed to be our protagonist.

- The main character fantasizing about stabbing people within minutes of what should be a serious traumatic event.

- Bad guys wandering around in the dark, in the middle of nowhere, looking for random people to attack.

- Poor handling of an injury. You don't want to try walking that off, seriously. Why was the injury there in the first place? Convenient short-term obstacle?

- And when Lyra gets caught trying to steal some stuff, she takes the time to notice the guy's "handsome tanned face". Actually, I'm not sure if the narration is supposed to be from her point of view (given the framing), but is that really the time?

And then come the later things. Still from the first quarter or so, but spoilers if you'd like: (view spoiler)

I gave it a chance. Even after that. But I'm not finishing. ...more

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Feb 08, 2018 Seraphia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya, supernatural, dark, fiction, kings, adventure, awesome, magic

Rogue Legacy: The Secret History of Issalia is an engaging story that pulled me in after a few pages. In this book, I was introduced to Lyra, a young woman who has a unique gift with the lute. She is living with her father until the night that he refuses to do a task that he had already agreed to do. That night she witnesses the death of her father and her own life is thrown into danger. She flees to the only person she believes can help her only to lose them as well. On the run, she changes her Rogue Legacy: The Secret History of Issalia is an engaging story that pulled me in after a few pages. In this book, I was introduced to Lyra, a young woman who has a unique gift with the lute. She is living with her father until the night that he refuses to do a task that he had already agreed to do. That night she witnesses the death of her father and her own life is thrown into danger. She flees to the only person she believes can help her only to lose them as well. On the run, she changes her name trying to avoid the people who are after to silence her. Lyra meets up with a group of people while on the run, and they adopt her into their group and teach her what they know. While with them, she is befriended and taught by Gar. He seems to care for her, but due to the difference in age, she refuses him. One night while out to steal, she falls into a hole and is hurt. The young man she was going to steal from helps her out but on the condition, she stays and helps him with his work for a certain number of months. She agrees. She learns his name is Cal and that he can do magic. Cal conducts experiments, but he's doing them for an organization inside the Church called The Hand. The Hand seeks to obtain all power and will do what they must to do so. With the aid of Cal's experimentations with magic, something terrifying is created. Cal must find a way to stop it, but the danger will not stop there. Lyra will find that danger seems to follow her no matter where she goes.
Rogue Legacy is the first book that I have read by Jeffrey L. Kohanek and I loved this book. I am eager to read the other books by this author to read more about this storyline of Issalia. I completely forgot that this story was being told as a story to another character in the story! I was so engrossed in the story as it went along that when it shifted to the character the story is being narrated to I was surprised. I literally laughed out loud because of how well done this story is. For me, when the author manages to make me forget certain things like that then you know it's a great story. Lyra is such an engaging character for me. In the beginning, I was a touch annoyed with her, but as the story moved along I came to really like her. She has a lot of spirit and despite everything that happens you really don't see her sitting around feeling sorry for herself.
There honestly isn't anything that I don't like about this book. It is engaging from start to finish for me. I was constantly wanting to read what was going to happen next. I'm putting the other books that are related to this one on my TBR shelf because I am more than eager to read them.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book so much. This author absolutely has a new fan and reader in me. I look forward to reading more of his works in the near future. ...more

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Oct 16, 2018 Lana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely will not be the last as I love the smooth and easy way his writing takes the reader on their voyage through the book. Lyra is the main character and what a character she turns out to be, a young girl who seems to be beset by troubles wherever she goes, she first loses her father who is killed right in front of her, she is left on her own in life but her courage and fearlessness see her through life. Lyra encounters many differen ...more

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Jul 06, 2019 Ana Cordoba rated it liked it · review of another edition

It took a awhile for me to become engrossed in this world. It wasn't until more than half the book where the main plot came into play. Before that the story was very jumbled and disorganized. It wasn't until the main conflict appeared that things started to even out and make sense. To be honest, I didn't care much for the first cast of characters that Lyra meets on her quest in the first half of the story. I felt that they weren't all that important. They were unnecessary and not all that remark ...more

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Jan 10, 2018 Kameron rated it really liked it · review of another edition

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

You ever have a day that starts out great but quickly turns to hell? Lyra had such a day. It all started when she went out to play Knucklebones (Tali) for a bit of excitement and to gain some coin in her purse.

For those who are unfamiliar with the game, you might know it now as Jacks.

Anyways, after Lyra left the tense game with Sully, this is where everything takes a dark turn. In a span of two chapters, Lyra saw more death than an ...more

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Feb 05, 2018 Linda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
This book had me at the beginning with the beauty of Lyra's lute playing and her singing when it captured the attention of a bird to chirp to the music. It wasn't long after that that the action started. It kept up the pace of the book without overloading you with pain and suffering. I really wanted to pat Lyra on the back several times for the good choices that she made. Usually it is the bad choices that make an exciting story, but t ...more

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Jan 31, 2018 Crystal rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Lyra watches her father die, and then spends so much time running for her life. She goes through so much at a young age. However, she has a very smart head on her shoulders. She makes friends on her journey, and eventually finds a family. However, that doesn't last and she has to run again. This time she runs back into old friends and may even find her own happy ending.

I really loved this book and the nod to The Princess bride. Lyra remains true to herself no matter what she happens to be callin ...more

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Feb 05, 2018 Melissa Hernandez rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, for-review, own

I really enjoyed this story. I knew this was a prequel to the series, so I hoped I didn't need any prior information coming into this story. Thankfully, you don't need any prior information from the series for this, so yes, this is a prequel and can stand on its own. It has everything. Romance, sister love, action, suspense, and a good ending. The one thing I really love about this story is how the sister love was written. It was written really well, which is hard to do. The romance we see is ho ...more

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Jan 13, 2018 Vernon Luckert rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Review of a copy received via Goodreads. Overall a fairly well written story, although there are a few wording/editorial improvements that should be made. In at least three instances, 1 by Cal and 2 by Tantarri members, Lyra was addressed using the name Lyra instead of Tali, even though she had not revealed her real name. In general a worthwhile read.

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Feb 05, 2018 Tera Comer rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc

This is a new author for me and I am glad I gave him a chance!!! I definitely will be reading more of his books. This story catches you from the start and does not let you go till you are finished. Plenty of ups and downs revolving around magic and a feisty female. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Mar 02, 2018 Jackie Rogers rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is an adventurous read. Held my attention and couldn't put it down. The her father murdered and is on the run from his killers. She is quite adept at taking care of herself with the help of some strangers. She is constantly getting into trouble. This is the beginning of the series, The Runes of Issalia. Am eager to now read the series. Thanks to author and Goodreads. ...more

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May 10, 2018 Jo McCreery rated it liked it · review of another edition

The Secret History of Issalia

An enjoyable and engaging book. The story unfolds so many intriguing adventures and personalities throughout its pages. Thank you Jeffrey for engaging my mind in this series.

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Feb 10, 2018 Lena rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: kick-ass-heroines, lady-rogue

I was looking forward to reading this. But could't get involved in the story or the characters. skimmed ...more

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Feb 11, 2018 Nadine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Enjoyable

This book immediately pulled me in. I loved Lyra. It was enjoyable. I discovered a whole new reading world and I’m glad of it!

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Mar 14, 2018 Judy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Think this might be more for YA. Suggested that should read previous books to get full benefit but easily read as a stand alone.

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About Jeffrey L. Kohanek

Jeffrey L. Kohanek

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Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota, where comic books sparked his young imagination and inspired fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics, featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer’s imagination.

Now residing in southern California, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging c ...more