Sevana’s peaceful routine is abruptly destroyed when a Sa Kao army invades Nopper’s Woods, fully intending to declare war on the Fae that live there. Princess Amas of Sa Kao has gone missing, disappearing so completely that it’s believed she must have been spirited away, and Sa Kao blames the Fae. Knowing full well the Fae are not behind the abduction of the princess, Sevana goes to investigate and finds that it’s not one Princess missing, but a good dozen people, all in the same way. Now she has to figure out how and why and do so quickly. The spell used to take these people is fading fast. If Sevana doesn’t find a way to reverse what has been done, then there won’t be anyone left for her to save.
Ever since I was a toddler, I have been making up stories. I’d entertain anyone willing to listen to my wild fantasies about unicorns and gargoyles and amazing people. At 13, I started writing the stories down. At 23, I finished the first book that was, in my opinion, good enough to publish.
I spent three years trying to publish my book, Jaunten, the old fashioned way. The problem was my story was outside of the norm for young adult fantasy – it didn’t have vampires or the supernatural in it, it was clean enough to earn a PG rating, and there wasn’t any dark overlord to defeat. No literary agent would pick it up because it didn’t fit the “fantasy formula” that all of the popular books did.
I put the idea of having my book published off to the side for a while as I finished a Bachelors in English at Middle Tennessee State University. But as I worked on my third degree, the idea of being published came back to me. This time, while working as a paralegal, I had a better grasp of the laws involved of doing self-publishing. For six months, I did a great deal of research in how to do self-publishing the debt-free way.
It was hard. I was working full time, going to school full time, and living on my own. I never really had a break. I was always working on something. At times I felt like my brain would just go into meltdown from having to learn so many different things to make my idea work.
After six months, I thought I knew enough to publish myself. I put Jaunten out as an ebook, created a website and forum so that fans could communicate with me, and spread the word as best I could. Within three months, I was selling internationally. Within six months, I was making enough to quit my day job and sit at home, writing full time.
After six months of writing, publishing, and building up a reputation, I started to be approached by other people wanting to emulate what I did. I soon realized that there was a niche out there waiting for me to fill it—a place where original fiction could be published and released into the world. As of February 2012, I started my own publishing house, called Raconteur House. Since that point I have signed on four additional authors (not including yours truly) and am attracting more in a steady stream.
I have continued to write and publish the rest of the series through my House. When I’m not writing or editing, I like to go out into the community and give presentations of how to be an author. It’s actually really fun to talk to all of these people who want to be authors. Most people think that you can’t make any money being an author—actually, you can. And you can do quite well. It’s just a matter of working really hard, having a little talent, and knowing how to market your books. All I’m doing with these presentations is giving people the know-how to make their dreams come true.
While it’s true that you don’t need a college education to be an author, I encourage everyone to be as educated as possible. I have a lot of experience and education that most people don’t, and that’s what gives me an edge in writing. I’ve lived in places as obscure as Tehachapi, California and other places as large as Salt Lake City, Utah. I hold three different college degrees. I practice two different martial arts. I think I’ve tried every life experience that came my direction. All of that is incorporated into my books, and that’s what gives reality to my worlds and characters.
Even if I abruptly stop selling books tomorrow—which I don’t see happening—I would still continue to write. Creating characters and worlds is that much fun. Once you start, you become quickly addicted.
2022 bk 198. The third book had an ending that made me want to scream - or would have if I hadn't had the fourth already at hand and prepped to start. This volume provided a very interesting problem - evil magician sealing individuals in a between world using art as the method. Well done idea and solution.
Violence: High Mild. There is only one scene at the end where a character (moderate spoiler) The rest is peril type situations, with people being threatened/kidnapped and such.
Sexual: None.
Okay, I admit, I've had a harder time getting into this series than others of Honor Raconteur's. Mostly because Sevanna is such a hard character to like. She's blunt and can come across as cruel because of it, and it's a way for her to hide how caring she is, which actually makes it harder for me as she knows on some level she's doing it on purpose. I can't quite figure out why either. She's just hard to like.
But.
In this book, she's softer. She's kinder, because she's dealing heavily with the fae, who she knows can squash her. So, it was much easier to like Sevanna in this book, and I think the author realized she needed to make Sevanna more relatable and likable. Enter the Fae, who take her down a dozen pegs, and she gets humbled at their acceptance of her. I quite like how her edges are being smoothed.
And Arandur. I can already tell he's the type of guy I'm gonna really like. And he's not at all intimidated by Sevanna. Which makes me smug.
I had fun reading this one the whole way through, which was an improvement from the first two books. Instead of feeling like I'd come back to the series, I immediately picked up the next book and am currently reading it. I think this series is some of Honor Raconteur's early stuff, and I can see the growth from the first book to this one. I just hope it continues.
And I admit it. I'm here for the possible romance. Made me perk up quite a lot.
I got to say, I'm rather enjoying this. 3 Books in, and this series—like a fungus—has grown on me. I enjoyed seeing what how Sevana's previous deal with the fae has now developed into her being a person of interest to them. Maybe I enjoyed this so much because the hated prince Bellami wasn't there. I enjoy our lady protagonist more and more, and Aran, who've we've just now been introduced to is a charming character. I sense a possible love interest in the future, but expect it not to be overwhelming or that integral to the plot. it'll be interesting to see how that develops since Sevana seems to be neurodivergent.
I liked seeing Sevana explore new places and cultures within this world, amongst them Sa Kao. (They seem kinda sexist to me, in some ways. With their "Women can wear pants now if they are working but still have to keep their head covered" Spiel. And their "women need to get married early" obsession) A bit of criticism here. I admit I'm not loving how they seem based a on muslim/arabic culture and seem to thus be less forward thinking than the country which is a more European-like analogy. It's not a great look. They aren't like aggressively misogynistic or anything. Women have power there and can be respected and can be leaders of armies even. But when the clothing rules are different for men and women and "People won't talk to you unless you comply with it" Well... it's not great is it.
So over all... What do I think?
I don't really know if this was a good book per say, I mean I really enjoyed it... I know I'm biased here cause I have a weakness for charters that seem to be non-neurotypical, but the plot like that of the previous books does waffle about a bit, and the ending is rather anticlimactic. Despite that I had a good time with it and am excited for the next book.
Amazing! This book made up for the last one, which left too much unresolved.
Full of intriguing suspense, curiosities raised about the fae, and Arandur. Hmmm. Is Sevana really that naive? I suppose she is really young (twenty, at least, but not much more?), so it's understandable how she wouldn't recognize when a male is being friendly for reasons that are beyond mere politeness and gratitude on behalf of his people. He is INTERESTED in her. I think.
Evil magician, impossible spells, and horrible intentions toward his victims are at the root of Sevana's headaches in this storyline, and the fact that stolen Fae property was used to steal people away to lock them in another realm of existence turned into a benefit for her. The fae were incensed when they discovered one of their magical items had been stolen, then used in such an evil fashion. Sevana gained all kinds of help and invitations from the fae, mostly from her assisting them with gaining children who were otherwise left homeless, alone and unwanted in the human world.I
Sevana takes us on her usual thrilling, crazy, reckless romps through various kingdoms and adventures. She's hilarious in her disregard for convention and manners, not to mention her irritation and oblivion regarding people wanting to engage her in endless conversation or hugging. Recommended to anyone who enjoys the possibility of magic, I give the maximum star count for this winner.
I'm reviewing all 5 books in this series together as they whilst all wonderful, complete stories in their own right, each one is as good as the last, and it is the impression of the characters, the world and their interactions that stand out.
I think Sevana might possibly be my most favourite character of Honor Raconteur's so far (maybe heading it up with Jamie and Mei). She is a child prodigy, fully aware that it is her brain and not her innate magic that make her so special. In fact, unusually for so many starring characters her magic ability is fairly weak and this frustrates Sevana greatly a times. She is not as egotistical as you might think (although never humble!) and goes on a very long journey of growing up and personal growth throughout these 5 books. She unwittingly makes allies where ever she goes and I love that she is always solving a problem, even if she should really be looking out for herself. The world here is also delightful, with magic, fae, Gods of differing pantheons, and a rich cultural diversity. Each story is complete, although Sevana is very much on her own journey and some story lines over lap.
Honestly I could rave about these books at length and although I read these as a borrow, I will be buying them as I can see that they will become a comfort reread. What more can I say to recommend?
People are disappearing, and no one knows how or why - so it must be the Fae, right?
Wrong! And when they get Sevana involved… she takes on more than a royal family. There is someone out there, creating benign spells, that get through magical wards, and then cause harm.
Finding out how people were taken, leads to more than just the means, for Sevana. Her relationships are changing with a whole lot of different people, and her curmudgeon facade is cracking. People find her huggable!
Is there room in her life for distractions? Only if they’re interesting. Truth be told, one never knows where the next idea will come from.
But, the greatest challenge to come is meeting the magician whose malevolence has touched and crossed so many lives.
Sevana has met a new Fae and love might yet bloom in a future novel. The possibility is definitely there. In the meantime there is plenty of adventure outwitting the evil artifactor that she has already faced twice before and being adopted into the local Fae Nation and all that that contains. Lives are on the line, solutions to complex magical problems searched out and great dangers faced that must be overcome. This is superbly crafted escapism that just cries out to be read. Have at it.
Never ever regret reading any of Raconteur’s stories. Her ability to weave humor, suspense and mysteries are why I come back for more. This story in particular seems to be a turning point in the series for Sevana and I wait on pins and needles to see what changes or adaptations she needs to do to adjust to her new predicament. At least the mystery about the rogue / evil magician was solved though part of me suspects there’s more to it and we’re only now unraveling that dastard’s tale.
Sevanna is awakening when the sounds of battle in her front yard disturb her. An army is trying to attack the nearby Fae for kidnapping their Princess. The Fae are innocent and Sevanna must stop the conflict before the Fae wipe out the army. She agrees to find out what really happened to the Princess. I like the intrigue, humor, and unwittingly romance. Sevanna has no clue that guys could be interested in her. I look forward to the next book.
I enjoyed this story enormously and will be starting the next one as soon as I finish saying how much I enjoyed this and the previous two. Elves, intelligent wolves and cats, smart dialog, everything I enjoy in a book. This is the second series I have enjoyed by Honor Raconteur and I look forward to reading all of her books eventually.
Lately due to stress I can’t focus on books- my normal escape. Keep picking them up and putting them back down again. This series was a real find! Relaxing escape from stressful reality. I read it every spare second of the day and literally fell asleep with it in my hand! This one’s my favorite so far in the series.
Another magic procedural and, as always, a pleasure to read.
Quibble of the moment: a tendency to explain why a character is about to say or do what they then say or do. Nine times out of ten the event explains itself just fine.
I really like these books. There are 5 in the series. I stared with The Child Prince. The main character was determined and sassy. I like all the characters. I have read all 5 books. If you looking something funny and inventive check these books out.
good plotting, very well written, interesting characters, worth reading for all ages. I've shared with my 20 something children and my preteen grandchildren. Highly recommend
This is my favourite so far. The last book had several scenes that seemed pointless whereas this was engaging throughout. Still a lot of detail on spell-work, probably a bit too much for me, but shows the complex world.
I absolutely love this series and this one might be my favorite one so far!! One word: FAE!! From the first book I was excited to have them play a bigger role and this book satisfied it!
I am so enjoying Honor's books. Her story lines are great and never predictable . Her characters are well developed till I feel like I know them, but that doesn't make them predictable,but very real. I highly recommend all of Honor's books.
Story good all the way through. Wish narration was available. Pleased that five books available and I do not have to wait aged for more of the series. Pleased that story is not full of blood and gore. This just a great adventure that is not boring.
When the Princess Amas disappears Sevana is brought in by the King to discover her whereabouts. It soon becomes apparent that magic far greater than hers is in play. Other people also vanish, and the Fae become involved. It was a good tale, very enjoyable.
This is a good series, and I have enjoyed all of the books. For some reason, I think this one is my favorite. I guess I really like the Fae, and they have a dominant role in this story. I hope the next story continues to feature them prominently.
Another great sorry, this one felt a bit higher stakes which was nice and I liked the continued world building My main wish is that we got to enjoy the end of plot lines more and it didn’t wrap up so quickly Ending was such a cliff hanger!
Can't wait to see how the new fae blood will mix things up for Savana. Also a budding romance seems on the horizon with Aran. Fingers crossed! Off to the next book!