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The Odium Trilogy #1

Daughter of No One

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Princess Aurelia’s dreams of a life full of love and adventure become even more alluring when she meets village outcast Jastyn. Aurelia refuses to deny her attraction even after an unexpected attack on her family catapults her into the center of the Kingdom of Venostes’s sinister intrigues. Jastyn Cipher despises the royal family. After all, they are responsible for the exile of her mother and their life at the bottom of the social rung. She refuses to acknowledge her attraction to Princess Aurelia even when she is forced to seek help from the royal family when her sister falls gravely ill. While the circumstances of birth might keep them apart, fate seems determined to bring them together. When Aurelia is kidnapped, she and Jastyn must face their enemies, fae and human, if they want to survive. Book One of the Odium Trilogy

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2019

13 people are currently reading
295 people want to read

About the author

Sam Ledel

10 books27 followers
Sam Ledel is the author of nine novels with Bold Strokes Books. Her debut, Rocks and Stars, was a 2019 Goldie Finalist for Young Adult fiction. She is twice a finalist in the LGBTQ+ category of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards - in 2023 for Wildflower Words and in 2025 for Adrift, both historical romances. Her 2025 novel Discovering Gold placed first in Women's Fiction in the CIPA EVVY Book Awards.

Ledel enjoys being able to write in her free time, usually with her Jack Russell terrier snuggled close by. She is currently working on her next novel.

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5 stars
28 (25%)
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54 (50%)
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20 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Lex Kent.
1,683 reviews9,875 followers
May 22, 2019
3.50 Stars. I thought this was a pretty good fantasy book. This is the second book I have read by Ledel and I thought it was quite a bit better than her first. This is YA or maybe New Adult is better since both characters are in their early 20’s. This is the first book in a series, and while the main storyline is still open, the book ended in a good spot. It doesn’t leave you with a horrible cliffhanger feeling, you just know that more adventure is to come.

This story follows the lives of two young women. Jastyn, who is an outcast due to being born out of wedlock and the Princess Aurelia. When the princess’ life is in danger, Jastyn’s extensive knowledge of the woods surrounding the Kingdom might just make her the perfect person to find the Princess. After being shunned by the Royals her whole life, can Jastyn put her feeling aside to bring the Princess home?

I thought this fantasy world was very interesting with elves, witches and other mythical creatures along with magic around every corner. I thought the book overall had an interesting premise. However, there was a lot going on with plenty of questions still hanging, I’m used to fantasy books being long and a little slower to start. This book didn’t take very long for the action to start up so while I did appreciate all the excitement, I actually would not have minded a little more world building.

I thought it was a good mix of characters. I liked many of the secondary ones including a witch who is really interesting. The two main characters were well done, but I do feel like I haven’t completely connected to them yet. I’m hopeful that will change after the next installment. There is no romance in this book, but there is some early chemistry that is building with hope for the future.

I’m always so excited to see a new fantasy book out since they are few and far between in lesfic. But because I’m such a huge fantasy fan, I can be a little picky. This is not a fantasy book I can put on my favorites list, but it was a good beginning with plenty of potential. I do think most fantasy fans, especially YA or NA fans, will probably enjoy this. I will be reading book 2 when it comes out.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
Profile Image for Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud.
Author 2 books764 followers
September 15, 2019
I was so not prepared for the end to arrive when it did! It took me a bit longer than usual to get caught in the story but when I did, it was all the way. So when I turned the last page, I was ready for a lot more. I am definitely looking forward to book 2.

Jastyn has lived her whole life on the outskirts of the village, her family shunned because she’s labeled an Odium child – she was born to an unwed mother. Her best friends are an old witch who taught her all sorts of magic and a stable boy who saved her life when she was a nine-year-old thief trying to feed herself and her mother. At twenty-two, she lives with her mother, her stepfather and her stepsister Alana. The thirteen-year old is suffering from some illness the alchemist doesn’t seem to know how to cure. Jastyn decides to ask the Queen, whose knowledge of healing magic is well-known, for help, despite her misgivings towards the royal family. She then meets the Princess, Aurelia. When the kingdom is attacked and the Princess kidnapped, Jastyn is convinced finding Aurelia will lead to a cure for her sister. Yet unforeseen feelings for Aurelia threaten to get in the way.

New Adult fantasy is a new guilty pleasure of mine. It’s full of exciting adventure and the promise of romance. It’s sweet, fresh and hopeful. It takes me back to my teenage years, the good parts of those years at least. I read this in a few hours, only stopped long enough to have lunch. I hope I won’t have to wait too long for the sequel, I have high hopes for Jastyn, Aurelia, their friend Coran, Eegit the hedgewitch and Rigo the elf.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joc.
773 reviews198 followers
May 21, 2019
Set in the Kingdom of Venostes, Jastyn Cipher is an outcast, an Odium Child, because her mother gave birth to her out of wedlock. She’s suffered the disdain and slights of the villagers since she was a child and now in her early twenties she’s developed a strong backbone and walks with pride regardless of what others think. Her mother has married and her step-sister, Alanna, is ill. She asks her friend Coran who works in the royal stables to get her in so that she can attempt to ask the queen to use her healing powers. Instead it’s Princess Aurelia that she meets who tells her that there is trouble brewing in the kingdom and her mother is occupied.

As the first book in ‘The Odium Trilogy’ this is an enjoyable fantasy read, probably aimed at young adults and teens. The language and setting is uncomplicated which makes it easy to read and engage with the story. Jastyn is well-characterised and quite an endearing person. There are a number of interesting plot twists at play and not all of them are brought to a conclusion by the end of the novel.

At this stage it is not a romance although there is a flicker of a spark between Jastyn and Aurelia. I’m looking forward to see where this goes in future instalments.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tiff.
385 reviews236 followers
May 28, 2019
I never read fantasy novels, I just am not interested in all the world building. I feel like the majority of the time you spend so much time of developing that aspect of the book that everything else can end up taking a backseat. As much as this is a fantasy novel, with the elves and the fae, what you also have is an old-fashioned adventure filled with mystery and a slow burn romance.

Jastyn Cipher and her mother were cast out of the village by the royal family. Jastyn's mother had a child with a fae and therefore broke one the kingdom's laws. After spending quite some time in shackles the mother and young child have been shunned by their community for decades. Jastyn despises the royal family. Unfortunately, Jastyn's younger sister has fallen ill and nothing the Alchemist mixes will fix what she ails from. Going to the queen to beg for her healing powers is not something this young woman wants to do but at this point she has no other options.

Princess Aurelia Diarmaid wants more than anything to break out of the castle and experience the world outside of its protective walls. Her parents have kept the princess safe but have also clipped her wings and made her feel trapped and restless.

Our two main characters are a study in contrasts. Jastyn is considered less than a commoner. Her life has been filled with barely meeting basic needs has toughened her and made her a skilled outdoorswoman. Aurelia wants for nothing but as much privilege as she has something is missing.

The world building and fantastic elements are all there. Ledel makes them believable and paints you a picture as the story unfolds. Where I think the book really takes shape and leaps to the next level is the dynamic between our leading ladies. There is an excellent lesfic drama/romance unfolding between the two young women. Everything is stacked against them and that is obvious from their initial meeting. Attraction, longing gazes, a simple touch, it all begins to stoke the fires of a would be romance. You cannot help but love these two brave heroines who are thrust into chaos and an adventure. With Jastyn, I loved all that vulnerability and the crushing hopelessly on someone who is completely above your stature in society. It is just enough angst to keep you rooting for the impossible. With Princess Aurelia, you love that she is nothing like Jastyn thought her to be. Aurelia is capable, smart, compassionate and is absolutely fearless in the face of danger.

Sam Ledel has definitely set up an epic adventure of star-crossed lovers. This book one of a trilogy doesn't leave you with a cliffhanger but you are definitely going to be left ready for the next book. The romance is just blossoming, they are not a couple this is one where we are going to have to work for it a bit. As a non-fantasy lover, I adored this book and am ready to read where Ledel takes us next. This book is quality writing, great pacing, and top-notch characters. You cannot go wrong with this one! 4.25 stars
Profile Image for Ted.
560 reviews89 followers
June 29, 2019
I look forward to the next book in this series. While not a rom there is definite chemistry between the mains, so you know it's coming. High fantasy with really good world building. Some minor plot issues I had but not enough to give me the blues. Overall I really enjoyed it. The groundwork is laid for what could shape up to be a really great trilogy? Not sure what the author has planned but by the pace of this one it would make sense. Guess we'll see.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
November 28, 2021
EDIT 2021 : Still as enjoyable as the first time I read it. Eegit is still hilarious... I love that old witch.

Wowee... when's the second book coming out?!

Aurelia surprised me with her passion, her bravery and her heart. Jastyn's such a brooding, strong and kind person. It was cute to see how they connected and how their friendship grows. The secondary characters like Alanna, Eegit, the King and the Queen etc, all make this book even more enticing.
Profile Image for Dani.
402 reviews15 followers
April 26, 2021
I love Jestyn and Aurelia. The two have had completely different childhoods. I enjoy the connection they feel that only deepens the more time they spend together. I love that Aurelia doesn’t care that Jestyn is an Odium child.
The world building is fantastic and the characters are intriguing. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aleana.
726 reviews20 followers
May 20, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

This great fantasy book.

Aurelia always dream of living a life of adventures and she is set foot on having them.

Jastyn blames the royal family for her family troubles but when her sister falls ill she needs their help.

When they meet the attraction is undeniable but Jastyn just want to ignore it but when fate keeps throwing them together they have to fight if they want to survive.

I like that this book has strong female characters. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
247 reviews
May 26, 2019
3 and a bit stars

I think I liked this one more than it delivered. I could see that there's more tucked in there but for the moment, it's not all open to us.

Jastyn seems like she's coiled up and ready to pounce with her anger but is kind and soft when it comes to her sister. Occasionally, if you squint, that kindness comes out for (Princess) Aurelia as well. It's kind of difficult because Jastyn is an outcaste but there's a definite connection between them.

I found the start of the book quite slow and wasn't really engaged until halfway through. By the end I was definitely wishing there would be more ... and there will be in book two.
Profile Image for Jennifer Mlynowski.
113 reviews14 followers
June 16, 2019
Jastyn Cipher is an Odium child, a special child, now a woman for all intents and purposes. She has been born our of wedlock and possibly carries fae blood in her veins,
PRINCESS Aurelia is a lonely royal seeking to leave the castle for good and see the world,
Jastyn, trying to get healing from the queen for her half-sister, finds the healing powers of the princess instead.
Jastyn, a firecracker who seems to have no regard for rules or authority does what she wants, but knows her poor sister will pay the price if she does not behave.
The princess does what she can, and through multiple, confusing plots, the pair team up to find out what is going on in the kingdom and how to make things ”right” for all people.
Romance abounds, truths are revealed, and lies are told.
The writing is terrific and very smooth. The pacing is perfect for fantasy and does not skip a beat.
I have read many fantasies that drop in the writing, and it can be quite disappointing.
The plots, though connected in some way, can become quite confusing, so it behooves the reader to pay close attention to every single thing in the story.
Profile Image for Stephanie Gillis.
Author 14 books363 followers
November 1, 2024
An excellent read! I loved the worldbuilding and the characters a lot in this. I did not expect that big betrayal twist that happened and every time I thought I was going to be predict what would happen I was wrong but in a good way, it went a more interesting route. I loved how this ended up, kind of setting up a bit of a band of misfits which is a trope I always love. This appears to be very slow burn which is a plus because I enjoy a good romance that isn't overwhelming but has characters being reasonable and their priorities straight (lol even tho they ain't)
Profile Image for Colleen Corgel.
525 reviews22 followers
June 2, 2019
Pretty decent YA/ New Adult fantasy that is a slow build but has some excellent tidbits that can keep people coming back for more. There's a lot of world building that goes on with regards to a lot of the stuff that is happening in this book. Three major plot points drive this first entry into the series: Jastyn Cipher's increasingly desperate attempts to save her sister from a chronic illness, Princess Aurelia and Jastyn's partnership, and the plot to overthrow the peace of the Kingdom of Venostes. They all interconnect in some typical ways, but its done so smoothly that it was hard to tell when and where the author was taking up each individual plot line. Two of the three plot lines had barely even begun when the book ended, and while I usually get frustrated with so many plot points not being resolved, I liked the ending.

So, if anything I thought it was a little slow, with the first half of the book dealing with Jastyn's need to protect her sister and her search for a Macguffin that may or may not be integral to the rest of the story. Her journey does make her come in contact with Aurelia, a bright but sheltered princess who's story begins in earnest after the death of a family member. There are some clever parallels between Jastyn and Aurelia's story; Jastyn is given the key to save her sister by Aurelia and Jastyn is able to save Aurelia from her kidnappers later in the book. And that's where the slow, plodding pace comes in. Stuff does happen, but in between we do get some light exposition that can make the book feel like it drags in spots.

Then there's the way some of the reveals are handled. There's one scene in the book where Aurelia talks to her mother about her encounter with Jastyn but her mother only acknowledges the sickly sister as the daughter of the stablemaster. Later, when Aurelia actually shows Jastyn to her mom, she seems frightened and angry. But we don't know why. At this point the readers are given a little bit of what Jastyn is, but the reason for the ruling family to be afraid of her is vague at best, and doesn't really give that one giant payoff that I was hoping for. The author is playing the long game here, but in that scene, I thought what was meant to be an emotional payoff fell flat because the author is holding a bunch of stuff back.

There's a lot of subtle plot build up behind Jastyn's and Aurelia's budding relationship, and I can't wait for more. There's a lot of really smart fantasy going on here, I just wish that we got a little bit more to work with than what we've got now. Great start to a (hopefully) long running series.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Gail.
990 reviews58 followers
August 19, 2019
Start of a fantasy series by the author. An enjoyable tale of romance between Jastyn and Princess Aurelia - throw in faes, witches, royalty, intrigue and magic and let your imagination loose. 3 stars.
I rec'd a copy for review from NetGalley/Bold Strokes Books.
Profile Image for Justkeepreading.
1,871 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2019
This book was a little slow for me. I’m not one for really long story building. I like things to happen throughout. Which didn’t really happen in this book.
Profile Image for Meagan.
152 reviews26 followers
May 20, 2019
I received a Netgally arc in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely start to a new fantasy trilogy.

Daughter of No One has the trappings of a classic Hero's Journey. Jastyn Cipher is determined to find a cure for her ailing sister. Princess Aurelia is determined to leave the castle and lead a life of adventure. Ultimately, Fate brings them together and they encounter fae, elves, and leprechauns along the way.

The female relationships stood out most for me here. Jasytn and Aurelia. Jastyn and her friend/mentor, Eegit. Aurelia and her friend/maiden, Roisin. Aurelia and her mother. Jastyn and her sister. Jastyn and their mother.

Based on past experience, I've rarely found more than one or two strong female relationships in fantasy novels. Witnessing six female bonds that are well developed and grounded in reality is very satisfying. Depicting women so should be the new template for all media.

I'm eager to see such relationships grow and explore Venostes as the series continues.
Profile Image for Angel.
335 reviews24 followers
June 22, 2019
Oooh! Who could say no to devouring a story with Faes, witches, magical humans and royalty? I have no self control in the face of such a story. This awesome supernatural fantasy gave me all the feels because Jastyn is such a complex woman and she possesses many endearing traits even though she tries to hide her soft side from others. I really wished that I had the ability to reach through my kindle to give Jastyn one of the biggest and mushiest hugs ever because she had a childhood filled with desperation and heartache. This author has done a fabulous job of portraying Princess Aurelia and Jastyn's innermost thoughts without straying from the main point of the story. I'm going through the motions of book withdrawal because when I got to the last page I felt so sad because I got caught up in Princess Aurelia and Jastyn's world and I still can't get over the fact that the sequel hasn't been released as yet, sigh...
Profile Image for Sam Alexander.
107 reviews
July 11, 2019
Daughter of No One is the first book in a new high fantasy trilogy. This is a great start to a series and has all the elements I might want from a fantasy – an alternate world, magic, monsters, non-human peoples – combined with some interesting and vibrant main characters and a promising storyline.
There is a lot to take in in this book, and it is very much a case of setting up the story and putting many pieces into play. The reader shouldn’t be skimming too much as some important context or story element may well be lost. There is a hint of future romance, with the main characters drawn to each other, but it is tentative in this part of the story. Nevertheless, the end of the book appears to leave the readers nicely set for the second part of the trilogy.
I love all types of fantasy and really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to see what happens next. Recommended!
Profile Image for Lily.
3,390 reviews118 followers
May 14, 2020
Daughter of No One will keep you enthralled. The worst part of this is when it ended - I wasn't ready to leave Jastyn and Aurelia and Venostes behind. Aurelia is far from your typical princess, and Jastyn has a fire burning in her. Together they make a brilliant duo, and their story will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's easy to lose yourself in the pages of this book, and I highly recommend it for fantasy lovers.

Profile Image for Vervada.
676 reviews
March 8, 2021
4.5 stars
A lovely start to an intriguing trilogy. The worldbuilding was very interesting, I always love anything fae, the characters were likeable, especially Aurelia, and the plot was interesting. The ending was a bit abrupt, but I have to say that it did make me quite curious about what's going to happen in the next book.
75 reviews
August 27, 2019
Excellent read

Love a good fantasy novel with strong female characters and a WLW back story. Enjoyed the build up to the final confrontation, the development of Aurelia's character and the slow reveal of Jastyn's past. Thank you. Anticipating reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
576 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2023
quite the adventure

This is an interesting and very well done story. I enjoyed the world building, the characters, and the quest. Looking forward to continuing the adventure!
Profile Image for Karenthea.
9 reviews
July 6, 2025
Wonderful high fantasy adventure novel, with a sweet sapphic romance. Absolutely delightful!
Profile Image for Romance Read Along .
142 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2025
An engaging story that left me wanting more. If you like a fantasy quest epic book #1 reads the like the start of one and leaves you excited for book #2
342 reviews4 followers
May 13, 2019
Interesting book. I did not know or notice that it's a serious of books. I don't usually- or never. read fictional stories, oddly thought I don't regret this one in fact I really enjoyed it. the chemistry is good between both of them. I'd like to see more emotions thought and slow burn but well see what's the next book holds. well written and has so much potential to end up great
3,99 stars for me
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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