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The Albatar Chronicles #1
Amethyst Pledge
When Kazari answers the Lady’s call to serve, she never expects to take the amethyst of the Hunter, one of the select few who defend Albatar from the gorgones - demons brought from Beyond by the Second King. After all, at fifteen, she’s short and stocky, and not made of the stuff of legends. But the Lady, (she who created Albatar as a sanctuary for the faithful following the Gorgone War) has other ideas. And now rumours of gorgone attacks herald another war. As a Hunter, a group whose exploits are legend within Albatar, Kazari is expected to play her part in the coming war. But as young and untrained as she is, and despite the gifts the Lady has given her, how can she live up to the legends of the past? When gorgones attack the Abbey and threaten her family, Kazari doesn’t have a choice. And with Albatar under attack, even the Hunters’ gifts may not be enough to defeat the evil that threatens them all. REVIEWERS' COMMENTS Wow! This was a solid 5/5 stars … such a fantastic read! Penelope Doucet - Goodreads Reviewer A fabulous start to a new series, exciting, un-put-downable, and with a very interesting plot and characters Alayne Russell - Reviewer This book surprised me in all the best ways … and I can’t wait for the second part! Franzi Flick – Reviewer I loved this book! … The book held my attention right from the beginning. I would give it 6 stars if I COULD! Estella Hagin – Reviewer An exciting page turner Renee Brown – Librarian Star 5/5 One is swept along, as a reader, in an unrelenting current of effort, startlement, and emergency that simply does not allow beaching … I’ve seldom found myself so smoothly engaged by such intimately detailed and professional-level writing. D Sutton - San Francisco Book Review
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2020
5 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Leonie Rogers
10 books175 followersGrowing up in Western Australia, Leonie was an avid reader from an early age. Her mother vividly recalls her stating “I can read faster with my eyes than you can with your mouth, Mum…” at around the age of six. Her parents and great aunt encouraged her interest in literature, providing her with books of many different genres, and . She began writing during high school, placing in the Western Australian Young Writers Award in 1980, and she fondly remembers several of her English teachers, who encouraged her to write, both fiction and poetry.
Leonie trained at Curtin University as a physiotherapist and moved to the remote north west of Western Australia, as a new graduate, in late 1986. She continued to write poetry for herself and for friends. Living in the remote northwest, she had the opportunity to work with camels, fight fires as a volunteer fire fighter, and develop vertical rescue and cyclone operation skills with the State Emergency Service.
After relocating to NSW with her husband and two children, Leonie continued to work as a physiotherapist, while still dabbling with writing. Finally deciding to stop procrastinating, Leonie decided to write the novel she’d had sitting in the back of her head for the last twenty years. Her husband children have been extremely tolerant of the amount of time she has devoted to writing in the last few years.
Leonie trained at Curtin University as a physiotherapist and moved to the remote north west of Western Australia, as a new graduate, in late 1986. She continued to write poetry for herself and for friends. Living in the remote northwest, she had the opportunity to work with camels, fight fires as a volunteer fire fighter, and develop vertical rescue and cyclone operation skills with the State Emergency Service.
After relocating to NSW with her husband and two children, Leonie continued to work as a physiotherapist, while still dabbling with writing. Finally deciding to stop procrastinating, Leonie decided to write the novel she’d had sitting in the back of her head for the last twenty years. Her husband children have been extremely tolerant of the amount of time she has devoted to writing in the last few years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 13, 2020
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I really enjoyed the Frontier series so I was keen to pick this one up.
Amethyst Pledge is a fantasy novel, probably aimed at a young adult audience but just as easily read by any age group. I was immediately grabbed by the world of Albatar and its magic system and really enjoyed the whole book.
The main character, Kazari, is very likeable as indeed are all the other Hunters. It is apparent that she is going to be very strong in her magic gifts and that there is going to be plenty of opportunity for her to shine in future books.
For me this was a very enjoyable read which set down the basics for the rest of the series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Amethyst Pledge is a fantasy novel, probably aimed at a young adult audience but just as easily read by any age group. I was immediately grabbed by the world of Albatar and its magic system and really enjoyed the whole book.
The main character, Kazari, is very likeable as indeed are all the other Hunters. It is apparent that she is going to be very strong in her magic gifts and that there is going to be plenty of opportunity for her to shine in future books.
For me this was a very enjoyable read which set down the basics for the rest of the series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
April 28, 2020
Kazari felt a range of mixed emotions when she left her family to embark on her calling, the biggest her sadness at her parents’ anger and refusal to farewell her. But her arrival in Albatar after days of travel; her initiation and training left her no time for dwelling on her family. She was exhausted by nightfall, day in and day out.
Kazari had not expected to become a Hunter, but the amethyst which hung around her neck assured her she was one of the few the Lady deemed right for the Hunter group. Excitement, trepidation and anticipation mingled; what would be her gifts from the Lady? War was heading their way with the gorgones threatening to kill everyone in their paths. Would they survive? Kaz knew the new friends she had made within the Abbey would work together, have each other’s backs – but would it be enough?
Amethyst Pledge by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is the 1st in a new series – The Albatar Chronicles – and I loved it. I devoured it from beginning to end! Action packed, emotive and filled with tension, I can’t wait for the second in the series. I loved the author’s previous trilogy – The Frontier series – and I know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy this one as well. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Kazari had not expected to become a Hunter, but the amethyst which hung around her neck assured her she was one of the few the Lady deemed right for the Hunter group. Excitement, trepidation and anticipation mingled; what would be her gifts from the Lady? War was heading their way with the gorgones threatening to kill everyone in their paths. Would they survive? Kaz knew the new friends she had made within the Abbey would work together, have each other’s backs – but would it be enough?
Amethyst Pledge by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is the 1st in a new series – The Albatar Chronicles – and I loved it. I devoured it from beginning to end! Action packed, emotive and filled with tension, I can’t wait for the second in the series. I loved the author’s previous trilogy – The Frontier series – and I know I’m going to thoroughly enjoy this one as well. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2022
On Albatar the Lady and those in her service protect the people who live in their villages going about their daily lives. In particular the Lady's Hunters keep watch for and kill the deadly gorgones who threaten to overrun Albatar. Every year the Abbott visits each village to collect those aged fifteen and over who have felt the call to serve the Lady. They are taken back to the Abbey where they are separated into the profession that best suits their skills and talents.
Kazari has just turned fifteen and has decided to answer the call to serve the Lady this year, despite her parents asking her to wait a few more years. She is hoping to be chosen to become a Grower, growing food and medicinal herbs or a Judicar, the administrators of justice. However she is shocked to be chosen to become a Hunter, the most dangerous job of all.
I enjoyed the world building in this novel with a fully formed society complete with a system of belief. I suspect there is more to learn in future about the system of magic on Albatar, where those who serve the Lady must find their own individual talent and then learn to develop it. The plot develops gradually with Kazari training with the Hunters who become her surrogate family with the tension and danger ramping up towards the end of the novel. The gorgones and their effects on humans are truly horrible monsters and it looks like we'll also be learning a lot more about them in the rest of this trilogy. I also liked the way Kazari grows and develops into her role as a Hunter. She is quite young and unsophisticated for a fifteen year old (compared to teenagers in our world) so this novel would have appeal to younger YA readers, as well as older teens.
With thanks to Hague Publishing and Netgalley for a copy to read.
Kazari has just turned fifteen and has decided to answer the call to serve the Lady this year, despite her parents asking her to wait a few more years. She is hoping to be chosen to become a Grower, growing food and medicinal herbs or a Judicar, the administrators of justice. However she is shocked to be chosen to become a Hunter, the most dangerous job of all.
I enjoyed the world building in this novel with a fully formed society complete with a system of belief. I suspect there is more to learn in future about the system of magic on Albatar, where those who serve the Lady must find their own individual talent and then learn to develop it. The plot develops gradually with Kazari training with the Hunters who become her surrogate family with the tension and danger ramping up towards the end of the novel. The gorgones and their effects on humans are truly horrible monsters and it looks like we'll also be learning a lot more about them in the rest of this trilogy. I also liked the way Kazari grows and develops into her role as a Hunter. She is quite young and unsophisticated for a fifteen year old (compared to teenagers in our world) so this novel would have appeal to younger YA readers, as well as older teens.
With thanks to Hague Publishing and Netgalley for a copy to read.
June 12, 2022
Absolutely loved this!!
April 6, 2020
Amethyst Pledge is the first book in The Albatar Chronicles series by Australian author, Leonie Rogers. When the Day of Declaration arrives, the day when the fifteen-year-olds in each village are asked to choose, Kazari is absolutely certain that she will not decline or abstain; even without her parents’ blessing or support, she has known from a young age that when the Abbot asks, she will choose to serve the Lady.
In what capacity Kazari does this will be for the Lady to determine. Kazari has shown aptitude that might be useful as a Grower or a Judicar, but after some days at the Abbey, no one is more surprised than she to be chosen to wear the amethyst pendant and the black garb of the Hunter sept.
Kazari is apprehensive: the Hunter’s role is to protect Albatar, to battle with the gorgones, and that will be dangerous. The gorgones are the enemies of the Lady and all she stands for: they destroy minds, souls and physical bodies. But Kazari trusts that the training she receives from the members of her sept, combined with whatever Gifts she is revealed to possess, and her faith in the Lady, will see her right.
However, while her training is still far from complete, the Abbey, and perhaps all of Albatar, faces an unexpected threat. And it seems that Kazari has an integral part to play, whether or not she feels prepared for it. Will she find the inner strength to meet the challenge, to do what is needed, to survive?
Rogers gives the reader a worthy yet relatable protagonist, with interesting, likeable support characters, and presents them in a fascinating arena. The villains are suitably nasty and imaginatively armed. The world-building is subtly done and the necessary history is seamlessly inserted into the story. Likely to appeal to readers of all ages, this is an excellent beginning to a what promises to be an intriguing series, and the second book will be eagerly anticipated. More, soon, please!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hague Publishing.
In what capacity Kazari does this will be for the Lady to determine. Kazari has shown aptitude that might be useful as a Grower or a Judicar, but after some days at the Abbey, no one is more surprised than she to be chosen to wear the amethyst pendant and the black garb of the Hunter sept.
Kazari is apprehensive: the Hunter’s role is to protect Albatar, to battle with the gorgones, and that will be dangerous. The gorgones are the enemies of the Lady and all she stands for: they destroy minds, souls and physical bodies. But Kazari trusts that the training she receives from the members of her sept, combined with whatever Gifts she is revealed to possess, and her faith in the Lady, will see her right.
However, while her training is still far from complete, the Abbey, and perhaps all of Albatar, faces an unexpected threat. And it seems that Kazari has an integral part to play, whether or not she feels prepared for it. Will she find the inner strength to meet the challenge, to do what is needed, to survive?
Rogers gives the reader a worthy yet relatable protagonist, with interesting, likeable support characters, and presents them in a fascinating arena. The villains are suitably nasty and imaginatively armed. The world-building is subtly done and the necessary history is seamlessly inserted into the story. Likely to appeal to readers of all ages, this is an excellent beginning to a what promises to be an intriguing series, and the second book will be eagerly anticipated. More, soon, please!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hague Publishing.
January 10, 2021
Amethyst Pledge is the first book in a new series, I adored the author’s Frontier series and was worried that I might not love this new series as much. How wrong was I! This story just blew me away!
All the teens on the planet of Albatar are called to serve ‘The Lady.’ Our heroine, Kazari, has just turned fifteen and lines up to see where she will be placed. A clear crystal is hung around her neck and whatever colour it glows is where she will serve. She is hoping to be selected as a grower of medicinal herbs, or an administrator of justice - instead her crystal glows amethyst indicating she has been chosen to be a Hunter, the most dangerous job of all. She needs to learn to be a killer of the monsters that threaten to overrun the community every year.
Kazari is taken off to learn the ropes, utterly convinced ‘The Lady’ has made a mistake. But she is accepted into the Hunters who become a family to her, training is hard, very hard. But during an exercise Kazari’s special magic is discovered and at the edge of the world in a tiny community she finally meets one of the monsters.
Amethyst Pledge is the first in a trilogy, and like Leonie Rogers‘s first series I will be counting the days until the next one is released.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Hague Publishing, for my copy to review
All the teens on the planet of Albatar are called to serve ‘The Lady.’ Our heroine, Kazari, has just turned fifteen and lines up to see where she will be placed. A clear crystal is hung around her neck and whatever colour it glows is where she will serve. She is hoping to be selected as a grower of medicinal herbs, or an administrator of justice - instead her crystal glows amethyst indicating she has been chosen to be a Hunter, the most dangerous job of all. She needs to learn to be a killer of the monsters that threaten to overrun the community every year.
Kazari is taken off to learn the ropes, utterly convinced ‘The Lady’ has made a mistake. But she is accepted into the Hunters who become a family to her, training is hard, very hard. But during an exercise Kazari’s special magic is discovered and at the edge of the world in a tiny community she finally meets one of the monsters.
Amethyst Pledge is the first in a trilogy, and like Leonie Rogers‘s first series I will be counting the days until the next one is released.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Hague Publishing, for my copy to review
January 31, 2021
In a world plagued by monsters, young Kazari goes into the service of the Lady and becomes a Hunter, pledging her life to the fight.
I really enjoyed this novel, particularly the world. The societies felt thought-out and realistic, and I loved getting to know the places as the threats grew darker. The pacing was really excellent and so was the development of the characters and plot, with an intense conclusion that left me eager for the next instalment.
I really enjoyed this novel, particularly the world. The societies felt thought-out and realistic, and I loved getting to know the places as the threats grew darker. The pacing was really excellent and so was the development of the characters and plot, with an intense conclusion that left me eager for the next instalment.
April 5, 2020
A different type of fantasy read from what I'm used to. I feel it's leaning towards teen read rather than YA.
It is well written and is an easy read with an interesting plot. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
It is well written and is an easy read with an interesting plot. I look forward to the rest of the series.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
February 8, 2020
This was a fabulous start to a new series, exciting, un-put-downable, and with a very interesting plot and characters. I will look forward to the rest of the chronicles! With thanks to Net Galley for my ARC to read and review.
June 17, 2020
I liked it really, but unfortunately it's not that catchy as I thought it would be....
Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for offering ARC
Overall rating 3.5
Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for offering ARC
Overall rating 3.5
June 30, 2020
Received a free copy through NetGalley UK in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, but there were aspects that I found questionable all the same.
The writing style is easy and simple, but it got a bit rambly and repetitive in places, which constantly broke the flow of the story and made it more difficult to get into at times, leaving me to get a bit bored and take breaks from reading. One part that I recall was a good three to four pages repeating the same sort of thought narrative about a scar the main character had found herself with - it could have been easily been better explained in one or two paragraphs rather than pages. Also, one minute words like 'Lady', 'changed', 'hunter', 'gifts', etc., weren't capitalised and then they were, and I blame both the US and JKR for this - italics are a wonderful thing, use them, especially if capitalisation is hit and miss on the words to emphasise them. Americans have this bad habit of throwing in random capitalisations incorrectly and for no apparent reason, and as much as I love the Harry Potter series, I'm not a fan of JKR herself or her immature writing style that has now spread far and wide due to the popularity, especially not when other authors are picking up the same bad habits. Italics are a beautiful thing.
There was no romance to speak of, however, the main character constantly 'blushes' and 'giggles' around a certain character, clearly indicating that the endgame for the two characters in later books is no doubt to have them together in a relationship. And, I mean, I have no problem with romance if there's a decent plot at the forefront that doesn't fall by the wayside the second the characters get together, so I'm pleased that there was no instant attraction and a ridiculously unbelievable relationship from the get-go, but making them constantly blush and giggle is a little childish to me, especially when they're supposed to be these serious hunters in training in a world where children clearly grow up much faster than the real world. This is a teenager, and the audience of the book is aimed at young adults, but still - I think there are better ways of weaving a future romance into things without it jumping off the page every time.
The magic system is questionable. In training, the hunters were told that their gifts will come more naturally to them on the spur of the moment, in the heat of battle, when they're not trying to force things to happen to practice rather than because they're needed. Yet, when battle came, suddenly the gifts didn't really prove themselves useful despite the fact that they did in and around battle and training. And the magic that does happen doesn't seem to have a balance system. These gifts come from an unseen force, The Lady, and happen at random, but never seem to have a system, and I find that really questionable for later books and how things are going to work with it - perhaps there's just not been enough brought forward in the plot so far to explain it further, but that should be the first thing that becomes obvious as the story plays out, the characters should learn to understand how their system of magic, whatever form it comes in, and how it works and when and why and how. Beyond their gifts being granted by The Lady, none of this is explained or shown to be a certain way, etc., and I think that's vital to how the series carries on whether or not it's just thrown in when it's useful without a balancing system or if it's properly been planned out. Magic comes from somewhere, and magic always needs to be paid back somehow, that's how these things work. For instance, if healing as a second gift works better on themselves rather than others, then why can the main character heal another character's leg outside of battle, but when in the midst of falling to the extreme exposure of the elements can she not heal her frostbite without the aid of someone when the threat and danger is over? It doesn't make sense. Or maybe it just wasn't explained clearly enough from the start, I don't know, it's possible we're not meant to know until it's revealed later on, but, again, it's something that should be set up from the start and that we learn as the characters themselves learn rather than info dumped somewhere down the line when it's too late.
I take personal issue with the fact that it's stated that the Mayor, who violently beat and abused his children, one daughter in particular, can only have done this because he's been 'changed' into a gorgone. In reality, a lot of parents abuse their children without 'evil' forces taking hold of them, and as someone who survived childhood abuse, this offends me deeply to suggest as much. It's the only real thing that I take objection to from this story, which is a lot less than a lot of other books that are 'YA' genre, but still. Although, to be fair, constantly referring to the main character as 'chunky' was a bit questionable, and if this was an attempt to suggest that even fat people can be awesome super heroes, then it might have been better executed because it kind of came off as being a disabling aspect of her being a hunter. And I'll leave the offensive aspects at that.
Honestly, though, if I can put aside the religious vibes and the slightly immature actions of characters that goes against what they're said to be in the world they live in, then I really enjoyed this book and the plot, and I'm looking forward to reading the following book in the series when it comes out. I like that there's this system of almost Druid-like people who train for years and are all better at one aspect of their training that becomes their main purpose or 'gift' as it's referred to in this story, because it's more refreshing, shows a bit more creativity by taking one or two things from our world and plotting them out into their own thing in this fictional world of Albatar. I'm really looking forward to see where this plot goes and how the characters grow and develop, and for all of its flaws, I think it's a really good book overall with a lot of potentially to be a really great series.
I really enjoyed this book, but there were aspects that I found questionable all the same.
The writing style is easy and simple, but it got a bit rambly and repetitive in places, which constantly broke the flow of the story and made it more difficult to get into at times, leaving me to get a bit bored and take breaks from reading. One part that I recall was a good three to four pages repeating the same sort of thought narrative about a scar the main character had found herself with - it could have been easily been better explained in one or two paragraphs rather than pages. Also, one minute words like 'Lady', 'changed', 'hunter', 'gifts', etc., weren't capitalised and then they were, and I blame both the US and JKR for this - italics are a wonderful thing, use them, especially if capitalisation is hit and miss on the words to emphasise them. Americans have this bad habit of throwing in random capitalisations incorrectly and for no apparent reason, and as much as I love the Harry Potter series, I'm not a fan of JKR herself or her immature writing style that has now spread far and wide due to the popularity, especially not when other authors are picking up the same bad habits. Italics are a beautiful thing.
There was no romance to speak of, however, the main character constantly 'blushes' and 'giggles' around a certain character, clearly indicating that the endgame for the two characters in later books is no doubt to have them together in a relationship. And, I mean, I have no problem with romance if there's a decent plot at the forefront that doesn't fall by the wayside the second the characters get together, so I'm pleased that there was no instant attraction and a ridiculously unbelievable relationship from the get-go, but making them constantly blush and giggle is a little childish to me, especially when they're supposed to be these serious hunters in training in a world where children clearly grow up much faster than the real world. This is a teenager, and the audience of the book is aimed at young adults, but still - I think there are better ways of weaving a future romance into things without it jumping off the page every time.
The magic system is questionable. In training, the hunters were told that their gifts will come more naturally to them on the spur of the moment, in the heat of battle, when they're not trying to force things to happen to practice rather than because they're needed. Yet, when battle came, suddenly the gifts didn't really prove themselves useful despite the fact that they did in and around battle and training. And the magic that does happen doesn't seem to have a balance system. These gifts come from an unseen force, The Lady, and happen at random, but never seem to have a system, and I find that really questionable for later books and how things are going to work with it - perhaps there's just not been enough brought forward in the plot so far to explain it further, but that should be the first thing that becomes obvious as the story plays out, the characters should learn to understand how their system of magic, whatever form it comes in, and how it works and when and why and how. Beyond their gifts being granted by The Lady, none of this is explained or shown to be a certain way, etc., and I think that's vital to how the series carries on whether or not it's just thrown in when it's useful without a balancing system or if it's properly been planned out. Magic comes from somewhere, and magic always needs to be paid back somehow, that's how these things work. For instance, if healing as a second gift works better on themselves rather than others, then why can the main character heal another character's leg outside of battle, but when in the midst of falling to the extreme exposure of the elements can she not heal her frostbite without the aid of someone when the threat and danger is over? It doesn't make sense. Or maybe it just wasn't explained clearly enough from the start, I don't know, it's possible we're not meant to know until it's revealed later on, but, again, it's something that should be set up from the start and that we learn as the characters themselves learn rather than info dumped somewhere down the line when it's too late.
I take personal issue with the fact that it's stated that the Mayor, who violently beat and abused his children, one daughter in particular, can only have done this because he's been 'changed' into a gorgone. In reality, a lot of parents abuse their children without 'evil' forces taking hold of them, and as someone who survived childhood abuse, this offends me deeply to suggest as much. It's the only real thing that I take objection to from this story, which is a lot less than a lot of other books that are 'YA' genre, but still. Although, to be fair, constantly referring to the main character as 'chunky' was a bit questionable, and if this was an attempt to suggest that even fat people can be awesome super heroes, then it might have been better executed because it kind of came off as being a disabling aspect of her being a hunter. And I'll leave the offensive aspects at that.
Honestly, though, if I can put aside the religious vibes and the slightly immature actions of characters that goes against what they're said to be in the world they live in, then I really enjoyed this book and the plot, and I'm looking forward to reading the following book in the series when it comes out. I like that there's this system of almost Druid-like people who train for years and are all better at one aspect of their training that becomes their main purpose or 'gift' as it's referred to in this story, because it's more refreshing, shows a bit more creativity by taking one or two things from our world and plotting them out into their own thing in this fictional world of Albatar. I'm really looking forward to see where this plot goes and how the characters grow and develop, and for all of its flaws, I think it's a really good book overall with a lot of potentially to be a really great series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I would gladly reread it again. I Would recommend this book to anyone.
March 25, 2020
First in the Albatar Chronicles fantasy series. Kazari, is a teen pledge who - against the wishes of her family - has committed herself in service to the Lady, The Lady,goddess of goodness, aids Albatar in the battle against the evil Gorgones, demonic soul-sucking monsters that have been encroaching on the borders. Kazari responds to her calling, expecting she will serve in a utilitarian capacity; she is stunned to be chosen as a Hunter, the elite frontline defense force battling the deadly Gorgones. Kazari must undergo rigorous and deadly training and sooner than anyone anticipated she must face the Gorgones. An exciting page turner!
March 4, 2020
ARC from NetGalley
3.5 stars
This was a decent read. The magic system is interesting. It reminds me a super tiny bit of Sanderson The Way of Kings a bit in the mechanics, obviously not the metallurgy part.
The author seemed to feel it was necessary to remind us that Kaz is chunky like a dozen times. I get it. She is chunky. She could have varied the vocabulary a bit. Perhaps Kaz could be rubenesque, full figured, chubby, etc. It felt a bit excessive because it didn't feel like there was a point to it. I still don't know what colour her eyes were, but I know she was chunky. She didn't seem to be self-conscious about it. It didn't seem to matter to anyone around her. I just don't get why it was mentioned so often.
Kaz spends a lot of time blushing and being unsure of herself. I hope she develops a bit more as a character as we move forward.
I started to find the whole "the Lady" situation to be a bit preachy. There is a bit too much of the characters relying on the Lady instead of having confidence in themselves and their own strengths. It was a touch eye-rolley at times. Kaz with tears in her eyes because of the Lady and her pious joy got old fast. I recognize it is a huge part of the premise, but it could have been approached slightly differently, not hammered home as hard.
My major complaint is that this book did not feel that it had a real plot. It suffered from that first book in a series affliction. I need each book to have a plot arc and the series itself to have an overarching arc. This book didn't have that. There was no resolved conflict really. I mean, there was, but eh. It felt like happenstance.
I'll still read the next one, because it's interesting and relatively well-written, but I'm hoping the next books have Leonie coming into her own a bit more. She has a lot of potential. This was an interesting book, and I read it quite fast. I enjoyed the read. Nothing made me cringe. It was a decent book. I look forward to the next one.
p.s. change the cover ASAP. It is awful.
p.p.s. change the title. What is the point of having the tension build up the first 4 chapters when everyone knows whats going to happen because of the title?
3.5 stars
This was a decent read. The magic system is interesting. It reminds me a super tiny bit of Sanderson The Way of Kings a bit in the mechanics, obviously not the metallurgy part.
The author seemed to feel it was necessary to remind us that Kaz is chunky like a dozen times. I get it. She is chunky. She could have varied the vocabulary a bit. Perhaps Kaz could be rubenesque, full figured, chubby, etc. It felt a bit excessive because it didn't feel like there was a point to it. I still don't know what colour her eyes were, but I know she was chunky. She didn't seem to be self-conscious about it. It didn't seem to matter to anyone around her. I just don't get why it was mentioned so often.
Kaz spends a lot of time blushing and being unsure of herself. I hope she develops a bit more as a character as we move forward.
I started to find the whole "the Lady" situation to be a bit preachy. There is a bit too much of the characters relying on the Lady instead of having confidence in themselves and their own strengths. It was a touch eye-rolley at times. Kaz with tears in her eyes because of the Lady and her pious joy got old fast. I recognize it is a huge part of the premise, but it could have been approached slightly differently, not hammered home as hard.
My major complaint is that this book did not feel that it had a real plot. It suffered from that first book in a series affliction. I need each book to have a plot arc and the series itself to have an overarching arc. This book didn't have that. There was no resolved conflict really. I mean, there was, but eh. It felt like happenstance.
I'll still read the next one, because it's interesting and relatively well-written, but I'm hoping the next books have Leonie coming into her own a bit more. She has a lot of potential. This was an interesting book, and I read it quite fast. I enjoyed the read. Nothing made me cringe. It was a decent book. I look forward to the next one.
p.s. change the cover ASAP. It is awful.
p.p.s. change the title. What is the point of having the tension build up the first 4 chapters when everyone knows whats going to happen because of the title?
September 23, 2022
In general the book is well written, the story is appealing, and it is an easy read.
However, the book is quite focused on the main character's development and the plot takes a bit of time to be established.
Kaz, for many many chapters, appears to be younger than she actually is, there is a lack of maturity you expect for a 15 year old and it felt throughout the book that she was only 12 y.o.. Not exactly a problem as her character continues to grow, and by the book ends, she is now written in accordance to her age.
It ends with a good cliffhanger, and I'm curious with what will happen next.
I see the plot and the style of writing of this book appealing more to teens than to YA.
However, the book is quite focused on the main character's development and the plot takes a bit of time to be established.
Kaz, for many many chapters, appears to be younger than she actually is, there is a lack of maturity you expect for a 15 year old and it felt throughout the book that she was only 12 y.o.. Not exactly a problem as her character continues to grow, and by the book ends, she is now written in accordance to her age.
It ends with a good cliffhanger, and I'm curious with what will happen next.
I see the plot and the style of writing of this book appealing more to teens than to YA.
February 21, 2020
It is a nice first book in a series, leads to an end that would make some want to continue on - with it's own problem in it as well. An interesting fantasy read.
June 20, 2022
I thought I would love this book. The description intrigued me, and the opening chapter has a strong hook. The 15 year old main character defies her parents to pledge to the Lady, what passes for a religious order in Kazari’s world.
Unfortunately, it went downhill from there.
I found the world building sorely lacking. While I liked the idea of the Lady, and the seven rainbow coloured clans that carry out her work, it annoyed me that the author used words associated with Catholicism as a lazy shortcut for creating her magic system. What do the followers of the Lady believe? Who wrote her writings? Where is the Lady? What sacrifices do they offer on the alters in their chapels? What sacred items make the space around the altar a sanctuary? What are the functions of the Abbots, Priors, Sacristans, Abbeys and priories when they don’t seem to function as convents or monasteries and there is no structure to the way of life of the people who live there, apart from their coed teams of four.
The characters also lacked development. Kazari seemed constantly surprised by everything, which made sense in a way as everything about the Lady’s followers is kept secret, even from one clan member to the other. However, I learned nothing about Kazari apart from the fact she was short and stocky and therefore unsuited for running. Oh yes, she also felt too tired in the evening to wash before bed because of all the running, but she managed to wash anyway.
The writing weirdly focused on describing mundane actions, such as how sore it is to learn how to ride a horse, how sore it is to become a runner, how sore it is to walk through snow. Disturbingly, 15 year old Kazari helping her 16 year old male teammate to bathe is described in detail not once but twice. Important information is conveyed via long conversations where everyone is surprised, because the Lady makes sure her left hand doesn’t know what her right hand is doing.
While the plot is serviceable and the idea has lots of potential, I couldn’t get into this story. I wouldn’t have finished it if I hadn’t signed on to a book tour.
Thank you to Blackberry book tours and the author for giving me a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Unfortunately, it went downhill from there.
I found the world building sorely lacking. While I liked the idea of the Lady, and the seven rainbow coloured clans that carry out her work, it annoyed me that the author used words associated with Catholicism as a lazy shortcut for creating her magic system. What do the followers of the Lady believe? Who wrote her writings? Where is the Lady? What sacrifices do they offer on the alters in their chapels? What sacred items make the space around the altar a sanctuary? What are the functions of the Abbots, Priors, Sacristans, Abbeys and priories when they don’t seem to function as convents or monasteries and there is no structure to the way of life of the people who live there, apart from their coed teams of four.
The characters also lacked development. Kazari seemed constantly surprised by everything, which made sense in a way as everything about the Lady’s followers is kept secret, even from one clan member to the other. However, I learned nothing about Kazari apart from the fact she was short and stocky and therefore unsuited for running. Oh yes, she also felt too tired in the evening to wash before bed because of all the running, but she managed to wash anyway.
The writing weirdly focused on describing mundane actions, such as how sore it is to learn how to ride a horse, how sore it is to become a runner, how sore it is to walk through snow. Disturbingly, 15 year old Kazari helping her 16 year old male teammate to bathe is described in detail not once but twice. Important information is conveyed via long conversations where everyone is surprised, because the Lady makes sure her left hand doesn’t know what her right hand is doing.
While the plot is serviceable and the idea has lots of potential, I couldn’t get into this story. I wouldn’t have finished it if I hadn’t signed on to a book tour.
Thank you to Blackberry book tours and the author for giving me a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 24, 2020
I was captured by the world of Albatar from the very first page. Throughout, I was torn between my desire to fervently read on, or to slow and savour every word. Beautifully descriptive writing, characters full of heart - I can’t wait for the next instalment!
June 23, 2022
A Great Read
What a great story in Amethyst Pledge by Leoni Rogers. This is the first book of this author's that I've read, and I enjoyed reading it. This is also the first book in the Albatar Chronicles series. A fantastical young adult fantasy, that adults of all ages would enjoy. Kazari is a very unique character, and what I like best is that she doesn't want the role in which, she, as a woman, a Lady, is placed. There are a lot of pieces in this book, and layers, and they all fit together in this great, and exciting story. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It's a magical and fantastical story that brings in the action, and doesn't sway from the journey. This story was very unpredictable. This author is a great storyteller. This read is so engrossing that it brings you right in the middle of the story. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. I hope to read more books by this author. Amethyst Pledge is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review.
What a great story in Amethyst Pledge by Leoni Rogers. This is the first book of this author's that I've read, and I enjoyed reading it. This is also the first book in the Albatar Chronicles series. A fantastical young adult fantasy, that adults of all ages would enjoy. Kazari is a very unique character, and what I like best is that she doesn't want the role in which, she, as a woman, a Lady, is placed. There are a lot of pieces in this book, and layers, and they all fit together in this great, and exciting story. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It's a magical and fantastical story that brings in the action, and doesn't sway from the journey. This story was very unpredictable. This author is a great storyteller. This read is so engrossing that it brings you right in the middle of the story. The characterizations are engrossing and dynamic. I hope to read more books by this author. Amethyst Pledge is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review.
dnf
March 12, 2020DFN-ed it after a little over 20% because it was getting way too long for the action to kick in. I expected a lot of wonderful wordbuilding and a fast, fast, faster!-paced adventure, but... it just didn't happen in the first fifth and I couldn't bring myself to read on. The plot advanced at a snail's pace.
There was too much introspection from the main character and the whole story was a bit too angled on spirituality, with the same concepts repeated over and over.
Not my cup of tea :(
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.**
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There was too much introspection from the main character and the whole story was a bit too angled on spirituality, with the same concepts repeated over and over.
Not my cup of tea :(
**Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.**
Blog | Twitter
September 24, 2020
The world building was amazing. My first time reading this author and it won't be my last. It is a well-written YA/Teen book and I will say that it is a nice story to sink into.
April 28, 2020
DNF at 54%. I felt like I couldn’t care less about what was happening in this book. It wasn’t an awful book, but as an avid fantasy reader I felt the world, “magic system”, and characters were lack luster, and weren’t built up the best. I think that if there were more chapters explaining things, like the world and the sept system better I would’ve liked it better.
I, by no means, think this is a bad book. I just felt like I didn’t know enough about the world to care about the bigger things that were happening. Even when the stakes were supposed to be “high” I wasn’t on the edge of my seat.
I do like this authors writing and the idea of the book and the world though. And it was a rather quick read, but I wasn’t interested enough to keep going, unfortunately.
(High 2 stars, but still 2 stars).
I, by no means, think this is a bad book. I just felt like I didn’t know enough about the world to care about the bigger things that were happening. Even when the stakes were supposed to be “high” I wasn’t on the edge of my seat.
I do like this authors writing and the idea of the book and the world though. And it was a rather quick read, but I wasn’t interested enough to keep going, unfortunately.
(High 2 stars, but still 2 stars).
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February 16, 2020Arc received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a DNF for me i couldn't for the life of me read it I found it okay but I don't think the book was up my alley and that's okay. The writing was okay but nothing spectacular. I found Kaz kind of whiny and she irritated me a little bit. The plot felt non existing at times and I don't think I would have enjoyed it if I finished it
This was a DNF for me i couldn't for the life of me read it I found it okay but I don't think the book was up my alley and that's okay. The writing was okay but nothing spectacular. I found Kaz kind of whiny and she irritated me a little bit. The plot felt non existing at times and I don't think I would have enjoyed it if I finished it
August 5, 2020
Start of a great new series
I loved Leonie Roger’s Frontier Series and when I saw this new book I brought it immediately.
I have to recommend it to everyone looking for a YA adventure series. You experience a news world and the growth of the main character Kazari.
She grows as a person and acquires new skills and ‘family’. It definitely left me wanting to read the next book.
I loved Leonie Roger’s Frontier Series and when I saw this new book I brought it immediately.
I have to recommend it to everyone looking for a YA adventure series. You experience a news world and the growth of the main character Kazari.
She grows as a person and acquires new skills and ‘family’. It definitely left me wanting to read the next book.
November 9, 2020
Very different coming of age story
Good start but I don't like the monsters. Very fast pace. I would have liked more background on the main character.
Good start but I don't like the monsters. Very fast pace. I would have liked more background on the main character.
June 2, 2022
Amethyst Pledge (The Albatar Chronicles Book 1) by Leonie Rogers is set in Albatar and centers on a pre-industrial civilization geographically set apart from the outer world. Those living in the region make a choice when they turn 15: to leave home and serve the Lady within one of the septs, defer the decision, or declare that they have not been called to serve. Kazari is a strong female fifteen-year-old protagonist who answers the Lady’s call to serve without her parents’ approval. Their lack of support hurts, but she knows she is doing the right thing. As she makes this step, she figures she will be called to serve as a Grower or maybe an Advisor. She’s short, a little chunky and very much surprised when she is called to the Hunter sept to defend Albatar from demonic gorgones.
Her training comes along physically, mentally, and her connection with the Lady grows strong, but circumstances thrust Kaz into war when the Abbey is attacked by gorgones. She is expected to do her part with the Lady’s help. I won’t say more because I do my best to avoid spoilers. I can’t say enough good things about this page-turner. It is my favorite read so far this year and I give it a solid 5 stars. If I could, I’d give it more.
Leonie Rogers creates a believable fantasy world with unique, entertaining characters. The plot is action-packed, original, and unpredictable. I think people who enjoyed Hunger Games, or the Percy Jackson series will find this book to their liking. One word of caution to parents of preteens, the gorgones are scary, so if your children are sensitive to monsters and related violence, you might want to wait until they are a little older. Other than that, this book comes highly recommended. I saw the second book in the series, Dark Days (The Albatar Chronicles Book 2), was released on May 20 and have finished it as well. It's another 5-star must read for epic fantasy fans.
Her training comes along physically, mentally, and her connection with the Lady grows strong, but circumstances thrust Kaz into war when the Abbey is attacked by gorgones. She is expected to do her part with the Lady’s help. I won’t say more because I do my best to avoid spoilers. I can’t say enough good things about this page-turner. It is my favorite read so far this year and I give it a solid 5 stars. If I could, I’d give it more.
Leonie Rogers creates a believable fantasy world with unique, entertaining characters. The plot is action-packed, original, and unpredictable. I think people who enjoyed Hunger Games, or the Percy Jackson series will find this book to their liking. One word of caution to parents of preteens, the gorgones are scary, so if your children are sensitive to monsters and related violence, you might want to wait until they are a little older. Other than that, this book comes highly recommended. I saw the second book in the series, Dark Days (The Albatar Chronicles Book 2), was released on May 20 and have finished it as well. It's another 5-star must read for epic fantasy fans.
June 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book.
I don't typically read YA anymore but i was pleasantly surprised by this one. I really loved watching Kazari grow from a small village girl into one of the Lady's servants. She is strong willed and deeply caring which i think is what makes her such a good ya main character. I enjoyed how Leonie created the world and the whole religious system and after this action packed first book I'd love to find out even more about it in the second book.
One of my favourite things was seeing Kaz's relationship grow through the book. The way her teachers and trainers became, first her friends, then her found family, and especially her relationship with Sendar. I loved watching them grow together through their training and the challenges they faced, their friendship has grown strong and I can't wait to see what's in store for their relationship in the sequel.
I don't typically read YA anymore but i was pleasantly surprised by this one. I really loved watching Kazari grow from a small village girl into one of the Lady's servants. She is strong willed and deeply caring which i think is what makes her such a good ya main character. I enjoyed how Leonie created the world and the whole religious system and after this action packed first book I'd love to find out even more about it in the second book.
One of my favourite things was seeing Kaz's relationship grow through the book. The way her teachers and trainers became, first her friends, then her found family, and especially her relationship with Sendar. I loved watching them grow together through their training and the challenges they faced, their friendship has grown strong and I can't wait to see what's in store for their relationship in the sequel.
June 17, 2022
I enjoyed the story in Amethyst Pledge by Leonie Rogers. Our heroine is fifteen (I'm almost sure I read that, but maybe I imagined her as a fifteen-year-old girl lol) and fights for the survival of the world of Albatar even though her mother wanted an ordinary life for her. Our adventure starts when she becomes a Hunter. She didn't expect that. Through the amethyst she wears, she discovers she was one of the few called by the Lady to serve as a Hunter. The characters had a lot of depth. The characters, even though it's a fantasy book, are very realistic. A lot is going on in Albatar, and Leoni writes it all well, in a dynamic way. This book is easy to read and chilling. I recommend it both for young adults and adults.
June 17, 2022
I empathized with Kazari right in the beginning. She is a strong female character, well-built, consistent and strong.
Kazari, like many girls, struggles without support to follow their own path and find her own voice. She wouldn't be content living the life that her family expects of her, so she follows her dream to serve, which happened in a better way than she would expect: she becomes a Hunter. She is now one of the few who defend Albatar from demons called gorgons.
A great fantasy, with action, fast-paced, and great world-building. Recommended!
Kazari, like many girls, struggles without support to follow their own path and find her own voice. She wouldn't be content living the life that her family expects of her, so she follows her dream to serve, which happened in a better way than she would expect: she becomes a Hunter. She is now one of the few who defend Albatar from demons called gorgons.
A great fantasy, with action, fast-paced, and great world-building. Recommended!
June 24, 2022
This is Book is better than Zelda and makes the Hunter Series obsolete. You better get this book before it becomes a TV series so that you will be ahead of things when it comes out. I really enjoyed the attention to detail and the in your face boldness that is in the book. No I don't do spoilers so buy it, read it, and remember that I told you so before you couldn't make your mind up to do it immediately. You are very Welcome later. Sweet job and smooth power-packed writing Author Leonie Rogers.
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