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Beyond the Code
To the common world, Aurora Falon is merely the pampered daughter of a rich and influential family. But to the secret world of The Order, she is Luna, the powerful and formidable warrior knight, under the rule of her master, Cole Iver. Together, they strive to bring down Damon Lexus, a wicked master who uses her knights in cowardly and dishonourable ways for her own selfish desires. But when they obtain evidence that may bring Damon Lexus under the judgement of The Order's ruling power, The Hand Council, Damon makes a rash decision and orders the assassination of Cole Iver.
By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin's master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.
By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin's master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.
364 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2018
9 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 2, 2018
I love this story! A great fantasy story with plenty of action, swordplay, and a strong female protagonist that you can’t help but become immersed in the tale and never disappoints! I highly recommend this one!
March 25, 2018
An enjoyable read. The book successfully took my mind of reality while I immersed myself into the world of Luna. Well done!
November 9, 2020
I received an audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. I love, love, love this story. It was action right from the beginning, kept me interested the whole way through. I felt the author did an amazing job providing necessary background stories and info without taking away from the current story as it progresses. I can see this turning into an awesome series. I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author and series for future books.
May 21, 2018
Action and more action. From the first pages to the last pages there was plenty of action. The fighting was very much on point, at no point was I confused with what was happening. I liked how the Author kept hinting subtle that maybe the character is more than she knows. Added an ooo wonder where that going to go edge to the story.
I did get a little confused with the Luna and Aurora switching about. Especially with both their relationship with Cole. I was left going what the hell is going on? Not proud but took me a little too long to get it was the same person, she just has two faces.
I liked how the Author didn’t rush it either, she knew she was planning for more books. So she let the story breath and flesh itself out. I have a feeling she has big plans.
I did get a little confused with the Luna and Aurora switching about. Especially with both their relationship with Cole. I was left going what the hell is going on? Not proud but took me a little too long to get it was the same person, she just has two faces.
I liked how the Author didn’t rush it either, she knew she was planning for more books. So she let the story breath and flesh itself out. I have a feeling she has big plans.
April 14, 2018
Barthel has created an urban mythology that draws the reader in and never lets go. Her attention to detail and striking description makes the battle scenes and action come to life. The reader can visualize every attack, every wound, every victory. But she delivers all this war with complex characters, dynamic relationships, and shadowy subterfuge. Beyond The Code is an epic tale with plenty of heart. I want to read more from this world.
December 22, 2019
You’re invited to enjoy a fantasy-thriller of honorable knights living by, and beyond, the code. The fantasy setting only due to the loyal and stalwart knights having mystical powers at their disposal. Otherwise, the location could be present-day in any large city. Our protagonist leads a dual life, as do all knights. By day she is Aurora Falon, heiress to a large family fortune. In secret identity, she is Luna, a powerful knight who lives by the sword serving her master Cole Iver for the good of humanity and to uphold the tradition of the knight’s code. Our confused and incensed Luna has encountered the unthinkable; another knight knowingly breaking the code. This, plus the dastardly deed the knight is performing, so enrages Luna that it sets the stage for her revenge and the major plotline. This may sound even a little corny, but the characters are well-developed, likable for the most part, and quite realistic (other than the supernatural powers of course). I did enjoy the tale and look forward to more, as this could certainly be the beginning of a new series. Four.point.five. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 13, 2021
BEYOND THE CODE will be captivating for those who enjoy the premise: superpowered knights with hidden identities. The knight's code prevents knights from revealing their identities to anyone, and they use magic glamour to cloak their physical selves when they are embodying their knight persona. This allows the main character to be both Aurora, the charming rich heiress, and Luna, the valiant fighter with the ability to cast lightning during battles. The book itself reveals the author's love of anime, with characters expressing themselves through their fiery eyes and fervent declarations. I especially enjoyed the detailed action sequences, leading up to a riveting final battle scene. Most of all, I was impressed with how the author imbued the knight Luna and the hunter Ranger with heart, making them positive, solution-oriented characters that are a breath of fresh-air in our often jaded fiction landscape.
December 22, 2020
Fun, action-packed introduction to a unique storyverse that combines old world knightly values with a modern world and its gifted inhabitants. It's the sort of story that would also lend itself well to the graphic novel treatment. Super powers, secret identities - think X-Men meets Batman, if Batman was a woman who didn't need to rely on expensive toys.
October 28, 2020
This book has a good storyline. The characters are likeable and it’s full of action. The author is very brave with the way this story goes. Fantastic performance from Lisa.
May 28, 2019
Beyond the Code by Kelsey Rae Barthel is an intriguing urban fantasy–a modern world where gifted, magical knights serve their masters with unwavering loyalty. It's a story filled with rich world-building, political intrigue, and lost.
Aurora Fallon leads a double life–in one world she’s a rich heiress and in another she is Luna, the powerful knight gifted with great magic. This isn’t an Arthurian tale per se, though it has that feel. This world stands on its own and has a vast and rich history that leaves an opening for even more stories within Barthel’s Beyond the Code universe.
Barthel is a gifted writer, with lyrical prose and a talent for action sequences–a talent I admire, as action sequences have always been my weak spot in writing. The beginning did feel action-heavy to me, but that is a personal preference because I’m very much a character-focused reader. I want to get right into the heart of the emotional turmoil! I think that’s also why I wanted Cole to last a bit longer, drag out that emotional tension to make his absence all the more painful. Again, this is personal desire and not a critique of the story. The fact I enjoyed Cole’s character so much in the brief time he was in the book is a tribute to Barthel’s character building.
Beyond the Code is an action-packed, emotional read that takes the reader on a journey to find the true enemy of truth–time.
Aurora Fallon leads a double life–in one world she’s a rich heiress and in another she is Luna, the powerful knight gifted with great magic. This isn’t an Arthurian tale per se, though it has that feel. This world stands on its own and has a vast and rich history that leaves an opening for even more stories within Barthel’s Beyond the Code universe.
Barthel is a gifted writer, with lyrical prose and a talent for action sequences–a talent I admire, as action sequences have always been my weak spot in writing. The beginning did feel action-heavy to me, but that is a personal preference because I’m very much a character-focused reader. I want to get right into the heart of the emotional turmoil! I think that’s also why I wanted Cole to last a bit longer, drag out that emotional tension to make his absence all the more painful. Again, this is personal desire and not a critique of the story. The fact I enjoyed Cole’s character so much in the brief time he was in the book is a tribute to Barthel’s character building.
Beyond the Code is an action-packed, emotional read that takes the reader on a journey to find the true enemy of truth–time.
March 10, 2018
A fast-paced engrossing read. Kelsey Barthel immerses us in a whole new world of magic, sorcery and honor among heroes, and here is a genuine heroine for our times. So looking forward to more from this author.
May 21, 2018
‘The true enemy of truth is time.’
Canadian author Kelsey Rae Barthel has worked in the business of airline cargo in Edmonton and now is following her love of tales of adventure and magic by publishing BEYOND THE CODE– her debut novel.
As an introduction to both Kelsey’s style of writing and a prelude to her story in this novel she provides a tasty prologue: ‘Time is the unstoppable force that will eventually overrun the great civilizations of man. Time can take a proud history of an entire people and turn it to nothing more than fanciful legends. Mere stories that are far from the mind’s ability to believe. Or it will leave the truth to be forgotten entirely. Some try to fight against this enemy by recording their history in books or recalling the grand tales of their heroes, but their efforts always fall to time’s relentless march. Those in the present are at the mercy of those who tell the tale. No concrete evidence exists on the origins of our Knighthood or the Order of which we were bound to. We only have the stories we were told by the ones we shouldn’t have trusted. It is said that long ago, before the world’s borders were drawn and cities were built to reach the sky, people with extraordinary abilities roamed the land, searching for purpose and belonging. Those gifted individuals could call lightning from the sky, move mountains with a thought, and even heal the sick or wounded with a touch. Despite their almost godlike powers, their hearts and minds were still very much human. Thus, they had the potential for great good or profound evil. Some would journey the lands, bringing miracles to those in need while others would use their powers for their own selfish gain. Despite the varying intentions of these gifted people, tales of the immense power they could wield spread far and wide. Kingdoms waged horrible wars to try and gain that power for glory and conquest. This deep impact to the lands and its people followed the gifted ones wherever they laid their feet. They became the harbingers of misfortune by mere birthright. With their very existence poisoned by fear and their people scattered to the winds, the gifted ones needed something to bring them together and keep them safe. Their hopes and prayers were answered when a brave warrior appeared with powers that rivaled every one of the gifted. He traveled the world and gathered the gifted ones under his leadership, providing safety for the tormented and order for the ones driven wild by their greed. He gave them all the purpose and belonging they always knew they needed, and for that, the gifted ones made him their king. For the good of his people and the mundane world, the king decided to hide them away from the rest of the people in the land. With the help of some trusted and influential lords and ladies, the king was able to cover the existence of the gifted ones in a shroud of secrecy. Over time, the knowledge of the gifted ones fell into obscurity and, eventually, became nothing but an unbelievable legend. But the king was too wise to know they couldn’t completely cut themselves off from humanity forever. To help build a bridge between the gifted ones and the mundane humans, the king pledged some of the strongest of his people to the lords and ladies who helped hide them from the world. They served these people from the shadows as their Knights under the strict laws laid down by their king. This structure became the unquestionable Order all the gifted ones followed. This Code is something I can never forget. As a Knight, these rules are engraved into our minds. This is a necessity, for the consequences of breaking the Code are severe, and all Knights are fearful of the punishment.’
Kelsey offers an inviting summary of her novel – ‘To the common world, Aurora Falon is merely the pampered daughter of a rich and influential family. But to the secret world of The Order, she is Luna, the powerful and formidable warrior knight, under the rule of her master, Cole Iver. Together, they strive to bring down Damon Lexus, a wicked master who uses her knights in cowardly and dishonourable ways for her own selfish desires. But when they obtain evidence that may bring Damon Lexus under the judgement of The Order's ruling power, The Hand Council, Damon makes a rash decision and orders the assassination of Cole Iver. By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin's master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.’
Knights, Ladies, Kingdoms – and mysterious plots and incidents color this very impressive debut novel, presented by a lady who seems to be ready to join the forces of escapist adventures.
Canadian author Kelsey Rae Barthel has worked in the business of airline cargo in Edmonton and now is following her love of tales of adventure and magic by publishing BEYOND THE CODE– her debut novel.
As an introduction to both Kelsey’s style of writing and a prelude to her story in this novel she provides a tasty prologue: ‘Time is the unstoppable force that will eventually overrun the great civilizations of man. Time can take a proud history of an entire people and turn it to nothing more than fanciful legends. Mere stories that are far from the mind’s ability to believe. Or it will leave the truth to be forgotten entirely. Some try to fight against this enemy by recording their history in books or recalling the grand tales of their heroes, but their efforts always fall to time’s relentless march. Those in the present are at the mercy of those who tell the tale. No concrete evidence exists on the origins of our Knighthood or the Order of which we were bound to. We only have the stories we were told by the ones we shouldn’t have trusted. It is said that long ago, before the world’s borders were drawn and cities were built to reach the sky, people with extraordinary abilities roamed the land, searching for purpose and belonging. Those gifted individuals could call lightning from the sky, move mountains with a thought, and even heal the sick or wounded with a touch. Despite their almost godlike powers, their hearts and minds were still very much human. Thus, they had the potential for great good or profound evil. Some would journey the lands, bringing miracles to those in need while others would use their powers for their own selfish gain. Despite the varying intentions of these gifted people, tales of the immense power they could wield spread far and wide. Kingdoms waged horrible wars to try and gain that power for glory and conquest. This deep impact to the lands and its people followed the gifted ones wherever they laid their feet. They became the harbingers of misfortune by mere birthright. With their very existence poisoned by fear and their people scattered to the winds, the gifted ones needed something to bring them together and keep them safe. Their hopes and prayers were answered when a brave warrior appeared with powers that rivaled every one of the gifted. He traveled the world and gathered the gifted ones under his leadership, providing safety for the tormented and order for the ones driven wild by their greed. He gave them all the purpose and belonging they always knew they needed, and for that, the gifted ones made him their king. For the good of his people and the mundane world, the king decided to hide them away from the rest of the people in the land. With the help of some trusted and influential lords and ladies, the king was able to cover the existence of the gifted ones in a shroud of secrecy. Over time, the knowledge of the gifted ones fell into obscurity and, eventually, became nothing but an unbelievable legend. But the king was too wise to know they couldn’t completely cut themselves off from humanity forever. To help build a bridge between the gifted ones and the mundane humans, the king pledged some of the strongest of his people to the lords and ladies who helped hide them from the world. They served these people from the shadows as their Knights under the strict laws laid down by their king. This structure became the unquestionable Order all the gifted ones followed. This Code is something I can never forget. As a Knight, these rules are engraved into our minds. This is a necessity, for the consequences of breaking the Code are severe, and all Knights are fearful of the punishment.’
Kelsey offers an inviting summary of her novel – ‘To the common world, Aurora Falon is merely the pampered daughter of a rich and influential family. But to the secret world of The Order, she is Luna, the powerful and formidable warrior knight, under the rule of her master, Cole Iver. Together, they strive to bring down Damon Lexus, a wicked master who uses her knights in cowardly and dishonourable ways for her own selfish desires. But when they obtain evidence that may bring Damon Lexus under the judgement of The Order's ruling power, The Hand Council, Damon makes a rash decision and orders the assassination of Cole Iver. By pure coincidence, Luna catches Damon’s knight in the act but is too late to save her master and kills the assassin in a moment of grief stricken rage. Luna knows the one with her master’s blood on her hands is not the one she killed, she seeks the assassin's master. But after a failed attempt at revenge, Luna is pulled from the depths of her dark anger and put on a better path by the Hunter who was ordered to kill her. Together, they will work to break away from being mere tools for the powerful and become heroes.’
Knights, Ladies, Kingdoms – and mysterious plots and incidents color this very impressive debut novel, presented by a lady who seems to be ready to join the forces of escapist adventures.
December 23, 2019
It was... fine.
The reader couldn’t do voices very well, though it didn’t stop her from trying.
There were times when the writing seemed trite and overly predictable. I hadn’t realized it was meant to be the first in a series and I’m not sure that I would have picked it up if I knew or that I’ll be hunting down the others when they come out.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
The reader couldn’t do voices very well, though it didn’t stop her from trying.
There were times when the writing seemed trite and overly predictable. I hadn’t realized it was meant to be the first in a series and I’m not sure that I would have picked it up if I knew or that I’ll be hunting down the others when they come out.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
April 9, 2019
A good first book from a new author. If you are a fan of fantasy, I strongly recommend it. The action scenes are very well writen and the stroy is compelling. I very much look forward to the next one
February 23, 2018
Luna is a true knight and she takes us on quite an adventure.
Luna and the ranger make an interesting dynamic and while I do miss some of her unwavering faith that in the code and in others. I like the fact that she still able to go on despite what has happened.
I do hope she will be able to open her heart once more. Many different mysteries surround the adventure and I look forward to Luna and the ranger figuring them out. However I do believe that they will need more allies.
A very complex story in which I hope to see more of.
Cole’s death Causes an emotional impact, but it does push Luna’s other relationships to the side.(didn’t leave much time to develop them or her background as much)
Overall a solid read, would love to see more relationships between the characters develop especially since it took a while to develope Cole even though he was going to be killed.
Spoilers.
Many mysteries that I look forward to hearing an explanation about
Luna’s father apathy about her fate and the council letting her go and many people seem to be extremely corrupt. Her lost childhood.
Also why do the other knights seems so corrupt there has to be a few more who are honorable.
Many different people moving behind the scenes
Her unique abilities.
Anyways looking forward to the sequel
Luna and the ranger make an interesting dynamic and while I do miss some of her unwavering faith that in the code and in others. I like the fact that she still able to go on despite what has happened.
I do hope she will be able to open her heart once more. Many different mysteries surround the adventure and I look forward to Luna and the ranger figuring them out. However I do believe that they will need more allies.
A very complex story in which I hope to see more of.
Cole’s death Causes an emotional impact, but it does push Luna’s other relationships to the side.(didn’t leave much time to develop them or her background as much)
Overall a solid read, would love to see more relationships between the characters develop especially since it took a while to develope Cole even though he was going to be killed.
Spoilers.
Many mysteries that I look forward to hearing an explanation about
Luna’s father apathy about her fate and the council letting her go and many people seem to be extremely corrupt. Her lost childhood.
Also why do the other knights seems so corrupt there has to be a few more who are honorable.
Many different people moving behind the scenes
Her unique abilities.
Anyways looking forward to the sequel
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews