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Essencers of Aelathia #1
Immortals
The world has been destroyed...
...and remolded in the image of its destroyer.
For thousands of years, stories had been told of the terrible Sorceress who'd given all her power to end the ancient world. But those were just stories. Now, new stars dot the sky—signs of Sorceress Jocina's power returning so she can finish the job.
For A’banna, these signs mark the end of her service to the Sorceress as priestess. Commanded to sacrifice a living being in Jocina's name, she can't go through with it. A’banna flees into the jungle, but the wide world is much different than she knows. Further, she’s being hunted by Jocina’s sadistic son and her monstrous creations. Nature itself seems set against her.
Bedel and Raynt, two of the Magical Affairs Commission’s elite agents and powerful essencers, might be her only hope. They've dedicated their lives to holding back the tide of Jocina's darkness, and preventing her inevitable return, but when they discover A’banna on the edge of death, all missions are postponed in an effort to protect her.
Might this strange, defecting priestess hold the keys to defeating the Sorceress once and for all? Or will she cause two of the most powerful remaining essencers to meet their doom for nothing?
...and remolded in the image of its destroyer.
For thousands of years, stories had been told of the terrible Sorceress who'd given all her power to end the ancient world. But those were just stories. Now, new stars dot the sky—signs of Sorceress Jocina's power returning so she can finish the job.
For A’banna, these signs mark the end of her service to the Sorceress as priestess. Commanded to sacrifice a living being in Jocina's name, she can't go through with it. A’banna flees into the jungle, but the wide world is much different than she knows. Further, she’s being hunted by Jocina’s sadistic son and her monstrous creations. Nature itself seems set against her.
Bedel and Raynt, two of the Magical Affairs Commission’s elite agents and powerful essencers, might be her only hope. They've dedicated their lives to holding back the tide of Jocina's darkness, and preventing her inevitable return, but when they discover A’banna on the edge of death, all missions are postponed in an effort to protect her.
Might this strange, defecting priestess hold the keys to defeating the Sorceress once and for all? Or will she cause two of the most powerful remaining essencers to meet their doom for nothing?
488 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 19, 2019
This world in this book is rich and complex and really has a lot of potential. That said, the book was not long enough to really introduce the world so I ended up more confused than drawn in.
The characters were enjoyable, but inconsistent. Just when I thought I was getting a good feel for the characters they'd go and do something completely unexpected or (to my perception) out of character.
The plot itself was also complex and while not as confusing at the world it is taking place in, still has enough going on that I was not always sure I was following that action.
The characters were enjoyable, but inconsistent. Just when I thought I was getting a good feel for the characters they'd go and do something completely unexpected or (to my perception) out of character.
The plot itself was also complex and while not as confusing at the world it is taking place in, still has enough going on that I was not always sure I was following that action.
October 2, 2019
The depth of the world building in this series is on par with Tolkien. Really deep and vibrant world. I listened to this on Audible but will end up reading it to really get into the world.
September 17, 2019
I'd recommend skipping the prologue at least until you're two chapters in, then going back and reading it. It goes on for too long, and it's too abstract, but the first chapter is much more engaging, setting up a scenario with a character and a clear and present problem, and using this to introduce the reader into the excellent worldbuilding.
The basic plot: magic using agents go into a territory ruled by a powerful sorceress from a race of immortals who is having herself worshipped as a divinity. They help out a young priestess sick of this human-sacrificing phony religion and try to stop the false goddess sorceress from wreaking havoc. Adventure ensues.
The basic plot: magic using agents go into a territory ruled by a powerful sorceress from a race of immortals who is having herself worshipped as a divinity. They help out a young priestess sick of this human-sacrificing phony religion and try to stop the false goddess sorceress from wreaking havoc. Adventure ensues.
September 9, 2020
I wanted to love this. It had everything I love; magic, epic battles, dead gods, and immortal men... but it just wasn't doing it for me. I wasn't invested in the people, or the plot. Actually, I have no idea what the book was even about. Even the accidental love triangle failed to capture me. There are few things in this world that I love more than high fantasy, but this...this did nothing for me.
March 1, 2021
Maybe it would make more sense if the names of everything weren’t so weird and every name didn’t sound the same. But when listening on audible, every name of characters and places are too similar and it was very confusing. Maybe if you were reading it and not listening to it, it would be easier to understand.
November 29, 2019
One of the best books I've read this year! For epic fantasy fans, this book has it all. Good guys trying to keep the evil elements of the world at bay, the bad guys working their magics to destroy life, and the development of memorable characters leaving the reader wanting to hear more. We're thrown directly in this world, with life threatening circumstances from the very start. Within all the nonstop action of the story, puzzles are interwoven, and evil plots are formed. So paying close attention is mandatory to acquaint yourself with this world, it's magics, politics, and our characters placement in it. Tim Gerard Reynolds is perfect with his narration, and I feel he was made for this story, as he is with Michael J Sullivan's work. Give it a try, as for me I'm ready for the next of the series.
October 2, 2019
This is another of those, if it wasn't for it been the audio version I wouldn't have made the first few chapters. To be honest I nearly gave up on this, I found it boring, slow and at times confusing. I kept getting lost when the author jumped to a different characters and then the narrator confused me more by saying this was book 2 when I was under the impression it was book 1.
Not sure if I will be continuing this series.
Not sure if I will be continuing this series.
September 23, 2019
The writing is detailed and vivid, I felt like I was right there in the world with the characters. The magic is new, unique, and beautiful.
The characters are complex and inspiring. I had a hard time deciding which love story to root for #teamshai . Smith catches you up in an epic adventure and keeps you guessing how things will resolve. I can't wait until the next installment.
The characters are complex and inspiring. I had a hard time deciding which love story to root for #teamshai . Smith catches you up in an epic adventure and keeps you guessing how things will resolve. I can't wait until the next installment.
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November 17, 2019Although I enjoyed the story, I found this very difficult to follow. Not sure if I'll continue with the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews