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The Trials of Salahan
Lliam Inglorion spent most of his life living in Haven as the only elf without magic – an ilspurious.
But as whispers spread of a malevolent smoke on the Sahilian Plains, Lliam and his friend Arianna set out to uncover the truth behind its presence. What they didn’t expect to unearth was the story behind Lliam’s absent magic.
With his reclaimed abilities, Lliam steps beyond the Haven treeline to stop the smoke from conquering all of Salahan. To do so, first he must travel to the Noble Kingdom, an empire known for its expertise in swordsmanship.
As Lliam faces growing tensions within the kingdom, an unknown epidemic pervades his homeland. And with rising hysteria dividing the population, the townsfolk must band together if they hope to stop the outbreak from eradicating elvenkind.
But as whispers spread of a malevolent smoke on the Sahilian Plains, Lliam and his friend Arianna set out to uncover the truth behind its presence. What they didn’t expect to unearth was the story behind Lliam’s absent magic.
With his reclaimed abilities, Lliam steps beyond the Haven treeline to stop the smoke from conquering all of Salahan. To do so, first he must travel to the Noble Kingdom, an empire known for its expertise in swordsmanship.
As Lliam faces growing tensions within the kingdom, an unknown epidemic pervades his homeland. And with rising hysteria dividing the population, the townsfolk must band together if they hope to stop the outbreak from eradicating elvenkind.
- GenresFantasy
566 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2021
9 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
I.C. Nicastro
1 book31 followersI.C. Nicastro has been fascinated with writing since high school, where he started the beginnings of his writing career. His artistic aspirations led to him pursuing his passion for the fine arts and obtaining his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. Nicastro then started his career as an independent curator and is currently the director of IC Contemporary. Despite his accomplishments in the fine arts, he has had an affinity for writing and fiction, prompting the completion of his debut novel, The Trials of Salahan.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 31, 2021
I received an ARC copy of ToS, and I could not put the book down. Trials of Salahan is a beautiful take on a coming-of-age novel written through an approachable fantasy lens with emphasis on character growth and overcoming challenges. The book truly allows for an immersive experience. I felt entirely connected to the characters, and saw parts of myself reflected in a few of the characters. ToS captures elements of growth and discrimination, explores platonic relationships and has strong female characters. Nicastro provides readers with insights into the character's thoughts and lives through alternating chapters, where you are able to follow the story line with different perspectives. Throughout the book, I found myself cheering for Lliam and Arianna in their journeys through the Noble Kingdom. ToS was almost a cathartic experience as you experience almost all of the possible human emotions! It's truly a journey, and one you want to be strapped in for. Just a friendly warning, you will want more of the story when you are done with this book...!
September 1, 2021
4.5 (rounding up to a 5).
This review was originally published on Cloud Lake Literary, link provided below:
https://www.cloudlakeliterary.ca/blog...
Content warning: racism, sexism, violence, abuse
The Trials of Salahan is the debut YA fantasy novel by I. C. Nicastro. The story centres around the emergence of a mysterious smoke that threatens the Sahilian Plains. Lliam Inglorion, an elf, is instructed to set out from his home of Haven to find out what this smoke is and gain the skills to prevent this threat. He first travels to the Noble Kingdom with his friend Arianna, where he must learn swordsmanship. Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious epidemic arises in their homeland, bringing more worry to the world of Salahan. As someone who doesn’t read YA that often, this novel caught me off guard and swept me away. It’s a wonderfully entertaining fantasy novel that was hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially Nicastro’s world and character building.
The success of a fantasy novel is dependent on how good the worldbuilding is, and The Trials of Salahan doesn’t disappoint. The worldbuilding in this novel is phenomenal. Throughout its pages, I was transported into the world of Salahan. Nicastro describes locations, characters, items, and much more with such expertise that it almost feels tangible. I felt like I was walking within the Noble Kingdom and could see its citizens and buildings. The world of Salahan is impressive, but the characters are what really shine in this book.
Every character in The Trials of Salahan is well thought out with their own motivations and personality. Nicastro develops multi-dimensional characters that fit well within the world. You can see the struggles Arianna has as Lliam’s companion on his journey. She tries to balance staying true to herself while also helping Lliam in his quest. Lliam, on the other hand, is dubbed the “chosen one,” but he still experiences moments of doubt, insecurity, and fear. I enjoyed seeing the characters endure their personal struggles while also living in a world on the brink of darkness.
My only critique of this novel is that the first chapter was a bit confusing. The opening immediately starts with Lliam and Arianna setting out on their quest—literally as they are heading out of Haven. There are many allusions to what is going on, but nothing is concretely said until the following, or later, chapters. I felt like the first chapter needed to be structured differently to add a bit more context and to lessen the confusion. However, no question is left unanswered, so if the first chapter seems a bit confusing, do not let it deter you from reading this excellent novel.
The Trials of Salahan is a wonderful YA fantasy novel that perfectly blends communal and personal struggles within the world of Salahan. It was refreshing to see a YA novel not focus on romantic love but rather friendship, community, and personal growth. It’s full of adventure, magic, and mystery with many great plot twists. The Trials of Salahan is a novel that will delight the avid YA reader and newcomer alike. I would especially recommend this book to those who love adult fantasy, like Game of Thrones but want a YA spin to it. I can’t wait to read more from Nicastro in the future.
Thank you to A. A. Smith Publishing House and I. C. Nicastro for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally published on Cloud Lake Literary, link provided below:
https://www.cloudlakeliterary.ca/blog...
Content warning: racism, sexism, violence, abuse
The Trials of Salahan is the debut YA fantasy novel by I. C. Nicastro. The story centres around the emergence of a mysterious smoke that threatens the Sahilian Plains. Lliam Inglorion, an elf, is instructed to set out from his home of Haven to find out what this smoke is and gain the skills to prevent this threat. He first travels to the Noble Kingdom with his friend Arianna, where he must learn swordsmanship. Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious epidemic arises in their homeland, bringing more worry to the world of Salahan. As someone who doesn’t read YA that often, this novel caught me off guard and swept me away. It’s a wonderfully entertaining fantasy novel that was hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially Nicastro’s world and character building.
The success of a fantasy novel is dependent on how good the worldbuilding is, and The Trials of Salahan doesn’t disappoint. The worldbuilding in this novel is phenomenal. Throughout its pages, I was transported into the world of Salahan. Nicastro describes locations, characters, items, and much more with such expertise that it almost feels tangible. I felt like I was walking within the Noble Kingdom and could see its citizens and buildings. The world of Salahan is impressive, but the characters are what really shine in this book.
Every character in The Trials of Salahan is well thought out with their own motivations and personality. Nicastro develops multi-dimensional characters that fit well within the world. You can see the struggles Arianna has as Lliam’s companion on his journey. She tries to balance staying true to herself while also helping Lliam in his quest. Lliam, on the other hand, is dubbed the “chosen one,” but he still experiences moments of doubt, insecurity, and fear. I enjoyed seeing the characters endure their personal struggles while also living in a world on the brink of darkness.
My only critique of this novel is that the first chapter was a bit confusing. The opening immediately starts with Lliam and Arianna setting out on their quest—literally as they are heading out of Haven. There are many allusions to what is going on, but nothing is concretely said until the following, or later, chapters. I felt like the first chapter needed to be structured differently to add a bit more context and to lessen the confusion. However, no question is left unanswered, so if the first chapter seems a bit confusing, do not let it deter you from reading this excellent novel.
The Trials of Salahan is a wonderful YA fantasy novel that perfectly blends communal and personal struggles within the world of Salahan. It was refreshing to see a YA novel not focus on romantic love but rather friendship, community, and personal growth. It’s full of adventure, magic, and mystery with many great plot twists. The Trials of Salahan is a novel that will delight the avid YA reader and newcomer alike. I would especially recommend this book to those who love adult fantasy, like Game of Thrones but want a YA spin to it. I can’t wait to read more from Nicastro in the future.
Thank you to A. A. Smith Publishing House and I. C. Nicastro for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
Trials of Salahan was everything I want out of a fantasy book! A thrilling quest with danger, adventure, and a little bit of romance :)
I found myself cheering on and scolding the main characters as they went along their journey. I really liked how the Noble Kingdom was described and critiqued by its own people's and really empathized with the citizens. I am beside myself with how the first book ended and need to know what happens next!
The world of Salahan is so intriguing and surprising an I am dying to meet more of the fantasy folk in the different kingdoms in book 2!
I found myself cheering on and scolding the main characters as they went along their journey. I really liked how the Noble Kingdom was described and critiqued by its own people's and really empathized with the citizens. I am beside myself with how the first book ended and need to know what happens next!
The world of Salahan is so intriguing and surprising an I am dying to meet more of the fantasy folk in the different kingdoms in book 2!
October 21, 2023
This is an epic adventure so easy to get lost in
July 21, 2021
Rating: 4/5☆
🗡 Set in Salahan, it's a beautifully-crafted fantasy revolving around Lliam (elf). With Arianna (elf) by his side, they head to their first stop - Noble Kingdom.
🕊 The book provides comprehensive narratives. Thanks to multiple perspectives, you delve into the character's mind. The author has a knack for creating realistic characters. I am particularly drawn towards Alisia (noble knight) & Elwe (elf). Both strong and different personalities. Alisia - she's a vision. Elwe - she's a mystery.
🍂 I read the second half in one sitting, during which I realized the significance of events in the first half. The revelations and the last chapter were unforeseen. Then there are portions which broke me. It's understandable to undergo various stages of pain in the aftermath of losing a loved one, but nothing can justify how people can be so inconsiderate of another being and have complete disregard for those who are no longer resourceful to them.
💎 In a nutshell, in his debut novel the author has done justice to elements of magic, comradeship, self-discovery, discrimination, rebellion and growth. I have faith in Lliam & Arianna, in their courage and determination, and as I capture the destinations on the map of Salahan I am excited for their next adventure ♡.
🗡 Set in Salahan, it's a beautifully-crafted fantasy revolving around Lliam (elf). With Arianna (elf) by his side, they head to their first stop - Noble Kingdom.
🕊 The book provides comprehensive narratives. Thanks to multiple perspectives, you delve into the character's mind. The author has a knack for creating realistic characters. I am particularly drawn towards Alisia (noble knight) & Elwe (elf). Both strong and different personalities. Alisia - she's a vision. Elwe - she's a mystery.
🍂 I read the second half in one sitting, during which I realized the significance of events in the first half. The revelations and the last chapter were unforeseen. Then there are portions which broke me. It's understandable to undergo various stages of pain in the aftermath of losing a loved one, but nothing can justify how people can be so inconsiderate of another being and have complete disregard for those who are no longer resourceful to them.
💎 In a nutshell, in his debut novel the author has done justice to elements of magic, comradeship, self-discovery, discrimination, rebellion and growth. I have faith in Lliam & Arianna, in their courage and determination, and as I capture the destinations on the map of Salahan I am excited for their next adventure ♡.
May 18, 2022
Hi everyone, I’m the Author of The Trials of Salahan and just wanted to say if you’re reading this and haven’t got your copy of the book yet, I promise you you won’t regret it!
This book is a grand adventure that takes place in the magical land of Salahan and follows our two lead elves Lliam and Arianna. I know you’ll love them and all of the people they meet along the way.
This story is magical, it’s empowering, and demonstrates the strengths in numbers, friends, and loved ones. If you want an action packed, light hearted adventure I think this book is perfect for you!
And if you have read the book and left a review or see about too, I want to say THANK YOU!!! Anything you write down here (good or bad) helps me as an author get better at writing and will encourage others to join the adventure!!
Happy Reading Everyone :)
This book is a grand adventure that takes place in the magical land of Salahan and follows our two lead elves Lliam and Arianna. I know you’ll love them and all of the people they meet along the way.
This story is magical, it’s empowering, and demonstrates the strengths in numbers, friends, and loved ones. If you want an action packed, light hearted adventure I think this book is perfect for you!
And if you have read the book and left a review or see about too, I want to say THANK YOU!!! Anything you write down here (good or bad) helps me as an author get better at writing and will encourage others to join the adventure!!
Happy Reading Everyone :)
August 26, 2021
I.C. Nicastro is an author to keep your eye on - I certainly will be!
The Trials of Salahan is an epic, roaring adventure that doesn't pull any punches and it is clear how much work the author has put into creating this piece of work - and how much fun he had, too! For a debut novel, Nicastro writes like a veteran of his craft and I can't wait to see what more he puts out into the world. Hopefully the sequel to this!
This book, to me, was as if Lord of the Rings and the King Arthur legend had a beautiful, banter-filled, action-filled baby in the middle of a stunning world. The world-building was incredible and it was everything you needed to know about elves and magic. I'm a sucker for multiple POVs, too, and this one didn't disappoint! Especially when it came to badass, powerful women!
The Trials of Salahan is an epic, roaring adventure that doesn't pull any punches and it is clear how much work the author has put into creating this piece of work - and how much fun he had, too! For a debut novel, Nicastro writes like a veteran of his craft and I can't wait to see what more he puts out into the world. Hopefully the sequel to this!
This book, to me, was as if Lord of the Rings and the King Arthur legend had a beautiful, banter-filled, action-filled baby in the middle of a stunning world. The world-building was incredible and it was everything you needed to know about elves and magic. I'm a sucker for multiple POVs, too, and this one didn't disappoint! Especially when it came to badass, powerful women!
Read
March 7, 2023It was different from my usual philosophical or romance book and reminded me of things I had enjoyed when I was younger. As well as my affinity for magic and otherworldly creations still to this day! It felt like a journey to know the characters inside out. The strong personalities/bits of humour & the messy/fast unravelling of the last moments! It was a lot to unpack, especially when you made everyones story/motive equally important! I was eager to know how it would end since you did not make this a typical happy progression. The grief, panic, betrayals, uncertainty, cruelty, and relationships all built a thrilling story! As a first debut it is truly great! 566 pages of dedication and energy reflected through each. Thank you for letting me have the joy of reading it:)
February 21, 2022
Honestly a great story! I got so into it, I felt like I couldn’t put it down. The characters were so likeable and I am so excited for the next one in the series, i just wanna know what’s gonna happen.
It took me a little bit to get really into it but once I was I was hooked!
Definitely a great fantasy novel, a perfect mix of nods to the greats and originality :)
It took me a little bit to get really into it but once I was I was hooked!
Definitely a great fantasy novel, a perfect mix of nods to the greats and originality :)
July 25, 2021
Awesome and fun book! A great fantasy/adventure that I just couldn't put down. After I finished, the book left me wanting more! Hopefully we see a sequel!
June 21, 2021
Wow! What a treat this read was, it is full of all my favorite things friendship, magic, and rebellions. I would have never guessed that it was I.C. Nicastro's first novel published. I received an Advance Reader Copy and I am so grateful I did. An extremely powerful and moving story of Lliam Inglorian, an elf without magic aka an ilspurious. I really loved the main character, but I think I loved Arianna even more. She was a deeply complex and interesting woman character. I found myself praising how well I.C. Nicastro writes female characters; he wrote them intelligent, angry, loving, and powerful. Very rarely do I see well-written female characters like that. I am a sucker for fantasy worlds as well and Salahan was written beautifully. I could picture it so easily and it made me want to go there myself (Especially Haven).
I write spoiler-free reviews so I won't explain my next statement, but I got goosebumps and chills down my spine when reading the last part of the book. The part with Princess Ellisabelleh was such a plot twist for me, but I feel like I should have seen it coming. It was written so well and I was stunned at some of the things that took place. It ended on a perfectly suspenseful cliff-hanger and I look forward to reading it!
I write spoiler-free reviews so I won't explain my next statement, but I got goosebumps and chills down my spine when reading the last part of the book. The part with Princess Ellisabelleh was such a plot twist for me, but I feel like I should have seen it coming. It was written so well and I was stunned at some of the things that took place. It ended on a perfectly suspenseful cliff-hanger and I look forward to reading it!
July 21, 2021
First off, I would like to say thank you to I.C. Nicastro for gifting me an ARC of The Trials of Salahan.
This was a stunning debut fantasy novel. The world and magic system that I.C. Nicastro created was immersive and enchanting. It was truly such an incredible adventure. The story was gripping and had me hooked from the beginning. There is nothing better than diving headfirst into a fantasy novel that is both exciting and fraught with mystery!
I immediately fell in love with all of the characters, especially the bold, kickass females. I appreciated the fact that each character felt distinctly different, which just made them feel all the more real. I cannot wait to see where the story will go from here and what other adventures await our characters (especially after that cliffhanger).
If you are looking for a new fantasy book filled with friendship, action and incredible characters, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Trials of Salahan! 🙌
This was a stunning debut fantasy novel. The world and magic system that I.C. Nicastro created was immersive and enchanting. It was truly such an incredible adventure. The story was gripping and had me hooked from the beginning. There is nothing better than diving headfirst into a fantasy novel that is both exciting and fraught with mystery!
I immediately fell in love with all of the characters, especially the bold, kickass females. I appreciated the fact that each character felt distinctly different, which just made them feel all the more real. I cannot wait to see where the story will go from here and what other adventures await our characters (especially after that cliffhanger).
If you are looking for a new fantasy book filled with friendship, action and incredible characters, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Trials of Salahan! 🙌
April 27, 2023
Great story of a journey of discovery and cool metaphors and allusions to our real world politics and social constructs through the fantasy lens. A fun read all around, with a nice juicy ending leaving the door open for part 2!
November 30, 2021
A beautiful tale of adventure, friendship, trials and tribulations! Nicastro uses a classic writing style without making it dusty. The novel profoundly reflects some of the social issues that plague us in the "real world". I also deeply appreciate the many powerful feminine characters that are in the book!
I can't wait for book 2 in this series! A must-read for fantasy lovers!
I can't wait for book 2 in this series! A must-read for fantasy lovers!
September 25, 2022
Intricate and consistent world-building, complex characters and skillfully crafted suspense. Beautifully written. This book hooked me from the start and I can't wait to read the next one. A great addition to any fantasy-reader's bookshelf!
November 16, 2021
Trials of Salahan was everything i wanted from a fantasy book and i enjoyed reading it immensely!! Looking forward to more work by Nicastro and wishing him the best of luck!!❤️
June 7, 2021
Trials of Salahan is an immersive, captivating, and exciting story. Without giving any spoilers, I can say that this was one of my favourite reads in a very long time. I.C Nicastro does an amazing job crafting the world of Salahan and everything that is thriving within it. The pacing of this story kept me hooked until the end. I can say confidently it only continues to get better as you read it. Along with the powerful character development that we see within multiple characters, we also get an incredible sense of inclusion throughout this world. A lot of what you will read in this book will reflect issues that we live with every day without evening knowing it. Overall this was a powerful story that is only just beginning. I can not wait to read what comes next.
August 22, 2021
Trials of Salahan fulfilled everything I wanted out of a book; the likeable/relatable protagonists, the odious adversaries, the fantasy, the mystery, the humour etc etc. (I could go on), yet it was still unlike anything I've ever read! This amazing world that Nicastro has created is so unique, yet described so vividly I can easily imagine it. Nicastro takes these traditional fantasy characters but manages to spin stereotypes on their head and breathes new life into them, so I can look at everything with fresh eyes. Don't hesitate! Get your copy and immerse yourself in the magical world of Salahan today!
March 22, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 ⠀
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I was given this book from a friend and I’m SO happy I got to read it!! Really, really enjoyed it and I highly recommend if you love that classic fantasy adventure - full of magic, quests, strong bonds with friends, and character building! ⠀⠀
The writing gives you such an immersive experience as well and I could imagine every little detail of this world and that is VERY important to me, especially in a fantasy setting!! The only reason I took off a star was that I wanted even more action than there was! For a 5 star read the emotional and tense scenes need to hit hard for me and unfortunately these didn’t… but still great nonetheless 🙌🏻 ⠀
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As you know, I’m not great at reviews and it’s mostly just vibes 😂 so I HOPE you’re interested and give this one a read! ⠀
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I was given this book from a friend and I’m SO happy I got to read it!! Really, really enjoyed it and I highly recommend if you love that classic fantasy adventure - full of magic, quests, strong bonds with friends, and character building! ⠀⠀
The writing gives you such an immersive experience as well and I could imagine every little detail of this world and that is VERY important to me, especially in a fantasy setting!! The only reason I took off a star was that I wanted even more action than there was! For a 5 star read the emotional and tense scenes need to hit hard for me and unfortunately these didn’t… but still great nonetheless 🙌🏻 ⠀
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As you know, I’m not great at reviews and it’s mostly just vibes 😂 so I HOPE you’re interested and give this one a read! ⠀
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October 24, 2023
I can't say anything else about the characters and worldbuilding that hasn't already been said, and I've 'liked' many of those reviews as I agree with them. I'm only giving this a 4/5 because of the editing. And only because editing gaffs take me out of an otherwise enthralling story. Overall, I fell in love with the story. It's a part of my life now and want very much to read more. I can only add that what I thought would turn out to be a predictable ending never materialized. I was very pleased with how the many threads were handled, both with loose ends and the completion of tasks. Well done.
July 11, 2021
With Lliam's new found magic, Lliam and his smart friend Arrianna, set out from Haven to the noble kingdom to get rid of the terrifying smoke that seems to be conquering the entire of Salahan.
The hatred they received for being the elven kind, the trials they faced in Salahan, the strange disease that was spreading like wildfire and the journey of glowing up one of the signs through swordsmanship makes it a fascinating fantasy read.
There's love, envy and hatred in required proportions.
What's strange about this book is that although it's 566 pages long, neither could I put it down nor could I read continuously for too long. It definitely required all my attention.
The hatred they received for being the elven kind, the trials they faced in Salahan, the strange disease that was spreading like wildfire and the journey of glowing up one of the signs through swordsmanship makes it a fascinating fantasy read.
There's love, envy and hatred in required proportions.
What's strange about this book is that although it's 566 pages long, neither could I put it down nor could I read continuously for too long. It definitely required all my attention.
July 17, 2021
Trials of Salahan was absolutely spectacular from beginning to end. Right when we were introduced to Lliam and Arianna I instantly felt a connection with them both. The development of characters, especially the women was so refreshing in a fantasy novel and it is something to praise. Every character had such diverse backgrounds and experiences you will find at least one you can relate to. The exploration around culture, discrimination, self-growth and inclusion was amazing to read and experience throughout the novel. It has been a long time since I had a book grip me from beginning to end and I can’t wait to read more works by Nicastro.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews