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The Lost Book of Anggird
Long hidden truths, the most dangerous book of all, and a journey that only their love will help them survive.
Roric Rossony, renowned professor of magical theory, is about to begin the most important work of his life. With the help of his new assistant Perarre Tabrano - whose free-spirited ways he finds both irritating and intriguing - he embarks on his research to find out why the powerful magical force called magica is no longer working, and soon discovers that everything known about the magica might not be true at all.
Driven by the need to learn the truth about the magica - and with his orderly life turned upside-down by his unexpected romance with Perarre - Roric goes too far in his research, delving into lost and forbidden books that have been hidden away for centuries.
Then the most dangerous book of all falls into Roric's hands, and magical disaster strikes. Forced to flee, Roric and Perarre embark on a journey to discover the secret of the magica’s origins and restore the damaged power, a journey that only their growing magical powers and their love for each other will help them survive.
Contains mature themes, mild to moderate sensual content, and violence.
Roric Rossony, renowned professor of magical theory, is about to begin the most important work of his life. With the help of his new assistant Perarre Tabrano - whose free-spirited ways he finds both irritating and intriguing - he embarks on his research to find out why the powerful magical force called magica is no longer working, and soon discovers that everything known about the magica might not be true at all.
Driven by the need to learn the truth about the magica - and with his orderly life turned upside-down by his unexpected romance with Perarre - Roric goes too far in his research, delving into lost and forbidden books that have been hidden away for centuries.
Then the most dangerous book of all falls into Roric's hands, and magical disaster strikes. Forced to flee, Roric and Perarre embark on a journey to discover the secret of the magica’s origins and restore the damaged power, a journey that only their growing magical powers and their love for each other will help them survive.
Contains mature themes, mild to moderate sensual content, and violence.
- GenresFantasy
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2013
5 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Kyra Halland
33 books96 followersKyra Halland has always loved fantasy. She has also always loved a good love story. She combines those two loves by writing the kinds of romantic fantasy novels she loves to read, tales of magical worlds where complicated, honorable heroes and strong, smart, feminine heroines work together to save their world - or their own small corner of it - and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 23, 2024
Kyra Halland can spell and punctuate, which is a lot less common than it ought to be for authors. It's unfortunate, then, that I don't always totally love her characters; they're often a bit grimier and grimmer, more angsty and less stoic than I really prefer.
Both of the lead characters here have a traumatic background from their childhood, the man more so than the woman. He also has a high sensitivity to pain, though it only seems to be a problem when the plot requires it to be.
The plot, in fact, has a lot of momentum, in the sense that it moves the main characters rapidly from a classic Odd Couple who consider each other vaguely attractive physically while being deeply annoying (because opposite) in personality, to banging like a screen door in a hurricane. I found the transition abrupt and inadequately set up.
Once they're together, they go off to solve a problem that, conveniently, they are uniquely able to solve, for multiple reasons that had to come together by chance. It's convenient for the plot, but not for them, since it involves getting people who don't approve of them to put them through difficult training while they're periodically threatened by other, adjacent people, and then they have to perform a difficult and dangerous task. Meanwhile, they're wanted by the authorities.
I stopped reading for a while, because I wasn't sure, at one point, that things weren't going to collapse into disaster that would be harrowing to read about, but it didn't; there was only a bit more torture (never a favourite of mine) and some comprehensive ignoring of all principles of justice and fairness. The government they had to deal with kept the populace contented and prosperous in order to keep them docile, but it was set up to be secretive and unaccountable, and quite capable of becoming dystopian and breaking its own rules when threatened.
Overall, then, although it was well written, had strong emotional beats, and was mostly mechanically sound, it wasn't a good fit for my personal taste, and so I place it in the lowest tier of my recommendations list for 2024. People with different tastes will enjoy it a good deal more, especially if they don't care about or don't notice the slightly railroaded plot.
Both of the lead characters here have a traumatic background from their childhood, the man more so than the woman. He also has a high sensitivity to pain, though it only seems to be a problem when the plot requires it to be.
The plot, in fact, has a lot of momentum, in the sense that it moves the main characters rapidly from a classic Odd Couple who consider each other vaguely attractive physically while being deeply annoying (because opposite) in personality, to banging like a screen door in a hurricane. I found the transition abrupt and inadequately set up.
Once they're together, they go off to solve a problem that, conveniently, they are uniquely able to solve, for multiple reasons that had to come together by chance. It's convenient for the plot, but not for them, since it involves getting people who don't approve of them to put them through difficult training while they're periodically threatened by other, adjacent people, and then they have to perform a difficult and dangerous task. Meanwhile, they're wanted by the authorities.
I stopped reading for a while, because I wasn't sure, at one point, that things weren't going to collapse into disaster that would be harrowing to read about, but it didn't; there was only a bit more torture (never a favourite of mine) and some comprehensive ignoring of all principles of justice and fairness. The government they had to deal with kept the populace contented and prosperous in order to keep them docile, but it was set up to be secretive and unaccountable, and quite capable of becoming dystopian and breaking its own rules when threatened.
Overall, then, although it was well written, had strong emotional beats, and was mostly mechanically sound, it wasn't a good fit for my personal taste, and so I place it in the lowest tier of my recommendations list for 2024. People with different tastes will enjoy it a good deal more, especially if they don't care about or don't notice the slightly railroaded plot.
July 24, 2014
The Lost Book of Anggird quickly introduces the two romantic characters of the book, Perarre Tabrano and Professor Roric Rossony. Perarre is a student at the university, she is a proficient and talented translator and Reader. Her skills lead her to becoming Roric's assistant; she hopes a reference from him would allow her to acquire any job she desired throughout the whole Dominion. Roric is an incredibly respected scholar within the Vorunne Dominion for his research in Balance Theory and although at first he has a finicky and perhaps difficult personality, he is a character many readers can fall for.
Roric and Perarre's partnership not only benefits them both: Roric's desire to learn more about the Balance and for Perarre to increase her opportunities but it also brings these two characters together. Nevertheless it is Roric's desire to learn more about the Balance that leads to placing himself and Perarre in danger. When he discovers forbidden knowledge about the Dominion's ancestors, Roric and Perarre are forced to flee and evade the authorities whilst trying to uncover the truth.
Above - I have given you a slice of an exciting plot. The story moves quite quickly which quickly establishes the story as a fantasy and romance book. To continue with this review it seems sensible to review The Lost Book of Anggird as a romance story and then as a fantasy story to give a further and detailed review.
I have found from reading a lot of fantasy romance novels that it is the romance aspect that can be difficult to get right. However I suppose it can be argued that it depends on a person's individual taste. I find the 'romance' elements in Joe Abercrombie's books to be too 'hard-core' and uncomfortable at times for me. I thought the level of romance in The Lost Book of Anggird to be tasteful and I found I became a fan of Roric and Perarre's relationship.
Roric and Perarre are interesting characters individually so they certainly make an interesting duo. Both Roric and Perarre have their own difficult histories that have led them to the university and it is only when the two finally confide their secrets to one another that it allows them to be truly united.
My only grievance with Roric and Perarre's relationship was that the romance suddenly started rather quickly. I would have enjoyed witnessing more clashes between them and see further development before they started a relationship. This is a particular preference I enjoy in romance stories. HOWEVER it is the relationship of Roric and Perarre that truly drives the story forward and a particular strength of the book. They are truly an endearing couple.
The fantasy aspect of The Lost Book of Anggird is another great feature. Roric and Perarre's research and investigation into the original triumvirate and creators of the Balance theory is an interesting read. There is a rich history in this story and it is clear the author has spent time to create a detailed history and text that makes the book believable and understandable. In my own writing I have found writing a land's history can be a difficult aspect as you need to keep the reader interested and Kyra maintained my attention.
The story is well written and so is the language and the descriptions, they personally made me feel transported to the Dominion and I felt like I was interacting with the different cultures and people Roric and Perarre met.
November 11, 2013
Well, let me just start by saying that it's rare for me to give out four stars. The only way to wrangle one out of me is to give me a great character. And I found one in Roric. Also, I received this book free in exchange for an honest review. Now, on to the review.
Let's start with what I struggled with:
First, the hardest part for me in this book was identifying the time period. Honestly, I couldn't tell if it was a middle age or a victorian type culture. The word 'fantasy; usually puts me in the mind set of Dungeon and Dragons, LOTR and so on. So I went in to this book with that firmly planted in my mind. Of course, it quickly went out the door…then came back…then left. I think others might ease into this better than I if they walk in with no preconceived notions, and by no means should it deter you in considering this book. Despite my struggle, the story carried me well past it.
Secondly, I felt I lost a little of my favorite character in the middle of book. Granted, he was faced with situations that forced him outside the norm, but his voice changed and I found myself desperately missing the character's tone I had started out with. But, I was so caught up in his life that the detour did not take away from my enjoyment while reading.
Thirdly, the beginning was a little slow for me. Once it picked up, it was great. But be prepared for a little day to day. It was needed character building though and is what made me fall in love with Roric. So it was worth it in the end.
Annndddd…that's about all the bad I have. Now onto the interesting.
___________________________
SPOILER ALERT (skip this paragraph if you won't want to know):
This had a very 'V for Vendetta' type feel surrounding the government. "We live like this because we've had peace" type brainwashing and they live almost in their own world, separate from the others. This wasn't a good or bad thing for me. I like the movie so I hopped right on the cruise ship and enjoyed the ride. But while reading, I couldn't help but picture the chancellor's face.
___________________________
DONE WITH SPOILER.
And now what I liked:
What I loved abut this book was Roric. His story was so moving to me that I was in love with him by the first chapter. None of what he did was out of character for him or came at me from left field. He was true to himself through the entire book; meaning, what happened to him in his early life and what he had made of his new one drove his every decision. I found him to be well thought out and developed brilliantly. The other characters were not as strong, but they all had a good sense of who they were.
Despite this being labeled as Romantic Fantasy, I did not feel the book was bogged down by the love story. The plot and the love story were woven effortlessly together. I will say, as I say in all my reviews about the love story in a book, it was rather quick. The only reason I did not add this to my 'bad' section was because the first quarter of the book seemed to take a long time, making it feel as if more time had passed and the love had organically grown. Looking back, it hadn't been very long at all. But like I said, it didn't feel rushed so I was able to digest it better than most romantic relationships.
All in all, I can say I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Let's start with what I struggled with:
First, the hardest part for me in this book was identifying the time period. Honestly, I couldn't tell if it was a middle age or a victorian type culture. The word 'fantasy; usually puts me in the mind set of Dungeon and Dragons, LOTR and so on. So I went in to this book with that firmly planted in my mind. Of course, it quickly went out the door…then came back…then left. I think others might ease into this better than I if they walk in with no preconceived notions, and by no means should it deter you in considering this book. Despite my struggle, the story carried me well past it.
Secondly, I felt I lost a little of my favorite character in the middle of book. Granted, he was faced with situations that forced him outside the norm, but his voice changed and I found myself desperately missing the character's tone I had started out with. But, I was so caught up in his life that the detour did not take away from my enjoyment while reading.
Thirdly, the beginning was a little slow for me. Once it picked up, it was great. But be prepared for a little day to day. It was needed character building though and is what made me fall in love with Roric. So it was worth it in the end.
Annndddd…that's about all the bad I have. Now onto the interesting.
___________________________
SPOILER ALERT (skip this paragraph if you won't want to know):
This had a very 'V for Vendetta' type feel surrounding the government. "We live like this because we've had peace" type brainwashing and they live almost in their own world, separate from the others. This wasn't a good or bad thing for me. I like the movie so I hopped right on the cruise ship and enjoyed the ride. But while reading, I couldn't help but picture the chancellor's face.
___________________________
DONE WITH SPOILER.
And now what I liked:
What I loved abut this book was Roric. His story was so moving to me that I was in love with him by the first chapter. None of what he did was out of character for him or came at me from left field. He was true to himself through the entire book; meaning, what happened to him in his early life and what he had made of his new one drove his every decision. I found him to be well thought out and developed brilliantly. The other characters were not as strong, but they all had a good sense of who they were.
Despite this being labeled as Romantic Fantasy, I did not feel the book was bogged down by the love story. The plot and the love story were woven effortlessly together. I will say, as I say in all my reviews about the love story in a book, it was rather quick. The only reason I did not add this to my 'bad' section was because the first quarter of the book seemed to take a long time, making it feel as if more time had passed and the love had organically grown. Looking back, it hadn't been very long at all. But like I said, it didn't feel rushed so I was able to digest it better than most romantic relationships.
All in all, I can say I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed this book.
November 2, 2016
This is exactly the sort of book I love: a well-conceived fantasy world with an intriguing magic system; some great characters who behave in a believable way; a plot that’s driven more by the background and characters than the need for relentless action; and a strong, satisfying romance. Why can’t all fantasy be like this?
Let’s start with the characters. Perarre (no, I don’t know how it’s pronounced) is a woman determined to make a success of her career in a male-dominated world. After a wild phase, she’s settled down to an academic life as a translator of old books, aided by her ability to magically ‘read’ the intent of the author (and haven’t we all read books where we could have used a talent like that?). Roric is the buttoned-up and demanding professor she ends up working for, a man hiding a surprising past. He’s given the task of finding out why the ‘magica’, the tricky to manage magic system, is no longer easy to balance. Something has gone wrong, but finding out what has happened and whether it can be fixed means taking big risks.
As the two investigate, they naturally start to see each other as more than working colleagues. This part of the book is exceptionally well-written, as they circle round each other and gradually set aside their prejudices and inch towards an understanding. The romance builds slowly, right up until the point where they hurtle headlong into a passionate affair. The change felt a little bit abrupt, but given their personalities (Perarre’s wild-child past and Roric’s obsessively constrained behaviour), it was believable and I can go along with it.
From this point onwards, the pace accelerates to become a breathless ride from one end of the country to the other, and back again, multiple times. I was quite relieved that later journeys were condensed to ‘After a month of travel…’. Nevertheless, the various locations where the pair end up, whether the sophisticated and political big city, the village or small farming community, the isolated woodsman’s hut or the very different society of the nomadic steppe clans, are beautifully described. I never had any trouble visualising the settings and understanding the prevailing customs.
Both Perarre and Roric have to leave their old ways behind and open their minds to other cultures (quite literally, in fact). I found it fascinating to watch Roric in particular shed the thick shell he’d built to protect himself from hurt, and face up to both his own heritage and a future very different from anything he’d ever envisaged. This is where the rock-solid love between the two is absolutely critical. And yet he never changes his inner self, and never loses his scientific spirit of seeking the truth, regardless of the cost.
There were moments in the second half of the book where I began to feel that the pace was sagging a little, and wondered whether I was being fed a certain amount of filler. But then things would veer sharply off in a completely unexpected direction. I do love it when a book surprises me, and this one has several such moments, much to my delight. The ending is less unexpected, and (to my mind) falls slightly flat, and I wasn’t totally convinced by the oh-so-convenient way the population of the capital city falls into line, but it isn’t a major stumbling block. A very enjoyable read. Highly recommended. Four stars.
Let’s start with the characters. Perarre (no, I don’t know how it’s pronounced) is a woman determined to make a success of her career in a male-dominated world. After a wild phase, she’s settled down to an academic life as a translator of old books, aided by her ability to magically ‘read’ the intent of the author (and haven’t we all read books where we could have used a talent like that?). Roric is the buttoned-up and demanding professor she ends up working for, a man hiding a surprising past. He’s given the task of finding out why the ‘magica’, the tricky to manage magic system, is no longer easy to balance. Something has gone wrong, but finding out what has happened and whether it can be fixed means taking big risks.
As the two investigate, they naturally start to see each other as more than working colleagues. This part of the book is exceptionally well-written, as they circle round each other and gradually set aside their prejudices and inch towards an understanding. The romance builds slowly, right up until the point where they hurtle headlong into a passionate affair. The change felt a little bit abrupt, but given their personalities (Perarre’s wild-child past and Roric’s obsessively constrained behaviour), it was believable and I can go along with it.
From this point onwards, the pace accelerates to become a breathless ride from one end of the country to the other, and back again, multiple times. I was quite relieved that later journeys were condensed to ‘After a month of travel…’. Nevertheless, the various locations where the pair end up, whether the sophisticated and political big city, the village or small farming community, the isolated woodsman’s hut or the very different society of the nomadic steppe clans, are beautifully described. I never had any trouble visualising the settings and understanding the prevailing customs.
Both Perarre and Roric have to leave their old ways behind and open their minds to other cultures (quite literally, in fact). I found it fascinating to watch Roric in particular shed the thick shell he’d built to protect himself from hurt, and face up to both his own heritage and a future very different from anything he’d ever envisaged. This is where the rock-solid love between the two is absolutely critical. And yet he never changes his inner self, and never loses his scientific spirit of seeking the truth, regardless of the cost.
There were moments in the second half of the book where I began to feel that the pace was sagging a little, and wondered whether I was being fed a certain amount of filler. But then things would veer sharply off in a completely unexpected direction. I do love it when a book surprises me, and this one has several such moments, much to my delight. The ending is less unexpected, and (to my mind) falls slightly flat, and I wasn’t totally convinced by the oh-so-convenient way the population of the capital city falls into line, but it isn’t a major stumbling block. A very enjoyable read. Highly recommended. Four stars.
August 27, 2014
When Perarre Tabrano, a talented translator, gets a chance to work with the eminent Professor Roric Rossony, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Her task is to translate restricted books that are supposed to help the Professor to understand why the magica has started deteriorating. As she starts Reading the books, she realizes this knowledge may not only endanger her and Professor’s lives, but also threaten the whole of Vorunne Dominion.
At some point Perarre and Roric realize they are in love with each other, and Perarre is terrified for her and Roric’s lives when the most dangerous book of all falls into the Professor’s hands. Their journey, long and perilous, is about to start, and both of them will have to face mortal danger in their search for the truth and in their attempt not to lose each other.
If you are an avid epic fantasy reader, The Lost Book of Anggird is for you. It starts slowly as the author lets us get to know all of the main characters’ traits, and bit by bit the action picks up, and then you know you can’t stop until you get to the very end. It is a very well-written novel, and I’m really happy I had the chance to read it.
At some point Perarre and Roric realize they are in love with each other, and Perarre is terrified for her and Roric’s lives when the most dangerous book of all falls into the Professor’s hands. Their journey, long and perilous, is about to start, and both of them will have to face mortal danger in their search for the truth and in their attempt not to lose each other.
If you are an avid epic fantasy reader, The Lost Book of Anggird is for you. It starts slowly as the author lets us get to know all of the main characters’ traits, and bit by bit the action picks up, and then you know you can’t stop until you get to the very end. It is a very well-written novel, and I’m really happy I had the chance to read it.
October 20, 2024
A fast romance and slow plot meant I found this epic fantasy a little hard to get through. A very interesting religious(ish) fantasy world, but maybe not my cup of tea.
April 18, 2014
*Minor Spoilers*
The Lost Book of Anggird is a very compelling, high fantasy book with elements of romance. I usually like fantasy, though am not normally fond of romance. However, I found myself drawn to the romance of Perrare and Roric. I liked that the romantic interest started out as intellectual camaraderie; it made the couple more on par, and their relationship grows and develops very well throughout the story, in a fairly satisfying way. I was not quite satisfied by Perrare's sometimes timid dismissal of her own intellect, strength and power, nor her tendency to nod to her husband's "better" knowledge of this and that, when she was often left in the dark about what he was going to do. Since his decisions were not always as wise as hers, I did not quite see why she insisted on timidity.
But the fantastical time period in which they live called for the women to act in certain ways, and she certainly stood out, as compared to other females in the book. It was, perhaps, a more complex dynamic than feeble woman and strong man, though it could be read that way, in some instances. However, the author does a good job revealing the nature of Perrare as anything other than feeble, even though her world, and even her lover, often try to treat her that way. I am a feminist who believes that the choice to be a nurturer, if it is indeed a choice for the woman, is a wonderfully fulfilling choice for certain women, and not all strong female characters forgo that role. It was an interesting choice, and a unique one, compared to a lot of modern heroines. Both characters are dynamic and interesting,and kept me invested in their lives, which makes Halland successful in her romance.
As for the story and plot line, it was intriguing, unique and well paced. Danger, love, anxiety, mystery and journeys were equally paced and well thought out. There were some moments when I thought that the story held moments that seemed unlikely, but it is a fantasy, so I was able to suspend disbelief. And honestly, I was so intrigued by the story that the moments in which certain elements of the magic did not align with my expectations were minor compared to the overall mystery and suspense of the book. I really could not keep from reading chapter after chapter. I cared about the characters, their quest, their life and wanted to know what would happen to them.
There were some minor editorial flaws, some plot points I wanted clarified, etc. but the book is very well written, and the minor flaws do not mask the quality of Halland's story. It is clear to me that Halland has wonderful talent, that she put a lot of thought, care, and time into this story both writing and editing. I loved the professor-teacher dynamic and the intellect and sensitivity of the male lead character, as well as the female lead character.
I liked this book a great deal, and would recommend it as a fast paced, though not short, adult fantasy read.
The Lost Book of Anggird is a very compelling, high fantasy book with elements of romance. I usually like fantasy, though am not normally fond of romance. However, I found myself drawn to the romance of Perrare and Roric. I liked that the romantic interest started out as intellectual camaraderie; it made the couple more on par, and their relationship grows and develops very well throughout the story, in a fairly satisfying way. I was not quite satisfied by Perrare's sometimes timid dismissal of her own intellect, strength and power, nor her tendency to nod to her husband's "better" knowledge of this and that, when she was often left in the dark about what he was going to do. Since his decisions were not always as wise as hers, I did not quite see why she insisted on timidity.
But the fantastical time period in which they live called for the women to act in certain ways, and she certainly stood out, as compared to other females in the book. It was, perhaps, a more complex dynamic than feeble woman and strong man, though it could be read that way, in some instances. However, the author does a good job revealing the nature of Perrare as anything other than feeble, even though her world, and even her lover, often try to treat her that way. I am a feminist who believes that the choice to be a nurturer, if it is indeed a choice for the woman, is a wonderfully fulfilling choice for certain women, and not all strong female characters forgo that role. It was an interesting choice, and a unique one, compared to a lot of modern heroines. Both characters are dynamic and interesting,and kept me invested in their lives, which makes Halland successful in her romance.
As for the story and plot line, it was intriguing, unique and well paced. Danger, love, anxiety, mystery and journeys were equally paced and well thought out. There were some moments when I thought that the story held moments that seemed unlikely, but it is a fantasy, so I was able to suspend disbelief. And honestly, I was so intrigued by the story that the moments in which certain elements of the magic did not align with my expectations were minor compared to the overall mystery and suspense of the book. I really could not keep from reading chapter after chapter. I cared about the characters, their quest, their life and wanted to know what would happen to them.
There were some minor editorial flaws, some plot points I wanted clarified, etc. but the book is very well written, and the minor flaws do not mask the quality of Halland's story. It is clear to me that Halland has wonderful talent, that she put a lot of thought, care, and time into this story both writing and editing. I loved the professor-teacher dynamic and the intellect and sensitivity of the male lead character, as well as the female lead character.
I liked this book a great deal, and would recommend it as a fast paced, though not short, adult fantasy read.
April 22, 2014
This character driven book is a diamond. Halland delivers an intricate plot with a collegiate magical twist in The Lost Book of Anggird. Her main female character, Perrare, is a force, strong, smart and witty. She lives in a well established world, that has touches of modernity, touches of old England and touches of high fantasy. She is a complex, well developed character who defies simple explanation. Her love interest, Roric, is, likewise, unique and compelling. Their relationship, scholarship and adventures drive this story, a story that is about the most unlikely, nerdy heroine and hero duo we've ever read.
The magical aspect of this book was also very different. The protagonists are, primarily, interested in balancing a magical system that has been out of balance and growing steadily more dangerous as time wears on. They become involved in an intricate, ancient plot that leads them into adventures neither of them were prepared for, and never wanted. You get to see what two bookish civilized people do when their world crumbles around them, and it is surprising.
There were points in this book in which the explanation of the magical happenings were not clear, but the book is well edited, wonderfully plotted and very touching. The romance in this book is wonderful. Perrare and Roric are a great new fantasy couple, and their story will leave you feeling content and happy. Being a rather dark reviewer, I found it was too comfortable for my liking, but know that the hopeful story will be a fast, enjoyable read for anyone who picks it up. We would rate it 4.3/5 stars, but star systems are fairly imperfect, so we went with 5, not wanting to cheat such a cool book of a great rating.
The magical aspect of this book was also very different. The protagonists are, primarily, interested in balancing a magical system that has been out of balance and growing steadily more dangerous as time wears on. They become involved in an intricate, ancient plot that leads them into adventures neither of them were prepared for, and never wanted. You get to see what two bookish civilized people do when their world crumbles around them, and it is surprising.
There were points in this book in which the explanation of the magical happenings were not clear, but the book is well edited, wonderfully plotted and very touching. The romance in this book is wonderful. Perrare and Roric are a great new fantasy couple, and their story will leave you feeling content and happy. Being a rather dark reviewer, I found it was too comfortable for my liking, but know that the hopeful story will be a fast, enjoyable read for anyone who picks it up. We would rate it 4.3/5 stars, but star systems are fairly imperfect, so we went with 5, not wanting to cheat such a cool book of a great rating.
November 13, 2013
WOW! This book was hard to put down when I started reading it yesterday. I was reluctant to stop before midnight but I had to force myself to get some sleep since I needed to go to work at four o'clock in the morning. I was so engrossed with the story, I couldn't wait to read some more during breaks at work. This is a well-written, well-paced and exciting book that narrates not only the origins of magica but also about friendship, love and its impact to the doubts or fears that people have. There's also great character development of Roric, Perarre & other main characters.
I immediately liked Perrare for being a strong-willed woman who's confident of her qualifications. She didn't balk at the enormous task of translating old books and manuscripts assigned by Professor Rossony. When the professor became overbearing, Perrare often reminded herself of getting a good recommendation in the future, traveling to foreign lands and Jadean men. These inner dialogues were amusing. The beginning chapters were slowly-paced compared to the latter ones, giving us a good glimpse of their individual traits, habits and experiences that shaped them.
I thought the whole story would be confined to their university and scholarly endeavors but I was proven wrong when the forbidden books were found and all hell broke loose. The romance evolved into an action-packed, adventure-filled story that's sure to give excitement to any reader.
I immediately liked Perrare for being a strong-willed woman who's confident of her qualifications. She didn't balk at the enormous task of translating old books and manuscripts assigned by Professor Rossony. When the professor became overbearing, Perrare often reminded herself of getting a good recommendation in the future, traveling to foreign lands and Jadean men. These inner dialogues were amusing. The beginning chapters were slowly-paced compared to the latter ones, giving us a good glimpse of their individual traits, habits and experiences that shaped them.
I thought the whole story would be confined to their university and scholarly endeavors but I was proven wrong when the forbidden books were found and all hell broke loose. The romance evolved into an action-packed, adventure-filled story that's sure to give excitement to any reader.
November 13, 2013
There’s absolutely no way I can summarize this book better than the author does herself. I will say that this book is unapologetically a fantasy romance, and perhaps I’ve read too many of the wrong kinds of books, but I find it extremely refreshing to find a romance in the fantasy genre that isn’t trying to be something it’s not. With an imaginative setting, highly dynamic and engrossing characters, and a refreshingly uncomplicated yet original magic system, my only real complaint about the book is that it’s a bit too short. I would have liked to see it split into two books and expanded a little, but that complaint in itself is also a compliment, I suppose, and nothing the author can be faulted for. This is an indie book, and like many it has its share of minor errors, but I feel it more than makes up for these in originality. I’ll be looking forward to more from Kyra Halland, and I’d recommend this book to anyone with a love for fantasy.
Note: the book does contain some sexual content, but I thought not enough to give it the 17+ rating it has. While in no way lacking in presence, Halland manages to keep her descriptions inoffensive enough that I thought a 13+ rating would have been more than sufficient.
Note: the book does contain some sexual content, but I thought not enough to give it the 17+ rating it has. While in no way lacking in presence, Halland manages to keep her descriptions inoffensive enough that I thought a 13+ rating would have been more than sufficient.
January 20, 2014
Perarre knows exactly what she wants and doesn’t plan on letting anything get in her way. That’s how I like my characters, strong and focused. Though I did struggle at first to understand her attraction to Roric. It took me a while to warm up to him, but by the end, he was my favorite. I love it when authors make me care for characters I initially struggled to like.
The tension when both Perarre and Roric were declared enemies of the state was fantastic, and that’ when things started to heat up even more. The pair faced their roll-coaster adventure of searching for the truth and avoiding the law, and that was my favorite aspect of the story. All the underlying information they uncovered. If anything, I wanted more☺
While this is a fantasy romance, in no way does the romance dominate the book, and that’s the way I like my fantasy. The author’s writing is smooth, charming, and easy to follow. While I did find the opening a bit slow, I’d recommend The Lost Book of Anggird to all fantasy fans. You won’t be disappointed, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Kyra Halland. She’s an author to keep an eye on.
The tension when both Perarre and Roric were declared enemies of the state was fantastic, and that’ when things started to heat up even more. The pair faced their roll-coaster adventure of searching for the truth and avoiding the law, and that was my favorite aspect of the story. All the underlying information they uncovered. If anything, I wanted more☺
While this is a fantasy romance, in no way does the romance dominate the book, and that’s the way I like my fantasy. The author’s writing is smooth, charming, and easy to follow. While I did find the opening a bit slow, I’d recommend The Lost Book of Anggird to all fantasy fans. You won’t be disappointed, and I’ll definitely be reading more from Kyra Halland. She’s an author to keep an eye on.
August 7, 2023
This captivating adult fantasy romance tells the story of Roric Rossony, a professor who works in a utopian government with a magic system that operates on precise balance. However, the system starts to fail, and Roric and his new assistant, Perarre Tabrano, are determined to uncover the truth by searching for answers in forbidden books. Despite their different personalities - Roric is methodical and Perarre is carefree - they are both highly skilled and passionate about their work. Unfortunately, Roric's obsession with finding answers lands him in trouble, and he ends up on the run. He turns to Perarre for help, and together they flee to the barbarian lands. Along the way, they discover new aspects of magic and face dangerous obstacles. Roric and Perarre struggle both together and apart, but they also make friends along the way. Can they fix something that is hundreds of years in the making?
The author, Halland, has put a lot of effort and heart into this epic tale, which is told in one full-length novel. While the story deals with heavy themes such as human trafficking, rape, and torture, justice is a crucial element as well. Additionally, the book explores themes of diversity, teamwork, fairness, and love. Despite the complex plot and numerous minor characters, the story is easy to follow and engaging. And the cherry on top is you don't have to wait for another book to find out how it ends!
The author, Halland, has put a lot of effort and heart into this epic tale, which is told in one full-length novel. While the story deals with heavy themes such as human trafficking, rape, and torture, justice is a crucial element as well. Additionally, the book explores themes of diversity, teamwork, fairness, and love. Despite the complex plot and numerous minor characters, the story is easy to follow and engaging. And the cherry on top is you don't have to wait for another book to find out how it ends!
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April 23, 2015Staid and stodgy Professor Roric Rossony's world is rocked by his sexy new assistant, Perarre Tabrano. It's rocked even more when he digs too deeply into old and lost books and finds the last thing he expected! Epic fantasy with a romantic twist. My book, by me :D
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