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The Comstock Chronicles #1
The Earthspark
A forgotten magic emerges as the primordial Guardians stir. Darkness is on the fringe, and it's hunting for the one person who could set it free.
The Earthspark, a cursed power that nearly destroyed Nienna's family a thousand years ago, has appeared once more, and she's the one holding the knife.
As her ill-fated power grows, the number of dark creatures bent on seeing her dead increases. If that weren't bad enough, the Guardians have reappeared, and the elements are on the move. Nienna must choose to embrace the Earthspark or live the rest of her life like a hunted animal.
However, accepting the Earthspark means her family's greatest enemy may be her only ally in the fight against the rising evil of the Fire Witch. With her choice in the balance, the fate of her people rests on the untried shoulders of Tellidus's second-born and the infamous Guardian of Earth.
"The Earthspark" is the first novel in the Comstock Chronicles. It's a clean Young Adult epic fantasy that will take you on a journey of elemental magic, love, honor, and family. This book is for readers who love fantasy with adventure, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance with a heroine who just wants to live her own life.
The Earthspark, a cursed power that nearly destroyed Nienna's family a thousand years ago, has appeared once more, and she's the one holding the knife.
As her ill-fated power grows, the number of dark creatures bent on seeing her dead increases. If that weren't bad enough, the Guardians have reappeared, and the elements are on the move. Nienna must choose to embrace the Earthspark or live the rest of her life like a hunted animal.
However, accepting the Earthspark means her family's greatest enemy may be her only ally in the fight against the rising evil of the Fire Witch. With her choice in the balance, the fate of her people rests on the untried shoulders of Tellidus's second-born and the infamous Guardian of Earth.
"The Earthspark" is the first novel in the Comstock Chronicles. It's a clean Young Adult epic fantasy that will take you on a journey of elemental magic, love, honor, and family. This book is for readers who love fantasy with adventure, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance with a heroine who just wants to live her own life.
- GenresFantasy
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2021
27 people are currently reading
1728 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Thurgood
7 books33 followersVanessa is the award winning author of the young adult epic fantasy series, THE COMSTOCK CHRONICLES.
A farmer’s wife by day and writer by night, Vanessa still finds time to explore in the rugged mountains of Idaho that inspire her rich worldbuilding through motorbiking, horseback riding, and snowboarding.
When she’s not roaming the wilds, you will find her selling produce in a roadside stand with her family and her border collie named Ruby.
Currently, Vanessa is wandering the desert with the last novel in The Comstock Chronicles, The Phoenix and the Wolf, releasing fall 2025.
Connect with her on Instagram, and YouTube or join her Facebook Group The Reader's Guild.
A farmer’s wife by day and writer by night, Vanessa still finds time to explore in the rugged mountains of Idaho that inspire her rich worldbuilding through motorbiking, horseback riding, and snowboarding.
When she’s not roaming the wilds, you will find her selling produce in a roadside stand with her family and her border collie named Ruby.
Currently, Vanessa is wandering the desert with the last novel in The Comstock Chronicles, The Phoenix and the Wolf, releasing fall 2025.
Connect with her on Instagram, and YouTube or join her Facebook Group The Reader's Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 5, 2023
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and it was one of the books I was most looking forward to reading this year.
"The Earthspark" is a well written, well paced YA fantasy novel, but I just never connected with the story or main character, Nienna (aka Nina). The world building was outstanding. The magic system was interesting. The characters were multidimensional.
It just didn't work for me. And it is definitely a me problem, there is nothing that would keep another person from loving this book.
"The Earthspark" is a well written, well paced YA fantasy novel, but I just never connected with the story or main character, Nienna (aka Nina). The world building was outstanding. The magic system was interesting. The characters were multidimensional.
It just didn't work for me. And it is definitely a me problem, there is nothing that would keep another person from loving this book.
November 4, 2021
Amazing And Entertaining
This book is an excellent fantasy adventure book. If you enjoy epic tales of good vs. evil, lord of the rings, immortals, etc. Then you'll enjoy this book.
Nienna was an amazing hero. She maybe lacking in her knowledge of the Earthspark, but she's smart, humble, and loving. All of which she uses to aid the group.
The plot twists were perfect. I don't want to give anything away, but I found myself changing my opinions of support characters along with Nienna.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the second book comes out.
This book is an excellent fantasy adventure book. If you enjoy epic tales of good vs. evil, lord of the rings, immortals, etc. Then you'll enjoy this book.
Nienna was an amazing hero. She maybe lacking in her knowledge of the Earthspark, but she's smart, humble, and loving. All of which she uses to aid the group.
The plot twists were perfect. I don't want to give anything away, but I found myself changing my opinions of support characters along with Nienna.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the second book comes out.
September 7, 2023
Such a hard book to put down and definitely ends on a cliffhanger so he prepared to absolutely need the next one.
June 16, 2025
Edit: I rated this book four stars, as I did like it, but I rated the second book five stars as I enjoyed it much more. I definitely feel the series is worth the read for fans of Young Adult Fantasy novels.
There is much to like in this book...some great dialogue, life observations, and good writing. A few things kept me from enjoying the book more and giving it a higher rating (purely subjective on my part). I thought the pace was often slow and some details could have been left out, as well as some of the minor adventures. The book is action-packed, but I would prefer it were packed a little tighter. (I experience the same with many fantasy novels, however, and I am sure many might make that complaint for my novels.) It takes forever for Nienna to develop her powers...I kept waiting and waiting, and I guess I will have to wait until book two. Of all the main characters, I found Teague, a secondary character, to be the most interesting. I wish I could feel more for the two main characters. Owen and Ross, tertiary characters, are very intriguing but get little play in the novel, much to my chagrin. One character goes to the dark side, but I wasn't sure if this was solely a personality flaw or if he was poisoned (literally). Maybe he had a propensity toward evil...who knows? I think another thing made the book slow to me was the use of narrative (another common complaint of mine when reading fiction). I want to experience an adventure through the characters...what they see, hear, feel, and think. If there is narrative I want it to be clever, literary, and seamlessly connect with the action. If an author can do that, I rate them five stars, usually. I did highlight and comment on some of the writing I liked and some writing I thought fell short. If one wants more information on the book or this review they can refer to those notes.
There is much to like in this book...some great dialogue, life observations, and good writing. A few things kept me from enjoying the book more and giving it a higher rating (purely subjective on my part). I thought the pace was often slow and some details could have been left out, as well as some of the minor adventures. The book is action-packed, but I would prefer it were packed a little tighter. (I experience the same with many fantasy novels, however, and I am sure many might make that complaint for my novels.) It takes forever for Nienna to develop her powers...I kept waiting and waiting, and I guess I will have to wait until book two. Of all the main characters, I found Teague, a secondary character, to be the most interesting. I wish I could feel more for the two main characters. Owen and Ross, tertiary characters, are very intriguing but get little play in the novel, much to my chagrin. One character goes to the dark side, but I wasn't sure if this was solely a personality flaw or if he was poisoned (literally). Maybe he had a propensity toward evil...who knows? I think another thing made the book slow to me was the use of narrative (another common complaint of mine when reading fiction). I want to experience an adventure through the characters...what they see, hear, feel, and think. If there is narrative I want it to be clever, literary, and seamlessly connect with the action. If an author can do that, I rate them five stars, usually. I did highlight and comment on some of the writing I liked and some writing I thought fell short. If one wants more information on the book or this review they can refer to those notes.
November 10, 2021
Best book I've read in years!
Romance....check, adventure....check, an excited tale that makes you dream of what happens next...check! This book has all the goods. I love the characters and the story line! I completely fell in love with Tel and can't wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend it.
Romance....check, adventure....check, an excited tale that makes you dream of what happens next...check! This book has all the goods. I love the characters and the story line! I completely fell in love with Tel and can't wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend it.
October 29, 2021
This is a tale of love, magic, and betrayal for young adults. The author has crafted an imaginative story of a broken world in which evil lurks, waiting to be unleashed.
Main character, Princess Nienna, is an intelligent, strong-willed young woman who wants nothing more than to make her own way in life, without the trappings of royalty.
She's plunged into a world where ancient beings and dangerous beasts come to life, threatening all she holds dear.
I think young readers should enjoy this first book in an imaginative, and colorful, fantasy series. The author has set the scene for an exciting follow up.
Main character, Princess Nienna, is an intelligent, strong-willed young woman who wants nothing more than to make her own way in life, without the trappings of royalty.
She's plunged into a world where ancient beings and dangerous beasts come to life, threatening all she holds dear.
I think young readers should enjoy this first book in an imaginative, and colorful, fantasy series. The author has set the scene for an exciting follow up.
October 29, 2021
Right from the beginning, I was drawn into Nienna's world. The wilderness of Tellidus is powerfully evocative and the characters are so rich and vibrant that I read it all in one sitting. Can't wait for the next book in the Comstock Chronicles. If you love epic fantasy, I highly recommend you check this out!
March 9, 2022
I've been reading a lot of indie fiction lately, but "Earthspark" is a cut above. Like WAY above.
Nienna Comstock is the second-born princess of the royal family of Tellidus, yet cares little for court intrigue or the suitors clamoring for her attention. Her true passion is for nature, the land of her birth and the art of mapmaking. At nineteen, she is embarking on a career as a cartographer at the local university when a dark plague upon the land rips her away from her studies. A strange, supernatural poison -- accompanied by the emergence of sinister, unnatural creatures -- is threatening the environment as well as those who live off the land. When Nienna is invited to investigate the source of the scourge, she ends up meeting a man like none she's ever known.
Tellen is both a shapeshifter and a healer, a supernatural being with powers that could be used for good or evil. He turns out to be one of many such beings engaged in a war going back over a thousand years. This handsome stranger not only intrigues Nienna, but makes her aware that she, too, possesses a magical power she never knew she had -- earthspark -- a power that could be the key to curing the plague.
But things get complicated when Nienna's attraction to Tellen becomes apparent to Aspen, the royal bodyguard who's been hopelessly in love with her from childhood. The spurned lover who comes out of this ill-fated triangle will end up unleashing a jealous and crazy-powerful evil that will threaten the very existence of mankind.
Vanessa Thurgood is a ridiculously talented novelist whose fine sense of the deep-seated emotions that bring people into tragic conflict makes this a heart-breaking first novel. Yet despite the violent struggle that takes place in "Earthspark," it's also a sweet, wholesome fantasy romance that is both endearing and unforgettable. I expect great things from this author going forward.
Nienna Comstock is the second-born princess of the royal family of Tellidus, yet cares little for court intrigue or the suitors clamoring for her attention. Her true passion is for nature, the land of her birth and the art of mapmaking. At nineteen, she is embarking on a career as a cartographer at the local university when a dark plague upon the land rips her away from her studies. A strange, supernatural poison -- accompanied by the emergence of sinister, unnatural creatures -- is threatening the environment as well as those who live off the land. When Nienna is invited to investigate the source of the scourge, she ends up meeting a man like none she's ever known.
Tellen is both a shapeshifter and a healer, a supernatural being with powers that could be used for good or evil. He turns out to be one of many such beings engaged in a war going back over a thousand years. This handsome stranger not only intrigues Nienna, but makes her aware that she, too, possesses a magical power she never knew she had -- earthspark -- a power that could be the key to curing the plague.
But things get complicated when Nienna's attraction to Tellen becomes apparent to Aspen, the royal bodyguard who's been hopelessly in love with her from childhood. The spurned lover who comes out of this ill-fated triangle will end up unleashing a jealous and crazy-powerful evil that will threaten the very existence of mankind.
Vanessa Thurgood is a ridiculously talented novelist whose fine sense of the deep-seated emotions that bring people into tragic conflict makes this a heart-breaking first novel. Yet despite the violent struggle that takes place in "Earthspark," it's also a sweet, wholesome fantasy romance that is both endearing and unforgettable. I expect great things from this author going forward.
September 6, 2023
'The Earthspark: is a captivating young adult fantasy that weaves together themes of love, magic, and betrayal into a compelling narrative. Set in a world on the edge of darkness, the author skillfully creates a rich and imaginative backdrop.
The slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of intrigue and emotion, drawing readers deeper into Nienna's journey of self-discovery.
In a nutshell "The Earthspark" is a really interesting fantasy book for young adults. It's about a world that's almost dark, but there's magic, love, and tricky situations. The main character, Nienna, is on a journey to discover herself, and her slowly-growing romance makes the story even more exciting.
Nienna has special powers that some bad creatures want to use. She also meets powerful Guardians and the elements start acting strangely. Nienna has to decide if she'll use her powers or hide from danger. She even teams up with an old enemy to fight against a bad Fire Witch.
The author did a great job mixing magic, love, family, and honor in the story. "The Earthspark" is a cool book that's easy to get into. It's just the start of a bigger series, and if you like fantasy with a bit of romance, you'll enjoy reading it.
The slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of intrigue and emotion, drawing readers deeper into Nienna's journey of self-discovery.
In a nutshell "The Earthspark" is a really interesting fantasy book for young adults. It's about a world that's almost dark, but there's magic, love, and tricky situations. The main character, Nienna, is on a journey to discover herself, and her slowly-growing romance makes the story even more exciting.
Nienna has special powers that some bad creatures want to use. She also meets powerful Guardians and the elements start acting strangely. Nienna has to decide if she'll use her powers or hide from danger. She even teams up with an old enemy to fight against a bad Fire Witch.
The author did a great job mixing magic, love, family, and honor in the story. "The Earthspark" is a cool book that's easy to get into. It's just the start of a bigger series, and if you like fantasy with a bit of romance, you'll enjoy reading it.
November 25, 2023
This review is written after reading 3 books of this series, and for the question is it worth to invest your time and pick up the Comstock Chronicles, I'd answer: Yes, definitely! And it is getting much better with every book.
There is nothing particularly original in world building (elementary magic, traditional kingdom, tribes, dragons) but the plot is interesting, characters likable and the story unfolds amazingly (better not to miss any details as in the follow up books they are like jigsaw falling into place!).
There are small lapses of logic here and there, but nothing really disturbing, overall it is enjoyable story of the journey of princess Nienna discovering her many identities.
If you wonder (as I did) what the "clean YA" brand entails, and fear the book may be overly prude or conservative in depicting men and women roles, it is not the case at all. There is no gory and graphic content but there is love and there is violence, women are equal and can chose their own path and there are men who are natural leaders without being alpha males.
I let myself to be pulled into the Dreamscape.
There is nothing particularly original in world building (elementary magic, traditional kingdom, tribes, dragons) but the plot is interesting, characters likable and the story unfolds amazingly (better not to miss any details as in the follow up books they are like jigsaw falling into place!).
There are small lapses of logic here and there, but nothing really disturbing, overall it is enjoyable story of the journey of princess Nienna discovering her many identities.
If you wonder (as I did) what the "clean YA" brand entails, and fear the book may be overly prude or conservative in depicting men and women roles, it is not the case at all. There is no gory and graphic content but there is love and there is violence, women are equal and can chose their own path and there are men who are natural leaders without being alpha males.
I let myself to be pulled into the Dreamscape.
September 18, 2022
Fantastical!
I am hooked! I adore the characters, the plot, even the setting. The strong female lead is very endearing, and I can’t wait to read her further adventures. This world has lost its connection with magic, and the victors of war have written and spread a false history. Our beloved main character discovers a whole new reality of elemental magic, healing, shape shifting, and more. This was beautifully written and engaging. I am on my way to download the next one in the series now.
I am hooked! I adore the characters, the plot, even the setting. The strong female lead is very endearing, and I can’t wait to read her further adventures. This world has lost its connection with magic, and the victors of war have written and spread a false history. Our beloved main character discovers a whole new reality of elemental magic, healing, shape shifting, and more. This was beautifully written and engaging. I am on my way to download the next one in the series now.
November 28, 2021
This one is quite good, although it does have a few slow spots here and there.
April 18, 2025
Fantastic book with amazing world building
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews