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The Being of Dreams #1
Shattering Dreams
They're blessed with wealth and cursed to become heroes… or monsters.
Alex tries not to think beyond the next drink or the next party. As the fourth son of the king, he should be able to enjoy the crown's wealth with none of the responsibility. But his ability to manipulate the veil could either make him a legend or transform him into the monster from his worst nightmares…
Along with his privileged friends, Alex ignores the future until a foiled kidnapping plot reveals the truth. The bedtime stories of tainted magic driving humans mad are actually part of a grand conspiracy. Betrayed by their own family, Alex and his friends must confront the darker side of their powers. But unravelling the web of lies they were raised to believe could destroy the kingdom they were sworn to protect…
Shattering Dreams is the compelling first book in The Being of Dreams epic fantasy series. If you like perilous magic, royal intrigue, and tales of betrayal and friendship, then you'll love Catherine M. Walker's enchanting adventure.
Alex tries not to think beyond the next drink or the next party. As the fourth son of the king, he should be able to enjoy the crown's wealth with none of the responsibility. But his ability to manipulate the veil could either make him a legend or transform him into the monster from his worst nightmares…
Along with his privileged friends, Alex ignores the future until a foiled kidnapping plot reveals the truth. The bedtime stories of tainted magic driving humans mad are actually part of a grand conspiracy. Betrayed by their own family, Alex and his friends must confront the darker side of their powers. But unravelling the web of lies they were raised to believe could destroy the kingdom they were sworn to protect…
Shattering Dreams is the compelling first book in The Being of Dreams epic fantasy series. If you like perilous magic, royal intrigue, and tales of betrayal and friendship, then you'll love Catherine M. Walker's enchanting adventure.
- GenresFantasyHigh Fantasy
417 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2018
70 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Catherine M. Walker
7 books10 followersCatherine M Walker was born in a small country town in Western Australia but now resides in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. Not being interested in sports she dived into reading and writing. Determined to enter a short story competition while still in high school Catherine and her best friend started writing. Six exercise books later they both realised that perhaps the short story was a little long. Being an Author and publishing was a ‘one-day’ dream that stretched back to that time in high school. Nothing ever came of that first book, life moved on.
Years later Catherine realised ‘one day’ never happens, life will pass you by if you let it. Of all the childhood dreams fulfilled to date one that hasn’t been is to be a published Author. Of course, flying an X Wing Fighter and blowing up the Death Star hasn’t either, but one dream at a time. Right?
Shattered Dreams is Catherine's debut book in The Being of Dreams.
Years later Catherine realised ‘one day’ never happens, life will pass you by if you let it. Of all the childhood dreams fulfilled to date one that hasn’t been is to be a published Author. Of course, flying an X Wing Fighter and blowing up the Death Star hasn’t either, but one dream at a time. Right?
Shattered Dreams is Catherine's debut book in The Being of Dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 4, 2018
I was super intrigued at the beginning of this story, but the writing significantly hindered my reading. The dialogue and the way information was given was very simplistic. The chapter titles were a three-word summary of what the chapter would be, which made the chapters dull and predictable. There was so much potential that unfortunately did not develop. I wanted to love this, but the writing and execution of the plot were not up to the standard of fantasy that I usually read.
I received an e-arc copy of this book via NetGalley with the intent to read and potentially share my honest opinion. This in no way affects my opinions of this book.
I received an e-arc copy of this book via NetGalley with the intent to read and potentially share my honest opinion. This in no way affects my opinions of this book.
December 7, 2021
This took a while for me to really get into. Some parts were interesting but most others were just blah. I could have done without. I wasn’t digging the casual way they killed people with no remorse and just went on doing whatever they do. It was just weird to me. Especially when it came to certain deaths. They had absolutely no feeling whatsoever. The ending has me wanting to continue to the next book but I wouldn’t say that I’m super excited or anything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2018
This book was an interesting read from start to finish. Based in a medieval world, Alex, Kyle, and Jess are all members of a talented group of people who are influenced by the Taint. A supernatural connection to powers they don't understand entirely, the Taint allows them to communicate with each other, cross over into the veil, and heal quicker than other people. It sounds like the greatest of gifts, but it comes with a catch: People with the Taint sometimes go mad from the power and become the evil Sundered.
As we follow our three main characters we watch them attempt to navigate the inner workings of the royal court, the myths surrounding those with the Taint, their love lives, and the expectations of the Fourth Son of the King (which Alex is). They are skilled in almost all aspects of their lives. Kyle is a talented assassin, Jess is a gifted swordsman, and Alex is a prince (more than that, but that's pretty cool.)
The entire idea of the book is an incredibly interesting one. I couldn't give it five stars for a few simple, yet glaring irritations. The way they navigate their love lives is strange. It isn't problematic, exactly, but it's irksome. The way characters jump in and out of bed with strangers, or they know that one of the young women has had an endless parade of lovers doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
The violence in the story is perplexing as well. The rate at which people are murdered and entirely forgotten afterward is confusing. The characters engage in wanton destruction and murder, and it is accepted by all around. So what if Kyle just snapped someone's neck? Jess and Alex successfully murdered people and left their dead guards behind? Okay. It doesn't track for me.
My last issue with the book is of a composition nature. Most of the book is written quite well. It is easy to follow, engaging, and I truly enjoyed it. However, the story has a habit of latching onto a single phrase and repeating it again several times. For instance, after the kidnapping attempt, Kyle is ill. He wakes up, rolls over, and "heaves the contents of his stomach onto the floor." Later, he stands up and his stomach heaves again. He says to a guard, "I threw up the contents of my stomach in the other room," and later, when asked what he remembers, he says, "The rest is a blur until I woke up and heaved the contents of my stomach on the floor of a room I did not recognize." These are small irritations, but they occur again and again with different phrases.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It surprised me at several different points, and I truly cannot wait to continue the story.
As we follow our three main characters we watch them attempt to navigate the inner workings of the royal court, the myths surrounding those with the Taint, their love lives, and the expectations of the Fourth Son of the King (which Alex is). They are skilled in almost all aspects of their lives. Kyle is a talented assassin, Jess is a gifted swordsman, and Alex is a prince (more than that, but that's pretty cool.)
The entire idea of the book is an incredibly interesting one. I couldn't give it five stars for a few simple, yet glaring irritations. The way they navigate their love lives is strange. It isn't problematic, exactly, but it's irksome. The way characters jump in and out of bed with strangers, or they know that one of the young women has had an endless parade of lovers doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
The violence in the story is perplexing as well. The rate at which people are murdered and entirely forgotten afterward is confusing. The characters engage in wanton destruction and murder, and it is accepted by all around. So what if Kyle just snapped someone's neck? Jess and Alex successfully murdered people and left their dead guards behind? Okay. It doesn't track for me.
My last issue with the book is of a composition nature. Most of the book is written quite well. It is easy to follow, engaging, and I truly enjoyed it. However, the story has a habit of latching onto a single phrase and repeating it again several times. For instance, after the kidnapping attempt, Kyle is ill. He wakes up, rolls over, and "heaves the contents of his stomach onto the floor." Later, he stands up and his stomach heaves again. He says to a guard, "I threw up the contents of my stomach in the other room," and later, when asked what he remembers, he says, "The rest is a blur until I woke up and heaved the contents of my stomach on the floor of a room I did not recognize." These are small irritations, but they occur again and again with different phrases.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It surprised me at several different points, and I truly cannot wait to continue the story.
June 12, 2018
To make a good fantasy story truly great, an author has to be able to make warriors and heroes relatable and that is no easy task at time but Walker introduces us to these astounding characters in an astounding world that is too captivating to step away from. While they may be living in a magical world capable of extreme powers they still go through challenges we all face, discovering who we are and how much of us is predetermined by our birthright and what choices we have to overcome them or not. While the vivid descriptions and epic tales certainly keep you interested, the personal accounts of these characters will be what really hooks you in.
November 4, 2018
This is a first novel and all I can says is fantastic!! Great characters entertwined for special twists in a world of kings and queens, rich and magical mixed in a way that keeps you wanting more!! Another author who's words paint pictures so that I actually feel like I am in their world as an eavesdropper going through the veil to travel in a new way with talents that each characters uses to face everyday life will take you through a wide range of emotions.. I had forgotten that this was a first Book so when I went to purchase the next in the series and saw early 2019..wowza...I can't wait that long..and then I remembered this is almost the end of 2018 and I let out a sigh of relief!
September 30, 2020
This is great! Yes, it had a couple problems, but in the interest of a good read, I overlooked them. I love it when someone comes up with a new magic system, and this world building is superb! We have Alex, Prince, "fourth son"; Kyle, Lord, master assassin; and Jessalan, Lady, master swordsman. All strong with the Taint, the magical force that allows them to touch the Veiled Mists and draw on its power. At some point they will have to go through the transition, at which time they will either become stronger and disappear or they will go mad and start killing people.
The main characters are well developed and we have lots of fun with their escapades since Prince Alex is on the wild side and his two friends go right along with him. Then the plot thickens and we meet other colorful characters such as the cute lady assassin, the guy from the Skull Lord with the skull tattoo and scar, Lady Jessalan's mother. We get to know the rest of the royal family a bit, the King, Prince William and Princess Elizabeth (twins), and Prince Daniel. We get to hear and see Alex's memory of his mother's death in bits and pieces over time and finally in total. Her death had effected him very strongly all his life as he had been there with her when she was killed.
Now, it just isn't right that people should go around killing people and nothing is done about it. Even if you're a Prince or one of his companions. So that did bother me. They killed people and just left them where they dropped. Off on their next adventure. No clean up committee or anything. However, the magic system is so great in this book that after awhile I just stopped worrying about that. But it did cost a star. Recommended and I bought the other two books.
The main characters are well developed and we have lots of fun with their escapades since Prince Alex is on the wild side and his two friends go right along with him. Then the plot thickens and we meet other colorful characters such as the cute lady assassin, the guy from the Skull Lord with the skull tattoo and scar, Lady Jessalan's mother. We get to know the rest of the royal family a bit, the King, Prince William and Princess Elizabeth (twins), and Prince Daniel. We get to hear and see Alex's memory of his mother's death in bits and pieces over time and finally in total. Her death had effected him very strongly all his life as he had been there with her when she was killed.
Now, it just isn't right that people should go around killing people and nothing is done about it. Even if you're a Prince or one of his companions. So that did bother me. They killed people and just left them where they dropped. Off on their next adventure. No clean up committee or anything. However, the magic system is so great in this book that after awhile I just stopped worrying about that. But it did cost a star. Recommended and I bought the other two books.
July 5, 2018
Wonderful story and character relation.
From the beginning it took a bit to understand, as it goes along it explains things just enough to keep you guessing the truth and what will happen. The characters Alex, Kyle and Jess were very easy to relate to and well thought, you get to feel the emotional attachment to them easily. The story line was unique, I've never read anything quite like it, magic, royalty and a bigger than life nemesis. Was a great read! I look forward to the second
From the beginning it took a bit to understand, as it goes along it explains things just enough to keep you guessing the truth and what will happen. The characters Alex, Kyle and Jess were very easy to relate to and well thought, you get to feel the emotional attachment to them easily. The story line was unique, I've never read anything quite like it, magic, royalty and a bigger than life nemesis. Was a great read! I look forward to the second
August 30, 2018
Good First book
As a first book by a new author i am happy to say that this is an excellent beginning and i look forward to continuing the adventure. The author has designed a well thought out and logically consistent world, with engaging if troubled characters. Her writing brings to mind the works of Lois McMaster Bujold's World of Five Gods books and I have great expectations for book 2. Well done with minor flaws.
As a first book by a new author i am happy to say that this is an excellent beginning and i look forward to continuing the adventure. The author has designed a well thought out and logically consistent world, with engaging if troubled characters. Her writing brings to mind the works of Lois McMaster Bujold's World of Five Gods books and I have great expectations for book 2. Well done with minor flaws.
June 10, 2018
Shattering Dreams is primarily about Prince Alex, the king’s youngest child, and his two staunch companions, Kyle and Jess. They’re a group of affluent, party people living in a pseudo Middle Ages world that’s somewhat more liberal than the historical one. This trio is cursed with the possibility that they could lose control of the mysterious powers that they possess at any moment, leaving them murderous and crazy.
I found myself wondering why they were nonetheless allowed to become super-skilled warriors. If there is a strong chance they’ll end up going off the deep end in the future, why are they being allowed to handle anything more dangerous than a butter knife, much less train with the king’s guard?
It seems like following this tradition is bound to create more problems for the kingdom than it would actually solve. I would have also liked a little clearer picture on what the veil is, even if it was just an author’s note at the back explaining all the relevant information.
Although it’s a fairly readable book, there are some minor technical issues sprinkled throughout the text, primarily capitalization issues. The story is also slow moving at first, but it eventually picks up steam and gets to be far more interesting near the end than it is in the beginning.
Of course, some readers are bound to find the trio’s penchant for constant random flings an off-putting element. This aspect of their personalities is nonetheless hinted at in the book blurb and it’s further mitigated by the fact that their actions eventually catch up with them.
On the other hand, the generally blasé attitude everyone seemed to have towards killing other people was unexpected and may upset some readers. Although many of these incidents are somewhat justified in context, I could never figure out if it was an authorial choice to show how different the Tainted were or if the entire world operated under the same mentality.
But it’s still a decent story if you don't mind the aforementioned elements.
I found myself wondering why they were nonetheless allowed to become super-skilled warriors. If there is a strong chance they’ll end up going off the deep end in the future, why are they being allowed to handle anything more dangerous than a butter knife, much less train with the king’s guard?
It seems like following this tradition is bound to create more problems for the kingdom than it would actually solve. I would have also liked a little clearer picture on what the veil is, even if it was just an author’s note at the back explaining all the relevant information.
Although it’s a fairly readable book, there are some minor technical issues sprinkled throughout the text, primarily capitalization issues. The story is also slow moving at first, but it eventually picks up steam and gets to be far more interesting near the end than it is in the beginning.
Of course, some readers are bound to find the trio’s penchant for constant random flings an off-putting element. This aspect of their personalities is nonetheless hinted at in the book blurb and it’s further mitigated by the fact that their actions eventually catch up with them.
On the other hand, the generally blasé attitude everyone seemed to have towards killing other people was unexpected and may upset some readers. Although many of these incidents are somewhat justified in context, I could never figure out if it was an authorial choice to show how different the Tainted were or if the entire world operated under the same mentality.
But it’s still a decent story if you don't mind the aforementioned elements.
December 13, 2024
Biggest ick: who names their fantasy protagonists Alex, Jess and KYLE???
I am sorry, I know this is an indie book, but it definitely would have profited off an editor. The writing was terrible, I sometimes actually struggled with understanding what was happening. Sometimes phrases were repeated endlessly throughout a chapter and sentences were left half finished.
The characters were flat and boring. Their feelings are never explored in depth and please tell me why these people are always laughing?? They murder people and have a giggle about it 💀 after about half of the book it is regularly commented on how much Alex has grown. But this growth is never shown in the book. It is just told the reader. Boring. And that is how the whole book is. Also there was a bunch of random name dropping. Every little servant had a name, even if they were of no importance and were never shown again. But the king doesn’t have a name??? Feels weird to me.
The plot definitely could have been fleshed out. The characters do this, then they continue doing that, and so on. The book felt hurried and too long at the same time.
The magic system was kinda cool? I would have liked more explanation, even the characters don’t know why they can do things and how it exactly works. Seems lazy to me.
But there were some scenes I really enjoyed, that were action packed and made me feel more part of the story. Unfortunately the whole book had like two of those scenes, but they showed the potential of this book! I just wish the ending would have been longer. After the twist everything happened so fast. I couldn’t even process what happened and I didn’t feel like the characters could either.
I do have the second and third book. I’ll give the second one a try, but don’t have any big expectations tbh
I am sorry, I know this is an indie book, but it definitely would have profited off an editor. The writing was terrible, I sometimes actually struggled with understanding what was happening. Sometimes phrases were repeated endlessly throughout a chapter and sentences were left half finished.
The characters were flat and boring. Their feelings are never explored in depth and please tell me why these people are always laughing?? They murder people and have a giggle about it 💀 after about half of the book it is regularly commented on how much Alex has grown. But this growth is never shown in the book. It is just told the reader. Boring. And that is how the whole book is. Also there was a bunch of random name dropping. Every little servant had a name, even if they were of no importance and were never shown again. But the king doesn’t have a name??? Feels weird to me.
The plot definitely could have been fleshed out. The characters do this, then they continue doing that, and so on. The book felt hurried and too long at the same time.
The magic system was kinda cool? I would have liked more explanation, even the characters don’t know why they can do things and how it exactly works. Seems lazy to me.
But there were some scenes I really enjoyed, that were action packed and made me feel more part of the story. Unfortunately the whole book had like two of those scenes, but they showed the potential of this book! I just wish the ending would have been longer. After the twist everything happened so fast. I couldn’t even process what happened and I didn’t feel like the characters could either.
I do have the second and third book. I’ll give the second one a try, but don’t have any big expectations tbh
January 26, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - I pulled an all-nighter! There is so much that I loved about this story: the ability of Alex, Kyle and Jess to be able to slip into another dimension at will, the valour, action, intrigue and betrayals, the likable characters of the three - I especially liked Kyle!
I was devastated by the ending though; Alex, Kyle and Jess had strived their whole lives to do good and overcome the taint, but instead of taking out the whole Order (as I expected) it seems as if they have just given up. I really hope they will find the strength within themselves to rally round and come back stronger than ever in the second book.
I strongly recommend this book, the setting reminds me of King Arthur and Camelot with impressive warriors and truly horrible bad guys. It has lots of twists and unexpected revelations and will leave you wanting more.
I was devastated by the ending though; Alex, Kyle and Jess had strived their whole lives to do good and overcome the taint, but instead of taking out the whole Order (as I expected) it seems as if they have just given up. I really hope they will find the strength within themselves to rally round and come back stronger than ever in the second book.
I strongly recommend this book, the setting reminds me of King Arthur and Camelot with impressive warriors and truly horrible bad guys. It has lots of twists and unexpected revelations and will leave you wanting more.
March 31, 2019
It has been a while since I actually wrote any kind of review but this has merited one - not for a particularly good reason.
I was listening to this and 4-5 times I was wondering if the player had some issues and had re-winded the track - the writer uses same phrases over and over again - it is really painful to listen to. The vocabulary rage of the book is more than lacking and most of the dialogs are insipid.
The character seems to undergo mind-blowing changes in a matter of pages and it kind of makes me think there is no real planning behind this.
I was really hoping it would be better and would have dropped had I not listened to over half of it.
I would not recommend to anyone unless you really really have time.
I was listening to this and 4-5 times I was wondering if the player had some issues and had re-winded the track - the writer uses same phrases over and over again - it is really painful to listen to. The vocabulary rage of the book is more than lacking and most of the dialogs are insipid.
The character seems to undergo mind-blowing changes in a matter of pages and it kind of makes me think there is no real planning behind this.
I was really hoping it would be better and would have dropped had I not listened to over half of it.
I would not recommend to anyone unless you really really have time.
January 16, 2019
I thought the book was very enjoyable. It’s all about a prince and 2 friends, all have powers that are taboo because of things that happened in the past. Won’t say anymore about that don’t want to ruin story for anybody.
I always enjoy being transported to other worlds and times by an author. When I can become so completely engrossed in a book that I leave my world completely behind I find myself traveling with the characters in a story I will read that book again and again. I will definitely do that with this one I will be looking forward to the next installment of this adventure to find out what happens to these friends in the future.
I always enjoy being transported to other worlds and times by an author. When I can become so completely engrossed in a book that I leave my world completely behind I find myself traveling with the characters in a story I will read that book again and again. I will definitely do that with this one I will be looking forward to the next installment of this adventure to find out what happens to these friends in the future.
July 5, 2018
I received a copy of this for a fair and honest review. This novel mostly deals with Alex and his two friends Jess and Kyle. They have powers that come from a force called the Taint. It gives them all kind of abilities like healing faster, but it comes with a cost. It is said to drive them a little crazy. It is all beyond their control. It was a little slow to start but it gets into a good flow and did leave me with some unanswered questions, but that has been happening to me a lot as of late. I think I over think the story line. It is only the first book in this series.
June 6, 2018
This book has an excellent story line that keeps you hooked. There is magic, action, some romance and a mystery. I don’t normally read fantasy however I’m glad I did get to read these three hero’s stories and ultimately their journey together.
The royalty aspect was a fun addition and I loved the ability’s the characters possessed due to being “tainted”. I would definitely read again and can’t wait for the rest of the series to release.
The royalty aspect was a fun addition and I loved the ability’s the characters possessed due to being “tainted”. I would definitely read again and can’t wait for the rest of the series to release.
June 11, 2018
Shattering Dreams by Catherine M. Walker is a combination of medieval drama meets mystical fantasy. The story follows three characters of royal means as they navigate court life with the discovery they possess special gifts. However, they must decide if they will yeild to the dark side of the magical taint or weild it for good. Overall an interesting tale and enjoyable read in need of a good editor.
August 17, 2019
I wanted to love this book but couldn’t. The basic premise is good but parts of the storyline are rushed and not fleshed out enough, leading to moments of confusion for the reader. This novel would greatly benefit from the attentions of a professional editor, to rectify the many grammatical errors and basic sentence construction errors. I think it goes without saying that I won’t be reading the next one.
January 28, 2019
Shattering Dreams is an extraordinarily detailed story of a kingdom with dark secrets. Unraveling each mystery kept me glued to my device, unable to put it down for fear of missing something important. This series has me hooked! I can't wait to continue the journey of the Sundered, the Kin, and the Elders.
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August 28, 2020A good story and introduction
A good story and introduction to the series. Some interesting (if not entirely new) ideas here. The author keeps the story moving along with few areas that drag. Will definitely get the next to see how the plot develops.
A good story and introduction to the series. Some interesting (if not entirely new) ideas here. The author keeps the story moving along with few areas that drag. Will definitely get the next to see how the plot develops.
February 27, 2023
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise of the fourth son of the king becoming a hero and following a legend was a really good idea.
Unfortunately it was let down by the gratuitous sex and violence, which really added nothing to the story.
The premise of the fourth son of the king becoming a hero and following a legend was a really good idea.
Unfortunately it was let down by the gratuitous sex and violence, which really added nothing to the story.
August 29, 2023
This is the first of a fantasy trilogy. The story is good, but it lacks a well-developed setting and some of the story development is heavy handed. I plan to read more in this series.
March 4, 2019
Shattering Dreams is an exploration of the lives of three youthful nobles, their world, and the magic they’re learning to use.
It sets up strong internal conflicts for the characters while building the story’s main threat – most people with magical power go mad when they reach adulthood, and when that happens they use their tainted power to destroy and kill the people they care about the most.
The three protagonists, Alex, Kyle and Jess, fear such a fate themselves, and this problem largely drives the story. They desperately need guidance as they face the possibility they’re going to go insane and kill everyone they care about, but there’s not a lot of guidance to be had, and dark forces are beginning to align against them.
Additionally, their youth and inexperience is clearly against them. As powerful as they are, they don’t even know what they’re up against.
Shattering Dreams is a slow burn; a story about the characters and the issues they face. There’s also plenty of action (interspersed with a lot of alcohol, bar brawls, court events and angst), and a huge amount of intrigue. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
It sets up strong internal conflicts for the characters while building the story’s main threat – most people with magical power go mad when they reach adulthood, and when that happens they use their tainted power to destroy and kill the people they care about the most.
The three protagonists, Alex, Kyle and Jess, fear such a fate themselves, and this problem largely drives the story. They desperately need guidance as they face the possibility they’re going to go insane and kill everyone they care about, but there’s not a lot of guidance to be had, and dark forces are beginning to align against them.
Additionally, their youth and inexperience is clearly against them. As powerful as they are, they don’t even know what they’re up against.
Shattering Dreams is a slow burn; a story about the characters and the issues they face. There’s also plenty of action (interspersed with a lot of alcohol, bar brawls, court events and angst), and a huge amount of intrigue. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
December 21, 2019
I loved this storyline, I really did(!), it has such a great potential. I was intrigued by the magic. I loved the way the trio fought but it was such a poor writing. All of it was vague, unclear and just unnatural at times. It's a good read to pass your time, but I won't pick it up again.
First of, you should know this book is written in a formal narrative way and it jumps from is told in different insights. I have never been to fond of this sort of writing and it doesn't do this book any good. It would have been better if it was only written in Alex perspective. That way you'd also have understood the storyline better.
Alex, Kyle and Jess seemed like the real wonder children. All able to fight like warriors/assassins and can use the mysterious magic called 'the veil or taint'. While reading, these characters became likeable still they all felt plain to me. Never getting any through insight nor getting a real background story. For example a sister popping up in the middle that we didn't even know existed. A lovestory that apparently was already going before the story started, though all new to us.
They already knew how to fight, know how to wield their power, they just choose the do nothing with it. Luckily the tree of them, made a huge jump in their personalities but with nothing really in particular to trigger the change. The main characters seemed fake, too scripted and couldn't be linked to reality.
The Veil is a magic source that runs in almost every citizen and is feared by everyone, hence the new name 'Taint'. People who have the Taint have a chance of breaking and becoming mad, uncontrollable creatures. It certainly doesn't sound like a gift to have, that's why the three of them are gravely feared. The Veil/Taint sounded a very intriguing/dangerous magic to have. It would have been pleasant to really understand what all the power was about. Granted they are still looking for the true meaning of it magic. Still it would have been nice to know the same basics they know. (Easier to understand the story as well).
In this book there are some 'plot-twists' that make the main characters choose some new paths or that are significant for the future. While for them they were a real life changer, it was so unreal and to convenient. They never really had to go deep ends to save the once they loved or make great sacrifices. I'm no warrior, I've never fought in my life but to save the day in what seemed an hour is a bit over the top. I did like the plots, it was just to fast paced while the relation building seemed to take forever (while still not getting to know the personalities). The conclusion of the book seemed to be wrapped in just three - to short - chapters.
To be honest, in it's current state I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. I know I'm asking the impossible - but if adaptations were made to the writing, storyline and some things just better explained this book would be for sure one of my top favourites.
Also is it just me - I'm not English - but does the first part of this story contain an overload of comma's??
First of, you should know this book is written in a formal narrative way and it jumps from is told in different insights. I have never been to fond of this sort of writing and it doesn't do this book any good. It would have been better if it was only written in Alex perspective. That way you'd also have understood the storyline better.
Alex, Kyle and Jess seemed like the real wonder children. All able to fight like warriors/assassins and can use the mysterious magic called 'the veil or taint'. While reading, these characters became likeable still they all felt plain to me. Never getting any through insight nor getting a real background story. For example a sister popping up in the middle that we didn't even know existed. A lovestory that apparently was already going before the story started, though all new to us.
They already knew how to fight, know how to wield their power, they just choose the do nothing with it. Luckily the tree of them, made a huge jump in their personalities but with nothing really in particular to trigger the change. The main characters seemed fake, too scripted and couldn't be linked to reality.
The Veil is a magic source that runs in almost every citizen and is feared by everyone, hence the new name 'Taint'. People who have the Taint have a chance of breaking and becoming mad, uncontrollable creatures. It certainly doesn't sound like a gift to have, that's why the three of them are gravely feared. The Veil/Taint sounded a very intriguing/dangerous magic to have. It would have been pleasant to really understand what all the power was about. Granted they are still looking for the true meaning of it magic. Still it would have been nice to know the same basics they know. (Easier to understand the story as well).
In this book there are some 'plot-twists' that make the main characters choose some new paths or that are significant for the future. While for them they were a real life changer, it was so unreal and to convenient. They never really had to go deep ends to save the once they loved or make great sacrifices. I'm no warrior, I've never fought in my life but to save the day in what seemed an hour is a bit over the top. I did like the plots, it was just to fast paced while the relation building seemed to take forever (while still not getting to know the personalities). The conclusion of the book seemed to be wrapped in just three - to short - chapters.
To be honest, in it's current state I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. I know I'm asking the impossible - but if adaptations were made to the writing, storyline and some things just better explained this book would be for sure one of my top favourites.
Also is it just me - I'm not English - but does the first part of this story contain an overload of comma's??
June 1, 2018
This book was charming- that's the perfect word for it. The combination of traditional style royalty and magic was something I never realized I was into until now. Like, imagine Harry and Meghan's royal wedding, but with magic. Amazing, right? The characters were well developed and interesting and the style of storytelling and narration was classic and to the point. The story flowed well and moved quickly, it was an easy read. I look forward to book 2 of the series.
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