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Althuria Chronicles #1
Smoke and Spells
Lie low.
Don’t draw attention to yourself.
Fifteen-year-old Asha Olinger has abided by her sister’s rules her entire life. Every day, she works relentlessly as a cleaner to put food on the table, scrambling in the dredges of Althuria. Every day, she wonders about a life where she no longer struggles for a few measly coins.
But after discovering she wields a rare and destructive power, her quiet life is turned upside down. Her older sister gives her a mysterious warning. Lex Sylvester, with his fame, wealth, and stupidly charming looks—that she certainly never, ever noticed—starts flirting with her. And to top it all off, she receives a letter from the famed Luminus Academy, declaring that she got accepted through the lottery system. The terrifying probabilities quickly turn into incredible opportunities, and suddenly controlling her power doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
What is this darned ability of hers? Why does everyone keep telling her to stay away from the Queen of Althuria? And more importantly...
Who the heck is murdering girls at the Academy?
If she doesn’t find out soon... she might just be next.
Designed to thrill with its magic, mystery, and murder, Smoke and Spells is the first installment in the Althuria Chronicles coming-of-age fantasy series.
Don’t draw attention to yourself.
Fifteen-year-old Asha Olinger has abided by her sister’s rules her entire life. Every day, she works relentlessly as a cleaner to put food on the table, scrambling in the dredges of Althuria. Every day, she wonders about a life where she no longer struggles for a few measly coins.
But after discovering she wields a rare and destructive power, her quiet life is turned upside down. Her older sister gives her a mysterious warning. Lex Sylvester, with his fame, wealth, and stupidly charming looks—that she certainly never, ever noticed—starts flirting with her. And to top it all off, she receives a letter from the famed Luminus Academy, declaring that she got accepted through the lottery system. The terrifying probabilities quickly turn into incredible opportunities, and suddenly controlling her power doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
What is this darned ability of hers? Why does everyone keep telling her to stay away from the Queen of Althuria? And more importantly...
Who the heck is murdering girls at the Academy?
If she doesn’t find out soon... she might just be next.
Designed to thrill with its magic, mystery, and murder, Smoke and Spells is the first installment in the Althuria Chronicles coming-of-age fantasy series.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2022
306 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Ryver Knight
17 books86 followersRyver Knight is a YA Fantasy author from Ontario, Canada. When she’s not studying alchemy with goblins or drinking tea with elves, you can find her crafting nonsensical stories in her writing cave. She’s an avid reader (duh) who eats an unhealthy amount of sugar, loves listening to rad tunes, and may or may not be lacking in vitamin D.
Smoke and Spells is her debut novel.
Subscribe to her newsletter using the following link to receive the prequel to the Althuria Chronicles, Daggers and Destiny: https://ryverknight.com/welcome/
She’d always love to hear from you! Feel free to shoot her a message at contact@ryverknight.com, or any of her social media platforms (Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, and Bookbub).
And oh, I almost forgot!
Her greatest joy is knowing that people are reading and enjoying her work. Every single purchase, review, and download she gets makes her day a little brighter. You’re the best!
Smoke and Spells is her debut novel.
Subscribe to her newsletter using the following link to receive the prequel to the Althuria Chronicles, Daggers and Destiny: https://ryverknight.com/welcome/
She’d always love to hear from you! Feel free to shoot her a message at contact@ryverknight.com, or any of her social media platforms (Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter, and Bookbub).
And oh, I almost forgot!
Her greatest joy is knowing that people are reading and enjoying her work. Every single purchase, review, and download she gets makes her day a little brighter. You’re the best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 12, 2022
Asha and her sister live together in a forest outside of Althuria, though both must travel into the city to work. They barely make enough coin to get by, though Asha works hard cleaning the Arena after events. After her application to the Luminus Academy was rejected, she knows she’ll never get to live out her dreams. But then everything changes: she discovers she has a rare and dangerous type of magic; she discovers her sister is keeping secrets from her; and an acceptance letter from the Luminus Academy arrives with her name on it. Will she be able to discover more about her magic? Why has she been warned to stay away from the queen? And why do girls keep disappearing at the Academy?
This was a great fantasy read. The plot wasn’t necessarily unique but was executed in an engaging and creative way. There was excellent worldbuilding and lore included throughout the story in a way that added to the depth of the work without slowing down the plot. The author did a good job at building tension towards the end of the work that added to the immersiveness of the story. It was fun to read a fantasy series set in an academy that didn’t feel like other series in similar settings.
The characters were well written and engaging. Even the secondary characters had memorable personalities and good development, which made for an enjoyable and engaging read. The author also did a good job at portraying different social statuses in a meaningful way. Asha was a well written protagonist who I really enjoyed. I did feel that the romance was a little unnecessary and out of place – it was one of the few places that the book lacked depth and good explanation, making it feel like it was thrown in just because.
There were a few typos/errors throughout the work, but they weren’t major enough to detract from my enjoyment of it.
I highly recommend this start to a fascinating new fantasy series. I look forward to reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a great fantasy read. The plot wasn’t necessarily unique but was executed in an engaging and creative way. There was excellent worldbuilding and lore included throughout the story in a way that added to the depth of the work without slowing down the plot. The author did a good job at building tension towards the end of the work that added to the immersiveness of the story. It was fun to read a fantasy series set in an academy that didn’t feel like other series in similar settings.
The characters were well written and engaging. Even the secondary characters had memorable personalities and good development, which made for an enjoyable and engaging read. The author also did a good job at portraying different social statuses in a meaningful way. Asha was a well written protagonist who I really enjoyed. I did feel that the romance was a little unnecessary and out of place – it was one of the few places that the book lacked depth and good explanation, making it feel like it was thrown in just because.
There were a few typos/errors throughout the work, but they weren’t major enough to detract from my enjoyment of it.
I highly recommend this start to a fascinating new fantasy series. I look forward to reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2022
This is my first time leaving a review.
I loved this book 🤩 I think the characters needed a little more depth, the kiss I believe didn't really need to be in there, there wasn't enough to convince me that they where in love. I also felt the chapters were to short which could of added more to the back story to the characters, the academy and the teachers that were there.
Other than that I do believe the story it brilliant and the author is definitely a brilliant writer.
Thank you for sending me a copy of this I loved it ❤️
I loved this book 🤩 I think the characters needed a little more depth, the kiss I believe didn't really need to be in there, there wasn't enough to convince me that they where in love. I also felt the chapters were to short which could of added more to the back story to the characters, the academy and the teachers that were there.
Other than that I do believe the story it brilliant and the author is definitely a brilliant writer.
Thank you for sending me a copy of this I loved it ❤️
May 17, 2022
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This book is an excellent start a d it looks like the author plans to expand this into a series which I think is a brilliant idea.
There’s a lot of magic and lore in this book which really feeds the worldbuilding. You really feel that you’re in a complete world with all that entails. I loved learning about it.
The characters are also good. I think they could have used a wee bit more fleshing out but in a series, this is something easily fixed. Plus, if it leaves me wanting more, I consider that a good thing!
Am definitely looking forward to future installments!
This book is an excellent start a d it looks like the author plans to expand this into a series which I think is a brilliant idea.
There’s a lot of magic and lore in this book which really feeds the worldbuilding. You really feel that you’re in a complete world with all that entails. I loved learning about it.
The characters are also good. I think they could have used a wee bit more fleshing out but in a series, this is something easily fixed. Plus, if it leaves me wanting more, I consider that a good thing!
Am definitely looking forward to future installments!
August 7, 2022
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from BookSirens for giving my two cents. We meet 15 yr old arena cleaner Asha who lives with her sister in the forest. She longs for a better life and hopes to get into the academy. After leaving her shift to catch the train a man in an uniform follows her and robs her and when she doesn't have enough he used his air manipulation to suffocate her. As she tries to get away, the gates to the train disintegrates under her hands...what is going on. At home she tells her sister and the reaction is of fear. Secretly Asha applied to the academy and thru the lottery system she is a lucky recipient. Scared of her sisters reaction she leaves a note and heads to the trials. Miraculously she makes it in but years of bring cautious has her on edge especially when the Queen is to visit. Her sister has kept her safe and under the radar but when the girls from the lottery start showing up dead she knows she next. But on top of that Asha knows she has a forbidden magic and she needs to control it before is controls her but will it be too late?
February 22, 2022
I love this book! I love how the world building and characters developed throughout the story. I am so excited to read the next book and on how the story will unfold and how the questions in my mind will be answered. I want to learn more about the mystery of Asha's power and Kestrel's character. It's definitely a page turner.
I received an ARC to read this and I hope to have the physical book soon.
I received an ARC to read this and I hope to have the physical book soon.
March 5, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We were once all in this position when an older brother/sister, mom or dad gave you advise, but you decided to make your own future and don't need it.
Asha lives on the outskirts of town, being poor, she works as a cleaner in the Arena. Her birthday is coming soon as she dreams to go to the famed Luminus Academy. Her best friend Kestrel got accepted and it creates a rift between them.
When she get's an invite to learn at the Academy, she is beyond excited. She got even attention from the queen cruel daughter, but also the rich boy Lex. It seems she gets a lot of unwanted attention when she realizes that she posses a dangerous ability to control the void.
When her older sister forbid her to go to the Academy, she does the opposite. Soon she realizes there are girls murdered in the Academy, girls like her. Is the queen looking for her. What will the Queen do if she found out she can control, more or less, the void.
Asha is in grave danger and her friends want her to leave. But she is stubborn and want to find out who is doing this. Did she make a mistake? When things get worse, accusations are flying around and everyone is on their guard.
Superb fantasy storytelling with Asha as the main character , who finds out more then she bargained for. With a forbidden dark magic ability, who can she trust? A beautiful contrast between the have and the have nots, with this lottery system. Is there are reason why they have these?
The worldbuilding is simple yet elegant in structure, as most of the scenes are set in the Luminus Academy. Besides the fantasy elements, in every school you have a bully, but there is also friendship, secrets and mystery going on.
We were once all in this position when an older brother/sister, mom or dad gave you advise, but you decided to make your own future and don't need it.
Asha lives on the outskirts of town, being poor, she works as a cleaner in the Arena. Her birthday is coming soon as she dreams to go to the famed Luminus Academy. Her best friend Kestrel got accepted and it creates a rift between them.
When she get's an invite to learn at the Academy, she is beyond excited. She got even attention from the queen cruel daughter, but also the rich boy Lex. It seems she gets a lot of unwanted attention when she realizes that she posses a dangerous ability to control the void.
When her older sister forbid her to go to the Academy, she does the opposite. Soon she realizes there are girls murdered in the Academy, girls like her. Is the queen looking for her. What will the Queen do if she found out she can control, more or less, the void.
Asha is in grave danger and her friends want her to leave. But she is stubborn and want to find out who is doing this. Did she make a mistake? When things get worse, accusations are flying around and everyone is on their guard.
Superb fantasy storytelling with Asha as the main character , who finds out more then she bargained for. With a forbidden dark magic ability, who can she trust? A beautiful contrast between the have and the have nots, with this lottery system. Is there are reason why they have these?
The worldbuilding is simple yet elegant in structure, as most of the scenes are set in the Luminus Academy. Besides the fantasy elements, in every school you have a bully, but there is also friendship, secrets and mystery going on.
February 25, 2022
Sixteen year-old Asha Olinger lived in the forest and worked as a cleaner in the Arena. But when her name was drawn in the lottery to attend the Luminus Academy, she thought that this was her chance to yield a bright future. Her older sister disapproved the idea and warned her to lie low. It was then Asha realized that her life was in danger when the Queen was after a void manipulator, one who possessed an extremely powerful ability.
This book gave me Harry Potter feels because of the spells, school atmosphere, and friendship. My favorite character would be Zaniyah, Asha's loyal friend. Zaniyah was smart, strong, and confident. Luminus Academy is by far a place where one could get awestruck and bemused if one would not get used to the academy's whereabouts. If such academy exists in real life, I would definitely enrol in one.
The book showed discrimination against the lower class. It was quite painful to read how a person was maltreated just because she belonged to the lower class of society. And how one would cast spells on people just so they would follow her whims even if it was against their will.
When Asha enumerated the suspects who're possibly responsible for some unfortunate events, I was able to guess who it was. But after knowing the reason, my heart wrenched for the culprit. I'd probably do the same. And Bruiser! I love this fur-angel. As a dog owner, tears welled in my eyes towards the end of the book. I won't be giving much away about this part.
*I read the eARC of the book.
This book gave me Harry Potter feels because of the spells, school atmosphere, and friendship. My favorite character would be Zaniyah, Asha's loyal friend. Zaniyah was smart, strong, and confident. Luminus Academy is by far a place where one could get awestruck and bemused if one would not get used to the academy's whereabouts. If such academy exists in real life, I would definitely enrol in one.
The book showed discrimination against the lower class. It was quite painful to read how a person was maltreated just because she belonged to the lower class of society. And how one would cast spells on people just so they would follow her whims even if it was against their will.
When Asha enumerated the suspects who're possibly responsible for some unfortunate events, I was able to guess who it was. But after knowing the reason, my heart wrenched for the culprit. I'd probably do the same. And Bruiser! I love this fur-angel. As a dog owner, tears welled in my eyes towards the end of the book. I won't be giving much away about this part.
*I read the eARC of the book.
April 9, 2022
I always manage to find some wonderful reads via Book Sirens, and Smoke and Spells is no exception! Ryver Knight has set up a very intense (and magically complex) world, one which I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in. Our leading lady in Smoke and Spells is Asha, a hardworking young girl who’ll turn 16 in this novel. Asha has been working as a cleaner within the Arena, but it’s a thankless task and she longs for more. When Asha gets notified that she has been accepted into the Luminus Academy, she is determined to leap at this chance to better her life…
However, there’s always got to be more to the story than just a simple tale of success, right? Asha is meant to lie low and not draw attention to herself, but with the Queen about to visit the Academy it’s not easy to hide in the shadows. With a very rare and powerful magic at Asha’s fingertips, our heroine is struggling to maintain both control and secrecy. What’s more, there are girls being murdered at the Academy and no one can figure out why.
I loved Smoke and Spells, and I am overjoyed that the next book is ready to go on my app. Yes, this first book in the Althuria Chronicles ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but all good series do! I am completely invested in both the world and in Asha’s journey, and can’t wait to see what happens next with her magic. If you want an academy based fantasy, that will likely branch out to a wider realm from book two onward, complete with big power plays and the threat of death… Smoke and Spells is definitely for you.
* You can see my full review on my book blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/smoke...*
However, there’s always got to be more to the story than just a simple tale of success, right? Asha is meant to lie low and not draw attention to herself, but with the Queen about to visit the Academy it’s not easy to hide in the shadows. With a very rare and powerful magic at Asha’s fingertips, our heroine is struggling to maintain both control and secrecy. What’s more, there are girls being murdered at the Academy and no one can figure out why.
I loved Smoke and Spells, and I am overjoyed that the next book is ready to go on my app. Yes, this first book in the Althuria Chronicles ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, but all good series do! I am completely invested in both the world and in Asha’s journey, and can’t wait to see what happens next with her magic. If you want an academy based fantasy, that will likely branch out to a wider realm from book two onward, complete with big power plays and the threat of death… Smoke and Spells is definitely for you.
* You can see my full review on my book blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/smoke...*
March 5, 2022
Loved the main character in this book, Asha is an independent girl trying to find out the truth about herself and her family in a world of magic. She is very fierce and protective of her family and friends, ths makes her very likable.
I think the storyline of the book is really nice, you get sucked in to the story and I am looking forward to the next book in this serie.
However to me the plot felt a bit rushed and I missed some basic information at the beginning of the story about the country and the ranking and operating system of this country. For me the relationships felt a bit underdeveloped. I would love to know a bit more about the friendship between Asha and Kestrel, and also the new friendships and romances at the academy could use a bit more dept.
Overall I think it is a book with a lot of potential, with a good story and good characters! If you love some magic and some power woman this is a good book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think the storyline of the book is really nice, you get sucked in to the story and I am looking forward to the next book in this serie.
However to me the plot felt a bit rushed and I missed some basic information at the beginning of the story about the country and the ranking and operating system of this country. For me the relationships felt a bit underdeveloped. I would love to know a bit more about the friendship between Asha and Kestrel, and also the new friendships and romances at the academy could use a bit more dept.
Overall I think it is a book with a lot of potential, with a good story and good characters! If you love some magic and some power woman this is a good book for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2022
The story is written in a way that captures the reader’s attention right from the start. The story and the characters were exciting to read. There’s enough suspense and mystery written in the plot to keep the reader wanting to race to the end of the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2022
Asha Olinger, orphaned, poor and raised by her overprotective older sister, dreams of going to the academy in the hope of a better future. When she gets accepted via the lottery system, she goes to the academy despite her sister's warnings to keep herself and her rare powers hidden. The is a fantastic first book in a series full of magic, politic intrigue and a great plot. The characters are well written, and I can't wait for more from this author. 5/5 stars
April 25, 2022
Reading this book rekindled that innocent awe that I had when I read Harry Potter for the very first time. It opened my eyes to the world of fantasy to the likes I never had experienced before. I absolutely loved this book, these characters and the world that was built around them! The author paid attention to detail, so there were no unconnected content further into the story and it was a fast-paced read that held my attention from beginning to end! If you love magical schools, self-discovery and strong friendships, this book is for you! I cannot wait to dive into the next book of the series!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2022
*review coming soon, hopefully*
add it to ur tbr y'all
add it to ur tbr y'all
April 28, 2022
Wow
What a fantastic beginning to a series. I love coming of age stories and magical schools are right up my alley so I expected to like this tale but my goodness! I have to know what is coming next, I just have to!
What a read!
What a fantastic beginning to a series. I love coming of age stories and magical schools are right up my alley so I expected to like this tale but my goodness! I have to know what is coming next, I just have to!
What a read!
April 19, 2022
Smoke and Spells is that rare book that makes me want to read it over and over again.
The thing I loved most about this book was the emotional roller coaster we were taken on, while fast paced the story drew you in and the characters kept you there, it was intense and immersive and hard to out down once I started it.
Now onto the world building, I could see the scenes in the forrest and at the Academy, I could almost imagine the feel of the magic described and found myself enthralled by it.
As someone that has sisters I can see the realism of the relationship between Asha and hers, secrets are often part of those relationships and her cryptic comments about Lex and the Queen kept me thinking and wondering if she really had Asha's best interests and safety at heart or if there was something deeper going on.
All in all I loved this one and can't wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The thing I loved most about this book was the emotional roller coaster we were taken on, while fast paced the story drew you in and the characters kept you there, it was intense and immersive and hard to out down once I started it.
Now onto the world building, I could see the scenes in the forrest and at the Academy, I could almost imagine the feel of the magic described and found myself enthralled by it.
As someone that has sisters I can see the realism of the relationship between Asha and hers, secrets are often part of those relationships and her cryptic comments about Lex and the Queen kept me thinking and wondering if she really had Asha's best interests and safety at heart or if there was something deeper going on.
All in all I loved this one and can't wait to read the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2022
I read this book as a free e-ARC. Smoke and Spells tells the story of Asha, her life struggles and her wish to do better for herself as she ends up at the Luminus Academy. A place where she can maybe be safe and learn to control her developing magical skills. Why 3 stars? There is a good story here. The parts of the story that are original to the author have merit and show that Ryver Knight has an imaginative bent to her writing. Other parts seem to have been ideas taken from other books and just dropped in without being developed for this story line. Character introductions and some parts of the story are handled clumsily, but the characters themselves are interesting. The timings used within the book are not realistic, and for no obvious reason things are rushed. I found this frustrating. The story within the Luminus Academy could have been spread over months or a year rather than being forced into a couple of weeks. I did finish the whole book, and if the issues I have mentioned above are dealt with I would like to see where the story goes in the next book in the series.
March 31, 2022
I loved this book! The world building was really interesting and I cannot wait to learn more about Althuria in the second book of the series. MAJOR Harry Potter vibes!! Asha's story is very interesting, and I am excited to find out what will happen with the secondary characters as well. This book was so unique and great for any fantasy lover!
July 30, 2022
The beginning was spooky! An intriguing cozy mystery set in a fantasy setting that’s appropriate for teens. Just like in real life, there are setbacks, trust issues, bullies, etc. But there are also new friends, adventures, and…pastries!
Already wanting the next book.
Already wanting the next book.
February 20, 2022
I really liked this book. The protagonist, Asha Olinger, works as a cleaner at the Arena. Believing she has no magic, she is surprised with receiving an invitation to enter a competition into the Luminous Academy, the Kingdom's academy for magic users. She participates against the wishes of her sister, and gains admission. At the same time, despite the belief that she has no magic, Asha discovers that she actually has a very rare form of magic. Entering the Academy, she encounters difficulties in training herself, as her magic is considered forbidden, so she can't seek formal training.
As Asha deals with the problems of a school filled with children of privilege, while she is lower class, Asha also discovers that her admission was not happenstance, and that other girls who had similarly gained admission, were being murdered.
The character development of Asha and her friends is very good, the plot moves well, and the conclusion is satisfying, leaving a springboard into the next volume. This is definitely a five star read.
As Asha deals with the problems of a school filled with children of privilege, while she is lower class, Asha also discovers that her admission was not happenstance, and that other girls who had similarly gained admission, were being murdered.
The character development of Asha and her friends is very good, the plot moves well, and the conclusion is satisfying, leaving a springboard into the next volume. This is definitely a five star read.
March 18, 2022
Smoke and spells is the first volume of a new fantasy series that I strongly recommend.
We follow the story of Asha, a young woman from a modest background who has at first no hope of bettering her life. That is until she discovers a mysterious power and is able to enroll in the academy of her dreams.
I know what you might think. It sounds suspiciously like the famous story of another young wizard but rest assured it is absolutely not! The similitudes stop there. The world was very novel and pretty interesting. For now, we don't know much about it but the dynamics between the different nations of this world are pretty interesting and I can't wait to find more about it.
This first novel was a good one as first novels go. The characters were well-written and well_introduced. Enough was said or left out that you would actually want to know more about. A little regret dealing with Academy life, I would have liked to know more about it maybe, something a bit more slow-paced to enjoy this world and learn more about the various kinds of magics. I hope to find that in the next book that I am sure to pick up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We follow the story of Asha, a young woman from a modest background who has at first no hope of bettering her life. That is until she discovers a mysterious power and is able to enroll in the academy of her dreams.
I know what you might think. It sounds suspiciously like the famous story of another young wizard but rest assured it is absolutely not! The similitudes stop there. The world was very novel and pretty interesting. For now, we don't know much about it but the dynamics between the different nations of this world are pretty interesting and I can't wait to find more about it.
This first novel was a good one as first novels go. The characters were well-written and well_introduced. Enough was said or left out that you would actually want to know more about. A little regret dealing with Academy life, I would have liked to know more about it maybe, something a bit more slow-paced to enjoy this world and learn more about the various kinds of magics. I hope to find that in the next book that I am sure to pick up!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2024
As with many books that are a first in their series Smoke & Spells is tasked with world building and character introductions that may not feel like it pays off in this book alone. As an adult reader of this YA book I felt as though I could “see the seams” a bit. The villain feels flat, the hero is not immensely likable, and her love interest feels spacey at best. However, all that said - I loved the propulsion of the plot. I hit the ground running from the first page and loved making discoveries along the way WITH the characters. The setting reminds me of Hogwarts (of course) so bonus points for nostalgia there.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2022
Smoke and Spells is Book 1 in Althuria Chronicles by Ryver Knight. Asha works cleaning at the arena. She believes that she is non magic, she is very surprised to discover that she has a very rare and powerful magic. Smoke and Spells is a fantastic fantasy and I would also say that this is also a thriller. The story is gripping and well written. Ryver Knight has written strong characters that are believable. Asha is accepted in the Academy where her friends, Lex and Zaniyah bind with her to help her defeat the Queen. I enjoyed the book so much that I was sad when it ended. But, I am excited for Book 2 to be written. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 14, 2022
From beginning to end, I was itching to find out more about void magic and about Asha. This book had awesome fantasy world-building and a great mystery as well. I received this book as an ARC and I am really excited to read more of the Althuria Chronicles in the future! It had all the charm of familiar fantasy stories with fresh, original lore and characters. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy-lovers! Like I said, I received this book as an ARC and I am giving this review because I want to.
January 30, 2023
A lovely, quick read full of magic and mystery.
I liked the plot and the idea of the author.
The characters were well written and so we're the descriptions.
At some point the plot felt rushed and there were moments of info dump or not enough information.
Hopefully, we'll get the answers in the next book.
Can't wait to read it!
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an ebook.
I liked the plot and the idea of the author.
The characters were well written and so we're the descriptions.
At some point the plot felt rushed and there were moments of info dump or not enough information.
Hopefully, we'll get the answers in the next book.
Can't wait to read it!
Thank you to BookSirens for providing me with an ebook.
February 19, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Atmospheric balanced writing where the narration includes everything in the right portion (characters, places, how the magic works). Written in the first person point of view, we get into the adventure through Asha. What I love from this book is the shorter length chapters, fast paced and they don't leave out the fact that this took place in a school, such as the details about studying, wandering in library, and reading books. A page turner book that I finished in only a day!
Atmospheric balanced writing where the narration includes everything in the right portion (characters, places, how the magic works). Written in the first person point of view, we get into the adventure through Asha. What I love from this book is the shorter length chapters, fast paced and they don't leave out the fact that this took place in a school, such as the details about studying, wandering in library, and reading books. A page turner book that I finished in only a day!
March 12, 2022
First of all damn that book was amazing. The moment I really could sit down for it, I could not put it down anymore. I read the book in one go.
It has a gorgeous world- and characterbuilding. It is easy to visualize whats happening at any moment and that just made my day.
I love how the head character says she should do one thing but in the end does something else. The way she interacts with others feels real and makes that you can connect with her or her friends.
This book has a good pace to keep you interested and some plottwist that you may or may not have seen coming. I did but you have to be in the story to see it. Sometimes I thought now it happens but nothing did then haha.
I loved the book and would love to continue.
This was my review for this amazing arc.
It has a gorgeous world- and characterbuilding. It is easy to visualize whats happening at any moment and that just made my day.
I love how the head character says she should do one thing but in the end does something else. The way she interacts with others feels real and makes that you can connect with her or her friends.
This book has a good pace to keep you interested and some plottwist that you may or may not have seen coming. I did but you have to be in the story to see it. Sometimes I thought now it happens but nothing did then haha.
I loved the book and would love to continue.
This was my review for this amazing arc.
February 24, 2022
Beautifully written story that kept me reading to the last page. Well worth reading.
February 26, 2022
I love the book love the storyline and the characters thanks for writing it
April 4, 2022
Asha is a young girl who lives with her older sister and their dog in slum like conditions. Asha works as a cleaner which is about the lowest job there is and she is looked on down by almost everyone she meets. Then beyond her wildest dreams she gets an opportunity to go to the prestigious Luminus Academy. Once there she learns things about herself that she had only suspected, her sister had warned her to keep a low profile and Asha soon began to realise why!
This is an excellent well written story, a real page turner, and a very good read,
This is an excellent well written story, a real page turner, and a very good read,
March 5, 2022
Do you love HP but hate supporting JK this is for you ♥️
Review Time 💎
Title: Smoke and Spells
Author: Ryver Knight
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a fan of Harry Potter I love any story that has magic within its pages. This story captured my attention within the first 10 pages and kept me coming back for more. If I didn’t have littles I would have read it in one sitting. For such a young Author Ryver knows her audience and works all the right troupes.
The charater development, descriptions, as well as how they each had Distinct differences kept me engaged. I also loved the teachers, and people who assisted Asha in her journey of self discovery.
Thought I love YA fantasy some things were juvenile for me but I attribute that to my age not a fault of the authors writing.
I can’t wait to see where the author takes Asha’s tale to next. I will definitely be reading the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review Time 💎
Title: Smoke and Spells
Author: Ryver Knight
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As a fan of Harry Potter I love any story that has magic within its pages. This story captured my attention within the first 10 pages and kept me coming back for more. If I didn’t have littles I would have read it in one sitting. For such a young Author Ryver knows her audience and works all the right troupes.
The charater development, descriptions, as well as how they each had Distinct differences kept me engaged. I also loved the teachers, and people who assisted Asha in her journey of self discovery.
Thought I love YA fantasy some things were juvenile for me but I attribute that to my age not a fault of the authors writing.
I can’t wait to see where the author takes Asha’s tale to next. I will definitely be reading the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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