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Game of Gods #1
Wren and the Tarnished Tiger
Orphaned Wren is content with her predictable job as a lighthouse keeper - but when war comes to her country, she finds herself shoved into the unknown. Bound in an unlikely partnership, she will find the gods have bigger plans for her than she could ever have imagined.
Handsome and arrogant Aris is descended from a line of Shields, animal shifters whose sole purpose is to guard their paired Mages. His desperate quest to regain what he has lost will drive him to make a risky arrangement - one that will change their world. As the story unfolds, the influence of the mercurial gods will take Wren and Aris on an incomparable journey through magic, betrayal, and love.
Handsome and arrogant Aris is descended from a line of Shields, animal shifters whose sole purpose is to guard their paired Mages. His desperate quest to regain what he has lost will drive him to make a risky arrangement - one that will change their world. As the story unfolds, the influence of the mercurial gods will take Wren and Aris on an incomparable journey through magic, betrayal, and love.
Hardcover
Published October 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Leander
7 books30 followersE. M. Leander lives in the American South with her husband, two children, and two ragdoll cats. A life-long lover of all things literary, when she’s not spending free time with family, she can be found devouring books and coffee in equal measure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 8, 2023
I was offered an ARC in exchange for a honest review (thank you!)
The plot to this book was very interesting, but what really got to me was the magic system (organized by elements) and the Mage/Shield dynamics. I loved reading about Wren learning and connecting with her magic while also dealing with her emotions, which were quite new due to the way her life had been led before alone in a lighthouse.
The ending really tied up everything pretty well and the last chapter set up everything nicely for the next book!
However there are 2 things that I did not enjoy:
- The book is dual pov (which I like), but right at the beginning and towards the end of the book, the povs are not chronologically synced and the story goes back and forth between chapters. I found that too confusing;
- There was a part in the book where Wren didn't sound like Wren. She became too selfish and entitled and it didn't add anything to the story.
The plot to this book was very interesting, but what really got to me was the magic system (organized by elements) and the Mage/Shield dynamics. I loved reading about Wren learning and connecting with her magic while also dealing with her emotions, which were quite new due to the way her life had been led before alone in a lighthouse.
The ending really tied up everything pretty well and the last chapter set up everything nicely for the next book!
However there are 2 things that I did not enjoy:
- The book is dual pov (which I like), but right at the beginning and towards the end of the book, the povs are not chronologically synced and the story goes back and forth between chapters. I found that too confusing;
- There was a part in the book where Wren didn't sound like Wren. She became too selfish and entitled and it didn't add anything to the story.
June 13, 2024
“I claimed you, and you claimed me. No matter what happens between us, I will always put you first.”
Absolutely loved this book! Unassuming girl gets pulled away from her lighthouse & thrown into a world of magic. She's a boss & takes it all in stride, despite practically everyone making it difficult for her. She fortunately (for us) gets teamed up with the best warrior of the group, who knows that he's the gods' gift to women. Dual POV, magical school, trials, strong FMC, shifters, & abs! Beautifully written, very engaging, witty dialogue, & loveable characters. Diving into book 2!
Absolutely loved this book! Unassuming girl gets pulled away from her lighthouse & thrown into a world of magic. She's a boss & takes it all in stride, despite practically everyone making it difficult for her. She fortunately (for us) gets teamed up with the best warrior of the group, who knows that he's the gods' gift to women. Dual POV, magical school, trials, strong FMC, shifters, & abs! Beautifully written, very engaging, witty dialogue, & loveable characters. Diving into book 2!
April 12, 2025
Second time reading it update: interesting how my view of this book has changed after I read the trilogy and the new novella. I found certain details that I had forgotten, and really felt the love triangle this time! I really felt so comfortable rereading it!
First read: 4-4.5⭐️ for me. It was an entertaining and easy kind of read. The writing is so well thought out, you can feel the amount of care and work that went into the book. I definitely enjoyed it! The pacing was good (sometimes a bit faster than I’m used to seeing, which can be nice - you get to point/story faster) and kept you engaged pretty much the whole time (except for maybe the last 10-15%, which was for wrapping up the story). I loved how her characters were not 100% perfect, and they often admitted it in conversation. Also, Wren, the FMC, is sassy! Aris - I mean, who can resist a shifter MMC with longish hair. I thought it was interesting that Wren had/held boundaries with people viewing her body or touching her; yet, people were still drawn to her visually and mentally. I could completely relate when she said, “I realize that none of these girls have ever been told that their skin is something to be ashamed of, something to hide. That their heritage is shameful.” Some small trigger warnings: instance of drug use for kidnapping, some physical harm/abuse (sometimes from a family member), few instances of gore/war, few instances of violence to animals. Might even be a book I recommend to non-fantasy readers.
First read: 4-4.5⭐️ for me. It was an entertaining and easy kind of read. The writing is so well thought out, you can feel the amount of care and work that went into the book. I definitely enjoyed it! The pacing was good (sometimes a bit faster than I’m used to seeing, which can be nice - you get to point/story faster) and kept you engaged pretty much the whole time (except for maybe the last 10-15%, which was for wrapping up the story). I loved how her characters were not 100% perfect, and they often admitted it in conversation. Also, Wren, the FMC, is sassy! Aris - I mean, who can resist a shifter MMC with longish hair. I thought it was interesting that Wren had/held boundaries with people viewing her body or touching her; yet, people were still drawn to her visually and mentally. I could completely relate when she said, “I realize that none of these girls have ever been told that their skin is something to be ashamed of, something to hide. That their heritage is shameful.” Some small trigger warnings: instance of drug use for kidnapping, some physical harm/abuse (sometimes from a family member), few instances of gore/war, few instances of violence to animals. Might even be a book I recommend to non-fantasy readers.
November 14, 2024
I saw that three others in my book club had read this series and reviewed it very high. I was surprised that there were less than 80 reviews on book one.
I’m so glad I decided to give it a go!! I love the elemental magic, the way the Gods are coming into play, and I LOVEEEE Wren and Aris.
I feel like I’m a pioneer for the next great series with these! I hope they get the traction they deserve.
I’m so glad I decided to give it a go!! I love the elemental magic, the way the Gods are coming into play, and I LOVEEEE Wren and Aris.
I feel like I’m a pioneer for the next great series with these! I hope they get the traction they deserve.
November 19, 2023
A perfect book to read over a weekend!
The story isn’t particularly packed with action and plot, but it’ll keep you entertained and eager for what’s next.
I can’t wait for the sequel!
The story isn’t particularly packed with action and plot, but it’ll keep you entertained and eager for what’s next.
I can’t wait for the sequel!
April 30, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
This was a really good, original story and I enjoyed a new type of magic system consisting of the elements and a Mage/Shield bond. I cannot say that I particularly connected with Wren or the romance between her & Aris however. The ending action was much appreciated and a good set up leading into book 2.
This was a really good, original story and I enjoyed a new type of magic system consisting of the elements and a Mage/Shield bond. I cannot say that I particularly connected with Wren or the romance between her & Aris however. The ending action was much appreciated and a good set up leading into book 2.
April 9, 2023
Wren And The Tarnished Tiger (⭐️3.5/5) by E.M. Leander
The book follows Wren as she is plucked from her mundane life as a Lighthouse caretaker and thrown into the worlds of magic. She struggles while the world is convinced she is a dangerous problem, but not Aris. Aris believes Wren is meant for something great.
This is not my usual genre. It has been a long time since I read a fantasy romance/thriller and I could tell it still is not😅 BUT.....it was evident that this book would appeal to the folks who live and breathe this genre. A strong and lovely female character, a dashing love interest, a cute love triangle and magic, the book has it all! I really like the two way narration. As the characters were almost always in close proximity, looking at a situation from two point of views was exciting. I liked how the author took her time in developing relationships and building tension. The protagonists came out to be very well connected, emotionally. I felt the climax came out to be really late and left a lot to be desired, but good to know that the journey doesn't end here for Wren, so the climax is not just the climax, its a bridge to something big.
Recommendation for: fantasy lovers, folks looking for a slow burning yet meaningful romance, looking for a fantasy book but don't want something super complicated, focusing on important characters and plot points.
The book follows Wren as she is plucked from her mundane life as a Lighthouse caretaker and thrown into the worlds of magic. She struggles while the world is convinced she is a dangerous problem, but not Aris. Aris believes Wren is meant for something great.
This is not my usual genre. It has been a long time since I read a fantasy romance/thriller and I could tell it still is not😅 BUT.....it was evident that this book would appeal to the folks who live and breathe this genre. A strong and lovely female character, a dashing love interest, a cute love triangle and magic, the book has it all! I really like the two way narration. As the characters were almost always in close proximity, looking at a situation from two point of views was exciting. I liked how the author took her time in developing relationships and building tension. The protagonists came out to be very well connected, emotionally. I felt the climax came out to be really late and left a lot to be desired, but good to know that the journey doesn't end here for Wren, so the climax is not just the climax, its a bridge to something big.
Recommendation for: fantasy lovers, folks looking for a slow burning yet meaningful romance, looking for a fantasy book but don't want something super complicated, focusing on important characters and plot points.
November 23, 2022
I couldn't put this book down! So keen to see how the story progressed from the start. What a brilliant debut.
Isolated and cast out because she has a strange connection with and is able to talk to animals Wren lives alone and tends to the lighthouse in her village.
When an Injured Tiger comes to her for help, destinies are set in motion and unfold revealing that she is really a Mage of great power.
Aris is a Sheild, gifted with strength and special abilities.Trained from childhood to partner with a Mage for life to protect them.
I loved this book. The story was told from the two main characters POV and I really enjoyed connecting with them both.
Seeing how isolated Wren was and her incredible gifts where animals are concerned was captivating. I loved her strength, wit, sass and perseverance.
Beautifully written, letting you connect to the characters and appreciate the story as it unfolded to reveal more and more plot twists.
I loved how everything led to a fantastic magickal climax that definitely will have me following the author for more.
Massive thank you for my ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Isolated and cast out because she has a strange connection with and is able to talk to animals Wren lives alone and tends to the lighthouse in her village.
When an Injured Tiger comes to her for help, destinies are set in motion and unfold revealing that she is really a Mage of great power.
Aris is a Sheild, gifted with strength and special abilities.Trained from childhood to partner with a Mage for life to protect them.
I loved this book. The story was told from the two main characters POV and I really enjoyed connecting with them both.
Seeing how isolated Wren was and her incredible gifts where animals are concerned was captivating. I loved her strength, wit, sass and perseverance.
Beautifully written, letting you connect to the characters and appreciate the story as it unfolded to reveal more and more plot twists.
I loved how everything led to a fantastic magickal climax that definitely will have me following the author for more.
Massive thank you for my ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2022
I had a very good time reading it. This a dual pov with Wren (the mage) and Aris (a shield). There were lots of actions, it was never boring.
I love when there are animals in a book, this was very well written, I love so much the relationship between Wren and the tiger 🐯
I also like Wren's development, she started from not knowing life, to struggle, to start learning about her magic, to become stronger. I was really attached to her and even wanted to take her hand and help her.
I was attached to Aris especially with how protective he is.
There was also romance in it, and it's a slow burn, just the way I like it 🧡
It's YA
I definitely recommend that book!
Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
I love when there are animals in a book, this was very well written, I love so much the relationship between Wren and the tiger 🐯
I also like Wren's development, she started from not knowing life, to struggle, to start learning about her magic, to become stronger. I was really attached to her and even wanted to take her hand and help her.
I was attached to Aris especially with how protective he is.
There was also romance in it, and it's a slow burn, just the way I like it 🧡
It's YA
I definitely recommend that book!
Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
December 8, 2022
Incredible. Amazing. I loved it.
I read each chapters vigorously, I wanted to know how everything would come together, how it would unfolded. And boy, I'm enjoyed it very much.
That last scene had me cackling. Seriously.
This was filled with interesting scenes, interactions, characters who go through changes and changes.
I loved the magic systems and the lore the author created for this world. I I thought it was quite original and intriguing to see it at work.
I would absolutely recommend this book to people wanting to read about :
YA Fantasy
Elemental Mage
Animal Shifters
Found Family
Powerful Women
Dual Pov
Golden boy tarnished
I mean just to read something great is a good reason !
I read each chapters vigorously, I wanted to know how everything would come together, how it would unfolded. And boy, I'm enjoyed it very much.
That last scene had me cackling. Seriously.
This was filled with interesting scenes, interactions, characters who go through changes and changes.
I loved the magic systems and the lore the author created for this world. I I thought it was quite original and intriguing to see it at work.
I would absolutely recommend this book to people wanting to read about :
YA Fantasy
Elemental Mage
Animal Shifters
Found Family
Powerful Women
Dual Pov
Golden boy tarnished
I mean just to read something great is a good reason !
November 25, 2022
A gladiator who's lost the fight, a woman with too much power, and a tiger with a secret...
I was so lucky to be a beta reader for Wren and the Tarnished Tiger by E. M. Leander. This is an epic fantasy with dual POV. You'll love both Wren and Aris, though I think I fell a little harder for Aris. The fight scenes are crazy good - involving gladiator tournaments, battling trolls, and out of control magic. The romance is also pretty freaking adorable and has both sparks and shoes flying between them. I'm a sucker for animal magic too and this one has a tiger with a✨ secret ✨ 👀
I was so lucky to be a beta reader for Wren and the Tarnished Tiger by E. M. Leander. This is an epic fantasy with dual POV. You'll love both Wren and Aris, though I think I fell a little harder for Aris. The fight scenes are crazy good - involving gladiator tournaments, battling trolls, and out of control magic. The romance is also pretty freaking adorable and has both sparks and shoes flying between them. I'm a sucker for animal magic too and this one has a tiger with a✨ secret ✨ 👀
April 16, 2025
This was such a refreshing romantasy read! The story captured my interest from the prologue, moved at a great pace, and felt unique in its storyline. I’ve honestly been feeling so bored with romantasy and like all the stories are too similar and just blending in with one another. Wren and the Tarnished Tiger took me on a whole new adventure that I enjoyed so much!
After being swept away from her quiet life as a lighthouse keeper and thrust into a very new, magical life in Ocron, I found Wren’s entire journey as she explored and discovered more about herself, both with magic and romance, gripping. I loved so many of the characters! Wren and Aris, obviously. The tiger and Obsidian (😭😭😭), Ismini and Aleka, Leo, Mariana, and even Saroya and Nestor. The relationships between mages and shields and the entire magic system were so compelling. I loved all the animals throughout the book and thought the shield’s abilities to shift into animals was a great addition to their magic and ability to fight and protect.
My one complaint, which is big to me, is that I didn’t feel a strong romantic connection throughout the story. Yes, Aris is a muscly hunk who will do anything to protect our main lady, but he isn’t good with words or expressing emotions and so that was lacking for me. I hope he’s able to open up and share his heart more in the next book.
I am really looking forward to a meet and greet with the author soon! I am so appreciative to the wonderful friend in book club who organized it! Looking forward to jumping into book 2 soon ⚔️💚🖤⚔️💚🖤⚔️
After being swept away from her quiet life as a lighthouse keeper and thrust into a very new, magical life in Ocron, I found Wren’s entire journey as she explored and discovered more about herself, both with magic and romance, gripping. I loved so many of the characters! Wren and Aris, obviously. The tiger and Obsidian (😭😭😭), Ismini and Aleka, Leo, Mariana, and even Saroya and Nestor. The relationships between mages and shields and the entire magic system were so compelling. I loved all the animals throughout the book and thought the shield’s abilities to shift into animals was a great addition to their magic and ability to fight and protect.
My one complaint, which is big to me, is that I didn’t feel a strong romantic connection throughout the story. Yes, Aris is a muscly hunk who will do anything to protect our main lady, but he isn’t good with words or expressing emotions and so that was lacking for me. I hope he’s able to open up and share his heart more in the next book.
I am really looking forward to a meet and greet with the author soon! I am so appreciative to the wonderful friend in book club who organized it! Looking forward to jumping into book 2 soon ⚔️💚🖤⚔️💚🖤⚔️
June 13, 2024
"That’s all right. You just bloom. I’ll be your thorns”
If I had to pick exactly one quote for Wren's story, that would be it. We're introduced to her living in her lighthouse, living her best Disney Princess life, before everything changes for her. Her country's been at war, not that she's noticed, and is suddenly part of a new country. She discovers her magic, and proceeds to be completely abused by those who should be teaching her. Like this school is filled with Umbridges (really, it's that Wren doesn't fit in their neat little boxes) while this poor girl is just trying to figure out what's going on.
Enter Aris. Aris is sexy and he knows it. A tiger shifter who must compete in The Games to figure out who is the baddest b*tch, I mean Shield, to pair up with a mage. Shields and Mages work together to protect the kingdom, so strong pairings are a necessity. Fate laughs upon him when Wren, an unknown Mage of indiscernible power, is now his responsibility to protect. Also seriously cuts into his sexy times.
Aris has some problems of his own, and need to navigate those while helping Wren navigate her new life. The sarcasm, whit, storytelling in Wren and the Tarnished Tiger is top tier. I absolutely couldn't put it down, and rushed to download the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
If I had to pick exactly one quote for Wren's story, that would be it. We're introduced to her living in her lighthouse, living her best Disney Princess life, before everything changes for her. Her country's been at war, not that she's noticed, and is suddenly part of a new country. She discovers her magic, and proceeds to be completely abused by those who should be teaching her. Like this school is filled with Umbridges (really, it's that Wren doesn't fit in their neat little boxes) while this poor girl is just trying to figure out what's going on.
Enter Aris. Aris is sexy and he knows it. A tiger shifter who must compete in The Games to figure out who is the baddest b*tch, I mean Shield, to pair up with a mage. Shields and Mages work together to protect the kingdom, so strong pairings are a necessity. Fate laughs upon him when Wren, an unknown Mage of indiscernible power, is now his responsibility to protect. Also seriously cuts into his sexy times.
Aris has some problems of his own, and need to navigate those while helping Wren navigate her new life. The sarcasm, whit, storytelling in Wren and the Tarnished Tiger is top tier. I absolutely couldn't put it down, and rushed to download the next book. I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 2, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up!
July 30, 2023
Thank you for the review copy by @orderofthebookish.
I love a good tortured hero. This book I think reads more like a ya romance than the actual plot. The political aspects were there to make it interesting but not so much so that mostly it leaves me feeling out of bounds with the character.
There is a good love triangle going on which was kinda sweet. I really love 'love triangles' when it is done right. And here I was absolutely entranced with all three characters. Even though there is an implication of whom she will end up with both of the makes are willing to fight for her which was a pleasant surprise.
I treasured the internal conflict between both Wren and Aris. After all the mistreatment and the bullying in the end we see Wren come into her own. Even if the supposed bad buys, in the end, did not hold much weight I think it was still done well. I liked the side characters and there is a bit of a found family aspect for Wren which warms my heart after seeing her being so alone before.
The magic powers system was not much explained given that our own FMC is different from the rest but it was satisfactory to a level to get the gist of it. Also, the concept of shield/mage as a pair is intriguing. I'm really excited to learn more about Wren's power in the second book. And the implied relationship drama in the end, I hope to see that Wren and Aris come out of it unscathed but stronger in their love.
I love a good tortured hero. This book I think reads more like a ya romance than the actual plot. The political aspects were there to make it interesting but not so much so that mostly it leaves me feeling out of bounds with the character.
There is a good love triangle going on which was kinda sweet. I really love 'love triangles' when it is done right. And here I was absolutely entranced with all three characters. Even though there is an implication of whom she will end up with both of the makes are willing to fight for her which was a pleasant surprise.
I treasured the internal conflict between both Wren and Aris. After all the mistreatment and the bullying in the end we see Wren come into her own. Even if the supposed bad buys, in the end, did not hold much weight I think it was still done well. I liked the side characters and there is a bit of a found family aspect for Wren which warms my heart after seeing her being so alone before.
The magic powers system was not much explained given that our own FMC is different from the rest but it was satisfactory to a level to get the gist of it. Also, the concept of shield/mage as a pair is intriguing. I'm really excited to learn more about Wren's power in the second book. And the implied relationship drama in the end, I hope to see that Wren and Aris come out of it unscathed but stronger in their love.
November 23, 2022
First off I want to thank E.M. Leander for letting me join the arc team, it was an honor to be able to read Wren's incredible journey and I truly cannot wait to find out what happens next! E.M. Leander has created a breathtaking world with dimensional characters and an incredibly interesting magic system. Her descriptions of battle scenes had me captivated and on the edge of my seat. The character relationships were complex and so human, truly capturing the way we feel and how hard it can be to understand our feelings and how fast they can change. The pacing flowed very well and with E.M. Leanders's well balanced descriptions I stayed intrigued throughout the book. I cannot wait to see what E.M. Leander creates next!
June 21, 2023
I like three things about this book— the magic system, the romance tension, and how these elements worked so perfectly together.
When I read fantasy, as a reader who never had experience in magic (as most of us aren't). It helps a lot when authors can reduce the complexity of it, making everything easy to understand. And in this book, it was summed up into the 'Shield' and 'Mage' systems, where two people worked to protect one another. It became fun to read and much to look for.
The romance between Wren and Aris is also a page-turner.
Wren was a genuine good girl. That's my impression of her. And I got the feeling that she was lonely, before her life completely changed and what happened led her to meet Aris. Something like, only when old life ends that the new one can begin. Life is, after all, about finding your place in the world. This I came to think of as the theme of this story.
Aris was a typical bad boy protagonist, arrogant and self-absorbed in bettering his position.
Though, his bad points got balanced well because he's willing to accept change. And Wren was that change in his life, I believe. Whether Aris could become a better person for Wren is something to look forward to.
Just one thing, though.
While I like the author's description of settings, places like the arena and city could give me a clear image and feelings about it. Still, I couldn't help finding these scenes still wanted. Since this's a fantasy genre, which gives a writer the privilege to create a world like none ever seen. And as they said, the charm of a city lies in its market. It's there where colorful wares, unique patterns of textiles, and never tasted flavors of delicacies could be explored. So, perhaps, we could look forward to falling in love with this fantasy world more, sometime in the future?
Wren and Aris's story still goes on with so much to look for.
When I read fantasy, as a reader who never had experience in magic (as most of us aren't). It helps a lot when authors can reduce the complexity of it, making everything easy to understand. And in this book, it was summed up into the 'Shield' and 'Mage' systems, where two people worked to protect one another. It became fun to read and much to look for.
The romance between Wren and Aris is also a page-turner.
Wren was a genuine good girl. That's my impression of her. And I got the feeling that she was lonely, before her life completely changed and what happened led her to meet Aris. Something like, only when old life ends that the new one can begin. Life is, after all, about finding your place in the world. This I came to think of as the theme of this story.
Aris was a typical bad boy protagonist, arrogant and self-absorbed in bettering his position.
Though, his bad points got balanced well because he's willing to accept change. And Wren was that change in his life, I believe. Whether Aris could become a better person for Wren is something to look forward to.
Just one thing, though.
While I like the author's description of settings, places like the arena and city could give me a clear image and feelings about it. Still, I couldn't help finding these scenes still wanted. Since this's a fantasy genre, which gives a writer the privilege to create a world like none ever seen. And as they said, the charm of a city lies in its market. It's there where colorful wares, unique patterns of textiles, and never tasted flavors of delicacies could be explored. So, perhaps, we could look forward to falling in love with this fantasy world more, sometime in the future?
Wren and Aris's story still goes on with so much to look for.
March 31, 2025
The best way I can describe this book is a cozy, captivating fantasy with depth. Wren and the Tarnished Tiger quietly pulls you in with rich characters, thoughtful world-building, and a slow-burn romance that lingers long after the last page.
While this isn’t an action-packed fantasy, it doesn’t need to be—the heart of the story lies in its relationships, emotions, and the unique magic system that seamlessly weaves together elemental mages and their bonded animal shifter protectors. The concept felt fresh and well-developed, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the world.
Wren herself is such a compelling protagonist. Her ability to communicate with animals was not only fascinating but also deeply relatable in a way that made her feel real to me. Her loneliness, her isolation, and the way she was so often unseen or misunderstood truly tugged at my heart. Watching Aris recognize her, truly see her for who she is, made their growing connection all the more rewarding. The slow burn was so well done—equal parts frustrating and satisfying in the best possible way.
This book felt like a turning point for Wren, leaving behind her lighthouse guardian life and stepping into an unknown world of magic and discovery. I can’t wait to see her journey unfold in book two!
While this isn’t an action-packed fantasy, it doesn’t need to be—the heart of the story lies in its relationships, emotions, and the unique magic system that seamlessly weaves together elemental mages and their bonded animal shifter protectors. The concept felt fresh and well-developed, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the world.
Wren herself is such a compelling protagonist. Her ability to communicate with animals was not only fascinating but also deeply relatable in a way that made her feel real to me. Her loneliness, her isolation, and the way she was so often unseen or misunderstood truly tugged at my heart. Watching Aris recognize her, truly see her for who she is, made their growing connection all the more rewarding. The slow burn was so well done—equal parts frustrating and satisfying in the best possible way.
This book felt like a turning point for Wren, leaving behind her lighthouse guardian life and stepping into an unknown world of magic and discovery. I can’t wait to see her journey unfold in book two!
May 14, 2025
“When you fall off your horse,” Markos says, dropping his sword to his side and offering me his hand, which I take with my good one, hauling myself up, “you get back on. Immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be scared of falling off again for the rest of your life.”
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and for some reason keep coming back to this sentiment. The first step in this journey of growth is to never give up and overcome your fear. While I enjoyed the bond that was built between Aris and Wren I was really inspired by their persistence and growth. I love the world building, characters and banter and I am excited to read book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and for some reason keep coming back to this sentiment. The first step in this journey of growth is to never give up and overcome your fear. While I enjoyed the bond that was built between Aris and Wren I was really inspired by their persistence and growth. I love the world building, characters and banter and I am excited to read book 2.
April 26, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐. 💫/5
-My thoughts
This book is an absolute page-turner
I was immensely immersed from beginning to start. It carries you to a new world of animal shifters who are known as 'shields' and each shield must have a special bond with an elemental 'Mage' who has a magical power and certain spells that control a specific natural element (fire, water, wind, etc..) when a shield claim his Mage they become bonded together wherever the Mage goes the shield follows to assure utter protection over his Mage they complete one another. How the author managed to build the history of Mages and shields, the Gods, and everything is intriguing.
I savored the whole vibe of this book the forests, the kingdom warriors, and I loved the different animals that appeared in every place.
On top of that Wren's connection with animals was so cute🥹
In the beginning, we are introduced to Verena and the name she goes by is Wren which I loved so much it suits her character very well a little cute brown bird yet throughout the book she would show so much strength a great transformation from a simple orphan lighthouse keeper in the middle of the woods to a mysterious Mage that her powers were waiting so bad to be unleashed.
She's so kind and the only interaction she ever knew was with animals as her loyal friends that keep her company.
The people of her country spit treat her as an 'other' because of her skin color which is a caramel brown unlike her dead father or the people of Spit. Also, how are animals of all kinds drawn to her makes them fear and treat her bad no one approaches her:(
Then we have Airs the arrogant insanely tall and muscular blue-eyed silky black-haired shield. Aris is traumatized by the loss of his Mage who happens to be his best friend
He is our tarnished golden shield who wants his glory back while he is still haunted by what happened the last time he was in the field.
His relationship with his family is not on the best terms. Most of the time he annoyed me with his constant teasing and other stuff but he is a real charmer and irresistible tbh🥰
The romance in the book is a bit of a slow burn I liked the banter between Aris and Wren
And there is a love triangle which kept me on edge I understand why some of my book friends hate love triangles that much :)
My emotions were all over the place and yeah it wasn't cool at all I needed someone to help me out because I couldn't function😂
I giggled so hard tho but It is difficult when you are caught up this way I can't say more I don't want to spoil it.
Tropes:
YA Fantasy
Shifters
Love triangle
Slow burn romance
Found family
Dual pov
Magic
Supernatural elemental powers
Tarnished golden boy
Strong female lead
-What I didn't like
was that Wren was acting out of her character towards the end and she became self-absorbed.
The beginning and the end are not well formatted with the dual pov it's something that made me feel lost for a moment, but other than that it was so good!
The ending was wrapped up perfectly preparing for the sequel. The book is beautifully written and I loved the rest of the characters. I'm still thinking about them to this moment.
other characters annoyed me you will figure out why if you decided to give it a go😊
-My thoughts
This book is an absolute page-turner
I was immensely immersed from beginning to start. It carries you to a new world of animal shifters who are known as 'shields' and each shield must have a special bond with an elemental 'Mage' who has a magical power and certain spells that control a specific natural element (fire, water, wind, etc..) when a shield claim his Mage they become bonded together wherever the Mage goes the shield follows to assure utter protection over his Mage they complete one another. How the author managed to build the history of Mages and shields, the Gods, and everything is intriguing.
I savored the whole vibe of this book the forests, the kingdom warriors, and I loved the different animals that appeared in every place.
On top of that Wren's connection with animals was so cute🥹
In the beginning, we are introduced to Verena and the name she goes by is Wren which I loved so much it suits her character very well a little cute brown bird yet throughout the book she would show so much strength a great transformation from a simple orphan lighthouse keeper in the middle of the woods to a mysterious Mage that her powers were waiting so bad to be unleashed.
She's so kind and the only interaction she ever knew was with animals as her loyal friends that keep her company.
The people of her country spit treat her as an 'other' because of her skin color which is a caramel brown unlike her dead father or the people of Spit. Also, how are animals of all kinds drawn to her makes them fear and treat her bad no one approaches her:(
Then we have Airs the arrogant insanely tall and muscular blue-eyed silky black-haired shield. Aris is traumatized by the loss of his Mage who happens to be his best friend
He is our tarnished golden shield who wants his glory back while he is still haunted by what happened the last time he was in the field.
His relationship with his family is not on the best terms. Most of the time he annoyed me with his constant teasing and other stuff but he is a real charmer and irresistible tbh🥰
The romance in the book is a bit of a slow burn I liked the banter between Aris and Wren
And there is a love triangle which kept me on edge I understand why some of my book friends hate love triangles that much :)
My emotions were all over the place and yeah it wasn't cool at all I needed someone to help me out because I couldn't function😂
I giggled so hard tho but It is difficult when you are caught up this way I can't say more I don't want to spoil it.
Tropes:
YA Fantasy
Shifters
Love triangle
Slow burn romance
Found family
Dual pov
Magic
Supernatural elemental powers
Tarnished golden boy
Strong female lead
-What I didn't like
was that Wren was acting out of her character towards the end and she became self-absorbed.
The beginning and the end are not well formatted with the dual pov it's something that made me feel lost for a moment, but other than that it was so good!
The ending was wrapped up perfectly preparing for the sequel. The book is beautifully written and I loved the rest of the characters. I'm still thinking about them to this moment.
other characters annoyed me you will figure out why if you decided to give it a go😊
January 5, 2023
When you fall off your horse, you get back on. Immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be scared of falling off again for the rest of your life.
🦄🦄🦄
Orphaned Wren is content with her predictable job as a lighthouse keeper - but when war comes to her country, she finds herself shoved into the unknown. Bound in an unlikely partnership, she will find the gods have bigger plans for her than she could ever have imagined.
Handsome and arrogant Aris is descended from a line of Shields, animal shifters whose sole purpose is to guard their paired Mages. His desperate quest to regain what he has lost will drive him to make a risky arrangement - one that will change their world. As the story unfolds, the influence of the mercurial gods will take Wren and Aris on an incomparable journey through magic, betrayal, and love.
🦄
Wren and the Tarnished Tiger is the first book in the Game of Gods series by E.M. Leander.
The plot of the book is incredible, being well-paced yet packed with action and plot twists at the same time. The writing style of the book makes it hard to put down, as the combination of the two makes the story glow smoothly while still keeping you hooked on the intense fantasy elements of it, like the incredible worldbuilding.
This book is perfect for those who love the "magical school" plot (ex. SGE), and I say that as someone who is a big fan of it myself because this was done in such a wonderful manner where the plot arc, relationship(s) (both romantic and platonic) arc, and character arc balance each other out to create a cohesive story. I will say that at certain points I was getting a sense of deja vu, but I couldn't place my finger on why. Maybe it's because I've read a lot of similar books, but I couldn't be sure.
I love Wren and Aris as characters and how their story progresses throughout the book in a subtle but deliberate manner that keeps the reader wanting more while still maintaining the bounds of their relationship.
But also, as individuals, Wren and Aris stand out on their own. You can see the determination and fire behind their eyes, especially Wren, who was just a lighthouse keeper before she knew what powers she truly had.
Overall, great book, and I cannot wait to read the next book!
🦄
Rated 9/10
Melina L.
🦄🦄🦄
Orphaned Wren is content with her predictable job as a lighthouse keeper - but when war comes to her country, she finds herself shoved into the unknown. Bound in an unlikely partnership, she will find the gods have bigger plans for her than she could ever have imagined.
Handsome and arrogant Aris is descended from a line of Shields, animal shifters whose sole purpose is to guard their paired Mages. His desperate quest to regain what he has lost will drive him to make a risky arrangement - one that will change their world. As the story unfolds, the influence of the mercurial gods will take Wren and Aris on an incomparable journey through magic, betrayal, and love.
🦄
Wren and the Tarnished Tiger is the first book in the Game of Gods series by E.M. Leander.
The plot of the book is incredible, being well-paced yet packed with action and plot twists at the same time. The writing style of the book makes it hard to put down, as the combination of the two makes the story glow smoothly while still keeping you hooked on the intense fantasy elements of it, like the incredible worldbuilding.
This book is perfect for those who love the "magical school" plot (ex. SGE), and I say that as someone who is a big fan of it myself because this was done in such a wonderful manner where the plot arc, relationship(s) (both romantic and platonic) arc, and character arc balance each other out to create a cohesive story. I will say that at certain points I was getting a sense of deja vu, but I couldn't place my finger on why. Maybe it's because I've read a lot of similar books, but I couldn't be sure.
I love Wren and Aris as characters and how their story progresses throughout the book in a subtle but deliberate manner that keeps the reader wanting more while still maintaining the bounds of their relationship.
But also, as individuals, Wren and Aris stand out on their own. You can see the determination and fire behind their eyes, especially Wren, who was just a lighthouse keeper before she knew what powers she truly had.
Overall, great book, and I cannot wait to read the next book!
🦄
Rated 9/10
Melina L.
June 20, 2023
Wow, wow, wow....this novel was worth every one of its 437 pages. I enjoyed this novel from start to finish, I was really thrilled with the plot and the fantasy genre that it encompassed. Wren was a great character, I thought she was very likable and she wasn't a character that felt irritating to read about. She was authentic, her reactions genuine and her character was one that I really enjoyed reading and seeing her go through the plot and her relationship with Aris. Aris was a favorite from his first mention on the page! I had such a blast learning to understand his relationship between being a Shield, Aris, and his newfound feelings for Wren. He was such a great character, I loved him at the end of the book and his character arc was really well done. The imagery and fantasy aspects of the book were brilliant and not overpowering to leave the reader wondering what is going on. I loved learning about the bonds between Mage and Shield, I want to definitely go deeper into what that bond could be! I loved seeing Wren blossom into the powerful Mage that she became at the end of the book, despite many people and situations that were trying to stop her from becoming that. Aris as a Sheild was seriously so good and I want to keep learning about their bond and how it'll grow now that there's a romantic relationship playing on top of that. This book is packed to the brim with great characters, wonderful magical worlds, a fantasy that doesn't feel cheesy or overdone, and a plot that really is captivating! I loved this book, definitely one of my favorites of the year so far! I'm eager to read the next book in the series, whenever that does come out!
April 10, 2023
I wish I could’ve enjoyed this book more - I liked the idea and the setting of it, but I couldn’t bring myself to like the MC's. For me, at least, they felt flat and seemed to have only a handful of characteristics that repeated themselves. On top of that, everything only picked up in about the last 10% of the book, while the rest felt like a really long intro. Still, it was interesting to read and I am glad that I finished it - I feel like there is so much possibility in this story that could get interesting. ✨
December 21, 2022
I was very lucky to have received an ARC from the author and this is my honest and voluntary review for the book.
This is a five star book! No questions asked, it was amazing and I'd recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy with a slow burn romance.
Very rarely do I read a book with such an unique and never heard before magic system. The idea of mages and shields was so confusing when only reading the blurb, I thought "how is this gonna make sense?"- BUT E.M. Leander explained it perfectly! It was never done through boring exposition though, it fit into the story and all throughout the plot she stuck with the rules she established and did not throw a stupid ex-machina at the end.
What was also done so well, was how her world feels lived in, the magic system has a whole religion in the book, there is backstory to it and I always love when authors give us details about their world, even though it is not needed to know for the plot.
What was also done so freaking good was the writing of the characters. Everyone was done so right!
Wren and Aris specifically, considering this is a slow burn romance. Because often with this trope misunderstandings happen.. and I hate them because they are (mostly) stupid and could've been avoided by talking, like normal human beings.
But here E.M. did not do stupid, she took the character growth into account and at what point our MCs are.
For example Wren is not used to being around people and have people care about her as a human. So her not talking about all her thoughts and feelings makes sense. She also has no experience with miscommunication so it makes, again, sense that she doesn't know what troubles that can cause.
Aris as well, he has difficulties expressing his feelings because of his past and it makes a lot of sense in context.
Also I have to point out that our FMC is a POC! YES to the representation, I want a lot more of these epic herorines who are not white!
This first book is a setup into this world, also it focuses very intently on all the characters and their growth and their relationship with each-other. The plot is a bit slow action-wise, in my opinion. BUT the way this books end... Let me just say there will be an EPIC journey to maybe certain doom and a lot of (probably) tension in the group of charaters and I am all here for it.
Needless to say I highly recommend this book!
This is a five star book! No questions asked, it was amazing and I'd recommend it to everyone who loves fantasy with a slow burn romance.
Very rarely do I read a book with such an unique and never heard before magic system. The idea of mages and shields was so confusing when only reading the blurb, I thought "how is this gonna make sense?"- BUT E.M. Leander explained it perfectly! It was never done through boring exposition though, it fit into the story and all throughout the plot she stuck with the rules she established and did not throw a stupid ex-machina at the end.
What was also done so well, was how her world feels lived in, the magic system has a whole religion in the book, there is backstory to it and I always love when authors give us details about their world, even though it is not needed to know for the plot.
What was also done so freaking good was the writing of the characters. Everyone was done so right!
Wren and Aris specifically, considering this is a slow burn romance. Because often with this trope misunderstandings happen.. and I hate them because they are (mostly) stupid and could've been avoided by talking, like normal human beings.
But here E.M. did not do stupid, she took the character growth into account and at what point our MCs are.
For example Wren is not used to being around people and have people care about her as a human. So her not talking about all her thoughts and feelings makes sense. She also has no experience with miscommunication so it makes, again, sense that she doesn't know what troubles that can cause.
Aris as well, he has difficulties expressing his feelings because of his past and it makes a lot of sense in context.
Also I have to point out that our FMC is a POC! YES to the representation, I want a lot more of these epic herorines who are not white!
This first book is a setup into this world, also it focuses very intently on all the characters and their growth and their relationship with each-other. The plot is a bit slow action-wise, in my opinion. BUT the way this books end... Let me just say there will be an EPIC journey to maybe certain doom and a lot of (probably) tension in the group of charaters and I am all here for it.
Needless to say I highly recommend this book!
June 28, 2024
I enjoyed this book from the start. Action, injuries, death all right out the gate! (Plus a dual POV- love that in a book!)
Wren is a young girl living the life of a recluse while tending a lighthouse. She knows she is different from her town, simply because of her skin color, and therefore is an outcast. Until two strangers approach her lighthouse and introduce her to the world of elemental magic, where they believe she belongs and so convince her to leave her solitary life in exchange for training at a magical school.
Aris is a Shield, a warrior trained to protect a mage they have bonded to, and also has the ability to shift into a beautiful, albeit deadly, white tiger. After suffering the loss of his mage, Aris is content to just drink away his pain, until the loss of a bet has him reentering the training ring to find a new mage to protect.
Through the story we get to see the struggles and growth of both characters. We are also introduced to a handsome, young, kind and charismatic king who not only has the best interest of his country in mind, but it seems he wishes to earn the interest of Wren as well. (And I am ALWAYS here for a love triangle when 2 sexy men are involved).
I really sat and processed how I felt about this book after reading it, bouncing back between a 4⭐️ and 5⭐️, and ultimately settled on 5 because I really love the characters- the good, the bad, the main and the side - all of them are so wonderfully created.
Looking forward to dive into book 2!
Wren is a young girl living the life of a recluse while tending a lighthouse. She knows she is different from her town, simply because of her skin color, and therefore is an outcast. Until two strangers approach her lighthouse and introduce her to the world of elemental magic, where they believe she belongs and so convince her to leave her solitary life in exchange for training at a magical school.
Aris is a Shield, a warrior trained to protect a mage they have bonded to, and also has the ability to shift into a beautiful, albeit deadly, white tiger. After suffering the loss of his mage, Aris is content to just drink away his pain, until the loss of a bet has him reentering the training ring to find a new mage to protect.
Through the story we get to see the struggles and growth of both characters. We are also introduced to a handsome, young, kind and charismatic king who not only has the best interest of his country in mind, but it seems he wishes to earn the interest of Wren as well. (And I am ALWAYS here for a love triangle when 2 sexy men are involved).
I really sat and processed how I felt about this book after reading it, bouncing back between a 4⭐️ and 5⭐️, and ultimately settled on 5 because I really love the characters- the good, the bad, the main and the side - all of them are so wonderfully created.
Looking forward to dive into book 2!
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May 4, 20253.5-3:75 ⭐️’s Feedback to follow - great read!
December 30, 2022
I have no words for how stunning this book is! This is definitely my favorite read for this year 2022 🙌🏻
I honestly have no idea where to start! This book has an amazing story, amazing world, amazing magic system, amazing characters and don’t even get me started on the romance 😍 which is a sloooooow burn(my favorite) and so beautiful! There’s found family, shifters, and even a bit of political intrigue!
This story follows Wren who has always been viewed as different due to her strange affinity to animals. She’s always lived a secluded life at the lighthouse where she works where she meets a tiger one day that is wounded. She heals him and then he disappears. At this point, the land she lives in is conquered by another kingdom and they find her realizing she is a Mage and bring her to The School of the Silver Flame to train her where she meets Aris who is training again to be a Shield and get a new Mage after his previous Mage died tragically. He sees Wren and takes a gamble to choose her as his new Mage since she seems to be very powerful and Aris wants to bring honor to his name again through Wren. But there may be more going on than it seems in the school and with Wren’s powers that neither understand and are trying to solve.
That was a terrible summary 😂 You should just read it!
The world made me think of like a Roman/Grecian era with gladiators(or Shields) who can shift and their Mages who do magic. These people go to school where they learn about their abilities and train them to become Shields and Mages and then the Shields enter the games where they fight to the top to have first choice for their Mage. I found the world just so interesting and I love the partnership and dynamics between the Mage and Shield.
Now, the characters I loved and could relate to! Wren is an amazing character! I loved her journey and growth from this girl who had no idea about magic, or people for that matter, and has to come out of her shell and become something she doesn’t understand. I totally related to her because she’s an introvert and is not used to people! And you can see in her interactions that she doesn’t understand how to be around people, especially bullies like those at the school(those jerks!). It’s fascinating to read her journey though because here is this gal who has always been shunned because of her affinity to animals and everyone just thought she is strange. Then she goes to this school where they understand a bit more about her magic, and yet they treat her HORRIBLY there! It’s enough to lose all faith in humanity. Then she meets Aris, who chooses her as his Mage, and they journey together to see the king where she finally meets people that actually care about her and WANT to help her. I almost cried just seeing how she finally finds real friends and people who help her to understand her powers and Aris is this solid rock always there for her and making sure she is safe. It was just such a beautiful journey 😭
And this journey she takes with Aris who is just the most adorable, broody, over-protective man and I loved every moment of it 🥰 I will admit, I could not stand Aris at first! Such a flirty playboy and it drove me nuts that he picked Wren and he was so focused on himself and not on her at all aside from her power. E.M. Leander did a great job giving Aris such a redeeming arc through this story. I adored him by the end and you learn a lot more about him, how broken he is and how being Wren’s shield really changed him and made him become a better person. It’s just perfect 👌🏻 and so beautiful!
And don’t even get me started on the romance! There’s a bit of a love triangle, which I’m not a fan of, however, the love triangle makes sense because Wren does not understand how to act around people, let alone men, or anyone, who may show her any interest. And so it did not bother me as much that there’s a bit of a love triangle because it seems like it’s a part of Wren’s journey that she needs to learn and understand herself better and about her feelings. And in the end, the romance is such a slow burn(which IS my favorite) and is just so so beautiful and after the way this book ended, the next book is going to get INTERESTING and I’m curious to see how that new relationship goes, as well as Wren and Aris’ journey continues.
There is also a found family in here that we get to experience towards the end that includes the King, Leo, Ismini a Mage and Aleka a Shield, who basically act like doting moms and I love the interactions between them and Wren who gets to see that not all people are evil or mean.
Overall, this is just an amazing book and story! I don’t know how I can wait for the next book, but I’ve already preordered this physical book because that hardcover is stunning!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly have no idea where to start! This book has an amazing story, amazing world, amazing magic system, amazing characters and don’t even get me started on the romance 😍 which is a sloooooow burn(my favorite) and so beautiful! There’s found family, shifters, and even a bit of political intrigue!
This story follows Wren who has always been viewed as different due to her strange affinity to animals. She’s always lived a secluded life at the lighthouse where she works where she meets a tiger one day that is wounded. She heals him and then he disappears. At this point, the land she lives in is conquered by another kingdom and they find her realizing she is a Mage and bring her to The School of the Silver Flame to train her where she meets Aris who is training again to be a Shield and get a new Mage after his previous Mage died tragically. He sees Wren and takes a gamble to choose her as his new Mage since she seems to be very powerful and Aris wants to bring honor to his name again through Wren. But there may be more going on than it seems in the school and with Wren’s powers that neither understand and are trying to solve.
That was a terrible summary 😂 You should just read it!
The world made me think of like a Roman/Grecian era with gladiators(or Shields) who can shift and their Mages who do magic. These people go to school where they learn about their abilities and train them to become Shields and Mages and then the Shields enter the games where they fight to the top to have first choice for their Mage. I found the world just so interesting and I love the partnership and dynamics between the Mage and Shield.
Now, the characters I loved and could relate to! Wren is an amazing character! I loved her journey and growth from this girl who had no idea about magic, or people for that matter, and has to come out of her shell and become something she doesn’t understand. I totally related to her because she’s an introvert and is not used to people! And you can see in her interactions that she doesn’t understand how to be around people, especially bullies like those at the school(those jerks!). It’s fascinating to read her journey though because here is this gal who has always been shunned because of her affinity to animals and everyone just thought she is strange. Then she goes to this school where they understand a bit more about her magic, and yet they treat her HORRIBLY there! It’s enough to lose all faith in humanity. Then she meets Aris, who chooses her as his Mage, and they journey together to see the king where she finally meets people that actually care about her and WANT to help her. I almost cried just seeing how she finally finds real friends and people who help her to understand her powers and Aris is this solid rock always there for her and making sure she is safe. It was just such a beautiful journey 😭
And this journey she takes with Aris who is just the most adorable, broody, over-protective man and I loved every moment of it 🥰 I will admit, I could not stand Aris at first! Such a flirty playboy and it drove me nuts that he picked Wren and he was so focused on himself and not on her at all aside from her power. E.M. Leander did a great job giving Aris such a redeeming arc through this story. I adored him by the end and you learn a lot more about him, how broken he is and how being Wren’s shield really changed him and made him become a better person. It’s just perfect 👌🏻 and so beautiful!
And don’t even get me started on the romance! There’s a bit of a love triangle, which I’m not a fan of, however, the love triangle makes sense because Wren does not understand how to act around people, let alone men, or anyone, who may show her any interest. And so it did not bother me as much that there’s a bit of a love triangle because it seems like it’s a part of Wren’s journey that she needs to learn and understand herself better and about her feelings. And in the end, the romance is such a slow burn(which IS my favorite) and is just so so beautiful and after the way this book ended, the next book is going to get INTERESTING and I’m curious to see how that new relationship goes, as well as Wren and Aris’ journey continues.
There is also a found family in here that we get to experience towards the end that includes the King, Leo, Ismini a Mage and Aleka a Shield, who basically act like doting moms and I love the interactions between them and Wren who gets to see that not all people are evil or mean.
Overall, this is just an amazing book and story! I don’t know how I can wait for the next book, but I’ve already preordered this physical book because that hardcover is stunning!
I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 3, 2023
Is she a harbinger of doom or a catalyst for the changing times?
Wren is yanked out of her isolated lighthouse and dropped in the middle of a school of magic when previously she had never believed in magic. However, her powers are too much for the school to handle, so she is sent to the Capital where the most powerful and knowledgeable of the Mages (magic wielders) live.
Aris is the Shield that needs redemption and believes it to come through Wren. He is fiercely protective of her, although he isn't sure if it is because of his duties or his tiger.
The story is refreshing from the murder mysteries that keep me company at night. I highly recommend it for people who like a fantasy set in a different world with complicated magic wielders, and there also seems to be a love triangle, but I'm waiting for the sequel to find out.
There seemed to be a point where I thought the miscommunication trope would ruin the story for me, but the author handled it with superb skills...
I can't wait for the sequel!
Wren is yanked out of her isolated lighthouse and dropped in the middle of a school of magic when previously she had never believed in magic. However, her powers are too much for the school to handle, so she is sent to the Capital where the most powerful and knowledgeable of the Mages (magic wielders) live.
Aris is the Shield that needs redemption and believes it to come through Wren. He is fiercely protective of her, although he isn't sure if it is because of his duties or his tiger.
The story is refreshing from the murder mysteries that keep me company at night. I highly recommend it for people who like a fantasy set in a different world with complicated magic wielders, and there also seems to be a love triangle, but I'm waiting for the sequel to find out.
There seemed to be a point where I thought the miscommunication trope would ruin the story for me, but the author handled it with superb skills...
I can't wait for the sequel!
June 14, 2023
A nice New Concept with Shifters
I really enjoyed this books plot and the amount of romance included (ie there was still a plot without the romance…) im not a huge fan of shifter books but this book has just the right amount of magic and shifter characteristics. I really enjoyed the read!
I really enjoyed this books plot and the amount of romance included (ie there was still a plot without the romance…) im not a huge fan of shifter books but this book has just the right amount of magic and shifter characteristics. I really enjoyed the read!
April 27, 2023
I’m going to have to fess up here…I judged the book by its cover. I saw the title, saw the blurb, thought ‘oh, well that sounds alright.’ Saw the cover and thought ‘ehh looks okay I guess’ and expected a mediocre story that I could get through with a little effort. Ohhhh but how wrong I was.
Wren is the lighthouse keeper in a nowhere village. The people there don’t trust her, but they tolerate her. Animals, on the other hand, adore Wren. They seek her out to heal their wounds, or just for company. This includes one very large, very injured, tiger. When Wren is whisked away to study a magic she didn’t know she had, and can’t control, bigoted villagers become the least of her concerns. And it turns out that tigers give excellent cuddles.
It’s been a while since I’ve fallen into the trap of assuming a cover is a good indication of a book’s contents, but I did. Fortunately, it took all of two paragraphs for me to realize that this book was incredible and that I was going to love every second of it. Wren is an amazing, strong willed FMC and you can’t help but like her. Aris is so grumpy and so protective and watching him interact with Wren was so funny. The rest of the characters feel well developed, and I found myself wanting to read more about them just to see what happens in their lives.
The story itself was really enjoyable and drew me in right away. It felt like we really get to see everything develop and grow instead of being tossed right in the deep end. This is book 1 of the Game of Gods series, and I desperately need book 2 to come out ASAP. Book 1 doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, per se, but it definitely leaves you with questions that need answers, and I can’t wait to see where Wren’s story goes from here.
Wren is the lighthouse keeper in a nowhere village. The people there don’t trust her, but they tolerate her. Animals, on the other hand, adore Wren. They seek her out to heal their wounds, or just for company. This includes one very large, very injured, tiger. When Wren is whisked away to study a magic she didn’t know she had, and can’t control, bigoted villagers become the least of her concerns. And it turns out that tigers give excellent cuddles.
It’s been a while since I’ve fallen into the trap of assuming a cover is a good indication of a book’s contents, but I did. Fortunately, it took all of two paragraphs for me to realize that this book was incredible and that I was going to love every second of it. Wren is an amazing, strong willed FMC and you can’t help but like her. Aris is so grumpy and so protective and watching him interact with Wren was so funny. The rest of the characters feel well developed, and I found myself wanting to read more about them just to see what happens in their lives.
The story itself was really enjoyable and drew me in right away. It felt like we really get to see everything develop and grow instead of being tossed right in the deep end. This is book 1 of the Game of Gods series, and I desperately need book 2 to come out ASAP. Book 1 doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, per se, but it definitely leaves you with questions that need answers, and I can’t wait to see where Wren’s story goes from here.
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