I enjoy coming of age stories since they typically include a complex network of characters, narrative and growth. In this book, the main character, “Van” Vanessa starts as a typical egotistical teenager who only focuses on herself, boys and her intended summer plans with friends. Her bff, Paley is similar from that perspective but to me, comes off as polar opposites when it counts. Perhaps that’s why they are friends? Opposites attract?
Van must literally grow up in a matter of moments once she learns that her mother was considered royalty, she may have been killed vs dying during childbirth, her father is missing, he screwed up at work, could be a traitor and possibly a murderer! After learning all of this and the fact that most of what she’s been told her entire life was a lie, she makes the more grown up decision to pursue the 30-day mission she is being assigned, along with a group of several other teens. One of them is the Anchoress, but their identity is hidden from the group until it is necessary.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a must read and flows well. You will not want to put it down. I think young adults and adults will enjoy this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2022-03-09 07:28:172022-03-09 07:28:17Shock of Fate – Anchoress Series Book One by D. L. Armillei – Review by Darla Yocom
I loved the other two books in this series and I loved this one just as much. Van takes us on another of her wild adventures with the gang and I loved every second of it. I couldn’t put this one down and was glued to my kindle. The characters are so wonderful and I just can’t get enough of them. If you like young adult fantasy books I highly recommend this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whitney Morrisonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhitney Morrison2022-03-08 10:39:212022-03-08 10:39:21Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Whitney Morrison
Van begins the book full of frustration over her recent loss at the senior games and anxiety for her upcoming summer mission. She hasn’t heard from Ferox all school year and is hoping that they still have a future together. As the team begins their mission to Ferox’s home, it very quickly takes a different turn when an assassination attempt is made on the prince, and everyone is put on lock down in the palace. As time ticks away and new obstacles come into play, will the team be able to complete their mission? Is there a future for Van and Ferox? Or will they be doomed because he holds his family in higher esteem than Van?
I am really enjoying this series! I appreciate how the book starts out with an inner struggle for Van and throughout the book there are lessons that lead her to resolving her inner struggles. I know she has to learn these lessons to keep everyone safe, but I like seeing her work through her struggles to achieve the goal. All the characters and the intricacies of their relationships are very well written.
This is a fascinating YA series that I would suggest to any highschooler. It has clean language, deals with teenage insecurities and emotions without over sexualizing situations.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-03-08 07:35:262022-03-08 07:35:26Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Desiree Ottinger
Having not read anything by this author before, I was quite excited to start down this new path of authors to be discovered when I happened upon this series. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint at all. I am very glad that I read the first installment, however, new characters are introduced, and character building continues throughout these novels as the adventures rage on. To me, it appears that there are lots of lessons to be learned through the main character, Van’s explorations and missions, not only for her, but for the reader as well, and it was mind-boggling, to say the least, how this author has us digging deeper into our own self while on the edge of our seats waiting to see what happens next.
There was a lot more action in this installment, for sure, yet we still have time for more romantic connections to be made. Not only that, but Brux remains a great character and protector of Van, and along with Paley, would do anything to help Van navigate the ups and downs that come with being a young Anchoress. Getting to explore more of their world was so much fun, and I can say that I won’t stop now, and can openly admit that this is one series that I will be reading over, and over again as new installments are added. Onto the next adventure! Highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-03-05 15:29:002022-03-05 15:29:00Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Amy Brennan
I really hope I don’t have to wait long for the next installment to come out, I haven’t been able to think about much else other than this series and Van’s world since I started reading about them last month. One of the things I love most about this series is that you never really know what’s coming next. It appears Van and her crew have sorted things out, both with their internal and external/physical struggles, and the next thing you know, there is more! Not overwhelmingly so, but the perfect amount to keep this reader on the edge of her seat. My favourite quote from this novel (without ruining anything) should be taken into consideration by all, in my opinion: “Anger incites ego. Without control of your anger, any move is premature and will bring disaster. Anger is not a source of power.”
In this third installment, we spend a lot of time out of the groups comforts of home, or their territory, and Van quickly realizes that she is not always going to be the strongest, smartest, or most clever, and that that is okay. I love how these novels build on the idea that teamwork makes the dream work and that first impressions aren’t always the end all be all. A job well done by this author, once again, and I will be refreshing all my sources in hopes that the next adventure comes sooner rather than later. Highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-03-05 15:28:132022-03-05 15:28:13Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Amy Brennan
Shock of Fate is a nice YA adventure. When we start out 15-year-old Vanessa Cross is a shallow, materialistic, very immature teenager. She’s had everything handed to her but if you pay attention you’ll see that she longs for love and acceptance. I have to admit that it took a while to warm up to her but as the story goes you see the character development and I grew quite fond of her. I wish I could say the same about her best friend, Paley. She was very unlikeable even when keeping in mind that she’s just a teenager. I really felt she added nothing to the story. Van’s relationship with Brux is adorable as is his relationship with his sister, Daisy. The world-building and details are spot-on however I felt it was quite easy to guess pretty much everything that happened. I also felt that the story could benefit from some streamlining. I enjoyed the bonding between Van and her teammates and the action and adventure was very entertaining.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2022-03-05 07:50:512022-03-05 07:50:51Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by La Toya Lewis
In Plague of Death, we get to see a matured Van, or at least that’s what she thinks. Poor Van has gone so far in the other direction. She’s taken to her new role a little too well and is trying to harden herself. It broke my heart to see Van repress her emotions. She’s suffered so much and you just want to give the poor girl the biggest hug. This makes the moments where she makes bad choices so much more understandable. She’s still just a teenager. I do question some of the adult decisions sometimes. Again, great adventure. It was good to see another side to some of the other characters. My heart aches for these kids that are doing the best they can to save their people. They all give up so much. Although I think it’s more beneficial to read the first book, the author does a great job of recapping it so that you know what’s going on if you opt not to. The only thing I could have done without was another love interest but I supposed that’s par for the course.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2022-03-05 07:50:352022-03-05 07:50:35Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by La Toya Lewis
In this latest installment, we see Van facing more challenges. She still has her previous frustrations with her stepmom and ex-boyfriend but also new ones with her current boyfriend (who I am hoping falls into a hole). She has a new mission and her powers aren’t working right. The one thing I love is to root Van on when she’s making choices that make sense. The theme of her being a teen with the weight of the world on her shoulders but doing the best that she can is still in effect. Same great core characters and plot. I’m still rooting for Brux!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2022-03-05 07:50:172022-03-05 07:50:17Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by La Toya Lewis
Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei. This is an amazing series and I loved this book as much if not more than the other 2. I highly suggest reading the first two book to get a better understanding of the characters and plot. We meet Vanessa Cross again and she’s a year older and a little wiser. She has come in last in the Jaychund games and is highly frustrated with that. She is also struggling to get her powers to work correctly. The next mission is ready to head out and she’s not on the team but you know Van she doesn’t let that stop her. She is gone before they know it and this mission is taking them deep into Balish territory. She is also secretly dating the Balish Crown Prince Ferox and he has been ghosting her. She is determined to find out why Ferox is avoiding her, get her powers under control and get them out of this mission alive. This book is full of romance, mystery ad fantasy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-03-05 07:43:572022-03-05 07:43:57Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Tausha Treadway
This is the third book in the Anchoress Series. You’ll need to read the first two books (in my opinion) before starting on this one. Reading the other 2 books in the series you’ll understand what’s going on in the book better. Also, you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the adventures Van and her team bark on. The author has a way of bringing her story to life and allows us to see through her eyes and feel everything that’s going on. Experience all of the emotions happening in every moment. It’s written so beautifully, so vividly that it’s an experience, an adventure, and not just another fantasy story. It’s an amazing book and will be through for years to come. I look forward to this author books in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Skylar Danielshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSkylar Daniels2022-03-04 07:59:342022-03-04 07:59:34Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Skylar Daniels
I struggled at the beginning of this book because the main character and her best friend were the absolute worst Spoiled and whiny. I just couldn’t connect with two annoying 15 year olds. Van finally started to grow on me but Paley the best friend did not. I really enjoyed the side characters more than anything. The story was definitely original and I enjoyed how the whole world was created. I’m looking forward to seeing where the story takes us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Johnson2022-03-04 07:39:272022-03-04 07:39:27Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Ashley Johnson
Unbelievable 3rd instalment in the Anchoress series! I had sweaty palms and my heart was pounding away. This was a can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t function until I’ve finished every page sort of book. I definitely don’t think after having read this book and the last 2 that you would get the full effect if you didn’t read them all in order however I personally prefer to have the full backstory so who knows! D.L is getting put on my shelf with the greats, with a series I will read over and over again that’s for sure. I couldn’t recommend this book, this series or this author enough! Truly enjoyed every second. I feel like the characters are family and I loved watching them evolve and grow. I have never been so sad to finish a good book more than I was for the Anchoress series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2022-03-02 07:24:052022-03-02 07:24:05Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by April McCoy
Vanessa Cross is back another year later and another year wiser, or at least she hopes so, but when she is the last of her teammates in the yearly Jaychund games and is confronted by the last team member on the opposing side, Vanessa experiences a surge of anger against the outsider who has barged in and taken what should have been hers, the winners circle. Vanessa is frustrated by this loss and is compounded by the needling comments her stepmother keeps making towards her loss in the games, compounded with her happy, secret boyfriend and Vanessa’s lack of one, but this just keeps Vanessa in a state of anger which pushes away all those around her, especially her best friend and her ex-boyfriend who seem to be getting closer by the day. Another thing irking her is that her boyfriend, the Balish crown prince Ferox, hasn’t spoken to her for ages and she has no idea why, so she plans on going up to the Living world early to confront him and find out why, she tries not to think about the fact that she also hasn’t spoken to him, so she decides on a plan of action and attempts to carry it out.
Unfortunately, her superiors are having none of it and refuse her request, but Vanessa bends the rules to breaking point and ends up going anyway, but this only leads to more questions when she is briefed about her summer and it is not to Vanessa’s liking at all. This leads to arguments and in the end they have to open up to Vanessa and give her the details about the goings on in the Living world and how the dangers to her life have increased. More of the Balish people have become sick with the virus which hit the whole of the upper worlds last year, but more than that, an old enemy has returned and is seemingly a part of the family again, but this doesn’t have the desired affect on Vanessa and she still insists on going and in the end, they acquiesce to her request, but not without conditions.
As the mission starts and her team has been assembles, the journey starts to head deep into Balish territory to fix another of the ancient seals, however, Vanessa is feeling a pull in another direction and tries her hardest to complete, even though her powers are on the fritz and she is struggling to access them. When she slips up and breaks a minor Balish rule, she ends up in another different set of games and her life just becomes more complicated as she has to battle for survival again, but will she prevail, or will this be the end of her and her team? In another action packed adventure, this fantastical journey continues with more twists, turns, danger and intrigue than ever as assassins, old enemies and the royal family combine to make this journey a treacherous one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-03-01 21:32:542022-03-01 21:32:54Helm of Awe: Anchoress Series Book Three by D.L. Armillei – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Book two of the Anchoress series did NOT disappoint. A year later and a whole lot wiser, Van grows as a character before my eyes. I had my doubts, because I was over the moon for the first in the series, Shock of Fate, but goodness! Utterly amazing. D.L. is a stellar author and I hope she never stops giving me more exciting, danger filled books! I see the appeal for young adult but how easily someone like myself who considers herself just a plain old regular adult can fall into this books trap! Every page was one I read every word twice hoping they would transport me to this realm she has created. I cannot wait for book 3!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2022-03-01 21:32:412022-03-01 21:32:41Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by April McCoy
I could not put this book down. Despite the fact the main character is a teenager, I was completely enthralled. Honestly the dynamic character list was incredible! Such a well written book that I needed, not wanted, but needed to read the second immediately upon finishing this one. I must say, This book was so easy to lose yourself in, I was not in the present world for the entirety of this book. If I did have to stop reading it, I was thinking about it, dreaming about it, wondering what was to come. Such a well spun tale with an amazing flow! Kudos to this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2022-03-01 21:32:162022-03-01 21:32:16Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by April McCoy
Vanessa Cross returns and a year has passed since her last mission, since then, she has been training hard to hone her skills and increase her prowess as a warrior, she trains at least once a day and challenges herself to excel and to encourage others to do the same, but she also tries not to think about everything that happened the year before as the emotions are still to raw. The only one who seems serious about the whole thing is Brux, her unrequited love interest whom she can never be with, but who she wants more than anything else, but as summer approaches and everyone else focusses on having fun and letting loose after another year of school, all Vanessa wants to do is improve herself. The first thing on her list is to surf one of the more dangerous and out of bounds beaches, but like everything else seems to, it backfires and she nearly drowns, but as usual, even her near death experience includes visions of monsters and the darkness chasing after her, however, Brux is there to save the day again, much to her annoyance.
After her brush with death, Vanessa returns home only to find out that her stepmother has a new love interest and Vanessa is trying hard to accept this and move on, so she decides that the only way she can do that is to harden her heart to emotions so that she can be the fierce warrior she needs to be to save all those around her. She is also annoyed that she has been unable to find and retrieve the necklace her father left in her stepmothers care just before he died, this is compounded with the fact that she managed to find an ancient artefact, but now she is unable to find one necklace and her frustration eats away at her.
To try and distract herself from this, Vanessa insists on going to see the person in charge to find out what the summer will hold for her, she is stunned to find out that it isn’t something she expected and instead, she has to go and repair a seal which keeps the barrier between the Living and Earth worlds apart and keeps the demons at bay. Meanwhile, she insists that she is ready for whatever comes next, so when she goes on this mission, she unexpectedly is thrown into one messy situation after another which tests her in the hardest way possible.
Will Vanessa be able to overcome the temptations of the darkness surrounding her, or will the light prevail once again? This is another fast paces fantasy adventure which takes you further into the Anchoress universe as danger lurks in every shadow and the light seems more challenging to find and cling to as a stronger, darker and more dangerous enemy works against them in this race against time as Vanessa rushes to complete the essential repairs to save herself, her friends, her people and all humanity.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-03-01 21:29:552022-03-01 21:29:55Plague of Death: Anchoress Series Book Two: 2 by D. L. Armillei – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Vanessa Cross is a fifteen year old with her whole future ahead of her, she has just completed the latest year of her schooling and is looking forward to summer, spending time with her friends and lounging about on the beach and maybe a couple of shopping trips, that is until the evening bonfire where she finds herself in trouble with a few other teens for attending the bonfire. Normally Vanessa is given a slap on the wrist, but this time, nothing happens and she walks home with her best friend, however, when she gets there, things are not as peaceful as they should be for the time of night and she is just sent to her room without the usual dramatics, that is until her best friend sneaks in to stay the night.
The next day, Vanessa has a visitor and after a brief conversation, she is asked to pack a bag and be ready to leave as she has been chosen for a summer project and that she has to be ready to travel later that evening, because her best friend was still there, she heard everything and she is determined to go with Vanessa no matter how against the rules it is. They decide to go for a last minute pamper session where the conversation they have is unusual to say the least, but it gives them a bit of insight into where Vanessa is going and how to sneak her best friend through as well. They think they have the perfect plan, but when they learn about the consequences of them breaking the rules and sneaking to this new place together, they are in way more trouble than they expected.
That evening, Vanessa finds out more about the project she will be a part of, she will be part of a team being sent out to find a relic, it is going to be tough, but while the teammates prepare for the journey, they are discussing current events that she had no idea about, including how her father is embroiled in them. As she listens to the gossip about her father turning traitor and the effects that this has been having on the world she knew nothing about, she decides that she needs to keep her relationship with her father quiet and so requests that her best friend does the same. It is at that moment that she decides that as well as searching for this relic, she will also search for a way to prover her fathers innocence and find him at the same time, but unbeknownst to Vanessa, this project will be a task with challenges Vanessa must overcome.
Will Vanessa be able to overcome the challenges and get the information she needs to prove her fathers innocence, or will she crack under the pressure? This is a fantasy adventure which is full of danger, magic, secrets and revelations, as friendships are tested to breaking point on this coming of age style journey in which Vanessa will be tested to see whether her heart and soul are up to the challenge of the destiny she neither wants or expects.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-03-01 10:27:302022-03-01 10:27:30Shock of Fate Anchoress Series Book One: A Young Adult Fantasy Adventure by D. L. Armillei – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Another fantastic read by the author. The third book in the Anchoress Series is amazing. It keeps getting better with each book and I want to know what happens next.
Vanessa and the crew are back at it again. She wants to know why her crush hasn’t gotten a hold of her. Then she’s being told that shes not going on the mission this year, but to fight demons in the Earth World. The quote I chose for Vanessa is: “He was. You know… my father and your brother were both in Tipereth Forest when Solana’s demons attacked and killed them. She manifested them by connecting to a master demon.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-03-01 10:26:422022-03-01 10:26:42Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series #3) by DL Armillei-Review by Amanda Kimble
Plague of Fate (Anchoress Series #2) by DL Armillei
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The author knows how to keep readers attention and have them coming back to the stories. Plague of Death is the second book in the Anchoress Series.
Vanessa is sent on a second mission and this time it seems even more dangerous for her and the team. Paley is brought along once again, but Vanessa doesn’t hold the other Twin Gemstone. Her feelings are bottled up and she needs to find a way to deal with them. The quote I chose for Vanessa is: “No wonder the Balish want them…eliminated.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-03-01 10:26:172022-03-01 10:26:17Plague of Death (Anchoress Series #2) by DL Armillei-Review by Amanda Kimble
Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series #1) by DL Armillei
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. So far the Anchoress Series is something I’m keeping my eye out for. The author creates a wonderful new world for me to escape to.
Vanessa thinks everything is normal and she is the reason her mother died in childbirth. Her father’s boss lets her know she is one working on a summer project on the reservation for a month. Her life is about to change and she’s not sure if it’s for the best or not. The quote I chose for Vanessa is: “It’s because of that— that shadow-wolf, isn’t it?”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-03-01 10:25:342022-03-01 10:25:34Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series #1) by DL Armillei-Review by Amanda Kimble
Another Alignment is here, and it is Van’s senior year Jaychund Games… which don’t go well. Van learned last year that she must accept her emotions, she cannot have a heart of stone. She seems to have swung a little too far in the opposite direction and is feeling ALL the things, about many different subjects. Van continues to struggle with the fact she cannot date Brux, even though she has developed feelings for Ferox. As always, there is a lot of danger, drama, and angst as Van and her team try to complete the next mission they are sent. There is also a character that I was surprised to see!
Each book in this series gets better and I am sad I now have to wait for the next book to be released.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2022-03-01 07:41:232022-03-01 07:41:23Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Katrina Evanochko
This second book picks up a year later as Van is training to use her light to protect the world. It starts with a brush by her greatest fear: the quasher, the dark to her light, that lives in the shadows. She trains herself and her team hard, and hardens her inside to be the best warrior for her people.
Unfortunately this summer sees her on a new adventure filled with even more risk since her powers are awakening and the enemy tribe have outlawed her traveling through the other world. With a new team along for the ride Vanessa must try to stop a mysterious illness that is turning terrigens into demons. Along this trip they run into long though lost friends and foes that may be allies in disguise if they can move past trusting each other. New tasks and trials for the anchoress to face to determine if she is worthy to possess other elemental items will lead to more death and self discovery. The anchoress must face the darkness within herself and open herself to feelings that she has suppressed for far too long. Can she trust her team and a prince to keep his word and finish the mission? This is definitely another journey that you should take with Van and her team, filled with battles and tribulations and new characters you;ll either love or hate. Either way the only regret you’ll have is if you don’t pick up and read this book, it is that good!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-03-01 07:38:322022-03-01 07:38:32Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Vanessa Watts
I had high hopes for this third book after devouring the first two in one sitting and Ms. Armillei did not disappoint. We start back out with the Jaychund games which should be a slam dunk thanks in part to Vanessa being the anchoress. Yet when an outside player enters the games everything is up in the air, leaving her to guess what scheme is in play.
Vanessa along with her team is sent on another mission for the elders, but this time she needs to check the third seal to verify for sure it is not cracked. With her powers on the fritz and deep in enemy territory she breaks a Balish rule and is thrust into their own games. With old enemies that are still alive, a virus turning people into demons, a cloaked assassin, and a royal prince she hasn’t heard from in ages, Vanessa learns more about herself and suddenly the reason for this mission is uncertain. Can Vanessa get her anchoress powers under control in time to ensure herself and her team make it out of this mission alive? Is she any closer to finding out who the spy might be in her own tribe? Romance, battle, and games that are reminiscent of the hunger games, what more could you want in a fantasy book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-03-01 07:38:022022-03-01 07:38:02Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Vanessa Watts
This book starts our journey with the anchoress and eventually discovery of herself and why she was created. I had a hard time putting this book down from the description of the characters to the scenery and the plot. It hooked me from line one.
We start off meeting Vanessa as she is struggling with who she is as a 15 year old girl in a wealthy family but not knowing her own path. She faces the typical bullies in school and yet favoritism by elders on the island. When all of a sudden her world is upended by the disappearance of her father, the elder’s belief that he is a traitor, and new information about why Vanessa attends certain special classes on the reservation. Vanessa is then selected to partake in a project, read mission, that she refuses to go on without her best friend Paley. Through breaking rules Vanessa manages to get Paley to the alternate world where they are discovered by the elder and sent on a mission that will forever change the course of Vanessa’s life. This journey is fraught with danger, unknown enemies and self discoveries. Can Vanessa uncover her ture mission or is she doomed to risk her friend’s life in an escapade that ends in failure? This is one journey you must take after all not everything is what it seems!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-03-01 07:36:582022-03-01 07:37:21Shock of Fate (Anchoress Series Book 1) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Vanessa Watts
I really enjoyed this book! I was able to fall in love with some characters and my disdain for others grew, a perfect balance for a book in my opinion. Their growth and development from the previous two books is great.
After losing the Jaychund Games, Van finds herself and her friends on a mission in Balish territory. Not her ideal placement for the summer unless you consider Van’s would-be boyfriend is the Balish Crown Prince. She and her group must figure out the mystery of the third seal and return home. Not an easy task when trouble seems to lurk around every corner!
So much action and adventure to this book. I look forward to future installments.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Horner-Zabolotneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Horner-Zabolotney2022-02-28 13:38:302022-02-28 18:51:46Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Jamie Zabolotney
This is the second book in the Anchoress series and it was so good! Van definitely grew on me and she is becoming a strong young woman. Her best friend Paley still gets on my nerves. The rest of her crew is amazing as always and we get to meet new characters. I am excited to see more about them in the last book. Give this series a chance you won’t regret it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Johnson2022-02-28 07:56:152022-02-28 07:56:15Plague of Death (Anchoress Series Book 2) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Ashley Johnson
Helms of Awe is the third book in the Anchoress series. Van is your typical teenage girl trying to survive highschool with ex boyfriends, new crushes, friends oh and magical powers. Forced into a dangerous competition that has the odds stacked against her, Van also has to handle her malfunctioning powers. With unknown enemies wanting her dead she has to survive while trying to figure out who to trust. A great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning and constantly guessing what’s next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cathy Greenehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCathy Greene2022-02-28 07:52:512022-02-28 07:52:51Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Cathy Greene
Such a fantastic book, kinda like hunger games a little bit. I really enjoyed it, Van is back and ready to handle more action and conquer more than before while still proving herself. Definitely worth reading but read the first two books in the series first.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristine2022-02-28 00:44:072022-02-28 00:44:07Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky
The is quite the story! Filled with action, suspense and intrigue. The characters have depth and continue to grow through the story. This author has a great imagination! I love this world she created and the phenomenal creatures. Its almost future world meets past. I just never really knew what is going to happen from page to page.
This is the third in the series. I highly recommend starting at the beginning. I look forward to more adventures from this crew and this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2022-02-28 00:40:012022-02-28 00:40:01Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Lisa Helmick
This Fantasy story is the 3rd book in the Anchoress series & I recommend reading these in order to get the very best reading experience & the previous books are just as good! I thought this book was well written and I liked the authors writing style throughout the series. It was interesting from start to finish and I enjoyed reading about Van and everything that happened in her story! I’m looking forward to reading more by this author in the future! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2022-02-27 11:37:152022-02-27 11:37:15Helm of Awe (Anchoress Series Book 3) by D.L. Armillei – Review by Anastasia Dodson
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