War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson. This is the 3rd and final story in this young adult,fantasy series. It picks right back up where the second book left off and I highly recommend reading them in order to better understand the characters and story. Everything is coming to a head as the final war is coming Ruarnon and their friends race against time to warn everyone about the lies they have been fed. Fighting against the people trying to annihilate them will they be able to survive and reach their friends before the enemy does? Nartzeer thought they had done away with all the magic wielders but they lived in hiding. Will Nartzeer be able to win or will Ruarnon and their friends be able to overcome. Magic, sorcery, murder and chaos ensues. Such a good young adult, non binary, fantasy story.
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 Treadway2024-05-11 18:20:362024-05-16 07:29:57War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Tausha Treadway
War in Sorcery’s Shadow is the third book in the Ruarnon Trilogy of Epic Fantasy. It’s aimed at a YA audience but will appeal to older fantasy lovers as well! This trilogy should definitely be read in order, so begin with Manipulator’s War to get to know the world and the characters, and watch them develop.
I was initially drawn to this series by the non binary protagonist, Ruarnon, who uses they/them pronouns. It’s always a treat to come across non binary characters! Ruarnon’s gender identity is a part of who they are, and influences how they are as a ruler, but there is so much to their character and it is not regularly drawn attention to. I particularly like moments when they note how effortlessly another character uses their pronouns.
Another thing I enjoyed in this book was the focus on neurodiversity. We see it as something that shapes the choices characters make, and their magic. There are examples of characters who have developed magic to help others cope with sensory issues. This is a wonderfully inclusive fantasy world and I’m so here for it!
I’d recommend this series to fantasy lovers who enjoy epic, magical worlds that are inclusive enough they can imagine themselves finding a place there. It gets five stars from me!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2024-05-08 20:15:362024-05-16 07:15:35War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
War in Sorcery’s Shadow by Elise Carlson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Book 3 in the Ruarnon Trilogy The final book in the trilogy- Should NOT be read as […]
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebs2024-05-08 10:42:392024-05-16 07:05:51War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Deborah Joseph
Guardians. It sounds so ominous right? In this additional book of this series, you find the characters’ lore states Guardians disappeared without a trace after stealing all sorcerer’s magic, yet the truth is far different.
The ridiculously powerful world building in this book reflects a hateful existence if you wield magic, forcing those with gifts to keep them hidden from the world.
This is a great addition to this series and fans of it will have no problem picking up from where this story begins. The fantasy fiction YA series is full of magic, drama, fear and struggle. It’s a classic twist on the infamous good vs evil plot. It is created beautifully by the author and I think this may be the best book of the series.
The art work for the cover is stunningly dark but beautiful. It really brings your eye to focus on what is seen and stir questions of what this book will be about.
I think fiction fans will love this book and series even if fantasy YA is not your most read genre.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2024-05-05 23:54:392024-05-16 06:51:46War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Darla Yocom
The third and final book in this trilogy wraps everything up nicely. This fast paced novel is full of engaging characters who face major challenges. There is plenty of adventure and intrigue to keep the reader turning the pages. Although you could read this book as a stand alone, I would recommend starting with book one to fully appreciate the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2024-05-04 23:03:522024-05-16 06:46:31War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Brandy Vaughn
The School of Nine is the first book in The Mythic Academy Collection series by Amanda Marin. This is a captivating YA fantasy with a magical academy/finishing school setting, Muses, sinister foes, drama, danger, high stakes, agendas, prophecy, legends/myths, good vs evil, family, duty/responsibility, friendship, journey of discovery, self-discovery, action, adventure, secrets, and a touch of sweet (clean) romance. This isn’t the first book that I have read by Ms. Marin, and having loved her previous books, I was excited to start on a new series from her. I loved the premise, the whole ‘Mystic Academy’ aspect had me hooked before I’d even read a word. But then the first few pages certainly ‘sealed the deal’ for me. Bianca Harper is a Muse who can trace her heritage back to one of the original nine Muses, and with that legacy comes the heavy weight of responsibility. She feels the weight of expectations on her shoulders – and she really isn’t sure she has what it takes to live up to those high expectations. She and her fellow classmates at Brightling Academy are learning everything a good Muse must know in order to ‘inspire’ all the artistic, musical, and creative ideas, which in turn then spreads goodwill and hope throughout all of humanity. But strange things have started happening, with an ancient prophecy coming to pass, and someone seems all too eager to speed those things along… And on top of that, Bianca and her friends discover that the well of creativity is running dry. Now they must find a way to help replenish the well, to stop the prophecy from completing, before it’s all too late. The very fate of humanity is riding on outcome. Add in a new male student- the first ‘male’ muse in decades, tension, suspense, dramatic developments, and a touch of romance- and the story takes a captivating turn. Well worth the read- looking forward to Book #2! Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-05-04 00:22:502024-05-16 06:50:13The School of Nine (Mythic Academy Collection Book #1) by Amanda Marin – Review by
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199706386-war-in-sorcery-s-shadow” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy #3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1707129121l/199706386._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199706386-war-in-sorcery-s-shadow”>War in Sorcery’s Shadow</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22292560.Elise_Carlson”>Elise Carlson</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6476761149″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> A really good continuation to the series, this is the third book in the Ruarnons trilogy, and this book (best read in order) continues where the others have started. The world building is very descriptive and the character development is well done, you can visualise Linh and Ruarnon work together to bring unity to the people before they destroy each other, The disappearance of the magic wielders and the practitioners in hiding, the army being amassed keep you hooked from start to finish.<br /> <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tracy Ghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTracy G2024-05-03 02:27:332024-05-16 06:37:42War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh
This is the 3rd book in the Ruarnon Triology and I highly recommend reading this series in order to get the best reading experience. It was a good ending to this Trilogy and I enjoyed it alot. It was fast paced and engaging and well written. The main characters were also great and I loved the journey we were on with them. I enjoyed this series and I recommend this to anyone looking for a good fantasy series! 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 Dodson2024-05-02 20:49:012024-05-16 06:36:54War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Anastasia Dodson
This book is the third book in the trilogy and I would highly recommend reading them in order. It was great to get back into this story and the character and seeing the conclusion of the story I have become invested in. I was looking forward to seeing how everything would play out and I think the author did the series justice. This author was a relatively new author to me when I started reading this series but this it has definitely cemented the fact that I will be reading more from her. Her writing style makes it easy to engage with the story and I enjoyed reading this series from start to finish. I am looking forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2024-04-29 15:28:022024-05-14 15:03:10War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Kerry Baker
I started The Ruarnon Trilogy from book one and admittedly I did take a long break from it . It was amazing how easy it was to slip right back into the author’s world and how it felt like no time has passed since I finished the second book, Secrets of The Sorcery War. The plot is fast paced and engaging without feeling rushed and the setting is so easily visualized. What really stands out in this series is Carlson‘s writing skills and the growth the characters go through, especially Linh and Ruarnon. It is truly unique and very enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this amazing fantasy series. You will not be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2024-04-23 11:41:552024-05-14 14:40:45War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Susan Ratchford
This is an intriguing conclusion to this adventure of Ruarnon. It’s a story of courage, learning and strength. Along with his friends, they went on an journey that was very risky. I found the characters to be interesting and they brought the story together well. The story itself was well written. It’s a good trilogy. If you like fantasy, this is a trilogy you may enjoy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2024-04-23 08:21:392024-05-14 14:32:09War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Shelly Kittell
War in Sorcery’s Shadow is the third and final instalment in the Raurnon Trilogy by Elise Carlson. As this is the third and final book of the series, I highly recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one as the first two books contain important information, character introductions, backstory, and other relevant details that you really should know in order to fully appreciate this book, and the series as a whole. This is a YA LGBTQIA+ action-adventure fantasy with magic, sorcery, myths, prophecy, Guardians, good vs evil, challenges, drama, secrets, quests, and high stakes. Elise Carlson left the best till last with this epic conclusion to trilogy. The characters face some major challenges as the author amps up the intensity. Woven with plenty of mystery/mysteriousness, intrigue, and action- these characters will need to bring their A-game in order to face what lies ahead. So let the final leg of their adventure begin… I am really looking forward to seeing what Elise Carlson has planned/will deliver, especially with her new Sythe Trilogy- just the name has me intrigued, and sounds like it could be pretty epic… Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2024-04-20 07:48:022024-05-14 14:23:43War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book #3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Angela Hayes
3.5 stars The adventure continues in War in Sorcery’s Shadow the third book and last book of this Epic YA fantasy trilogy. I definitely recommend you start with the previous books starting with the first book Manipulator’s War, so you get to know the characters and the world that they live in. It is an all-inclusive LGBTQ+ action-adventure story with an MC’s who is asexual and nonbinary. Everything is culminating toward the final war as Ruarnon, Linh and friends race against time to bring word to the people who have been lied to. Armed with understanding, knowledge, fear and hope they can defeat a mad man who wants to annihilate them all. As with the other two books there is murder and mayhem, myths and lore, assassins and magic, drama and sorcerers and more. If you love Epic YA fantasy tales, then give this trilogy a go.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2024-04-17 16:13:242024-05-14 14:14:23War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This is the third book in which I highly suggest reading the previous books first. It will help your enjoyment of the characters and this author’s writing skills. This is a well written story that takes you on an adventure that you won’t soon forget. An engaging story that had me turning pages fast to the end. Will Linh and Ruarnon are hoping to unite a group of people who feel they are different from each other. But are they truly different? The question remains if they are able to pull them together before they destroy each other. You don’t want to miss what happens and if Linh and Ruarnon are able to pull them together before it’s too late? There is great growth throughout which makes the story easy to read and entertaining. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the start by the characters and had me wanting to know more. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2024-04-17 07:54:472024-05-14 14:17:02War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Myth says the Guardians ended the Sorcery War by draining all sorcerers of their powers, or killing them. The Guardians then vanished without a trace – and so did magic. But the myths are wrong. Magic wielders lived on in hiding. Now Sorcerer King Nartzeer is recruiting them, in a world that hates and fears their power.��Terrorised by Nartzeer’s pre-emptive strike, Ruarnon’s Guardian-descent-claiming allies set sail to annihilate Nartzeer. Ruarnon hopes to free their family from Nartzeer’s clutches first, but Ruarnon’s uncle won’t abandon the army he commands to slavery.��Linh is killing two birds with one stone, using her role as Ruarnon’s envoy to potential allies to track down sorcerers to open her magic gateway home. She learns that Nartzeer is rallying a sorcery army while his neighbours mobilise against him, and sorcerers whose awesome power Nartzeer’s ideology undermines, the dreaded God Kings are stirring.��With sorcerers on all fronts marching towards mutually assured destruction, Linh and Ruarnon race to reach Nartzeer with the truth of magical ancestry and allegiance, hoping to unite people who are not so different before they utterly destroy each other.
Elise Carlson (they/them) is an Aussie who graduated from playing imaginary games in their extensive backyard to writing YA Fantasy. In between educating energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are —children— and adventures in Europe, North America, South-East Asia and locally, Elise enjoys writing adventures and epic conflicts for the young and young at heart.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/war-in-sorcerys-shadow.jpg1200790itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-04-17 00:01:312024-04-30 13:58:55War in Sorcery’s Shadow (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 3) by Elise Carlson
Amese of Animalis: The Borosa Legacy was such a good book! I was reading it to my girls before bed and my son even crawled in to listen! It follows the story of Amese, who is set to take over as potentate for her mother, but is extremely reluctant, but also doesn’t know what else she would do. This book shows her confidence grow as she learns about animals, and discovers who she is. All my kiddos loved it, would definitely recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00katherine mellonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngkatherine mellon2024-04-15 19:35:382024-05-14 14:09:37Amese of Animalis by M.J. Murray – Review by Kat Mellon
Loretta is back in her garden, a place she loves to spend her time, and today, while she is planting flowers in a freshly prepared bed, she finds some glowing larvae, she is so intrigued by them that she runs to get her ant farm, which is currently empty and waiting for some new residents and so she moves some of the larvae in.
As she watches them tunnel, she finds that they are also building hut like structures around themselves from the mud, but what will happen to them now? This is a charming book about the lifecycle of a firefly which is full of information in a format which all ages will enjoy and all while learning about nature and insects all at the same time.
Touched: Elemental Passions is the first book in a series. It follows Aeris, fae rule breaker, as she ventures into the human world of New Orleans and bumps into- literally- detective Callum, who is not all that he seems. It is later revealed he is part sylph.
I did enjoy this book but I felt like there was a lot thrown in there that wasn’t all fully explained. Seemingly every mythical creature became involved, a lot of plot holes and things that just didn’t seem plausible.
**Possible spoilers**
Callum is an experienced detective and after he gets attacked by werewolves in a warehouse, saved by his fae girlfriend, then attacked again at his home by werewolves within a couple hours they make an escape to a grandmother he suddenly remembers was ‘different’. Turns out- sylph. (her house is bascially a woodland and he just never noticed…) Upon escaping, instead of focusing on answers in the short time they have (Aeris needs to be back home by dawn) they instead get intimate- a couple times- THEN come down for answers on what he is and why they’re being attacked. Maybe I’m being too pragmatic, but I don’t see a cop putting physical above ‘uhh, I’m a mythical creature and attacked by werewolves twice in one night, I need answers’.
3/4 of the way through, there is a prophecy is introduced and neither Aeris nor Callum press for any details, because the sylph who found out who he was is now leading an army of all mythical creatures he knows nothing about. Oh, and his human boss is blowing up his phone in one chapter for going MIA, and then nothing more really said about it in the next… Just a lot that doesn’t really add up from a practical/human standpoint.
The world building is great, the attention to most detail is nice, I just could not get past these plot holes and believability. :/
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00katherine mellonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngkatherine mellon2024-04-09 11:47:412024-05-03 13:12:21Touched: Elemental Passions by Skye Turner – Review by Kat Mellon
This was a good book. Very long, but good. It took me a bit to get into it because there are a lot of characters and a lot going on. If you get distracted easily this may not be the book for you. Over all I did enjoy this fantasy story. There’s plenty of magical creatures, kings, demons and so much more! The author did an excellent job world building and spent so much time with details.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2024-04-06 12:26:112024-05-03 12:22:23The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Jamie Truex
Basil is a young man of sixteen who lives in Sythica, as an apprentice with his Master, he is training to be a healing mage, as well as learning other professions and has never left his home town, however, he has always wanted to travel, but his Master is reluctant, so life goes on with his tutelage and training, meanwhile, in a small village on the far northern border of the Kingdom, there is an attack from a race of creatures who thrive on other races, so when an alert is sounded, one of the villagers heads to the capital to report it.
When this report comes in, the Low King is worried and so decides to send some troops to the area, however, other reports of maleficent individuals, including this attack are sent to the High King, he is perturbed by the news of his hard-won peace shattering, so he calls for all available soldiers to embark on a crusade to corral those who would do evil to others. As the news spreads, some of the mages are called upon to travel with the Crusade, especially healing mages, so when his master is called upon, Basil’s dreams of travelling finally come true, but his Master is reluctant to let him out of his sight and regularly checks with him that he is fully prepared for this monumental movement.
When everyone has gathered their supplies and mustered at the Crusade point, Basil learns where he will spend his time and the march North truly begins, as he is stationed on the back lines, he stays with some of the soldiers and soon becomes friendly with two of them, however, the march is not all plain sailing. As one group prepare to travel, another is called upon to stop them and so a group of assassins are hired to pick of the troops and be a thorn in the side of the Crusade and when this is discovered, Basil’s Master is even more concerned for him, so he is told to remain watchful and take extra care and especially not to go anywhere alone.
As the Crusade marches, more dangers befall the large group and soon it is imperative that Basil stays close to his allies, but will he be able to keep his cool, heal those who need it and keep himself out of danger, all at the same time and will the Crusade be able to carry out their mission before the assassins pick them off? This is an epic fantasy adventure crossing kingdoms, assessing dangers and fighting off evil doers in the process which will keep you on your toes throughout as you march along with the characters to their journeys end!
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 Lesieur2024-04-06 04:35:492024-05-03 12:20:22The Archcrusade: Tome One The Archcrusade #1 by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197820848-the-archcrusade” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn – Pilgrimage & Prophecies” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692989159l/197820848._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197820848-the-archcrusade”>The Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn – Pilgrimage & Prophecies</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43677006.K_M_Hogenson”>K.M. Hogenson</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6406006144″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> I don’t think I have read a book with this many pages in quite a while. While I did enjoy the world building and characters the constant change in POV threw me a bit. Normally I would give up on reading a book that does that but this story had my attention. As I got further into the book and learned each character it became a non issue. The imagery that was painted with words made it easy to picture everything that was being described. With all of that being said I did truly enjoy this book. Amazon should really upgrade their star system and add halves as I am rating this a 4.5/5. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2024-04-06 00:06:262024-05-03 12:18:51The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
I really have to say I have mixed feeling about this book, I really enjoyed, and the story flowed very well, and came together. It had me really engrossed and there was something about tit that made me want to continue reading. But I really had to sit and read it, or I felt lost. This was an epic fantasy is filled with angels, demons, vampires, kings and mages. The author does an excellent job of building her world and characters. There are a multitude of characters. The story is told from multiple perspectives which give a better understanding overall. and this is everything I love about any book, which I think is the reason for me reading the whole thing, I did find it lengthy and I little long here and there, but it honestly was worth the full read. But if you like reading this is a book for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2024-04-05 23:56:492024-05-03 12:18:44The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Jennifer Reimer
I didn’t realize the length of this book (about 1300 pages), but it was well worth the read. There are maps in the beginning which are helpful, but a list of characters or a pronunciation guide for some things would have been great too. The author really spent their time building this world and all the characters in it. This is a multi point of view read with hundreds of characters and I had to remind myself who some characters were sometimes. The story has multi-layered plot lines filled with kings, magic, warlocks, demons, mythical creatures and more. It was slow to start but once I got hooked on the story and started liking the characters then it took off and got easier. I really like Basil, one of the main characters and healer apprentice, as we follow him as he makes friends and spends time away from Master Watercress. There is a lot of action and each chapter gets the reader more hooked to see what is going to happen. Even with as long as it was, I am looking forward to reading book two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Audrie Harringtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAudrie Harrington2024-04-05 22:28:362024-05-03 12:30:24The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Audrie Harrington
Details. Complexity. Intrigue. Before this book I had never heard of the incredibly talented K.M. Hogenson, but I now hold them in the same category as Tolkien. Told from over thirty perspectives, this book will pull you into its realm and hold you captive from beginning to end. Watercress is a healing mage and initially didn’t know there was a difference between knowing a spawn from and Archspawn, until he saw one for himself. He has dedicated his life to raising the Archspawn Basil and protecting his secret from everyone including the boys’ own parents, all to protect him from the High King and those that would only use him for what he was. When a rogue band of rhysic raid the birthplace of the first archangel the crusade begins. For his own protection from the dangers of the front-line Basil is tasked with being the healing mage for an elite group with a mission from their Low King to find the oracle in hopes of learning helpful information about the events to come and the fate of the kingdoms. Over time things shift Basil begins to learn the truth of not only who he is but what he is and what it means to be an Archspawn. Will the crusade be a success? Can Watercress and Basil survive to be reunited? What will come of the realm if the humans go to war with the rhysic? Everything about this book builds an incredible world. While so many perspectives could seem overwhelming or confusing the incredible character index and maps in the book help keep everything understandable and easy to follow as the perspectives build on each other. What begins in one perspective will pick up in another with more information and details that weren’t included in the previous. Honestly felt like I was watching a movie with how many details and information is included and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2024-04-05 21:54:502024-05-03 12:29:34The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Ayla Phipps
Please if you are not one that can do very detailed fantasy you may need to take notes with this one. It is a very lengthy read. Which to me is no problem, as I have read many a lengthy book. This did take me alot to make sure I could keep up with the characters but the world building was wonderful and kept me enthralled.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Marlowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Marlow2024-04-05 20:21:122024-05-03 12:28:05The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Michelle Marlow
Mermaid Tails was a cute kids book. I absolutely loved the illustrations. They were bright and beautiful. Some of the pictures gave me The Litter Mermaid vibes. I also enjoyed the little fun facts throughout the book. I recommend this book for kids between 8-12, its educational for them also.
This was my first book by this author, but everyone in my house loves mermaids so it was a no-brainer! The illustrations were gorgeous, and we very much enjoyed seeing the different depictions of mermaids all over the world. Both of my kids favored the Orca mermaid and really got their imaginations going to create their own unique mermaids! The rhyming keeps their attention so well. We all learned many things with the fun facts at the bottom of the pages! I love how educational this book is, and the images are just as captivating. This was such an amazing way to show that diversity is everywhere and get the kids engaged with thinking about the different species. I highly recommend picking this up for the little ones in your life, but I bet you’ll learn something new as well!
This was my first book by this author and what an amazing journey into a fantasy world it was! I was excited to pick this up because I thoroughly enjoy books on the longer side, and this fit the bill at over 1300 pages. There are numerous characters, but the author somehow made it so easy to follow each of them. I loved the multiple points of view as well because it helps me get to know the character that much more. It was extremely difficult to put this book down to do less fun things like work and sleep, but any point I had a free moment I was picking it back up. It’s incredibly addicting! The amount of time and effort put into this book is quite apparent as the author expertly crafts a world with such detail that it feels like you’re experiencing the story instead of being on the outside looking in. It took me a minute to find my cadence, but once I did, the story flowed beautifully. If you are looking to be transported to a different universe, look no further than this fantasy novel! I cannot wait to see more from this exquisitely talented author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2024-04-05 19:25:242024-05-03 12:26:50The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Shannen Kern
Right off let me say that if you are not in the mood for a highly complex read, put this on the TBR for later. It’s been a while since I’ve read a high-fantasy style book, and now I remember why.
The story line is intricate and a little hard to follow at some points because there is just so much going on.
This is a book you’re going to want to take your time with – definitely not a quick read.
Despite struggling with the read at times, I’m giving it four stars because the world-building was great and you can tell the author spent a lot of time and energy creating it. I admire the ability to keep up with the sheer number of details within this tale.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2024-04-05 17:41:332024-05-03 12:25:40The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Naomi McDonald
If you like Lord of the Rings and/or Game of Thrones, this book is a GEM. For someone who loves a good, intricate story with layers and layers of plot, interesting characters, and world building, I HIGHLY suggest checking this one out. It’s the first in a series, hence the Tome One, and I am so glad I gave it a try. I love books that make your mind work and weave all the characters’ lives in and out and around. It switches POV, but for me, it was very well-done and did not distract from the story. I cannot wait to get to the second book! This book has 89 chapters, so it is a big bite to chew, but it is well-written and so worth it. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2024-04-05 14:27:442024-05-03 12:11:13The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Chrissy Spulak
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