Perfect Fantasy -- Can't wait to read more
584228
I don't know where to begin with how much I love the world that Karpov Kinrade created. There are so many things worth mentioning and yet so much I don't want to give away!

Vampire Girl is the perfect blend of fantasy and reality. There is a lot to make it a strong fantasy but just enough reality to make it feel more substantial. The story is fairly fast-paced, it's not always action but there is always something interesting going on so it never seems to lull.

The characters, like I have come to expect with a Karpov Kinrade novel, feel real, multi demential and are so easy to fall in love with. And to hate. I admit they made me cry...again. This is one you will want to read over and over, I know I'm itching to and I just set it down! I am very impatiently waiting for the next in the series.
238484
I have never read a serial before but a friend recommend The Last Light so I downloaded it and, I have to say, I am loving it. Brogan does a great job of setting up the world and the characters with the perfect balance of action and character development...it is a fantasy and adventure fan's dream come true--especially since the reader has a say in how the book and episodes will play out.

I can't wait to see what happens to Kai and Mariana! I am already a huge fan of this series and I am dying for the next episode.
3927393
What an amazing piece of fantasy! The author didn't spend half the book building new worlds. Instead, the story focused on the characterswho they were, their relationships, what made them tick. They were quite real and definitely three-dimensional and I loved that! I was so drawn into the conflicts, the treachery, the battles, the mission, that as soon as I finished book one, I immediately bought book 2. I'm now an addict!
98309
I feel like I have been waiting to read a dark YA Fantasy like this for ages. I was drawn to the concept because of the family dynamics, and it did not disappoint. The characters feel so real and believable, which makes the dark elements so much more twisted and emotionally gripping. The fantasy world is interesting and easy to understand. The pacing is thrilling. The mysteries had me shouting "I KNEW IT!" at my Kindle. Please give this a read if you like dark fantasy stories. I can't wait to read what happens next!
2693315
I am absolutely in love with this book.  This fast-paced adventure fantasy was extremely hard to put down because there were twists and turns up, down and sideways.  Some I did see coming, but others surprised me and hit me very hard.  This book is intense, inspiring, thrilling and funny.  It's not often I see so much humor in a fantasy novel that can get very grim.

I believe the biggest and best part of the appeal in this book for me is the sense of hope in humanity.  The very best and the very worst of humanity is shown, but the indomitable spirit of mankind in the face of oppression is so inspiring.  The worst needed to be shown, to understand how powerful it is when people fight for what's right.  Even when it might seem hopeless.  The world in this novel has a bleak outlook - especially since the narrative takes place some time after the kind and idealistic King Paelis has died for his attempts to reform the politics of the land, but it's wonderful to see Falcio, Kest and Brasti impart their strength to other people through their actions.

The Three Musketeers was briefly mentioned in the synopsis, and while I think it is a good comparison in terms of the action and Falcio, Kest and Brasti are all excellent fighters who work together fluidly as a team, there is much more to them individually than fighting companions - they are not perfect and interestingly they are not even perfect friends.  These characters are a perfect complement when it comes to fighting skills, but their beliefs can be somewhat at odds.  Fortunately, their banter makes for fun humorous moments despite the tension that can come up between them and then it's easy to see why they remain together.  I found these men and their friendship to be very believable and it made them fantastic characters to carry the story.

However, Falcio is the leader and the main character, and the depth to him because of his tragic past and his need to atone and live up to the principles he holds dear was very moving.  There are many satisfying moments in this book when the reader sees how capable Falcio is as a fighter and how accomplished in his understanding of people; he's also very intelligent and cunning and I think it would be easy to make a character like this too idealized, but Falcio is flawed and damaged which makes him fascinatingly multi-faceted.

Flashbacks are an important part of the narrative - through them we see what happened in Falcio's past and the origin of the Greatcoats.  I was very impressed with how the flashbacks were worked into the story.  The flashbacks supported the main story perfectly and just enough was given to keep creating all of these intensely, emotional moments - because the flashback would give some information that enhanced the present-day story.  While the reader is concerned with Falcio and his men's attempts to complete their mission, we come to gradually understand the tragedy that led up to the present and the revelations are deeply poignant.

This book is a wonderful and exciting journey.  The only hitch in the story for me was towards the end when a couple things seemed too easily resolved.  But it was a very minor issue because this story offers an intelligent examination on our humanity that I found very profound at times especially when it was juxtaposed against truly awful situations.  Don't worry though, there's lots of swashbuckling action, wit and dark humor to counter the bleakness and the possibility of excessive sentimentalism.  (I did find myself tearing up many times anyways.)  I loved most everything about this book, it was a practically perfect read for me.

(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review.  I was not compensated for this review.)
3220544
This has to be one of the most unique stories I've read in a long time. We've got all the elements for a killer fantasy here- including magic, myth and martial arts! I am so excited to read the next book I can hardly take the time to review this one. If you haven't had a chance to start the series, I highly suggest you do so now! Though it is the first book in a series I felt that the arc for this particular book was well completed and there was a great deal of growth for both of the twins, as well as some of the other major players, something rare in a first in series book. There are also some very dark and difficult times for the twins, especially Dylan, and I appreciated the raw way in which her struggles are portrayed. The author took great care to treat the subjects with sensitivity without holding back for the sake of censorship, and I applaud her for doing so. Absolutely recommended for teens and adults who enjoy adventurous fantasy stories with tons of action and complex, emotional plot.

My thanks to the publisher for the review opportunity!
1694731
I bought this book on a whim while I was browsing through books, and wow, I really hit on a gem.  I've now read all the books of this series now and it was a fantastic ride that I am thrilled to have been a part of and more than a little sad that it is over.  There are some familiar fantasy tropes in this book while also creating some very new and interesting angles as well.  For me, the author strikes a perfect balance of action and explanation throughout the series.  I never felt that not enough explanation was given, but I also never felt bored or that the author was giving way too much detail either.  Loved the book and the series.
2494570
Gritty realism, unique magic system, creative world, strong inventive and exciting plot, great lead and supporting characters, really strong writing... pretty much all I can ask for in a fantasy novel. I'm off (running) to get book 2. You will too. Highly recommended. This is a wonderful new fantasy series.
4693056
I was immediately drawn into this story by the characters and the author's sense of humor, which definitely shines through the text. The dynamic between Schvarts's "band of bastards" is captivating and fun, and their dialogue is entertaining and authentic throughout.

This felt very much like a classic fantasy novel with the characters having to go out on an epic journey when things in their world start to go terribly awry. There are definitely elements that are reminiscent of Tolkien, yet at the same time, the author's wit and unique writing style make this the perfect read for a modern audience.

The world-building is phenomenal. The best part about a fantasy novel where you get to travel through the world alongside the characters is that you get to see so much of it. It's fascinating to visualize the fantastical geographical elements that Schvarts incorporates in the story as well as the more real and recognizable ones. You get a world that is a beautiful balance of magical and believable.

I also really enjoyed the magic system. It has very clear limitations, which is something I very much appreciate. I enjoy fantasy novels that have magical elements, but where the characters still have to struggle to overcome the roadblocks standing in their way instead of having conflicts easily resolved by magic. And Schvarts does a brilliant job of balancing this.

This is also one of those books where the more you think about it, the more you appreciate it. I started this review with a four-star rating, but it's transformed into a five-star as I've really been thinking through how well-done the various elements of this story really are. Almost like magic.

This is a new series that is wildly entertaining, sure to be a hit with fans of both YA and adult fantasy novels, and simply isn't to be missed.
3470625
Such a compelling fantasy. I'm definitely going to reread and I can't wait for the next book.
2415816
I've really struggled to write this review, and don't get me wrong, that's not a bad thing. I waited over a month after its release to read this book even though I bought it on release day. I've so been looking forward to reading it that I waited until I had the time to read it within a few days and with little interruption. It was well worth the wait. Female heroes are in the fantasy minority, I know, but this story shows us exactly what happens when they step forward. I loved Naomi, her brashness and never quit attitude were a large part of her charm. After years of torture and mistreatment, she quickly ends up with even bigger problems after her release, and still she struggles on. The writing was tight and with very few typos, of which I barely noticed because of the stories demand to keep me there. I can't wait to see what's next and to learn more about this magical world Mrs. George has created. I can easily see future books being 5 star reads as she comes into her own as a incredible fantasy author. Highly recommended.
1756008
Wonderfully written piece of fantasy! The storyline flows marvelously with masterfully created characters. I cannot wait to read book two!
2031154
I came across this when I was looking for something to fill my Harry Potter, Mistborn, general fantasy adventure void, and it did exactly that. I loved the world that was created. The characters were vulnerable and had real fears. Ida, the lead, doesn't fall into the trappings of most YA fantasy novels of which boy do I love, which was a welcome change to a genre that seems to be stuck on that. And the magic actually had rules! it wasn't just who could memorize the most spells. It did what I hope all fantasy can do and that's take me away to a whole new world I wish I was apart of. It was perfect for what I wanted. I really hope there are more in this series.
3456184
I desperately want to love fantasy books, but for some reason or another none have worked for me until now.  K.A. Linde sucked me immediately into this story, and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Her world-building was fantastic, but it was the budding romance that made me giddy.  Cyrene was a strong and intelligent heroine who was capable of holding her own brilliantly.  Her story was full of mystery, suspense, and romantic tension.  I can't wait for the next book!
4400424
Fantastic fun read, a fresh new series for YA Fantasy, I love the imagination C.L. Murray has created in this world of adventure, heroic, fantasy. This is listed in YA FAN, but don't let that fool you, Murray's writing is superb for anyone who loves fantasy I am well past YA and I had a hard time putting down the book, forcing myself to stay awake just to read the next page and so on. My son who is 8 YO and loves fantasy The Lord of the Rings, Eragon, and Harry Potter series, asked me about Facet, I told him a little about it and he ask if I could read it to him.
Happy Reading
2507514
It's such a treat to read good old-fashioned sword and sorcery, and Glamour of the God-Touched delivers. But it doesn't stop there. There's a very contemporary feel to the exploration of raw, unlimited power and its effects upon an individual such as Garrick, the young mage apprentice who suddenly receives a very dubious gift of magic, which is also a curse. This is the first installment of a serial (yes it's short, but that's what a serial installment is supposed to be -- it's an episode, not a complete novel, and as an episode it is completely satisfying) and I love the anticipation of the various schools of magic and mage orders and the potential contests of power that we're going to see in the future installments, the Toreans, the Lectodinians, and the Koradictines. Because we certainly get a taste of it in this one, and there's also the matters of the heart. Because yes, Garrick is capable of great love, and he shows it, almost destoying himself in the process.

I am anxious to know what happens next, how the story develops, and most of all how Garrick grows and learns to handle his immense and wonderful and also terrible magic power as he travels this mysterious fantasy realm. Yes, I'm hooked!

Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy of this story.
1831570
This novel is excellent. Sara Ella's writing is lyrical, verbally satisfying, and deep. The story is wondrous, and I greatly enjoyed reading a fantasy that doesn't just regurgitate ideas that are overused today (i.e. supernatural romance or post-apocalyptic settings). Eliyana, the protagonist, is relatable, and her character develops well over the course of the plot. I also enjoyed the various twists the story took, from plot twists to twists within character development. My imagination is alight with possibilities now at the end of the novel, and I cannot wait for the next installment. I have fallen in love with the world that Sara has described in this book, and I would eagerly recommend it to anyone. I would also be remiss if I did not add that the themes of the book did not cause reflection in myself over how God views me, how I ought to view myself, and how I ought to view others - but these themes are subtle and not preachy at all, which is perfect.