The Fire Seer and Her Quradum by Amy Raby

Taya and Mandir have worked through their old grudge in the previous novel and are slowly building a relationship together. Still new and fragile, their new found love will be put to the test when Mandir is sent to his old home and Taya insist on accompanying him.  She is NOT ready for what awaits her. Will their blooming romance hold to the test?

I am extremely lucky to serve as a Beta reader for Amy and she makes things so easy for me. It's the third or fourth book I've read for her, and I haven't found a single mistake yet. The coalition mages series might be self-published, but it's just as (if not more) polished as the next traditionally published book.

The first book in the series, The Fire Seer, introduced a rich fantasy world with an original lore involving three Goddesses. Now that we are fully emerged in this culture, Raby focuses her story-telling on the character's psychology, their developing romance and a very surprising murder investigation. The story really flows nicely and the rhythm is very natural.

I think my favorite aspect about the novel is how Raby wisely chose to show us how Mandir grew-up. In the previous book she told us, but this time we get to witness first hand the violence and the depravity the poor guy had to deal with as a kid. It was truly shocking, and it really allowed the reader (and  Taya) to really understand how Mandir tics.

Taya served as an anchor for Mandir in this novel and I really appreciated it. She supported him the best she could, without judgment and full of compassion. An ordinary girl would've run away, but Taya is not ordinary. And she will risk her own neck not to save only him, but also other victims of Mandir's father. Truly commendable.

The murder investigation was really great. There were multiple possible culprit and the hunt for clues was very engrossing. I loved that it was not predictable and that i discovered the culprit, and his motive, alongside the main characters.

I really enjoyed The Fire Seer and Her Quradum and I am definitely awaiting the next novel. I wonder how the new addition to Taya and Mandir's traveling group will affect their journey and if those characters are temporary friends or long term additions.

I strongly suggest you give this oriental flavored fantasy story a try. I bet you won't be disappointed!

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Posted by Tynga at 01:56

 Adult, Amy Raby, Author, Coalition of Mages, Fantasy amp; Magic, Magic, Review, Self Published  Leave your mark

Healer's Touch by Amy Raby

Both Marius and Isolda are judged for what they are not. Marius was raised as a commoner so when he is brought back to court by the Emperor he is judged for his lack of fashion and his simple tastes. Isolda on the other hand is a refuge and is mistreated by nearly every Kjallan, but she's a strong, fierce and smart woman. They will meet in the middle, and even though they have a lot in common, they will have to overcome many obstacles.

I have beta read the last two releases by Amy Raby and I was really happy to get the chance to read this one as well. Healer's Touch is the fourth novel in this series, and even though I haven't read the books 2 and 3 yet, I didn't have any trouble getting into the story. Having read the first book helped a lot to have a better sense of the culture though.

First, I'd like to say that I really enjoyed this book, despite my pointing elements I wish were different. I really liked the small town atmosphere in Healer's Touch and it felt very different from Assassin's Gambit and Archer's Sin. Even though there are explosions, and quite an amazing battle at the end, this novel is rather tranquil in it's essence. Much less action packed than the previous ones, but no less interesting. The focus really is on Marius & Isolda's blooming relationship, their struggles, and their ambitions.

I liked how real and down-to-earth both main characters were and I can only command them for staying true to themselves despite the challenges. I think they were a perfect fit for each other. One element I wish was different is the more carnal side of their romance. There is one sexual encounter that is described rather chastely and mention of subsequent 'meetings', but I really wish there was at least another intimate scene and that it felt more passionate.

The conclusion is hard to describe without giving anything away, but I must find a way because it really left me craving for more, so I will use a metaphor. Let's say to spent the past 7 hours mixing, baking and decorating this awesome cake, and then you can't even take a bite. Someone else does and describes the taste to you. Frustrating right? I really wished Amy presented the conclusion in the form of an epilogue instead of the technique she used. She gives a peek on what comes after, but it wasn't satisfying enough for me, even though I was happy with how things turned out for the characters. Does it make any sense?

In the end, I really enjoyed this book and I urge your to pick up this title even though it isn't published by the same publisher who released the first three titles. For reasons unknown to me, Amy was not contracted for the fourth book, so I really hope you purchase this one (which is really cheap BTW!) and support her :)

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Posted by Tynga at 00:57

 Amy Raby, Author, Fantasy, Fantasy amp; Magic, Healer, Hearts and Thrones, Magic, Review, Self Published  Leave your mark

The Fire Seer by Amy Raby

Amy Raby, author of the Hearts and Thrones series, delivered another great historical fantasy story. Set in the mystical city of Hrappa, this novel's basis were launched from a series of discovery on the ancient city, and became so much more in Raby's hands. Her personal blend of fantasy mixed with her great talent to deliver raw emotions, were just the thing to ensnare me from the start.

The Coalition has complete control over magic and Taya came to their temple for training when she developed powers at a young age. It is very uncommon for farmers to develop such abilities and many, including Mandir, resented her for it. She overcame many obstacles and launching on her first mission she wasn't ready to be partnered with her nemesis. She hates him with a passion, understandable since he tortured her and almost killed her, but her body can't help but be attracted to him and now she must relay on him for protection.

Some stories are plot driven, others are characters driven, I would say this one is driven by emotions. Yes, both characters are on a mission to discover and eliminate a jackal (a rogue magic user), but the relationship and raw feelings between the two main characters are front and center, honest and captivating. My favorite aspect of this novel is Taya's grudge against Mandir. What I mean is that he bullied her and tortured her for years and she isn't willing to surrender to sweet words and a sexy body. She kept her wits about her and remained skeptical of his promises. Thankfully, Amy offered us alternative narration and I just LOVED Mandir. His honesty and repentant attitude totally got me.

The narration also alternated between the present and the past, offering a very detailed retelling of exactly how both Mandir and Taya felt 9 years ago when they met, and how he treated her afterwards. Mandir's trek toward redemption is very touching and the fact that Taya takes a long time to weight the good and bad sides of Mandir make the whole situation much more realistic.

The mystery part of the plot was also very satisfying and while some elements were predictable, most completely surprised me. I also found the end to wrap-up things nicely and I really hope there will be a second installment!

This novel is actually quite short, but it doesn't feel so while reading it. I don't mean there are lengths, mind you, but that every aspect is developed enough to feel this novel is just right the way it is. I strongly suggest you give it a shot!

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Posted by Tynga at 02:00

 Adult, Amy Raby, Author, Coalition of Mages, Fantasy, Fantasy amp; Magic, High Fantasy, Historical, Magic, Review, Self Published  2 People left their mark

Archer's Sin by Amy Raby

I had the immense honor to be a beta reader for this novella, a strike of luck really because I stumbled upon Amy's requests for early readers, and let me tell you, I didn't have any negative feedback to give her! I really enjoyed this novella and it fits right into the spirit of this amazing series.

The events of this story take place about 5 years after the events of Assassin's Gambit (Spy's Honor, the second book in the series is actually a prequel, in case you didn't know), and while you could technically read this novella first, I'm afraid you might be a little lost and not completely grasp to importance of some events.

We meet Nalica and Justien, two giant archers from the country side, competing in a festival for a high position of guard of the city. It's a very coveted price in a world where mercenary for hire isn't as popular as it used to be and I truly loved that this novella featured archery almost exclusively. I followed each step of the tournament from the edge of my seat, and the conclusion simply baffled me!

I really appreciated the growing complicity between our heroes, and while they were quick to business, as I guess it was the custom back then, I really think they fit well together. They faced some moral issues and they didn't always agree so it made for interesting exchanges.

I'd also like to mention that despite the series being published by Signet, this novella is self-published, and Amy designed this cover herself. I think she did a pretty fine job!

If I had a small downside to mention, and it's no big deal really, it's that I don't really get the title. Archer, yes of course, but sin? Neither heroes committed a sin I can think of, but really, it's just a detail!

This novella is for sale for less than a dollar and it's worth every penny. You should definitely give it a shot, especially if you liked Assassin's Gambit.

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Posted by Tynga at 00:16

 Amy Raby, Archery, Author, Hearts and Thrones, High Fantasy, Review, Self Published  3 People left their mark

Assassin's Gambit by Amy Raby

I've admitted it long ago, I'm a huge fan of high fantasy, and Assassin's Gambit definitely met my high expectations! Castles, assassins and romance, is there seriously something not to like? Not only is the set up amazing, Amy's writing is also smart and smooth! The closest comparison I can come up with is Sarah J Mass' Throne of Glass series because of the whole 'assassin undercover in the castle'  situation, but the Heart and Thrones series is addressed to an adult audience and their heroines have completely different perceptive and objectives.

I absolutely loved the world Amy Raby created but I have to confess, at first, I kind of wished she included a glossary. The particular terminology wasn't the easiest to grasp at first, but I quickly got used to it. We were blessed with great forms of magic, originally channeled via soulstones. Magic users simply can't use their powers if they are separated from them, which I thought was a pretty original twist. Warmages and Wardbreakers were the two forms of magic we learnt the most about because that's what the main two characters are, but we also encountered Warders and Healers and I'd like to know more about them. Also, I find myself wondering if there are other forms of magic we have yet heard of. I truly enjoyed how the author introduced us to the different type of magics.

The geographical and political world were also a stellar point of this novel. Lucien is the emperor of Kjall, a country that invaded as many territory as possible in the recent future. Under the rule of Lucien's predecessors, Riorca, once an independent country, has been enslaved. Vitala, our star assassin, is a Riorca native working for The Circle, a rebel organization aiming to free Riorca.  There is also Mosari an oversea country Lucien's father also tried, but failed, to claim. The political intrigue simply kept me glued to the pages and I honestly couldn't wait to witness how everything would unfold.

Another aspect keeping me engrossed was the romantic developments between Lucien and Vitala. The two of them are very unlikely lovers, with her job being about killing him and all, but they slowly sneak into each other's hearts. I loved that it wasn't an easy relationship though and it was necessary to be believable. Their relationship started in distrust and it's a feeling that's hard to let go. Raby perfectly portrayed their struggles to trust each other, but also the faith they need to have as allies if they want to reach their objectives. I felt like they were perfectly balanced.

The storyline was perfectly paced to keep a believable timetable for medieval times, but also kept a good rhythm to keep the reader engaged. I never felt bored, or in need of more action. I thought everything was simply perfect. The different plot twists also managed to surprise me more often than not and it's another aspect I loved. The conclusion was particularly surprising and I never would've guessed how the conflict would finally resolve itself. Of course, not everything is settled and I can't wait to see what will happen for our heroes in the future!

Assassin's Gambit was a real treat for me and I have to urge you to get your hands on a copy. I already ordered book two and three (not released yet) and I can wait to sink my teeth into them! High fantasy at its best, I am convinced you will be satisfied!

Read an excerpt

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Posted by Tynga at 00:48

 Adult, Amy Raby, Hearts and Thrones, High Fantasy, Magic, Penguin, Purchased, Review, Romance, Signet  2 People left their mark