Published: February 28th 2016
Publisher: BZN Writing House
“Before…
Aelwyd has worked hard to become strong. As the Fairest One of Vallenthar, her power is formidable. Years of battle honed her into a fearsome warrior who never falters in front of an enemy.
However, there are shadows that when they come, they can swallow you whole.
After a hundred years of praying against it, the minute she walks into the chilling scene of death in front of her, she knows her personal nightmare is back.
He nearly destroyed her once, but she isn’t a victim anymore. This time, she will stop him, or she will die trying.
Now…
Dalbran knows nothing of friends, joy, or mischief. The orphaned ward of a ruthless warrior woman, she’s never showed him love or affection. Instead she fills his days with learning the art of battle, savage teachings of how to survive in their harsh world. Days are filled with pain and exhaustion, but nighttime used to be his own. Even that is now lost, though, for something lurks in the shadows of sleep, clawing at him the moment his eyes close. He tells himself it’s okay, that he can handle it. However daunting the voices may be, however cold the hand that chokes him in the darkness, as long as it stays within the nightmare, everything will be all right.
As long as it stays within the nightmare…”
Review:
I received this book in exchange for a review! Thank you again Arel!
There were many things that I liked about this book. I usually don’t read a lot of fantasy, but when I do, it has to keep my attention. This book certainly did!
The first thing that I liked was how the book switched from before and now. I love when a book does that because it makes you have to think about what happened from a few chapters ago, and it really keeps your attention moving back and forth. I loved looking back and seeing how each world was connected.
I liked the main characters and their stories as well. I especially liked Dalbran. He was very well written. Also, I loved that there was a lot of dialogue. I love when I can picture their conversation happening and I could do that a lot in this book.
There were some parts where I was a little confused and had to go back to read it again. Also, I felt like the characters could’ve gone more into depth about their cultures and how they were. There wasn’t much to describe a lot of the characters and that is where it lost some points for me. However, this does say it is the first in the series, so more might come out in the sequel.
Overall, if you are a YA fantasy reader, I would definitely encourage you to read this book. There were so many elements that were great and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel!
Rating: ★★★★
Lacey's Library 