Good Morning readers and happy Thursday; I’ve been getting into the habit of reviewing Monday, Thursday and Saturday if I can. I am reading like an absolute demon at the moment and I’m not going to slow down the pace anytime soon since the dreaded book slump. Let me know if this is something you like or if it’s too many I’m never quite sure what is best? Today’s review is from an author who contacted me a week or so ago but I’ve fallen back in love with my kindle and so I’m reading allllllllllllllll the time. If you’re waiting for a review it’s on the way because I’m going to run with this reading spree. For now though onto a rather fantastical review.

Seventeen-year-old Moira is haunted by the accidents that claimed her parents and sisters. When a strange boy who seems to know too much about her past attacks her, Moira fears death will come for her a third time. She is rescued by twins Airi and Belamar, the winged heirs to the throne in Skyfall, and taken to safety in their world. But Skyfall is dying, and the Immortals who had protected Airi and Belamar’s world have been missing since the Great War. Moira, Airi, and Belamar must find a journal left by the twins’ deceased mother, Tanari, that tells of a prophecy that must be fulfilled to free the Immortals known as The Unknown Sun so that Skyfall can be saved.

Deeper, darker, secrets unravel around the three friends as a revolution threatens their quest and the boy who tried to destroy Moira on Earth hunts them. Tanari knew more than she had let on, and within her journal a story is more than it seems, the past foretells the future, and a far-reaching plan is unveiled. Why did Tanari reach across time and space to entrust a simple human girl with saving Skyfall? Who are the mysterious “Four” mentioned in the journal? And why does another Immortal want her, and The Unknown Sun, dead?

So, quite a long blurb again which gives you a little overview of what’s in store so I’m not going to tire you by going through it for the second time. The first thing to mention is the cover; it definitely caught my eye when I did my research into the book and thought it looked really intriguing which was a little exciting. In terms of the characterisation I thought that Moira was really pleasingly written. So often in fantasy books the main characters take the changes to their life in one foul swoop but here Moira was clearly stressed and constantly re-evaluating what was going on. Questioning everything around her it felt like a genuine reaction to the sudden change in direction of her life as a whole. I enjoyed seeing Moira grow throughout and really develop as a character. In terms of the fantasy feel I found the world that Mackey created utterly picturesque and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the winged people. The unfamiliar language used throughout and the use of hyphenated names was a clever addition and helped to make it all feel the more real.

The writing style is overall strong and well put together. The descriptions throughout are really evocative of the fantasy genre as a whole and it helps to transport you to this new world.

“The gritty sandstone dirt shifted and sank beneath the weapon, leaving a carpet of green in the exact same shape as its shadow. Tiny vines coiled and waited for their orders. Emaranthe inhaled deeply. Ghostly flames licked and curled from her staff up her arm to her shoulders and over her body. The fire writhed and twisted, nearly invisible, until her entire body was sheathed in a layer of living flame.”

The plot moves with pace and agility despite the descriptions used and the quest-like feel is all very fantasy like so readers of this genre will feel right at home I am sure.

The only real complain other than a couple of editing wobbles was the overly frequent describing of, as another reviewer puts it, ‘physical responses.’ There are a lot of breathless moments where our main character is struggling for breath and having trouble with her legs caving beneath her. I understand that it’s a traumatic experience for such a young girl but I think it could have been reigned in a little because it jars slightly with the strength that we can see is building in Moira. Less is sometimes more, and when it really needs to be that intense it will make those moments all the more powerful.

Overall I would definitely recommend this to fantasy readers and readers who are new or exploring the fantasy genre as a whole. Having a general dislike of the fantasy genre as a whole (sorry) for me to suggest reading one means a great deal. I think the age group for this book is perfect for me, late teens early twenties but I think it could be enjoyed by all because it does have the formula for a fantasy read. A lovely little book and one I am happy to have read.

Linnnnks

Goodreads

Amazon