Fresh Fridays: On Friday, I review a brand new series (ie. only has one book released so far) to see if the series is worth keeping up with. Here is this week’s offering:
The Realm of Harcilor Series
Other books in the series:
Synopsis for Powerful (from Goodreads):
For twelve years, the power has been usurped at the Realm of Harcilor.
Cyr, an erudite, and his adopted son, Kaaz, have formed a secret school.
Indeed, in this world, some people were born endowed with magical abilities : the Silarens.
However, it is not that easy to detect your own powers.
They will soon be joined by a mysterious young woman who will provide them with valuable information.
When Litar – the most powerful being of the realm – goes away for two months, they finally foresee the opportunity to act.
Can they win their freedom back? Will they make the right choices?
Series: The Realm of Harcilor
Author: S N Lemoing
# of Books: 1+ (Powerful, Book 2)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Unknown
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Heat Rating: cool
Point of View: Third Person, Multiple
Publication Date: February 2017 – ongoing
Source & Format: Author–eARC | Thank you S N Lemoing!
Disclaimer: I stopped reading Powerful at 18% (Start of Chapter 6). Find out why below…
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
High fantasy was the “it” genre for me last year. I absolutely love all the elements that make up this genre: from the romance to the magic to the politics, it has everything I love. Which is why I was eager to take S N Lemoing on her offer to read her newly translated Powerful. It promised to be a true fantasy with a more YA feel and had a focus on diverse characters and prominent female roles. That sounded fantastic!
What I Liked:
–Feels like an Adult Fantasy but in the YA Genre–
When I was reading this, I got Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones type vibes. Those are big shoes to fill but what I mean is that those novels are what I call true fantasy novels. They focus on the world building with detailed descriptions and a 360 degree view of the world and all its players. With that, you are introduced to a lot of characters and their stories. Romance takes a back seat and the politics of the world become the larger focus.
It’s an entirely different feel from the usual high fantasy novels I read.
What I Didn’t Like:
–Felt Overwhelmed–
That being said, I felt very overwhelmed by everything that was relayed in those first few chapters. In an effort to set up the world, a lot of information is provided and I had a hard time putting it all together. We get introduced to so many different characters (and their relationships) that I had a hard time remembering what characters were doing what and their importance to the situations brewing.
My Rating: DNF
Powerful DNF | Book 2 TBP
I’m really not used to reading these detailed fantasy type novels. It’s rich in detail, has a complex world and lots of character stories to become invested in. Which is why I think those more experienced with the fantasy world (like Lord of the Rings and the like) will absolutely love this YA fantasy.
Read if You Like: fantasy, lots of characters, detailed novels
Avoid if You: are easily overwhelmed
- The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows (The Orphan Queen Series #1)
- Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (Three Dark Crowns Series #1)
- Ruined by Amy Tintera (Ruined Trilogy #1)
- The Shadow Queen by C J Redwine (The Ravenspire Series #1)
