The Amber Elixir
Ariella Moon
(A Two Realms Novella, #1)
Publication date: October 3rd 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Ariella Moon
(A Two Realms Novella, #1)
Publication date: October 3rd 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Viviane, the new Lady of the Lake and High Priestess of Avalon, accepts a challenge from Merlin unaware her bold actions will have tragic consequences. Two of her priestesses are turned to stone. A forbidden love deserts her. Now alone, she has six young handmaidens to train and protect.
When Morgan le Fay demands assistance with a spell that could change the balance of power in the Two Realms, Viviane refuses her. But what if Morgan’s secret knowledge could restore the stone priestesses? Will an alliance prompt Viviane’s love to return? Or will the gamble cost her all she holds dear?
My Review
The Amber Elixir is a novella from the Two Realms series by Ariella Moon.
Set in Arthurian times, we follow the Lady of the Lake, Viviane, and her journey to undo the magic that turned two of her handmaidens to stone. There's more to it than that, of course, because we're also dealing with Merlin, Morgan le Fay, and even Queen Mab.
The Amber Elixir, to me, felt longer than a novella. It actually felt like a full-length story that I wasn't quite getting the full length of, if that makes sense. At first I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into while reading the story, but things cleared up a bit the farther along into it I got. However, it does feel a little...incomplete. I felt like I should have already read at least the first book before diving into this one. That's just me, though.
I did like the story for what it was, and even though I didn't quite connect with any of the characters, I did think Viviane was a good leader and protector of her handmaidens, and she seemed loyal and determined, too.
As for the other characters, Merlin is kind of a jerk at times, but I suppose that's to be expected. Morgan le Fay is interesting. I liked her, but I wasn't sure if she was trustworthy or not. I actually think I liked Viv's handmaidens the most. They were young, innocent, but so full of an eagerness to learn. I liked them a lot.
Plot-wise, the story stays pretty steady. There were a few spots in the beginning I felt were a little slow, but it picked up and stayed at that pace the rest of the way through the book. The ending didn't seem too rushed, although it did leave me wanting more.
Overall, The Amber Elixir is a pretty decent read, and I'd be curious to see where the series goes. I might have to look into the first book so things start to come together and make more sense to me.
I'd rate The Amber Elixir 3.5 stars.
The Amber Elixir, to me, felt longer than a novella. It actually felt like a full-length story that I wasn't quite getting the full length of, if that makes sense. At first I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into while reading the story, but things cleared up a bit the farther along into it I got. However, it does feel a little...incomplete. I felt like I should have already read at least the first book before diving into this one. That's just me, though.
I did like the story for what it was, and even though I didn't quite connect with any of the characters, I did think Viviane was a good leader and protector of her handmaidens, and she seemed loyal and determined, too.
As for the other characters, Merlin is kind of a jerk at times, but I suppose that's to be expected. Morgan le Fay is interesting. I liked her, but I wasn't sure if she was trustworthy or not. I actually think I liked Viv's handmaidens the most. They were young, innocent, but so full of an eagerness to learn. I liked them a lot.
Plot-wise, the story stays pretty steady. There were a few spots in the beginning I felt were a little slow, but it picked up and stayed at that pace the rest of the way through the book. The ending didn't seem too rushed, although it did leave me wanting more.
Overall, The Amber Elixir is a pretty decent read, and I'd be curious to see where the series goes. I might have to look into the first book so things start to come together and make more sense to me.
I'd rate The Amber Elixir 3.5 stars.
Author Bio:
Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman and former teen to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her series include The Two Realms Trilogy, a medieval Scotland and Fairy fantasy adventure, and The Teen Wytche Saga, a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances. Moon’s “Covert Hearts” appears in Second Chances: A Romance Writers of America Collection.
Ms. Moon spent her childhood flying to rooftops in her dreams and searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.
I enjoyed getting to know your book; congrats on the tour and I hope it is a fun one for you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting read! Glad you liked it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteThank you, Jazzy, for your review and for featuring The Amber Elixir on your blog!
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
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