Genres: Dark Fantasy, NA Fantasy, Fantasy | Release Date: 2 August 2024 | Series: Mistress of the Ritual | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 384 | Publisher: New Dawn | Review
“I am all you have ever feared, Tábalainthe.”
Maria Linwood
Overview:
A huge thank you goes to Maria Linwood and New Dawn for letting me read an ARC of Mistress of Amber and Flame! This dark fantasy is the first book in a duology and if you’ve wanted a story of terror, hard truths and epic love? Glitterbugs. I’m telling you right now, you’re going to love this incredible tale! But let’s give you an overview before I get carried away, shall we?
Long ago, magik wreaked havoc across a kingdom and split the land in two. Divided by a barrier, one of these realms now harbours a growing darkness, even as the other is intent on eradicating any hint of such torment within its own borders. As a guardian, Tábalainthe has dedicated her life to banishing the nightmares coming from Sàgilorc. But what happens when she’s confronted with a terrifying truth from a Frontierwalker, her counterpart who spreads darkness wherever he goes? Has everything she’s been taught been a lie? How can the land be fixed, when both sides refuse to listen? Things could soon turn fatal for Tábala if she’s not careful…
Happiness Boost:
Within Mistress of Amber and Flame, Maria has crafted a tale of deadly stakes and painful discoveries. At no point did I guess what was coming, which is a *huge* happiness boost for me! To be constantly on edge, wondering what’s going to happen next and scared to turn the page? My praise can’t get much higher than that! I’m absolutely smitten with Maria’s writing and her ability to make the heart race like you’ve just done a marathon.
Shall we talk about characters? I didn’t expect to feel so much for secondary characters, but people like Sanja are unforgettable. And let me tell you, when you discover just who Tábala’s enemies are? My jaw was on the ground. I’m incapable of going into more detail, because I refuse to give away spoilers. But suffice to say, glitterbugs… I’ve now learned we can’t trust Maria to keep her characters safe until we get to the very last page. And even then, I have a feeling there’s more tricks up her sleeve! Yes I love this, because how could I not?!
Mistress of Amber and Flame is rich in magic and history, giving the reader an experience they’re not going to forget in a long, long while. This magic is not an easy, sparkly light-hearted aspect. Instead, it is in fact a gritty, bloody and demanding power which takes just as easily as it gives. This is a beautiful, harrowing tale which I could *not* stop reading until I came to the very end. And truthfully? I’m still reeling over here from the events in this fantasy.
Downside:
I have no downside!
Final Thoughts:
Mistress of Amber and Flame by Maria Linwood is a dark NA fantasy full of hard truths, growing fears and an epic love. And you know what’s great about a duology? There’s less of a wait for a conclusion, which makes this desperate reader *very* happy! I know, I know, book one has to release before we think about book two. But I’m just telling you, I’m ready glitterbugs! I’ve loved everything about this fantasy. Do you love the sound of this story from my review? Just click on the link below to pre-order a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can pre-order Mistress of Amber and Flame via this link: Amazon
