Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by its_justine
Sorcerous Rivalry by Kayleigh Nicol
4.0
Another indie story for the books (pun intended). I am really having a blast with these self-published books as of late and Sorcerous Rivalry is one that I've had the most fun with in a while. It's a short and fast-paced read that is overflowing with humor, secrets and a sibling rivalry that acts as a constant reminder of how relieved I am to be an only child!
A king's mistress, who has birthed him seven children, has been discovered to be a sorceress and while she is imprisoned, bounties have been declared for the lives of her mage-born children. Reshi, shape shifting royal (bastard) mage-born and local town drunk, lives a peaceful life in a small village successfully avoiding the king's law for many years. One day a mysterious and captivating mage hunter arrives and discovers Reshi's secret. In his attempt to flee the danger that arrived on his doorstep, Reshi reaches out to his siblings with the idea that working together will be the only way to survive the unrelenting onslaught of the mage hunters. He soon learns that enemies sometimes take on unsuspecting guises, while friendships may arise from strange circumstances.
Although the story has a plot with serious themes and haunting backstories, it was refreshing to read something with a bit of a light-hearted and humorous tone. In a market currently seeped in grit and grimness, this is definitely a welcomed diversion. The character development is also well planned and skillfully executed. While all the mage-born are of the same parents, they could not be more different from one another as each have their own distinct voices, quirks, powers, strengths and weaknesses. The witty dialogue and interactions between them often had me laughing out loud.
I'd have to say my absolute favorite parts of the book are the intense, thrilling battles. Oh man, can Nicol write an epic battle scene! Elemental magic, swords, daggers, massive ice mantises (yep, you read that right), hulking fire golems, and the list goes on! While the story as a whole was a genuine pleasure to read, these were the most enjoyable parts for me, which is pretty convenient since Reshi and company coincidentally run into conflict at each and every turn.
Sorcerous Rivalry is a strong and entertaining debut that leaves you on a cliffhanger begging for more. It's a fun romp that I thoroughly enjoyed and am excited to see what comes next.
A king's mistress, who has birthed him seven children, has been discovered to be a sorceress and while she is imprisoned, bounties have been declared for the lives of her mage-born children. Reshi, shape shifting royal (bastard) mage-born and local town drunk, lives a peaceful life in a small village successfully avoiding the king's law for many years. One day a mysterious and captivating mage hunter arrives and discovers Reshi's secret. In his attempt to flee the danger that arrived on his doorstep, Reshi reaches out to his siblings with the idea that working together will be the only way to survive the unrelenting onslaught of the mage hunters. He soon learns that enemies sometimes take on unsuspecting guises, while friendships may arise from strange circumstances.
Although the story has a plot with serious themes and haunting backstories, it was refreshing to read something with a bit of a light-hearted and humorous tone. In a market currently seeped in grit and grimness, this is definitely a welcomed diversion. The character development is also well planned and skillfully executed. While all the mage-born are of the same parents, they could not be more different from one another as each have their own distinct voices, quirks, powers, strengths and weaknesses. The witty dialogue and interactions between them often had me laughing out loud.
I'd have to say my absolute favorite parts of the book are the intense, thrilling battles. Oh man, can Nicol write an epic battle scene! Elemental magic, swords, daggers, massive ice mantises (yep, you read that right), hulking fire golems, and the list goes on! While the story as a whole was a genuine pleasure to read, these were the most enjoyable parts for me, which is pretty convenient since Reshi and company coincidentally run into conflict at each and every turn.
Sorcerous Rivalry is a strong and entertaining debut that leaves you on a cliffhanger begging for more. It's a fun romp that I thoroughly enjoyed and am excited to see what comes next.