C. E. Clayton

Type of Ending ... "To Be Continued and Bittersweet Ending"

Okay ... so I started with the ending because I really don't like this type of ending and frequently will dock a book up to a full star on the ratings depending on how unfinished the story feels at that point. In this case, there was some resolution on the main character's redemption arc, but most of the major plot conflicts were left hanging. This is the ONLY reason this story doesn't get five (5) stars.

This is a science-fantasy story that blends technology with magic and seems to be part of a growing trend that I really enjoy. To be fair, it mostly comes down on the magic side for this book with what appears to be more tech coming up in the sequel. With this in mind, I really enjoyed the world building here (and I was completely impressed with the pronunciation guide in the FRONT of the book). Not quite dystopian, the story does take place within the seedy underbelly of society (aka organized crime) and was told from the POV of an anti-hero (which again seems to be all the rage these days).

What truly sets this book apart though is the character driven story where I had no trouble identifying with most of the characters AND all of the characters had a unique voice. The cast of characters are all dealing with loyalty, love, vengeance and forgiveness and the author gives you a front row seat to watch the struggle without any over the top drama. Ultimately I think that is why the "hero's journey" of the main character worked so well for me ... and I am absolutely invested in what comes next for her.

I was given this free advance review copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#Resistor #BookSirens

This is my first review using BookSirens ... I highly recommend them if you are interested in reading ARCs.… (mais)

- I received this book though Xpresso Book Tours.

When I saw this book in the email from Xpresso Books I knew right away I wanted to read it. The description said it was necessary to read the first book, although it would be offered along side book 2. For the VERY FIRST TIME, I decided to try out this thing where you don’t read the first book, but just jump into the second. While it worked and I enjoyed the book, I think I did miss out on something by not reading the first book. There were quite a few time near the beginning of the book that I was sort of puzzled by one thing or another. Especially when it came to the elves their descriptions and their actions/motivations just puzzled me. I wondered if these were elves in name but a completely different more animalistic species. As I kept reading though all my questions were answered and I soon settled down into the book.

The Heart of the Forest was paced a bit differently from the typical “quest” fantasy. So much of the story happens inside Tallis’ head, that time doesn’t always seem clear. And that’s okay. Sometimes books featuring a quest like this tend to be too much and then this happened and then this and next that. Having a feeling of time kinda twisting around made the journey more interesting.

Each character really got some depth in this book. Tallis is a deep thinker, but someone who doesn’t shy away from action. The revelations and events in this story are not ones she just easily accepts. So many time the reluctant hero ends up accepting their fate seemingly all too easily and while they may moan about it they still end up as the hero everyone lauds. I am so, so glad that didn’t happen in this book. Tallis struggles. She has real mental and physical hardships to overcome and she doesn’t always make the “hero’s choice.” In a way she makes the real choice, the choice her character should make because of her personality and history.

Thomas and Donovan are both great characters. Donovan the true knight, who just wants to do the right thing. Thomas the ex-monk who should be conflicted by his morals, but whose faith in Tallis overcomes all of that. Rosslyn is a hoot. At the beginning we see her as a character who takes action, who jumps into thing, perhaps a bit too quickly. By the end of the book her personal journey has taken her beyond rash action, but still left her a lively force for action. I enjoyed the journey each character made in themselves.

I can’t give away the ending, but I loved it. I loved the way the characters really stayed true to themselves and the story. I wish I could say more but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

Bottom Line:

An absolutely satisfying fantasy read. If you like character stories I would definitely recommend this one.… (mais)

I purchased this book from Amazon to read with @halflostbutterflyreadalong. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 The Monster of Selkirk Book 1 The Duality of Nature by C E Clayton. This book started out slow for me. The details are so very descriptive and it took a few chapters to really capture me. However, in all honesty if the details were not present you wouldn't feel the story the way you should. And you need those details to understand how the characters develop. Every detail of every animal and tree in that forest gives the spooky, doomed feeling in order to understand the characters position and the reasons behind the choices they make. The story line is great and you can't help but root for Tallis and her small group as they progress through the story. Review also posted on Instagram @borenbooks, Library Thing, Go Read, Goodreads/StacieBoren, Amazon, Twitter @jason_stacie and my blog at readsbystacie.com… (mais)