Deirdra Eden

Hello Fellow Readers,

The Main Character is Auriella, She's a flame-haired orphan who survived a fire that has killed her parents. We are introduced to her as she runs into another burning house to save a group of kids, It's here we learn that Auriella is special and is being searched for by the evil Shadow Legion. This organization convinces her village that Auriella is a witch, where she then has to run away. She is attacked by shadow wolves (and develops a fear of wolves) and saved by a strangely strong witch named Hazella. Hazella uses and beats Auriella like a slave.

What I thought was a book about a heroine overcoming odds turned into me just pitying the poor girl throughout the entire book. It's true that she learns to fight and becomes a knight (Hence Knight of Light), Half the time I just cringe when a new situation comes along because I'm not sure if I will enjoy what is coming next.

To be honest, Eden is a good writer and does great in her characterizations and her fantasy world is really well developed. I know Eden has put a lot of thought into her story, so it saddens me that it just doesn't seem like my cup of tea.

I know this is the first out of six books and needs to set the mood for the upcoming books, however, I just wasn't feeling it.… (more)

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Hidden Fire is book two of The Watchers series. In this portion we see Lady Auriella as London's Watcher. Even though King Edward sees her as a fragile woman, she works tirelessly at keeping the castle safe from the Shadow Legion.

King Edward sends Auriella on a mission to Scotland, against her better judgment she leaves. Along the way she meets three Nevian rebels. One wields the gift of nature, one the gift of weapons and the other the gift of air and his trusted companion, a giant tiger named Baby. During their journey this unlikely group bond like no other. Will they be able to save London from the Shadow King? Will Auriella's broken heart ever mend?

Usually sequels aren't as good as the first novel, but surprisingly this one is. Deirdra Eden draws you into this extremely imaginative and amazing world; one that captures your attention and leaves you wanting more. Auriella has become like an old friend and one I can't wait to visit again. Overall, Hidden Fire is a wonderful young adult novel that teaches perseverance through overwhelming trials.
… (more)

Hello Fellow Readers,

The Main Character is Auriella, She's a flame-haired orphan who survived a fire that has killed her parents. We are introduced to her as she runs into another burning house to save a group of kids, It's here we learn that Auriella is special and is being searched for by the evil Shadow Legion. This organization convinces her village that Auriella is a witch, where she then has to run away. She is attacked by shadow wolves (and develops a fear of wolves) and saved by a strangely strong witch named Hazella. Hazella uses and beats Auriella like a slave.

What I thought was a book about a heroine overcoming odds turned into me just pitying the poor girl throughout the entire book. It's true that she learns to fight and becomes a knight (Hence Knight of Light), Half the time I just cringe when a new situation comes along because I'm not sure if I will enjoy what is coming next.

To be honest, Eden is a good writer and does great in her characterizations and her fantasy world is really well developed. I know Eden has put a lot of thought into her story, so it saddens me that it just doesn't seem like my cup of tea.

I know this is the first out of six books and needs to set the mood for the upcoming books, however, I just wasn't feeling it.… (more)

Knight of Light
By Deirdra Eden
2021
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars

As the first book of The Watchers Series, this tale begins by bringing readers into England in the year 1270.

While the publisher suggestion for the book is for those 9-12 years, this fantasy will draw in not only young readers, but those young in heart who enjoy a fairy tale that includes adventure, danger, emotional connection, a young girl’s search for self-discovery, and just the right amount of young romance and humor to balance the scary parts.

“Flames spewed in waves of red heat from the windows. Hot ash floated into the sky like smoldering snow. Screams from the children inside the burning cottage pierced the darkness.
‘We’ve got to help them!’ I shouted and covered my ears to muffle the agonizing pleas of the trapped children. Surfacing memories haunted me of the fire that killed my parents three years earlier.”

Auriella, a young orphan girl, runs into the flames to save the children, but is then repaid by a Shadow Lord, disguised as a nobleman, accusing her of being a witch. He stirs the villagers by declaring that she had survived the fire in the village that had killed her parents, and now has run into the fire and come out unburned.

“Fear surged through my body and the instinct for survival took over. I kicked up the burning rubble at my feet and showered him with hot embers. He released his grip just long enough for me to twist free. I raced toward the edge of the village, sprinting over sharp rocks and twigs, ignoring the pain on my bare feet.
Heavy footfalls pounded behind me. I glanced over my shoulder. A group of men from the village chased after me, including the abomination who had disguised himself as a nobleman.”

Readers are immediately plunged into this story, fearful with Auriella, rooting for her success in this battle of good vs evil. The author’s excellent descriptions and characterizations of the young girl, as well as of the other characters in the book, will hold readers throughout to a satisfying
ending, while enticing them into continuing their connection with Auriella in the subsequent books of the series.

https://amzn.to/3abix80

Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com… (more)