The Curse of Kalathan (The Kalathan Chronicles Book 1) by Kate le Roux

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"Kate le Roux lives in Cape Town, South Africa, where if she stands on tiptoes she can just about see Table Mountain from her kitchen window. She grew up on a diet of CS Lewis, LM Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott, and since being allowed into the Young Adult section at the local library at the age of thirteen she still hasn't really left. She spent a good number of years marking mostly horrible English essays and getting high school kids to act out bits of Shakespeare which she loved, leaving only to focus on being a mom to four crazy kids." ~Amazon


"Trina has been thrown into prison for trespassing in the Temple loft - not surprising for someone marked and cursed as she is. What is astonishing, though, is that now that her time is up she is not being thrown back onto the streets: she is being taken, of all places in the whole of Kalathan, to the palace, home of the six princes she has fangirled over all her life.

Theo, eldest of the princes, is convinced that the pilgrimage he has been sent on by his father is a pointless waste of time. But the shrine holds a sinister secret that plunges him, his brothers and the devilclaw Trina into an adventure that will take them across Kalathan and into the Empire, where it will be up to them to challenge the Emperor and his icy daughter for the future of their beloved land." (~Amazon)


"'As a long-time fantasy reader, it's hard to be surprised as most stories follow a predictable pattern, with predictable outcomes, but this story manages to break the mould and provide something fresh. I'm so excited to read the rest of this series!'" (Goodreads Review)

Numeric Breakdown:
1: didn't like it
2: it was okay
3. liked it
4. really liked it
5. it was amazing


Alternative. Fresh. Unexpected.
A story that sweeps you into a new world.

The Curse of Kalathan, Book One, is a page-turning novel that leaves you wanting more. I'm excited to see what Book Two, Brothers of Kalathan, has in store because I need to know what's next! The characters definitely draw you in, and their predicaments keep you holding on.

A curious beginning that pulls one into the story quickly. We're introduced to Trina, in her jail cell, without knowledge of what she has done, why she stayed behind instead of going to her grandparents' house with her mother and sister, and uncertainty of why she's been released from prison and sent straight to the palace. 

We find Theo in the halls of his palace with his father discussing unrest and a journey to speak with the "spirits." Theo loves learning, reading, archery, and swordsmanship. He enjoys investigating about the history and religion of his country, and his desire to understand and learn more build throughout the entire story.

Soon, Trina is setting off on an adventure with the princes, including Theo, and we find an abundance of twists and turns within the plot, including: sacrifice, assassins, a murderous bounty, kidnapping, and so much more. The adventure never ends, and once you get reading, you won't be able to stop!

An auspicious beginning for both of our protagonists. ;)

The dual pov gives readers a greater insight into both main characters; the setting sets up the issues, climaxes, and resolutions they face; a historical perspective which delves into discrimination, religious beliefs, and the difference between clashing kingdoms intensifies and shapes the scenarios; love in an uncompromising world, and the maturity to face reality gives readers a poignant and unforeseen ending. 

Author Kate le Roux gives a magnificent, impressive, intense, and realistic characteristic portrayal. This was a clean read that, although geared toward Young Adults, would fit into the Adult Christian Fantasy realm as well. I loved the writing style, rational ending, honest personal doubt and conflict, and the characters. It's definitely a "must read" for me with a 5/5 rating!


Thanks to Author Kate le Roux and Reedsy Discovery for the Advanced Reader copy to read and review.




Thank you for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!! :)
~Rebecca Redddell

Comments

  1. Kate November 18, 2020 at 3:00 AM

    Wow! Thank you so much Rebecca! Honoured to be on your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rebecca Reddell, AuthorNovember 19, 2020 at 7:50 AM

      My pleasure, Kate! Your book was wonderful, and I can't wait for the rest of the series! :)

      Delete

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