Of Blade and Ash by C. F. E. Black #giveaway #booktour #yafantasy

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Blade of Ash

(Scepter and Crown #1)

By C.F.E. Black

Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Hardcover & ebook, 363 Pages

January 25, 2022 by Hillcity Press

The only way to beat death is to chase it. 

 

Newly crowned, Red blames one person for his father’s murder: the secret sorceress sworn to protect the king. Alyana Barron, Royal Sorcerer to the throne of Tandera, fears her magic is weakening. For reasons they don't fully understand, a powerful enemy twisted by dark magic wants them both dead. 

 

When Red is cursed, his life entwines with Aly’s in ways neither of them expected. Together, they chase after a cure that will heal the king and restore her magic, but the closer they get to a cure, the nearer they step toward death, for the path to the cure is as dangerous as the curse itself. 

 

Blade of Ash is the first in a new, epic YA fantasy series perfect for fans of clean enemies-to-lovers romance packed full of royal intrigue, legends, and plenty of ballgowns. If you like female bodyguards and forced proximity with life-and-death stakes, check out Blade of Ash.

My thoughts:  I wasn't sure about this book when I agreed to review it. I decided to take a chance and I am glad that I did!

I love the fantasy world where magic is fueled by truth.  If you tell a lie, your magic is weakened.  The dark magicians use lies to corrupt and destroy.

Aly is the sorcerer for the new King Frederick, aka Red.  Their bond is created under feelings of mistrust.  Reds father died of a curse and he blames Aly for it.  At his coronation Red is cursed and finds he has to trust her.

For the majority of the story they work together to find a cure before the curse destroys Reds body.  Along the way they find friendship, trust, attraction, and many perilous circumstances.  

I found this story and the prequel novella very interesting.  I really want to know more.  This is the first book in a series and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Other Books in the Series

Shield of Shadow

(Scepter and Crown #0.5)

By C.F.E. Black

Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

E-book, 141 Pages

November 2021 by Hillcity Press

Alyana Barron is tired of living a secluded life apart from society, hiding her magic from watching eyes. When a nobleman offers Aly the chance to train as a Master Sorcerer, secrets hidden in her past will come to light and she'll have to fight to keep her safety and guard her heart.

My thoughts: This is an interesting novella.  Aly is a young woman who has been hiding her magical gifts.  The people do not trust magic wielders.  

This novella sets up the description of magic and how it is used.  The idea of pulling "truth" out of another was unique.  It didn't take long to figure out that this was a religious connotation for the use of magic. Lying weakens magic.  There are so many ways to compare this symbolism.

This is a very quick read and sets the stage nicely for "Blade of Ash."

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

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About the Author

C. F. E. Black loves to get swept away in books, both reading and writing them. When she’s not writing or chasing her son, she’s teaching high schoolers and trying her best to be a light in their lives. She lives in beautiful north Alabama with her superhero husband, sons, and fur-family. Connect with her and find free stories at www.cfeblack.com.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

A signed hardcover of Blade of Ash by C.F.E. Black, a character art print of Red and Aly, and a map print (US only; $20 Amazon e-gift card will be substituted for INT)

Ends March 30, 2022

ENTER HERE

 

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