In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power. Under her dreams’ guidance, Rose lands in the fantasy realm of Lotheria–with a tagalong. Tyson, her best friend since childhood, winds up there with her, just as confused and a hell of a lot more vulnerable. In Lotheria, Rose is welcomed and celebrated as a fire mage at the Academy, while the very un-magical Tyson is forced into hiding under threat of death from the headmasters of Rose’s new school. As Rose’s talent in fire magic draws unwanted attention and Tyson struggles to transition from high school student to blacksmith, Rose must find a way to return Tyson to their own world before the headmasters discover and execute him–no matter the cost. |
Review
Although Lotheria feels like your standard medieval Europe style fantasy world there are a couple of quirks to it that add interest. The one that most intrigues me is that Lotheria (the land itself, not the people) magically chooses a monarch to rule it. The varying languages of rune magic and their differing applications are intriguing, as is the slightly unconventional concept of magical soul mates, and how losing one’s soul mate effects the surviving mage.
A surprising romance rounds this YA fantasy off. Throughout the novel there are various potential love interests for Rose but when she finally settles on somebody it’s both unexpected and an extremely satisfying twist. There are several intriguing plot hints that indicate this is going to be a series that wows readers with its twists. This, combined with the high stakes and Rose’s tendency to land in dangerous situations also suggests that readers should brace themselves for heartbreak as the Molten Crown series continues.
Book provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review