Here's my review of Cheryl Koevoet's debut YA fantasy novel, "The Carnelian Legacy"!
Medieval Intrigue!
The Carnelian Legacy is a fun, whirlwind Medieval adventure.
Imagine this: you've just lost your father, you're about to turn 18, and you're looking for some kind of purpose in your life, when you're suddenly swept into a fantastical parallel universe where everyone calls you "Milady"! Not only would you have to deal with the sudden shock of being a fish-out-of-water, you'll have to survive a web of intrigue, romance, and impending war — with YOU at the center of it all.
Three things that set The Carnelian Legacy apart
Gigantic Cast: I love big casts and this book delivers. From Marisa's "normal" family and friends on Earth to the knights, paladins, and mistresses who become her "surrogate" family in Carnelia, there are lots of characters that you will meet and get to know better. Though the love-triangle of Marisa, Darian, and Savino is the focus, the supporting cast will make you laugh, smile, and sometimes cringe!
Sense of Wonder: From the first step that Marisa takes in the Medieval world of Carnelia, she never stops being amazed at the sights, sounds, and surprises all around her. Sprawling castles sitting high atop the mountains, forests filled with gruesome beasts, and even an elegant masquerade filled with guests from all over the land. You'll have a ton of fun learning about the world of Carnelia along with Marisa and hoping that she'll somehow find a way to fit in...
Mystery and Intrigue: This book is teeming with multi-layered mysteries and royal intrigue, both of which Marisa has to solve if she's going to get back home. First: how to get back home? Luckily, several characters are already hard at work on the mystery of the lightning at Gold Hill and the bonds that connect the two worlds. Second: who will take the Carnelian throne? Darian and Savino aren't just vying for Marisa's heart, they both see themselves as king. But succession ain't easy, and Marisa will have to dig into Carnelia's foggy past in order to help influence its future.
I'd highly recommend The Carnelian Legacy to anyone who enjoys a good fish-out-of-water tale! Take the fun and fantasy of Harry Potter, combine it with the romantic elements from Twilight, and this is what you'll get. Enjoy!
You can find the book at most major online booksellers, including Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, and you can read what others thought about the book at GoodReads.com.
For my interview with Cheryl Koevoet, in which she talks about how her own fish-out-of-water experience inspired the story of The Carnelian Legacy, click here.