Amasai Rising

A Coming of Age Fantasy (The Amasai Rising Trilogy, Book 1)

By: Stevie Rae Causey

Narrated by: Brenda Scott Wlazlo

Finding out you’re a princess destined to stop a war sounds great, until it actually happens.

Amasai Rising is an enchanting young-adult coming-of-age fantasy novel set in the Kingdom of Aythia. Azlana is a half-human, half-elf princess on the run, forced from the only home she has ever known and shouldered with the responsibility of uniting men and mystics. But an ancient darkness has taken hold of Azlana’s mind, flooding her thoughts that horrify her.

Can Azlana defeat the darkness? Or will its hold on her prove fatal for magic and mankind alike?

Previously published as Anhedonia.

©2018 Stevie Rae Causey (P)2021 Stevie Rae Causey

Great for young readers new to fantasy.

Being an outcast among even your own people, being raised by somebody who isn’t your birth father, and being mixed race. These are not only aspects of this book, but aspects of my own life. I found a certain level of kinship with the character Amasai.

The story is mostly just world-building and foundation. It had me hooked until the end. It ends abruptly on a cliffhanger ending, which I truly despise.

I think this story would be suitable for younger readers, teenagers, and the like who have a budding interest in fantasy. The story is short and as I said previously, would allow them to dip their toe into the genre to see if it’s something they’d like. Many fantasy series can be overly long and seen as too much of a commitment for half-interested readers.

I can’t deny that I’m interested and I will likely be following this trilogy. Both for my love of fantasy and how relatable I find the protagonist. Additionally, there’s a prequel companion story which I’ll be acquiring and reviewing, sooner or later.

The narrator does an excellent job. I wish I had more to say, but I don't have any complaints or additional thoughts on the performance.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

Interesting first book in the series!

This is the first book in the Amasai Rising Trilogy, a young-adult coming-of-age fantasy novel This is a great introduction to the series. The characters are well developed. Azlana is a half-human, half-elf princess. She is an interesting character. The world building set in the Kingdom of Aythia is original, and engaging. The storyline is fast-paced, filled with secrets and mystery. I liked to have both POV's, from Azlana and her mother. Brenda Scott Wlazlo did an excellent job with the narration. Looking forward to listening to the next book in the series, to know what happens next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

keep listening

It took me to chapter 4 to become invested in the story, but it was worth it in the end. The story has a lot of character thinking vs action. Toward the end, it picked up.

I received a free code from Story Origin, but this is my own opinion and review.

So good!

This was my first exposure to this book series and it was well done. Very entertaining, the Pov of the female protagonist was well done. Can't wait do read or listen to the rest of the series! No spoilers from me, you're gonna have to listen/read. lol!

What a great start to this series!

I was beside myself when I saw that this book was in audiobook and I could listen while I drove to my clinicals and back home. I fell in love with the characters in the prequel and I couldn't wait to see where their evolving story went.

There is sadness lingers from the prequel, but also a small bit of life goes on and you feel for the young main character. I hope I have the opportunity to listen to book 2 soon!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.