Review of True Teryn
Posted: 27 Jan 2022, 08:31
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "True Teryn" by S.G. Blaise.]
In True Teryn, the second installment to the series, we continue to follow Lilla’s adventures. The Archgod of Chaos and Destruction (DLD) has been wreaking havoc, and an Era War to restore balance is fast approaching. But first, Lilla, the last Lumenian and Sybil to the Archgoddess, has an important task to complete: she must recruit the Teryn army. Claiming a Teryn prince, Callum, as her spouse through Bride’s Choice should make it easy for her to achieve her mission. But since she is not a Teryn, the Teryn king will not respect her. To prove herself, she agrees to go on the impossible task of capturing the Heart Amulet for Goddess Laoise, the Teryn goddess. While in the spirit realm, she will fight to keep her friends alive and make unlikely allies if she hopes to survive against a powerful foe.
It seems that S. G. Blaise drew inspiration from notable fantasy works written before hers. But her storyline’s execution and her heroine are excitingly unique; this series has the makings of an iconic fantasy series. Lilla is an empathic heroine with a mind of her own, insecurities, a strong personality, and wastes no time to prove herself and put her life on the line for those she loves. It was gratifying to root for her. Even though it is Lilla who narrates the story, we can see how much her friends love and support her without being told. That tight-knit bond easily finds its way through the pages and into readers’ hearts.
Without reading the first book, The Last Lumenian, it can be tasking to settle into True Teryn. There were strange terms, so it was a relief to see a glossary that defined some new words. As this story picked up, I found beautifully executed action scenes. The author arranged a satisfying buildup of getting to know Lilla, her group of friends, and her situation as a Sybil in a strange land. A climax and its resolution quickly followed. The group’s experience on green Teryn was nothing I expected. Readers will be surprised to learn what it means to be a true Teryn. The unpredictability made the story even more splendid.
As a personal opinion, the omniscient narration may have suited this book and the world-building better. Initially, Lilla’s excessive use of adjectives was off-putting, and I wondered how other characters would stand out. Eventually, I could see each character in a distinct light. I felt Rhona’s sass, Ivy’s hilarity, Glenna’s occasional rage, Teague’s gluttony, and Ragnald’s wisdom. I could relate to other characters with ease. The author’s skill in creating such freshly distinct characters is commendable.
Although I had a problem with the author’s initial excessive and obvious use of adjectives, the storyline evened out, and the Seven Galaxies came into focus. I have no other complaints, so a rating of 4 out of 4 is fair. One can read this book as a standalone, but the reading experience will be much better if you read The Last Lumenian first. If you are looking for a new fantasy heroine to love, pick this book! There are strange creatures, magic, a little technology, and a whole new world in this series. While there are instances of couples, including Callum and Lilla, kissing, this book is suitable for teenagers and young adults who like fantasy.
******
True Teryn
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In True Teryn, the second installment to the series, we continue to follow Lilla’s adventures. The Archgod of Chaos and Destruction (DLD) has been wreaking havoc, and an Era War to restore balance is fast approaching. But first, Lilla, the last Lumenian and Sybil to the Archgoddess, has an important task to complete: she must recruit the Teryn army. Claiming a Teryn prince, Callum, as her spouse through Bride’s Choice should make it easy for her to achieve her mission. But since she is not a Teryn, the Teryn king will not respect her. To prove herself, she agrees to go on the impossible task of capturing the Heart Amulet for Goddess Laoise, the Teryn goddess. While in the spirit realm, she will fight to keep her friends alive and make unlikely allies if she hopes to survive against a powerful foe.
It seems that S. G. Blaise drew inspiration from notable fantasy works written before hers. But her storyline’s execution and her heroine are excitingly unique; this series has the makings of an iconic fantasy series. Lilla is an empathic heroine with a mind of her own, insecurities, a strong personality, and wastes no time to prove herself and put her life on the line for those she loves. It was gratifying to root for her. Even though it is Lilla who narrates the story, we can see how much her friends love and support her without being told. That tight-knit bond easily finds its way through the pages and into readers’ hearts.
Without reading the first book, The Last Lumenian, it can be tasking to settle into True Teryn. There were strange terms, so it was a relief to see a glossary that defined some new words. As this story picked up, I found beautifully executed action scenes. The author arranged a satisfying buildup of getting to know Lilla, her group of friends, and her situation as a Sybil in a strange land. A climax and its resolution quickly followed. The group’s experience on green Teryn was nothing I expected. Readers will be surprised to learn what it means to be a true Teryn. The unpredictability made the story even more splendid.
As a personal opinion, the omniscient narration may have suited this book and the world-building better. Initially, Lilla’s excessive use of adjectives was off-putting, and I wondered how other characters would stand out. Eventually, I could see each character in a distinct light. I felt Rhona’s sass, Ivy’s hilarity, Glenna’s occasional rage, Teague’s gluttony, and Ragnald’s wisdom. I could relate to other characters with ease. The author’s skill in creating such freshly distinct characters is commendable.
Although I had a problem with the author’s initial excessive and obvious use of adjectives, the storyline evened out, and the Seven Galaxies came into focus. I have no other complaints, so a rating of 4 out of 4 is fair. One can read this book as a standalone, but the reading experience will be much better if you read The Last Lumenian first. If you are looking for a new fantasy heroine to love, pick this book! There are strange creatures, magic, a little technology, and a whole new world in this series. While there are instances of couples, including Callum and Lilla, kissing, this book is suitable for teenagers and young adults who like fantasy.
******
True Teryn
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon