Review: An epic fantasy worth raving about. Fun and unique
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 26, 2012
It was a simple day of just going to a bookstore when Lyra stumbled on Cullen. Lyra thinks he is handsome and charming. But after drinking some of his delicious tea, she quickly realizes he isn't normal and can't shake the feeling she has met him before. Cullen knows what she is feeling and tells her to come back for a book that will explain it all. When Lyra does, she finds that the book and the bookstore are enchanted. She ends up in a beautiful fantasy world named Dragonspeir that is endanger of being taken over by the Black Dragon. And only Lyra can stop him. She must write a book accurately recollected of her time in Dragonspeir and have someone read it before the Red Moon. If she doesn't, the Black Dragon will destroy Dragonspeir. Lyra isn't sure where to begin and if she has the power to do it.Moore was very nice to have asked me to review this. I jumped on the opportunity because this is book sounded like a fantasy I always had. How incredible would it be to walk into a bookstore to get a book, but instead, the book comes to life for you? I love this. And I love it even more since it is packed with incredible and lovable characters to die for.Lyra and Cullen have an instant connection in the book right from the first chapter. You can see they were made for each other. Cullen has known Lyra since was younger, but thought he was just a character from the fantasy book she had. Come to find out that book was made for her. Then you had Lyra's sweet Aunt Jean who is battling cancer. Lyra is always looking out for her and Lyra may be ill, but she has a great sense of humor in the book that will make you smile. But she was very tough and not easily frightened. Actually, she knee more about Lyra than Lyra knew about herself.And the animals, oh boy the animals. This book is full of great talking animals that you will love instantly. My favorite was Noba, the pseudodragon. He was so sweet and adorable and very helpful. Kenzo was a tiger owl that was small, but definitely had a bit of an Napoleon complex. There was a unicorn that was actually quite the badass (that is by far the strangest thing I have said) and many more that make a huge impact on Lyra in the book. I applaud Moore for coming up with this world. It was truly epic.I liked the story. I loved how we get to see both our world and Dragonspeir. We get an interesting plot in both worlds. Lyra needed to get to the dark realm to learn all she could about the Black Dragon. I like the idea of someone outside of Dragonspeir learning about the "fictional" world so the Black Dragon losses power in his world. Very interesting concept. There also seems to be a bigger connection between the two, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Might be just me.I did have a little issue with the background stories. As much as I love our human characters, I don't feel like I wanted a little more history. For instance, we have Lyra. She has been recently divorced and finds it hard to tell Cullen what she feels for him. But we never learn what exactly happened between her and her ex-husband. We get a couple of things, he sounded like a jerk who didn't support her. But what was the final straw? Then again, I am sure she didn't want to talk about him. I also wish I knew more about Cullen and what has he been doing while waiting for Lyra.Also want to mention one character in this book named Revelin that raised some suspicions. He oddly kept running into Lyra and happened to get into her house to help her aunt. He seemed a bit too enthusiastic about reading Lyra's book. He is brought up twice in the book and I can't shake the feeling he is going to have a bigger part in the future. I hope we learn something, anything about him. They are obviously attracted to each other even though Cullen is THE guy, but I feel there is a lot more going on with him and it isn't all just a coincidence.But even with that, it doesn't take anything away from this story. In fact, it makes me anxious for more to come. So no hindrance at all.  Moore created such a great world that it left an impact on me. I was sad when the book ended because I wanted more. I love all the mystery in this book and some may be unsolved, but it leaves a lot to be discovered for book 2, Heritage Avenged, which I am dying for. I loved the romance in the book. There are two steamy scenes that I wanted to last a little longer, but without them, this book is quite PG-13. So if you are a prude, you will be safe. Definitely recommended for those who want an original and beautifully written epic fantasy.