Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic Book 1)

Megan

Actually well written!! Great balance of plot, spice, and action!

"I loved this book! It's well written and engaging. There is a pretty even balance of plot, action, and spice. You follow Kenna from her mortal home in the bog to the underground city of Mistei where she becomes a servant to a High Fae Princess who is undergoing trials to strengthen her magic and become immortal. Kenna helps her Princess through the grueling tasks and court intrigue. She meets the mysterious Fire Prince and agrees to help spy for him to free the fae from their tyranical King Osric. At the same time she gets caught by the Void Prince, favorite of the King, and makes a deal to spy for him against the Fire Prince. Caught in the middle of 3 factions and the deadly trials Kenna has to figure out how to stay alive. Absolutely fantastic read! And sometimes the 2nd book in ther series is a little bit slow or even a let down, but not this series. So much yearning and tension in Princess of Blood to keep you kicking your feet. Devoured both books in a weekend. Can't wait for the next book! ["

Show more

January 18, 2026 Verified Purchase

Rhiannon Green

A sentient knife, games and trials, and Fae, oh my!

"A sentient knife, games and trials, and Fae, oh my! This was a very unique twist on these common tropes. So much happened from start to finish that I'm probably going to need a minute before I jump into book two, but also, I can't wait to see what happens next at the same time Kenna was one of the better FMCs I have read in a long while . Her growth arc is strong and she proves herself time and time again without being a giant brat like so many FMCs we read. I thought a lot of what happens was predictable, as I figured most of it out ahead of time, but it was so well done I didn't care. My However, check your triggers on this book. There are some scenes that are off-putting. Also, in the beginning I struggled with keeping the characters straight. All that plays into why I rated it a 4 instead of 4.5. This is definitely a book you should add to your TBR. Especially if you're looking to release a little feminine rage. Can't wait to start Princess of Blood and see where Kenna's story takes us! ["

Show more

January 30, 2026 Verified Purchase

Q-Q

Perfect balance of adventure and political intrigue

"Rating: 4.75 stars I regret reading this book so soon, because now I have to wait until 2025 for the second book! This book had me at the edge of my seat. So many twist and turns. It had a perfect balance of adventure and political intrigue. The dangerous trials were so creative. It really test the worth of the participants as they face their fears, desires, and inner darkness. The political conflicts were also well written, filled with secrets, deception, and betrayal. Although some of it is predictable, there are still certain treachery twists that will shock you. As for the characters, I loved that they are all morally gray. However, the two characters I found really interesting was Kanna, our FMC, and Lara, the Noble Earth Fae which our FMC serves. Kanna is a survivor. Although she did frustrate me when she was enamored with a particular prince, I still loved her strength, loyalty, and ferocity. I especially loved her development throughout the story as she struggled with her conscience while her taste for vengeance and power grew. Lara' s personality on the other hand, is a juxtaposition to Kanna. She is compassionate, but submissive. However, as the story progressed, she slowly learns to stand up for herself and her neutrality starts to waver. With everything that happened at the end of the novel, I am curious to see what happens to her next. Finally, for the romance, I really appreciate that it was more of a subplot, because instead of overshadowing the complex political plot line, it adds more tension and depth to it. The romance was sort of a love triangle, but honestly we all know who the true love interest is. Overall, it was such an exciting and captivating read. The ending really sets it up for the next book and I cannot wait to see what happens next. ["

Show more

December 5, 2024 Verified Purchase

Lyndsay Juhl

political intrigue and trials.

"I loved Sarah Hawley other series so I was exited to read this. Which is nothing like her Glimmer flakes series. I really enjoyed this book. Is it original…No but it was well done, her writing is great, it was fast paced, good world building, great villain, and of course a morally grey fae! Count me in. Kenna was likable, and was never the damsel in distress. She fought for what she believed it. And I just really liked her. The twists at the ends I saw coming, although one was different than what I thought. Over all a good read and I look forward to book 2 ["

Show more

July 12, 2025 Verified Purchase

Rose

Enjoyable but Derivative

"A very enjoyable "popcorn" read. But unfortunately is very predictable and very derivative of ACOTAR. Right down to the obvious Tamlin and Rhysand stand ins. I'm very much a vibe reader and I usually don't think too hard about plot intricacies, but dang you can see every twist and reveal coming from a mile away. Still enjoyable for what it is, but very forgettable as just another ACOTAR wannabe. ["

Show more

July 10, 2025 Verified Purchase