Genre

Fantasy, Romance, Steampunk

Audience

Adults, Teens, Secular, Christian, Catholic

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2024

Themes

Immortality, power, virtue, worth

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Adelina is a regular librarian with no magical ability whatsoever, unlike the handsome star student mage, Leon, who frequents the library. But one day, while shelving an errant spell book in the forbidden section she meets a strange creature guarding the books. Hesitantly, she befriends it and discovers an entire race of creatures called the Cervara who guard magical books. Little does she know that mundane as she is, she has changed the course of her own life, her country and perhaps the entire world.

This refreshingly imaginative tale is set largely within a library—a book-lover’s dream! Catholic and Christian readers may find the way that it touches on deeper themes of immortality and eternity of particular interest, as well as the portrayal of an arrogant society that has moved, as it thinks, beyond the need to believe in a creator. This aspect of the plot may also interest secular readers since it is a fantasy world with fantasy religion, and there is nothing heavy-handed or overtly Christian.

The relationship between Adelina and Leon is wholesome in the good sense of the word. Neither are perfect, and the ups and downs of their relationship are convincingly shown. Refreshingly, an anticipated love-triangle failed to emerge, and the book was the better for it. The novel is as much romance as it is fantasy, so readers need to enjoy both genres to get the most out of it.

The first half of the story is fairly slow-burn in terms of pacing, then things kick off and maintain a faster pace for the second half. Some suspension of disbelief is required to believe that a crucial, plot-dilemma-solving discovery at the end had never been made before, but it did provide a satisfyingly balanced resolution. 

Although it has its serious moments and some characters die, it is quite a gentle story, without high levels of terror or intensity, and as such would be suitable for teens as well as adults, and would fit well in the cozy genre.

This book is not suitable for readers who are uncomfortable with traditional portrayals of magic, even when the magic is an inborn talent rather than a deal with the evil one. Most other readers, as long as they are comfortable with a strong romantic plotline, will find nothing objectionable. 

A fun, imaginative romantic fantasy novel with brave and appealing, but grounded and realistic, protagonists. A particularly fun read for all lovers of libraries!

Shadows: Visible and Invisible By Catholic Teens Books

Bringing the holy back to All Hallows, these short stories entertain & remind us of the mercy we all rely upon.

Hidden: Don’t Fear the Unseen by Verity Lucia

Clare Thomson wasn’t sure she believed in angels and demons – until she could see them.

Demons are Forever by Declan Finn

Marco flees from his fears of hurting Amanda by taking a job to train Vampire Hunters in San Francisco. Should be a quiet job right?

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!

Desperate Forest: The Forest Tales Series, Book 1 By Cece Louise

This RomCom fantasy adventure explores a princess discovering the realities of life outside of her kingdom and what true love is really made of.

Crusader St. Tommy NYPD Book 5 By: Declan Finn

Detective Nolan embarks on a Crusade against demonic sex traffickers trying to raise a demon.

Snares of the Nether World, by Mary C. Jones

A child and her guardian angel are sent out to rescue a man in danger.

How the Dragon Awards Could Uplift Catholic Fiction

If you don’t like current state of mainstream publishing and wish there were more widely available alternatives, this is your chance to help make that a reality.

Secrets: The Truth Will Out By Verity Lucia

Two little lines are about to change Elise’s perfect teen world.

I am Margaret by Corinna Turner

A dystopian nightmare that asks what you really believe and how far will you go to defend it.

Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

A political fantasy epic bildungsroman where Allia’s feminine heart becomes as powerful a force has her sword.

Trapped in Time by Jerry J. Weis

Can a team of misfit teens save the day in this wholesome time-traveling romp?

Arrow in Flight by Jane Lebak

If you want a gorgeous read delving into the world of angels that reflects actual accepted beliefs about them then this is the book for you.

2021 Summer Reading List for Preteens

Six series that are a must-have for your Preteen’s library ages 8-13

City of Shadows by Declan Finn

St. Tommy uncovers a group of elites using an ancient artifact to destroy London.

Bonvida’s Awakening, by C.D. Smith

Can Atticus live up to the legacy of his birthright? An adventure fantasy novel for teens about good and evil, friendship, and identity.

Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk

A great romantic drama about how authentic love can restore life to two people who have been hurt in the past.

The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Air Balloon by Corinna Turner

A wolf, a lamb, an air balloon—what could go wrong?

Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush

She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?