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Imperial Rand #1
Rand
An epic story of magic, heroism, love, and treachery, Rand is a magical world ruled by an imperial line of Queens.
Three hundred years ago, its most powerful talisman, a medallion called the Circle of Sheda, was taken through the portal and lost. When Dr. Savannah Cole is on an archeology dig in Algeria, she takes shelter from a violent sandstorm and discovers the mysterious artifact under a Berber ruin. She soon learns unknown forces are at play, powerful secret forces beyond her control. Compelled to wear the medallion, she's swept through the portal into Rand. There she must forge a new life and embrace her role as the wielder of ancient magic.
Never before has someone from the ‘other world’ been chosen to bear the medallion, someone not a warrior. It’s a puzzle Savannah must solve before it’s too late. Why has she been chosen? As she battles demonic creatures and dark sorcery, she fights to take her place as the rightful bearer in the long line of warrior women.
But the question remains. What is coming that the lost medallion must resurface after so many years?
Three hundred years ago, its most powerful talisman, a medallion called the Circle of Sheda, was taken through the portal and lost. When Dr. Savannah Cole is on an archeology dig in Algeria, she takes shelter from a violent sandstorm and discovers the mysterious artifact under a Berber ruin. She soon learns unknown forces are at play, powerful secret forces beyond her control. Compelled to wear the medallion, she's swept through the portal into Rand. There she must forge a new life and embrace her role as the wielder of ancient magic.
Never before has someone from the ‘other world’ been chosen to bear the medallion, someone not a warrior. It’s a puzzle Savannah must solve before it’s too late. Why has she been chosen? As she battles demonic creatures and dark sorcery, she fights to take her place as the rightful bearer in the long line of warrior women.
But the question remains. What is coming that the lost medallion must resurface after so many years?
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2021
126 people are currently reading
1403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
September 2, 2021
This was a fun and entertaining fantasy book. I have been a fan of Maggie Brown for a while now. I have read most of her books she has released with Bella with In the Company of Crocodiles and Playing the Spy, being my two favorites. While I haven’t had much time to use it, I got one of those cheap deals on a three month Kindle Unlimited membership. This was one of the first books I picked up as I’m always in search for fantasy and paranormal KU gems. It was not until I was offered a review copy of this book through lezreviewbooks that I was told that this is actually a Maggie Brown book. I had no idea when I got my KU copy, but I was really excited to hear that. Brown mostly writes romance and action romance so she took a chance to write fantasy, as an indie author, and I applaud her for that. I really like when authors step out of their lane and try something new. It might not always work, but in this case I think it did. This book did have its share of bumps, but it was a very entertaining read. This isn’t hard core fantasy by any means, but this is high action fantasy. There is a ton going on and the book ended up flying by. I would compare this to the book version of watching an action movie. While you might roll your eyes a bit, if you don’t take it too seriously you are going to have a very fun time.
I have to be mention that I found the beginning of the book to be a little clunky. Some of the dialogue didn’t feel very smooth for me and I found a few of the situations the main character was put in to be too improbable even for a fantasy story. However, once Brown was able to settle the characters into the right situation, she was able to get the book moving and everything was much better. It only took me a few chapters to feel like I understood the new world and the story flowed better. The book didn’t feel very info dumpy which is always a good sign since it’s hard not to info dump in fantasy. There is a lot going on in the story, and maybe too much, but it kept the book rolling. As I mentioned earlier, there were some bumps throughout the story and again they felt a bit more dialogue focused. A character might say ‘go ahead and ask me a question’. Then after the question was asked the same character wanted to know ‘why the hell are you asking me a question?’ and some other smaller issues like that. This is Brown’s first indie book and I think these are the kind of things that would get noticed if she got a couple more beta readers. What ended up being most important to me is that while I feel I have to mention these issues, they didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story.
While there is one character that seems to be more of the star of the book, we get to be in the POV of two main characters. What is nice about that is that one character is already in an established relationship, while the other has a chance for a new romance. Because there is no potential for romance between the two POV mains, you don’t care when the characters are apart on their own adventures. Since you are reading about one couple and one potential couple, when you include their partners it feels like the book really has 4 main characters. I don’t always do well with books that have more than two POV’s, but fantasy often requires many characters so having four mains but only two POV’s, was a nice choice that fit better for my personal tastes.
I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed three of the main characters. Each character has an important role in the story and they all felt very different with their own unique voices. I’m still on the fence about one character, I didn’t love her attitude, but I don’t want to say who she is as it is a tiny spoiler. When it comes to the star of the book I found her very easy to like however, she was a little Mary Sue-ish. Luckily for me, I honestly didn’t care. That’s not something that bothers me as long as a character isn’t a way over the top kind of Mary Sue. I also think the fact this character was an academic and almost the completely opposite in stature of these warrior women around her, once she became more and more of a badass I didn’t mind as much because she didn’t start off perfect. We get to watch her character put in some work so it wasn’t like everything was just handed to her.
Both romances were fun to read about but there is more action/adventure than romance. I think I would say it’s a 60/40 or 65/35 split with the action/adventure being the bigger number. Brown knows how to write romance so there still was plenty there to keep me happy and I liked that there were two main relationships. The established couple had to deal with some turmoil in their relationship, while the new potential relationship was slow burn. This is the first book of the series so Brown really took her time to build the romance from a first meeting to the potential for something real. I can’t wait to watch it evolve even more because this couple would be easy to ship.
I would recommend this one for fantasy and adventure fans. As long as you are into fantasy books that are high entertainment, but not hardcore fantasy, I think you would have fun with this too. I would not necessarily call this a gateway fantasy book –meaning that I don’t think it would appeal to even non-fantasy fans like a gateway book would- but I do think this would work for people who are still newer to the genre and don’t want to jump into a 1,000 page epic fantasy story yet. I enjoyed this book and I liked that it was fun and not stuffy. This is the first book in the series but it didn’t end on a cliffy. The first part feels complete, yet you know there are still big things to come. I think Brown did a nice job on how this story ended so you can absolutely read this now instead of waiting for all the books to come out. This book is currently on Kindle Unlimited.
I have to be mention that I found the beginning of the book to be a little clunky. Some of the dialogue didn’t feel very smooth for me and I found a few of the situations the main character was put in to be too improbable even for a fantasy story. However, once Brown was able to settle the characters into the right situation, she was able to get the book moving and everything was much better. It only took me a few chapters to feel like I understood the new world and the story flowed better. The book didn’t feel very info dumpy which is always a good sign since it’s hard not to info dump in fantasy. There is a lot going on in the story, and maybe too much, but it kept the book rolling. As I mentioned earlier, there were some bumps throughout the story and again they felt a bit more dialogue focused. A character might say ‘go ahead and ask me a question’. Then after the question was asked the same character wanted to know ‘why the hell are you asking me a question?’ and some other smaller issues like that. This is Brown’s first indie book and I think these are the kind of things that would get noticed if she got a couple more beta readers. What ended up being most important to me is that while I feel I have to mention these issues, they didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story.
While there is one character that seems to be more of the star of the book, we get to be in the POV of two main characters. What is nice about that is that one character is already in an established relationship, while the other has a chance for a new romance. Because there is no potential for romance between the two POV mains, you don’t care when the characters are apart on their own adventures. Since you are reading about one couple and one potential couple, when you include their partners it feels like the book really has 4 main characters. I don’t always do well with books that have more than two POV’s, but fantasy often requires many characters so having four mains but only two POV’s, was a nice choice that fit better for my personal tastes.
I’m happy to say that I really enjoyed three of the main characters. Each character has an important role in the story and they all felt very different with their own unique voices. I’m still on the fence about one character, I didn’t love her attitude, but I don’t want to say who she is as it is a tiny spoiler. When it comes to the star of the book I found her very easy to like however, she was a little Mary Sue-ish. Luckily for me, I honestly didn’t care. That’s not something that bothers me as long as a character isn’t a way over the top kind of Mary Sue. I also think the fact this character was an academic and almost the completely opposite in stature of these warrior women around her, once she became more and more of a badass I didn’t mind as much because she didn’t start off perfect. We get to watch her character put in some work so it wasn’t like everything was just handed to her.
Both romances were fun to read about but there is more action/adventure than romance. I think I would say it’s a 60/40 or 65/35 split with the action/adventure being the bigger number. Brown knows how to write romance so there still was plenty there to keep me happy and I liked that there were two main relationships. The established couple had to deal with some turmoil in their relationship, while the new potential relationship was slow burn. This is the first book of the series so Brown really took her time to build the romance from a first meeting to the potential for something real. I can’t wait to watch it evolve even more because this couple would be easy to ship.
I would recommend this one for fantasy and adventure fans. As long as you are into fantasy books that are high entertainment, but not hardcore fantasy, I think you would have fun with this too. I would not necessarily call this a gateway fantasy book –meaning that I don’t think it would appeal to even non-fantasy fans like a gateway book would- but I do think this would work for people who are still newer to the genre and don’t want to jump into a 1,000 page epic fantasy story yet. I enjoyed this book and I liked that it was fun and not stuffy. This is the first book in the series but it didn’t end on a cliffy. The first part feels complete, yet you know there are still big things to come. I think Brown did a nice job on how this story ended so you can absolutely read this now instead of waiting for all the books to come out. This book is currently on Kindle Unlimited.
September 18, 2021
A very impressive, full and expanding fantasy story with some badass and unique women loving women, in this matriarchal world of magics! Kindle Unlimited
This is so layered, it isn't as simple as 'chosen one arrives, gets cryptic messages, becomes stronger, unravels the truth and foils evil plans'. Now there is absolutely elements of that, but it's so much more detailed than that, it's truly satisfying to read, and I eagerly await the next installment. But that isn't to say this one doesn't end satisfactorily, it sure does - but with the elements of more to come, that make it all so exciting.
I enjoyed our MC Savannah a 32 year old Historian and Archaeologist while trapped after a sand-storm on a dig, finds a mysterious pendant hidden away, that she is compelled to put on. Her smarts and people savvy attitude really help her as she is transported to another world, a world of fantasy and magics! She learns she is a 'Chosen One' and there is much to discover. She is helped along by Tamasin, someone who had been away from her home on Rand, and her wife for years, after being called on a quest to find the pendant.
When Savannah gets sent to be a servant to a stand-offish and loner Commander of an Elite Army, she will have to use all her wiles to convince Commander Pela, she is her equal and not just a simple maidservant. There's lots of back and forth between the two, and yet the abrasiveness of Pela just showcases her loneliness. All the characters are intriguing and multi-layered, with backstories and secrets and personalities all very unique and yet also not perfect, either.
The mystery of the world and what is happening and why the medallion chose Savannah and exactly what evils may be lurking, unravels slowly, but surely throughout the story - but it never feels dragged out for the sake of tension. It feels organic and makes sense to the plot while giving personalities time to bond.
It's really so neatly woven, I found myself thoroughly impressed, so would absolutely recommend it to lovers of fantasy and also action-adventure, heck even mystery lovers may well enjoy this. There's all these elements and more. There's a lot of side characters, but again they are never thrown at us too quickly, so we can get to know them all properly, so none of it ever feels too overwhelming to understand or keep up with. Just very well done, and I really congratulate the author on it being so seamless, I really do not have a single complaint - other than having to wait for book 2 lol!
This is so layered, it isn't as simple as 'chosen one arrives, gets cryptic messages, becomes stronger, unravels the truth and foils evil plans'. Now there is absolutely elements of that, but it's so much more detailed than that, it's truly satisfying to read, and I eagerly await the next installment. But that isn't to say this one doesn't end satisfactorily, it sure does - but with the elements of more to come, that make it all so exciting.
I enjoyed our MC Savannah a 32 year old Historian and Archaeologist while trapped after a sand-storm on a dig, finds a mysterious pendant hidden away, that she is compelled to put on. Her smarts and people savvy attitude really help her as she is transported to another world, a world of fantasy and magics! She learns she is a 'Chosen One' and there is much to discover. She is helped along by Tamasin, someone who had been away from her home on Rand, and her wife for years, after being called on a quest to find the pendant.
When Savannah gets sent to be a servant to a stand-offish and loner Commander of an Elite Army, she will have to use all her wiles to convince Commander Pela, she is her equal and not just a simple maidservant. There's lots of back and forth between the two, and yet the abrasiveness of Pela just showcases her loneliness. All the characters are intriguing and multi-layered, with backstories and secrets and personalities all very unique and yet also not perfect, either.
The mystery of the world and what is happening and why the medallion chose Savannah and exactly what evils may be lurking, unravels slowly, but surely throughout the story - but it never feels dragged out for the sake of tension. It feels organic and makes sense to the plot while giving personalities time to bond.
It's really so neatly woven, I found myself thoroughly impressed, so would absolutely recommend it to lovers of fantasy and also action-adventure, heck even mystery lovers may well enjoy this. There's all these elements and more. There's a lot of side characters, but again they are never thrown at us too quickly, so we can get to know them all properly, so none of it ever feels too overwhelming to understand or keep up with. Just very well done, and I really congratulate the author on it being so seamless, I really do not have a single complaint - other than having to wait for book 2 lol!
April 1, 2022
Okay... this was beyond good
I love fantasy books and I'm always hard press to find ones that I like the main characters enough to care. Thus book was really good. All the characters, even the villains, were well written and intriguing. The world was woven well without it being bogged down and the same with the back story. You are given just enough of everything without losing focus of this story.
I'm really excited for the next one. And I am intrigued to find out more about Jazzine and her love interest.
Anyway, thus was a fun read and while a kU book, I'm very tempted to buy it, not the Kindle version but the actual book. Yea, I liked it that much.
I love fantasy books and I'm always hard press to find ones that I like the main characters enough to care. Thus book was really good. All the characters, even the villains, were well written and intriguing. The world was woven well without it being bogged down and the same with the back story. You are given just enough of everything without losing focus of this story.
I'm really excited for the next one. And I am intrigued to find out more about Jazzine and her love interest.
Anyway, thus was a fun read and while a kU book, I'm very tempted to buy it, not the Kindle version but the actual book. Yea, I liked it that much.
December 21, 2021
This is a fun and exciting read. The fantasy world is well constructed with all sorts of evil lurking. There is an eclectic ensemble of characters who fill the story and flesh out their fantasy world.
I found it easy to slip away from my reality and be immersed with Shaw’s. The premise has been used before by other authors yet Shaw made her novel unique by holding back many of the salient facts which keep her main character and reader in the dark. I applaud this technique as it ties the reader tightly to the MC’s path to discovery. As well, it is admirable to see that rather than fluster and confuse the MC when she lands in a different world she uses her education and research abilities to understand her surroundings and circumstances.
The beginning of the book dragged a bit and could have condensed the circumstances which lead to the MC meeting Tamasin. The pacing of this section felt off but by chapter three Shaw hit her stride and I became consumed by Rand. Shaw has me hooked as I impatiently wait for book two to be released.
I found it easy to slip away from my reality and be immersed with Shaw’s. The premise has been used before by other authors yet Shaw made her novel unique by holding back many of the salient facts which keep her main character and reader in the dark. I applaud this technique as it ties the reader tightly to the MC’s path to discovery. As well, it is admirable to see that rather than fluster and confuse the MC when she lands in a different world she uses her education and research abilities to understand her surroundings and circumstances.
The beginning of the book dragged a bit and could have condensed the circumstances which lead to the MC meeting Tamasin. The pacing of this section felt off but by chapter three Shaw hit her stride and I became consumed by Rand. Shaw has me hooked as I impatiently wait for book two to be released.
August 29, 2021
Amazing action-paced book written with a sharp pen.
The author takes you into a detailed fantasy adventure filled with magic and enchantment.
Ruled by an Imperial Queen, Rand has enjoyed peace for centuries. After Savannah, an archeologist from Earth finds their sacred medallion which has been lost for three hundred years, she is met by a strange warrior woman and swept through the portal into the alien world. The finding of the medallion heralds a coming war, and Savannah battles demonic creatures and witches to take her place as the rightful bearer of the medallion.
This book kept me totally enthalled as the tale of heroism and self-discovery enfolds. The pacing is perfect and the setting unique. I liked that, although we know there's more to come, Rand is rounded up into a stand-alone book.
I can easily recommend this book as a fabulous first installment of an epic fantasy.
The author takes you into a detailed fantasy adventure filled with magic and enchantment.
Ruled by an Imperial Queen, Rand has enjoyed peace for centuries. After Savannah, an archeologist from Earth finds their sacred medallion which has been lost for three hundred years, she is met by a strange warrior woman and swept through the portal into the alien world. The finding of the medallion heralds a coming war, and Savannah battles demonic creatures and witches to take her place as the rightful bearer of the medallion.
This book kept me totally enthalled as the tale of heroism and self-discovery enfolds. The pacing is perfect and the setting unique. I liked that, although we know there's more to come, Rand is rounded up into a stand-alone book.
I can easily recommend this book as a fabulous first installment of an epic fantasy.
May 9, 2022
This was my kind of fantasy. All of the action, romance, magic and secret destinies WITHOUT all the impossible to pronounce names, hard to read maps, court intrigue and political machinations that frequently have me skimming large chunks of mainstream high fantasy to get to the "good parts".
Rand is all good parts.
This is a totally accessible Sapphic fantasy if you're thinking about trying something out your comfort zone, or like me, no longer have the attention span for overworked world-building.
Having said that, there were a few times my suspension of disbelief tripped up and I could have used a little more background.
Overall Rand (see how easy that is to say?) is an engrossing, well-written and fun fantasy with easy to cheer for characters and villainous villains. Well done, Sylvia Shaw.
Rand is all good parts.
This is a totally accessible Sapphic fantasy if you're thinking about trying something out your comfort zone, or like me, no longer have the attention span for overworked world-building.
Having said that, there were a few times my suspension of disbelief tripped up and I could have used a little more background.
Overall Rand (see how easy that is to say?) is an engrossing, well-written and fun fantasy with easy to cheer for characters and villainous villains. Well done, Sylvia Shaw.
February 12, 2022
Loved it. Wicked bummed there's not another book out.
February 8, 2022
3.5⭐️ – As an archaeologist, Savannah Cole is used to discovering other people’s stories. She never expected the story to become her own, until a mysterious medallion calls to her. Compelled to wear it, she searches for answers about it until she finds herself travelling through a portal to another world, full of magical creatures, on the brink of war.
Rand is Maggie Brown’s first foray into fantasy, under a different pen name. It took me a while to get into this story but I’m glad I stayed with it. The world-building is awesome and it makes sense that it would need a while to set. I also hadn’t realized when I started reading that Rand was the first book in a series, which makes even more sense. The good news is, the second book came out recently and I’m looking forward to reading it.
There are a lot of characters in this first book, but I won’t mention any other than Savannah because the way she meets each of them is important to how the story unfolds, and part of the fun is not knowing what happens next. The plot is complex and there are all sorts of twists, not all of which are resolved in this book. There are two main storylines, one of which remains open, leading to book 2, The Forgotten Realms: Book 2: Imperial Rand.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rand is Maggie Brown’s first foray into fantasy, under a different pen name. It took me a while to get into this story but I’m glad I stayed with it. The world-building is awesome and it makes sense that it would need a while to set. I also hadn’t realized when I started reading that Rand was the first book in a series, which makes even more sense. The good news is, the second book came out recently and I’m looking forward to reading it.
There are a lot of characters in this first book, but I won’t mention any other than Savannah because the way she meets each of them is important to how the story unfolds, and part of the fun is not knowing what happens next. The plot is complex and there are all sorts of twists, not all of which are resolved in this book. There are two main storylines, one of which remains open, leading to book 2, The Forgotten Realms: Book 2: Imperial Rand.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2022
So effing exciting!
June 11, 2024
4 Stars
This book was a buffet of characters, magic, creatures and everything a good fantasy novel encompasses. The imagination behind the mystery that urged the story forward unfurling the histories of a beautiful matriarchal world is phenomenal. I am very excited to dive in to book 2!
This book was a buffet of characters, magic, creatures and everything a good fantasy novel encompasses. The imagination behind the mystery that urged the story forward unfurling the histories of a beautiful matriarchal world is phenomenal. I am very excited to dive in to book 2!
July 3, 2024
This book was bonkers, in a good way.
The story follows Savannah, who is an honest-to-god chosen one transported into a magical alternative land, destined to face down a terrible evil. This is just the first book though, so no terrible evil appears - instead we are treated to a kind of discount Evil Witches R Us, some flashy magic powers, and some slightly confusing romance.
It's well written, but the pacing is slightly off. There are a LOT of ideas, themes, and thoughts going on. Demons! Underground secret cities! Royalty, lost wives, talking horses, shapeshifters, rivalries between army groups, old women living inside medals, everyone has a secret important ancestry! All of it just gets jammed in there. It's quite bananas really, after a while you kind of just go with it.
That's the key to the book really - just go with it. It's not a book to think too hard about, it just wants to entertain you. It's not bad - it's actually quite good! Genuinely well written, totally cheesy, compelling, and internally consistent. When I reached the end, I automatically went to find more - and was pretty sad to find I'll have to wait, because it only came out in JUN.
Work and life are hard. Reading this book is easy, and also bonzo. Four stars.
The story follows Savannah, who is an honest-to-god chosen one transported into a magical alternative land, destined to face down a terrible evil. This is just the first book though, so no terrible evil appears - instead we are treated to a kind of discount Evil Witches R Us, some flashy magic powers, and some slightly confusing romance.
It's well written, but the pacing is slightly off. There are a LOT of ideas, themes, and thoughts going on. Demons! Underground secret cities! Royalty, lost wives, talking horses, shapeshifters, rivalries between army groups, old women living inside medals, everyone has a secret important ancestry! All of it just gets jammed in there. It's quite bananas really, after a while you kind of just go with it.
That's the key to the book really - just go with it. It's not a book to think too hard about, it just wants to entertain you. It's not bad - it's actually quite good! Genuinely well written, totally cheesy, compelling, and internally consistent. When I reached the end, I automatically went to find more - and was pretty sad to find I'll have to wait, because it only came out in JUN.
Work and life are hard. Reading this book is easy, and also bonzo. Four stars.
July 8, 2021
Excellent fantasy. Sword and sorcery with some genuine surprises. Rand is a world ruled by a line of imperial queens and Savannah, an archaeologist on a dig in the Sahara, finds their magical medallion, with a little help, and is taken into this other world. A common enough theme in fantasy stories but the author manages to give fresh twists to the plot which kept me absorbed. The story moves quickly, with no tedious prose in between. I thought the characters real and dynamic, and had, to my delight, pronounceable names. One of my pet peeves in fantasy are the ridiculous names that only confuse the reader.
Can’t wait for the second book in the series.
Can’t wait for the second book in the series.
January 9, 2022
The writing was somewhat lacking
The story overall was pretty good if a bit rushed. The main problem I had was with the writing. It seemed somewhat juvenile and focused more on telling rather than showing. At some points I almost wanted to put it down just because I found myself constantly rolling my eyes.
The story overall was pretty good if a bit rushed. The main problem I had was with the writing. It seemed somewhat juvenile and focused more on telling rather than showing. At some points I almost wanted to put it down just because I found myself constantly rolling my eyes.
January 8, 2023
2.5 stars. Sad trombone noise, etc. I wanted very badly to like this, but unfortunately it was a whole lot of set up, not enough action, and when we did get action, I was somehow bored by it. I'd have loved it if there was more romance, but alas, there wasn't. This follows archaeologist Savannah Cole as she's swept into a different realm with magic and different species and fantastical animals. She discovers she's the chosen one, and there's evil coming that needs to be thwarted.
My biggest gripe with this is just a fundamental dislike that I'm beginning to realise I have. I really don't like when, in fantasy worlds, a character is just being fed knowledge and power through some object/through circumstances they don't understand, and said object is used as a plot device to parcel out information when needed. A niche nitpick, but when I wrack my brains for things that impeded my enjoyment, that fact kinda stands out. It just feels very cheap and unsatisfying, to have the reader and the character held hostage by that. It's just also not as exciting as all the other fantasy tropes. I would much prefer to read a coming of age, or a hero's journey, or a million and one training sequences rather than "ancient medallion gives me powers".
As for the rest, it was all fine, but I just wasn't that into it. I was kinda bored with a lot of this. Lots of things about the world-building made me go "okay, sure". The writing was fine, but I can't say I liked it. I was willing to get on board with all of the characters but none of them really endeared themselves to me. Pela came the closest, because I loved everything about how she was described, her strength and her scars and her tattoos, and other spoilery things that came to light. I really really enjoyed the romance between her and Savannah, and I just wish it had gotten more page time? But alas. This isn't fantasy romance; it's fantasy with a couple romantic subplots, and I can't fault the book because I want it to be something it's not. (I can't fault it, but I also can't deny that I just didn't like this very much.)
I listened to the first part of this via audiobook, and I genuinely had to stop and switch to the ebook because I was ready to DNF. I don't think someone has to have a particular kind of voice to narrate fantasy, but this narrator just continuously sounded chipper and bright, kept lilting her voice up, and every character was given either an American accent or a forced fake one. It grated on my nerves so much, and I really can't recommend the audio. Honestly, I have zero interest in continuing the series. Oh well!
My biggest gripe with this is just a fundamental dislike that I'm beginning to realise I have. I really don't like when, in fantasy worlds, a character is just being fed knowledge and power through some object/through circumstances they don't understand, and said object is used as a plot device to parcel out information when needed. A niche nitpick, but when I wrack my brains for things that impeded my enjoyment, that fact kinda stands out. It just feels very cheap and unsatisfying, to have the reader and the character held hostage by that. It's just also not as exciting as all the other fantasy tropes. I would much prefer to read a coming of age, or a hero's journey, or a million and one training sequences rather than "ancient medallion gives me powers".
As for the rest, it was all fine, but I just wasn't that into it. I was kinda bored with a lot of this. Lots of things about the world-building made me go "okay, sure". The writing was fine, but I can't say I liked it. I was willing to get on board with all of the characters but none of them really endeared themselves to me. Pela came the closest, because I loved everything about how she was described, her strength and her scars and her tattoos, and other spoilery things that came to light. I really really enjoyed the romance between her and Savannah, and I just wish it had gotten more page time? But alas. This isn't fantasy romance; it's fantasy with a couple romantic subplots, and I can't fault the book because I want it to be something it's not. (I can't fault it, but I also can't deny that I just didn't like this very much.)
I listened to the first part of this via audiobook, and I genuinely had to stop and switch to the ebook because I was ready to DNF. I don't think someone has to have a particular kind of voice to narrate fantasy, but this narrator just continuously sounded chipper and bright, kept lilting her voice up, and every character was given either an American accent or a forced fake one. It grated on my nerves so much, and I really can't recommend the audio. Honestly, I have zero interest in continuing the series. Oh well!
September 1, 2025
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I love portal fantasies!! I use to read them all of the time when I was younger, so when this book was made available for the Sapphic Book Club, I had to read it. And I am so glad I did. This book follows Savannah, an archeologist, who finds an amulet and is transported to another world, Rand.
I really like Savannah. She is smart and tough and perfectly suited for this adventure. I love that Maggie Brown (writing as Silvia Shaw) choose for Savannah to be an archeologist because it made her very well equipped with being able to handle surviving and even succeeding in a whole new world.
While the book is mostly told from Savannah's POV, there is an additional POV from Tamasin, the citizen of Rand that finds and guides Savannah. I like Tamasin, she provides a nice balance to Savannah by already knowing the world. Each of them have their own separate romance subplots, which made any separations not a big deal or frustrating. I liked one of the romantic partners and can't wait to learn more about them!
The world building is fascinating. The best part of portal fantasies, is that the main character describes what they experience in the new world through a lens that is easy to understand. Having Savannah describe characters through info that is familiar. I loved the magic and magical creatures and I can't wait for the promise continuation of exploring the magical side of Rand.
There were some bumpy moments and I, personally, would have liked a little more time with the characters after the big climatic moment, but none of these took away from my enjoyment of the book. I cannot wait for the sequel and wish I had it with me right now!
Highly recommend this for fans of fantasy, portal fantasies, or Maggie Brown!
Update 12/19/23
Listened to the Audiobook and really enjoyed it. Susan McGurl was an excellent narrator. Hoping that the other books get audiobooks!
4.5 stars
I love portal fantasies!! I use to read them all of the time when I was younger, so when this book was made available for the Sapphic Book Club, I had to read it. And I am so glad I did. This book follows Savannah, an archeologist, who finds an amulet and is transported to another world, Rand.
I really like Savannah. She is smart and tough and perfectly suited for this adventure. I love that Maggie Brown (writing as Silvia Shaw) choose for Savannah to be an archeologist because it made her very well equipped with being able to handle surviving and even succeeding in a whole new world.
While the book is mostly told from Savannah's POV, there is an additional POV from Tamasin, the citizen of Rand that finds and guides Savannah. I like Tamasin, she provides a nice balance to Savannah by already knowing the world. Each of them have their own separate romance subplots, which made any separations not a big deal or frustrating. I liked one of the romantic partners and can't wait to learn more about them!
The world building is fascinating. The best part of portal fantasies, is that the main character describes what they experience in the new world through a lens that is easy to understand. Having Savannah describe characters through info that is familiar. I loved the magic and magical creatures and I can't wait for the promise continuation of exploring the magical side of Rand.
There were some bumpy moments and I, personally, would have liked a little more time with the characters after the big climatic moment, but none of these took away from my enjoyment of the book. I cannot wait for the sequel and wish I had it with me right now!
Highly recommend this for fans of fantasy, portal fantasies, or Maggie Brown!
Update 12/19/23
Listened to the Audiobook and really enjoyed it. Susan McGurl was an excellent narrator. Hoping that the other books get audiobooks!
June 9, 2024
Like, I'm still only halfway through, and I'll finish the book, and I appreciate the fact that it exists, and I might read the second and third books in the series, unfortunately the writing and the narration, just isn't there. It could be great if it was executed better.
If you're going to try your hand at world building then go all in. Use the correct language, the correct materials, the correct mindset for the characters. Like someone with an advanced degree from the modern world ends up in a magical realm and she's fine with it. Just another day. Two sentences about her bills and old life. And she knows exactly how to live without running water or a working bathroom. Or knows medicinal herbs. Or a soldier from those times/realm wouldn't know how to set a dislocated shoulder.
I don't knwo-will update if I feel the need....
If you're going to try your hand at world building then go all in. Use the correct language, the correct materials, the correct mindset for the characters. Like someone with an advanced degree from the modern world ends up in a magical realm and she's fine with it. Just another day. Two sentences about her bills and old life. And she knows exactly how to live without running water or a working bathroom. Or knows medicinal herbs. Or a soldier from those times/realm wouldn't know how to set a dislocated shoulder.
I don't knwo-will update if I feel the need....
September 20, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I picked it up because I'd seen two other members of SBC talking a lot about it, and it was well and truly worth the hype they gave. I read the first half in about three hours, and it kept going strong.
This book centers around Savannah, an archaeologist who finds a strange medallion in the Algerian desert and soon after is transported to another world. Once she gets to this world, she discovers that she is the Chosen One, and must save the world from an unknown, incoming destruction.
The world that this book builds is interesting, with a detailed and well discussed history that gives clues as to what may be coming in the future. I really look forward to learning more about . I also can't wait to see how both Savannah and the supporting characters grow, as well as .
This is a book that I'll definitely be anticipating the release of the sequel.
To say I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I picked it up because I'd seen two other members of SBC talking a lot about it, and it was well and truly worth the hype they gave. I read the first half in about three hours, and it kept going strong.
This book centers around Savannah, an archaeologist who finds a strange medallion in the Algerian desert and soon after is transported to another world. Once she gets to this world, she discovers that she is the Chosen One, and must save the world from an unknown, incoming destruction.
The world that this book builds is interesting, with a detailed and well discussed history that gives clues as to what may be coming in the future. I really look forward to learning more about . I also can't wait to see how both Savannah and the supporting characters grow, as well as .
This is a book that I'll definitely be anticipating the release of the sequel.
July 18, 2023
Adventurous
Amazing. I love it when I read a book in one sitting because it is usually good. And this one was exceedingly captivating. The whole magic world is something to behold. The women, strong powerful woman. Stunning. I can't wait to find out where this adventure leads to.
Amazing. I love it when I read a book in one sitting because it is usually good. And this one was exceedingly captivating. The whole magic world is something to behold. The women, strong powerful woman. Stunning. I can't wait to find out where this adventure leads to.
February 1, 2022
Rand is an epic tale of two parallel worlds, our earth and Rand, with magic, Monsters, female warriors, winged horses, witches and demons. There are not one, but two lesbian romances here, that of the main heroine, Savannah, who’s been promised her dream woman by a vision, that saved her from certain death in a sandstorm in the Sahara, and that of the warrior woman, who comes to find her and take her “home” to Rand, Tamasin and her wife.
Savannah is thrown into a world she hardly understands as the saviour of said world and has to learn about herself and what she really is almost without help. Tamasin becomes her friend, but due to their different ancestry and the differences of the worlds they grew up in respectively, it is very difficult to truly understand each other. The fact that Tamasin’s wife is the queen of the whole of Rand and jealous of Savannah without any real reason doesn’t help either.
Even though Rand is clearly labelled as volume one, this could also be read as a stand alone and would remain a satisfying, gripping read nevertheless.
Savannah is thrown into a world she hardly understands as the saviour of said world and has to learn about herself and what she really is almost without help. Tamasin becomes her friend, but due to their different ancestry and the differences of the worlds they grew up in respectively, it is very difficult to truly understand each other. The fact that Tamasin’s wife is the queen of the whole of Rand and jealous of Savannah without any real reason doesn’t help either.
Even though Rand is clearly labelled as volume one, this could also be read as a stand alone and would remain a satisfying, gripping read nevertheless.
April 3, 2022
The story starts quite well, but once the action moves to ‘Rand’ it was still interesting, but it didn’t always seem to fit together properly, in fact I would probably describe it as ‘clunky’.
There are a lot of good ideas, even if some might be a bit clichéd, but they weren’t always linked together very well. It seemed like the author was in a rush to get to the next idea and hadn’t really thought through how they were connected. It didn’t help that she also tried to pack too much in, especially during the final confrontation.
Overall I enjoyed most of the book and if possible would have given 3.5 stars.
There are a lot of good ideas, even if some might be a bit clichéd, but they weren’t always linked together very well. It seemed like the author was in a rush to get to the next idea and hadn’t really thought through how they were connected. It didn’t help that she also tried to pack too much in, especially during the final confrontation.
Overall I enjoyed most of the book and if possible would have given 3.5 stars.
July 20, 2022
What an awesome ride!
I seat here writing this review at 6 am! Of course this means I've been unable to put this book down once I started it! Can't wait for the next. Magic, warrior women, MC is so lovable. Aaahhhhh I could say so much, but I mentioned it's 6 am. Off to bed (thank heavens is Sunday). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I seat here writing this review at 6 am! Of course this means I've been unable to put this book down once I started it! Can't wait for the next. Magic, warrior women, MC is so lovable. Aaahhhhh I could say so much, but I mentioned it's 6 am. Off to bed (thank heavens is Sunday). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 19, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
Rand is a fantastical story about seemingly ordinary woman (Savannah) brought into an extraordinary world by a tall, beautiful and mysterious stranger. She wrestles with a newfound power that has been thrust upon her, all while trying to tame an unruly and rather grumpy Commander. The idea is that this magic will help Savannah save this new world from unknown dark force.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and honestly couldn’t put it down. I started it on a rainy day in New Zealand while supremely hungover and needing the comfort of a good book. I managed to devour it in a day. As a lover of fantasy and sapphic novels this was an enthralling read, if sometimes a bit blunt with its intrigue. However, this did not put me off and I’m looking forward to reading Book 2: The Forgotten Realms. I am thoroughly hooked by the characters and their stories.
Savannah is fiercely empathetic and very relatable in her reactions and is my favorite character. A close second is her love interest Pela, who I hope we get more of in the second book. I’d like to see some chapters from her point of view so we can get a clearer understanding of her. This could be said for some of the other orbiting characters like the Queen and possibly Rhiannon.
I would say this is quite an easy read, and simple enough to follow, making it a great option for people new to the genre. I’m used to a little more back story and world building in what I read but I still really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. Plus there’s plenty of time to get into the nitty gritty details in the second book.
Rand is a fantastical story about seemingly ordinary woman (Savannah) brought into an extraordinary world by a tall, beautiful and mysterious stranger. She wrestles with a newfound power that has been thrust upon her, all while trying to tame an unruly and rather grumpy Commander. The idea is that this magic will help Savannah save this new world from unknown dark force.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and honestly couldn’t put it down. I started it on a rainy day in New Zealand while supremely hungover and needing the comfort of a good book. I managed to devour it in a day. As a lover of fantasy and sapphic novels this was an enthralling read, if sometimes a bit blunt with its intrigue. However, this did not put me off and I’m looking forward to reading Book 2: The Forgotten Realms. I am thoroughly hooked by the characters and their stories.
Savannah is fiercely empathetic and very relatable in her reactions and is my favorite character. A close second is her love interest Pela, who I hope we get more of in the second book. I’d like to see some chapters from her point of view so we can get a clearer understanding of her. This could be said for some of the other orbiting characters like the Queen and possibly Rhiannon.
I would say this is quite an easy read, and simple enough to follow, making it a great option for people new to the genre. I’m used to a little more back story and world building in what I read but I still really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. Plus there’s plenty of time to get into the nitty gritty details in the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
The Imperial Rand is a lesbian power fantasy of epic proportions. I would have worshipped this book as a tween.
What it's about: for centuries the land of Rand has been protected by a magical amulet. Called the Circle of Shedu, it bestows unspeakable powers on its wearer - the Chosen One. When the amulet goes missing, Rand falls out of balance. No longer protected by its mighty heroes, the land falls prey to dark cults and magic, and the people lose hope.
When Tamasin is sent through a magic portal to find the amulet, she doesn't know what to expect. Certainly, she doesn't expect to find Savannah: a puny archaeologist with more wit than sense.
What I thought: this is a hard book to rate.
Let's start with the bad: this is a lesbian reskin of the white farm boy-to-hero fantasy trope we all know and mock. The rest of the rainbow flag is conspicuously missing. So is race. So is any mention of disability. If we consider omission a form of erasure then this book definitely pleads guilty.
Worse is the amulet origin story. For whatever reason, we have a white archaeologist who absconds with an ancient artefact from an Afghan dig site because of a "feeling"... Let's just sit with that one for a moment.
So why the high rating? Because despite these complaints this is a really good adventure story. We have three books that are brilliantly plotted and feature some lovely romance. We get magic, good versus evil, nice versus mean, and hope versus despair. We get feel-good fantasy without grimdark vibes. This is the lesbian Walt Disney film we never had. The one with the flying Pegasii and the pretty princesses that fall for the gruff warrior queens.
So yes, it's got issues. There's the lack of inclusion, the u-haul relationships, the fade-to-black sex scenes (in which we're first told that everyone is definitely naked) and the very convenient plot threads that all lead to a just so outcome.
But it doesn't matter, I still really enjoyed it.
Here's hoping that the follow-up (to this trilogy) will centre the rest of humanity too.
"It seems I underestimated you. You're educated, resourceful, and cunning as a sewer rat."
What it's about: for centuries the land of Rand has been protected by a magical amulet. Called the Circle of Shedu, it bestows unspeakable powers on its wearer - the Chosen One. When the amulet goes missing, Rand falls out of balance. No longer protected by its mighty heroes, the land falls prey to dark cults and magic, and the people lose hope.
When Tamasin is sent through a magic portal to find the amulet, she doesn't know what to expect. Certainly, she doesn't expect to find Savannah: a puny archaeologist with more wit than sense.
What I thought: this is a hard book to rate.
Let's start with the bad: this is a lesbian reskin of the white farm boy-to-hero fantasy trope we all know and mock. The rest of the rainbow flag is conspicuously missing. So is race. So is any mention of disability. If we consider omission a form of erasure then this book definitely pleads guilty.
Worse is the amulet origin story. For whatever reason, we have a white archaeologist who absconds with an ancient artefact from an Afghan dig site because of a "feeling"... Let's just sit with that one for a moment.
So why the high rating? Because despite these complaints this is a really good adventure story. We have three books that are brilliantly plotted and feature some lovely romance. We get magic, good versus evil, nice versus mean, and hope versus despair. We get feel-good fantasy without grimdark vibes. This is the lesbian Walt Disney film we never had. The one with the flying Pegasii and the pretty princesses that fall for the gruff warrior queens.
So yes, it's got issues. There's the lack of inclusion, the u-haul relationships, the fade-to-black sex scenes (in which we're first told that everyone is definitely naked) and the very convenient plot threads that all lead to a just so outcome.
But it doesn't matter, I still really enjoyed it.
Here's hoping that the follow-up (to this trilogy) will centre the rest of humanity too.
September 13, 2021
3.75 stars
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a lot going on. The main character is a historian/archeologist who studies warrior women throughout history and collects different artifacts. After being pulled into the world of Rand, her life is turned upside-down but ultimately she becomes enthralled by real life warrior women, magic, and more. She must learn to adapt to the changes that just keep coming while she discovers what role she is meant to play.
I think there were definitely some places where I would have preferred more showing than telling. And it was a little too fast paced at times, leading to moments where so much had happened that I couldn't remember it all. Also the conflicts seemed a little too quickly resolved and could have been drawn out more. There were several instances where something bad happened but it was essentially resolved by the end of the chapter or in the next one. That being said I did like the book. I thought the story and the characters were interesting and was constantly itching to know more. I know first books in fantasy series have a lot of world building to do which can sometimes be difficult but I think this did a fairly good job of it. I can tell there is gonna be more that needs to be introduced properly/explained in the next book but I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. Overall this was a solid, enjoyable read and I'll definitely have to tune in for book 2!
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a lot going on. The main character is a historian/archeologist who studies warrior women throughout history and collects different artifacts. After being pulled into the world of Rand, her life is turned upside-down but ultimately she becomes enthralled by real life warrior women, magic, and more. She must learn to adapt to the changes that just keep coming while she discovers what role she is meant to play.
I think there were definitely some places where I would have preferred more showing than telling. And it was a little too fast paced at times, leading to moments where so much had happened that I couldn't remember it all. Also the conflicts seemed a little too quickly resolved and could have been drawn out more. There were several instances where something bad happened but it was essentially resolved by the end of the chapter or in the next one. That being said I did like the book. I thought the story and the characters were interesting and was constantly itching to know more. I know first books in fantasy series have a lot of world building to do which can sometimes be difficult but I think this did a fairly good job of it. I can tell there is gonna be more that needs to be introduced properly/explained in the next book but I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. Overall this was a solid, enjoyable read and I'll definitely have to tune in for book 2!
August 26, 2021
I can't resist a world full of magic and mystical beings. Rand definitely delivered. The story of Savannah had me at the edge of my seat. The author did such a good job with her descriptions and the character's emotions that you can't help but be sucked right into this magical land called Rand. I have not read a lot of lesbian fantasy books so I had no idea what I was in for. This book had a perfect blend of action, magical elements, and romance. The romance fit the story and characters and did not feel forced. It was so well written that I highly recommend giving this book a read. Even if female romance isn't your thing.
Savannah is a young lady who knows what she wants from her life. She has a good career as an archeologist. Her life changes when she finds a secret room during a haboob storm in Algeria. Inside she finds an ancient artifact that magically binds itself to her. Now as the chosen one, her life won't ever be the same. But she now has a sense of purpose, like she is needed.
A few years later she is met by a tall Amazon like woman who takes her through a portal to another world. A world ruled by powerful warrior queens. Her kind of place, a place from her dreams.
Savannah soon realizes that this magic realm is where she belongs. She has a connection to the animals and spirits. Tamasin and Valeria, the queen of Rand, need Savannah's help but are unsure if they can rely on an inexperienced girl from earth. Savannah quickly proves that even though she is small, she has a warrior's heart. She truly is the chosen one.
If only she could find out what threats are lingering in the shadows. Crow shifters, a witch coven, and demons are lurking in Rand and Savannah is the only one with the power to defeat it. That is, if she can discover and harness her inner power and the power in the Circle of Sheda that chose her. If she can't then dark magic may take over the realm.
With a fun cast of characters like Sunflower the flying horse, a city of deformed hybrids, and a warrior who can shift into a hawk, this story had me hooked at every page.
I recieved an ARC copy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
Savannah is a young lady who knows what she wants from her life. She has a good career as an archeologist. Her life changes when she finds a secret room during a haboob storm in Algeria. Inside she finds an ancient artifact that magically binds itself to her. Now as the chosen one, her life won't ever be the same. But she now has a sense of purpose, like she is needed.
A few years later she is met by a tall Amazon like woman who takes her through a portal to another world. A world ruled by powerful warrior queens. Her kind of place, a place from her dreams.
Savannah soon realizes that this magic realm is where she belongs. She has a connection to the animals and spirits. Tamasin and Valeria, the queen of Rand, need Savannah's help but are unsure if they can rely on an inexperienced girl from earth. Savannah quickly proves that even though she is small, she has a warrior's heart. She truly is the chosen one.
If only she could find out what threats are lingering in the shadows. Crow shifters, a witch coven, and demons are lurking in Rand and Savannah is the only one with the power to defeat it. That is, if she can discover and harness her inner power and the power in the Circle of Sheda that chose her. If she can't then dark magic may take over the realm.
With a fun cast of characters like Sunflower the flying horse, a city of deformed hybrids, and a warrior who can shift into a hawk, this story had me hooked at every page.
I recieved an ARC copy from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2022
3 stars. I can tell this is a series that is going to be better as you go along. I liked the writing, the world and fantasy is rich, and I liked the characters. However, this felt like a set up book with lots of info dumps and world building. I was honestly bored for half of it until things started happening and I got a bit invested. The ending was great and definitely makes me want to continue on but as it is this was just fine. It was well written but the pacing really made it a slog to get through.
August 19, 2021
Incredible
A fantastic and enthralling fantasy story. A must read. A thoroughly engaging story line and characters make it hard to put down. Cannot wait for book 2!
A fantastic and enthralling fantasy story. A must read. A thoroughly engaging story line and characters make it hard to put down. Cannot wait for book 2!
November 23, 2021
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
Savannah, a young archeologist, finds a magic relic during an excavation in Algeria.
During a conference about Warrior Women society of the past where she explains
"She figured heroic military women were probably seen by men as a threat to their masculinity, but women were fascinated by them. Treadmills and Pilates were no substitute for down-to-earth gritty female strength. Xena be damned. These historical Amazons were the real deal” (I laughed loud at this statement).
At the conference she meets a mysterious stranger and gets transported to a mysterious land called Rand.
Rand has a matriarchal society and many strong warriors and intricate political plots. Savannah falls for the old history, fantastic creatures and powerful women that surround her new reality.
Not only Savannah is lost and far from home but she is now the "chosen one" bound to save this new reality from a mysterious incoming doom.
I was a bit weary at first of the "chosen one" role with a prophecy to fulfill, until the prophecy mentioned a future promise of a lover awaiting.
As the hopeless romantic I am and my weakness for sapphic romance I was gladly baited into the plot.
I felt on a personal level the stubbornness of the main character to prove she was more than what everybody thought of her at first glance, considering her harmless and not worth her important love.
Savannah's strength lies in her curious brain, historical knowledge and general sassiness.
The events happening in the story are a lot, and often the problem solving is based on the “hints from the magical item but it works as a subterfuge to keep the story flow steady.
I think the fast pacing could also be seen as the xcited narrator trying to describe these new experiences and all of this beautiful magical world unrolling in front of her eyes.
My favourite arc was the one where Savannah has to Prove to a grumpy Commander that she is worth her respect, and for that she has to start training with the other recruits of the queendom’s guard.
The "hero in the make training process" is slow enough to make it realistic and hilarious at times.
A map would have been handy to put in place the different locations mentioned and to “see” better the world layout.
As a whole Rand was lovely to read, I enjoyed a cheerful, playful writing style.
I would recommend this book as a fantasy adventure that's light and entertaining to read, fast paced and with colorful character descriptions, and the variety of characters you get to adore.
Enjoy!
Savannah, a young archeologist, finds a magic relic during an excavation in Algeria.
During a conference about Warrior Women society of the past where she explains
"She figured heroic military women were probably seen by men as a threat to their masculinity, but women were fascinated by them. Treadmills and Pilates were no substitute for down-to-earth gritty female strength. Xena be damned. These historical Amazons were the real deal” (I laughed loud at this statement).
At the conference she meets a mysterious stranger and gets transported to a mysterious land called Rand.
Rand has a matriarchal society and many strong warriors and intricate political plots. Savannah falls for the old history, fantastic creatures and powerful women that surround her new reality.
Not only Savannah is lost and far from home but she is now the "chosen one" bound to save this new reality from a mysterious incoming doom.
I was a bit weary at first of the "chosen one" role with a prophecy to fulfill, until the prophecy mentioned a future promise of a lover awaiting.
As the hopeless romantic I am and my weakness for sapphic romance I was gladly baited into the plot.
I felt on a personal level the stubbornness of the main character to prove she was more than what everybody thought of her at first glance, considering her harmless and not worth her important love.
Savannah's strength lies in her curious brain, historical knowledge and general sassiness.
The events happening in the story are a lot, and often the problem solving is based on the “hints from the magical item but it works as a subterfuge to keep the story flow steady.
I think the fast pacing could also be seen as the xcited narrator trying to describe these new experiences and all of this beautiful magical world unrolling in front of her eyes.
My favourite arc was the one where Savannah has to Prove to a grumpy Commander that she is worth her respect, and for that she has to start training with the other recruits of the queendom’s guard.
The "hero in the make training process" is slow enough to make it realistic and hilarious at times.
A map would have been handy to put in place the different locations mentioned and to “see” better the world layout.
As a whole Rand was lovely to read, I enjoyed a cheerful, playful writing style.
I would recommend this book as a fantasy adventure that's light and entertaining to read, fast paced and with colorful character descriptions, and the variety of characters you get to adore.
Enjoy!
July 6, 2023
A friend who knows I love fantasy stories turned me on to this one by Silvia Shaw. So happy she did because the world-building and description of Rand and the magical beings are awesome. Bought the next book and looking forward to more stories by this author.
November 6, 2021
Terrific
What an epic tale! The only thing wrong is it ENDED. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this book and this author.
What an epic tale! The only thing wrong is it ENDED. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this book and this author.
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