tatteredturtlestittertattle.wordpress.com/2018/04/27/rogue-legacy/

This is yet another title I found through NetGalley. If you are thinking about getting into book reviews this is a great platform to start with current and pre-released materials. The website has a section to give you tips to help write reviews and how to set yourself apart. I have had nothing but a positive experience with NetGalley (www.netgalley.com).

Rogue Legacy is the prequel stand alone to Kohanek's (www.jeffreylkohanek.com) main series called the Runes of Issalia. I have not read the Runes of Issalia, but I can tell you from reading this book I will be picking up a copy of this series. I was completed engulfed in this book. It reminded me of a mix of Princess Bride, The Black Cauldron and Howl's Moving Castle.



I am writing this review without knowledge of the Runes of Issalia series, so Rogue Legacy is my introduction into this world.  It is a fantasy, magical adventure that outlines the events that lead to the Runes of Issalia. There are many kingdoms, but the story takes place mainly in Vinacci and Kalimar. There was peace in this land for many years until The Hand, a faction of the Ministry of Issalia, sought to conform the kingdoms to follow their teachings, whether voluntary or by force. Lyra becomes caught up in their plot involuntarily which launches her into a whirlwind adventure where she follows the path of her destiny. I thought the story line was well thought out and Kohanek does a brilliant job at the execution of the plot. Not all of the characters are driven by their emotions, but by the need to fulfill a greater purpose and regard for all mankind. Kohanek uses these elements to move the plot along and he amalgamates these two concepts in a way that they flow harmoniously. The plot needs the characters and the characters need the plot, which continues to hold true to the underlying concept of destiny or fate throughout the book.

Lyra is the main character and I would describe her as a rose with thorns. By the end of the book she is a strong character physically and mentally, but she is also delicate and feminine. It is not an apparent battle but Lyra struggles with identifying as beautiful. She can easily recognize the beauty in other's, yet has a hard time recognizing her own physical beauty or allure. Lyra's femininity comes from her ability to play the lute and her singing voice can evoke emotions within people without their consent. In the beginning it is apparent that Lyra is rebellious, by sneaking out and playing knucklebones,  but she is cautious and unsure at times. She is humble. By the end of the book Lyra has grown into such a strong woman and it was a delight to feel like apart of her growth. She no longer holds back what she is feeling or what she wants to do. She goes for it!

Cal is a follower of Issalia, and has magical abilities. Cal is very dedicated to his belief of making the world a better and more convenient place for everyone to live. This is his driving force, putting his destiny first and his wants second. He is a noble character and Lyra learns much from Cal throughout the book. Cal has tunnel vision and some walls up when he meets Lyra, but throughout the book he realizes how important their relationship is to him. He is such a lovable character and in all of his ventures you want to see him succeed.

There are a few other important characters like Tiri, Gar and King Tallinor, but the bulk of the book is about Lyra and Cal. I do want to mention that the characters are all interesting in their own ways however and the end of the book wraps up nicely. For me personally, Rogue Legacy acts as a segue book into the next series and the ending is a good introduction and lead into the world of Issalia.

I have to say, I did finish this book in less than a week. I really enjoyed the writing style and the whimsical air to the book. There was such a smooth flow throughout that I would catch myself spending a few hours reading. I could feel and connect with the sadness that Lyra was experiencing and I would smile during the moments of care free happiness. I thought Kohanek did a good job portraying the range of emotions a person can experience and Lyra recognizes and empathizes with other characters, which helped to solidify Lyra's humanity regardless of her own tragedies.



Overall Rogue Legacy was an enthralling experience and has enticed me to read The Runes of Issalia, in fact I already bought the series for my kindle while writing this review! I will be honest, this was the last book I was going to read from the list of books that I had approved on NetGalley and I'm so glad I didn't wait. I'm giving this book 5 stars, which is a rarity for me. I stay at 4 maximum normally. This was one of those books that really gripped me and this may just be my own experience, but I do hope others can relate to Rogue Legacy in the same way.



I have provided the links here to purchase the books through Amazon:

Rogue Legacy

The Runes of Issalia