I can't believe I waited so long to get into this one. Really love the story, characters, and flow. I want a phantom now LOL

The author's writing captured the angst and turmoil with Ash & Marcus really well. I was rooting for the both of them. I also enjoyed a certain sailor, who wasn't what he said he was. He added depth and some fun to the story for me.

Definitely recommend this one for fans of YA Fantasy. I can't wait to dive into the next book. I sincerely appreciate Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the review copy. While a review wasn't required, I have offered my opinion and any thoughts expressed are my own.

A truly epic fantasy! Really thorough world building, unassuming MC who learns the intricacies of the world as we do! Advanced middle grade and up fantasy fans will enjoy this book. Loved the found family and the adventure across land and sea.

As a huge enthusiast of YA fantasy, this kept me interested in the story but could have been stronger in some aspects of the story. I felt the romance dynamic could have been included in a more authentic and nonchalant manner, that ties well with the action and other points of the story. Overall, I was engaged by the book and would definitely read the sequel. Ash played a strong and well-rounded lead that I was able to connect and root for, especially with characteristics that I felt related to myself.

Due to some health issues, I was unable to get this book read and reviewed in a timely manner. I apologize.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

I read this book a while ago and am now just getting to reviewing it. I found this book enjoyable but found myself dragging a bit when it came to certain scenes. This quickly let up and I found myself racing to finish the book.

I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

This was a good read and an okay start to the series. There is a LOT going on, and I can tell it is setting the stage for future books. It was a little hard to follow at times, and I wish the plot had focused on more of the backstories and character details and depth. Overall a fun YA read!

When I was given this book by the publisher in an exchange for an honest review I didn't quite know what to expect except it was a fantasy and I love fantasies.

I really enjoyed the plot and the characters, it kept me intrigued and flipping through the pages as fast as I could. When the book ended on a cliffhanger I had to have the 2nd one immediately.

I would highly recommend this book.

The first in the series of an epic fantasy adventure. Marcus, the heir must go to test his phantom to be a yellow robe. Phantoms are pretty cool like a patronus but with the power and strength of a giant. But all have different phantoms. He brought along a whole crew to be tested but they had been chased there then all hell broke loose. I loved the path of Marcus' childhood friend Ash who is a non savant and his scribe. She meets an interesting young man on the ship and Marcus seems a bit jealous. There's a huge cliffhanger after something awesome happens.
Thank you entangled pub for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

This was a really great fantasy. I loved learning all about this new world. Ash was my favorite character but hope to see more of the others come out in book two. I will admit there was a few slow spots but still definitely kept my interest throughout the book. I can’t wait to see where the story continues in book two. Very highly recommend for fantasy lovers!

This was an incredibly immersive fantasy world to be in.
The author has created such a lush world with intriguing characters, history, languages and phantoms.
I found the phantoms to be one of my favorite aspects as they were very unique to anything I’ve read before.

There is a lot of action and world building and at times I was little bored but the story really is good.
It does end on a cliffhanger but book two is out today (12/6) so you won’t have to wait.

Speaking of book two, I’m off to read that now!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy!

Set in a world where Savants raise Phantoms from the ground, war knocks on the door of a kingdom and the ocean holds more than sacrifices.

Ok its definitely more than just that but those were some of my top three aspects right next to the characters. Marcus is the next heir and has raised his warrior phantom. Now he has to travel to Aku to train for his yellow robes. He takes along his best friend, Ash, as well as Pipper and Samsen. No, I didn't forget Kaylin, but he is a character that is best to meet with little knowledge.

The magic system, I felt, was well rounded. The opening scene is mysterious and action filled and even with the limited background, it's easy to pick up on as the narrative grows. I enjoyed the world building, the characters journey and the comraderie in this novel.

There are a few things in the storyline I would've enjoyed more background on as well as a tone down on foreshadowing that took away from the cliffhanger a bit.  But overall, this was a fast paced young adult read I definitely enjoyed getting to dive into.

Now to get Kraken (I had too) on Curse of Shadows!! Ohhhh I cannot wait to see where the plot goes based off of the cover alone! Thank you Entangled Teen!!!!! Let the journey continue. True rating 3.5/5.

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Teen for the Advance Reader Copy, I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This story has a little bit of everything fantasy that you could wish for. Parts of it reminded me of so many different stories that I've read before, but in a refreshingly new and interesting way. I was confused and intrigued about the beginning and where the story was going, but by 50 percent in, I was fully invested and only stopped to charge my kindle and eat.

Ash is hilariously dry and manages to curse without cursing, Marcus is oblivious but well intentioned, and the rest of the cast of characters provide depth and expand the world building. The magic system is different from books that I have previously read and is much more complex and diverse than I expected.

I loved the book and can't wait to dive into Curse of Shadows when it comes out.

I got through this one very quickly as it was well paced and very easy to follow the plot. The world building was beautifully detailed and immersive and the I adored the characters, I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series and if any of the background characters get any development in the next book.

If you’re looking for a fun fantasy read then this is definitely one to keep in mind!

Thank you to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for sending me an e-arc of this one.

Crown of Bones (Amassia #1) | A.K. Wilder

Do I Recommend this Book: Yes

Things I Loved About It:
It Starts with a Bang
The structure of the classes
THE PHANTOMS
The Vivid imagery
The Writing Style
Pirates
Underwater Worlds
The Adventure / Fight Scenes
The Story Development
The Dual MC POV

I tried several times to get into this book and started it over 4 times. It just wasn't for me. I did not complete reading it and do not feel I can give an accurate review based on not completing the book. I will not be continuing with book 2 at this time.

Well, this was fun and definitely took me by surprise! I've really enjoyed my time in Amassia so far with Crown of Bones. It's a young adult, high fantasy, epic land and sea adventure filled with non-stop action, a harrowing and dangerous quest, friendships, kingdoms on the brink of war, hidden agendas, ancient prophecy, and a swoony, heart melting romance.

This story drew me in from the very start! I was incredibly intrigued by the magic system and unique spin on the 'familiar' or 'animal/human bond' with the Savants and Phantoms! It reminded me of His Dark Materials in that way, but definitely with it's own distinct twist. The characters were spunky and witty and at times, completely unexpected. The dialogue, both inner and outer, were fast-paced and filled with fun banter. I love Ash and Kaylin and their unique connection!! And the twists! And that cliffhanger! I didn't see them coming! I also really enjoyed the themes of sky and earth.

Excited to continue this adventure with Curse of Shadows!!

READ THIS IF YOU LIKE:
— multiple POVs
— YA epic fantasy
— phantoms x bone magic
— land & sea realms
— thrill of adventure
— kingdom & political intrigue
— prophecy x ancient warnings
— quests, training, academia settings
— cliffhangers!

Crown of Bones was one of the best books that I read this summer! It has everything that I look for in books,
- Action
- Badass MC
- Magic
- A Touch of Romance
AND
- an unbelievable ending!!!!!

I am so happy that I read this on just in time to hear of the second book because believe me! I will never forget that ending, engrained forever in my memory. One thing I do appreciate is that the plot is developed and I can connect with the MC. There have been numerous books where I read aimlessly and I cannot comprehend the plot for the best of me, but not this one! This is unforgettable !!! I cannot wait to get my hand on book 2!

Power plays, epic journeys, high sea adventures, bloody sword battles, magical creatures, bones, and romance all weave together to form a grabbing read.

Ash is a scribe, a job she loves. Her only wish is that she'd finally be promoted. Her goal seems small compared to her best friend's, who just happens to be the heir to the throne...if he could finally call forth his phantom and control it. To assist in this, he's sent across the see to a training ground with a small entourage, and Ash is assigned to be the recorder. But as their journey begins, the problems mount. Not only do they have to hide the Heir's identity thanks to the growing tensions between nations, but every step of their planned journey falls apart. With a seafaring guide seemingly being the answer to their prayers, they might have a chance to make it to the training grounds. But they have completely underestimated how many want to see the Heir dead at any price.

This starts with a prologue, which sets the tone and lays a bit of world building before the tale shoots off. From there, we meet Ash, a talented and engaged scribe, who's looked down upon due to her non-savant status (lack of a phantom or creature with a talent, which can be called forward as needed). But her strong sense of self-worth keeps her from being a victim, which was refreshing and inspiring. There are quite a few other characters, some of which gain more depth than others, but each has their own pull and shine. The chapters slide through various points of view, giving the importance and depth where it needs to be as the intrigue and secrets weave and grow.

Intrigue and agendas twist and turn as more and more comes to light. While there's political plays at home to launch the story, the journey uncovers the scheming of nations beyond...and even more beyond those. Ash also runs across ancient hints of secrets, which barely starts to unfold even as the first novel ends. As if this weren't enough, there are also personal agendas, which weave through the layers, oblivious to other strings beyond. It's hard to predict much on that end, which is wonderful, especially since it leaves so much for the series to explore. Other ends, however, are more predictable. Especially on Ash's end, but this is laid out well enough that it still works...and hints that there are also twists to come. Her last moments in this read hit with more of a quick blast then could have been, and I'm hoping the second book sweeps it up right to make it work. Which it really might pull off and more.

Toss in the bloody battle scenes, fighters who swirl with swords and relish in the dangerous game, hints of magic, golden friendships, and romance...maybe a tad too much flirty romance...and it's an action packed read with barely any breath to spare. Fans of adventure and intrigue with fantasy, realm wars, and more are going to enjoy this one quite a bit.