Christina Bacilieri's "The Last Refuge" is like diving into a world where suspense and fantasy collide. The characters feel real, and the plot keeps you hooked with unexpected twists. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a mix of mystery and fantasy.

I went into this book blind after seeing the author on Instagram and falling in love with the cover and premise of this book. It took me 6 hours to read over 5 days.

The characters and the world. made this book for me. There were some instances where I thought things were a. little too convenient, however, that did not detract anything from this wonderful dystopian read. The found family trope in this was one of the best I have read and I loved the group that has been created.

I want to start off by saying the cover design is so beautiful and is what initially caught my eye and made me want to find out what this book was all about! The author does a great job of building up the details of the world of Atterah and meshing the high tech dystopian society with the whimsy of magic. I loved that the plot was unique and also fast paced - while reading, I never felt like there was a lag in the story. I also really enjoyed the main character Kiera and the close relationships she forms/the development of those connections throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading YA fantasy!

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ARC reader for NetGalley
This novel has all the right elements to be the next big YA dystopian fantasy bestseller! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would! Wildly imaginative, Orwellian futuristic world building. Very clever, strong female main character & brilliant side characters & found family. A fantastic, fast moving plot. All sorts of fantastical beings, shifters, witches, werewolves, wizards, mermaids, sirens and more! Kiera finds herself thrust into Etabon, the last refuge for magic, forced to bargain with an evil wizard to save her life and must use her newfound magic to fight in a tournament and regain her freedom. Such an amazing read! I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next installment.

The cover for this book is so beautiful! This was such an interesting book. And the world building was great and the romance was perfectly done.

First, the cover is STUNNING! Obviously the important part is inside, but damn does it look good on my bookshelf. This is the perfect beginner fantasy in my opinion. It is so easy to understand the world building due to the authors writing style. I absolutely loved the found family and the growth of the FMC. My only criticism is some of the dialogue between two specific characters was sometimes a bit cringe (I am not a softy though, so take what you will). Of course, as a romance girly, I really wanted more of that. With that being said though it was fun to try to guess who the romance could develop between as the series continues. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, especially as a debut novel!

What an intriguing premise! A dystopian, futuristic world in which magic has been restricted to one isolated region in order to exert control over its people.

Things I liked:
-The world building and magic system were so unique and drew me right in. A super cool meld of sci-fi and fantasy.
-The different magic forms for folks "human" under usual circumstances. What a beautiful metaphor for who we all might be underneath if we allow ourselves the freedom to look closely.
-This book did one of my favorite things a fantasy can do - immerse the reader in a world just different enough from our own to disarm them, then use that world as a social commentary on our reality. The allegory regarding power, political corruption, poverty, environmentalism and extractive economies was spot-on.
-A thread throughout the book of the magic of nature and its inherent wisdom

Things I didn't love:
-The writing style in the book just wasn't for me. I felt that the character building needed a more natural evolution to make it believable.
-The pacing, with time jumps, felt too rushed as well, though I loved the chapter headings.

Overall a truly unique work! A huge, genuine thanks to Netgalley and the author for entrusting me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book the found family,discovering yourself and just enjoyable story can’t wait to see where the next book takes us

The cover art for this books is absolutely gorgeous. The world building is interesting and unique. The book felt like an urban dystopian-esque fantasy with fighting matches.

This book has a lot of potential. I liked the writing style. It had some interesting characters.

Thank you to NetGalley, author, and the publisher for this advanced reader copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

What a fun, magical adventure! The Last Refuge is set in a dystopian world where the government is overbearing, surveillance robots are always around, and magic - even the mention of it - has been outlawed. The only chance a citizen will have to glimpse magical creatures or powers is by visiting the sanctuary land of Etabon.

At 16 years old, Kiera lives a different life from some of her more affluent classmates. When given the opportunity to change her family’s circumstances, she has to decide just how far she will go. What unfolds is an adventure filled with shapeshifters, magic, found family, and danger. You’ll be rooting for good to prevail through the magic that only the bonds of love and friendship can provide us.

It was an interesting dystopian book. I love the idea of world building, of shifters and the magic system including all the power politics and the tournament. Also love Kiera as lead and Attalin and Gabby and all the supporting characters. They made a great found family. Also loving the fast pacing and action packed plot, but I do wish we will get more background story and character-focused background stories in the next book.
Overall, a great read!

The Last refuge
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The last refuge takes place in a city separated by magic, but lets it’s citizens travel to a small part to join with their magic and take part of a festival. When Kiera agrees to take a group to see the festival she gets shoved into the world of magic and has to bargain and fight to save herself and her mother. This book has great characters and is a new adventure to be a part of. The story could use a little more world building and background to help understand what is really going on but besides that this is a really great start to Christina’s writing career!

*3.5 stars*

In THE LAST REFUGE, we meet Kiera, a girl who has always been haunted by her dreams, which leave her with a longing for something more. But Kiera doesn’t know what that could even look like, as she and her mom face a day-to-day existence mired in poverty and a government hellbent on oppression. Magic has been thoroughly wiped out in Atterah; the sole exception being the mysterious Etabon, where corrupt world leaders are exploiting magical beings for their own ends. Lured in by an offer she can’t refuse, Kiera ends up crossing the border into Etabon, where she learns more about herself and what she’s capable of. Meanwhile, all that is at stake for the world’s dwindling magic—and those gifted with it—becomes startlingly clear.

Christina Bacilieri’s debut shows a lot of promise, despite some structural pitfalls. I really enjoyed her writing style and the clever way she develops several character relationships throughout the text. What I think THE LAST REFUGE could use more of is enhanced world-building. When it comes to establishing different places, as well as character backstories, there are multiple instances where the author leans on telling her readers, vs. showing them. This method detracts from the otherwise thoughtful nuances woven into this plot. On another note, I would have also liked to see the slow-burn romance develop a little more than it did.

No matter, as THE LAST REFUGE is still a strong book overall. I expect it will appeal to a wider audience—particularly for any YA or fantasy fans looking for a wholesome new read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crescent Ink Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.

4.5
I love to support debut authors because it only gets better from this point onward. This first volume of the Stealing Sanctuary Series. I was drawn to this cover art immediately but the surprise was to discover that this is a sci-fi fantasy, meaning that the technology is advanced in a futuristic way in a different planet and society. The Board oppresses magic (even dreaming of it is forbidden).
Fast pace in the sense that a lot happens quickly, lots of information but the author explains well the rules of her world-building and magic.
Kiera, the main character is quickly thrown into a dangerous challenge and learns fast that magic is not only in her dreams. There are other magical creatures including shifters.
I love a trial's story and the difficulties to overcome. It commonly leads to great character growth. There is romance as well, pixies, werewolves, mermaids...
Kiera is brave and determined. She will do all she can to do the right thing.

I've read an ARC version so I won't quote but will use my own words. The character says something like this: Wishes to take away the pain but knows it's not possible. It's often easier to num it, but the character preferred the other would be allowed for another to enter.

This first volume sets the world, mood, and characters and we're ready for what comes next.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this e-ARC.