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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In The Crystal Shore: Book One of The Tempered Soul Series by Jo de-Lancey, readers meet Killian O'Shea, a man burdened with a sorrowful history and an adeptness for trickery. A new chapter begins in his life when Ren Thorncliffe, an anxious man, presents him with an opportunity for redemption. Tasked to locate a hidden magical relic capable of saving Ren's ailing father, Killian embarks on a quest that promises to rectify his past mistakes. He reluctantly joins forces with formidable pirate captain Lily Rothbone, igniting a storm of conflicting emotions and unresolved history. The journey leads Killian to a mystical portal, the Demon's Drop, catapulting him into a parallel world. Confronting a sequence of perilous trials orchestrated by an enigmatic species, Killian fights for redemption or faces death, leaving a legacy unredeemed.
The Crystal Shore by Jo de-Lancey has some of the most immersive world-building I've come across this year, mixed with engaging characters and super high-stakes adventure making for a very easy five-star read. The novel's length may be daunting, but it does totally hold readers' interest as it unravels its redemption quest. The romantic subplot isn't heavy-handed and allows for extra layers of tension. This novel is a testament to de-Lancey's skillful storytelling and ability to balance action, character development, and romance with the restrained hand of a seasoned, wonderfully talented writer. Readers anticipating a rich, character-driven fantasy adventure that anchors itself in elements of piracy and magic won't be disappointed. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing where we are taken next in The Tempered Soul Series.
