I enjoyed this although I really don’t understand why they made her 17…honestly it would eliminate the creep factor if she was at least in her 20s. ( )

"Shattered Kingdom" by Angelina J. Steffort is the first book in a new epic fantasy series, featuring Gandrett Brayton, an acolyte in the Order of Vala, whose life consists of training and deprivation and, once she reaches maturity, fulfilling missions for the Order as a fighting warrior.

Gandrett's path takes on a brand-new nuance, as Nehelon appears at the door, intended on borrowing her skills for a covert mission: Joshua, the heir of House Brenheran, has been kidnapped by her mortal enemies, the rulers of Denderlain.

Gandrett's mission consists of infiltrate Denderlain and free Joshua, a mission that would require finesse and a whole new set of skills much different of those learn at the Order.

Accompanied by Nehelon, who also has an agenda of his own, Gandrett embarks in a rescue mission that turns to be other than expected. Along the way Gandrett's journey turns into an epic tale of power struggle, deceit, friendship, loyalty and trust.

Angelina J. Steffort has crafted a brand-new world, populated with fully fleshed out characters: Gandrett is a fabulous female hero, both strong and vulnerable, with a solid moral compass and a mind of her own, while Nehelon is the perfect counterpart for the quest. All secondary characters play a very important role in the story and have each a very distinct personality.

The plot thickens page by page, revealing unforeseen twists and ramifications, that make the book into a real page-turner, and while the action maintains the reader on the edge of the seat, it is the fine humour and perfect chemistry between the characters what really makes the book exceptional. A story that lingers long after reading. I wish I could give it six stars, wait a second ..... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I just did! ( )