I quite like Talyen and the characters around her: her Wolves. I kinda hated her leaving them. Am so curious about Cuinn....I was sure he was someone else, but the wings!! Not gonna be a spoiler.. Looking forward to next book. Well written and set up with well-set up characters.

I wasn’t sure as the story began? It seemed to drag a little. But, as the story went along, I was hooked. I enjoyed how Lisa tied the two stories together. By the end of final chapter, I knew it is going to be another of the stories I will enjoy reading.

I wasn’t totally sure what to expect, but this book was so good. Well written, captivating and with a badass female main character you can root for. There were parts in the middle that dragged a bit - I feel like it could have been condensed more, especially when nothing is really happening besides Talyn training her reluctant band of petty criminals into the fantastic team that comes together at the end. I was not really shocked on who the Shadowhawk was, but it did kind of piss me off and frankly, it wasn’t who I wanted it to be. This character pissed me off so much, and there wasn’t even really a glimmer of likability with the way he treats Talyn when not I’m his guise of Shadowhawk. I get why he does it, but it just makes him SO unlikable. But overall it was a great story and I’m excited to keep going. Also FYI - part of the reason I read this book is because it’s been shelved on goodreads as a romance, and there’s zero of that in my opinion. Just warning in case that’s part of the appeal

stayed up late reading because I had to know what happened. Haven’t enjoyed a new author this much since reading David Eddings

Lisa has written a masterful tale that leaves you wanting more. Even better than her Mage Chronicles, which is also excellent. For all you purists, I only found 1 single error in the entire series (I bet you can't find it). I can hardly wait for her next series. Can we clone her so she can write faster?

This series has been enjoyable from the first page to the last it was very well written and the world building and character development was excellent I look forward to reading the other books from this author I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy books give it a try I think you will be happy after reading these books.

I have had a friend beg me for months now to read this series. OHHHHH BOY WHY DID I WAIT. I loved this?! It had all the things I love about adult fantasy!! The rag tag group of criminals turned found family warriors is my kind of jam, ALWAYS. I loved this group and how the butting heads turned to watching each other’s back. It was powerful and they made me smile and want to shake them. I can’t wait to see this group continue to blossom. I adored our main character Talyn! Coping with the loss of her battle partner she is adrift and forced to create a new protection force for the prince. I loved her tenacity and strength. The way she kept getting back up and worked hard. Talyn is intelligent and just full of the things I need in a FMC. I am stoked to continue her story. Shadowhawk?? OHMGEEEEEE. I had a million theories and I am happy to say many of them were correct. I loved his character development as well and the part he plays in the larger scheme of things. I need more. more. more. and will be continuing this series ASAP. This first book is severely underrated. Overall audience notes: - Fantasy - Language: a little - Romance: closed door - Violence: high - Trigger/Content Warnings: weapons violence, attempted kidnappings, attempted rape (brief scene with side characters), assault, loss of loved ones, grief and depression depiction

Enthralling , exciting and well written series

I listened to this saga on audiobook after I had eye surgery and couldn't read. Danielle Cohen's superb performance of this engrossing saga turned what could have been a very frustrating time into a pleasure. Lisa Cassidy's series has it all! Intrigue, espionage, redemption, power struggles, friendship, battles, magic and plot twists galore... Also the best sidekick twist! Completely engrossing! There is a romance that blossoms in the third book so it isn't the main focus. It was refreshing to have romance develop from mutal respect and friendship rather than instantly sparked from physical appearance. I have to have the other eye operated on and plan on listening to it all again!

I went back and forth with this book. It’s a lot of cloak and dagger. And it wasn’t going anywhere. Until the end. I had thoughts of who shadowhawk might be at first, but then book doesn’t give you enough to guess one way or the other. Which made it even better at the end

I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next book which I am reading now. It's something different which is nice in the fantasy world.

You’ll never guess the ending. It’s been a long time since I’ve said that but this engaging world and deep characters kept me guessing. The deep grief and angst is a bit intense at times but worth it. You want to cheer all these characters on!!

I binged this so hard. The plots, the characters, the intrigue. Sophisticated writing, entrancing, I couldn’t put it down. I KNEW that was who Shadowhawk was but the whole time I kept second guessing myself because it was done well enough to keep me guessing. Absolutely amazing will be getting the second book and probably everything she writes. *chefs kiss*

This story was beautifully written and filled with real emotion. (I apologize in advance for potential spoilers.) Talyn’s survivor’s guilt and struggle to rebuild her life and her self confidence felt so relatable. Each character started out beaten or broken in some way and to watch the growth and healing that they all undergo was wonderful. Add to that the flood, the edge of your seat game of alleya, and the final twist at the end? A truly masterful story and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Sass and swagger and believable characters! Great story that was exciting and inspiring! Already downloaded book 2 and I am starting now!!!

Lisa Cassidy has amazing Epic Books with all of the feels. Adventure, Romance, Death, Military War Manuevers, Magic, Winged People. Man. She is one great writer!

I bought all the dark skull books and loved the many powers that the heroine developed. I couldn’t put the book down till I read them all.

I enjoyed reading this and bought the rest of the books. Not quite so formulaic as some fantasy novels and there are some good twists along the way.

A good read. A slightly differing plot to most fantasy stories. Some parts were quite easy to work out before the ending. Nevertheless well recommended. Looking forward to the next story.

What a crew, all that intrigue,great story telling and I love everyone of them , Moving to the next one.

This is a wonderful light fantasy that will keep you very engaged! Great characters that really draw you in. I enjoyed it very much and will certainly read the next book 😉

Never leaves you trying to figure out how or why! Every page worth reading. Great story line and character development.

Okay, Lisa. You have gone and done it! I never, ever have left a review on the first book in a saga! I just don’t; until now. You style is very reader-friendly and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this “first book”! There are too many highlights to mention here. Just suffice to say; “I’m hooked” and will be reading all your books! Please always have leading summaries in your subsequent books in your sagas! It really helps for us elderly folk! The clean reading is also superb! You are a star! Thanks!

This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved it, Can't wait to read book two in the series. Loved the world building and the characters.

Total immersion into these thrilling adventures, characters you can believe in and root for, every book leaves you thristy for more and never fails to deliver

I cant make up my mind if I want to read the 2nd book. I love this book in hindsight, and I think the excessive descriptions were purposeful but not a great fit for an ADHD reader like myself. Great story however, and I need a good TL;DR for this series.

I really enjoyed this series. It was clean and took me throug.h all the emotions with the characters I would recommend any day .

While it took me a little while to get into- it grabbed on then held me to the pages for the rest. Great read. Love that the storyline is not dominated by romance or even the hints of it. Just enough excitement and progression of story line. Looking forwards to the next book

Several twists & turns along the way. The ending was a semi-cliffhanger. But also answered a couple questions I had while reading. I can’t wait to read the next & hope as good as this one.

Okay, first of all this book is well thought out. The characters are well developed. And second of all I really wasn’t expecting that twist at the end!!! Damn.

The book cover drew me in but I stayed for the action and excitement! Loved the different take on magic and the mystery surrounding Alyx. The groups resolve and companionship are endearing. Huge fan

This entire series is really good. The characters and world building are deep and their adventure has all the right ups and downs. I laughed and cried. I was so satisfied with the entire thing. Thank you so much!! I would have written an individual review for this book but I literally could not stop between to write a review. I had to keep going. And now I just have the feels. I recommend this for people who like a good story with characters who grow and face tough choices. If you like twists and turns and staying on the edge of your seat, this series could be for you. I truly loved it!

Well written, strong and believable heroine, great character development, and good pacing. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the second.

An epic journey with twists, turns, battles and will power. The characters couldn’t be more perfectly depicted, the action is intense and the hope for a better world leaps off the pages. Please please please let there be another series of books

From the cover I expected to be in a more traditional epic fantasy novel. Mage academy is what this book really is. Though things got a little slow in places, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m new to mage academy books but this was a great start to the genre and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series

Enjoyed the team building and wolf pack. Main character strengths and internal struggles. The end was so unpredictable with a unexpected twist! On to book two..can’t wait

Once the plot was established, it was hard to put the book down. Talyn and her Wolves fighting the good fight.

If you are after a masterful tale with lots of twists and turns and something for everyone, look no further, you have found it. Take a journey with loveable and complex characters as they heal from past wounds to make a better future.

Loved the characters and how they all merged. Theres were quite a few exciting twists and turns in the plot that made it hard for me to put the book down. You've created a world I'd like to visit. Thanks for a great series.

Are you the kind of reader who wants to read a book that does more than tell a story? A book that makes you want to know the characters? One that keeps you guessing but also gets you thinking like the characters? Are you a reader who wants to be lost in the world you are reading about? If so, this series is for you. From characters with carefully designs backgrounds to a world so well constructed you BELIEVE it exist, A Tale of Stars and Shadow draws you in an doesn't let you go! (I would also recommend Lisa Cassidy's other series, The Mage Chronicles.)

Are you the kind of reader who wants to read a book that does more than tell a story? A book that makes you want to know the characters? One that keeps you guessing but also gets you thinking like the characters? Are you a reader who wants to be lost in the world you are reading about? If so, this series is for you. From characters with carefully designs backgrounds to a world so well constructed you BELIEVE it exist, A Tale of Stars and Shadow draws you in an doesn't let you go! (I would also recommend Lisa Cassidy's other series, The Mage Chronicles.)

A brilliant fantasy series that kept me entertained and eager for more Would definitely recommend to all Keep writing Lisa

Five stars for great plot, astonishing female lead. And great attention to grammar etc. made this a really great read. I am a 71 year old child. Who in the great ethereal hinterland that is the '. net' decides the age constraints should be soundly spoken to. Thank. You

Her writing is the best of what one could expect of this genre. It’s not Dickens, but sometimes Fantasy is about a really fun story and benefits from concise writing. The characters are engaging and interesting and the plot is well thought out and full of delightful twists and turns. I am now on the fourth book of the series and none of them felt like a boring in between book. The characters can be a bit predictable but I never lost interest. Those that read this genre are at heart escapists and will love being entrenched in a fast-moving an interesting plot that veers between mage school, court intrigue and secret agendas. Such an easy and fun read.

A fun story about the granddaughter of a Dark Lord who grew up on the streets after her mother's death as well as a horrid orphanage experience. I really liked this book and its story of Lira's adventures. She's a character who is a lot more cynical than your typical Young Adult mage school heroine and I feel that elevated the material. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

This series is surprisingly refreshing and different with well developed characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

Unlike most heroines, Alyx is a noblewoman whose reluctance to leave the comforts of home sets the stage for this excellent coming-of-age story. Well-written. I am excited to begin Book 2.

Unlike most heroines, Alyx is a noblewoman whose reluctance to leave the comforts of home sets the stage for this excellent coming-of-age story. Well-written. I am excited to begin Book 2.

The story was a bit slow to start but exciting and absorbing once you get into it. There is a lot of mystery and suspense which will no doubt start to be revealed in the next book. Can’t wait.

It is a joy to read a book that makes full use of the English language to evoke emotion and stir a passion for life. With rich language skills, a fantastic character driven story I could not put this down. Maybe one in twenty books is worth the time and emotion spent through the story line to read and to want to keep a permanent copy and even read again. Lisa Cassidy is an author to follow and keep! Off to her next book in the series.