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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
A solid 5 star finish for me on The Seventh Cadence. Throughout most of the book it was at least a 4 star. I never felt like anything was too unbelievable or the pacing slowed to much to bring it down. I honestly felt this would end up being a very enjoyable read landing in that 4-4.5 range. But the last 20% or so just took off for me. The way things started to come together at the end and ultimately the way the very end was told left me anxious to see what happens in the next book.
Getting into a bit more detail. We do have several characters that develop throughout the book. Relationships (good or bad) continue to grow until the very end. As previously mentioned I felt the pacing was spot on. Things to of course ebb and flow through most of the book. But I never felt like anything got to the point where it became a slog or boring. And the last 20% or so of the book got SO exciting to me with the POV's changing much quicker than the rest of the book. It really felt suspenseful, like we were right in the middle of all the action!
The world building was great as well. The world feels expansive already but it also leaves so many possibilities to grow to other parts not yet mentioned. The different cultures and the fighting style (dance) was excellent to learn and see others learning it during the story.
I'm so excited to see where the group in Caldor goes from here and what they continue to learn. Not to mention what trouble Gabriel and the 2nd League get into next!
Getting into a bit more detail. We do have several characters that develop throughout the book. Relationships (good or bad) continue to grow until the very end. As previously mentioned I felt the pacing was spot on. Things to of course ebb and flow through most of the book. But I never felt like anything got to the point where it became a slog or boring. And the last 20% or so of the book got SO exciting to me with the POV's changing much quicker than the rest of the book. It really felt suspenseful, like we were right in the middle of all the action!
The world building was great as well. The world feels expansive already but it also leaves so many possibilities to grow to other parts not yet mentioned. The different cultures and the fighting style (dance) was excellent to learn and see others learning it during the story.
I'm so excited to see where the group in Caldor goes from here and what they continue to learn. Not to mention what trouble Gabriel and the 2nd League get into next!
** My full video review can be found here: https://youtu.be/BKuqmQwJ950 **
** Thanks to the publisher, Emergent Realms, for providing an advance copy for my review **
The Seventh Cadence, by Jim Wilbourne, is the first instalment in the Continua Chronicles – an epic fantasy adventure that’s now available for you to buy and read.
We follow Tele, a young girl who may well be the last of the Keepers of the Covenant; Navid, a Seer tasked with finding Tele and bringing her back to the magical city of Caldor; and Gabriel, a prince and warrior, looking for acceptance among his people.
First things first, I really enjoyed this book. It’s 700-odd pages of good, honest fantasy with some great characters and intriguing worldbuilding.
Tele has led a sheltered life and hasn’t really seen too much outside of her family existence, so when the Thief-Takers come and rip that all away from her, she’s left on her own, fighting to survive and to guard the secrets entrusted to her people.
We explore the world through Tele’s eyes, seeing things for the first time because she is seeing them for the first time – and although this is a good technique, I felt there were times we followed a little too closely, or for too long.
I also found that some of Tele’s interactions with others were a little odd, but that could just be because of her inexperience of the wider world. Despite this though, I thought Tele was an interesting character and I enjoyed her storyline.
The magic in this book was also interesting, seeing people experience magic for the first time and trying to understand and replicate it, or create new magic of their own. The lore that went along with the world’s magic was well told and it will be interesting to see where this goes with book two and beyond.
If you like epic fantasy, with interesting character paths, magic and the occasional dragon (just look at that gorgeous cover!) then The Seventh Cadence is a book I definitely recommend you take a look at.
** Thanks to the publisher, Emergent Realms, for providing an advance copy for my review **
The Seventh Cadence, by Jim Wilbourne, is the first instalment in the Continua Chronicles – an epic fantasy adventure that’s now available for you to buy and read.
We follow Tele, a young girl who may well be the last of the Keepers of the Covenant; Navid, a Seer tasked with finding Tele and bringing her back to the magical city of Caldor; and Gabriel, a prince and warrior, looking for acceptance among his people.
First things first, I really enjoyed this book. It’s 700-odd pages of good, honest fantasy with some great characters and intriguing worldbuilding.
Tele has led a sheltered life and hasn’t really seen too much outside of her family existence, so when the Thief-Takers come and rip that all away from her, she’s left on her own, fighting to survive and to guard the secrets entrusted to her people.
We explore the world through Tele’s eyes, seeing things for the first time because she is seeing them for the first time – and although this is a good technique, I felt there were times we followed a little too closely, or for too long.
I also found that some of Tele’s interactions with others were a little odd, but that could just be because of her inexperience of the wider world. Despite this though, I thought Tele was an interesting character and I enjoyed her storyline.
The magic in this book was also interesting, seeing people experience magic for the first time and trying to understand and replicate it, or create new magic of their own. The lore that went along with the world’s magic was well told and it will be interesting to see where this goes with book two and beyond.
If you like epic fantasy, with interesting character paths, magic and the occasional dragon (just look at that gorgeous cover!) then The Seventh Cadence is a book I definitely recommend you take a look at.
4.5 ⭐️
One word for this book: EPIC!
This is truly and epic masterpiece and I am entirely grateful that Emergent Realms gave me the chance to read The Seventh Candence early, thank y’all!
The Seventh Cadence summary:
After a supernatural and unforeseen calamity shatters the tentative alliance of the five realms, the Deseran Dominion has returned to take back their homeland and restore their oppressive regime.
As the Dominion readies their troops for invasion, the fate of the entire world rests in the hands of a few young heroes with little to guide them but their own ideals. With the freedom of a kingdom at risk, each must find their place in a world torn asunder.
Jim took his time building this world, and he did a fantastic job. Every place just blended together so wonderfully it actually felt like I was in the story!
He put so much detail into everything around the characters as well as the story itself. Everything is alive!
His characters are phenomenal! I love Tele and the whole gang! I even developed a soft spot for Owen! His characters are funny, serious, strong, sarcastic and wise. Jim made a wonderful cast of characters I am excited to see continue their journey!!
OH, and that twist at the end… Jim, I did NOT see that coming! But omg, soo good and I want to see more of that!!!
This is officially the longest review I’ve done and this book deserves it! I have no bad words for this book and Jim hurry up so I can read the next adventure! No pressure haha!
One word for this book: EPIC!
This is truly and epic masterpiece and I am entirely grateful that Emergent Realms gave me the chance to read The Seventh Candence early, thank y’all!
The Seventh Cadence summary:
After a supernatural and unforeseen calamity shatters the tentative alliance of the five realms, the Deseran Dominion has returned to take back their homeland and restore their oppressive regime.
As the Dominion readies their troops for invasion, the fate of the entire world rests in the hands of a few young heroes with little to guide them but their own ideals. With the freedom of a kingdom at risk, each must find their place in a world torn asunder.
Jim took his time building this world, and he did a fantastic job. Every place just blended together so wonderfully it actually felt like I was in the story!
He put so much detail into everything around the characters as well as the story itself. Everything is alive!
His characters are phenomenal! I love Tele and the whole gang! I even developed a soft spot for Owen! His characters are funny, serious, strong, sarcastic and wise. Jim made a wonderful cast of characters I am excited to see continue their journey!!
OH, and that twist at the end… Jim, I did NOT see that coming! But omg, soo good and I want to see more of that!!!
This is officially the longest review I’ve done and this book deserves it! I have no bad words for this book and Jim hurry up so I can read the next adventure! No pressure haha!
It's been a while since I've read an epic fantasy and I honestly miss it. Lucky for me this one totally helped scratch the itch! The world building is wonderfully complex, as are the characters and we have a good assortment of them here. Mind you, with all the description, it sometimes makes for some slow going but, in my opinion, it is worth it!
Gabriel is my fave character, hands down - Hello priceling in hiding! His character arc is really great so far and the found family here is so so good! I'm less attached to Tele but her mission is a very interesting one. Her companion, Navid, is also most intriguing
Gabriel is my fave character, hands down - Hello priceling in hiding! His character arc is really great so far and the found family here is so so good! I'm less attached to Tele but her mission is a very interesting one. Her companion, Navid, is also most intriguing
*Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted an electronic copy of this book by Emergent Realms in exchange for an honest review.
3.5
"Every action you take is a choice - even inaction. And the very first choice you must make is leadership."
The Seventh Cadence is the debut novel of Jim Wilbourne and is the first book in The Continua Chronicles series.
In this High Fantasy mixed with adventure, we are taken to Continua, a world you haven't experienced before. With detailed descriptions about the surroundings, you walk with the characters and experience the adventure and war first hand. The story is told from three POVs. Tele, a Keeper of the Covenant; Navid, a Seer and Gabriel, King Jeremiah's son.
If you love a slow-burn plotline, this story is for you. The Deseran Dominion wants to take back their homeland but Tele plays an important role in protecting the Kingdom. Navid needs to find Tele as he believes she will restore the balance. After King Jeremiah's passing, Gabriel needs to step into his father's role and lead the people.
I had a difficult time getting into the story and connecting with the characters. Perhaps because I'm not an avid reader of High Fantasy and don't prefer slow-burn plotlines. I want everything to happen at once but slow-burn plotlines have their advantages and this book taught me patience. The Kindle edition has 733 pages, perhaps if it was down to 500 pages I would have gotten into the story easier. In a detailed world such as this, it's important for the story to progress at a steady pace, and in the case with The Seventh Cadence, the author did a wonderful job with the pacing.
The world-building is phenomenal and the epic quest is intriguing. I loved the ice dragons, the journey the characters had to take and the introduction to a new world. There are wonderful detailed maps of different lands which adds to the uniqueness of the story.
I'm looking forward to the next book and would like to know what happens next. The ending caught my attention. It's not a major cliffhanger that leaves you hanging mid-air but more like a kind of cliffhanger that has you in its grip and knows you will be coming back for more.
If you enjoyed Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa, this book is for you.
READ THIS IF YOU LIKE
- Found Family Trope
- High Fantasy
- Slowburn
- Detailed World-building
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.com/2021/12/01/the-seventh-cadence-by-jim-wilbourne-book-review/
3.5
"Every action you take is a choice - even inaction. And the very first choice you must make is leadership."
The Seventh Cadence is the debut novel of Jim Wilbourne and is the first book in The Continua Chronicles series.
In this High Fantasy mixed with adventure, we are taken to Continua, a world you haven't experienced before. With detailed descriptions about the surroundings, you walk with the characters and experience the adventure and war first hand. The story is told from three POVs. Tele, a Keeper of the Covenant; Navid, a Seer and Gabriel, King Jeremiah's son.
If you love a slow-burn plotline, this story is for you. The Deseran Dominion wants to take back their homeland but Tele plays an important role in protecting the Kingdom. Navid needs to find Tele as he believes she will restore the balance. After King Jeremiah's passing, Gabriel needs to step into his father's role and lead the people.
I had a difficult time getting into the story and connecting with the characters. Perhaps because I'm not an avid reader of High Fantasy and don't prefer slow-burn plotlines. I want everything to happen at once but slow-burn plotlines have their advantages and this book taught me patience. The Kindle edition has 733 pages, perhaps if it was down to 500 pages I would have gotten into the story easier. In a detailed world such as this, it's important for the story to progress at a steady pace, and in the case with The Seventh Cadence, the author did a wonderful job with the pacing.
The world-building is phenomenal and the epic quest is intriguing. I loved the ice dragons, the journey the characters had to take and the introduction to a new world. There are wonderful detailed maps of different lands which adds to the uniqueness of the story.
I'm looking forward to the next book and would like to know what happens next. The ending caught my attention. It's not a major cliffhanger that leaves you hanging mid-air but more like a kind of cliffhanger that has you in its grip and knows you will be coming back for more.
If you enjoyed Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa, this book is for you.
READ THIS IF YOU LIKE
- Found Family Trope
- High Fantasy
- Slowburn
- Detailed World-building
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.com/2021/12/01/the-seventh-cadence-by-jim-wilbourne-book-review/
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fun fantasy adventure, the main strength here is in the character development.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4/5 Stars
“You can’t play music with someone and leave without some of their soul.”
The Seventh Cadence is book one in The Continua Chronicles. A high fantasy epic with war, dragons, lore, magic, and found family. This is a slow burn with a satisfying avalanche toward the end.
The Deseran Dominion has returned to claim their homeland and restore their way of life to the heathens of Hzorah. As war stirs, three unlikely heroes must protect the kingdom and find their place in a broken world.
We follow 3 main POV’s; Tele, a scientist on the run to protect her family’s legacy. Navid, tasked with finding Tele and fulfilling his goal in life, and Gabriel, a prince determined to find his own path and protect his people. We’re also given a wide cast of side characters that received care and time into their own character work.
There was great character development and I quickly found myself invested in the characters. Their motivations, struggles, worries and choices are well explored. It was easy for me to get lost into the POV’s and even become fond of some of the side characters. While the characters travel quite a bit, there is lots happening within those scenes as the characters interactions and developments are mixed in well with the worldbuilding, action and story.
The worldbuilding felt both familiar and unique, all while smoothly built into the story. I often found myself forgetting that world building was happening as it just felt natural, for this reason. The world is large with a variety of cultures spread throughout different Dominions. I also appreciated the refreshing take on dragons with this world too.
There were also themes woven throughout The Seventh Cadence which felt philosophical in ways with an exploration of humanity. Ethics, the meaning of honour, grief and much more are touched on. While the start of this is a slow burn, everything has purpose and there is plenty to keep readers engaged.
This is the kind of book I’ll be thinking about for some time.
A strong debut and start the series from Jim Wilbourne, making him an author to watch. I’m looking forward to continuing the series with Strangers in the Promised Land.
Recommended for any fantasy reader or Brandon Sanderson fans!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a really good fantasy novel debut. I loved the world building, and the magic system was pretty easy to understand. There are a lot of things going on, and many pieces moving on both sides. The Dominion is at war with the Hzorah Tribes. Magic is banned in Hzorah, and the Dominion still believes that their Wizard will return, renewing the true gifts, and return hope. The Hzorah only need to bend the knee and submit... The Hzorah will not submit without a fight. So much to unpack. I am looking forward to the 2nd book very much.
This was a fast paced quick adventure with lots of the normal fantasy tropes. The author's pacing was dramatic - slower at the times of rest and quicker as the action develops. I will be continuing this series with book 2 and would recommend it to fantasy lovers of all ages.