Smoke and Spells

Althuria Chronicles, Book 1

By: Ryver Knight, GPV Publishing

Narrated by: Sharda Laskowski

Length: 7 hrs

Publisher's summary

An ordinary girl. A rare power. A deadly game.

Lie low.
Don’t draw attention to yourself.

Fifteen-year-old Asha Olinger has abided by her sister’s rules her entire life. Every day, she works relentlessly as a cleaner to put food on the table, scrambling in the dredges of Althuria. Every day, she wonders about a life where she no longer struggles for a few measly coins.

But after discovering she wields a rare and destructive power, her quiet life is turned upside down. Her older sister gives her a mysterious warning. Lex Sylvester, with his fame, wealth, and stupidly charming looks—that she certainly never, ever noticed—starts flirting with her. And to top it all off, she receives a letter from the famed Luminus Academy, declaring that she got accepted through the lottery system. The terrifying probabilities quickly turn into incredible opportunities, and suddenly controlling her power doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

What is this darned ability of hers? Why does everyone keep telling her to stay away from the Queen of Althuria? And more importantly...

Who the heck is murdering girls at the Academy?

If she doesn’t find out soon... she might just be next.

Designed to thrill with its magic, mystery, and murder, Smoke and Spells is the first installment in the Althuria Chronicles coming-of-age fantasy series.

This is a four-book series.
Listening order:
Smoke and Spells
Shadows and Shifters
Runes and Rebellion
Void and Valor

©2022 GPV Publishing (P)2024 GPV Publishing

Spellbinding!

Smoke and Spells is book 1 in the Althuria Chronicles by Ryver Knight. I think that this series is a fantastic fantasy series. I have read all of the books in the series and I thought Sharda Laskowski gave a wonderful performance in her narration bringing the book to life. I think Asha is a wonderful main character. Ryver Knight wrote a perfect book 1. The foundation for the series and who the main characters are is perfectly woven in the story. I can't wait to listen to the test of the series.

Magical Fantasy

I was very entertained by this story. This was my first experience with this author's work, and it won't be my last. Once the audiobook started, I was so captivated by the story that I finished it within one sitting. I liked the creative worldbuilding and the unusual magical gifts that were depicted. I liked Asha and her determined spirit. I enjoyed the slow unveiling of the answer to the mystery. I thought Sharda Laskowski's narration was fine, and her performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to leave this review which included my honest opinions regarding this story.