In N.D. Testa's Sapphora: Shards of Secrecy, the first book in the Sapphora series, Noellia Taviani's seemingly ordinary life explodes when a museum mummy attack reveals her true identity: Sapphora, an exiled Egyptian sorceress from the parallel world of Avogadro. Robbed of her memory and disguised as a mortal, Sapphora must reclaim her magical powers and unravel a deadly conspiracy. Framed for treason and hunted by those who want her dead, she faces perilous challenges set by the Ancient Gods to recover a stolen spellbook before the Winter Solstice. A forbidden romance with an Egyptian god further complicates her quest to stop the escaped Nefarious Pharaoh from conquering both realms. This thrilling fantasy adventure plunges readers into a world of ancient magic and high stakes.
Review Sapphora
Oh my goodness, Sapphora: Shards of Secrecy completely swept me away! From the very first page, I was hooked. It's one of those books that you just can't put down; I honestly lost track of time completely. The blend of contemporary life with ancient Egyptian mythology is so cleverly done, it felt both familiar and utterly fresh. It reminded me a little of The Mummy movies and Moon Knight, but with its own unique, vibrant twist.
I absolutely adored Noellia/Sapphora. Her journey of self-discovery, battling amnesia while simultaneously fighting for her life and innocence, was incredibly compelling. She's brave, resourceful, and fiercely loyal, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. I found myself completely empathizing with her struggle, feeling every emotion she experienced alongside her. The author does a fantastic job of making you really feelSapphora's confusion and determination.
And the world-building? Exceptional. N.D. Testa created a richly detailed universe that felt both fantastical and believable. The descriptions were so vivid, I could practically see the bustling markets of Avogadro and feel the oppressive atmosphere of Salutem prison. The illustrations were a delightful bonus, perfectly capturing the essence of the scenes and characters; although honestly, the writing is so evocative, the pictures almost felt superfluous – a lovely addition, but not necessary to appreciate the story.
The magic system, utilizing hieroglyphs as spells, was a stroke of genius. It felt both authentically Egyptian and creatively original. Then there are the sentient objects – a talking sword and another equally quirky companion – that added so much humor and personality to the narrative. They injected welcome moments of levity amidst the suspense, preventing the story from becoming too heavy. The author’s unique take on a magical prison, focusing on rehabilitation rather than simple punishment, was another brilliant touch.
The romance aspect with the Egyptian god was a delicious addition. It's definitely a forbidden love, adding another layer of intrigue and tension to the already gripping plot. He's...well, let's just say he lives up to the "hot Egyptian god" hype, and I wouldn't mind him calling me princess, either! The relationship felt genuine and passionate, adding an emotional depth that balanced the adventure perfectly.
The pacing is relentless, yes, but that’s part of what made the book so captivating. It kept me on the edge of my seat, breathlessly anticipating the next twist and turn. While some minor characters felt a little underdeveloped due to the rapid pace, it didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment. This felt like a fantastic start to a series, and the cliffhanger ending? Absolutely brutal! I immediately needed to know what happens next. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced fantasy, Egyptian mythology, strong female characters, and a touch of forbidden romance. Highly, highly recommend!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 520
- Publication date: 2024
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