Hey everyone!
Today I figured I would share an amazing review that I have received through an editorial review site. There’s more to come, but I don’t want to steal their thunder :). Trust me though, you’re going to want to check them out; I’ll keep you posted. Heck, half of me is wondering if they are better at explaining my world then I am!
Anyways, before I dive into that review, a quick update: I am at ~52K words of my first draft of An Oath to Stardust. Yes, I think that will be the official title of this work. I was sort of married to it early on and I have mulled over other titles but none have quite stuck. So, An Oath to Stardust it will be.
What’s that about you ask? Wait, you didn’t ask? Doesn’t matter I’m going to tell you anyways ;).
In this ambitious first person sci-fi that is most comparable to tiltes such as Project Hail Mary and The Expanse I have created an alien world with a fully functioning biosphere intimately entwined to a cycle of fire, death, and rebirth. All of this is to show a young man’s struggle with purpose, belonging, and … well, existence itself. Why are we here? It’s a story that explores not only our own internal fires but how to harness them for good. How to grow from them in the aftermath of destruction. It’s a story about Man Vs. Nature where Man finally learns to embrace Nature instead of fight it.
Yea!? (eyebrow raise as I try to entice you to put it on your TBR) Sounds pretty nifty, right? I think so, but without further ado, here is a lovely review.
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers’ Favorite
“In Shards of Ember by Mitchell Lecoultre, Alexa is one of Elgion’s dedicated Rangers, patrolling the untamed Eukarian Forest alongside her close friend and fellow ranger, Gilneas. Far from the safety of the growing frontier settlement, the pair rely on each other’s experience and unwavering trust as they navigate a wilderness filled with hidden dangers. Everything changes when a routine patrol turns into a desperate fight for survival after a deadly pack of giant iktomids ambushes them in the forest. The devastating encounter sends Alexa racing back to Elgion carrying tragic news and a warning that the settlement may be facing a far greater threat than anyone realizes. As danger grows both beyond Elgion’s walls and within its own ranks, the lives of the three sisters become increasingly intertwined in a world where fractured gods, ancient magical shards, and relentless monsters threaten the fragile future of humanity’s newest frontier.
I had a great time reading Shards of Ember by Mitchell Lecoultre. It is the kind of fantasy that rewards readers who enjoy immersive worlds and carefully developed characters. The pacing starts deliberately, but I never found it slow because every chapter added something meaningful, whether it was expanding the history of the world, introducing another fascinating character, or revealing another layer of the growing mysteries. The world-building is easily one of the book’s biggest strengths. The frontier setting feels incredibly lived in, with the everyday struggles of establishing a new settlement making the world feel grounded even alongside magical relics, divine shards, and terrifying creatures. I also loved how each of the three sisters had such distinct personalities and responsibilities, making every point of view fresh. Alexa’s courage, Sophia’s intelligence, and Bella’s confidence all complemented each other perfectly, and I wanted to see where their individual journeys would lead. By the end, I was completely invested in both the characters and the mysteries surrounding the shattered gods. I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.”
Thank you for reading!!! If you enjoyed this why not consider giving me some love? I would be overjoyed if you were to give me a review on Amazon or Goodreads or any of those book-based websites. Truly, it would help me immensely. Until the next time…
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