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Mara and the Dark: 500 Years Ago by Lia Arden
Get ready to dive into Lia Arden's epic historical fantasy novel, 'Mara and the Dark: 500 Years Ago'. This book's got it all: magic, adventure, and self-discovery that'll keep you up late at night, turning pages. The world-building is top-notch, with complex characters that'll leave you breathless and wanting more.
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A Prequel That's Just as Engaging as the First Two - I'm Not Ready to Leave This Universe Behind!
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'll be honest, I was a bit nervous about diving into the third book in this trilogy. The first two left me with a mix of emotions - I was sad to say goodbye to the beloved characters, but I was also excited to see where the story would go. Luckily, this prequel didn't disappoint. The world-building's still super strong, with a rich history and mythology that's woven in really well. I loved getting to know the new heroes and exploring this unique universe even further. It's clear that the author put a lot of thought into creating a cohesive and immersive story. I'm not ready to leave this universe behind yet, that's for sure.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
HikayeKalitesi9/10
DizininKalitesi8/10
PaketlemeKalitesi8/10
I have to admit, finishing the first two books in this trilogy left me with a mix of emotions. I was excited to dive into the third book, and I loved it almost as much as the first two. I was sad to say goodbye to the beloved characters, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to love the new heroes just as much.
I wasn't ready to let go of this unique world just yet, so I was excited to dive back in.
Book Blurb
Back in the day, characters from fairy tales were as real as you and me, and we'd encounter them almost daily. I've traveled far and wide, collecting legends, rumors, and even outright fabrications about the Mara and Moroka. One story that stuck with me is about a girl named Mara, who lived roughly 300 years before the disappearance of the goddess of Death's servants. Her real name was kept secret, and I'm convinced this tale stands out because her family failed to follow the one rule: leaving their hometown. Malakhii Zivotov
Trilogy Chapters
Mara and MorokaMara and Moroka. An Unusual ShadowMara and Moroka. 500 years ago
A Few Words on the Packaging
My copy is a collector's edition, and the books come in this beautiful case. The collector's edition is a nice touch, and the case is sturdy and well-made.
Each book is relatively small in size, but they're all stunningly beautiful! The design is simple yet effective, and the illustrations are gorgeous.
The final installment consists of 445 pages. The page count is nice and manageable, and the font is easy to read.
Flipping through the pages, I noticed a map, but it's not the same one we saw in the previous parts. This world is different, since the events unfold much earlier here.
The beginning of the book is as atmospheric as always.
The font is readable, comfortable, and the intricate illustrations add a touch of beauty to the design.
Story
I was sad to say goodbye to the beloved characters, and I didn't think I'd be able to love the new heroes just as much. But at the beginning of the book, the author addresses readers like me, and it gives me hope that this story will capture me too. Spoiler alert: it did.
Illustrations...
The difference from the first part is that our Mira is no longer a commoner, she's an Achorian princess, and that will bring some complications. As we know, after the girl is taken from her family, the rest of the family has to leave their home to avoid the temptation of reuniting with them. Here, that's impossible, and that already adds a touch of interest.
I've been living my usual life as Velebara, a small princess. My brother Valad was born with a prophecy that he's destined for greatness – he's supposed to unite two kingdoms, securing his family's position and putting an end to the long-standing feud between the other kingdoms.
The easiest way to make that happen is for him to marry Ashar to Serat. Luckily, Serat has a daughter who's the perfect match for the job – Aliya. Not everyone agrees, though, since they understand the consequences that could come with a union like this.
That's where the story starts, and that's all I can say for now without giving away too many spoilers.
The story takes us back, giving us a deeper look at Mar and Morokov than in the previous books. We'll see stories and old wives' tales that the main characters will face firsthand.
There'll be new evil forces to battle, ups and downs, and, as usual, new hopes and disappointments.
And, of course, love's always in the mix.
His words are like a seed that's planted and grows into a beautiful tree, with roots that dig deep into my soul. If the previous sweet words of the knife-maker were like pretty flowers that I plucked from the ground, this tree is here to stay.
The love story is heartwarming and will only get more intense. It's logical and doesn't feel forced.
Iray sits down in front of me and, without saying a word, helps me. I don't refuse his help, but I don't thank him either. I keep wanting two things with equal intensity – for him to get lost forever and for the knife-maker to stay out of sight for a while, but I involuntarily start looking for him. My thoughts and feelings are a complete mess because of him, and I don't understand how I can feel such conflicting emotions at the same time.
The politics won't be ignored, either – we'll see debates and disagreements about it.
Our new Mira is a broken girl, but she still has an inner strength. She tries to fight herself, her memories that rip her apart, and in some way, you can see yourself in her. The way the author portrays her is perfect – she gives you the chance to love the heroine, feel her pain, and celebrate her victories not just with the living, but with her inner demons.
The story is told from Velebara's perspective, occasionally jumping back to key moments from her past, where we're immersed in the events of days long gone and learn what Velebara had to go through.
By chance, she meets the knife-maker Iray, who will be a constant presence in the book.
I have to say, the main character really shines in this story. She's got her own personality, a certain charm, and it's actually enjoyable to watch her unfold. There are a few chapters told from her perspective, and getting to see the same situation from Vela and Iri's point of view is really interesting.
The center of the story revolves around Mira, who becomes Vela's mentor. She's like an older sister, looking out for Vela, loving her, and wanting the best for her. She's a really nice character.
The story is definitely engaging, and the author's writing style is as usual easy to follow and enjoyable. The book just flies by, chapter after chapter. You find yourself thinking, 'just one more chapter' and before you know it, another hour has passed.
No matter what happens to the characters, you're always confident that everything will work out in the end. You know the author wouldn't just drop them from the story, but it doesn't make the story any less compelling.
This is just another heartwarming story, despite all the events that unfold.
One nice bonus is the final chapter, which brings back Agatha, Alexander, and that amazing couple, Anna and Severin. I was really happy to see them again, and the author adds some new twists at the end, rather than just wrapping things up neatly)
Overall impression
After finishing the third part, I finally feel like the story is complete, even though it seemed like everything wrapped up in the second book. This installment adds a sense of logic and satisfaction, and we learn more about the Mira and Moroka characters. Yes, there were some clues in the previous parts, but this time, some of the nuances are more fully revealed.
I'm glad I finally discovered this universe and spent many evenings reading this incredible story!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is this book a good starting point for new readers?
While it's technically a prequel, the book does a great job of introducing new readers to the world and characters. However, some of the themes and plot threads may be more enjoyable for readers who've already invested in the series.
Are the new heroes as lovable as the original characters?
Absolutely! I found myself rooting for the new heroes from the start, and I think they bring a fresh perspective to the story.
Is the world-building still top-notch?
Yes, the world-building is still one of the strongest aspects of the series. The author does a great job of weaving together the different storylines and character arcs.
Is the book a quick read?
Unfortunately, no. The book's a bit on the longer side, which can be overwhelming at times. However, the writing is engaging and easy to follow, making it hard to put the book down.
Are there any major plot twists?
Yes, there are some major plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, some of the twists can be a bit predictable at times, which takes away from the overall impact of the story.
Is the book suitable for all ages?
While the book is generally suitable for all ages, some of the themes and plot threads may be too heavy for younger readers.
Can I read this book as a standalone?
Technically, yes, but I think it's more enjoyable to read the series in order. The world-building and character development are complex, and some of the plot threads may be more enjoyable for readers who've already invested in the series.
Is the book part of a series?
Yes, this book is part of a trilogy. I'm not ready to say goodbye to this universe just yet, so I'm excited to see where the story will go next.
Can I read this book in one sitting?
I wish! The book's a bit on the longer side, and I found myself getting lost in the world-building at times. However, the writing is engaging and easy to follow, making it hard to put the book down.
check_circlePros
- •The characters are super relatable, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
- •The world-building is still top-notch, with a rich history and mythology that's woven in really well.
- •The new heroes are just as lovable as the original characters, and I found myself rooting for them from the start.
- •The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action, suspense, and emotional moments.
- •I loved the way the author wove together the different storylines and character arcs.
- •The writing is engaging and easy to follow, making it hard to put the book down.
- •The themes are well-developed and thought-provoking, making for a really satisfying read.
cancelCons
- •Some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional, which can make it hard to become fully invested in their stories.
- •The plot twists can be a bit predictable at times, which takes away from the overall impact of the story.
- •I wish there was more resolution on some of the plot threads, but I suppose that's just the nature of a prequel.
- •The book's a bit on the longer side, which can be overwhelming at times.
- •I found myself getting a bit lost in the world-building at times, which can be confusing for new readers.
- •Some of the themes are a bit heavy-handed, which can feel a bit forced at times.
- •The ending feels a bit rushed, which can leave you wanting more.
