The writing is solid, creating a vivid atmosphere, but the plot is a mix of captivating moments and predictability. Characters are well-developed, though some lack depth. Pacing fluctuates, making it a decent but not outstanding read.

A lengthy fantasy adventure filled with magic, romance, tragedy and more.

I loved the map that slowly revealed itself to the reader. The premise was great, the length was a bit too long (would’ve been more approachable as two books), the characters were decent. It was nice to have an actual adult female main character, but I wasn’t a huge fan of Sofia.

This is a solid book with great word building and definitely one that will appeal to all fantasy readers.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author & Atmosphere Press for a copy!

Slightly misled after this book was labeled as a mystery/thriller but nonetheless the plot held strong and the characters were well fleshed out.

Just wow! I honest don't know where to start with this one. The world building, magic systems and characters are all so well done. There are some moments of real trauma which have been made so.much more harrowing by the delicacy of the writing.
It took, what I thought was a very unexpected turn down a road I wasn't sure I was going to like, however it was a very brief detour and ended up being a very clever little narrative tool.
The themes and messages in this book are so relevant to the times we live in today. I genuinely could not get enough of this book, it's the first time I've ever listened to an audiobook in the car instead of my music! Beautiful writing, really strong characters and the concept is very powerful. I can't wait for the rest in this series!

Island Eight by M.Z Medenciy


Summary:
In a world on the verge of repeating a cataclysmic history, Sophia, a Salinian entertainer, unknowingly holds the key to the world's salvation. She intentionally overlooks their king's tyranny to ensure her happiness, but not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle alight upon her town. After narrowly escaping death with the aid of a mysterious man who whisks her away to once-forbidden lands, Sophia is unwillingly sucked into the brewing war she had so desperately evaded.
In Island Eight by M.Z. Medenciy, Sophia embarks on an unprecedented journey where she encounters new dangers through magic-wielding Fae, discovers a resilience within her she never thought possible, and uncovers a history of the gods and their planet that will change the lives of all forever.

Review:
Two-star rating. I finished the book a few days ago and have been struggling with how I’d review this book. And I have to say I was very disappointed with this book. One it’s miss classified. On NetGalley It says Mystery/Thriller, Sci-Fi & Fantasy and it’s not a Mystery/Thriller if another classification is needed it should have been Apocalypse World as that is what this series is. Second, throughout the book, there are multi-editing errors. Sentences that are missing a word. If the book was self-published, I’d overlook those errors, but this comes from a publishing house. On the plus side, the book is well-written, and the characters are well-developed and believable.
Conclusion:
Would I recommend this book to others? NO
Is this book priced correctly? No overpriced.
Is this book a full-length novel or novella? Full-length novel
Would I read other books by this Author? NO

I received this copy free for my honest review from NetGalley

The Green has Essence, and Essence is life. The trees have Essence, the fire has Essence, and all breathing beings have Essence. Once a tree dies, the fire fades, and breathing creatures go to their final resting place, their Essence is dispersed back to the Green.

*****

This novel frantically delivers a lean and wholesome fantasy world with just enough dark fat to chew on. There is a wealth of fun characters, fantastical locations, intriguing story arcs and multiple points of view. Short chapters are impactful and snappy, and there is a purposeful, ever-revealing, map which works wonderfully as a mystery building tool for the reader. This has vibes of J K Rowling so expect world building until the end, an abundance of mysteries and some story changing twists.

Medenciy is one to watch in the world of fantasy. This novel is Narnia meets the Horizon games. Don’t overlook this one as it needs more support.

Review sent to Goodreads and Amazon.co.uk.

Island Eight is everything you need and more! This book gave me back something I hadn’t even realized was missing for a long time. When I was young, to me reading was much more than looking at words on a page. I would be completely immersed in my books and the outside world would no longer exist. Until I read Island Eight, I had no idea that had been missing from my adult reading for a long time. This book threw me head first into its world. I was not reading words on a page, I was walking step for step with the characters. I wasn’t reading about their adventures, I was going on them as well! I cannot even begin to explain the hold this book had on me.

Island Eight is historical, modern, and futuristic. It has sci-fi, magic, and religion. Which sounds like a lot to put in one book! But it is so beautifully written that all of it flows together instead of feeling like it’s a bunch of aspects being crammed and forced to work together.
There is world building, there is adventure, there is romance with a little drizzle of spice. Something for everyone!
The ending has me NEEDING book two to come out ASAP.

Despite a slow start, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book due to its solid world building, well-crafted characters, and relatable antagonist. The story follows Sophia, a married woman in her twenties, and her friends as they embark on a journey through fantastical lands to save her husband and home from the madness of King Kahel. With unexpected plot twists and turns, the reader is left anticipating what lies ahead.
M.Z. Medenciy's writing style is direct and unembellished, resulting in a fast-paced plot that immerses the reader in her world. Her characters are heroic and resilient, in line with the book's genre. For those seeking an engaging and efficient read, I highly recommend Island Eight.

The beginning is really good, engaging, and interesting. I thought this book is going to be something that I call eco-fantasy, which is a tale about nature and our planet, and how we keep destroying it all and us in the process, only with added some fantasy features. Think of Avatar, the movie. That´s what I mean.
So here we have The Green, which is nature. It´s full of energy called the Essence. People depend on it, but only some can feel connected with the Green, only some take their time and listen. Of course, there´s this bad guy, The King, who sucks out all the Essence he can get, because it makes him powerful and wealthy. In the process of extraction, everybody gets hurt - people lose their homes and jobs, and the Green dies. Sounds like oil, gas, and other natural resources, right? Up until this point I really liked it.
Then we see a lovely, mad-in-love couple Sofia and Gabriel. They are grown people, married to each other and as happy as one can be. Soon something happens (don´t worry, I won't spoil your fun) and the couple is split apart. Sofia must find out what is going on, must find the truth about her family, and help to overthrow the King. Sounds like every other fantasy book I have ever read, but nevermind, this still can be sooooo goood.
Except it isn´t, because things get messy and as for a grown woman Sofia behaves more like a teenager. And as for someone who is supposed to love her husband dearly she only thinks of him twice during many, many weeks since their split and seems to be quite happy to open her arms to another man.
It gets very chaotic very quickly. The timeframe is not consistent, but I won´t go into details, because I would have to spoil the plot. The characters are flat, simple, and not believable.
It´s a pity because this could have been a great story.

I received an copy of this in exchange for an honest review. NetGalley sent me a copy of this book and I can say that it was worth it. Thank you, NetGalley!

Sophia, a Salinan entertainer, unknowingly holds the key to the world's salvation, but not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle alight upon her town. In Island Eight by M.Z. Medenciy, she embarks on an unprecedented journey, encountering new dangers and discovering a resilience she never thought possible.

This is a highly satisfying book. Can't wait for the next one! Hoping to receive an ARC again for that one. The author really did a great job about this. Kudos!

Medenciy has joined the ranks of SJM & NK Jemisen for me for great fantasy reads. I am SO glad I requested & received this ARC.

The world building was beautiful and easily imagined. The characters were fun and heart felt and I enjoyed watching them grow on their journey through their trials and tribulations.

This book is easily binged and well-written. I can't wait to delve into anything else Medenciy writes going forward.

TYSM for the ARC.