I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to the next book which I am reading now. It's something different which is nice in the fantasy world.

You’ll never guess the ending. It’s been a long time since I’ve said that but this engaging world and deep characters kept me guessing. The deep grief and angst is a bit intense at times but worth it. You want to cheer all these characters on!!

I binged this so hard. The plots, the characters, the intrigue. Sophisticated writing, entrancing, I couldn’t put it down. I KNEW that was who Shadowhawk was but the whole time I kept second guessing myself because it was done well enough to keep me guessing. Absolutely amazing will be getting the second book and probably everything she writes. *chefs kiss*

This story was beautifully written and filled with real emotion. (I apologize in advance for potential spoilers.) Talyn’s survivor’s guilt and struggle to rebuild her life and her self confidence felt so relatable. Each character started out beaten or broken in some way and to watch the growth and healing that they all undergo was wonderful. Add to that the flood, the edge of your seat game of alleya, and the final twist at the end? A truly masterful story and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Sass and swagger and believable characters! Great story that was exciting and inspiring! Already downloaded book 2 and I am starting now!!!

I bought all the dark skull books and loved the many powers that the heroine developed. I couldn’t put the book down till I read them all.

Books were recommended by a friend. So glad I looked into them. Read all three in 10 days. I'm 76 years old and I loved them.

What a crew, all that intrigue,great story telling and I love everyone of them , Moving to the next one.

This is a wonderful light fantasy that will keep you very engaged! Great characters that really draw you in. I enjoyed it very much and will certainly read the next book 😉

Never leaves you trying to figure out how or why! Every page worth reading. Great story line and character development.

Okay, Lisa. You have gone and done it! I never, ever have left a review on the first book in a saga! I just don’t; until now. You style is very reader-friendly and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed this “first book”! There are too many highlights to mention here. Just suffice to say; “I’m hooked” and will be reading all your books! Please always have leading summaries in your subsequent books in your sagas! It really helps for us elderly folk! The clean reading is also superb! You are a star! Thanks!

This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved it, Can't wait to read book two in the series. Loved the world building and the characters.

I didn't expect much as the main lead started off young but actually this is a fantastic series. The lead is well thought out and myltidimensional and the spoorting characters are the same. Really gripping read and i have been looking for more like it ever since.

I cant make up my mind if I want to read the 2nd book. I love this book in hindsight, and I think the excessive descriptions were purposeful but not a great fit for an ADHD reader like myself. Great story however, and I need a good TL;DR for this series.

Great characters, excellent story of true friendships and an epic tale. Cried and laughed through it all. Lisa Cassidy A+

Several twists & turns along the way. The ending was a semi-cliffhanger. But also answered a couple questions I had while reading. I can’t wait to read the next & hope as good as this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story which was heart warming, and interesting. Also, the plot twists and trials and tribulations of the characters made it a great read.

I devoured this series. 4 books in as many days (or maybe a little bit more). I read them through kindle unlimited but decided to buy the series because I will definitely reread it. I'll be honest; I thought it was going to be a much simpler and more predictable story since it follows-- in theory-- the "yer a wizard, harry" trope. Until it didn't. Alyx, the heroine, is a very flawed hero. Spoiled, wealthy, entitled, selfish, and narcissistic. And is set up to get everything in life handed to her on a platinum platter. Before that can happen, she's sent to this universe's Drumstrang and comes up against brutality and violence that were at times truly chilling. Alyx's path to enlightenment felt pretty authentic with her eyes being opened gradually bit by bit. And as they are, she doesn't lose her haughty nature but instead uses it to better the world around her. This series was also nice because of the diversity and inclusion represented in the characters. This series is objectively an incredible read and has nowhere near the number of reviews it deserves.

Okay, first of all this book is well thought out. The characters are well developed. And second of all I really wasn’t expecting that twist at the end!!! Damn.

The book cover drew me in but I stayed for the action and excitement! Loved the different take on magic and the mystery surrounding Alyx. The groups resolve and companionship are endearing. Huge fan

It is up there with some of the best YA books.. The storyline developed well as the book progressed, yet it was not too complex or dense. Some nice twists and turns along the way and her writing style is very enjoyable to read. The name Lisa Cassidy is one that people should look out for!

This entire series is really good. The characters and world building are deep and their adventure has all the right ups and downs. I laughed and cried. I was so satisfied with the entire thing. Thank you so much!! I would have written an individual review for this book but I literally could not stop between to write a review. I had to keep going. And now I just have the feels. I recommend this for people who like a good story with characters who grow and face tough choices. If you like twists and turns and staying on the edge of your seat, this series could be for you. I truly loved it!

An epic battle of good vs evil, coming of age, friendships and self discovery. The emotions of each character leap from the pages as they fight their past to preserve their present and build a world they can be proud of tomorrow. I can imagine this being an incredible movie series!

Well written, strong and believable heroine, great character development, and good pacing. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the second.

Loved all 3 books! Twists, turns, love, loss and family. Great trilogy. Enjoyed reading them all. Would definitely recommend the books

Finding an author who can world build and actually take you there can be hard to find. A very good, rounded story and quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Only wish the map was available on kindle… I could never see it.

Like the 1st, i skipped some chapters! Some are unnecessary. Too much inner dialogue of guilt, sadness & frustration fr the 2 main characters - Talyn & Cuinn. Towards 1/2 of book, plot got better, esp w/ the intro of Jasper. He shud be in more of the plot! I have to say, Shadowhawk can't fight?!? I've NEVER read a book where the guy in a plot cudn't fight well ,esp if he's playing part hero. LOVE Talyn, but Cuinn, i find him a bit annoying as a male character.

Loved the whole series. Great characters and a lovely escape into a well written fantasy saga. I would recommend this!

From the cover I expected to be in a more traditional epic fantasy novel. Mage academy is what this book really is. Though things got a little slow in places, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m new to mage academy books but this was a great start to the genre and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series

Taste is subjective to each individual but there are some universal truths to greatness… The characters (of which there are many) are well rounded and deep… the world is an enticing blend of magic, old and young mages seeking revenge and the arc of each main character is full of growth and learning which is necessary to move a plot along in this story of young mages coming into their own. Admittedly, I cried tears of joy and sadness because of how emotionally connected I got by the last third of the story. The cons? I also admittedly am a snob about my fantasy fiction. The things that fell flat for me were the lack of explanation about the invulnerability Shakar gained, and I felt a bit put out about Galien. Alyx deserved a whole chapter of piercing him repeatedly with her sword… just sayin’ lol. Overall a wonderful series that would make a good television series as well… <<3

Good read, a few slow places but I felt her emotions And really enjoyed the characters. Would read again too

Loved the characters and how they all merged. Theres were quite a few exciting twists and turns in the plot that made it hard for me to put the book down. You've created a world I'd like to visit. Thanks for a great series.

Thoroughly enjoyed this twisty turny romp of an adventure series. Great character development, realistic heros and subtle complexity makes for a page turning read.

A brilliant fantasy series that kept me entertained and eager for more Would definitely recommend to all Keep writing Lisa

Five stars for great plot, astonishing female lead. And great attention to grammar etc. made this a really great read. I am a 71 year old child. Who in the great ethereal hinterland that is the '. net' decides the age constraints should be soundly spoken to. Thank. You

Liked all four hooks. Author knows how to develop a character and how to put together a story. I've discarded several self published books after 2 chapters because they are so badly written, and I was very pleasantly surprised at this series. Highly recommended.

I very much enjoyed the character and how she grew. Plenty of action, heartbreak, twist and turns. Would highly recommend if your looking for an adventure.

I was just scrolling through kindle looking for a new story, so glad I found this one. My poor house and work suffered I must say as I couldn't stop reading until all 4 books were read. Finished in a week! That's how good this story was for me. Thank you for sharing this story with us fantasy book nerds!!

Great storylines and writing. Intriguing and great twists. Keeps one reading to see how all storylines play out. Enjoy the growth happening.

Unlike most heroines, Alyx is a noblewoman whose reluctance to leave the comforts of home sets the stage for this excellent coming-of-age story. Well-written. I am excited to begin Book 2.

Great characters, lots of twists and turns in the plot.

The story was a bit slow to start but exciting and absorbing once you get into it. There is a lot of mystery and suspense which will no doubt start to be revealed in the next book. Can’t wait.

I absolutely adore that the author let her characters stay true to themselves, straight through the end. Not enough authors allow their stories to be so authentic. I absolutely loved this series 🖤

I read the Mage Chronicles by this author and that series was okay. It is hard to find non RH books. I gave this series a chance and I absolutely loved it. I almost cried at the wall scene in book three.

This series is so good. Strong characters all around, good worldbuilding, entertaining plot. I picked up this series not knowing what to expect but it hooked me and I couldn't put it down!

I absolutely loved this series and that ending was perfect! It was something you suspected the entire time but when it gets there it definitely made me cry! I loved it

Politics, magic, wings, subterfuge, Robin Hood-tropes, various characters’ POV, this book has all of these and more. Complex characters who grow and develop as the story continues (with some pausing for self-reflection too!) The world building was strong and the descriptions vivid. The caste system was also well done and something I hope is explored more in the next books in the series. This book sets the stage for several more books in the series and I’m looking forward to reading them all.

What a fascinating universe! I loved the depth of conflict depicted in the story, not all is as it seems. I was very shocked by the ending. I admit to being a rough start into the book. I felt like I missed the first book, and if I didn't there is definitely room for a prequel. I was left wondering what happened to Tal for much of the book but maybe that was the intention, but I wasn't a huge fan of that part, Very pivotal to Tal as a character. I can't wait for the next adventure!

I love Lisa's books, have read them all and can't wait for the next one.

This entire series was a roller coaster of surprises, laughter, and everything in between. The depth of the authors creativity in the entire plot is unfathomable. This final book in the series had me at the edge of my seat and I will still be thinking about Cuinn and Tarlyn’s story for days to come.