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The Noble House of Silveria sits isolated from the rest of Rogrovia on top of Mount Saddle. Presided over by a dowager duchess, the House celebrates the changing seasons with festivals and rituals deeply-imbued with meaning and tradition. Visitors are rare, so everyone is excited to meet them when they do arrive, be they royalty from the mother-world of the Argentene, foreign dignitaries, desert nomads on secret missions, or knights searching for lost loved ones.
In a world teeming with myth and magic, where a mermaid is rumoured to reside in the lake, and where shifters are shunned, where people come together not by chance but because it's meant to be, can true love find its way through the murkiness of man-made conventions?
Can love transcend time, space, and worlds?
Heinregard comes to the House of Silveria for their famous Spring Song festival, but when he hears the voice of stable lad Clayten, he's overthrown in more ways than one. As they spend time together overseeing Heinregard’s troublesome younger cousins, the two grow close. But is Heinregard prepared to risk everything for someone of a different station?
The Dowager Duchess’ daughter, Viraya, is safely past marriageable age and responsible for Spring Song celebrations. This year, their guests include a formidable Capitán who has the gall to set his cap at her. Will Viraya be able to resist the attentions of this strangely familiar Capitán, keep the children away from her precious blossoms, and ensure a good showing for Spring Song?
Spring Song may be over, but Midsummer celebrations at the House of Silveria come with unexpected challenges. A pair of sand kittens arrive with their handler, Fang, a desert nomad whose people are hounded and oppressed. Set on a secret mission, Fang must accomplish it by any means. At least, that was her plan until she meets Mara, the Stable Master whose scent has long haunted her dreams. Can Desert Warrior Fang accomplish her mission and still win the heart of the woman she desires?
Everyone is excited about the annual lake outing on Night of Lights, until the Reclining Dragon arrives with his liegeman. With these two unwelcome visitors prowling all over the House and the children running wild, Heinregard and Clayten must somehow keep them apart. Will the truth about the wildlings’ parentage be revealed or will they be able to keep the Reclining Dragon in the dark?
After an absence of two years, Heinregard and the wildlings return to the House of Silveria. When the Karenys arrive, Clay catches the eye of the notorious Karenyan ambassador. Can Heinregard keep Clay safe without revealing his true intentions?
Viraya must open the ball with the first dance. When the Reclining Dragon and his liegeman appear uninvited, that becomes the least of her worries, especially when the wildlings turn Lighting of the Fall Lanterns, a most solemn ceremony, into a dangerous one. Will they be forever banned from the House?
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5 stars
Spring Song by Cassia Hall is the first book in the Seasons Cycle series and a gorgeous treat for fans of gay romance with a tight plot and memorable characters. The Spring Song festival is the highlight of the season, and this time, it is at the House of Silveria. Aunt Viraya's tenor, Clayton, instantly catches the attention of Heinregard, who is seduced by his voice. With every passing moment, Heinregard is drawn to Clayton, but he understands it will be a big risk to go after him. Viraya is very particular about having everything perfect, especially since the Karenys are her guest. Heinregard is determined to find out if meeting Clayton is something designed by fate or sheer coincidence.
While gay romance does not normally get my attention, Spring Song is so well-written that it captured my heart, like a song. The characters leap off the pages with so much life and the setting itself is dazzling. The author captures the smells, the feel of the season, and the natural elements, and weaves threads in relationships in a way that is convincing and authentic. The festive atmosphere is strongly depicted in this vibrant and heartfelt queer romance. Hall takes readers on a ride to a world with a magical feel, dropping strong hints of medieval culture while filling the book with details about songs, stereotypes, artistic motifs, and culture. There are elements of magic sprinkled throughout the story. Spring Song absolutely sizzles with chemistry.
5 stars
Sweet romance, I loved it very much it gives fantasy fairytale vibes. It was a quick read, great world building I felt like I go feel everything happening. I recommend highly. Emotions are portrayed perfectly and well done!
5 stars
This was breathtaking…. From fantasy to mythology to music and romance a book for all ages with some lyrics to the songs at the end of the book, the more I read each page the more I was imagining a stage musical.
Romuald Dzemo, February 15, 2023
5 stars
Spring Song by Cassia Hall is a romantic fantasy, a breezy, delightful read, the first novella in the Seasons Cycle, and a tale with an irresistible appeal to fans of LGBTQ+.The House of Silveria is preparing for the Spring Song festival, a spotlight moment of the year, and it is here that Heinregard first notices Clayten. He is Aunt Viraya’s best tenor. Heinregard is more than enthralled, but going after Clayten puts a lot at stake. What ensures is a rollicking ride of romance set against the backdrop of a magical world, so vividly drawn it pulls the reader right in.
Cassia Hall's Spring Song is transporting and from the very first page, readers are captivated by the strong sense of setting. When we are introduced to Clayten, he is taking in the feel of spring: “There was a sense of something missing that he’d been feeling for awhile, like a yearning for something that should be there but wasn’t.'' But then, he wills something from the ether. Could it be Heinregard? There is just so much to enjoy in this beautifully crafted whirlwind of romance— the enchanting setting, the magic, the music, and the intriguing characters. The writing is atmospheric, lyrical, and delightful and there are strong threads of drama as there are thoughtful moments. Hall excels at writing relationships that feel natural, creating scenes that are focused, and sprinkling the writing with elements from that setting that set the tone of the overall atmosphere. In turn, suspenseful and endearing,
Jerry
5.0 out of 5 stars My review of Spring Song
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2022
I enjoyed this book very much. It told the tale of two romances, one of them being a gay couple. The romance was a bit of slow burn, but reading it was worth every moment. The characters were all unique and compelling. I would strongly recommend this book.
Thimble 220
5.0 out of 5 stars We over think of our lives. The book reveals the secrets of dreams, romance, peace and joy.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
A M/M book is not something I would choose as this was a choice for a group read. To my surprise I enjoyed the book and pleased to have given the chance to read it. The author drew me in immediately with the disappearance of the valuable horses, which I could easily relate to being the owner of an Arabian horse. Being someone who abides with her inner spirit, I especially liked the connection between multiple previous lives. The braiding of the hair seemed to respresent the many strands of life where we experience romance, fear, peace, joy and dislike of people in our lives. I loved the poetry too. Read the book.
Jenna
5.0 out of 5 stars Soulmates on a whole new level
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2021
Verified Purchase
The further into this book I read, the more certain I was that I needed ALL of the sequels. It presents love and soul ties in a way that is unlike any other I've read, and I can't get enough. Hall keeps you guessing and provides a plot full of wonder, love, and drama.
Lizabet
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2021
I ended up pleasantly surprised by this! I had never read anything by the author before, and while I read a LOT of indie fantasy-romance (the perils of being a voracious reader with a KU subscription), when I find that rare book that, from page 1, is obviously well-written in a very literary style, it’s like finding a little piece of bookish heaven.
The dreaded world-building info-dump was completely avoided. Instead, the author drops the reader feet first into a lush, fully fleshed-out fantasy world with layers of history and magic—and more than one mystery that may or may not be completely solved—and you figure it out as you go along, full-immersion style. I LOVE books like that. They’re the ones that beg for a reread, because once you get to the end and you have all the pieces, you want to go back to the beginning so you can have that ah-ha, “I see what you did there!” moment.
Another detail that sold me on this book: the dialogue. Different classes and cultures have distinct, unique ways of talking, accents are fully acknowledged (but not in a stereotypical way; it’s handled really well), and not once did a character speak like they just tumbled out of the real world 21st century. (Sorry, but that’s a pet peeve of mine: I hate modern slang in a novel that’s supposed to be set in a completely different world with completely different cultures.)
The world-building is fantastic. The magic system is good. All those important fantasy boxes are checked. But let’s talk about the romance, friends and neighbors, because … wow.
HEINREGARD.
There are literally no words for how much I love this character. He’s pretty much exactly the sort of noble MMC I love: elegant, chivalric, VERY easy on the eyes, he has interesting magic, yet he’s flawed in an oddly endearing way. And while I generally don’t seek out M/M romance (just not my thing), the romance in this novel is so well done, I ended up a fan. I’m such a sucker for slowburn romance, all those hints and glances, the subtext of things innocently said… There’s a very fine line between the perfect slowburn of UST and the sort of slow that just draaaaags on. It takes a skilled writer to navigate it, but the author pulled it off like a champ.
The novel’s second, M/F romance, between Viraya and the Capitan, is similarly gorgeous. And while I’m going to try avoiding spoilers, it’s a little heartbreaking. Thank goodness I had Heinregard’s romance to soothe my poor little wibbling heart.
There are other books set in the Lake Traveler world, so I have plans to read them, too. And SPRING SONG is apparently the beginning of a new series. Looking forward to it!
Emily Pennington
TOP 500 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars Spring Song Experience
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2021
I enjoyed the slow burn romances forming between very likable characters. The author did an exceptional job with the world-building to accommodate cultures, language, and all the pieces that come together to create a vivid world the reader can actually “see”, scent, and feel in the mind. Add in a touch of the fairy tale and you have a perfect balance in which to enjoy this story. Grab your copy and experience a story that comes alive for you and pulls you into its mystical world.
alias11
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written story
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2021
I loved this beautifully written story. It's rare for me to see an author detail both an m/f and mm relationship in the same book, and do them both justice, but Cassie Hall did an exceptional job. The world-building is so intricate and lyrical that I really felt like I was there. The characters were wonderful and so sweet. Overall a fantastic tale in a medieval, fairytale setting.
Alicia
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Romantic Tale!!
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2021
This is such a pleasant and sweet tale of romance. The atmosphere the author creates is very much like a classic fairy tale! I enjoyed it thoroughly. The characters are likable and relatable. It’s a great standalone novella, but it can be read as a prequel to Silvermist, the first book in The Lake Traveler series. I highly recommend!!
Rebecca Fuentes
5.0 out of 5 stars A tender, compelling romance
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2021
Spring Song gives the reader a rich sensory story of love set in an intriguing world. The author weaves a tender romance between two shy young men and sets the stage for grander, wider stories with the supporting characters. It is a lyrical, satisfying read perfect for a rainy afternoon or a cozy night with a cup of tea.
Suzan H.
5.0 out of 5 stars captivating
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Spring Song. It took me to another place and time. The story had many twists and turns and very surprising ending. I enjoyed the words of wisdom at the end.
Thimble 220
5.0 out of 5 stars We over think of our lives. The book reveals the secrets of dreams, romance, peace and joy.
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022
A M/M book is not something I would choose as this wass a choice for a group read. To my surprise I enjoyed the book and pleased to have given the chance to read it. The author drew me in immediately with the disappearance of the valuable horses, which I could easily relate to being the owner of an Arabian horse. Being someone who abides with her inner spirit, I especially liked the connection between multiple previous lives. The braiding of the hair seemed to respresent the many strands of life where we experience romance, fear, peace, joy and dislike of people in our lives. I loved the poetry too. Read the book.
Alora Pendrak rated it it was amazing
Spring Song is a fantasy tale with a feel that is very similar to reading a story with a vibe similar to that of King Arthur and other medieval Fantasy Romances. Yet it very much does its own thing with fleshed out yet flawed characters trying to navigate both the difficulties of preparing for the upcoming Spring Song Festival, while navigating their own budding romances.
The relationships are very well written and there is a very slow burn feel to the love stories. If you like stories that take their time and are in no rush to get to the end. Then this is a very relaxing, yet gripping read that will not disappoint.
The world-building is fantastic from the language, the flowers, traditions. Cassia Hall’s prose creates a beautiful and intricate world full of vibrant cultures that come together and even clash due to various traditions.
Even the non-romantic relationships are very interesting. The main heroine has a very complicated relationship with her own rather stern mother and her family members known as the Wildlings which the story explores in great detail.
Though, I will warn you there is some subject matter that may be triggering to some as there are implications of power abuse by a certain character of a sexually abusive nature.
Though the topic is only spoken of and handled very sensitively and is especially relevant in the wake of the Me Too Movement.
Other than that this is mostly a fun and quite a romantic fairy tale about love and the bonds that bring people together.
It’s something I'd recommend for both teens and adults of both genders but particularly fans of Arthurian Legends, female-driven stories, fairy tales, and many classic epic fantasy-type stories.
(Alora, Pendragon Publications)
Sep 18, 2021 Natalie Holden
When I see fantasy romance, I think young, feisty heroine in a rushed and poorly-plotted novel where everything that happens is just an excuse for her to get with her fated man. Spring Song is as far from this as possible. The characters are realistic, the world feels alive and the writing is simply beautiful.
We follow two couples: two young men, and a mature man and woman. Each of them has a distinct personality, but they are all sympathetic. There’s a hint of soulmates/fated romance, which I normally find creepy, but here it’s done so tastefully and elegantly, I was genuinely hoping for them all to get their HEA.
There’s not much happening in terms of the plot, the climax was literally a spring celebration, but it was enough to paint an absolutely beautiful world and give each character a story. There's even a villain, though not in a traditional sense. That could be boring, but I found it was a nice respite from the constant action of typical fantasy, a moment to sit in the garden and admire flowers.
Which brings me to the last bit, which is worldbuilding, which was superb. I didn’t expect much, but I ended up loving it, feeling there was much more to this world and we barely scratched the surface. In just 150 pages, Cassia managed to portray three distinctive countries and their complicated history, their customs, not to mention multiple made-up species of flowers and berries.
(Yes, my favorite part of this novella was silva berries. Bite me.)
My least favorite part? The wildings. Though it’s not the author’s fault, I’m just not a children person. Or rather, I’m the kind of person who is like witches of yore: only likes children in a stew. And the wildings were insufferable at the start, they got better as time went on (and the focus shifted to other characters). I still wanted to get a big cauldron that would fit them both, just in case.
Overall it's a pleasant and unusual read. I would recommend it to everyone who appreciates slower, more lyrical, and original writing.
Oct 05, 2021 Isla Ryder rated it it was amazing
What a sweet story. I really enjoyed Spring Song, I'm not always a huge fantasy fan as I get bogged down by world-building sometimes but the author plunges you in to her world and I felt right at home, scurrying alongside these characters in the days coming up to the Spring Song Festival. I loved having the two couples to follow and always am up for a slow-burn in any form so twice as nice for me!
I was a little sad at the end, but having the two couples made a nice balance, and I look forward to more in the series and from this author!
Aug 23, 2021 Alicia Chapin rated it it was amazing
This is such a pleasant and sweet tale of romance. The atmosphere the author creates is very much like a classic fairy tale! I enjoyed it thoroughly. The characters are likable and relatable. It’s a great standalone novella, but it can be read as a prequel to Silvermist, the first book in The Lake Traveler series. I highly recommend!
Spring Song
by Cassia Hall
Review by Ian Conner Five Stars
SLOW ROMANCES AMAZING WRITING
Almost immediately Cassia Hall begins building an intriguing world that envelopes the reader. It did not take long to become immersed in both the world and the characters within it. She brings the readers into the story but does not give you all the answers all at once.
Her writing allows the reader to figure things out on their own. I truly admire her ability to write dialogue in detail depending on which character is speaking and who is being addressed. Amazingly Cassia is also a composer and incorporated music she wrote for characters into the book. A quick scan takes you to yet another facet of her writing. The depth of her penmanship is certainly more two dimensional. Hall uses all the readers senses as she tells her tale.
A terrific line from the book, “He clutched his memories to him, greedy as a dragon with his hoard of gems and jewels.” Demonstrates her depth of prose.
Romances are not my usual genre but Cassia Hall has certainly mastered the category. Without offering any spoilers, she offers multiple relationships throughout the book. Expressive, sentimental, and tender passions between the characters while at the same time offering plotting to keep the readers enthralled with the medieval like story. House of Silveria and House of Karenys reminded me of the Montagues and the Capulets.
Romance fans will NOT be disappointed and will be looking for the just released sequel “Summer Lights” I recommend getting BOTH books.
Reviews for Summer Lights
Wow what a sequel wasn’t expecting this… was very different to the first book if not better. The setting reminded me half Narnia and half lord of the rings along with romance and of course the musical lyrics.
This is the second book I have read from this author. I must say, this is fun and entertaining to the max. I love a good fantasy romance and this story delivers. Hall has this uncanny ability to create characters with so much depth that you feel like you made a new friend while reading. Hall writes characters in a way that Nicholas Sparks would be proud of. I love that each person written has their own burdens to bare. These characters never flatline. They ebb and flow much like the reader would with age. There is an amazing connection between the two separate sets of couples and this story destroys all the stereotypes of male and female. For example, the men are vulnerable and the women have a bite to their words. I, personally, love when there are different outlooks to humans and not what they should be, but what they can be.
While this book is fantasy, there is some real-world moments that the reader can take into their own life. There is a strong message of being your own person. You are not the mistakes others make and how you want to be treated comes from how you treat others. There is something special about reading a book that creates an atmosphere of fun and doesn’t sugarcoat harder times.
My Rating: I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I feel that reading this book is like looking at the moon and stars on a really clear night. There is something magical and mystical about looking up into the night sky and wonder what is out there. This book gives you the same feeling. I like that I can make new book friends. There is something about this story as well as the first. You can read my review about that book HERE. I am excited to see what’s next and look forward to the future!
Loved it! 😍
There was something I found incredibly healing about reading this story.
This novel sold me first on the cover, and secondly on the summary with the phrase, “sand kittens”. This story promised romance, and cute animals. I was ready to be swept away.
Summer Lights is book 2, in what I later found out was a prequel, novella-esque series. I did get a chance to read the first book in this series, which I’ll be discussing more in depth on my personal review blog. Depending on the author, I either thoroughly enjoy being dropped into a world I know nothing about, or I will become increasingly frustrated trying to understand who is who and what means what. This was a story that carried me away, and I was afforded an opportunity to just relax and enjoy these new characters and their peculiar magical qualities.
This series is set in a magical world, and while the magic system isn’t explained outright in this novel (perhaps it is in the main series), the author did include a bit of a glossary of terms which helped tremendously. This story also had a foundation rooted in fated lovers, with at least one or more of the pairs being LGBTQ+.
I really enjoyed seeing the characters slowly piece together who these new visitors were, and what they meant to each other. The way they had shown up in dreams before appearing in person made my own heart skip a few beats. While the romance isn’t always intense, and was never explicit on the page, it was easy to be swept away in the excitement of new love.
There was something I found incredibly healing about reading this story. While the characters are the driving forces behind the plot, nature, flowers, bugs, animals, songs, and music played just as big of a role in setting the overall atmosphere.
The world building and the language used in this novel did take a minute to adjust to, but once I settled in it felt like this is how all novels had always been written. I could see this aspect turning readers away initially, but I do encourage you to stick with it. I’m very curious about this main series, and which of these characters have a larger role. I listened to a few of the songs that were composed for this story on the YouTube channel that was linked in the novel, and that more than anything else helped ground me into this story. I was very impressed with the author’s personal touches, and dedication to the art of building this world so intentionally.
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story with engaging character
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2022
Summer Lights is a sequel to Spring Song, but it stands well on its own. Cassia Hall expands her cast of intriguing and endearing characters throughout the book and gives us more of the characters we grew to love in Spring Song. She has created a wonderous fantasy world full of stories, songs, and lore. While the love stories are poignant, my favorite part of her books has been the children. She writes them with as much depth and complexity as her adults, giving them character arcs and growth that feel age-appropriate and natural for their stories. The wildlings touch our hearts, but as children, they can also be thoughtless and impulsive--and they have their reasons. Careful, earnest Lowell has his reasons too, and the interactions of these little ones against the backdrop of love and secrets is wonderful.
The best romance book I have read this year. Or should I call it a romantasy?
I'm glad to be the first one to read this amazing story by Cassia Hall. I loved the main couple in Spring Song (Heinregard and Clay) and wanted to see how their relationship would develop when the weather become hotter. And the whole book appeared to be much hotter...and poignant.
I loved how much detail Cassia added into the story to show us the stables and horses...and (omg!) sand kittens.
I loved the dynamics of the new main couple (Mara and Fang) which led the parallel plot line to Heinregard and Clay's relationships (which was the secondary couple in the book).
I loved how Cassia brought midsummer celebrations and showed her fantasy world.
But the most I liked antagonist of the story - Reclining Dragon with his liegemen.
It's really wonderful to read the story with the antagonist liegemen's POV. OMG, I thought Cassia was going to make me cry.
It's the second book in the Seasons Cycle, but it's also the perfect story to read as a stand-alone. I was deeply moved by the plot. It resonated with me and I have managed to read it in one day. I didn't want to put it down. Please, excuse me, I'm going to read it one more time.
Just in time for Summer! This story was sweet and surprising and everything I want for the upcoming season. I will be the first to say I’m not generally a fantasy fan, however I am a fan of this series and the way it is developing. In another review I saw the word ‘romantasy’ and that fits perfectly. Yes, the romance plays out in a high-fantasy world with magic and (no spoilers here!) special kinds of folk, but that is all drip-fed to readers almost as an aside.
You love the characters first, and all the rest is dressing. And boy, do I love the characters. I was glad to see Heinregard and Clay back from book 1 to see their connection continue to develop, but—as a horse lover—seeing stable master Mara become a lead character was most wonderful. To my fellow horse lovers, fear not! Cassia Hall has her horse facts down. Even the fantasy aspect of the animals seems plausible for her world, and I would love to get a ride in on Arazar.
The whole cast is great, even beyond our two couples, and I cannot wait to see how the seasons progress and who will be featured in the future! So settle in for another ride up Mount Saddle just in time for Summer Lights.
Cassia Hall truly shines in this book. It showcases her strengths in creating endearing, deeply drawn characters facing challenges in an elaborate, magical world. She creates characters you can't help but cheer for. She's particularly good at writing children in their messy, pushy, intense glory, from the Wildlings (who are wild indeed) to earnest Lowell.
Summer Lights throws together disparate characters with conflicting interests and needs, and the sorting out is poignant and satisfying.
Cassia Hall is a wordsmith who can string words together in a way that allow her readers to visualise things she wants to portray, to feel the feelings, passion, agony, frustration, fear, yearning, sorrow….of her characters. The episode on the lake in the Chapter - Night of Lights was so vividly described it took my breath away.
Summer Lights is a beautifully written story that touches the heart and makes me ache for the main characters, reminding us that often, listening to our heart means that we have to be willing and ready to go against all odds.
Apart from being a fantasy love story, I find some poignant messages in Summer Lights, one of which is how the real world has much to learn to accept people like Fang who are ”two-spirited”. Another message surfaced when Fang was asked whether she was a purebred nomad, giving her the chance to unsettle Heinregard by speaking of the atrocities committed by the overlords. To Fang, though Heinregard may be ignorant of the sins of his forefathers, he's not entirely innocent. Similarly, in the real world, many of us are fed lies despite having, like Heinregard, a hunch that something is amiss, but we still feign ignorance.
I felt very much for young Lowell, heavily burdened at such a young age. He tried so hard to be the reliable, responsible and capable person for his family. My heart clenched for him and I even felt proud of him when, despite being so practically and intellectually minded, he took heed of his maman’s teaching “to look into his heart and not depend solely on his head”, which led him to do the right thing, something even the adults might not have done.
Summer Lights is unputdownable. Looking forward to the next novel in this series.
A really sweet romantacy, with just enough fantasy to retain my interest. The two couples are FF and MM romances, and while the two guys are sweet and cuddly, the girl's pairing is more feisty. The children inject humour, especially the crazy wildlings, and I have a special affection for Lowell, who seems so much wiser than everybody else. I loved the sand kittens, too.
But to me the most interesting characters were the bringer of storms, the Reclining Dragon, and his liegeman Tyrel. There are hints of a deeper, multi-layered plot behind these pair which is only hinted at in this book. I greatly look forward to reading the next book to see where their stories lead.
Heinregard and Clayten are still around, but Summer Lights is really Mara and Fang's story. Also the children's, and two new characters who come out of the blue and literally rock a boat. The appearance of dragon lord and his liegeman is like catalyst and show glimpse of a complex world. The story is good, the characters deep, kids are so real. The ending is understated but beautiful. It's like you're taken full circle back to beginning. Nicely done.
Reviews for Fall Lanterns
In her third book in The Seasons Cycle, Cassia Hall continues to weave together the threads of her characters’ fates. She’s upped the stakes, giving the readers a villain that will make their blood boil and a deadline for the happiness of more than one main character. The subplots with the children are both delightful and heartrending (as always).
Writing children as their own fully developed characters with needs, backstories, desires, and character arcs is one of Hall’s greatest strengths, and she doesn’t disappoint. The children’s drive to know the truth about themselves and the secrets that affect their lives is intrinsically entwined with the political intrigue of the adults.
As always, the soulmate romances will fill your heart and leave you cheering for them to beat all the odds. I cannot wait for the final book!
– Rebecca Fuentes
As magical as ever, Fall Lanterns brings us even deeper into life at the House of Silveria. More traditions with events that bring our beloved characters together just as much as they create drama that pushes them apart.
The Capitan and Viraya are back as one of the feature couples (along with Heinregard and Clay of course) and their slow dance around one another is lovely to watch progress.
There is a lot going on at the House in this book and no sub-plot left me bored or skimming. I needed to know all the tiny ministrations going on behind the scenes and was not disappointed.
It’s easy to get swept up in the moment and feel for each of the characters—even those who I maybe didn’t like so much in other books, as they become more and more rounded with each installment. I can’t help but love them now.
I also loved the addition of a new character Starling to the group as she definitely shook things up a bit for poor, wise-beyond-his-years Lowell and it was nice to see a different side of him.
And as ever, I enjoyed watching the wildlings run around and cause ruckus at every turn. As always, this slow-burn romance leaves me angsting for more with the perfect amount of payoff to keep me turning pages and wishing the best for the couples even when all seems hopeless. I both cannot wait for the final installment in this series and never want it to end.
– Erica Damon
Fall Lanterns by Cassia Hall is the third book in her Seasons Cycle and I was delighted to be the first person to read it. This time the author excites us from the first pages. Being used to the House of Silveria setting I was stunned to be sent to Heinregard’s homeland, the Argentene.
I loved the tension between Clay and Heinregard (MM couple). The stakes for them this time are very high and the pacing of the story just right.
Viraya’s Captain is back! YAY. We see a lot more of him, adding new flavor to the setting and beautiful romance with an older woman (I highlight this because it’s so hard to find a book that feature older women finding true love).
The ball’s superb but what I liked most was the Reclining Dragon. I was captivated by his sorrow and entertained by his liegeman’s troubles.
And let’s not forget the lovable wildlings who bring trouble wherever they go and make the books in the Seasons Cycle hilarious. But this time, Jess and Ty (also Lowell and Starling, a new character) add a bittersweet taste to the plot. You’ll have to read it to find out more
The diversity (different cultures and orientations) is one reason I enjoy this series so much. Then there are the songs you can listen to by following QR codes linking to the author's YouTube channel). They give an immersive experience to the read.
I highly recommend this book. Be sure to read the others as well!
– Naito Diamond
Wow, where to start? Heinregard and Clayten are back in full force, but there is more about Viraya as her captain is back with the little prince. Everyone converge on House of Silveria for the ball (delightful) and a serious ceremony that the wildlings (of course) put in jeopardy.
The Reclining Dragon is back and we see more of him and his liegeman, something I hoped for. Also some new characters. I won’t spoil other readers to enjoy, but this is an exciting ride that satisfies me and still I want more. How will it all end? Now to wait. Not too patiently. Hope it won’t be long till we find out.
– Andy C.
Fall Lanterns! Such an engaging read! As always, the story was not only beautifully but elegantly written, a special strength and trait in the author’s writing style and her mastery of the language.
This is not simply a fantasy romance. There’s always food for thought in the author’s subtle messages conveyed through her characters. Longing, sorrow and pain are portrayed so realistically in this fantasy world. At the same time, the author uses her protagonists to lead the readers to anticipate a sense of hope and wonder, that it may be possible for someone or something to make a difference in this fantasy world.
The forbidden love between Clayten and Heiregard is one example of how the world will fare better for all those star-crossed lovers if there’s just this possibility for inclusiveness. Only if there can be a shift in thinking and efforts to build a more harmonious world, with peace instead of war, it would surely bring forth harmony and not strife. This was brought out in Mara’s simple letters on daily life compared to Fang’s which focused on war and sacrifice.
Another message that many may resonate with and touch the reader’s heart is the reminder through Viraya that in order to lead a life of hope and love, one should live “……not in fear, not evading the possibility of hurt and pain,……be brave……loving and hoping in spite of everything.”
A highly recommended read! Now anxiously looking forward to the release of Winter Wain!
-Ayesha B.
This is book 3 in a series. Now I may be biased because I loved all the books, but this book is just beautiful. There is something so incredible about the way the author words every sentence. The reader is constantly engaged and you just can’t put it down. The characters express the same conflicting feelings and emotions as people do. The world ties in perfectly with the previous books and there are no holes in development.
When you read this book, you can just close your eyes and picture the setting. You can hear the wind blow and the intense feelings that come with a well thought out location. I know. I did say when you read this book and not if. That is because I am confident that you will read it and you will love it. Actually, since you will probably read this book, you might as well read the whole series too!
My Rating: I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this book. As always, I love the way the author writes. It feels almost lyrically. I turned crazy while reading and became obsessed with what was going to happen next that I sat in silence and turned every page. This is the perfect example of a solid slow burn romance with no disappointing rushed feel at the end. The author was able to tie everything together in little bows, yet keep me bouncing in my seat while I try to be patient for the next book.
V. Babcock
4.0 out of 5 starsthe Saga Continues
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
I enjoyed reading more of Viraya’s story and how this book continued the threads of the earlier stories. Immersive and interesting, as usual the author made it possible to smell and taste and feel the environment as the events take place. It functions okay as a standalone book, but it really made me want the final resolution that will hopefully arise in Book 4.
DAUNTLESS-SECRETS OF THE ANDES
5.0 out of 5 starsCaptivating music included!
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
Okay. First off...this book comes with beautiful and engaging songs (linked, composed and played I assume) by the extremely talented author, Cassie Hall. That in itself is worth the purchase of Fall Lanterns, lol. Now back to book. Ms. Hall spins an engaging story in a dreamy yet realistic world complete with knights, horses, magical creatures, and yes, even music. They exist in a land and culture that is superbly detailed; think red rolling sand meets soft green sponge. Seemed symbolic somehow to the main characters, who are all heroically endearing and easy to adore. The semblance it creates is that of a mediaeval fantasy' and refreshingly, it never slips from that mask. Once you're in that strange romantic world, you stay there. Wonderfully done. It does take effort to understand the new rules, new words, different culture, and plethora of side characters (their functions and roles) but the end justifies the means.
R Warner
5.0 out of 5 starsThis author creates more than just a story!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
This book immerses you in a medieval and magical world with three soulmate couples (same-sex and opposite-sex). The author’s exquisite and vivid descriptions of landscapes, herbal medicine, music, and animals bring this magical world of courtly love alive. At the back of the book, you’ll find lyrics for the songs Clay sings to woo Heinregard along with links to performances of the music on Youtube. This adds so much to the reader experience! I found it challenging at first to keep track of characters and relationships; however, 25 pages into the book, things became clearer. This is the third in a series (Spring Song, Summer Night, and I think a 4th book may be forthcoming). I adored the fated, soulmate loves that developed over time.
