Lichgates

Title: The Grimoire: Lichgates
Author: SM Boyce
357 pages; Kindle Edition
Published 2011

Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.

Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea's royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.

For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.

Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.

Kara Magari loves hiking. She did that a lot with her mom. And now her mom is gone. One day, she got lost but found her self trapped in a library. A library where one book caught her eye. Curiosity got into her of course. Especially if the book is a magical and mysterious Grimoire.

From there Kara was thrown into the world of Ourea, where she has been chosen as the Vagabond. With the help of the a book which at first was ordinarily blank, turns magically into a Grimoire that answers the right questions; soon Kara discovered the many worlds and facets surrounding the mystical place.


I was hooked the moment Kara got lost in the woods and entered the gazebo where a portal or Lichgate was located. And as soon as she stepped into Ourea, I knew I wouldn't be able to put my Kindle down.


I was thrilled to learn new kingdoms of creatures that comprised Ourea:  The Yakon, Isen or so-called soul stealers, and the Drenowith or the muses. A group of different races that Kara must face, conquer and unite. As the new Vagabond, she was also given the task to find special items or artifacts that would lead her to a very special place. She would be able to do this, with the help of a new found friend, Braeden, the one of the Blood - a royalty. Now, Braeden is a totally cool warrior, dangerous yet brave and somewhat have anger-management issues, but he is definitely someone Kara can depend upon. I like their tandem. They really fit each other's personality, making them an unstoppable duo. Bad thing is, Braeden had a very evil father... so evil and cunning, I wanna curse him myself!

I want to raise both of my hands and feet, and eventually raise the roof for S.M. Boyce for the wonderful characters she had created. And also for detailing the magical Ourea. With a vivid imagination, you can definitely see that Ourea is breathtaking and magnificent. Monsters may teem or appear here and there, but it's their presence that makes the place worthwhile and astonishing. I also loved how the author did not capitalize much on uber romantic scenes. It made reading a little easier and lighter and more enjoyable.

To S.M. Boyce, I'm giving you 5 bookmarks for whetting my appetite and taking me to Ourea. I really can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully I'll get the chance to read it this March.