Reviewed: September 7th, 2024
Released: October 29th, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Lost magic, buried secrets, love, and found family. Can Lilly and Storm find the First Ethereal before all is lost?
Super empath Lilly is almost relieved to be living her last human life. With only her spirit guide, Jack, for company and the world unravelling around them, she longs for the peace of the Eternal Forest.
When catastrophic floods force Lilly from her home, fate intervenes, and she finds refuge with Storm, a widowed ex-witch who has mysteriously lost her magic.
As Lilly falls in love with life and finally finds the family and community she has always dreamed of, the two become entwined in a desperate mission to find the First Ethereal – the one being prophesied to save the world from imminent destruction.
But they’re not the only ones seeking this mythical being. Dark forces, driven by fear and greed, are closing in, determined to seize the Ethereal’s power at any cost – and they’ll destroy anyone who stands in their way.
As the clock ticks down, Storm must unlock the secret of her missing magic, while Lilly confronts the devastating truth about who Jack really is. Are some truths better left buried?
Helen’s Thoughts: 5/5
There is so much to talk about in this book, that I hardly know where to start! What an amazing setting, combining humanity’s disdain and lack of care for the world we live in with the final apocalypse of our own making, encouraged by an evil sect who want to wipe out everyone but themselves.
But the Earth and the spirits of the universe have one last throw of the dice, and the hunt is on for the First Ethereal to save the world. The spiritual world is well developed and the magic adds an additional dimension to the story. You feel for Jack as he struggles to fulfil his purpose, and not feel jealous as Lilly blossoms. There are so many strong characters; Storm and Isaac, Veronica, even Margot, and emotions run high as the story progresses.
Combine a variety of amazing characters along with a range of adorable pets – We all know Williams loves her animals – all cleverly intertwined as the book progresses and it’s lovely to see them represented in this slow build adventure that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the final explosive page.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the characters. Highly recommended, and I can’t wait to read book two.
Purchase The First Ethereal
Link to book on Amazon UK: ebook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: ebook | Paperback
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series and now Harmony, a dystopian science fantasy.
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