Search - The Charmed Sphere (Lost Continent, Bk 1)

I really enjoyed this! It's a light and easy read, the characters are fun, and the action moves along nicely without any lags. It was also just what I was in the mood for! I've heard Asaro's sci-fi novels referred to as "space operas" and she certainly was able to juggle the four main characters here.

This is a very entertaining story which could be enjoyed by both adult and young adult readers. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series!

Once Chime had been the most promising mage in the land, feted and celebrated for her potential and future role in the kingdom. The Iris, he young competitor, made a stunning leap in skill and turned Chime's world upside down.

Now no longer the most powerful, no longer promised to a prince -- and still unable to harness her magic properly -- Chime was set adrift. As was the new king's cousin -- and former heir -- Lord Muller. Yet when the neighboring kingdom threatened war, Muller and Chime were tasked with uncovering the plot. Both were flawed, yet unwilling to accept a lesser destiny than they had once known. Could this quest be the opportunity for redemption -- or would it lead them to their deaths?

This is a good book for anyone who likes fantasy with a dose of romance. There is an earlier short story in the anthology Charmed Destinies that I think help explains a lot about some characters.