Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic, #1)

Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic, #1)

Sarah Hawley

Enjoyment: 4.33Quality: 3.67Characters: 3.5Plot: 4.0
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  • Apr 02, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    I just couldn't get into this one. The world was interesting, the writing was solid, but I just... The pacing is glacial. And if there's one thing that stops me from getting into a book, it's glacial pacing. I mean, it can work, but nine times out of ten it doesn't.

    Additionally, I'm kind of tired of fantasy novels inserting a relative or bestie who's clearly marked for death early on to get the lead invested in the plot. I get that the lead should care in theory—it's their friend/sibling/cousin/neighbor. But why should *I* care?

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  • marissa
    Mar 30, 2025
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 4.5Characters: 4.5Plot: 5.0
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    Perhaps the cruelest and kindest thing a good book does is make you believe you live inside it for the space of a few hundred pages. That you’re not merely an observer but a part of its pulse and rhythm, seamlessly entwined with its world. And then it ends, the spell breaks, like a candle snuffed out and you find yourself stranded, aching for the warmth and light that only moments ago felt infinite. From the opening line, Servant of Earth sweeps you into its realm teeming with fae intrigue, fierce friendships, rebellion, monstrous threats, and harrowing trials. Its lush world-building and indomitable heroine make this book utterly impossible to put down. 
     
    Sarah Hawley’s writing is wholly immersive and hooked me with vivid imagery, the kind that conjuring scenes that leap from the page and settle deep into your mind. Yet, what sets this story apart the most was the emotional core of the story. It’s a tale of violence and hope, magic and jaw dropping action, all generously peppered with wtf moments. 
    It’s a perfect balance of moments that will make you laugh and moments that will make you gasp. And yes, there is spice that is perfectly timed and deliciously charged. Lastly, the ending. That ending left me both traumatized and extremely gratified, and I’m ready for more pain in the next book. I’m already bracing myself for the heartbreak and triumph sure to come. 
     
    Servant of Earth is a journey that stays with you long after the final page, a rare gem that doesn’t just ask for your attention but demands it. 

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  • Sadkay
    Mar 27, 2025
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    3.7/5

    I'm torn, I enjoyed parts of this book but also felt like it needed to hurry up and end. I can see the Court of Thornes and Roses and Cruel Prince vibes, the Fae in this book are ruthless. Also the ending kinda wrapped up a little too nicely. It was predictable, but also felt the build up to this moment was a let down.

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  • DocRobReads
    Mar 26, 2025
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  • KageB
    Mar 23, 2025
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  • thetbrhoarder
    Mar 09, 2025
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    @mssarahhawley has knocked it out of the park with this one!!! A fantastic new take on the Fae worlds and humans. I loved my time with this story, Kenna was a brilliant FMC and even though I had high hopes for her and Drustan I’m now torn. That ending was superb and even thoigh my thought of who Kenna was turned out to be wrong it still came to fruition. I can’t wait for book 2, just know it’s going to be amazing

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  • alexintheabstract
    Mar 09, 2025
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    3.75 ⭐️

    Servant of Earth is a wild ride full of intrigue, romance, and danger. The story follows Kenna, a twenty-something human who’s dragged—very much against her will—into Mistei, the faeries’ underground kingdom. Once there, she’s thrown into the middle of cutthroat fae politics, trying to help her new mistress survive deadly trials that could grant her immortality.

    This book moves fast, with plenty of action, court drama, and romance to keep you hooked. The world-building strikes a nice balance—enough detail to draw you in, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. Mistei is a fascinating and unique setting, complete with a tyrannical king and a complex servant-fae dynamic that sets it apart from other fantasy romances. If you’re into ACOTAR or Fourth Wing (but can live without dragons), you’ll probably love this. And that cliffhanger? Brutal. You’ll be itching for book two.

    Now, not everything hit perfectly. Some parts felt a bit predictable, and a few story elements could’ve been fleshed out more. But honestly, that might just be personal preference—especially if you’ve been on a fantasy romance binge. Even so, there’s a ton of potential here, and it’s a fun read for anyone who loves a fast-paced, twisty dive into the world of the fae.

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  • B00kWyrmNelle
    Dec 16, 2024
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    I loved the Glimmer Falls series by this author, but this book so good that I couldn't put it down and I finished reading it in one evening. It wasn't a small book either! The world-building & characters were relatable & complex. The FMC was everything I wanted with her fierce loyalty and love for others and the belief of equality of justice. I had an inkling of what could happen, but I wasn't 100% correct which I'm not made at because I think it fit nicely with the story. Hopefully there will be more after this book.

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