Two thousand years ago, the prophecy of fire and light foretold the coming of the queen empress who would lead the empire into a time of peace and tranquility. But instead of the coming of a prosperous world, a forbidden love for the empress waged a war that ravaged the land, creating a chasm between the factions and raising the death toll of innocent lives until the final, bloody battle.
Centuries later, Alexandra, a 22-year-old barista living in Boston, is taken to an unfamiliar realm of mystery and magic where her life is threatened by Reylor, its banished lord steward. She crosses paths with Treyan, the arrogant and seductive crown prince of the empire, and together, they discover how their lives, and their love, are so intricately intertwined by a prophecy set in motion so many years ago.
Alex, now the predestined Queen Empress Alexstrayna, whose arrival was foretold by the annals of the empire, controls the fate of her new home as war rages between the crown prince and lord steward. Either choice could tear her world apart, as she attempts to keep the empire’s torrid history from repeating itself.
In a realm where betrayal and revenge will be as crucial to her survival as love and honor, Alex must discover whether it is her choice – or her fate – that determines how she survives the empire’s rising conflicts.
M. Dalto is a Young Adult and New Adult author of adventurous romantic fantasy stories. Her bestselling debut novel, Two Thousand Years, was a 2016 Watty Award winner (Wattpad.com). She has since released two companion novellas, and its sequel, MARK OF THE EMPRESS. Her sophomore release, LADY MUTINY, has been signed with Magnolia Press for publication in 2020.
She was recruited to participate in Wattpad Paid Stories program for serialized authors in March 2019, and has since been invited into the Wattpad Stars program. She continues to volunteer her time as a literary mentor and freelance developmental editor, where she hopes to engage, assist, and inspire new writers through their literary journey.
She spends her days working as a full-time real estate paralegal, leaving her evenings to pursue her own writing agenda. When she’s not typing furiously at her computer, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and drinking coffee. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband, their daughter, and their corgi named Loki.
Amanda Abeillan has narrated over a thousand hours of audio included in books, educational videos, commercials and more. She loves telling stories and making them come alive for her audiences. She also enjoys singing, playing the piano, and learning French. In her spare time, she can be found watching British panel shows and history documentaries.
Two Thousand years is Ah-maze-ing! I sure as heck can’t get enough!
Alex and Treyan are probably my two favorite characters that I have read yet this year! They are awesome! This is such an amazing adventure. With these two characters, there is never a dull moment. Along with our villain, they truly bring this story to life!
Dalto really knows how to create a masterpiece that sweeps you into another world. The way the writing captivates is unreal. The characters are so well developed. Along with the help of our narrator, Amanda Abeillan, the emotions are so vivid throughout the audiobook.
Overall this production is great. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better book to listen to. Each scene played out like a movie behind my eyes. I can’t get enough. I wish the next installment was already out! Even the scenery has been laid out so perfectly in this book. This book is definitely a must read/listen.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by M. Dalto. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
In a world where sorcerers are hunted to extinction…
One girl defies a cruel empire.
Slave girl Tori Burodai never wanted to be the Gallows Girl. She never wanted to be looked to as a savior or a revolutionary. But then again, she never knew she was one of the last living Watchers.
Long ago, the sacred order of sorcerers was a force for justice in the world. Now, their magic survives only in myth.
That is, until Tori reveals incredible magic power in a desperate attempt to save the boy she loves from a cruel fate.
This act of sorcerous rebellion changes Tori’s future forever. Her defiance sparks the makings of a magic revolution that promises to restore the world to its former glory, under the guidance of a new army of sorcerers, the Shadow Watch.
But the ruler of Tori’s world has his own dark plans for magic, and he will stop at nothing to end this revolution and bend the Watchers to his will.
Even if it means pitting brother against brother. Friend against friend. And Tori against the boy she loves.
All must choose. But no matter the choice. The world will never be the same. For there can be no magic without monsters.
If you love exhilarating worlds, epic revolutions, and morally complex characters, then you will instantly love this sweeping teen fantasy series that readers/listeners are comparing to Mistborn and Throne of Glass.
S.A. Klopfenstein grew up on a steady dose of Tolkien and Star Wars. As a child, he wrote his first story about a sleepwalking killer who was executed by lethal injection. He lives in the American West with his wife and their dog, Iorek Byrnison. He can be found exploring the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, or daring the halls of the high school where he teaches English and mythology.
I hate to admit it, but when I first saw the cover, I was not wanting to read this book. Once I started though I could not stop! S.A. Klopfenstein stole my breath away with this book.
Shadow Watch is so much more than a book. It all felt so realistic. Like at any moment the monsters of the tales we have heard would come out and flood our world. Astoria is such a strong character. She is naive and weak as well. She is slow to grasp; however, you can tell from her story that it is from her upbringing. I can honestly say for once it didn’t annoy me, but I was screaming “come on” a few times. Believe me she was not the only person I screamed that at either. All the characters and scenes are intricately designed so well.
Klopfenstein did a wonderful job writing this story from beginning to end. It is filled with so much suspense that I am literally on the edge of my seat as I write this review. Stacey Krejci portrayed these characters perfectly throughout the narration. Each character was very distinctive throughout. I loved this journey provided by Klopfenstein and Krejci. The overall production was just great. I didn’t get lost even once. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole story and every aspect that went into creating the entire production.
Honestly at this point, I just want book two. This story took me into a world I didn’t want to leave and cannot wait to go back to. I have fallen in love with these characters and need another glimpse into their lives. This is definitely a must read as far as I’m concerned. If you like takes and myths, you will definitely love this book as much as I have.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by S.A. Klopfenstein. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.