The three Faeregine triplets themselves could not be more different from one another. In fact, all the characters in this novel have distinctive traits and virtues. I honestly cannot wait for the second installment to see how this partnership develops and where their stories go next. In fact, the last few lines of the novel, shared between these characters, is perhaps the best way to button up the first book in the series. His relationship with Hazel is really special and genuinely believable as it unfolds in an innocent and natural way. He is crafty, intelligent, loving, and not to mention has great self-preservation skills. I deeply care for him and really hope that he will somehow end up in a good situation. I genuinely love Hob, one of the lead characters. It is then that the book starts to become a lot of fun. However, eventually it starts to click and as a result, pacing begins to pick up.

At first, all the characters, the land’s history, and the new vocabulary can be confusing. Neff creates a very complex world, and as a result, the story starts out slow. Neff is the first book in a brand new fantasy series sure to knock your socks off! This YA novel boasts a hefty 585 pages of pure excitement and adventure. *Review Contributed by Elisha Jachetti, Staff Reviewer* But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it…or end it for good. Hob, a commoner from the outer realms, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines-and to spy on them. But the Empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. Whether it’s treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faereginese are ripe to fall. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. In the first book of Henry Neff’s new high-stakes middle grade fantasy series, two unlikely allies-the Faeregine princess Hazel and the servant boy Hob-confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.

Impyrium series