3.29.2023 | Wednesday

Once Upon a Legend

Item: Once Upon A Legend
Rating: 5
Author: Kim

category: Book Reviews
tag(s): young adult
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title: Once Upon A Legend
author: Mary Ting
series: Once Upon a Legend #1
published: 3 March 2023
publisher: self-published
genre(s): fantasy
pages: 334
source: author
format: ARC
buy/shelve it: Amazon | StoryGraph | Goodreads

rating:

| series rating:

the blurb

A story of love and a power that echoes through time.

A prophecy foretold by the Council.A sword forged by the Ladies of the Lake.A child born from love and the hope of thousands.

Seventeen-year-old Idrisa is a student from Dumont Orphan School. When the Emperor of Dumonia invites all citizens to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, she attends and becomes entangled in a world beyond belief. At the party, Idrisa begins to hear strange voices that urge her to go to the lake. A student from school follows and tries to kill her, but in the fight for her survival, Idrisa gains possession of an eternal sword—gifted by the Ladies of the Lake.

The Emperor demands it, but only Idrisa can wield the sword, so he imprisons her. Her only hope is Prince Merrick, but he is grieving the death of his mother and doesn’t care about anything happening around him. While held captive, Idrisa uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about Dumonia. Enemies and allies emerge when they hear news of the sword, and she must unlock the mystery of the weapon before darkness descends on the empire forever.

a few notes

keywords/phrases: Arthurian, retellings, family, honor
mood reading: myth, magic, and mystery
bonus points: strong female protagonist

my review

Once Upon a Legend was a beautiful and enchanting story, a new take on the Arthurian mythology. The author reimagined the Lady of the Lake into a trio of goddesses, which brought a whole new dimension to the tale. As the story unfolds, it becomes ever darker, ever more twisted. It becomes clear that the story being told in Once Upon a Legend is but one part of a larger story, one that had been unfolding for a long time.

Idrisa is a wonderful FMC… fiercely loyal, determined, and unbelievably brave. When she finds herself embroiled in the midst of royal intrigue, she doesn’t shy away from it. Instead, she puts herself forward in an effort to protect those she cares about. Merrick is an equally fantastic MMC… embued with integrity even as he’s grieving for his mother. He proves himself as independent and not easily swayed by that which would be easy, even if it puts him in dangerous positions.

There is so much to love about Once Upon a Legend. Magic, betrayal, honor, truths, intrigue… and all the twists and turns one could want. The story is beautifully written, deep and powerful. Mesmerizing!

About Mary Ting

Mary Ting is an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise.

Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privileged of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.

Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry.