Review of Fated Silk Book One

Emily_Jen · Post by **Emily_Jen** » 03 Jul 2021, 02:22

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fated Silk Book One" by Victoria Banks.]

2 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Princess Oshun of Yigari has been selected as the eighth apprentice of the order of Ife, a group of male Orishas trained by Master Kamari. Her loving stepmother cast the spell that transformed her into a boy. Among her apprentice brothers, she goes by the name Chi Adisa. Oshun always loved Master Kamari, and just when it becomes clear to her that the master had seen through the façade and felt the same way for her, something terrible happens. Oshun vows to make things right.

Meanwhile, before that, the peace that existed between the Orishas and the Fiends is tested when Master Kamari rescues his apprentices, Jabari and Chi Adisa, from the Fiends, with several Fiends killed in the process. As a result, King Tomori, the king of the Fiends, wages war against the Orishas. He has a secret weapon that can kill Orishas. Will he succeed? How are the events that unfold related to Oshun's vow? Will Oshun find a way around the terrible situation and get her way with the love of her life. Find the answers to the questions and more in this intriguing piece of romantic fiction called Fated Silk Book One: Memoirs of the Apprentice by Victoria Banks.

I loved the concept of the story. I mean, a princess that is transformed into a boy to get her into a prestigious order, only for her to be caught in several love triangles before she finds the one for which her heart truly yearns. The author does a good job of catching the reader's attention early on in the story. The character development was excellent for most parts of the book, which I liked. Also, the suspense throughout the book was appreciable since I was focused on the story's outcome from the beginning of the story to the end.

I can’t fail to mention the series of emotions I felt while I read. I felt disgusted; other times, I was happy. I also felt pity, especially when I read through Oshun's love trial. I often wondered how complicated love could be. I mean, how can the heir to a throne love someone and watch them suffer? The superfluous overflow of emotions throughout the novel was enhanced by the first-person narrative style the author employed throughout the novel; I got to see everything through Oshun's eyes. The author also gave us insights into Oshun's thoughts, which made me even more attached to her.

There are a few things I don’t like about this novel. While I appreciate that the author tried to take on a rather complex story where characters seemed to have multiple lives in different realms, I was left confused at times. For example, when the author introduced the concept of immortals (Orishas) coming down to dwell among mortals in what she called their “love trial,” I had to read that part multiple times to understand the switch in characters and how they related to the previous story. More so, I felt that the author should have provided some references or some sort of backstory to prepare readers for the story. I was confused about certain hierarchies in terms of the kings that were mentioned.

Additionally, this book is not professionally edited; I found more than ten errors throughout the text. While I can’t wait to read the second book of the series, I can’t rate the novel any more than 2 out of 4 stars. The two-star deduction is a result of the dislikes I explained as well as the poor editing. Readers that are interested in romantic-fiction stories relating to magic and immortals would enjoy the read, and I recommend it to them. There are cases of profanity throughout the text, so sensitive readers may want to read with caution. Happy reading!

******
Fated Silk Book One
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Kavita Shah · Post by **Kavita Shah** » 05 Jul 2021, 04:31

I see Mulan and this have some things in common. I like the storyline. I really feel that it has a lot of potential and if the book gets the necessary changes it can be very good. Thank you for a delightful review!

Wesusa · Post by **Wesusa** » 05 Jul 2021, 10:35

Great review. I hope the author makes these changes. If so, I could see myself checking it out in the future.

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 05 Jul 2021, 11:04

Thank you for sharing. I think i will pass on this one.

Ruchi Raina · Post by **Ruchi Raina** » 05 Jul 2021, 11:17

This book seems wonderful. I would love to read about the transformation of the princess and her love triangles. The factors of fantasy and romance seem to make this book interesting. Thanks for the detailed review.

Asma Aisha Ansari · Post by **Asma Aisha Ansari** » 05 Jul 2021, 12:21

I think the plot of this book is definitely worthy of praise. If the author revises the book which has clarity with respect to characters' perspectives, and tighter editing, then this book will surely be a great series starter.
Thanks for this amazing review

Michelle Menezes · Post by **Michelle Menezes** » 05 Jul 2021, 12:24

From the summary, I thought it would be a fascinating read, but when you mentioned the negative points I decided not to read it. I do not like confusing love triangles, and while I can overlook editing errors, this book seems to have too many.
Thank you for your review.

markodim721 · Post by **markodim721** » 05 Jul 2021, 13:34

It is great that the author managed to create an entire civilization. This requires great dedication.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 05 Jul 2021, 14:49

The Orishas sound very promising but I'm so sorry the book gets confusing from time to time. Thank you so much for a wonderful review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 05 Jul 2021, 20:24

Oshun has an interesting adventure ahead of her. I agree with your comments about the confusing characters. The first book is filled with quite a bit of information which is typical for the beginning of a series. I enjoyed your insights about this book. Thanks!

Post by **Hannah Fabro** » 05 Jul 2021, 20:56

I'm not a big fan of fantasies but because of your review it seems interesting. I'm somehow reminded of Mulan.

Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon · Post by **Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon** » 06 Jul 2021, 00:57

I haven't read the book, but the storyline seems to have an Africa infusion and I can readily relate with the names of the major characters in the novel. I wish to read this book to find out how the story actually played out. Nice review I must commend.

ROSEY-ANN · Post by **ROSEY-ANN** » 06 Jul 2021, 01:39

Emily_Jen wrote: ↑03 Jul 2021, 02:22 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fated Silk Book One" by Victoria Banks.]

2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review

Princess Oshun of Yigari has been selected as the eighth apprentice of the order of Ife, a group of male Orishas trained by Master Kamari. Her loving stepmother cast the spell that transformed her into a boy. Among her apprentice brothers, she goes by the name Chi Adisa. Oshun always loved Master Kamari, and just when it becomes clear to her that the master had seen through the façade and felt the same way for her, something terrible happens. Oshun vows to make things right.

Meanwhile, before that, the peace that existed between the Orishas and the Fiends is tested when Master Kamari rescues his apprentices, Jabari and Chi Adisa, from the Fiends, with several Fiends killed in the process. As a result, King Tomori, the king of the Fiends, wages war against the Orishas. He has a secret weapon that can kill Orishas. Will he succeed? How are the events that unfold related to Oshun's vow? Will Oshun find a way around the terrible situation and get her way with the love of her life. Find the answers to the questions and more in this intriguing piece of romantic fiction called Fated Silk Book One: Memoirs of the Apprentice by Victoria Banks.

I loved the concept of the story. I mean, a princess that is transformed into a boy to get her into a prestigious order, only for her to be caught in several love triangles before she finds the one for which her heart truly yearns. The author does a good job of catching the reader's attention early on in the story. The character development was excellent for most parts of the book, which I liked. Also, the suspense throughout the book was appreciable since I was focused on the story's outcome from the beginning of the story to the end.

I can’t fail to mention the series of emotions I felt while I read. I felt disgusted; other times, I was happy. I also felt pity, especially when I read through Oshun's love trial. I often wondered how complicated love could be. I mean, how can the heir to a throne love someone and watch them suffer? The superfluous overflow of emotions throughout the novel was enhanced by the first-person narrative style the author employed throughout the novel; I got to see everything through Oshun's eyes. The author also gave us insights into Oshun's thoughts, which made me even more attached to her.

There are a few things I don’t like about this novel. While I appreciate that the author tried to take on a rather complex story where characters seemed to have multiple lives in different realms, I was left confused at times. For example, when the author introduced the concept of immortals (Orishas) coming down to dwell among mortals in what she called their “love trial,” I had to read that part multiple times to understand the switch in characters and how they related to the previous story. More so, I felt that the author should have provided some references or some sort of backstory to prepare readers for the story. I was confused about certain hierarchies in terms of the kings that were mentioned.

Additionally, this book is not professionally edited; I found more than ten errors throughout the text. While I can’t wait to read the second book of the series, I can’t rate the novel any more than 2 out of 4 stars. The two-star deduction is a result of the dislikes I explained as well as the poor editing. Readers that are interested in romantic-fiction stories relating to magic and immortals would enjoy the read, and I recommend it to them. There are cases of profanity throughout the text, so sensitive readers may want to read with caution. Happy reading!

******
Fated Silk Book One
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Detailed review!!!

Miriam nkere · Post by **Miriam nkere** » 06 Jul 2021, 06:32

It's really a mystery how a girl will be turned to a boy just to get her into a prestigious order. Sounds very captivating and intriguing, great review

Janet Kimetto · Post by **Janet Kimetto** » 06 Jul 2021, 10:21

This book sounds wonderful! Fantasy books hardly confuse me anymore, so I'll add this to my shelf despite the editing problem. Thank you for your great review!