Review Detail

House of Eclipses is the first book in a brand new duology from author Casey L. Bond. As the third daughter of the Aten of Helios, Noor is not expected to inherit her father's throne. So when the ruler of Lumina reaches out to the Aten to strike a deal to join their houses, the Aten hatches a plan of his own. What if he brings his second and third-born daughters to present to the Lumin and plants them to steal his mythical crown?

I like Noor. She is a complex creature, but one that I rooted for from the start. Her father is a cruel, abusive man who only wants more power and will stop at nothing to get it. When Noor learns that she is to potentially wed the Lumin and that her father wants the crown, she knows she has to find the crown before her sister and use it for herself and Helios. Noor is fierce, brave, cunning, but also empathetic and kind. I loved how the author depicts Noor with her every interaction with her sisters, father, priests, even the servants. Each different interaction shapes Noor, and I loved her by the end!

Caelum is a breath of fresh air. I adored him, and it was easy to see why Noor can't resist him and questions her own plans. He's kind and caring, steadfast and loyal. His people love him, which strikes a chord with Noor when all she has to compare to is the hatred she feels for her father.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Bond's books is the world-building. It's immersive and vivid. I love this world, though I'm not sure I'd want to live there. The mythology surrounding it ties greatly into the plot and what is driving Noor. There are two kingdoms, Helios and Lumina. Helios is the land of the Sun-goddess, and Lumina is the land of the Moon-god. To be honest, I could read an entire book on their kingdoms and gods. Lumos and Sol's story is heartbreaking in and of itself, but the consequences of their love is even more so and that is the time period in which Noor lives.

Overall I loved House of Eclipses. Noor's journey from the land of the sun to the moon kingdom is both inspiring and heartbreaking as she discovers herself and what fate has in store for her. If you enjoy fantasy, magic, and romance, you are in for a treat with this one.

Final Thought: Beautifully written, House of Eclipses sends readers on Noor's journey, packed full of first love, intrigue, and the heartbreak of betrayal.