The Mesmerist

By: Claire Luana

Narrated by: Talon David

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Someone is killing the Adrjssian royal family one by one. When the queen is pushed to her death, suspicion lands on 17-year-old Adrijana Mironacht, a village girl new to court. Determined to clear her name, Adrijana enlists the aid of the compelling and enigmatic Dragan Vulpe, one of the royal Mesmers - magicians with the ability to read and manipulate the thoughts and emotions of those around them. As the royal body count grows and the hostile Vruk army gathers at the border, ready to capitalize on Adrjssian instability, Adrijana homes in on the Vruk ambassadors as the most likely suspects. But when she uncovers evidence of Mesmer help, she begins to second-guess both her instincts and the loyalties of those around her. Tangled in a web of half-truths and pretty lies, it will take all of Adrijana’s cunning to unmask the true killer. From the author of the Confectioner Chronicles comes a stand-alone young adult fantasy mystery set in a seductive new world of glittering magic, shadowed secrets, and deadly intrigue.

©2022 Claire Luana (P)2022 Claire Luana

Thrilling And Original!

Talk about a murder mystery that'll have you captivated until the very end! The Mesmerist is original and fun, and it'll have you guessing who the true villain is throughout the book! I couldn't get enough of this fast-paced thriller that threaded just enough romance through it to make it unputdownable. The narrator was perfect for bringing this world and these characters to life, truly loved this book!

Captivating from the start

Magic and intrigue is one of my favorite combinations, and the Mesmerist does it well. I enjoyed the characters, and piecing together what was happening, and the Magic system is really interesting.

Excellent

I received a complimentary copy of The Mesmerist in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this audio book. Typically, I only listen to audio books when I'm alone in the car but I found myself wanting to know what happens next and listening at other times too. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life, with a great pace as well.

Likable Stand Alone

This wasn't my favorite by Claire Luana but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I love that the story is self-contained in a world of sagas. I enjoyed seeing Luana putting a big world into a single story and it hold up well.
The beginning twist that sets up the plot is lovely and the story continues to wind with surprises keeping me entertained.
The Mesmerist is pretty good and a fun story for fans of the author and magic alike,

I received a copy of the audiobook from the author but all opinions are my own.

The Mesmerist is mesmerizing

This book was a welcome change of pace to the other genres I’ve been reading. The Mesmerist had me enthralled from the first page to the last. Claire Luana didn’t disappoint with this stand alone book, but I’m not so secretly hoping it turns into a series.

Talon David was a phenomenal choice to voice this book and it was easy to her the characters. Pacing, phrasing, and enunciation were excellent and every word was audible.

The Mesmerist is a fun read and will keep you guessing until the end!

Best fantasy in a long time!

I LOVED this! It’s well written. The plot was so intrique and well fleshed out. It kept me guessing and was really fun to listen to! I highly recommend!

A fun standalone

I liked the royal court a lot and the setting/magic system was really unique and exciting! I thought the mesmers were really creative and I loved how the author was able to tell the tale in a fresh way. So much suspense and mystery, with a great closure. I really enjoyed listening! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Excellent

Claire Luana has done an outstanding job with The Mesmerist. The world-building is intricate, the characters complicated and a complex plot with political upheaval, assassinations, magical powers, mystical creatures, and tons of mystery, a true whodunit.


This wonderful story is narrated by Talon David who did a great job bringing the characters to life. I loved the uniqueness of the mesmers powers. What they can do is unique but also makes a lot of sense if you know a little something about chakras. There is a lot of prejudices, past wrongs, and politics that show a darker side to this world but with its unique cultures in every region and the magical animals does bring a touch of wonder to the story.


The plot went smoothly, everything was consistent and paced well. Everything came together really well without revealing to much. It kept the story interesting and me excited for more.


The Mesmerist is the first book I've read by Claire but it won't be the last. It truly was a fantastical read the pulled me in and kept me guessing until the very end.

Engaging story, flat ending

I really did like this book. I liked the characters, though I felt they could have been fleshed out more. The side characters felt like placeholders to conveniently come in and out of the story when it suited the main characters best. And the ending was definitely rushed. It could have done with a lot more development.

I know all of that sounds like negative stuff, and there is definitely things I would have changed, it really is an enjoyable story. I feel like we could have done less building to the mystery and more of the impact of its secrets being revealed. And I’d have liked more of the main character after the dust had settled.

If you like mystery fantasy, then this one is worth the read! I want to be more effusive with praise, but I worry that if I gush about the things the author did well and that I liked, then it will spoil things for new readers and I’d have hated to have this journey ruined. Just trust that even with all of the things I didn’t enjoy, there really is a little gem of a story here!

some great twists on this path

Ms Luana captured the flavor of a young woman's flighty mind as she develops her skills & confidence. I look forward to the next one.