Kindle Edition Download to your Nook (eBook) Download from Smashwords (eBook) Category:  Fantasy Copyright: April 10,2010 This era of changes will soon become known as... "The Transition" This review is from: No Harm to Charm (The Sanctuary Saga) (Kindle Edition) Very compelling story, deeply rooted in the world most do not see around them. The idea of traveling through time has a different twist to it, and following the young heroes as they learn about themselves and their abilities will give you pause for thought. This book is a journey, so pay attention so you don't miss the turn. 5stars          Excerpt Lori watched as Emily vented her rage upon the swarm. She pushed them back further and further until now they only seemed a shadow in the moonlit night. Emily would be exhausted when this was through and Lori could not see how or to the extent of Ophelia’s injuries. She could feel the precious woman’s dwindling spirit and worried that Emily had forgotten her in the throes of her battle against the demons and their minions. She could feel Emily’s rage and it was not a good feeling. She was justified in feeling this way but she was so intent on the battle she was losing her sense of time. She called out to her hoping she would hear. Nothing. She called out again and felt the exclusion to all else with which Emily vanquished. She knew the focus of this battle would be historical. Sweet, dear Emily had gone over the edge into a place and time where the battle consumed her heart and soul. Would she ever be the same after this? Lori could feel the changes in her dear friend. There was a strength and determination of Emily’s soul that caused a pause in Lori’s breathing. She wanted to run and pull her away from this battle but somehow she knew it would do no good. Emily would continue until every last one of them had been destroyed. What Lori feared was this: Was there an end to them, ever? Emily marveled at her lack of exhaustion. She had drawn strength from the earth and slung it back in their faces. She could hear the taunts by the legion of demons and she had become furious with their disrespect for her and her God. She could feel the threads of insanity wrapping its tentacles around her mind. This was the part Ophelia had warned her of. Battle could destroy you even if you survived your wounds. It was if a gene of survival came rushing in to stop a person from giving up, backing down or giving quarter to the enemy. She had shocked herself with her viciousness. She had stopped counting the vanquished earlier in the battle. The numbers had begun to blur somewhere around twenty thousand. She knew she was proving a point but at what cost? Herself? As long as she lived she would remember this battle. Just as fear of her had been etched upon this legion, so had their deaths been etched upon her soul.

No Harm to Charm
Robert E. said...
Yes, any story from the fiction/fantasy/metaphysical genre is best enjoyed when one allows the mind to be swept away into the 'ride' as you stated. That is the beauty of said genre. I found the book to be a thrilling 'ride' propelled by themes such as the importance of: parenting/mentoring/friendships/faith/love/commitment/patience/perseverance/generosity etc...all for the sake of goodness & light. In my opinion the book can be enjoyed by an older teen & they will understand the message of good. As a middle aged reader I enjoyed the level of depth Tomes gave to the adult reader. I believe Tomes did an excellent job of layering the story. Actually I read it twice only to realize a deeper level than I found on the 1st read.

I see where Tomes is releasing a book of charms in the near future! I look forward to the new release!

Keep writng Tomes!
November 12, 2011 11:14 AM


No Harm to Charm
Katie said...
I agree with both posts! Characterization, storyline, & central theme are excellent! For me the God/metaphysical mix was not problematic. I am solid enough in my belief system to accept it as how the author chose to weave the theme of Good vs. Evil and 'take the ride' when necessary. Otherwise a reader could not enjoy good themes presented in a different way...stories such as THE WIZARD OF OZ, for example. I recommend for readers to 'take the ride'!!
November 7, 2011 5:46 PM