The Last Namsara (Iskari)

Kristen Ciccarelli's "The Last Namsara" tells the story of Asha, the formidable dragon hunting princess of Firgaard. Asha became the embodiment of Iskari, the feared god of destruction and death, following a gruesome dragon attack at a young age that left her horribly scarred and filled her with anger toward all dragons. Asha learned at this young age that storytelling was evil, as was her mother for sharing them with her, and the Old One for creating them (since they attracted dragons who also had stories to share). She grew up desiring to be her father's Iskari by killing dragons and everything that was reminiscent of the old ways. Asha learned to hate herself, skrals (Firgaard's slaves), scrublanders (a desert tribe), and her beloved cousin (a mixed race child). The Old One suddenly enters her life bearing gifts with strings attached should she not use them correctly. These gifts go against every fiber of her being, but the Old One's consequences cannot be ignored. As Asha is forced to confront her entire identity and worldview with these gifts, she begins to discover her entire world is built on numerous layers of deceit.
I enjoyed "The Last Namsara" from beginning to end and found Asha to be a relatable character. (Lets face it, we all have things we don't like about ourselves.) Asha's entire worldview (and her personal identity) was challenged by the very god her father, the Dragon King, desperately wanted her to eradicate. I loved the inserted stories throughout; they explain so much but would be hard to introduce into the storyline by themselves. I can't wait until the next book comes out ("The Caged Queen")!
My opinion is solely my own, but I do want to thank Goodreads, HarperTeen, and Kristen Ciccarelli for a copy.

The Last Namsara is basically everything I wanted in a YA fantasy. Kick-ass ladies. Giant weapons. Stories with power. DRAGONS.

It's a story about stories, and about doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. It's about finding the strength inside yourself to act when everyone tells you that you can't. It's about discovering your heart when the world outside has tried to destroy what makes it beat.

It's about discovering you CAN do the impossible. No matter what anyone says.

And... it's a MUST READ for YA fantasy fans. ;)

I quite enjoyed this. I loved the world the author created, and the fact that DRAGONS exist in this world. I furthermore liked our tough and quite hotheaded female protagonist. The romance between her and Torwin was slowly forming which was really sweet. There are stories at the end of each chapter which I enjoyed very much.

What I didn't like, though, was that the secondary characters had no depth or complexity at all. Also, at a few times the writing felt off. It is her debut novel so hopefully in her next book she is more confident.

This book was a pleasure on many levels. I highly recommend it. Kristen Ciccarelli builds an entire world with its own mythology, but manages to do in a way that is never work for the reader (no information dumps). The reader is instantly taken into the world and it's not hard to root for the main character, Asha, right from the start. The stakes are really high and layered so that I found I had to keep reading. But the book is more complex than it seems, too: in its telling and retelling of stories, we see the importance of questioning the stories we have always been told, about ourselves and about the world. I really loved the love story in this book a lot--it managed a rare balance of both eroticism and chastity--but I also want to root for the love stories told in this book between friends and family too. At first I gave this book four stars -- and realistically, I would give it a 4.5 (due to a few plot points that felt uncertain)--but I bumped it up to a five because the story has stayed with me days after finishing the book, which is always a sign of a really really good book.

This story immediately draws you into a mystical world of adventure, deception and romance. The dragons,queens, kings and the fight for power remind me a bit of the Game of Thrones. The main character is a young woman named Asha. She is not innocent, she is not perfect in fact she has a scar slashed across the side of her face and body from the burning fire of the most dangerous dragon...Kozu. The dragon has scarred her soul and her mind, a constant reminder of the sins and mistakes of her past.
Asha is strong, she tries to correct her wrongs. She is impulsive and full of passion The Kingdom is afraid of this dragon slayer. Asha is not as confident as she outwardly appears, just a false exterior. She does not like herself.
According to the old stories she is evil and corrupt. and is constantly looking for approval from her father, the King. Asha is easily misled, very much like any young woman unsure who they are, looking for love in all the wrong places.
Through her mistakes and risk taking behaviours, Asha discovers her inner power, the truth of who she was born to be. But not without the help of a slave who is able to look deep into her soul and see her true self. Thus the forbidden love begins.
Then there is Jarek, the evil, lying and cruel man who does unspeakable acts to those beneath him. Asha must marry him unless she kills the most dangerous dragon of all.. Kozu. The dragon who left her for dead years ago. Another twist.
The reader must pay close attention to the stories of the past, they have hidden meanings. The kingdom fears and hates Asha the young dragon slayer. Ash fears herself and what she is capable of. One of the reasons that I like the book so much is that she is not a typical daughter of a King.
I give the"The Last Namsara" 5 stars based on Cicarelli's unique ability to create this world of fire breathing dragons, slaves, a corrupted kingdom, a fierce and dangerous dragon slayer and a forbidden love. Through her solid descriptions and fine details you will find yourself absorbed and lost in this mystical story. I love that the story has so many twists and turns. It will keep you guessing every chapter.

A fast-moving, clever, well-plotted story with an interesting mythology and even more interesting characters. I don’t usually go for stories about dragons, but these were so likeable and their bonds with humans so deep and emotional, that I became quite attached. The heroine’s relationship with her father was emotionally engrossing, and her history and her imperfections and the many unexpected twists in the plot kept me invested right to the end. Great read.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is the first volume of the "Iskari" series. As soon as I read the plot I realized that I would have loved this novel. That is how it was!
The protagonist is Asha, daughter of the Dragon King of Firgaard and the Iskari. At first I did not like her very much, but going on in the narration I began to appreciate her more and more.
I also liked the character of Torwin, a very intelligent boy, that does not get hindered by anything or nobody to get what he wants to get.
The novel is very fluent and it is difficult to get away from the pages, so that in a short time you end up devouring it. Writing style is very special, well-groomed. We note the commitment the author has made to achieve a sophisticated language and appropriate to the kind of story she is telling.
The world that Kristen Ciccarelli has created is described in details and this was an aspect that made me appreciate even more this book.
Obviously the parts of the novel I preferred were those in which we find dragons, mythical creatures that are wonderful and I love madly. It was nice to see the relationship between the people of Firgaard and these creatures.
I can not wait to read how the story will continue. I'm very curious!
I highly suggest anybody to go buy this book. You won't regret it!

I literally just finished this book (devoured it) and I mean I loooooved it.

I typically do not read fantasy. I'm just not into it. I was so into this. I smiled, laughed, was fiercly angry and cried... actual sloppy Grey's Anatomy tears. I was transported and in these moments soooo ridiculously into dragons.

There is so much more I want to know. So many character's I need to know about... like Roa. I want to know everything about this fierce mysterious woman. I hate that I now have to wait for her next book.

This book is beautifully written, and whimsical and so comfy to sink into. READ THIS BOOK. Seriously.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which has something for everyone. A kingdom on the brink of war, magic, mystery, romance and unexpected twists. Extra points for interesting and complex characters that don't fall into easy stereotypes. The handsome warrior is a monster, the women kick butt and the guys aren't afraid to cry.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of the book for review.

The Last Namsara is one of the most gorgeous books I've read. I was in the most awful reading slump and this pulled me out of it hard.
Asha, our main character is fearless, fierce and full of self hatred. It is the perfect example of thinking you know yourself and those around you when In fact it's all lies and corruption. Alright, that sounds rather dramatic but, Asha has been less to believe she is Iskari, Bringer of death when actually she is so much more (this is very hard to write with no spoilers!)
She discovers a whole new world view in a slave, her own family and circumstances that are so far from her control you wonder how she's ever kept it together. And there's dragons...what is not to love about dragons?! This book is beautifully written , I loved the characters immediately (even the villains) And the world was rich and fill of stories, myths, legends and did I mention the dragons? I was after this book for a long time and I was not disappointed.

Entertaining read that gave me everything I wanted in a fantasy novel, and could not put it down! Was particularly intrigued by the approach to the narrative structure - I often feel that I can predict what's going to happen next. That was not the case with this book. As readers, we trust the point of view of the main character similar to how she trusts those around her. Throughout the novel, each of her beliefs is slowly challenged one by one. As each is dismantled, it opens up intrapersonal conflict and we're forced to reexamine her worldview with her, a difficult experience that Ciccarelli effectively guides the reader through. Amazing!

Stories are powerful, and in Asha's world, they're forbidden. Asha is a princess and a dragon hunter, engaged to a cruel man who once saved her life. When she begins falling for one of his slaves, it ignites a battle for truth and freedom that threatens to tear her kingdom apart. Asha is a heroine worth rooting for--brave, tough, passionate. She will stick in your heart and make you better for it.

Now for gushing: I loved this book. I'm a sucker for dragon fantasies and this one delivered exactly what I wanted. They were majestic, breathe fire, flew though the air and befriended their riders. I wouldn't change a thing about this fabulous YA debut. Also, just as FYI, it's not a love triangle if that's something you dislike. Full of beautiful words and passionate storytelling, this book is a must read.

What a magical book with amazing characters, especially the badass women! Such a beautiful book all about the power of stories and inner strength and beauty, and let's not forget the dragons. There are DRAGONS. They are wonderful. I can't say enough good things about THE LAST NAMSARA, only that you must read it now now now.

Despite the mixed reviews I really enjoyed this book. What got my attention was, of course, the DRAGONS. I must admit that some parts were a little slow, and it can be boring. But I loved the world building and the character development. I didn't like Asha at first, she was spoiled and annoying, but I started caring for her throughout the book. Besides being an awesome fantasy, the story gives a lot of lessons.

A beautifully told fantasy with themes that are very relevant to today. The romance is gorgeous but not overdone. The stark writing style wonderfully compliments the vivid world Ciccarelli has created. Dragons, a star-crossed, tender romance and a deep, disturbing and rich history. What's not to love?!

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't exactly what I expected which was a plus! You get little stories within it that give you background of the events before the plot of the book. It really helped shaped the world for me and I haven't seen that before in a YA fantasy.

I already can't wait for the sequel!

If you are looking for an EPIC dragon fantasy...THIS IS IT! The stories woven into stories was excellently done! Highly recommend for fantasy loves, dragon riders and those interested in a more tame Game of Thrones.

This book had the perfect combination of elements for YA fantasy- - rich world building, beautiful writing, romance, a strong main character who has skills but also flaws and learns and grows throughout the book. Also, dragons! Highly recommend to fans of YA fantasy looking for adventure, realistic politics, danger, and an engaging main character.

This book was so amazing that I was heartbroken when I finished. I did not want this story to end. I was luckily enough to receive an ARC, but then had to pass it to someone else so I'm sad this book won't come out for another 2 months. I'm dying to reread now... and I can't wait to read book #2. The struggles Asha goes through, the cruelty she faces, and the twists and turns that I did not see coming... it was all so entertaining. Then you add in dragons and the magic of stories. I loved it!

Absolutely stunning. I devoured this book in two sittings and couldn't get enough of it -- I can't wait for the next installment of the Iskari series. Asha is such a beautifully developed character as are all the rest of the people in this lyrical world of dragons and old stories. I highly recommend.

A thrilling fantasy about dragons, magic, and the power of stories. Beautifully written, with characters that face difficult choices, this book will captivate you and keep you turning pages until the thrilling conclusion!

I love stories that weave heritage and lore throughout the tale. This one included many ritualistic customs and legends that drove the main character’s beliefs of herself and her world. I enjoyed her inner strength, and how her world turned upside down when nearly everyone in the story couldn’t be taken at face value.

This book was AMAZING! Dragons! The power of stories! Forbidden love! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Kristen Ciccarelli's writing is effortless and her storytelling is gorgeous. She caught me in her spell from the very first word. I can't wait for the next installment!

This is a breathtaking fantasy novel. The worldbuilding is sublime, and the story is swoony, compelling, and absolutely unforgettable. Dragons who are lured by stories, girls who embody legends and fight with an unrivaled fierceness, a twisty plot that will keep you guessing, prose that is achingly gorgeous-- this book has it all. Read it and buy one for your friends.

I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Kristen Ciccarelli's debut novel The Last Namsara, and it was AMAZING. I'm not usually a huge YA fantasy reader, but this book sucked me in from the first line and wouldn't let go. It's part fantasy, part coming-of-age story, part love story, and so much more. The only disappointment is having to wait a whole year for the sequel!

This book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I loved the authors use of description, her clever development of character throughout the story, and the twists and turns within her plot. Definitely a five star book!!!