I am always on the lookout for new fantasy series and was intrigued by Guardian of Chaos by Michelle Manus. Narrated by Desireé Ketchum, this first in the Nyx Fortuna series introduces us to Earth’s hub for the magical universe and its new guardian, Nyx Fortuna.
by Michelle Manus
Series: Nyx Fortuna #1
Narrator: Desireé Ketchum
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Welcome to Earth Between. The inhabitants are magical, the fugitives dashing, and the new Guardian is having a seriously strange life.
It’s easy to feel forgettable. Nyx literally is, and the condition seems to be getting worse.
Homeless, alone, and with no memory of her past, she's at the end of her rope when she stumbles into Earth Between. Here, a Waystation connects the planet to the rest of the inhabited universe, and magic and intergalactic travel are just the order of the day.
Becoming the Station’s Guardian seems too good to be true. It means a home and stability, surrounded by people who can actually remember she exists. But when an illegal traveler slips into Earth Between, she’s given an ultimatum: apprehend him or lose Guardianship of the Station.
Nyx will do whatever it takes to keep her new life, even if it means following the fugitive to one of the universe’s most dangerous planets. But that action has life-altering consequences, thrusting her into the middle of a conflict that started centuries before her birth.
Nyx is about to come face to face with the powers of the universe—and discover that being seen is even harder than being forgotten.
I have to say; I love the world that Nyx Fortuna is thrust into. Nyx has no genuine memories and aside from the lover who gave her the necklace she wears, no one remembers or really sees her. It’s not just a figment of her imagination. When she loses her job and gets an eviction notice, she leaves town. On the bus, she gets a pounding migraine and blood runs from her nose and ears. She escapes the bus and in the terminal she stumbles upon Earth Between, a nexus between worlds.
Here Nyx becomes the Guardian of a Waystation between worlds, and our adventure begins. I loved Nyx from the onset, and you will too. Despite her shitty life, she is kind to all, kickass and wise beyond her years…well, sometimes.
Nyx has to tackle a difficult situation the moment her job begins. First, she has an influx of visitors to check in, then she is asked to deal with an illegal traveler. She needs to apprehend him or she’ll lose her new job.
I loved her avatar, a griffin she dubs Grif and the people of the village surrounding her waystation. The Waystation is magical and expands as needed. The author brought it life and explained the world while dangling knowledge that has me curious to know more.
We met quite a few characters, but each was unique enough that I easily kept track of them and look forward to learning more. We have a potential love interest, which is complicated by some past issues. Secondary characters added humor and suspense.
We traveled ley-lines, worked with magical objects, and did some creepy things with thorns. It was refreshing and original. The story left me excited about the next audiobook.
For a first in series, it was well paced, and I slipped into the audio narrated by Desireé Ketchum. She captured Nyx’s personality and helped set the tone for the series. I will definitely be listening. Currently, there are three books in the series, so I am hoping the audiobooks release quickly.
Fans of Ilona Andrews and her InnKeeper Chronicles will enjoy this one.
About Michelle Manus
Michelle lives in a desolate land with a dark wizard, a unicorn, and a feline overlord. Despite certain stereotypes you may be familiar with, the dark wizard is not holding her captive, nor does the unicorn require virgin riders. The feline overlord, however, may well be evil. She holds dual BAs in English and Philosophy, which has gotten her about as far as you would expect it to in life. Despite all evidence to the contrary, she’s still desperately holding out hope that in an alternate reality she’s a sword-wielding princess.
About Desireé Ketchum
As a blogger, author, and narrator of the book world, Desiree Ketchum has run the full gamut, and knows the ins and outs of building a story from the ground up. With this wealth of experience, she can deliver a vocal performance that will delight authors and listeners alike. In a short span of time, Desiree has been able to build a brand and following dedicated to her love and passion for bringing an author's characters and story to life with her meticulous approach of study, commitment, and enthusiasm for the industry. Desiree has narrated for top selling authors, including #1 internationally bestselling author L. J. Shen and #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Vi Keeland.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Debbie Haupt
Wow great premise this sounds like one I would like. Thanks Kim for the super review!
Kimberly
Thanks Debbie!
Wendy
This does sound unique and interesting. Looks like a wonderful start to a new series.
Kimberly
Thanks Wendy!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I also love UF. It’s available on Hoopla! I’ll have to try it.
Kimberly
Yay. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures)
Wonderful review. This sounds refreshing and something I might enjoy.
Kimberly
Yes, I think you’d like it.
Lover of Romance
what a lovely review here Kimberly! I love that this one was such a win for you. I have never heard of this author I don’t think. I will definitely put her on my list to think about when I get in a UF mood.
Kimberly
Thanks Renee!
Nadene
This sounds like a great new series.
Kimberly
I am excited about it. Thanks Nadene.
Felicity Grace Terry
Not feeling inspired by the cover of this as it puts me in mind of soooo many other books of this genre. This aside, what sounds like a series I could see myself investing in. Great review, thanks.
Kimberly
Yes, I agree covers in certain genres have a certain look. It also helps me spot them when I am scrolling though…lol
Melliane
I love the cover and the story looks good! I think I’ll add it to my wishlist!
Kimberly
Yay. I hope you enjoy it and would love to hear your thoughts!