Linda Ling

"I would change the world for you."
Fifteen centuries before the catastrophic and world-altering event known as the Sundering, the Realm of the Sun is ruled by the mighty Fae kingdom of Valenhaar, where humans are enslaved and killed for sport.
At her coronation, an ominous prophecy is uttered about Crown Princess Janella, signaling a time of change and upheaval. A series of events puts her in close proximity with a human servant who possesses a dark secret. This is the tale of their forbidden love and tragic separation, and the challenges Janella must overcome to secure her throne. It is the story of the terrible battle between the last and greatest Fae Queen, and her nemesis, the usurper, Cerberus.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold is a standalone prequel novel in the Land of the Sun fantasy series.

Land of the Sun: Book 0

All That Glitters Is Not Gold

"All That Glitters Is Not Gold" by Linda Ling is the definition of high fantasy. It has a little bit of everything; various creatures with different status, royalty, slavery, love, loss, adventure, high stakes politics, war, and much, much more.

Meant as an origin story/prequel to the "Land of the Sun" series, it works as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the series but this and completely understood the world of Valenhaar and easily followed along with Janelle and Archer. In fact, I think I may have had the benefit of not having prior knowledge to the story as that I suspect it left a major twist of a protagonist's origin as a surprise. There is a lot that happens, so it feels like a whole tale, but leaves enough open that I want to read further about the universe Linda created.

There is so much I want to say that I enjoyed with this story, but the majority would spoil the twists and turns. There is a lot of story within the book and I refuse to ruin for anyone. I ask you read and see for youself, then we can discuss. You won't be disappointed if you love fantasy like I do. So, for this review, I will tread carefully here.

The narrative is mainly in Janelle's point of view. Switched ocassionally to Archer, but she is the primary focus. She is Fae royalty. Blue skin, wings, and magic powers. She is entitled and held in high regard by most all she comes across. Making her sort of snooty. However she is not unlikeable even then, as she is self aware and tries to be better within the political royal mask she has to wear to enable power for change. She wants change, but that is not always welcome by her harsh father, the King, or by his advisors. She must prove herself and this makes her vulnerable.

Her life is turned upside down the moment she meets the enslaved human, Archer. Plain ordinary ironborn, but he is bold and contrary. Something someone of his lower station usually has beaten out of them. Not that it hasn't been tried with Archer. His presence within her inner circle dares her to break all the norms of her privileged life. Both are more than othey seem and have more dimensions than they reveal initially. Made for very interesting characters who had arcs that were compelling.

And the twists in the last half… I loved them. I felt for both Janelle and Archer and became emotionally invested. Rallied while I read that everything turned out the best for them, but wasn't angry when it did not all go to plan because it made sense and hurled the story into more edge of your seat epic-ness.

Definitely a mix of well developed characters and their drama, with plot driven politics of society and social classes.

Janelle's adventure is exciting and is left open to leave you wondering if she will be given the chance to fix the world she tears asunder by the rest of the series.

"All That Glitters is Not Gold" has made it into my top 5 so far this year, and I will be continuing the series. I highly recommend.

I often look for and try new authors by requesting and receiving an advance review copy for free. All That Glitters is Not Gold is one such case from BookSirens. Even so, I am leaving this review voluntarily and tried my best to be honest and as unbiased as possible. I would not recommend something I truly did not like.

Ariel Johnson

"All That Glitters Is Not Gold" by Linda Ling is the definition of high fantasy. It has a little bit of everything; various creatures with different status, royalty, slavery, love, loss, adventure, high stakes politics, war, and much, much more.

Meant as an origin story/prequel to the "Land of the Sun" series, it works as a stand alone. I haven't read any of the series but this and completely understood the world of Valenhaar and easily followed along with Janelle and Archer. In fact, I think I may have had the benefit of not having prior knowledge to the story as that I suspect it left a major twist of a protagonist's origin as a surprise. There is a lot that happens, so it feels like a whole tale, but leaves enough open that I want to read further about the universe Linda created.

There is so much I want to say that I enjoyed with this story, but the majority would spoil the twists and turns. There is a lot of story within the book and I refuse to ruin for anyone. I ask you read and see for youself, then we can discuss. You won't be disappointed if you love fantasy like I do. So, for this review, I will tread carefully here.

The narrative is mainly in Janelle's point of view. Switched ocassionally to Archer, but she is the primary focus. She is Fae royalty. Blue skin, wings, and magic powers. She is entitled and held in high regard by most all she comes across. Making her sort of snooty. However she is not unlikeable even then, as she is self aware and tries to be better within the political royal mask she has to wear to enable power for change. She wants change, but that is not always welcome by her harsh father, the King, or by his advisors. She must prove herself and this makes her vulnerable.

Her life is turned upside down the moment she meets the enslaved human, Archer. Plain ordinary ironborn, but he is bold and contrary. Something someone of his lower station usually has beaten out of them. Not that it hasn't been tried with Archer. His presence within her inner circle dares her to break all the norms of her privileged life. Both are more than othey seem and have more dimensions than they reveal initially. Made for very interesting characters who had arcs that were compelling.

And the twists in the last half… I loved them. I felt for both Janelle and Archer and became emotionally invested. Rallied while I read that everything turned out the best for them, but wasn't angry when it did not all go to plan because it made sense and hurled the story into more edge of your seat epic-ness.

Definitely a mix of well developed characters and their drama, with plot driven politics of society and social classes.

Janelle's adventure is exciting and is left open to leave you wondering if she will be given the chance to fix the world she tears asunder by the rest of the series.

"All That Glitters is Not Gold" has made it into my top 5 so far this year, and I will be continuing the series. I highly recommend.

I often look for and try new authors by requesting and receiving an advance review copy for free. All That Glitters is Not Gold is one such case from BookSirens. Even so, I am leaving this review voluntarily and tried my best to be honest and as unbiased as possible. I would not recommend something I truly did not like.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Land of the Sun: Book 0