#avaland

[short-sim-wayz]

I am playing Avaland and creating Sebastian Shaw as the guy for the game.

[thisdayinmetal]

Rockshots Records - Out Now! AVALAND - New Video "To Be The King" ft. Pierre Carabalona (Eltharia) & Jens Ludwig (Edguy) + New Album "The Legend of the Storyteller" ft. Guests From TSO, Edguy, Sortilège + Tour Dates w/ Rhapsody of Fire

​ Fantasy symphonic power metal band France’s Avaland is celebrating the release of their sophomore full-length “The Legend of the Storyteller” out now as of March 31st, 2023 via Rockshots Records with their new music video “To Be The King” featuring guest vocals from Pierre Carabalona (Eltharia) and guitar from Jens Ludwig (Edguy). The band comments: “We feel this is another great anthem…

[metalshockfinland]

AVALAND Release New Video 'Kingslayer'

Fantasy symphonic power metal band France’s AVALAND have shared their next music video “Kingslayer” in support of their upcoming sophomore full-length “The Legend of the Storyteller” due out on March 31st, 2023 via Rockshots Records to follow their 2021 debut “Theater of Sorcery”. The band comments: “This one was directly felt as a potential single by the band. Lucas made incredible work on the…

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: In this romantic fantasy of manners from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft, a magical dressmaker commissioned for a royal wedding finds herself embroiled in scandal when a gossip columnist draws attention to her undeniable chemistry with the groom.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland.

But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous gossip columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

Transporting readers to a Regency England-inspired fantasy world, A Fragile Enchantment is a sweeping romance threaded with intrigue, unforgettable characters, and a love story for the ages.

Review:

A magical dressmaker is commissioned to dress the prince for his royal wedding finds herself doing the unthinkable, falling for the very thorny groom and being embroiled in political scandal like no other. Niamh has magic in her blood, she can stitch emotions and memories into fabric... but it comes at a cost if she overworks herself, it's killing her slowly. She is determined to use her gifts to provide for her family, so when she is offered the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom she seizes it... despite said kingdom currently having a war about the mistreatment of people like her. When Niamh meets the groom, Kit, she finds that he is rude, prickly, and being forced to the altar by his brother. Kit and Niamh may not have had a good first meeting but they can't seem to stay away from one another. Their romance is forbidden, not only are they from two different classes but he's a groom promised in a political marriage and she's a commoner seamstress. Yet the more time she spends with him the more she is realizing there is much more going on in Avaland... and that the royal family has secrets that could destroy everything. Niamh has always given more of herself for others, always trying to make everyone else happy while Kit has kept himself walled up, afraid to show his true emotions and let anyone in... yet together they might be perfect for each other, if only they could find a way to get Kit out of his marriage without bloodshed. This was a really fun regency fantasy romance with a touch of mystery, angst, yearning, and a unique love story. I loved Niamh and Kit, they are both so invested in protecting others and being self sacrificing, they care so much and I loved their chemistry together. I adored getting to fall for their romance story and I enjoyed the unique Regency England-inspired world that was created and the bit of magic that was added! If you enjoy fantasy romance with a touch of historical give this a go, I promise it'll be a great time for you!

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Booksnfor sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[a-skirmish-of-wit-and-lit]

Book Review: A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft

I love a good historical fantasy novel every once and a while. I relish the way it can weave magic, whimsy, romance, and manners into the fabric of a storyline yet still sprinkle in pangs of relatable human conflict. This is something that Allison Saft manages to do well in A Fragile Enchantment. She accomplishes this by giving readers an air of Bridgerton meets The Bridge Kingdom while also rooting her characters in familiar archetypes and tropes like grumpy x sunshine, forbidden love, and tense political and emotional drama so that they're engaged.

When the story begins, Niamh, the protagonist, is sent to Avaland from a poor and desolate rival nation to design the wardrobe for the members of an upcoming royal wedding. A gifted seamstress, the magic in her blood allows her to stitch feelings and memories into every scrap of clothing she sews. However, it is also the thing that, one day soon, will take her life. Knowing that time is limited, she is determined to do her duty to the prince and give her family a chance at having a better life back home.

The prince himself doesn't make this task easy, though. Because of course he doesn't. Not only is Kit Carmine haughty, insolent, and temperamental, but he is being dragged across the board of Avaland like a political chess piece.

To make matters worse, as he and Niamh slowly bury the hatchet and grow closer, an anonymous gossip columnist named Lovelace threatens to expose them, information which, in the wrong hands, could throw the kingdom into even more turmoil. Especially since unrest is already brewing amid the working class and a few neighboring countries.

All in all, this was a refreshing escape into a regency era kingdom where magic abounded. I liked the forbidden element to Niamh and Kit's love story as well as the themes of sacrifice, duty, and pursuit of justice that ran in undercurrent. It had a good balance of fantasy and real world challenges, and I particularly appreciated how it highlighted the obstacles encountered by more marginalized communities.

A warmly enchanting read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review.

3.5/5 stars

**Follow me on Goodreads

[elliepassmore]

A Fragile Enchantment release!

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Avaland.

But Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. But when Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more—until an anonymous columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family’s secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of, and a love she never thought possible.

Bookshop.org

Barnes & Noble

This is such a soft, sweet story to start 2024 with! It's set in a fantasy Regency era and has all the fun balls, social mores, and clothing associated with that. It also touches on monarchy, capitalism, and colonialism! It's also a good book if you're looking for more art-based magic!

The FMC of this novel is both super sweet and super fiery, and I loved her interactions with the MMC. I absolutely loved reading about Niamh's embroidery and fashion design. Niamh and Kit's romance has all the forbidden romance, longing hand touches, and rain-soaked scenes you heart could desire! Rosa is a minor character, but I treasure her so much and I would love to see a companion book centering on her.

If you'd like more in-depth opinions on Niamh and Kit's story, check out my review!

[books-to-add-to-your-tbr]

Title: A Fragile Enchantment

Author: Allison Saft

Series or standalone: standalone

Publication year: 2024

Genres: fiction, fantasy, romance, historical fiction

Blurb: Niamh Ó Conchobhair has never let herself long for more. The magic in her blood that lets her stitch emotions and memories into fabric is the same magic that will eventually kill her. Determined to spend the little time she has left guaranteeing a better life for her family, Niamh jumps at the chance to design the wardrobe for a royal wedding in the neighbouring kingdom of Avaland...but Avaland is far from the fairytale that she imagined. While young nobles attend candlelit balls and elegant garden parties, unrest brews amid the working class. The groom himself, Kit Carmine, is prickly, abrasive, and begrudgingly being dragged to the altar as a political pawn. As Niamh and Kit grow closer, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more...until an anonymous columnist starts buzzing about their chemistry, promising to leave them alone only if Niamh helps to uncover the royal family's secrets. The rot at the heart of Avaland runs deep, but exposing it could risk a future she never let herself dream of...and a love she never thought possible.

[projectmetalmusic]

Project Metal Across The Pond (February 15th 2024)

On this week’s episode of Project Metal Across The Pond With Ell Yong, the bands that are on show: ATROX TRAUMA, Atomic Threat, Attractive Chaos, As The World Burns, Orbital Soul System, DARK AGES, Auditory Armory, Aura Davis, Autocatalytica, Autokrator, Autómata, Autumn Lies Buried, Avaland, avem, AVERTED, Avida Dollars, Awake The Demons, Reality Suite, Axegressor, AxMinister and Skid Row. If I…

[mercerislandbooks]

Book Notes: A Fragile Enchantment

Imagine the romance of Bridgerton, with its intrigue and dresses and anonymous gossip column, then add a dash of magic, and you’ll have Allison Saft’s newest YA fantasy, A Fragile Enchantment.

Niamh Ó Conchobhair has been selected to be the royal tailor to His Royal Highness Prince Christopher on the occasion of his betrothal and marriage to the Infanta Rosa during the height of the Avlish social season. Niamh has been chosen not only for the exquisite quality of her work, but also for her magical ability to stitch enchantment into her garments. She can use her gift to craft clothing that coax both the wearer and the beholder into seeing and feeling what she intends. Niamh has also been chosen because she is from Machland—a neighboring island to Avaland, only recently independent after years of colonization and ruthless exploitation—where grievances still run deep. And the Avlish royals like the optics of granting a Machlish person such a distinguished position, hoping it will dampen some of the unrest. Avaland still provides opportunity and money, and Niamh knows she must take this chance to provide for her mother and grandmother, however much they may dislike the means.

When Niamh reaches the royal household, she finds not only beauty right out of the fairy tales she devoured as a child, but also a family at odds with itself, and with the future of the country. Prince Christopher’s marriage is a political one, not a love match, and the longer Niamh spends with him, the more she sees past his prickly, thorny exterior to the young man beneath. She begins to wonder whether the worlds they come from, seemingly so far apart, could ever find some common ground.

The cadence of Allison Saft’s prose enfolded me into her world of magical gifts which come at a cost, enchanted cloaks, and boys with thistles at their fingertips. A world of difficult choices and toxic cycles begging to be broken. A world where love must be brave and go where it wills. A world where you don’t have to be sacrificed or sacrifice yourself to the betterment of the greater good. A world with friends who tell you the hard truths. Allison Saft has crafted a fantasy as intricate and honest and enchanting as one of Niamh’s creations.

Pick a copy up today; it’ll be the perfect book to curl up with while the rain mists away outside!

— Lori

[themoonphoenix]

A Fragile Enchantment Review

Author: Allison Saft Title: A Fragile Enchantment Setting: Avaland Saga: No Published: January 30, 2024 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Stars: 4.25 REVIEW: This feels cozy and whimsical, like a true fairytale, it has vibes like Howl’s Moving Castle, Half Soul, and Jane Austen’s romances. Niamh is a talented seamstress and also can stitch emotions and memories into the fabric; one day she…

[oracleofmadness]

Okay. Let's just start with the whole vibe of this book, making me feel good in a comforting, blissful, perfect romance way... yet, also with plenty of friction between not only the characters but the different pieces to this world. Honestly, this was simply divine.

I love a good romance, and I especially love enemies-to-lovers. This kind-hearted main character, Niamh, has beautiful magic that gives her the ability to stitch her emotions into gowns, men's jackets, handkerchiefs, you name it. She is hired as a Machlander in the palace of Avaland, which until recently controlled her country, basically running it into the ground. This is where the politics of the story, this world, primarily arises. However, when she meets Kit, the soon to be married prince, things get all sorts of thorny and soft quite quickly.

I loved this so much. This is a humorous and romantic story that will be perfect to brighten anyone's day!

Out January 2, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

[metallianvalidor]

AVALAND - "Crimson Tyranny" (Feat. Pierre Carabalona, ZakStevens, Madie)

[metalshockfinland]

AVALAND Release New Video 'Betrayers' Ft. Madie

Fantasy symphonic power metal band France’s AVALAND will be releasing their sophomore full-length “The Legend of the Storyteller” due out on March 31st, 2023 via Rockshots Records following their 2021 debut “Theater of Sorcery”. In addition to the album’s upcoming unveiling, the band will be supporting Rhapsody of Fire from April 1st to 23rd on their “Glory For Salvation Tour” (dates listed…

[xmystophalesx]

Best New Heavy Metal Releases Week of March 31st, 2023

My birthday week and, to be completely honest, I don’t really have anything to go off on a rant about. I’m sure that is a welcome change for some readers so I will just get straight to the highlight albums of the week…:)

Crown Lands-Fearless (Hard Rock/Progressive)**

This band wears their influences squarely on their sleeves. That influence being the band Rush first and foremost. Specifically, the late 70s and early 80s era of Rush, which saw them push heavily into their progressive side. If you are a fan of Rush, check these guys out. You might find a band that is carrying that torch for future generations.

Ammotrack-Accelerate (Hard Rock)**

This really came out of nowhere for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was incredibly surprised. This is Hard Rock but with a heavier lean than most modern Hard Rock. It has that bit of a throwback feel from 80s with superb riffs and a faster tempo. The biggest thing you will notice with this band is their ability to write a hook. You won’t find catchier hard rock than this.

Haliphron-Prey (Death/Thrash/Symphonic)**

This is one of those albums that rewards multiple listens and even more so if you have a good pair of headphones or a killer speaker home audio setup. There is a lot going on here with this blend of Symphonic Black Metal and Death Metal with a decided nod to Dimmu Borgir. If you like Dimmu, you will like this as well.

Thron-Dust (Melodic Black)**

I posted this album in a few places when I first heard the album. From the initial listen, I knew this would be in the running for my “Pick of the Week”. This feeling only got stronger after each time I listened to the album. I don’t believe I have heard this many melodic sections in a Melodic Black Metal album and I am completely here for it. This album is absolutely fantastic and by the end of my third time listening to the album, I bought the vinyl edition. The easy comparison would be Necrophobic or Dissection, but this band builds on that base and adds progressive elements as well as the aforementioned melody. This makes the songs really stand out from each other while remaining cohesive for the duration of the 56 minute runtime. I rarely care for that long of a runtime but this album simply flew by. All the albums I put in the “Best of the Week” section are all well worth owning if that genre is something you enjoy. That being said, this was hands down the “Pick of the Week”.

That will do it for another week and the first quarter of the year. Hard to believe we are already three months in. Apparently, time flies when you are headbanging…who knew? Until next week, and as always,

BANG THY HEAD!!!

All worthy of a listen if you like the genre

*= standout in that genre

**=best of the week regardless of genre

Best of the Week

Haliphron-Prey (Death/Thrash/Symphonic)**

Vanish-A Hint of Solace (Heavy Power)**

Thron-Dust (Melodic Black)**

Lipid-The Perfect Killing Machine (Thrash)**

Ammotrack-Accelerate (Hard Rock)**

Crown Lands-Fearless (Hard Rock/Progressive)**

Hot Graves-Plagueweilder (Death/Black/Thrash)**

Standout in their Genre

Of Spite-Riddle Redemption (Melodic Death)**

Invicta-Triumph and Torment (Thrash)*

Lamp of Murmuur-Saturnian Bloodstorm (Black)*

Raze the Void-Para Sempre (Melodic Death/Progressive)*

This Means War-Omnivore Doctrine (Thrash/Melodic Death)*

Demonstealer-The Propaganda Machine (Death/Black/Thrash)*

Get Out of Nashville-The Uncaring Human Maelstrom (Death)*

Blaze of Sorrow-Vultus Fati (Black/Folk)*

Witchtower-Voyeur (Heavy)*

Cadaveric Donation-Teratopath (Death)*

Vision Deprived-Self Elevating, Deep inside the Void (Death)*

Diablation-Par Le Feu (Symphonic Black)*

Lotan-Lotan (Melodic Black)*

Decadence Dust-Lighthouse (Gothic)*

Avaland-The Legend of the Storyteller (Symphonic Power)*

The Flood-Hear Us Out (Hard Rock)*

Malphas-Flesh, Blood and Cosmic Storms (Black)*

Ad Infinitum-Chapter III:Downfall (Symphonic/Gothic)*

Angstkrig-Angstkrig (Black/Thrash/Groove)*

Vision Deprived-Self Elevating, Deep inside the Void (Death)*

Worth a Listen

Stanbrook-La Muerte No Perdona (Heavy)

Dragon De Piedra-Herederos Del Pecado (Heavy Power)

NervoChaos-Cthonic Wrath (Death)

Last in Line-Jericho (Heavy/Hard Rock)

Forgotten-13 Martyrs (Heavy)

Fynal Stand-Tribulation Saint (Heavy/Power)

Labyrinthus Stellarum-Tales of the Void (Atmospheric Black)

Altumtenebris-Seeds of Eternity (Black)

Lordi-Screem Writers Guild (Hard Rock)

Argion-Lux Umbra (Power)

Eyes of Eva-Temptation (Hard Rock)

Evolution Eden-Sonic Cinema (Hard Rock)

Eufory-Fifth Dimension (Heavy/Power)

Flatulence-Defecit (Brutal Death/Grindcore)

Misery Oath-A Darker Path (Melodic Death/Black)

Desert Storm-Death Rattle (Stoner/Hard Rock)

DreamSpy-Out of this World (Hard Rock)

Heezer-Sungrinder (Stoner/Psychedelic)

Thron takes the Pick of the Week and I believe even The Metal Bulldog is happy with this pick as well…:)

[norteenlinea]

AVALAND April Tour Dates w/ Rhapsody of Fire New Album “The Legend of the Storyteller”

http://dlvr.it/SlNGzt

[elliepassmore]

A Fragile Enchantment review

5/5 stars Recommended if you like: magic, chronically ill rep, Regency era, forbidden romance, LGBTQ+ rep Big thanks to Netgalley, Wednesday Books, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I really like art-related magic and don't think it's used enough in fantasy. In this book, Niamh has the ability to imbue her clothing and embroidery creations with actual feelings and memories. On some occasions, she's also able to add additional magic to her clothing. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and seeing the things Niamh created with her art and magic. I think I would've liked seeing a bit more of it, but we do get a decent amount. The world the book takes place in has "divine blooded" people of all classes who posses magical gifts, such as Niamh's embroidery magic and the royal family's ability to control plants, but this magic tends to diminish over generations. Naturally, noble families with divine blood do their very best to marry other divinely blooded families in order to keep their magic strong. I thought this was a very seamless way to integrate magic and beliefs about magical abilities into a society that's already stratified by class. It felt like a very realistic outcome of what would happen if, historically, noble families did have magic. I also liked the hints of history in the book. The real-world counterparts of the different countries are fairly obvious (Machland = Ireland, Avaland = England, Castilia = Spain, etc.), and a lot of the political relations between them are historically accurate (not entirely, but enough of them). At the same time, this feels like a distinct world with its own political goings-on. Niamh has grown up in Machland and spent her life as a seamstress and practicing her family's magic. Desperate to give her mom and grandmother a better life, Niamh takes the invitation to Avaland despite the troubled history between the two countries, her grandmother's thoughts on the matter, and the risk to her own health (Niamh has a chronic joint? condition). She's determined and loyal and a bit self-sacrificing, risking both her happiness and her health to try and provide her family with this better chance. I liked Niamh's spunk and loyalty, and it makes her a good friend and defender. While she wasn't alive when the conflict was going on, Niamh has seen the consequences of it her whole life, and isn't afraid to make her stance known. She likes the royal family (mostly), but struggles to reconcile what she sees of their actions with how they are in a more private setting and is continuously frustrated with their decision not to act. Niamh definitely pushes at the boundaries of things, but she is good at getting people to see different perspectives. Sinclair is a semi-disgraced lord's son and Niamh's first friend in Avaland. He's a humorous character who shares Niamh's loyalty and frustration with the current status quo. I liked their interactions and the lightness Sinclair brings to scenes. He's also a veritable fount of information about court and helps guide Niamh through the intricacies of Avaland's aristocracy. Kit is the younger of the two princes and is prickly all around. He is downright mean at times, though Niamh often doesn't let him get away with it, but for the most part he's just prickly. Underneath is all he's got a heart of gold and can be just as loyal to his friends as Niamh and Sinclair are. Really, he just kind of needs to learn better emotional regulation and he'd probably be fine, lol. I do like Kit and enjoy his character and (most) of his interactions with the others. Princess Rosa is Kit's betrothed and is a bit of a Wednesday Addams character, preferring rainy days and black clothing, among other things. She isn't all that interested in getting married but knows it's her political duty and she comes across as relatively unaffected by most things. Her lady's maid/best friend is Miriam, who's disposition is a lot sunnier. Miriam and Niamh make quick sort-of friends, and Miriam is steadfastly dedicated to Rosa. Jack is the prince regent and is kind of slippery to pin down. He's outwardly kind to Niamh, but he won't listen to the Machland workers' demands, and he's cagey about a lot of things. Sofia, princess and Jack's wife, also doesn't get a ton of page time, but she seems nice, if lonely. The anonymous gossip columnist, Lovelace, was the main mystery of the story. Each Season they publish a rag detailing the mistakes and juicy gossip of the aristocracy, ranging from romantic mishaps to political opinions. Everyone reads the column and what's written there can greatly harm someone's chances of success. Niamh, Kit, and Sinclair are all targeted at various points by Lovelace, though Jack is the most frequent target overall and the column often comments on his political inaction. The mystery of who Lovelace was was actually a difficult one to figure out. There were a lot of really good options to pick from and I was genuinely surprised when I found out who they were. Overall, I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a light, Regency-era fantasy. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships, and reading about Niamh's magic. Lovelace was a fun little addition to the story that added some tension on top of the politics.