The Solar Realm

The Silver Slayer

Fiction - Science Fiction
332 Pages
Reviewed on 03/02/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

PM Black is an avid fantasy reader and enjoys J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Brandon Sanderson and everything in between. When she’s not nose deep into a book (or tablet), she loves watching movies, especially anything in the Marvel Universe. Essentially, any chance to dive into another world, she’s there.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

Saltome, Empress of the Realm, commits the ultimate sacrifice and the Imperial Star’s crown now falls to her heir-apparent, the young Jenanine Blackwater. With one year left until she is trained by Empress Saltome for her future role, Jenanine thinks that by becoming Empress, one’s duty is to attend dinners and balls. However, her world is about to be turned upside down with the newfound treachery that lurks on the horizon in The Solar Realm by PM Black.

I loved this book! It intrigued me from the first page, and when a potentially evil subplot was revealed, I was hooked. The Solar Realm by PM Black is a science fiction fantasy filled with fierce female lead characters. One of my favorites is Empress Saltome. She is a strong and beautiful character with an innate sense of justice. I applaud Black for bringing such iconic female characters to life. Written from the first-person point-of-view, each of the main characters is given perspective and each point of view was clearly stated, making the story easy to follow. It also includes a portrait of each of the characters, and a map of Elphire, the homeland of Jenanine. The story is written at a moderate pace and no corners have been cut when it comes to the novel’s setting or the introduction of new characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and urge anyone who has a liking for strong female leads, fantasy, mystery, and magic to get a copy. I can't wait for more books in this series.

Michaela Gordoni

Jenanine Blackwater is empress heir-apparent of Alaria, one of eight planets in a galaxy that is populated with powerful people and diverse kingdoms and rulers. Jenanine is eagerly anticipating taking on the role of the empress of Alaria but the universe is suddenly flipped on its head. Jenanine and her devoted friends, including a palace defender and the holder of her heart, Nico Waltz, are in ruins, all caused by the presence of an incredibly potent orb. Kora, a silver slayer and deadly assassin, who is meant to be teaching Jenanine how to control her powers, is present along with them. Kora eventually transforms into something else altogether, becoming even more deadly and extraordinary than she already is. Entering PM Black’s The Solar Realm means facing peril, fantasy, and adventure.

One of the best things about this novel is the storyline; it is gripping and swift. Written from several perspectives, and with a large number of characters, it features perfect cover art, is detailed, and gives insight into the novel’s characters. Extremely entertaining and a fast-paced read, PM Black's work lets readers see a handful of the characters' points of view. The Solar Realm is an excellent, well-rounded work of young adult fiction that would make a great television show or motion picture. Readers will see the incredible skill Black has in creating fantasy worlds after reading the first few pages of this fully realized and well-developed imaginary galaxy.

Cecelia Hopkins

The Solar Realm by PM Black commences with the ascension of Empress Saltome. She is advised to call the Silver Slayer home, but the traitorous Chancellor Barin attacks with overwhelming force. Saltome places Kora in an escape pod with instructions to safeguard the heir-apparent, Jananine Blackwater. The Silver Slayer’s pod crash lands and is discovered by Cameron Snow, Prince of Muri. Kora arises to kill Shara-la Ley, dragon rider of Cumera, potentially triggering planetary war. The city of Alaria in the Hidden Vale comes under attack from pursuing creatures. Diverse groups appear to be on a collision course with one another. Will Kora survive to complete her quest?

The Solar Realm by PM Black is a fast-paced young adult space fantasy. I found the plot compelling as it involved treachery and danger all caused by a powerful man. I liked the characters of Jananine and Cameron and hoped they would come through their adventures safely. Both Saltome and Kora were impressive fighters and Kora kept bouncing back impressively from apparent defeat. I felt like I was reading the origin story of a super-champion. The battle scenes were flawlessly choreographed to display the powerful application of elemental magic. I was also horrified by the strange creatures working for the enemy and longed to learn more about their nature. The narrative contains hints about strange sicknesses and other events throughout the galaxy that kept me in suspense waiting for the wider picture to emerge. This is a series using dramatic flourishes that creates lots of potential for continuing adventures.

Inkish Kingdoms

Jenanine Blackwater grew up in a castle guarded against all dangers of this and other worlds. Jenanine has dreamt of becoming the new governor of the realm. Contrary to her dreams and wishes, the throne comes to Janine faster than expected in the image of a silver killer, and guardian of the throne. Kora comes to Jenanine's planet with a powerful orb, and only Jenanine or the Empress can wield its power. As Kora arrives at the new world, she brings havoc and death. Blood-sucking Monsters had followed Kora, and danger lurks in every corner. The fate of the throne lands in the hands of Kora, a group of fighters, and an inexperienced Princess.

One might think that the main character, the untrained and inexperienced Princess, will be the rescuer and the hope of the world; however, PM Black surprises the reader with the most amazing secondary character we have ever read. That character comes to take the spotlight from the Princess while bringing devastation to the enemies in a dance of savage killings, outstanding powers, and incredibly well-executed action scenes.

PM Black narrates the story slowly through different points of view and settings. In chronological order, Black starts the novel with high-action scenes of escape. Then moves into a more subtle and political debate, customary of high fantasy novels. However, every story and point of view comes with multiple fighting scenes that only keep getting better! Although the plot develops rapidly and the reader stays hooked with its short chapters, the reader stays for the characters and their flaws. As the novel progresses, the reader starts rooting for one character and the other while despising the rest as they become roadblocks to the most powerful character in the story. Nonetheless, they all become necessary for the upcoming adventures of the solar realm.

Easy and fast to read. Delightful with its originality and at the level of the best fantasy novels in the market. PM Black debuts with The Solar Real: The Silver Slayer, a stunning fantasy novel with elemental powers, witches, dragons - we all love dragons - blood-sucking monsters and promises of more overpowered characters and astonishing fighting scenes. If you enjoy watching anime and anime-like shows, add The Solar Real to your TBR.

Brian Osgood

I’m going to start off by noting that I like the cover. Admittedly, I misread the author’s name the first time I saw it (whoops). The book itself is 332 pages on my kindle. It opens on page 3 with a map of Elphire. I can tell that the author has put a great deal of care and effort into this book. It’s superbly detailed. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Admittedly, there are a couple of spots where I thought that the book could use another editing pass, but it’s not distracting. (Fair warning: ecclesiastical abuse, there’s an epidemic that makes women barren, plagues, death, don’t read if you’re religious)

Ali

This book is an absolute must-read for fans of epic fantasy and space opera. The author's writing style is both vivid and engaging, immersing readers in a richly imagined universe filled with fascinating characters, political intrigue, and high-stakes action.

At the center of the story is Jenanine Blackwater, a young woman who dreams of a peaceful future as Empress of the realm. But when an ancient threat arises, Jena's world is shattered and she must rely on the protection of the Silver Slayer, Kora, to survive. What follows is a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

One of the things I loved most about this book is the dynamic relationship between Jena and Kora. Their chemistry is electric, and their loyalty to each other is truly inspiring. Watching them face impossible odds and overcome incredible obstacles together is nothing short of breathtaking.

Kathryn

this was a great start to the Solar Realm series, it had what I was looking for from this type of book. I enjoyed how good it was written and had unique characters. PM Black has a great writing style and this book left me wanting to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Alonso C

I haven't read a book like this in a long long time! The action scenes! The powers! The characters! I felt like back in school when I was watching anime that my parents didn't allow me to watch. Incredible and worth every second of me reading it!

Susan W

i enjoyed this book... the character development is great and the story well written and just it is just plain fun!