Reader Reviews
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
Fascinating Fantasy World
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
February 2, 2023
This book takes you on a journey through the fantastical world of Panthera. The writing and worldbuilding skills are great, with many characters and places that keep the story going. A medium to slow-paced action that allows you to take in the world of Panthera.
The story ends on a cliffhanger with a lot of room for action in book 2!
epic.reads
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
Can hardly wait to see what happens next...
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
December 1, 2020
Andreas Boesch's first novel Panthera is well written and entertaining. The characters are flesh and blood; the settings full of wonder, bravery, and beauty. It is quite the adventure. Book one of a trilogy is so compelling you will not want to wait for the next installment.
Superb effort.
Pamela P.
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
One of the most descriptive and beautiful stories I’ve ever read. This is a movie
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
September 19, 2021
This is a must-read book if you like fantasy. The story is captivating, intense, and will take you on a journey that you can’t imagine. This book would make a beautiful movie if it could capture the scenery like it’s described in the book. The writer is a photographer that’s visited many real castles all over the world. Can’t wait to read the second book that just came out. Amazing story.
Kim Overman
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
October 24, 2020
From the very beginning of this epic adventure, the reader is thrust into a fantastical medieval-like realm, but one decidedly distinct and original in setting and world building. While reminiscent in its epic feel to media such as Game of Thrones or Skyrim, Panthera is a world rich with its own histories, conflicts, politics, and beliefs, all of which feel well considered and thoroughly fleshed out by the author to make this story stand firmly on its own. The world itself is named as a reference to the mystical speaking panthers which appear at key points in the story as harbingers of world-spanning change; among the different realms vying for power, they are variously revered and feared by all levels of society.
The main character, Rhennea, is a sympathetic and downtrodden character when we first meet her; despite this, she takes control of the seemingly insurmountable challenges of her life and becomes a proactive, determined, and thoughtful person. In time she is entrusted to be protector of the infant Rose, who may be fated to change the future of all of Panthera.
I really enjoyed the perspective taken in telling this story--despite its epic feel and the world-spanning sense of events taking place as we reach into different courts and realms to gain a fuller sense of the world, the author chooses to focus on Rhennea and Rose, a helpless infant, and the relationships that revolve around them, as the core of the story. Lords and knights and powerful men abound in the political and military struggles that take place all around these two, but at the heart of it we follow the peasant girl Rhennea as she struggles to protect and care for the infant Rose, to seek a mythical realm, and to outpace an army of pursuers for the promised future of her world.
Panthera successfully builds a world full of intrigue, drama, and often brutal conflict, but also one of beauty, nuance, and heart, and promises to be a great starting point for further tales set in this intriguing realm.
Marissa James,
Published Short Story Author, and Literary Editor.
5 out of 5 Stars — Book Two
Such a marvelous time travel saga!
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
February 2, 2022
Book two of the Panthera trilogy was relished, slowly and deliberately because I read book one too quickly. Even so, coming to the end of the book was still bittersweet. It was a glorious read and I did not want the tale to end. (Looking forward to book three, I know Andreas Boesch will continue to delight me with his storytelling.)
The story is full of language of the times, magnificent scenery and characters I care about. I encourage you to buy the first two books, I think you will not be disappointed.
Pamela P.
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
I LOVE THIS BOOK
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
November 5, 2022
This is a well written book. If you have good imagination and you need to take a break from reality, this is book for you. This book will keep you on edge at all times. I could not put book down till the very last end and I could not wait for book number two to come out to see what will happen.
Kindle Customer
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
July 26, 2022
A richly detailed adventure in a wonderfully unique world. For lovers of Game of Thrones and big jungle cats.
Aaron Bentzel.
5 out of 5 Stars — Book Two
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
August 24, 2021
After reading Panthera Book 1, I was really looking forward to seeing where the story would go, and Book 2 does more than live up to expectations. While we return to the medieval fantasy realm of Panthera in this installment, the author digs deeper into the conflicts, politics, and nuance of the world, and fleshes out aspects I found intriguing in Book 1, such as the importance of the prophecy, and the role the realm's eponymous magical panthers play in it.
This book follows Rose, a baby in Book 1 and now a young woman, as she returns to Panthera from our modern world and struggles to understand her place in this realm that is equal parts brutal and beautiful, a balance effectively handled to make Panthera feel richly realized and convincing. While Rose starts out a seemingly typical modern day girl, her struggles in Panthera challenge her to adapt quickly in order to survive. In comparison to our main protagonist of Book 1, Rhennea (a lifelong native of Panthera), I found this an interesting and useful choice, as Rose's perspective paints many aspects of this world in a new light, thus adding greater dimensionality to an already intriguing world.
Rose is an easy character to root for, as she's equal parts relatable and resourceful in the face of the dangers Panthera throws at her, natural and human, and otherwise. Her greatest struggle is one with the fate that has brought her to Panthera, and also connects directly to what I felt was the greatest relationship in the story--her connection to the panther Koshka, who serves as her protector, friend, and guide. Through the course of the book, both are willing to do whatever it takes to protect one another--a sincere and wonderful friendship that grows naturally throughout their adventures together.
The greater political machinations at play in Panthera sweep Rose into danger and conflict, bringing many other characters and factions into the story, all invested in their own goals. The ending of this novel left me wanting more, as Rose's fate appears to be within reach just in time for Book 3! Readers who enjoy epic fantasy reminiscent of Game of Thrones will enjoy Rose's story and the realm of Panthera.
Marissa James,
Published Short Story Author, and Literary Editor.
4 out of 5 Stars — Book One
Loved it! 😍
Violence, betrayal, magic and an infant queen born to fulfil a 3000 year prophesy.
Reviewed on Reedsy-Discovery in the United Kingdom
August 13, 2021
A beautifully written adventure, filled with glorious scenery. You will follow the main character Rhennea who's humble beginnings lead to a gruelling journey to play her part in the completion of the prophesy to return Panthera to its rightful ruler. The return of Queen Rosomon and her legendary panther army.
Trigger warning - attempted rape x2 in the first few chapters, however not a continuing theme throughout the book.
Brace yourself, because there is violence and betrayal at almost every turn. The story is set in a medieval era boasting gallant knights, feuding noble families and travel that is often at the mercy of the elements. The scenery is beautifully written and will make imagining you are along for the ride incredibly easy. This is not the type of book that you can read a few causal pages at a time. You need to allow a good hour of dedicated reading time to get the most out of it and to keep track of the plot and characters. I found I had to go back and re-read sections on a regular basis to ensure I was keeping up with the plot.
For the first half of the book, the number of characters that are introduced is quite overwhelming at times and requires re-reading of previous pages to clarify who they are and where their allegiance lay. This does improve as the book progresses however as most do not continue on as main characters. However, it does take you out of the story somewhat as you are trying to figure out who everyone is.
For those who prefer urban fantasy, this is not really for you. But if you are looking for a medieval fantasy that is fast-paced, complex and unpredictable you will enjoy this book. Overall, an enjoyable read that improves the further you read. Excellent imagery throughout. I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Jayna Powell,
Reedsy-Discovery
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
Fabulously Written
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
June 12, 2023
Panthera is a well-written book of fantasy, putting readers amid Medieval times where they can experience magic, brutality, and love.
My two favorite characters are Rhennea and Kedor. These two characters, as well as others, are well-fleshed out. I can relate to Rhennea's struggles and have the desire to experience a love like Kedor’s.
This is by far, the best fantasy book I've ever read. I highly recommend this masterpiece to be your next book in line to read. Sit back in your comfy spot and enjoy reading this enthralling book. I am compelled to read book 2 and 3.
RKR
A great read if you love Fantasy!
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States on June 28, 2021
Reviewed on Bookshelves and Teacups a Book Review Site on June 28, 2021
Rhennea, my favorite POV character, is very relatable: hardworking, honest. Despite being a survivor to the bone, she’s willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good. What’s not to love about someone who goes through a lot of pain and rejection without ever losing hope? She is one of those inherently good characters I want to protect and cheer for, even if they might be biased toward the situation they’re in.
Why do I say this? Well, because some Lords dislike her for aligning with the soothsayer who foresaw the end of Panthera as they know it. See, there are factions here. There is this prophecy, and some people want it to become real while others fear it with all their hearts. Having experienced Martin doing a 180 with Daenerys Targaryen’s character, I can’t be sure the prophecy becoming reality is a good thing, and yet the world of Panthera, as it is and as the Lords want it to remain, is flawed and broken. Would it become better or would it get worse if Rhennea completed her task?
Truth is, I love not knowing, and I love speculating about it even more. I wish there were some subreddit where I could spend the time reading interesting theories about this world until the release of book two.
Since we’re talking about book two, there are some characters I loved and I want to meet again (forget about Kedor, I shipped Rhennea with Ulia since the first time they shared a scene), so I’m really looking forward to reading it and knowing how the power will shift and how all the court drama will develop.
I got attached, okay? The dynamics between highborns are described in such a compelling way in this book that I liked reading them very much. Those Lords can be quite petty and resentful! Pity that there were many and I struggled a lot to keep tabs on all of them. Since I had the same problem when I was reading ASOIAF, I wonder if it’s something that comes with the genre rather than a real issue. Whatever the answer, I hope to know more about them in the next installments.
All things considered, I’m glad I was able to overcome my bias to read this book, because Panthera was an interesting read.
Val on the Moon,
Bookshelves and Teacups
5 out of 5 Stars — Book One
Panthera
Reviewed on Amazon in the United States
February 17, 2021
It's winter and nothing beats curling up with a good book to read. This is a book of medieval fantasy that has a bit for everyone from coming of age, falling in love, brutalities of the time, complex interrelationships, and suspense. I confess I edited the book and that took a good year. I would not have spent that much time with it had it not been a great project. I highly recommend that you give it try. You won't be disappointed.
Pam Schweitzer