Tag Archives: Elder Races

Night’s Honor by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
34

Night’s Honor by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

Night's Honor Banner

Night’s Honor
Elder Races series – Book #7
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: September 2, 2014

Night's Honor Sept 14Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
On the run from her former employer, Tess knows that she’s vulnerable on her own amongst the Elder Races. That’s why she decides to audition to become the human attendant of a powerful Vampyre of the Nightkind demesne. But while her position affords her the safety she seeks, her protector turns out to be more than she bargained for.

The right-hand man of the Nightkind King, Xavier del Torro is both terrifying and alluring. While his true nature frightens Tess, she can’t ignore the appeal of his innate sense of integrity and self-restraint. Thrown into Xavier’s world, Tess must quickly learn to navigate the dangers—both to her life and to her heart. But the biggest threat comes from her own past….

 

Barb’s Review:

Night’s Honor by Thea Harrison is the 7th full length novel of her Elder Races series.   I am a big fan of this series, and this book took me by surprise. Thea goes out of her normal range, with a hero we never thought would get his own story. We do not get to see any of Dragos and his team. Night’s Honor belongs to Xavier del Torro, who is a Vampyre, and the Nightkind King Julian’s right hand. When we met Xavier in Serpent’s Kiss, he and Julian were not our favorites, as they gave our heroes Rune and Carling a hard time.

We meet our heroine, Tess at the start. She is on the run, and decides to audition to become an attendant for a powerful vampire. In disgust, she leaves the audition, as no one paid attention to her. Except one…… Xavier, one of the most feared and powerful of the Vampyres.

There is something about Tess that makes Xavier hire her for a one year trial. He senses her fear of him, but honors his deal to give her chance to learn. Tess meets many of the people working for Xavier, as she is trained how to fight and handle weapons. Each day she is pushed to the max by those training her, but she seems somewhat happy & safe living in this mansion. Xavier personally trains her how to dance the Waltz, and slowly she becomes more comfortable with him. One of the prerequisite for her to get past the one year trial is to be able to offer blood to him, something she cannot bring herself to do.

Xavier finds himself becoming obsessed with Tess, and knows she is running from something. When she reads something in the paper, she decides to run again. Only this time, Xavier stops her and gets the truth out of her. Tess is running from a very powerful Dijinn, and not even Xavier can stop him.   What follows from that point on is an exciting adventure that will put Tess and Xavier very much in danger, as well as Julian. Lives are at stake, with some twists and betrayals. It is a thrilling finish to the end.

Even with the exciting storyline, it is the romance between Tess and Xavier that made this book so good. To watch someone like Xavier find himself falling in love, and Tess overcoming her fear of vampyres to fall in love with Xavier. I loved Tess, as she was despite her fears, a tough, outspoken & savvy heroine. Thea you have given us a fabulous story, with a hero we never thought we could fall for. Bravo! Night’s Honor is a great addition to the Elder Races series, and trust me when I say you will love Xavier and Tess.



Sandy’s Review:

Because of the dual review perspective, some of the information may overlap

NIGHT’S HONOR is the seventh full length instalment in Thea Harrison’s romantic Elder Races paranormal series. This is vampire Xavier del Torro and human female Tess Graham’ storyline. At the New Year’s Eve Vampyre’s Ball Tess offers herself up as a human attendant not knowing that her life is about to change when one of the most powerful and frightening Vampyre agrees to take her on.

The focus of the storyline is Tess’s training to become one of Xavier’s attendants but Tess has several issues that must be addressed. First and foremost Tess is hiding the real reason she has placed herself in the care of the sexy supernatural vampyre-she is on the run and knows there isn’t much time; the fact that she is reluctant to share her blood makes Xavier more hesitant about her position within his house. While Tess slowly integrates herself into the household, Xavier’s attraction to the feisty female is growing stronger. But there is trouble brewing within the Nightkind demesne and Xavier is about to risk everything to keep his human family safe.

The relationship between Tess and Xavier is slow to build as Tess has a difficult time training for any possible attack. While Xavier tends to Nightkind business, Tess finds herself on the outside looking in. It is only when Xavier returns that he realizes that Tess is much more than a human attendant-he is falling for the female who stirs something deep within his soul.

There are several secondary characters who all play a role within Xavier’s house. We are introduced to some of the key players in the Nightkind demesne which ensures a different direction in the Elder Races arc. As NIGHT’S HONOR primarily focuses on Tess and Xavier, there is very little interaction or mention of the previous storyline characters.

With NIGHT’S HONOR Thea Harrison returns to her paranormal roots. Tess and Xavier’s story is provocative, intense and sensual, and the change in story arc direction pulls the reader into a whole new level of imagination and storytelling.

Copy supplied by the Publisher.

About The Author

Follow Thea: Goodreads/ Facebook/ Twitter

 

Thea HarrisonNew York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Thea Harrison resides in Colorado.  She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen, and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.  She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child.

Thea writes in a variety of genres, including the award-winning paranormal Elder Races series and the Game of Shadows novels, and is currently at work on various new projects in sci-fi fantasy, paranormal and contemporary romance.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities.

From Thea:

When I was four, I taught myself to read. That was around the time I tried to ride my tricycle to work. I wasn’t sure where work was, but I knew it had to be interesting if people went there every day. Now I combine my love of books with work, and I don’t have to ride my tricycle to get there.

I hope you enjoy exploring the worlds I’ve created. The Elder Races series is set in an alternative universe where magical and mythological creatures live openly alongside humankind. The stories are full of sexy alpha heroes and the strong-minded heroines that tame them.

Also, I have a two book series called the Game of Shadows novels. This duology is more urban fantasy with dark romantic elements.

You can find a full list of current books here. I also have other worlds and writing projects underway, and I always post on my blog whenever I have news of new projects. To keep up to date on upcoming new releases, check out my Coming Soon page, and all the available, original Amanda Carpenter romances are being re-released as Retro Romances. Be sure to stop by my Fans page, where readers have very generously agreed to share their art, and my  Extras page where I’m developing a cache of tidbits for interested readers.

It’s a pleasure to visit with you. Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you drop in again soon.

 

Giveaway-Purple:Black

Thea’s publisher is offering a paper copy of NIGHT’S HONOR to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. FOLLOW us on Goodreads

6. Like THEA HARRISON on Facebook

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from September 4 to September 8, 2014

Share

Peanut Goes to School by Thea Harrison – a Dual Review

Posted on by
10

Peanut Goes to School by Thea Harrison – a Dual Review

Peanut Goes to School

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Description:
Dragos Cuelebre is no longer the only dragon.

Dragos’s son Liam Cuelebre (a.k.a. Peanut) is springing into existence, reminiscent of the first of the Elder Races who were born at the beginning of the world. At just six months of age, he has already grown to the size of a large five-year-old boy. He can read, write in complete sentences, and his math skills are off the chart.

A white dragon in his Wyr form, Liam also holds more Power than almost anyone else. In an effort to give him a taste of normality, no matter how fleeting, his parents Pia and Dragos enroll him in first grade.

They hope school will help teach Liam how to relate to others, a vital skill that will help him control his growing Power. But school has a surprising number of pitfalls, and relating to others can be a tricky business.

When a classmate is threatened, Liam must quickly learn self-control, how to rein in his instincts, and govern his temper, because there’s no doubt about it—he is fast becoming one of the most dangerous creatures in all of the Elder Races

 

Barb’s Review:

Peanut Goes to School is the 3rd and final book in Thea Harrison’s novella ARC revolving around Dragos, Pia and Liam. If you have not been following Thea’s Elder Races series, or not reading our reviews, they are main characters of this series. Sandy and I are big fans of the Elder Races, so when we can, we try to do dual reviews.

I really enjoyed the first two books of this arc, as they were a lot of fun to spend time with Dragos, Pia, and learn more about Liam (Peanut). When we last left off in the last novella, Peanut had grown dramatically. He was now more like 5 years old, though in reality he is only 6 months old. But he is Dragos (dragon) and Pia’s (Unicorn) son, and the magic they have has made young Liam, who is a young dragon, very powerful. Growing too fast, Liam’s parents think going to school is something he needs to do to learn how to deal with people, as well as control his temperament and powers.

Anything more will be spoilers, as this is the shortest novella of the three. The description above says it all. I just want to say that I loved reading this short story, loved listening to Peanut’s POV, and loved everything about this wonderful fun relaxing read. I look forward to Liam becoming a major part of the Elder Races future. Most of all, I adore both Dragos and Pia, and can never have enough of them. Thank you, Thea for these fun books to read.

 

Sandy’s Review

As this is a dual review, some of our information may overlap.

PEANUT GOES TO SCHOOL is the third instalment in Thea Harrison’s Elder Races paranormal novella trilogy focusing on Dragos, Pia and Liam Cuelebre. As the child of the only living dragon Liam is gifted with power beyond anyone’s imagination, and to combine them with his mother’s supernatural abilities and you have the makings for a very interesting childhood.

The story focuses on six month old Liam Cuelebre whose growth and maturity are years ahead. Hoping to socialize their little ‘peanut’ with other children, Pia and Dragos send Liam off to school hoping that their tiny dragon reigns in his powers if something should go wrong-and go wrong they do.

PEANUT GOES TO SCHOOL is a sweet storyline told in close third person POV (Liam) that follows Liam’s first day in grade one. From school yard bullies to a terrifying teacher, Liam encounters his first taste of predator and prey-and no dragon will ever be considered –the prey. Although the storyline is part of The Elder Races series, the novella reads more like a middle grade story because it is written from a child’s perspective.

Thea Harrison novella trilogy follows one supernatural family –from the birth of their first child to the first day of school. Every parent worries about the future-the what ifs and whys-but most never have to worry about their six month old child shifting into a white dragon that breathes fire and fear into a classroom of first grade students. We get an up close and personal look at one father and son relationship that can be measured by the love and emotional bonding; and a mother whose natural instinct to protect overrides all sense of well-being.

Copy supplied by the author.

Share

Pia Saves the Day (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison – A Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
30

Pia Saves the Day (Elder Races) by Thea Harrison – a Dual Review and Giveaway

Pia Saves the Day Banner

 

Pia Saves the Day
Elder Races series – Book #6.6
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: June 23 , 2014

PIa Saves the Day

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Description: Release Date June 23, 2014
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…

Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.

Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.

Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.

It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this

••••••••••••••••••••••

Sandy’s Review

PIA SAVES THE DAY is the latest novella in Thea Harrison’s adult, paranormal Elder Races and book number two in the novella trilogy focusing on Dragos, Pia and Liam Cuelebre’s small family unit. With Liam’s excelerated growth rate, Dragos will be moving his young family to upstate New York allowing Liam (aka Peanut) his much needed freedom to explore and learn-after all, he is a dragon shifter –and what little dragon doesn’t need open air and places to fly. But an accident will put everything into perspective when Pia finds herself alone with a dragon who no longer knows that she is his mate, and everything and everyone has become a threat.

Thea Harrison pulls the reader into a story about one family’s struggle with the possibility that their father (and mate) may never be the same. We watch as Dragos denies those closest to his heart and in doing so places everyone in danger from their enemies and himself.

PIA SAVES THE DAY is a quick and simple read. It is a story of romance, love, togetherness, rediscovery and family. The storyline takes place approximately fourteen months from the very first instalment- DRAGON BOUND- and fast forwards Liam’s growth so that he is ready, willing and able to take his first step into the world of kindergarten and his next adventure in PEANUT GOES TO SCHOOL-July 2014.

The secondary characters are limited to Graydon, Hugh and Eva. The Sentinels are placed on high alert preparing for an attack from outside and from within but in the end, Pia is the only one who is able to connect with one of the most powerful supernatural creatures of the paranormal world. The focus of this trilogy is on the family and the usual threats and warrior Sentinels are few and far between.

Copy supplied by the Author

Barb’s Review:

Pia Saves the Day by Thea Harrison is a another wonderful novella in her Elder Races series. This is the second novella in her three part arc, which revolves around Pia, Dragos and their young son Peanut (Liam). I really enjoyed the first one, Dragos Takes a Holiday, and I could not wait to read this. Writing a review on novella’s can be difficult, as it is a short story and telling too much would be spoilers.

The focus of this story begins with the family moving upstate NY, to give them more space, privacy, and security. We immediately spend time with Dragos, Pia and Peanut, and seeing them together always makes me happy. They remain as my favorite couple of this series, though I love many others in this series .

With a lot of construction ongoing in the surrounding area, Dragos is at the site when there is an accident. Pia hearing the sound of the boom, knows something is wrong and runs to the site. In her panic, she doesn’t see Dragos and fears the worst. Then to her relief, in his Dragon form he  bursts out of the bottom of the deep pit. But all is not well. Dragos has lost his memory, becoming a danger to all that  he loves, including his wonderful mate , Pia.

This was a wonderfully done story, with Pia taking control, as well as dangerous chances, in trying to bring her beloved Dragos back. Thea did a super job of allowing us another chance to see the love between Dragos and Pia.  I also love the camaraderie of others like Eva, Graydon, and the other sentinels, who show their respect and love for Pia.

I loved every moment of this novella. Generally I’m not always a big fan of short stories, but Thea Harrison does it so well allowing us to get our fix, spending time with all of our favorites from this series. This way it isn’t too long before we get the next full novel. Thank you Thea, for giving us more of our Elder Races, and also a wonderful story.

Giveaway-Black and Seafoam

Dragos Takes a Holiday smallThea is offering an ecopy (epub or Kindle) of DRAGOS TAKES A HOLIDAY ( the novella before Pia Saves The Day) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Follow Thea Harrison on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway is open internationally.

7. Giveaway runs from June 24 to June 27, 2014

Share

Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races Novella 6.5) by Thea Harrison-dual review

Posted on by
11

Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races Novella) by Thea Harrison-dual review

Dragos Takes a Holiday nov 13

Links to order Dragos Takes a Holiday:
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date November 28, 2013

The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?

Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it’s no ordinary undertaking – and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They’re determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.

And did we mention pirates?

For fans of DRAGON BOUND and LORD’S FALL, passion, playfulness, and adventure abound in this Elder Races novella.

Sandy’s Review

DRAGOS TAKES A HOLIDAY is the latest novella in Thea Harrison’s Novel of the Elder Races series and one that focuses on family and friends. Both Pia and Dragos are tired: tired of the daily ins and outs of running Cuelebre Enterprises and in desperate need of time away. Hoping to relax in the sun, surf and sand of Bermuda, Dragos flies his family to the islands for a week of relaxation and treasure hunting. But not everything goes according to plans when others come hunting for the same treasure that Dragos has located.

The storyline is one many young families will sympathize with when everything in life closes in and nothing seems to go well. Pia is quickly learning that the dragon shifter she gave birth to is developing much faster than humanly possible and it is this development that will place the small family in danger of losing one of their own.

Thea Harrison pulls the reader into a sweet storyline where mommy and daddy need some time away but the ‘peanut’ as he is affectionately called, has other plans. We watch as Liam softens the heart of a man who will kill to protect those he loves and allows us to believe that there is good amongst the evil wherever we will go.

Thea has written an engaging storyline of love and affection; family and friends; greed and revenge. Dragos Takes a Holiday shows the mischievous side of raising a dragon shifter baby and allows us another peak into the world of the leader of the Wyr and the family that he loves.

Copy supplied by the author

_____________________________

Barb’s Review

Since Sandy has wonderfully described Dragos Takes a Holiday, and rather then duplicate that, I will tell you what I loved about the book. This was a novella, and Thea Harrison did such a wonderful job giving us just what we needed for the holidays. I absolutely loved this book. It was such a sweet, endearing read that was so much fun, and had me falling totally in love with Liam (Peanut).

Thea also gave us Peanut’s POV, which was precious. Just to get any story on Dragos and Pia is always great, as they are and always will be my favorites; though I love most of Elder Races heroes and heroines. Dragos and Pia still steam up the pages (I do have a kindle 🙂 ), but it was nice to watch their reactions upon discovering what Peanut can already do.

Did I say he was so adorable? I wanted to pick him up as the baby, and also as the little white dragon. Only a few months old, and he is already doing things unheard of. Some of my favorite scenes:

Pia in the kitchen hearing a noise, runs into the room and sees a small white dragon. Liam’s first shift. OMG I loved it. How she held him, and called Dragos home to see his little dragon.

When they were in Bermuda, Dragos takes Pia and Peanut for a ride on his back in his Dragon form. Peanut watches his father’s wings and flying, and joyfully decides to shift and copy his father. Poor Pia has to hold on to the little dragon, afraid he would fall. But never fear, Dragos can do anything, which includes protect them both.

Later, Peanut’s curiosity gets him into trouble, but he is smart enough (you hear his thoughts in his POV), to climb on the top of a building and wait for his father to fly to his rescue.

Dragos takes a Holiday is also a suspenseful story, in which Dragos must discover who is trying to stop him from looking for treasure in the Bermuda Triangle, as well as who will harm his family. I loved that they were able to get away on a much needed vacation, taking only Eva and Hugh, with them. It was fun watching Dragos and Pia marvel at their son, and worry what will happen when he gets older. But it was more fun for us, and I enjoyed every single moment of this wonderful adventure. Thank you Thea, for this amazing heartwarming holiday treat, and allowing us to joyfully spend time with Liam.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Share

KINKED – Thea Harrison Blog Tour- Q&A, Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
50

KINKED – Thea Harrison Blog Tour- Q&A, Review & Giveaway

Kinked Banner

Kinked
Elder Races
by Thea Harrison
Release Date: November 5, 2013

Dual Review

KINKED.Nov 2013Links to order Kinked: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened


Barb’s Review:
Kinked by Thea Harrison is the 6th book in her wonderful Elder Races series.  I have been a big fan of this series from the start, and I couldn’t wait for Aryal’s story.  I can safely say that the wait was so worth it. 

Aryal is a harpy, and I have always liked her tough kick ass attitude, as well as her being the lone women Sentinel on Dragos, the Lord of the Wyr’s team.  But in the last few books, she became borderline unlikable, being downright nasty to others, including Dragos’ wife Pia. A big part of her behavior has been Quentin, a new Sentinel and someone Aryal has been investigating for awhile, to expose him as the crook she knows he is, but to no avail.

Quentin, who is a hunk, and a black panther shifter, does have his own dark issues of things from the past that he has to deal with.  He equally gives back his feelings of hatred toward Aryal.  One day it goes too far, as they both jump at each other, violently fighting out in the open for all to see.  The awesome totally powerful Dragos steps in and roughly  separates the two.  He gives them an ultimatum, an assignment back to Numenlaur, the abandoned Elven land, where the last battle took place.  Dragos’s ultimatum….spend between two weeks to a month together on this assignment, and learn to work together peacefully or they will both be removed as Sentinels.

What follows is an awesome action packed adventure that forces both Aryal and Quentin to work together to survive.  But most of all, it was watching two totally dominant people with such violent hate for one another slowly change.  The intense hatred fed the sexual spark that each tried desperately to fight.  This was an intense relationship all the way through.   It was really amazing how Thea Harrison took two highly unlikely people and made them Perfect for each other.  In doing so, she didn’t make them like a normal sweet romance; it was hot, sexy, hardcore, with both releasing their animal magnetism toward each other. 

When mission becomes dangerous, and both are badly injured, you can see both of their vulnerabilities, and the need for each other to help them survive and pull through was so apparent.  Their relationship was so intense, yet so wonderful to see how slowly it changed to love.  What I loved about how Harrison handles this relationship is that though they both are changing, they will still remain as two hard assed dominants they are, and learn to share. 

Besides their romance, this was a great story, with a villain who had no qualms to leave them for dead.  Both were badly injured, and in Aryal’s case, her injuries were devastating.  But Quentin rises up to help save her and those who are with them until rescue comes.  Will Aryal recover from those serious injuries?   Will she be able to continue as part of Dragos Sentinels? 

I also love seeing Dragos & Pia, and the entire Sentinel team. I loved that Aryal, tough snarky ways, was able to find someone just perfect for her.  This was an intense fantastic read, which I finished in one day.  Thea Harrison has done it again, with another wonderful addition to her  Elder Races series. I for one hope that she never stops writing this series.

Sandy’s Review:

Because this is a dual review, some of the information presented will be duplicated but in the end, Barb and I both love Thea’s grasp of the fantasy and paranormal culture and the way in which she presents her storylines for everyone to enjoy.

KINKED is the sixth full length novel in Thea Harrison’s paranormal series-The Elder Races. This is Aryal (a Harpy) and Quentin’s (Panther/Elven/Fae) story-both Wyr Sentinels and acidic enemies. For two years Aryal has been searching for something to use against Quentin-she knows he is dark and dangerous and it is her gut feeling that he is hiding an illegal past. Hoping to get proof, Aryal has stalked Quentin at every opportunity but on her lastest attempt, she goes too far and she and Quentin will find themselves banished from the Wyr and sent to Numenlaur-the oldest Elven land searching for signs or survivors in the now desolate Elven demesne.

As the leader of the Wyr, Dragos tires of Quentin and Aryal’s animosity towards one another and gave them one opportunity to straighten up or be permanently banished from both the Sentinels and the Wyr community.

The storyline focuses on Quentin and Aryal’s building relationship as they uncover what lies behind the ruined city and beautiful lands of Numenlaur. What started as bitter and abject enemies will quickly become one of friends to lovers but not before some damage is done to one another. Their relationship in the beginning can best be described as damaging and dangerous but in the end each will find their mate -but not before they encounter a strange new phenomenon that is directly linked to the Elven world and the castle where they will find themselves imprisoned and left to die.

The world building continues from the previous storylines including Lord’s Fall (Elder Races #5) where the Elven Other World was decimated by its’ own people. Thea brings together some of the Wyr Sentinels in secondary roles as well as Pia (Dragos’ mate) having a significant impact on the life and death struggles of our leading couple.

Thea has proven that she has an amazing grasp of the fantastic as the reader is pulled into a world of her making. The descriptive nature of the Elven Other World is beautiful in comparison to the damage and death toll exacted by a cruel and power hungry being.

Kinked is a story of betrayal and loss; revenge and retribution; danger and deceit. But it is also about survival-not for the people of Numenlaur-but for two would be enemies who must join together in a fight for their lives or lose one another to an unseen enemy or themselves.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

about the author

Thea Harrison picNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison is the pen name for Teddy Harrison. Thea has traveled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. Now she resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. She experienced waitressing as a teenager, has worked as an activist for a non-profit consumer rights organization, has been a receptionist, an office manager, a penniless graduate student, a director of development and research, and a single mom. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction.

Her paranormal Elder Races series began May 3, 2011 with Dragon Bound, which won RT Book Review’s Book of the Year Award, and the Romance Writer’s of America RITA in the paranormal romance category.

All five of her full length novels in the Elder Races series have won Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Book two in the series, Storm’s Heart, and book four, Oracle’s Moon, hit the USA Today bestseller’s list, while book three, Serpent’s Kiss, hit the New York Times extended bestseller list. Her fifth book, Lord’s Fall, hit both the USA Today and the New York Times extended lists.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

interview

Thanks for such interesting questions!

Q:  What is one of your favorite Myths/legends to write about?

Thea:  When I started to write my reply to this question, I realized it wasn’t going to be a simple or easy answer!  I’ve had so much fun with the world building in the Elder Races series.  It’s almost impossible to pick just one.

I really enjoyed taking the Oracle of Delphi and putting it into a modern context for Oracle’s Moon.  When I turned my attention to the witches’ demesne in Louisville, I wanted to make sure it felt as rich and developed as the rest of the world building I’d done for the other demesnes and mythological creatures.  That story was fun for a lot of reasons, because I also really enjoyed building the Djinn society based on Middle Eastern legends.

Another favorite has been developing the Elves, in Lord’s Fall and continued in Kinked.  And a third was when I created my own version of Vampyres in Serpent’s Kiss.  I have two more Vampyre stories that I’m dying to tell.  When I get excited about a story, it’s hard to wait for the right time to tell it!

Q:  You’ve been gifted (or cursed) with the ability to shift into another form by a witch. What kind of shifter are you and why?  (All creatures, including mythological, apply.)

Thea: Awesome question!  I think I have two answers for that one.  If it was a gift, then I think it would have to be something winged and strong.  I think there’s something to be said for being as fearless as a harpy, although I’m quite sure I wouldn’t win any popularity contests!

If the ability was a curse and meant to be nasty, the witch would probably turn me into my phobia—a spider!  That would be the meanest, nastiest thing anybody could ever do to me!

Q:  Since Aryal is a harpy and considered an immortal Wyr, how did you approach her character development in order to make her believable and someone that readers can identify with?

Thea:  I’ll be honest, I was worried about writing Aryal.  I really didn’t want to compromise her identity.  Aryal has strong emotions but no real morals in the abstract sense, no true compulsion to do what is right for its own sake.  She’s abrasive and dangerous… And I had to figure out how to also make her sympathetic.

My first decision was to not be in a hurry to write her story.  I wanted to take the time to show her character from a couple of different points of view.  The reader first sees Aryal from Pia’s perspective in Dragon Bound, but then in Storm’s Heart I was able to show Aryal from Tricks’ point of view, someone who loved her.  I also wanted to make sure that humor came into the mix.  Still, the real test came when I sat down and actually started writing Kinked.  Then I had to get close enough to her to write her as a main POV character.  It helped that I had so many established relationships and characters to work with—such as Grym, Dragos and Graydon—and the world-building in place.  With that in place, I could concentrate on developing Aryal herself.  I’m very grateful to my editor Cindy Hwang for providing such a supportive platform to write Kinked.

Q:  Do you have an Elder Race Bible to help keep your facts start?  If not, how the heck do you keep your facts start?

Thea:  So far I’ve had two things in my favor—I’ve got a bit of a freakish memory for detail when it comes to writing, and I also have fantastic beta readers who are good at spotting issues.  Still, the world has become big and complicated enough that I’ve got someone working on a series bible right now.  It’s over a hundred pages by now and should be done by the end of the year.

Q:  Who was the harder character to write Aryal or Quentin and why?

Thea: Neither character was as hard as I had feared they would be when I started Kinked.  Still, Quentin was easier.  I felt more confident writing his character, and I felt the stakes were pretty high on getting Aryal’s character right.

Q:  Was there anything about Aryal that surprised you as her story unfolded?

Thea: I think I probably had the same experience as a writer that several readers have had so far in reading the book—I was surprised at how much I ended up liking and enjoying her.  I wouldn’t want to rush out and befriend a real-life Aryal, but I think she’s pretty cool between the pages, and I’m really looking forward to writing more about her.

Q:  In the event of an apocalypses (zombie, alien, solar flare or 4 horsemen) which of your characters would you like to team up with?

Thea:   I would absolutely like to team up with Dragos—as long as I was someone he valued, otherwise he might ditch me in a heartbeat.

Q:  What is next for the Elder Race series?

Thea:  I’m now contracted for books 7-9, so I’m writing Graydon’s story which will be released around August of 2014.  The main characters have also been decided for books 8 and 9, and I’m eager to get to those stories!

I also wrote a self-published project, a novella entitled Dragos Takes A Holiday, which releases November 25th.  I loved spending time with Dragos and Pia, and their little son Peanut gets his POV debut.

It’s been a pleasure to visit with you.  Thanks for having me!

Giveaway-Purple-White

Thea and The Penquin Group have graciously offered to give one lucky member of The Reading Café a copy of Thea’s new release, Kinked.

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to U.S.Only

4.  Contests runs from November 4, to November 8, 2013

Share

DEVIL’S GATE (e-novella 3) by Thea Harrison-a new release review

Posted on by
5

DEVIL’S GATE (e-novella 3) by Thea Harrison-a new release review

DEVIL’S GATE (Elder Races novella 3 ) by Thea Harrison

DEVIL’S GATE is the 3rd novella (June 5, 2012 release)  in Thea Harrison’s Novels of the Elder Races series. Unlike the previous two novellas, Devil’s Gate stayed true to the Elder Race characters. Natural Evil and True Colors ventured down a different path, and one that was not as enticing or exciting, but with Devil’s Gate Thea has, once again, found her style. There is little reference to the ‘magical Tarot cards’ until the final couple of chapters and only then, with reference to their mystical powers.

Seremela Telemar is the heroine. We were first introduced to the medusa/medical examiner in Storm’s Heart and Serpent’s Kiss, but in Devil’s Gate Seremela has her own story to tell. With her niece Vetta missing and held captive in the magical encampment of Devil’s Gate, Seremela makes it her mission to, once again, set about rescuing her troubled niece. But her new position with Carling and Rune has yet to begin and she is already asking for a leave, knowing that this will probably not be the last time.

Duncan Turner vampire/lawyer will not let Seremela attempt a rescue of Vetta by herself. Working for Carling and Rune, he is aware of Seremela’s predicament and has asked that he be kept abreast of Seremela’s actions. His attraction to the beautiful medical examiner is known to Carling and it is with her permission that Duncan will aid Seremela in her search and rescue at Devil’s Gate. And when Vetta is safe, Duncan will make sure that Seremela knows that she will be his to claim.

Vetta has been charged with murdering one of the Powers at Devil’s Gate. But without a body to examine, there is no proof that Vetta’s medusa snakes poisoned the Dark Fae. And the Djinn running the illegal operations at the camp was willing to execute Vetta for the sins of another just to prove his position. But the appearance of Duncan and Seremela will change the stakes and force Malphas to bow to a higher authority. Duncan knows that Malphas’s past will not save him from the wrath of the Elders and it is with regret that Malphas must assume a position he did not want to take.

Thea brings back some of her previous characters, even if by way of a mention, including Rune/Carling, Tiago/Niniane, Julian, and the Djinn Soren and Khalil. With the inclusion of these characters, Devil’s Gate felt more connected to the Elder Race Novels than the previous two e-novellas. And her introduction of Malphas (a pariah Djinn) and the Dark Fae Xanthe (who takes possession of the magical Tarot cards) we will be seeing more of these characters in Thea’s next e-novella-Hunting Season.

Devil’s Gate is by far, the better of Thea’s 3 e-novellas. With the inclusion and mention of many of her Elder Race hero/heroines the novella felt like it belonged. A wonderful story, a great premise and another well-written chapter in the Novels of the Elder Races.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

DEVIL’S GATE by Thea Harrison-cover reveal

Posted on by
Reply

 DEVIL’S GATE by Thea Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEVIL’S GATE by Thea Harrison-Cover Reveal

THEA HARRISON- I wanted to share some happy news: I just signed the contract with Samhain for the Elder Races novella #3!! The scheduled release date for DEVIL’S GATE is June 5th, 2012. I’ll be sure to post when we have cover art, and the story goes up for preorder on the Samhain website, and at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

This is the medusa Seremela Telemar’s story, and I’ll reveal who the hero is soon. I have one more Elder Races novella planned. After I complete that fourth story, I do intend to concentrate exclusively on the full length novels in the series for the foreseeable future.

Share