Tag Archives: Epic Fantasy

The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

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The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
POWER HAS A PRICE. SO DOES LOVE.

Return to the dark, sensual, and powerful world of the Black Jewels in this long-awaited new story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga

After a youthful mistake, Lord Dillon’s reputation is in tatters,
leaving him vulnerable to aristo girls looking for a bit of fun. To
restore his reputation and honor, he needs a handfast—a one-year contract of marriage. He sets his sights on Jillian, a young Eyrien witch from Ebon Rih, who he believes has only a flimsy connection to the noble society that spurned him. Unfortunately for Dillon, he is unaware of Jillian’s true connections until he finds himself facing Lucivar Yaslana, the volatile Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih.

Meanwhile, Surreal SaDiablo’s marriage is crumbling. Daemon Sadi, the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, recognizes there is something wrong between him and Surreal, but he doesn’t realize that his attempt to suppress his own nature in order to spare his wife is causing his mind to splinter. To save Daemon, and the Realm of Kaeleer if he breaks, help must be sought from someone who no longer exists in any of the Realms—the only
Queen powerful enough to control Daemon Sadi. The Queen known as Witch.

As Jillian rides the winds of first love with Dillon, Daemon and Surreal struggle to survive the wounds of a marriage turned stormy—and Lucivar has to find a way to keep everyone in his family safe…even from each other.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Bargain by Anne Bishop is the 10th book in her fantastic Black Jewels series.   I have read every single book in all of Anne series, and have loved each and everyone of them.  However, that being said, Black Jewels has a place in my heart as being one, if not the best series I have ever read.  It has been many years since the Black Jewels series ended, as Anne has been busy giving us other wonderful new series; and when I heard she was going back to the world of Daemon, Luciver, Surreal and especially Jaenelle, I was so excited.  I am thrilled to say I loved returning to the Black Jewels series, and spending time with some of my all-time favorite characters, including Karla.  In fact, I decided to go back and read the first three books of this magnificent series, and once again I was totally engrossed, unable to put the book down again.

The Queen’s Bargain focuses on multiple POV’s centering around Daemon Sadi, and his wife, Surreal;  Jillian, a young witch who works for Luciver’s household, helping Marian and his children; Lord Dillion, a young lord, whose reputation was shattered and now uses love spells on girls including Jillian.

Lord Dillion, is a handsome young man, who romanced an evil woman, whose false accusations caused him to lose everything, including his family.  Dillion moves from town to town, to find a life with respect, and when he meets the young and beautiful Jillian, decides to win her over any way he can.  But what he doesn’t know, is Jillian is a like a daughter to the Warlord Prince of Ebon Rich, Lucivar Yaslana; who will always protect those he cares about.

Daemon Sadi, has been suffering terrible headaches, and one night he seduced his wife, Surreal when he was in the throes of being the High Lord of Hell, which scared Surreal.  This caused a rift between Daemon and Surreal, which neither really understood, and Daemon needs help, as his mind is beginning to splinter. Who can help heal Daemon, before he totally destroys everything around him?

What follows is a wonderful and at times tense story that will bring Lucivar and Daemon even closer.  It will also bring many of the other characters we loved in previous books, such as Karla, Marian, Daemonar, etc.  Most of all, we will also get to see a little bit of Witch, who still has powers to help those she loves.  Having been a huge fan of Ladvarian and Kaelas, the scelties dedicated to Jaenelle, I was thrilled to meet Morghann, a sceltie who is dedicated to Daemon, and some others cute pups.

I do not want to give spoilers, as this is just too precious to ruin the story, and the wonderful characters that have returned.  If you have not read the Black Jewels series, I suggest you start with Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows and Queen of the Darkness.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Anne Bishop is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of THE QUEEN’S BARGAIN to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe
     

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A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane – Review & Giveaway

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A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A generation past, the western realms were embroiled in endless war. Then the Destroyer came. From the blood and ashes he left behind, a tenuous alliance rose between the barbarian riders of Parsathe and the walled kingdoms of the south. That alliance is all that stands against the return of an ancient evil—until the barbarian king and queen are slain in an act of bloody betrayal.

Though forbidden by the alliance council to kill the corrupt king responsible for his parents’ murders, Maddek vows to avenge them, even if it costs him the Parsathean crown. But when he learns it was the king’s daughter who lured his parents to their deaths, the barbarian warrior is determined to make her pay.

Yet the woman Maddek captures is not what he expected. Though the last in a line of legendary warrior-queens, Yvenne is small and weak, and the sharpest weapons she wields are her mind and her tongue. Even more surprising is the marriage she proposes to unite them in their goals and to claim their thrones—because her desire for vengeance against her father burns even hotter than his own…

 

 

Review:

A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane is the 1st book in her A Gathering of Dragons series.  I was not sure what to expect when I started this fantasy novel that was 560 pages, but as I read a few chapters in, I became totally engrossed into this fabulous story that kept me unable to put the book down.  Milla Vane is a new author to me, and I am happy to say that I will most certainly be reading the future books in this series.

We meet Maddek, our hero, at the start, when he learns that his mother and father (King and Queen of Parsathe) have been murdered by a King from another realm, who are part of an alliance protecting them from The Destroyer.  Maddek confronts the Alliance Council, determined to enact vengeance against the corrupt King and his sons; he is ordered not to attack someone in their alliances.  Maddek takes his army and heads for Syssian, only to find the corrupt Kings daughter being taken away.  Since the daughter was the one who invited his parents to visit, and thereby were killed, Maddek plans to enact his revenge against the daughter.

Yvenne, our heroine, is the King’s daughter, and to his surprise, she kills her brother in front of him, and offers herself to help him defeat her evil father, and other nasty brothers.  Yvenne was not what Maddek expected, as she was nothing like a warrior queen was supposed to be, being small and weak,   having suffered most of her young life.  But Yvenne was horribly treated by her family, having lost fingers, damaged knees and imprisoned most of her life; she was though very intelligent, with knowledge that would make her a fine Queen.  She proposes marriage to help Maddek become King of both lands, which he accepts.  The problem is Maddek hates her, thinking that she lured his parents to their deaths.  No matter how much she explains that she became close to his mother, and tried to help her, Maddek treated her with distain and threatens to shut her up.

I will say that for a 1/3 of the book, I was not a fan of Maddek, as he was nasty to Yvenne, even though all his soldiers began to love her.  I did love Yvenne, as she made such a wonderful heroine, making up for her disabilities, working hard to use a knife and arrows, as well as strengthen her body.  She slowly earned the respect from the men and women on Maddek’s team, as she was able to use her ‘sight’ to warn them of the enemy coming close to attacking.   Maddek in a short time, slowly began to fall for Yvette and help train her, but it did take some time. The chemistry between them was sizzling.

What follows is a fabulous, exciting, entertaining adventure filled with danger, magic, betrayals, as well as fantastic secondary characters created by Vane.  I loved the Parsathian men and woman, and how they opened up to Yvenne, as well as their loyalty to Maddek.   Heart of Blood and Ashes is a big novel, but it is so worth it.   To tell too much more would become spoilers, and you really need to read this from start to finish. 

A Heart of Blood and Ashes is fantasy at its best, with intense nonstop violent action,  excitement, fantastic characters and a wonderful romance.  I will also say I loved loved the ending, which had an epilogue.  So many fantasy books end with a cliffhanger, but A Heart of Blood and Ashes had a satisfying conclusion, even though the story will continue in the next book.  Thank you Milla Vane for this wonderful conclusion, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Milla Vane’s publisher is  offering a paper copy of A HEART OF BLOOD AND ASHES  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Novice Dragoneer by EE Knight – Review & Giveaway

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Novice Dragoneer by EE Knight – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Fourteen-year-old Ileth grew up in an orphanage, and thanks to her stutter was never thought to be destined for much beyond kitchen work and cleaning. But she’s dreamed of serving with the dragons ever since a childhood meeting with a glittering silver dragon and its female dragoneer. For years she waits, and as soon as she is old enough to join, Ileth runs away to become a novice dragoneer at the ancient human-dragon fortress of the Serpentine.

While most of her fellow apprentices are from rich and influential families, Ileth must fight for her place in the world, even if it includes a duel with her boss at the fish-gutting table. She’s then sent off to the dragon-dancers after a foolish kiss with a famously named boy and given charge of a sickly old dragon with a mysterious past. But she finds those trials were nothing when she has to take the place of a dead dragoneer and care for his imprisoned dragon in enemy lands. . . .

 

 

Review:

Novice Dragoneer by E.E. Knight is the first book in his Dragoneer Academy series. We meet our young 14 year old orphaned heroine, Ileth at the start, as she travels to Serpentine to fulfill her dream of becoming a dragoneer. Years before, Ileth met an apprentice to Dragons, as well as meeting a Dragon; since then that is all she dreams about.  But when she arrives at the gate, she is turned away as being late, but she persevered for days, before the ‘charge’ gives her a chance to become a novice.

Novice Dragoneer is an intriguing story that follows Ileth’s journey into this magical world of dragons. With most of the novices and apprentices coming from wealthy families, Ileth herself is from a poor village, orphaned and stutters; but it is wonderful to watch Ileth slowly learn to talk the dragon language and help the dragons. The majority of the story revolves around Vale and the Galantine Lands, with Ileth at center stage.  In Vale (Serpentine), Ileth is sent to become a dancer with a group of females that dance for the dragons, that help keep them calm and happy.  She is then assigned to an old Dragon, who is slowly dying; Ileth will learn the language and become close to that dragon until his death.  She is then sent with another experienced apprentice to the Galantine Lands to help an imprisoned older dragon, in exchange for allowing another apprentice who was sick go home. War is possibly on the horizon and Ileth is in danger of never going home to Vale.  

Ileth was a wonderful heroine, always willing to go beyond, as well as being loyal and honor bound; she was someone we rooted for throughout.  It was great to follow her journey, whether it be in school, meeting new friends and especially working well with dragons, as well as getting to ride a dragon.   Knight created some very good secondary characters that we got to like, as well as some villians (including a dragon). 

Novice Dragoneer was an excellent story line, with a wonderful heroine, very good secondary characters, dragons, exciting and some very good action.  I will add that some parts of the book had a bit too much detail or descriptions that slowed down the story a bit.  With that being said, I did enjoy the book and look forward to finding out where EE Knight is going to take us in this series.  If you enjoy fantasy, dragons, training, and a wonderful young heroine, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

EE Knight’s publisher is  offering a paper copy of NOVICE DRAGONEER  to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Master of the World by Edward Willett – Review & Giveaway

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Master of the World by Edward Willett – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Shawna Keys has fled the world she only recently discovered she Shaped, narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Adversary who seized control of it…and losing her only guide, Karl Yatsar, in the process.

Now she finds herself alone in some other Shaper’s world, where, in her first two hours, she’s rescued from a disintegrating island by an improbable flying machine she recognizes from Jules Verne’s Robur the Conqueror, then seized from it by raiders flying tiny personal helicopters, and finally taken to a submarine that bears a strong resemblance to Captain Nemo’s Nautilus. Oh, and accused of being both a spy and a witch.

Shawna expects–hopes!–Karl Yatsar will eventually follow her into this new steampunky realm, but exactly where and when he’ll show up, she hasn’t a clue.

In the meantime, she has to navigate a world where two factions fanatically devoted to their respective leaders are locked in perpetual combat, figure out who the Shaper of the world is, find him or her, and obtain the secret knowledge of this world’s Shaping. Then she has to somehow reconnect with Karl Yatsar, and escape to the next Shaped world in the Labyrinth…through a Portal she has no idea how to open

 

 

Review:

Master of the World by Edward Willett is the 2nd book in his Worldshaper series.  When we left off in the first book (Worldshaper), Shawna Keys, our heroine, managed to escape the Adversary, who was trying to kill her; she entered a portal into another shaper’s world, and unfortunately, the man who has been helping her deal with being a shaper (Karl) was missing, leaving Shawna all alone.

As she enters another portal where she hoped to find Karl, Shawna finds herself kidnapped and in a world that is shaped into a steampunk Jules Vern style.  Shawna will be rescued by another group that brings her to a land that is run by a Prince, who wants Shawna’s help to defeat Rubar, another leader.  Shawna must find out which of the two men is really the Shaper of the World, in order to get his help to find Karl.

What follows is an interesting concept utilizing a world shaped by the books of Jules Verne, and Shawna trying to keep herself alive, as well as to learn how to handle her own shaper abilities.  She will spend time with both leaders, and in trying to discover who is the true master of the world.   She will sneak away to Rubar and hope that he is the Shaper.  This is a difficult review to write, as there are so many details and characters, and to tell too much would ruin the storyline. 

Master of the World was a detailed, at times exciting, and entertaining story line.  As I had noted in my first book review, this is a very different type of fantasy.  Because of the many details relating a lot to Jules Verne, it lost me along the way causing parts that were slow and somewhat redundant; the world building was interesting.  If you enjoy a steampunk fantasy, then I suggest you read this series, but please start with the first book, Worldshaper.   

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Edward Willett’s publisher is  offering a paper copy of MASTER OF THE WORLD to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Lies of Descent by Troy Carrol Bucher – a Review

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Lies of Descent by Troy Carrol Bucher – a Review

 

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Description:
The Fallen Gods’ War drove the remnants of a victorious army across the ocean in search of a new homeland. A thousand years later, the lifeless continent of Draegora is largely forgotten, a symbol for the regiments that remain. Demons to some. Protectors to others. The power of their god-touched blades has forged a nation, though many resent their absolute control.

Riam and Nola are unknowing descendants of the old world. When it’s discovered they carry enough Draegoran blood to serve in the regiments, they are dragged away from their families to begin training. If they survive, they will be expected to enforce the laws of the covenant, to fight the Esharii tribesmen who raid along the border, and to be judge, jury, and executioners for those accused of crimes.

For Riam, who welcomes his escape from an abusive father, the power to protect those who cannot defend themselves is alluring. For Nola, who wishes to return home, it is a betrayal by all she holds dear.

Neither is given a choice…and neither may ever get the chance to serve.

Lies of Descent begins an epic trilogy of fallen gods, betrayal, and magic–where dark motives often dwell within the true and just, and where the things most feared sometimes lead to salvation.

 

 

Review:

Lies of Descent by Troy Carrol Bucher is the 1st book The Fallen Gods War trilogy. As stated in the description above, The Fallen Gods war drove a victorious army across the ocean for a new homeland, but a thousand years later, Draegora has fallen apart and two factions, Draegoriana and Eshari are still determined to destroy each other .

We meet our young hero, Riam, who after watching his hated father get killed, is taken away by a Draegoran warrior to begin training to be able to fight Eshari tribesmen, as he has the ‘blood’.  Which means that he has ties to other Draegoran descendants, and has possible powers. 

Riam will meet a young girl, Nola, who has also been violently taken from her family.  She too has the blood, and will also go to training.  However, in a short time they are attacked by Eshari warriors, and though Riam escaped, Nola is taken.

What follows is a slow and at times exciting journey, with POV’s between Riam and Nola, as they both go difficult and separate directions.  Both Dragegoran and Eshari see in the Riam or Nola their abilities that could help either group fight and win the war.   This is a difficult review to write, as this world building at times is confusing, and telling too much would be spoilers.  I did like Riam and Nola, and found it interesting in the different roads they each travelled.

Lies of Descent was well written by Bucher, as it was an epic fantasy about fallen gods, magic in dark violent world.  If you like epic fantasies, I suggest you read Lies of Descent.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Protect The Prince by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Protect The Prince by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Description:
Everleigh Blair might be the new gladiator queen of Bellona, but her problems are far from over.

First, Evie has to deal with a court full of arrogant, demanding nobles, all of whom want to get their greedy hands on her crown. As if that wasn’t bad enough, an assassin tries to kill Evie in her own throne room.

Despite the dangers, Evie goes ahead with a scheduled trip to the neighboring kingdom of Andvari in order to secure a desperately needed alliance. But complicating matters is the stubborn Andvarian king, who wants to punish Evie for the deaths of his countrymen during the Seven Spire massacre.

But dark forces are at work inside the Andvarian palace, and Evie soon realizes that no one is safe. Worse, Evie’s immunity to magic starts acting in strange, unexpected ways, which makes her wonder whether she is truly strong enough to be a Winter Queen.

But Evie’s magic, life, and crown aren’t the only things in danger—so is her heart, thanks to Lucas Sullivan, the Andvarian king’s bastard son and Evie’s . . . well, Evie isn’t quite sure what Sullivan is to her.

Only one thing is certain—protecting a prince might be even harder than killing a queen…

•••••••••••••

BARB’s Review:

Protect the Prince by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her wonderful fantasy Crown of Shards series.  Everleigh Blair (Evie) is our heroine and now the new Winter Queen of Bellona, but in the 3 months that has passed, she realizes that she has her work cut out for her.  She first has to face the nobles of her court, who she knows want to get their hands on the throne, but Evie surprises them when she stands up to each one, reminding them how they treated her before she became Queen. Evie also can smell danger, and knows someone is there who will attempt to kill her.   She manages to defeat the culprit, who was attempting an assassination, and learns that one of our villians from the first book (Maeven) is behind the attempt. Though Evie won this time, her life was in danger going forward, as the Kingdom of Morta will stop at nothing to defeat her and takeover other kingdoms.

Evie convinces her court that Alliances with other Kingdoms are of utmost importance, in order to defeat the powerful and dangerous Morta Kingdom.   Evie, and her group and guards (our wonderful gladiator team from the first book) will travel to Andvari, to meet with the Andvarian King to try to form an alliance.  Lucas Sullivan, our hero, and Evie’s love interest also returns to Andvari, as his father is the King, and he has been away a long time, especially since he is considered the bastard prince.   

When they arrive at Andvari, the atmosphere is intense, and everyone blames Evie and all Bellonians for the death of the prince, and despite Lucas opening the door for her to talk to the King, things get off to a bad start.  The King turns down her attempt at an alliance, instead tries to convince Evie to marry his son, Prince Dominic, but Evie knows the plan is to eventually get rid of her and Dominic would then take over Bellona.  In a short time, things change as another attack by spies for Morta make an attempt on Evie and Dominic’s life, which Evie uses her powers to stop.  When Evie meets with the King, she senses (more of her powers) that someone is poisoning him, and she manages to cure him.  But who is the traitor in Andvari?

I do not want to give spoilers. What follows is an exciting, intense, action filled adventure that has us on the edge of our seats.  Estep has done it again with wonderful worldbuilding, and a fantastic heroine who continues to grow into her powers, and learns what it means to be the Winter Queen.  I love watching Evie defeat her enemies, and I adored seeing all her friends from the first book, who have all stood by her and help protect her.   The romance between her and Lucas did not play a major part of the story, and looked like there was no hope for them, until the very end, which was so well done. 

Estep does a fantastic job keeping our attention, as well as creating such a fantastic heroine in Evie, who literally handled everything throughout.   This was an exciting and enthralling fantasy, with fantastic characters, a major villain, and a number of major surprising twists along the way.  Bravo to Jennifer Estep for creating another fantastic story in this series, especially in the Epic fantasy world.  I strongly suggest you read this series. I for one cannot wait for the next book.

 

SANDY’s Review:

PROTECT THE PRINCE is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s epic fantasy CROWN OF SHARDS series focusing on the newly crowned Queen of Bellona Queen Everleigh Blair. a young woman whose ascension to the throne is predicated on a murderous coup against our heroine’s family. PROTECT THE PRINCE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up shortly after the events of book one KILL THE QUEEN.

The Crown of Shards series is the focus of elemental magic, magic of which our heroine is believed to have not been blessed but Everleigh’s ‘mutt magic’ is much more than anyone could have imagined. As the series progresses, Everleigh’s strengths and powers make her the target of a group of assassins hoping to destroy whomever wears the crown. With the power to ‘scent’ out emotions, as well as her ability to manipulate magic, Everleigh is a powerful Queen, indeed. With her own band of ‘gladiators’ and Lucas Sullivan, the man that she loves, Everleigh is a force unto herself, a force that is constantly tested by would-be assassins, and spurned kings and queens.

Told from first person point of view (Everleigh) PROTECT THE PRINCE follows newly crowned Queen Everleigh as she struggles to make nice with the surrounding kingdoms including Andvari, the kingdom from where Lucas once resided. Hoping to broker a deal between Andvari and Bellona, Everleigh will have to face down two more assassination attempts in her battle to bring peace between the two domains but all is not well in the kingdom of Andvari, and Everleigh is determined to discover the truth.

PROTECT THE PRINCE is a complex and detailed story line of magic, mayhem, power and control; a story of betrayal and revenge; of lost love and second chances. Jennifer Estep pulls the reader into a familiar world of elemental magic, with a strong, warrior heroine, and a band of misfit protectors who would die to protect the woman they love. Similarities to the author’s ‘Elemental Assassin’ series aside, PROTECT THE PRINCE is a captivating and spellbinding look at magic and the power of love.

Copies provided by Publisher

 

 

I stared up at the queen’s throne sitting on top of the dais.
The chair was crafted of jagged pieces of tearstone that had been dug out of Seven Spire and fitted together centuries ago. The throne gleamed with a soft, muted light, shifting from starry gray to midnight-blue and back again, just like the columns did. The changing colors represented the Summer and Winter lines of the Blair royal family, as well as the everlasting strength of the Bellonan people.
I had seen the throne many, many times before, but now that it was mine, I found it far more intimidating, especially since the top featured the same crown-of-shards crest that adorned my tunic, bracelet, sword, and dagger. I had never paid any attention to that symbol before the royal massacre, but now, it was everywhere I went. Sometimes, I thought I would have been far happier if I had never seen it at all. I certainly would have been much safer.

Summer queens are fine and fair, with pretty ribbons and flowers in their hair. Winter queens are cold and hard, with frosted crowns made of icy shards.

The words to the old Bellonan fairy-tale rhyme echoed in my mind, as though all the queens who had come before were whispering them to me over and over again. I listened to the phantom voices a moment longer, then exhaled, slowly climbed up the dais steps, turned around, and sat down on the throne.

That was the signal everyone had been waiting for, and all the lords, ladies, senators, guilders, and others strode forward, stopping a few feet away from the bottom of the dais. They split into their usual cliques and began gossiping, while servants handed out sweet cakes, fresh fruits and cheeses, and glasses of blackberry sangria.
I looked up at the second-floor balcony. More nobles milled around there, eating, drinking, talking, and watching me, although they were all poorer and thus far less important than the ones on the first floor.

I started to drop my gaze when I noticed a man sitting by himself in the top corner of the balcony. He was wearing a long gray coat over a black tunic, and his dark brown hair gleamed under the lights, although a bit of stubble darkened his strong jaw. His handsome features were as blank as mine were, and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, although his blue eyes burned into mine with fierce intensity.

My nostrils flared. Even though he was as far away from me as possible, I could still pick out his scent—cold, clean vanilla with just a hint of spice—above all the others in the room. I drew in another breath, letting his scent sink deep down into my lungs, and trying to ignore the hot spark of desire it ignited inside me.

Lucas Sullivan was the magier enforcer of the Black Swan troupe, a bastard prince of Andvari, and my . . . Well, I didn’t know exactly what he was to me. Much more than a friend, but not a lover, despite my pointed advances on that front. But I cared about him more than I wanted to think about, especially now, when I was facing another battle inside my own palace.

So I dropped my gaze from his and studied the nobles again. Even though I had been queen for about three months, ever since I had killed Vasilia, the crown princess and my treacherous cousin, this was my first formal court session. Practically every noble from across the kingdom had journeyed here to discuss business and other matters, and it was important that things went well. I doubted they would, though. The nobles weren’t going to like some of the things I had to say.

While the nobles chattered and downed their food and drinks, I discreetly drew in a breath, letting the air roll in over my tongue and tasting all the scents in it. The people’s floral perfumes and spicy colognes. The fruity tang of the sangria. The pungent aroma of the blue cheeses that the servants were slicing on the buffet tables along the walls.
I opened my mouth to start the session when one final scent assaulted my senses—hot, jalapeño rage so strong that it made my nose burn with its sudden, sharp intensity.

Most people scoffed at my mutt magic, but my enhanced sense of smell was quite useful in one regard—it let me sense people’s emotions, and very often their intentions. Garlic guilt, ashy heartbreak, minty regret. I could tell what someone was feeling—and often what they were plotting—just by tasting the scents that swirled around them.
I’d had years to hone my mutt magic, so I knew that jalapeño rage meant only one thing.

Someone here wanted to kill me.

 

 


My name is Jennifer Estep, and I’m the New York Times bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series; the Mythos Academy young adult urban fantasy series; the Crown of Shards epic fantasy series; the Black Blade young adult urban fantasy; and the Bigtime paranormal romance series.

My books are available in print, audio, and e-book formats from a variety of retailers, including the following: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / iTunes / Kobo / Audible / Brilliance Audio

I hope that you will take a few minutes to look around my website and learn more about my books. Happy reading!

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a paper copy of PROTECT THE PRINCE to TWO (2) lucky commenters and a paper copy of Kill the Queen to ONE (1) lucky commenters 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.

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7. Giveaway open to  USA only

8. Giveaway runs from July 1 to 5, 2019

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Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau – Review & Giveaway

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Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Exiled beast charmer Leena Edenfrell is in deep trouble. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts on the black market—an offense punishable by death—and now there’s a price on her head. With the realm’s most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes him an offer he can’t refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

If only it were that simple. Unbeknownst to Leena, the undying ones are bound by magic to complete their contracts, and Noc cannot risk his brotherhood of assassins…not even to save the woman he can no longer live without.

 

 

Review:

Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau is the first book in her new fantasy The Beast Charmer series.  This is my first time reading this author, and after finishing this book, it will not be my last.  I loved Kingdom of Exiles.

Leena Edenfrell, our heroine, is a beast charmer, who is living in exile for a crime she did not do.  A beast charmer has the ability to tame wild beasts and bond with them.  Leena is very strict, making sure those who want one of her many beasts, must treat them with care and love.  One night on her way home, Leena is accosted by someone who is trying to kill her.  Leena manages to stop the person with help from one of her beasts, and learns that there is a bounty on her head. 

Noc, our hero, and the leader of Cruor team of assassins comes to the rescue of one of his men, and because of Leena’s strength, he is willing to make a bargain with her; but he is compelled to kill her no matter what, when their bargain is complete. Noc is also cursed, and is desperate to find a way to remove the curse; finding a beast that can do that; hence the agreement with Leena to find beasts for his 3 top men and himself.

At the start, Noc was very distant and cold, but over a period of time, especially watching how Leena is so loving with her beasts, he slowly begins to have feelings for her, which he knows he cannot allow to happen.  I loved Noc’s men, especially Oz and Calem, and Kost  loosened up in time.

What follows is an exciting, intense action-packed adventure to find those wonderful magical beasts, and to find the truth of who put the bounty on Leena’s head.  When Leena’s life hangs by a thread, Noc will do anything to save the woman he has fallen in love with, despite the repercussions. It was a slow built romance between Noc and Leena, but I really liked them together. I loved how Leena became trusted friends with the other members of Cruor; she was a fabulous heroine.  She was amazing, especially nearer to the end when she had to suffer torture.  To say too much more would be spoilers.

Kingdom of Exiles was a great start and wonderful world-building to this different kind of fantasy series.  The beasts were the best part, as it was fun to learn about the different kind of beasts and what they can do.  The battles to fight and save Leena were done so well, and as we raced to the climax, we were on the edge of our seat to see if she will survive.  The villain in this story was evil, and I did like the ending, which will lead to the next book.  Maxym M. Martineau has written a wonderful story, and I look forward to what she has next for us.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Maxym M. Martineau is a staff writer and editor by day, and a fantasy romance author by night. When she’s not getting heated over broken hearts, she enjoys playing video games, sipping a well-made margarita, binge-watching television shows, competing in just about any sport, and of course, reading.

Following her passion, Maxym earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Arizona State University. She is represented by Cate Hart of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Her debut, Kingdom of Exiles, is slated for release in June 2019.

 

 

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Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence – Review & Giveaway

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Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
They came against her as a child. Now they face the woman.

The ice is advancing, the Corridor narrowing, and the empire is under siege from the Scithrowl in the east and the Durns in the west. Everywhere, the emperor’s armies are in retreat.

Nona faces the final challenges that must be overcome if she is to become a full sister in the order of her choice. But it seems unlikely that Nona and her friends will have time to earn a nun’s habit before war is on their doorstep.

Even a warrior like Nona cannot hope to turn the tide of war.

The shiphearts offer strength that she might use to protect those she loves, but it’s a power that corrupts. A final battle is coming in which she will be torn between friends, unable to save them all. A battle in which her own demons will try to unmake her.

A battle in which hearts will be broken, lovers lost, thrones burned.

 

 

Review:

Holy Sister by Mark Lawrence is the 3rd and final book in his Book of the Ancestor series.  Nona Grey continues as our young powerful heroine, and many of the wonderful characters we loved in the first two books are back.  Once again, Mark Lawrence gives us another fantastic story line, with non-stop intense mind-boggling action packed thriller throughout the book, and bringing a satisfying conclusion to this series.

In Holy Sister, Nona Grey, our wonderful heroine, is the center focus of the story, which for more than half of the book is split between two timeframes- present day and three years earlier.  Personally I wasn’t crazy about the going back and forth between the two narratives early on, but by the time the storyline became mostly the present day, all the pieces fell into place and we could see why what happened three years (soon after the end of Gray Sister) before was important to fully understand.

Nona Grey over the period of three books has definitely become one of the best heroines, especially in a fantasy world.  With war on the horizon, Nona steps in fight a losing battle, but fight she does, and her powerful ability to use those she is close to as her fighting tool was simply magnificent.  Nona was a child when this all started back in Red Sister, when she was saved by Abbess Glass and joined the convent; as the years pass, friendships are made and lost; Nona becomes their savior in a horrific devastating battle that had us holding our breath to see who will survive. 

The second half of this book was filled with so much action, all told through Nona’s eyes, which Lawrence killed us with so many emotions throughout, such as fear, tension, worry, anger, heartbreak and the sense of love Nona and girls had for each other, or the respect for the nuns who trained them.

I truly loved Nona, who had to endure so much and even when she was on her last legs, she forced herself to push her magical ability beyond endurance to help those she loved. It was simply amazing to watch what she could do, and what a wonderful fantastic heroine Lawrence created.  No question, I will miss Nona Grey.  I also loved many of the secondary characters, such as Ara, Zole, Clera, Sister Kettle, and Abbess Glass, to name a few.  Abbess Glass turns out to play such an important part of this trilogy from Red Sister to Holy Sister, as we learn more about her long range visions, and her planning, especially with Nona and Zole.  There were a number of surprises as we began to see the results.

The last half of the book was an intense, harrowing , destructive adventure that left me holding my  breath as Nona , the girls & nuns faced so many dangerous, mind-boggling  & death defying situations that also brought about much heartbreak.  To tell too much more would be major spoilers, but trust me when I say this is a must read.   Holy Sister was a fantastic conclusion to a wonderful trilogy.  Bravo to Mark Lawrence for giving us a wonderful series, with a marvelous heroine.  If you enjoy fantasy, in this unique intriguing world, with a fabulous heroine and other wonderful characters, you must read the Book of the Ancestor series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mark Lawrence’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of HOLY SISTER TO  (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from April 8 to 12, 2019

 

 

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