Tag Archives: fantasy

The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen – a Review

Posted on by
15

The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
King Eidolon has taken everything.

My throne, my Shadowraith, and even my kingdom. I am a queen with no one to rule, and a tattered army that’s not even mine. And hope is fading fast.

Now the shadows who once tormented Reven live within me, hissing and wheedling—and enticing me to betray my friends. Which could be deadly for us all. Because without the wraith I fell for, without Reven, I am all shadows…and no light.

And the Alignment is almost upon us—the culmination of centuries that have fueled a vengeful king’s festering rage.

We’re outnumbered. We’re underpowered. And even if we could unleash the trapped goddesses, they could destroy the kingdom and everything in it.

 

 

Review:

The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen is the final book in her Dominions series. Oh my…. Final book in this trilogy, and I’m going to miss it 😞 

I loved reading the storylines, watching Meren grow into a real kicka$$ character. Faced with challenge after challenge, she never gave up, although it did come close a few times!! 

This book picks up from book two. Can you read this one without reading the first two? You could, but I think you’d be missing out on two fantastic books, and there is information that I felt pertinent to the story (but that’s just my opinion.) 

So many characters have come and gone in this trilogy, some I’ve cried over, some I shrugged and moved on…. But all were integral to the story, one was a filler, everyone had their role to play. 

Meren and Reven have become one of my favourite couples. Their relationship hasn’t been easy, they’ve fought one another and against this world to be together. And in this book, it’s still no easy task! 

Eidolon is still a force to be reckoned with! Although on the ropes, I still wouldn’t count him out just yet! (And I did feel a little sad for him in the prologue 🤫) 

The action is nonstop, the pictures in my head were painted so clearly due to the details given by this author. She creates a world you just want to live in, sights and sounds play like a movie in my head. (In fact at some point I’m going to grab the audios.)

Betrayal/suspense/mystery and battles will have you hard pressed to put this book down until the last page! Friends can’t always be trusted! Allies can turn against you, and even family needs to be watched! 

There are lots of loose ends that need tying up. There are moments that need to be explained. And there are still loved ones to be rescued! And the author does all that and more! 

I don’t want to give too much away, but be prepared for 🤧 and 😱 moments. I’d also say that this book is a little darker than the previous two, there is a warning at the beginning of the book. 

I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend it and the previous two. It’s definitely an adventure I’ll be revisiting at some point. 

Reviewed by Julie 

Copy supplied by Author

Share

Magic Unmasked/ Magic Undaunted (The Grimm Files) by Delta James

Posted on by
13

MAGIC UNMASKED/ MAGIC UNDAUNTED (The Grimm Files 5 & 6) by Delta James

Magic Unmasked
The Grimm Files 5
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2024

A ruthless fae enforcer and a shifter must unite to save their worlds—even if it means crossing enemy lines.

Lillith Silverwing is a formidable fae enforcer sent by the High Council to retrieve the elusive Duvall sisters—four powerful fae warriors whose magic could alter the fate of realms. Her mission should be simple, but everything changes when she crosses paths with Ronan Rousseau, a brooding sabretooth shifter scarred by a past marred by fae treachery.

As the last of his lineage, Ronan harbors a deep-seated hatred of the fae. Yet, an unexpected spark ignites between him and Lillith, challenging everything he thought he knew. When Lillith uncovers a rebellion that threatens to unleash chaos upon both the fae realm and the mortal world, she realizes that Ronan might be the ally she desperately needs. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to protect the sisters and unravel a conspiracy that runs deeper than either of them imagined.

Torn between her loyalty to the High Council and her growing feelings for Ronan, Lillith must choose where her true allegiance lies. Can she defy centuries of duty to follow her heart? And can Ronan overcome his prejudices to embrace a love that could heal his wounds?

••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNMASKED is the fifth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing, and sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau’s story line. MAGIC UNMASKED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Ronan and Lilith) MAGIC UNMASKED continues to focus on Fae High Council’s determination to take down the powerful Duvall sisters-four fae warriors whose magic and power are considered dangerous and in demand. Hired to bring in the Duvall sisters, fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing finds herself with an unwanted partner, sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau, who is also, taking aim at the magical fae but all is not as is appears to be, and our couple will quickly discover there is corruption within the Council, and the attacks against the Duvalls may be a bi-product of power and control.

The relationship between Ronan and Lilith begin when both are targeting the Duvall sisters. Ronan will soon realize Lilith is his fated mate but Lilith refuses to accept the shifter as her happily ever after. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include the Duvall sisters-Geneva, Savannah, Phoenix, Catalina, their aunt Maeve, as well as Fae leader Zephyr Windchaser, High Councilor Oberon Whisperwind and Morrigan.

MAGIC UNMASKED is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mates, acceptance and love. The fast paced story is enchanting and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are magical and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Magic Unleashed
Magic Unbound
Magic Unrestrained
Magic Unlimited

Copy supplied for review

__________

MAGIC UNDAUNTED
(The Grimm Files 6)
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2024

She’s the realm’s most wanted rebel. He’s her ex and the High Court’s most formidable enforcer. He’s decided he wants her back.

In the mystical outskirts of New Orleans, where the Whispering Woods guard ancient secrets, Elyria leads a daring rebellion against the tyrannical High Court of the fae. Once a princess of this opulent realm, she now fights to protect the lesser fae from a sinister threat—mysterious disappearances that hint at dark magic and treachery within the Court itself.

Stryker patrols the borders of Luminara with growing unease. Disturbed by traces of forbidden magic and haunted by memories of Elyria—the fiery rebel who once held his heart—he begins to question the very orders he’s sworn to uphold.

When their paths cross once more, Elyria and Stryker uncover a rogue human mage’s devastating plan to wield a weapon capable of unraveling the fae realm’s very fabric. Forced to join forces, their simmering attraction reignites, blurring the lines between past and present.

As battles rage and alliances crumble, Elyria must confront her past and make an impossible choice: trust the man who could betray her or risk losing everything to save a world that has forsaken her.

•••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNDAUNTED is the sixth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is former fae warrior of Celestia Elyria Knightshade, and griffon shifter/ warrior for the Fae Stryker Landry’s story line. MAGIC UNDAUNTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Elyria and Stryker) MAGIC UNDAUNTED follows the search for the truth. Approximately one year earlier, Fae Warrior Elyria Knightshade was banished from the Fae realm of Celestia but she has never stopped hunting those determined to hurt the Fae but when she comes face to face with the man she once loved, Elyria is determined to prove she is not the betrayer the Fae Council has led them to believe. Enter griffon shifter and warrior Stryker Landry. Stryker has been assigned to search for the source of the powerful black magic, magic that is using and abusing the Fae but working alongside the woman he loves forces Stryker to prove he can be trusted in the face of perceived betrayal to our story line heroine. As Stryker and Elyria begin their search to uncover the source of the magic, old feelings pull our couple together in the face of darkness and death.

The world building continues to focus on black magic, and a possible betrayal from within the Fae Council. Someone is wreaking havoc, taking aim at the Fae on Celestia, all the while aiming for a complete control.

The relationship between Elyria and Stryker is one of second chances but Elyria struggles in the face of her banishment and the lack of support from the man she once loved. Stryker has faithfully stood by the Fae Council but within days of reconnecting with Elyria, the blinds are slowly lifted revealing a darkness no one suspected. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of Elyria’s rebel alliance including her second in command Finnian, as well as the return of Lord Oberon; and Savannah, Phoenix, Geneva and Catalina Duvall, banished members of the Fae.

MAGIC UNDAUNTED is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mayhem, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic; the rekindling romance is impassioned; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

Share

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Posted on by
13

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.

 

 

 

Review:

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the first book in her new Bride of the Shadow King series.  We meet Princess Faraine, who is the oldest daughter Of King Larongar of Gavaria; as she has been banished to a convent, since her father was not able to arrange a marriage by the groom.  Now her younger sister, Ilsevel is refusing to marry King Vor of Mythanar, and Faraine is called home from the convent to calm her sister and convince her to wed the man her father wants her to marry. 

King Vor agrees to wed princess Ilsevel, because he needs human magic to save his kingdom; as King Larongar is determined to get Vor to help protect their own kingdom.  Faraine is on her way home, and she and her brother are attacked; King Vor with his team comes to their rescue. In a short period, as they head to Gavaria, with them having an instant connection, as their attraction is strong. King Vor is eager to take a human bride, as he is willing to do what is needed to help his people. When he meets the lively and talented, Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement; with the blessing of King Larongar.

When disaster strikes, and Ilsevel and her younger sister, are both killed in an attack by Gavaria’s enemy. King Larongar is determined to keep the marriage alliance, with Faraine now being forced to take her sister’s place; as a mage helps to change Faraine face to look like her sister. When she travels with Lyria to become King Vor’s new wife, as his Queen; she continues to wear a veil to keep her facial change. The wedding night approaches, with Vor and Faraine succumbing to their sexual feelings.  But Vor will discover the truth about Faraine, and all hell will break loose.

Bride of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn and forbidden romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal, sacrifice and death.  The finale was a wild intense ending, leaving us with so many more questions. Bride of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes.  Though there was some bad scenes as we got closer to the end, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

Posted on by
13

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.

 

 

Review:

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley is the first book in her new The Shards of Magic series.   I loved this book from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. We meet our heroine, Kenna Heron, who is human, and every 6 years the Fae, 4 women are selected to live a life of luxury within the faerie land of Mistei. Kenna’s best friend was one of those selected, and she goes out of her way to follow the selected, only to find out their lives are in danger; with the 4 missing, Kenna becomes trapped in Mistei to become a handmaiden to the heir of Earth House.

Kenna slowly becomes close to Princess Lara, especially trying to help her survive the dangerous and deadly trials, which each house will need to complete the six trials, to get immortality and magic. Each of the faerie houses are, Fire, Earth, Light, Illusion and Blood. Kenna was strong, in her ability to fight others secretly for Lara, using her cunning intellection in facing grueling and magical tests, as well as monsters; but her sentient dagger was her strongest ally, talking to her mentally; and always needing blood from the victims. 

Kenna will find herself caught up in a secret rebellion against the sadistic King Osric.  She begins to have strong feelings for the rebellion’s leader, Drusten, Fire Prince, which will change as we get closer to the end.  Void Prince, Kellan early on managed to get Kenna to discover the secrets he wants to know about; though as truths are revealed, the real culprit becomes a dangerous enemy. This was a very dark story, that is filled with twists, romance, intrigue, betrayal and an evil cruel King.

Servant of Earth was a fantastic story that kept me unable to put the book down, with an exciting plot that had friendship, rebellion, spice, alliances, politics, danger, magic and secrets. Servant of Earth was so very well written by Sarah Hawley.  Kenna was a fantastic heroine, helping to survive the trials and finding a way to overthrow the evil king.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I suggest you read Servant of Earth, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Share

DARK HEART (Elven Kingdoms 2) by Donna Grant -review

Posted on by
13

DARK HEART (Elven Kingdoms 2) by Donna Grant-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 13, 2024

Deepest passion. Darkest betrayal.

Once, she was my world. The only one I loved. Then it was all ripped away—including my freedom.

Vengeance kept me alive. It paved every step, shaped every plot.

Until I finally caught her.

I learned that line between love and hate is wafer-thin. Where once my dreams were filled with revenge, now that I have her, all I think about is the intoxicating passion we once shared.

But there’s no turning back the events her capture has set into motion. It unravels a carefully constructed world, one where enemies surround me.

Everyone, that is, except her.

Now, we only have each other—and the love that once united us, to fight our way to long-buried truths that will change everything.

•••••••

REVIEW: DARK HEART is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult ELVEN KINGDOMS paranormal / fantasy romance series, , a spin off, set in the author’s numerous interconnected series including Dark Kings and Dragon Kings. This is Dark elves Arya and Jai’s story line. DARK HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives DARK HEART follows Dark Elf Arya as she goes in search of the man she loves. Approximately four years earlier, while working undercover for the CCD, the Dark’s Counter Corruption Division, Arya is thought to have betrayed the man that she loved, pushing Jai out of her life and into the arms of someone else. Having spent several years searching with her partner Dain, in the hopes of finding Jai, Arya is about to walk into a trap, setting into motion, her capture and torture at the hands of the people in charge but Arya will quickly discover that the betrayal by someone else sparked Jai’s hatred towards our story line heroine, and a ransom for her capture was only the beginning of her spiral out of control.

The world building is complex and detailed, focusing on the trafficking and torture of slaves, and Jai was once at the centre of the destruction of so many lives. There is a council of Masters seemingly battling for control including the capture of our story line heroine, but Arya’s love for Jai is threatened by a lifetime of lies and betrayal.

The relationship between Arya and Jai goes from enemies to friends to lovers but someone else is waiting impatiently for Arya to be pushed out of Jai’s life. Jai believes Arya betrayed him and their love, and therefore is determined to make Arya pay for years of heart break and pain. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including Jai’s childhood best friend Priya, Arya’s CCD partner Dain, the not quite human female Reva, as well as the return of Yasmin and Ravi (Rising Sun 1), and Dragon King Kendrick and his mate Esha. The requisite evil has many faces.

DARK HEART is a story of secrets and lies, jealousy and obsession, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is predicated upon a past relationship; the characters are lively, determined and dangerous.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one RISING SUN

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK |  NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

Share

Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

Posted on by
13

Scandal (Stoneslayer 1) by Candace Lynn Talmadge-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo Paper /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 12, 2024

His power seeks to destroy it all. Can she rise up to stop him?

The Stoneslayer paranormal fiction series charts a lost world of political scandals, explosive family secrets, and the reincarnation of a line of extraordinary women who challenge the cataclysmic rampage of an ancient, demonic foe.

Book One Scandal

Lt. Helen Andros is a mixed-race outcast in Azgard. Saved from death when her true parentage comes to light, she now faces the outrage of the overclass, the lethal hostility of the mighty Temple of Kronos—and a powerful, high-ranked father she neither knows nor trusts.

Steering a volatile personal journey with her stranger parent, Helen is stalked. Will a hidden menace—the deadly Stoneslayer—plunder the mysterious green gem she inherited from her mother? Will political necessity bind her in marriage to a man she does not love and who cannot love her back?

•••••

REVIEW:Can I first say I loved the glossary (very helpful) but I personally would have liked it at the front of the book (I was worried I would read the last page and spoil the book!) secondly the family trees were a nice touch.

The glossary was a great help, as there were A LOT of characters. I made notes as I went along, but had to constantly look at the glossary for confirmation.

This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and to be honest, if this is the first in the series, I want to know more….

The book had all the makings of a great read. Action/adventure/mystery/suspense and a paranormal angle.

But sadly it fell a little short….
Information is great, but maybe not at the end, as it felt like an avalanche burying the story!

And maybe the language (or use of Renaissance/modern/old world jumbled together) was a little off putting, once I got the hang of it, I could understand a bit better.

But I loved Helen, she was just so strong. Her resilience was tested time after time. A father who I couldn’t like nor trust. A person who has known hate and prejudice, Helen just took it all in her stride. She’s also tied to a man that is for purely political reasons (very archaic) can she really trust him? Only time will tell. Her wit and smart mouth has me smiling, her comebacks made me chuckle.

340 pages, and I was there for most of them. How Helen uses her (magical abilities?) family gem to heal people. How she had to always stay one step ahead of the demon.

The idea of reincarnation was a different angle and I really liked that.

But a word of warning ‼️ there is mention of assault and r@pe!! Maybe that needs to be addressed, as it was a little shocking (if I know it’s coming I don’t have an issue, I can prepare myself!)

I liked it, if it could just be re-jiggled a little then I think it would have the potential to be a really interesting series.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

Share

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – a Review

Posted on by
14

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Google Play / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells “small” fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…

Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.

Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.

 

 

Review:

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong is a standalone novel, which is a cozy fantasy. Tao, our heroine, is an immigrant fortune teller, who travels with her mule, into many villages, offering only small fortunes.  Tao was born as Shinn, but lived her whole life speaking only fluent Eshteran. The story follows Tao, as she finds herself a new found family, filled with adventure and friendship.

Tao meets Mash, is a mercenary, (who is looking for his 4-year-old missing daughter): and his friend Silt, who is an ex-thief, who is charming, witty and funny.  Together the three of them travel to different villages, with Tao tells small fortunes, with Mash and Silt traveling with her; especially Mash continuing to look for his daughter. After visiting a few villages, they come across with Kina, who is sweet and loves baking, and decides to follow Tao, and become a part of the group. A short time later, we meet Fidelitus, who is a magical cat.  As they continue visiting different villages, they all bond together, as their friendship becomes more like family.

Tao is approached by a mage, who wants her to join the Guild, but she manages to escape, and they all continue to avoid the mages, who are hunting her.  Tao faces prejudice, as she wants nothing to do with the Guild, as she only does small fortunes, knowing privately she does have ability to be a seer, which she avoids at all cost; as Tao is bitter and resentful against the Guild.

Eventually, the army and mage, will find her, and bring her to the Guild, as they need to use her true ability to help read the truths. When Tao meets the High Mage, she learns more secrets that they need her help with.  She realizes that she is able to be a Seer, and help the Guild truly discover if there is war on the horizon.  Tao manages to reveal the truths, and accepts the High Mage allowing her to move on, but be available in future cases.  She manages to get some money, and free her friends, as well as the High Mage willing to find Mash’s missing daughter.

The Teller of Small Fortunes was a warm, wholesome, funny, cozy and wrenching story.  It was an emotional and thoughtful story, that was a terrific read.  The Teller of Small Fortunes was very well written by Julie Leong. A emotional comforting tale, with new found family, and wonderful secondary characters.  I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Share

A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson – a Review

Posted on by
16

A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / BAM / Bookbub

 

Description:
Lia is the princess of Locris, a dying desert nation cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess—one still worshipped by the thriving and adversarial nation of Ilion. Every year, Ilion offers the goddess a sacrifice: two Locrian maidens forced to compete in a life-and-death race to reach her temple. In a millennium, no maiden has made it out of Ilion alive. This year, Lia is one of the hunted.

An education in battle gives her a fighting chance, but the challenges are greater than she feared: Lia’s beloved but untrained sister Quynh has been put in the path of danger. The winding streets of Ilion itself have been transformed into a labyrinthine maze of countless choices and dead ends. And if the risks weren’t significant enough, Lia is reluctantly drawn to the commandingly attractive Jason, an Ilionian sailor she loathes to trust and desires like no man before.

The tribute game is on. It’s up to Lia to lift the goddess’s curse, restore Locris to its former glory, and change the fate of every young woman destined to follow in her path.

 

 

Review:

A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson is the first book in her new series, The Eye of the Goddess. Lia, our heroine, is the princess of Locris; a dying nation that was cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess.  Ilion is another nation that thrives, leaving Locris suffering for over 1000 years; the rival nation of Ilion annually brings food, and chooses two Locrian maidens to compete in a brutal life or death race, with men chasing the maidens. Lia is chosen as one of the maidens, and to her surprise, her younger sister, Quynh is also chosen.

On the ship before they arrive at Ilion, Lia meets a sailor, Jason, who both become attracted to each other; during the time on the ship, Lia and Jason become closer, with both able to have a connection during their dreams.  Jason was sexy, intense and romantic; and Lia was totally into him.

The moment Lia steps off the boat, she knows that they need to find the temple, as they are being chased.   Ilion men who are chasing the maidens from their enemy nation, but allow a chance at freedom and serving their goddess as a priestess. Things are hardest as Quynh is not very good running away, with Lia doing her best to force her along, until an accident causes her to fail. Lia manages to find the temple and in time she will play a large part of learning the abilities. 

I loved how Lia became close to a group of girls, who considered themselves ‘sisters’.  It was a great found family trope, as the group shared a very close connection between them; the sisters, Io, Suri, Zalira, Ahyana, Demaratus and especially Kungburu (a special pet).  Lia’s training excelled, and she did have an enemy (Artemisia), who was determined to force her out of the temple. Though she was happy at the temple, and her wonderful friends, she was still on her quest to find a way to discover the powerful relic of the goddess, and save her people.

What follows is an exciting last half of the book, that had some surprising twists and turns along the way.   A Tribute of Fire was a wonderful romantasy mythology that had me unable to put the book down.  Lia was a terrific heroine, who was captivating and determined, as had a wonderful sister’s group. A Tribute of Fire was so very well written by Sariah Wilson.  I will say that the cliffhanger was a total surprise, which leads us to hope that Sariah Wilson will us book 2 sooner than later. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share