Tag Archives: Romantasy

Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill – a Review

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Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill – a Review

 

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Description:
A new romantasy, following a thief whose dramatic encounter with an assassin and a crown bodyguard (who happens to be a royal in disguise) launches her into a world of swirling palace intrigue.

Fox is a thief with morals—she steals from those who can afford it and only a little at that. She has no choice. Fox and her three closest companions entered into indentured servitude to the Lady, a mysterious noble with widespread political power by questionable means, in order to pay off familial debts. While searching for an easy mark in town, Fox helps a royal bodyguard fend off a would-be assassin’s attack on a prince’s life.

But what started off as protecting the prince out of good conscience has now unwittingly embroiled this thief in a vast world of politics, high stakes, and romance. And though Fox longs to be free of her debts, she must decide if love is its own kind of cage.

 

 

Review:

Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill is the first book in her new Romantasy series, Souls Burn Brightest. Fox, our heroine, is a 20-year-old, talented thief, who only steals from those who have money. She and her best friend, Wren, are bonded to a wealthy Lady, to pay off their family’s debts. Fox also has the ability to see Aether, giving her energy toward the Aetheric Realm, which is a type of invisible magic.

The land of Carethia, is ruled by the Emperor Eternal, with 4 sons ruling different regions.  The Western Prince arrives at the Western Stronghold to fill the position that has been empty for a while after the death of the last Prince. Fox ends up saving the prince (Nik) from an assassination attempt at the market, since she can see what is happening before anyone else. There is the villain, who is using Aether and Anima to try to overthrow the system, and Fox is the only one who can detect Aether, saving the attempt at the Prince’s life.    

Fox is close to her friends, Wren and a spirit guardian, Luna. With several assassination attempts against Nik, she knows that the magic practitioner will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Fox will assist with the guards in catching the foe.

I really loved the banter between Fox and Nik, who I have begun to slowly become close to each other.  I also adored Wren and Galen. I loved Luna, who was always able to quickly find Fox. As we get closer to the end, Fox will learn some truths about her past; that will change things in the end.

Ember Eternal blended romance, rebellion, danger, chaos, banter, action, secrets and magic. This was a terrific romantasy based on a simmering romance and thriller.  Ember Eternal was so very well written by Chloe Neill.  I can’t wait for the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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Description:
Swept from her quiet life as an apothecary’s apprentice to the treacherous court of the High King, Rosie Harpwood is shocked to discover she is the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Reawakening her dormant magic is the kingdom’s only hope for salvation, but the journey is perilous, and she’ll need a champion to guide her. So the High King hosts a series of trials to determine which prince is worthy of the honor — as well as claiming Rosie’s hand in marriage.

Rosie, however, has other ideas.

A talented healer and lover of small, fluffy creatures, Rosie wants nothing to do with demon queens or saving the world. Determined to escape this fate, she joins forces with one of the champions to plot her getaway. Prince Valtar may be enigmatic and a little bit terrifying, but something about him makes her blood burn in ways that have nothing to do with her dragon heritage.

Trained from youth to serve the Dragon Queen, Valtar has proven himself a ruthless assassin. Posing as a suitor to get close enough to his target shouldn’t be a problem. But Valtar wasn’t planning on his target being Rosie, the girl he failed to assassinate years ago . . . who has haunted his dreams ever since.

 

 

Review:

The Seventh Champion (The Dragon Queen Dulogy) by Sylvia Mercedes is a duology. Swept from her quiet life as an apothecary’s apprentice to the treacherous court of the High King, Rosie Harpwood is shocked to discover she is the long-lost daughter of the demonic Dragon Queen. Reawakening her dormant magic is the kingdom’s only hope for salvation. Rosie has no desire to become a sacrificial princess; and only wants to be a healer, especially of vulnerable animals.

Determined to escape this fate, she joins forces with one of the champions to plot her getaway. There was instant attraction between Rosie and Valtar, the love interest. Prince Valtar may be enigmatic and a little bit terrifying, but something about him makes her blood burn in ways that have nothing to do with her dragon heritage. Valter’s backstory is heart-wrenching, and truly torn, creating a battle within himself. Trained from youth to serve the Dragon Queen, Valtar has proven himself to be a ruthless assassin. When she meets Prince Valtair there is an immediate connection. But in a short time, Valtar’s sharp edges become softened, as he teaches Rosie to protect herself

King Alderin hosts a series of trials to determine which prince is worthy of the honor. Rosie is thrown into the middle of a deadly competition for her hand in marriage, as it is a great honor for whomever wins can wrangle the title.

Rosie is such a fabulous heroine; being able to offer kindness, gentle, hopefulness, and sheer goodness. Valtar is a capable, heartless assassin but for Rosie he seems to become a different person entirely. He’s thoughtful, assisting her yet also teaching her to be independent. Her goodness brings about a change in him; a desire to see an end to the evil in the world around him.

The Seventh Champion was a delightful story, which was a fun and easy read.  The Seventh Champion was filled with intrigue, competition, slow burn romance, magic and power. This was very well written by Syliva Mercedes.  I suggest you read The Seventh Champion.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L Armentrout – a Review

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The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
In the shadows and flames, Primals will fall…

And from the blood and ash, new gods will rise.

What was dreamt.

Poppy was never meant to awaken, and the consequences are devastating and far-reaching, stirring ancient powers from their slumber and transforming Casteel and Kieran in ways even the Fates couldn’t have foreseen. But what that means is the least of their concerns. For now.

What was foreseen.

The Blood Crown has fallen, but what has risen is a far greater danger than they’ve ever faced. From flesh and fire, the Great Conspirator has returned to the mortal realm, and he wants only one thing. They must stop the true Primal of Death before he regains his strength, and it won’t be easy. Even weakened, his influence is undeniable. His power, unthinkable.

Has come to be.

While the future of the realms rests upon them, they won’t stand alone. The gods have awakened—each harboring their own blood-soaked secrets. But they must navigate an unbalanced realm, where every choice—past and present—has the potential to not only undo everything they’ve fought for but also destroy the very bonds that have Joined them together.

For the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction has risen.

 

 

Review:

The Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L Armentrout is the 6th book in her Blood and Ash series. The story picks up with Poppy in stasis, and Casteel and Kieran continue to watch over her.  When she finally awakens, she is totally changed, and both Cas & Kieran have also changed; with the prophecy continuing to reveal itself over time.

Poppy’s resilience continues through every challenge she faces; as she is determined, strong and caring of others. Poppy and Cas are heartmates, and they will never stop loving each other. Cas is always making sure that Poppy is safe at all times. Kieran loves fiercely and endlessly. Together they were a great team, as they were also best friends. Of course, now the Blood Crown has been defeated.

I loved the long-waited reunion with Seraphena, which was emotional throughout.  Poppy has always felt Sera’s presence all along, as she begins to feel what is part of her family past.  It is Sera, who claims that Poppy will have aid along the way. I also loved those who were important, such as Delano, Reaver, Malik and Attes (old), who was very much in love with Sotoria. Kolis remains as the evil villain, with his ability to be the Primal of Death.

The book does leave off with a cliffhanger, which was shocking. I was surprised, as I originally thought this was the final book; especially with over 1200 pages.  Cas, Kieran, Millicent will play large parts in the next book, with Poppy becoming the Harbinger of Death. The Primal of Blood and Bone was an intense, exciting, prophecy, death and betrayal; to what is probably the end of the next book. Hoping that the next book will not be as big (1200 plus) pages.

Reviewed by Barb

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The Ever King by LJ Andrews – Review & Giveaway

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The Ever King by LJ Andrews – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
They stole his crown, so he stole their daughter…

For years Erik, the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, has thought of nothing but vengeance against the man who killed his father and trapped him beneath the waves, making him a prisoner in his own realm.

Until his enemy’s daughter unintentionally breaks the chains on the Ever, and Erik makes her the unwitting pawn in his vicious game of revenge.

She’s innocent. He’s vicious. But he will take back what he lost, no matter the price.

Unless she steals his heart first.

Welcome to the passionate world of the Ever Kingdom where pirates, sirens, and fae collide with Vikings in a dark fantasy romance between a villain and the innocent princess who holds his heart.

 

 

 

Review:

The Ever King by LJ Andrews is the first book in her The Ever Seas series. We meet Erik Bloodsinger, who is the King of Ever; with his people desperate to heal their lands. Erik, is the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, has thought of nothing but vengeance against the man who killed his father. Erik decides to kidnap his enemy’s daughter, Livia, as he plays a vicious game of revenge; but he cannot let the past memories get in the way of his plan to give her back to her to her father, the fae King, in exchange for the magical mantle.

Livie Ferus remembers the boy who many years ago was kept in prison, and she loved to read to him (even if he was the enemy). Erik remembered the kindness Livie showed him.  Livie always heard rumors about the bad Ever people; as she thought she knew they were violent and ruthless. Livie was strong, compassionate, spirited, fierce, caring and in time she knows she is the light to his darkness. Even though they both at times hated each other.

Both Livie and Erik began to have strong feelings for each other.  She would listen to him, not jump to conclusions; and Livie was willing to stand for herself and Erik. Even though Erik was ruthless and unforgiving, he knew he was falling in love with Livie. Their relationship between them progressed as their romance battled the way from hate to love.  They both recognized each other’s darkness. 

I loved the part where Erik no longer listens to others on the council, since he wears the crown of Ever. He points to Livie, claiming that he is their King, and she is mine.  She is the Ever Queen.  The first Ever Queen. I loved this part.

The Ever King is a fast-paced fantasy, enemies to lovers, sirens, witches and faes.  The ending is a cliffhanger, with an amazing twist.  The Ever King was very well written by LJ Andrews. I cannot wait for the next book.  I suggest you read The Ever King.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Berkley is graciously offering a paper copy of The Ever King by LJ Andrews to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson – a Review

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A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson – a Review

 

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Description:
Lia is always prepared for battle, but being blackmailed into marriage by Prince Alexandros is a challenge too far. She has no choice. He’s holding her sister hostage to force her hand. But with this union built on betrayal and rage comes a contract. By the goddess’s law, the marriage must not be consummated. A relief to Lia. She’d rather commit regicide than fall into bed with a man she loathes.

There is one other saving grace. Marriage gives Lia access to the palace and a chance to uncover the truth about the treasured eye of the goddess―and the magic it holds. But something inexplicable and impossible to ignore soon binds Lia and the prince. By night they walk in each other’s dreams, and by day they share each other’s pain.

As longing and trust grow between Lia and Alexandros and inhibited desires are set free, outside forces rise against them, posing an ever-present danger. Not only to the throne but to their very lives.

 

 

Review :

A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson is the second book in her The Eye of the Goddess series. The story picks up right after the cliff hanger ending of A Tribute of Fire. Lia has been forced into a marriage with Prince Alexandros in order to save her sister: Quynh being a hostage. In the first book, Lia fell hard for the charming Jason, who turns out to actually be Prince Alexandros.  While Lia is playing the happy bride publicly, she watches her chained sister serve wine to guests, which infuriates her.  But she will learn from her sister, the Prince has been offering his protection, especially from the growing relationship between Quynh and Thrax, the Prince’s captain.

Both characters carry grievances against each other. The slow burn between romance begins to build on a genuine emotional connection.  The banter between them maintains wit and intelligence even when they’re trying to wound each other. Lia and Xander continue to have one of the most complicated relationships ever, but we can see how much they truly love each other. They both shared dream sequences between Lia and Alexandros, which shows advances, developing romance, prophecy and intervention; making moments feel simply passionate.

I loved the supporting characters, especially Lia’s adelphia sisterhood relationships (Lo, Suri, Zalira, Ahyana, Demaratus & Kungburu (a special pet), who provide crucial emotional friendship and help. Their found family was so great together, as they were all so good. Lia is still fighting to save her family and her country amidst political intrigue, feelings for her husband, new relationships, and a country on the brink of war.

What follows is an exciting last half of the book, that had some surprising twists and turns along the way.   The story was gripping and compelling, tense, intrigue, intense chemistry and the character development. A Vow of Embers 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 she had a wonderful sister’s group. A Vow of Embers was so very well written by Sariah Wilson.  I will say that the cliffhanger was an amazing twist.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier – a Review

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Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier – a Review

 

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Description:
Every legend has a beginning.

With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lost mythical isle with the power to save their entire world.

Saoirse yearns to be powerless. Cursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she’s managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.

Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she’ll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse. 

On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan, a feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.

But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he’ll have to marry her first.

 

 

Review:

Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier is the first book in her The Magpie and the Wolf Duology Series. The story revolves between Saoirse and Faolan, who will attempt to find a lost mythical isle to save the world. Saoirse has spent her entire life afraid of her own power, cursed from childhood with a volatile magic. She was able to hide her curse, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. When her father engages her to a cruel king, she escapes and enters a marriage of convenience to Faolan, a pirate (wolf of the wild), who she will help find the lost island of dead souls.

Faolan led his ship and crew, and Saoirse becomes part of the group, as he always watches over her. Faolan promises her to help her rid her magic, if she can use it to locate the lost mythical island. Saoirse cannot control her deadly curse, and she discovers that Faolan needs her help, and together they leave on a long quest to find the secret island.

The romance between Saoirse and Faolan was slow burn, with some steamy and tender moments, as well as witty and sharp.  I really did like them together. Faolan helps her see the best of her issues, as she doesn’t understand her power, fearing the magic she may not be able to control.  As we get closer to the end, Saoirse’s magic system is unique, with her seeing the real thing among the land of the souls, and those who fulfilled the truths.  

Soulgazer was a captivating story, with magic, souls, pirates, slaughtered gods and a land that could absorb Saoirse’s powers.  Soulgazer was well written by Maggie Rapier. Saoirse and Faoland made a great couple, as they neared the end.  I will say that many times I did get confused with the story line.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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Description:
A treacherous bride.

A heartbroken groom.

Is their marriage over before it’s begun?

Her deceit discovered, Faraine finds herself trapped in the Shadow Realm at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies, far from any allies, and her best bet for survival is to convince Vor to send her home.

But to do so means to give up on the alliance. Which would spell disaster for her people.

With the tremors growing worse and poison spreading through his realm, Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. Vor wants nothing to do with the woman he has inadvertently married. At one time, he thought he might love her, but now? How can love flourish where trust is broken?

When circumstances require them to spend more time together, however, Vor’s blood is stirred in ways he doesn’t like to acknowledge.

Can two lost hearts find healing and hope in one another? Or is their love already poisoned beyond recovery?

 

 

Review:

Vow of the Shadow King is the 2nd book in her Bride of the Shadow King series. The story picks up as the first book ended, with Faraine’s deceit, which was done by her father. Vor having been poisoned, was able to stop himself from having Faraine killed.  She is now trapped in the Shadow Realm, at the mercy of Vor; surrounded by enemies in the Trolde kingdom. Fariane hopes to convince Vor to send her home, but he knows that he cannot give up the alliance from Fariane’s father, which will spell disaster for his people. With tremors, poison, creatures spreading in the realm he needs to find a solution to save his people.

The tension between Vor and Faraine has so much angst between them.  Vor wants nothing to do with her, and he assigns Captain Hael to watch over Faraine; especially since he thought Hael should have been able to reveal Faraine’s disguise.  Faraine truly did not deserve all the hatred and criticism, as her father was the one who forced the disguise, as both sisters were killed. 

Vor struggles with the tremors getting worse, and the poison spreading through the realm, desperate to find a solution. He also struggles with his feelings for Faraine, which continues to get stronger, as he tries to mask his true feelings.  Faraine’s powers begin to grow, especially in the Trolde Kingdom, and their magic; her abilities also cause her pain. Faraine begins to openly speak her mind, growing a backbone, as she tries figure out her abilities.

I really liked the change in Faraine; especially when she learns that Vor is in danger. She does everything in her power to find a way to save Trolde Kingdom and Vor.  I loved Hael, who was always great in helping Vor or even Faraine.

Vow of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal and sacrifice.  The finale was a was a terrific ending, with Faraine using her powers to save the kingdom, and their true feelings for each other escalate. Vow of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes. I cannot wait for the final book in this series.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard – a Review

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The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard – a Review

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Description:
To save the realm from eternal darkness, she’ll have to choose between the truth and the lie—stand and fight or kneel and die.

“His Imperial Majesty, King Zarek requests your presence as his esteemed guest.”

When the gold-dusted court invitation arrives at Suraya Saab’s forge, she believes it’s a joke. Nobles might seek her skills as a bladesmith—one of few who can imbue her work with precious jadu, the last source of magic in the realm—but she has no qualifications as a potential bride for the crown prince. Still, the invitation is the chance at adventure, and the means to finally visit the capital city her late mother loved.

But what awaits her in Kaldari is nothing she could have imagined—and fraught with danger. It’s not the crown prince, but his impossibly handsome, illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, who draws her interest…and her ire. The invitation isn’t a quest to find a suitable bride, but a veiled hunt for the starbringer—a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood. And across the city, unrest is brewing between the noble houses and the rebel militia.

When the rebels carry out a brutal strike, Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, trying to deny their simmering attraction and the knowledge that Suraya herself might be the starbringer. But Roshan is hiding secrets of his own. And with no control of the power that seems to be stirring within her, Suraya has drawn the attention of the old gods themselves…and the interest of one dark god in particular might be the biggest threat of all.

 

Review:

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard is an adult romantasy. Suraya Saab, our heroine, lives with her family, and to her shock, she receives an invitation to participate in a selection to become the Crown Prince’s Bride. Suraya is a self-taught smith on making powerful blades, using ‘Jadu”.  Little do the selected girls know that they are searching for a woman who is supposed to have an ability of great power that would change the world. A veiled hunt for the starbringer; a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood.  Suraya decides to accept the invitation, looking forward to visit the capital city her late mother loved.

All the women who arrive are quickly put to the test of cruel trials, with many getting killed.  During the trials, Suraya meets Javed’s distant brother, Roshan, and immediately both of them enjoy their banter, and the chemistry between is strong.  In a short time, Javed discovers that Suraya is the girl he is seeking, who will be forced to marry him.  Before the crown prince can push for the marriage, an attack comes from a group trying to fight the prince and his mother.  Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, especially now that Roshan knows she might be the starkeeper, and is determined to keep her safe. The journey together is action filled and a magical adventure, with Sura discovers her powerful abilities, as well as her falling in love with Roshan.

I really like both Sura and Roshan together, as we can feel their strong bond.  It was also nice to see the  female friendships along the way; Laleh, Clem, Amma and her memories of her mother. Roshan was charismatic, and he truly loved Sura; but he also held a number of secrets.  Sura had many dreams, with the shadow god connecting to her visions; with no control of the power that seems to be stirring within her.

The Starlight Heir is a fast-packed mythology, epic fantasy, romance, betrayal, love, deceit, with a Persian/Indian inspired theme. The Starlight Heir was a very good story, that kept my attention throughout.  The Starlight Heir was very well written by Amalie Howard.  I suggest you read this book, as it looks like more books to come for this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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