Tag Archives: Sylvia Mercedes

The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Posted on by
15

The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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

 

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

 

 

Share

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Posted on by
15

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Amazon / B&N / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

Description:
A KING DESPERATE TO SAVE HIS BRIDE.
A QUEEN DISCOVERING THE DARK POTENTIAL OF HER POWER.
After nearly losing one another in a savage attack on the city, Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar fully committed to their marriage. But the situation in the Under Realm remains dire. With the world poised on the brink of collapse, Vor struggles to protect his kingdom. Though Faraine longs to support him as queen, she fights the weakness in her body at every turn . . . not to mention the strange changes warping her gods-gift.

When war drags them apart, Vor and Faraine face the consequences of their choices. How can Vor lead those who have lost faith in him? Torn between honor and desire, he must decide where his heart truly lies: with his kingdom or his queen.

Meanwhile, as Faraine explores the new dimensions of her power, she starts to believe the coming cataclysm may be prevented. But in doing so, will she unleash a darkness in herself far more disastrous?

 

 

Review:

Heart of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the 3rd and final book in her Bride of the Shadow King series.  Vor and Faraine return to Mythanar determined to fill their marriage vows. Upon arrival, the Under Realm situation is very bad, and Vor needs to win over those who have lost faith in him: as he struggles to protect his Kingdom. Faraine wants to help support Vor, as his Queen; but she begins to learn dimensions of her powers, which leads to massive changes to her body warping her gods-gift.

We follow Vor and Faraine as he knows his duty as King, leading to destructive battles ahead; Faraine is deeply plagued by Maylin’s powerful training.  Both Vor and Faraine spent too much time apart, as it did feel stagnant at times. Vor gathers his army to help Faraines’s father fight the Fae. Faraine stays in Mythanar struggling to understand Maylin’s training her to learn about god’s gift, as well as using her ability to become crystal stone. When the world is crumbling, Faraine will be the one who will save them, suffering from her pain, but proving herself worthy of being the Queen by saving Vor and the tortured souls of his dead people during a magical ritual, releasing the stone.

I thought a lot of the story was slow moving, at least till the last ¼ of the book. There was so much chaos and inner dialogue throughout. We did get a backstory about Maylin, who actually was Vor’s real mother. I really loved Hael, who was great.   I loved the ending, when Captain Hael will decide between Sur and Theodre.

Heart of the Shadow King was a very good ending, but I did think there was a lot of confusion within the constant changes and much dialogue.  Heart of the Shadow King does nicely end this trilogy, as Mercedes gives Vor and Faraine a happy ending.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Share

Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

Posted on by
12

Vow of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Apple / BAM / Bookbub

 

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

 

 

 

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