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Recommend this book:
Curses of Scale
S.D. Reeves
2018 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Curses of Scale by S.D. Reeves is a journey of magic and self-discovery. Teenager Niena has one dream: to attend an elite college to become a bard. Just as a dragon awakens and terrorizes the land, Niena takes advantage of an opportunity and runs away, but this decision takes her on a course of action she isn't expecting. She finds herself on a journey through a fey realm, where she discovers magic and a startling secret about her destiny. She's to slay the dragon and save those she loves, but when she kills the dragon she's cursed to become it. As she flees through the land, she's trailed by her grandfather, Oberon of the fairies, and the future husband she won't meet for years. Unsure who she can trust, Niena relies on her strength and her dreams to save her future.
Niena's grandfather refuses to let her go to college or to become a bard, so the second she sees an opportunity she takes off and embarks on a personal quest. She ends up in a magical world that's beyond what she's imagined but she also discovers a darkness in her destiny. She's not like the usual heroine and doesn't set out to make a big change; instead she just wants to follow her dreams and becoming a hero just falls into place. Oberon is a big personality with motives that are left as a mystery until the end. He's got a playful quality in the way he talks with taunts and riddles, a certain amount of madness about him, and is a little bit mischievous and dangerous. But he helps connect the threads together, playing a key role in how events unfold. He also provides a lot of humor, especially seen when he tries to bargain with Calem and suggests the payment option of pickles. S.D. Reeves twists several threads together, but slowly all the threads of the story come together. Curses of Scale is a coming of age tale with a lot to say about life and taking charge of one's destiny in the search for independence.
Curses of Scale by S.D. Reeves is a journey of magic and self-discovery. Teenager Niena has one dream: to attend an elite college to become a bard. Just as a dragon awakens and terrorizes the land, Niena takes advantage of an opportunity and runs away, but this decision takes her on a course of action she isn't expecting. She finds herself on a journey through a fey realm, where she discovers magic and a startling secret about her destiny. She's to slay the dragon and save those she loves, but when she kills the dragon she's cursed to become it. As she flees through the land, she's trailed by her grandfather, Oberon of the fairies, and the future husband she won't meet for years. Unsure who she can trust, Niena relies on her strength and her dreams to save her future.
Niena's grandfather refuses to let her go to college or to become a bard, so the second she sees an opportunity she takes off and embarks on a personal quest. She ends up in a magical world that's beyond what she's imagined but she also discovers a darkness in her destiny. She's not like the usual heroine and doesn't set out to make a big change; instead she just wants to follow her dreams and becoming a hero just falls into place. Oberon is a big personality with motives that are left as a mystery until the end. He's got a playful quality in the way he talks with taunts and riddles, a certain amount of madness about him, and is a little bit mischievous and dangerous. But he helps connect the threads together, playing a key role in how events unfold. He also provides a lot of humor, especially seen when he tries to bargain with Calem and suggests the payment option of pickles. S.D. Reeves twists several threads together, but slowly all the threads of the story come together. Curses of Scale is a coming of age tale with a lot to say about life and taking charge of one's destiny in the search for independence.
Recommend this book:
Holy Remedy
The Invisible Conflict Chronicles Book 1
J. G. Martins
2017 Gold Medal
150 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Holy Remedy by J.G. Martins is Book One in The Invisible Conflict Chronicles, an epic tale with a stunning historical setting around the 13th century. It is a period when the quest for power and superstitious beliefs are very strong. The Magyars have barely recovering from the invasion by the Mongols, working hard to rebuild their kingdom. It is at this time that a deadly disease hits the Baron Levente, the regent of Eger. For Bishop Konrád, it’s a curse. Unless a cure is found quickly, the Baron will die. A cure has been found, but it is located in the treacherous deeps of the Bükk Mountains and only one man can beat the odds to reach there, the Baron’s own pupil and knight, Rodger Clement. Can he make it to the heart of the mountain and be back in time to save his master?
There is a lot to enjoy in Holy Remedy, a tale set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great cultural crossroads and melting pots, Hungary, with lush vegetation and strange beliefs. I couldn’t help thinking about the witch-hunting that took place in this land hundreds of years ago. The story features great and compelling characters and a lot of action and fighting. The plot is well conceived and readers are treated to many twists and surprises as they turn the pages. J.G. Martins writes beautiful dialogues and they play a powerful role in enhancing plot and character development. The dialogue flows naturally and merges with the wonderful descriptions to create great beauty in the work. This is a novel with great historical elements, a gripping plot and a huge conflict. Martins definitely takes readers to an historic age and across dangerous lands.
Holy Remedy by J.G. Martins is Book One in The Invisible Conflict Chronicles, an epic tale with a stunning historical setting around the 13th century. It is a period when the quest for power and superstitious beliefs are very strong. The Magyars have barely recovering from the invasion by the Mongols, working hard to rebuild their kingdom. It is at this time that a deadly disease hits the Baron Levente, the regent of Eger. For Bishop Konrád, it’s a curse. Unless a cure is found quickly, the Baron will die. A cure has been found, but it is located in the treacherous deeps of the Bükk Mountains and only one man can beat the odds to reach there, the Baron’s own pupil and knight, Rodger Clement. Can he make it to the heart of the mountain and be back in time to save his master?
There is a lot to enjoy in Holy Remedy, a tale set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great cultural crossroads and melting pots, Hungary, with lush vegetation and strange beliefs. I couldn’t help thinking about the witch-hunting that took place in this land hundreds of years ago. The story features great and compelling characters and a lot of action and fighting. The plot is well conceived and readers are treated to many twists and surprises as they turn the pages. J.G. Martins writes beautiful dialogues and they play a powerful role in enhancing plot and character development. The dialogue flows naturally and merges with the wonderful descriptions to create great beauty in the work. This is a novel with great historical elements, a gripping plot and a huge conflict. Martins definitely takes readers to an historic age and across dangerous lands.
Recommend this book:
The Grey Eyed Storm
The Occuli, Book One
Christie M. Stenzel
2017 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Grey Eyed Storm by Christie Stenzel is the first book in the Occuli series. Remy Verbetta had been just twelve years old when her mother, Emmery, had taken her own life. Her nine-year-old sister, Makayla, had vanished without a trace soon after. On her eighteenth birthday, Remy is not only given a necklace which her mother had always worn, but also discovers (after sleepwalking to her mother’s grave) that she is one of the seven varieties of Occuli, easily identifiable by eye color, each with a variety of powers which can affect others as well as the elements around them. As an additional birthday gift, Remy receives a bodyguard from her cousin, Ruby, in the form of a boy, Zias, whom Remy had been having dreams about for quite some time. At school, Remy finally meets the new boy in town, Drake Cook, and cannot help but be startled by his eyes; it is never good to know that a Reaper has arrived. Unable to determine whether Drake is good or evil, and trying to decipher her mother’s and her grandmother’s memories, Remy finds herself in a race against time to figure out who she can trust in order to save her kind from obliteration.
Without a doubt, The Grey Eyed Storm is one of the most in-depth and entertaining paranormal books I have ever read. Christie Stenzel’s introduction to the Occuli series leaves me desperately wanting more and I look forward to reading the rest of the series when it is released. Living in a spiraling world of heartache after her mother and sister are both gone, the main character discovers on her eighteenth birthday that nothing in life is what she thought it to be. As her powers come into effect and she finds out who and what she truly is, Remy spins through a pinwheel of emotions that strike without warning, making her wonder whether or not she is going crazy. Each of the characters is well-written and brings an important element to the story as a whole, whether good or evil. I fully enjoyed The Grey-Eyed Storm and recommend it to all die-hard lovers of the paranormal who enjoy mystery, humor, romance, adventure and excitement in a mind-bending tale of magic which eclipses all others.
The Grey Eyed Storm by Christie Stenzel is the first book in the Occuli series. Remy Verbetta had been just twelve years old when her mother, Emmery, had taken her own life. Her nine-year-old sister, Makayla, had vanished without a trace soon after. On her eighteenth birthday, Remy is not only given a necklace which her mother had always worn, but also discovers (after sleepwalking to her mother’s grave) that she is one of the seven varieties of Occuli, easily identifiable by eye color, each with a variety of powers which can affect others as well as the elements around them. As an additional birthday gift, Remy receives a bodyguard from her cousin, Ruby, in the form of a boy, Zias, whom Remy had been having dreams about for quite some time. At school, Remy finally meets the new boy in town, Drake Cook, and cannot help but be startled by his eyes; it is never good to know that a Reaper has arrived. Unable to determine whether Drake is good or evil, and trying to decipher her mother’s and her grandmother’s memories, Remy finds herself in a race against time to figure out who she can trust in order to save her kind from obliteration.
Without a doubt, The Grey Eyed Storm is one of the most in-depth and entertaining paranormal books I have ever read. Christie Stenzel’s introduction to the Occuli series leaves me desperately wanting more and I look forward to reading the rest of the series when it is released. Living in a spiraling world of heartache after her mother and sister are both gone, the main character discovers on her eighteenth birthday that nothing in life is what she thought it to be. As her powers come into effect and she finds out who and what she truly is, Remy spins through a pinwheel of emotions that strike without warning, making her wonder whether or not she is going crazy. Each of the characters is well-written and brings an important element to the story as a whole, whether good or evil. I fully enjoyed The Grey-Eyed Storm and recommend it to all die-hard lovers of the paranormal who enjoy mystery, humor, romance, adventure and excitement in a mind-bending tale of magic which eclipses all others.
Recommend this book:
Champions of the Dragon
Epic Fallacy Book 1
Michael James Ploof
2017 Bronze Medal
322 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Champions of the Dragon by Michael James Ploof is the first book in the Epic Fallacy trilogy. In every generation, five are chosen by the Most High Wizard Kazimir to be the Champions of the Dragon. The five chosen are unlikely companions: Murland is an apprentice that always dreamed of being a great Wizard, but has failed to successfully cast a spell. Gibrig is a Dwarf suffering from Humanism, and doesn't have the heart to harm anyone. Brannon is a Prince refusing to bend to his father's will, and give up his love for the warrior Valikimir. Willow is an ogre with an unsustainable appetite, strength, and a past victory of defeating a crocodile. Sir Eldrick is an alcoholic knight, formerly banished from the kingdom after being caught with the queen. Little do they know that this quest is a fool's mission, not to defeat a dragon and claim heroism, but to be fed to it.
Michael James Ploof brings to life a vast array of characters, making each one different with flaws, strengths, and quirks. Ploof breaks several fantasy stereotypes with charm and cleverness, allowing each character to be sympathized with, and spending every scene growing the characters. The villains are very ominous and mysterious, a perfect fit for the world of eccentricities. Not a lot is learned about their motivations, but it's clear that this is only the beginning of everyone's stories. Each of the “champions” is an outcast trying to find his way, and their differences tend to clash with each other, but as the story unfolds, the more they become a team. Champions of the Dragon is a delightful satirical treat, with humor, emotion, outrageous moments, and eccentric characters that come to life off the page.
Champions of the Dragon by Michael James Ploof is the first book in the Epic Fallacy trilogy. In every generation, five are chosen by the Most High Wizard Kazimir to be the Champions of the Dragon. The five chosen are unlikely companions: Murland is an apprentice that always dreamed of being a great Wizard, but has failed to successfully cast a spell. Gibrig is a Dwarf suffering from Humanism, and doesn't have the heart to harm anyone. Brannon is a Prince refusing to bend to his father's will, and give up his love for the warrior Valikimir. Willow is an ogre with an unsustainable appetite, strength, and a past victory of defeating a crocodile. Sir Eldrick is an alcoholic knight, formerly banished from the kingdom after being caught with the queen. Little do they know that this quest is a fool's mission, not to defeat a dragon and claim heroism, but to be fed to it.
Michael James Ploof brings to life a vast array of characters, making each one different with flaws, strengths, and quirks. Ploof breaks several fantasy stereotypes with charm and cleverness, allowing each character to be sympathized with, and spending every scene growing the characters. The villains are very ominous and mysterious, a perfect fit for the world of eccentricities. Not a lot is learned about their motivations, but it's clear that this is only the beginning of everyone's stories. Each of the “champions” is an outcast trying to find his way, and their differences tend to clash with each other, but as the story unfolds, the more they become a team. Champions of the Dragon is a delightful satirical treat, with humor, emotion, outrageous moments, and eccentric characters that come to life off the page.
Recommend this book:
A Wizard's Forge
The Woern Saga Book 1
A.M. Justice
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
A Wizard's Forge by A.M. Justice is the first book in The Woern Saga, a fantasy that has elements of a thriller and sci-fi beautifully knit into its fabric, a compelling tale of war, kidnapping, revenge and redemption. Many years ago, a crew of explorers got stranded on a faraway planet and formed a civilization of their own. Over the years, there have been wars, marauders, slavers and warriors. The young Logkeeper, Victoria, falls prey to kidnappers who sell her into slavery. As a slave, she experienced all forms of torture, including sexual abuses and other forms of psychological trauma. She was named Kara by her ruthless Master, Lornk Korng. When she successfully escaped, she did so with a vow to avenge herself. Would she get her chance for revenge?
A Wizard's Forge is a masterpiece and readers will love the way A.M. Justice explores her characters. Victoria is very compelling. Her experience of slavery completely transforms her and she develops a powerful zeal for revenge. But there is something else that happens to her — she loses the courage to love because she is continually haunted by the gruesome experience of being held prisoner and violated. Her decision to save the prince when he gets captured is an act of bravery that marks a turning point in her journey towards self-giving and inner freedom.
This is a wonderful tale with a mesmerizing setting and a fantastic plot. The author has a powerful imagination that brings to life actors that readers can easily relate to. There is a lot of action throughout the story and it reels with great intensity. The complex, intricate plot will have the reader turning the pages. This is one of those books that keeps readers awake into the late hours of the night. It is spellbinding.
A Wizard's Forge by A.M. Justice is the first book in The Woern Saga, a fantasy that has elements of a thriller and sci-fi beautifully knit into its fabric, a compelling tale of war, kidnapping, revenge and redemption. Many years ago, a crew of explorers got stranded on a faraway planet and formed a civilization of their own. Over the years, there have been wars, marauders, slavers and warriors. The young Logkeeper, Victoria, falls prey to kidnappers who sell her into slavery. As a slave, she experienced all forms of torture, including sexual abuses and other forms of psychological trauma. She was named Kara by her ruthless Master, Lornk Korng. When she successfully escaped, she did so with a vow to avenge herself. Would she get her chance for revenge?
A Wizard's Forge is a masterpiece and readers will love the way A.M. Justice explores her characters. Victoria is very compelling. Her experience of slavery completely transforms her and she develops a powerful zeal for revenge. But there is something else that happens to her — she loses the courage to love because she is continually haunted by the gruesome experience of being held prisoner and violated. Her decision to save the prince when he gets captured is an act of bravery that marks a turning point in her journey towards self-giving and inner freedom.
This is a wonderful tale with a mesmerizing setting and a fantastic plot. The author has a powerful imagination that brings to life actors that readers can easily relate to. There is a lot of action throughout the story and it reels with great intensity. The complex, intricate plot will have the reader turning the pages. This is one of those books that keeps readers awake into the late hours of the night. It is spellbinding.
Recommend this book:
99 Days
Keith Ward
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
In Keith Ward's 99 Days, proxying is a barbaric act practiced in Slypht where one person is sacrificed so another gets to live longer. The best proxies are considered to be kids below one year as they still have a longer and better life left. Those who wish to live longer pay huge sums for such babies, or obtain them in any other way possible. When Kertram rushes back home to find his entire village slain and all the kids below one year - including his month-old triplets - abducted, he knows the cruel fate that awaits them. In agreement with his wife's dying wish, and with just one ally by his side, Kertram sets off on the impossible task to rescue his kids from the soldiers and from guaranteed death. With deep sorrow in his heart and immense determination, he is ready to do the impossible, but first he will have to travel across villages, forests, mountains and towns, and survive the endless dangers that lurk around every corner. Kertram has exactly 61 days to get his babies back or it will be too late.
Keith Ward's 99 Days is a most captivating fantasy tale and an incredible portrayal of a parent's determination to do whatever it takes to save his children. In Slypht, Keith Ward created an amazing and memorable world, and a perfect setting for this incredible fantasy tale. His writing effortlessly captures moments and emotions to make the story an exciting and flawless read. The characters, the way of life, and the setting all blend together perfectly to bring this thrilling tale to life. Fans of fiction fantasy will definitely enjoy this gripping race against time across Slypht; Kertram's pain will touch your soul and his determination will inspire you. Thank you, Keith Ward, for one of the most outstanding fantasy novels I have ever read.
In Keith Ward's 99 Days, proxying is a barbaric act practiced in Slypht where one person is sacrificed so another gets to live longer. The best proxies are considered to be kids below one year as they still have a longer and better life left. Those who wish to live longer pay huge sums for such babies, or obtain them in any other way possible. When Kertram rushes back home to find his entire village slain and all the kids below one year - including his month-old triplets - abducted, he knows the cruel fate that awaits them. In agreement with his wife's dying wish, and with just one ally by his side, Kertram sets off on the impossible task to rescue his kids from the soldiers and from guaranteed death. With deep sorrow in his heart and immense determination, he is ready to do the impossible, but first he will have to travel across villages, forests, mountains and towns, and survive the endless dangers that lurk around every corner. Kertram has exactly 61 days to get his babies back or it will be too late.
Keith Ward's 99 Days is a most captivating fantasy tale and an incredible portrayal of a parent's determination to do whatever it takes to save his children. In Slypht, Keith Ward created an amazing and memorable world, and a perfect setting for this incredible fantasy tale. His writing effortlessly captures moments and emotions to make the story an exciting and flawless read. The characters, the way of life, and the setting all blend together perfectly to bring this thrilling tale to life. Fans of fiction fantasy will definitely enjoy this gripping race against time across Slypht; Kertram's pain will touch your soul and his determination will inspire you. Thank you, Keith Ward, for one of the most outstanding fantasy novels I have ever read.
Recommend this book:
The Last Bucelarii
Book 2: Lament of the Fallen
Andy Peloquin
2017 Finalist
338 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Samantha Dewitt (Rivera) for Readers' Favorite
The Hunter seeks only to live as normal a life as possible, but with demons haunting him everywhere he goes such a life is beyond him. With Soulhunger and the demon to lead him, there is little that he can do but kill again and again, bringing himself to a chaos and a hatred that has led him to nearly take his own life. But when he meets Sir Danna and Visibos, he’s certain he can hide the part of himself that wants to kill, at least, until they discover who he is. Now he’s on a hunt to find that which is his and to protect himself and maybe the rest of humanity from the demons that seek to destroy them all, but is it even possible? Between Bardin and the others, he’ll have to find a way to overcome the power that has controlled him for as long as he can remember - but will he succeed in The Last Bucelarii: Lament of the Fallen (Book 2) by Andy Peloquin?
This book is filled with a whole lot of action and adventure. You feel like you know where things are going and what’s going to happen and then it turns things around. Even though The Hunter isn’t a ‘good guy,’ you still feel like you’re rooting for him to succeed the whole way and you’re hoping that he’ll overcome what’s holding him back and find the woman that he’s seeking from his dreams. It’s an intriguing book and there are plenty of interesting characters, from Aspos and Bardin to Sir Danna and Visibos and, of course, The Hunter himself. Lament of the Fallen is definitely a book for anyone who likes plenty of action and violence in what they read.
The Hunter seeks only to live as normal a life as possible, but with demons haunting him everywhere he goes such a life is beyond him. With Soulhunger and the demon to lead him, there is little that he can do but kill again and again, bringing himself to a chaos and a hatred that has led him to nearly take his own life. But when he meets Sir Danna and Visibos, he’s certain he can hide the part of himself that wants to kill, at least, until they discover who he is. Now he’s on a hunt to find that which is his and to protect himself and maybe the rest of humanity from the demons that seek to destroy them all, but is it even possible? Between Bardin and the others, he’ll have to find a way to overcome the power that has controlled him for as long as he can remember - but will he succeed in The Last Bucelarii: Lament of the Fallen (Book 2) by Andy Peloquin?
This book is filled with a whole lot of action and adventure. You feel like you know where things are going and what’s going to happen and then it turns things around. Even though The Hunter isn’t a ‘good guy,’ you still feel like you’re rooting for him to succeed the whole way and you’re hoping that he’ll overcome what’s holding him back and find the woman that he’s seeking from his dreams. It’s an intriguing book and there are plenty of interesting characters, from Aspos and Bardin to Sir Danna and Visibos and, of course, The Hunter himself. Lament of the Fallen is definitely a book for anyone who likes plenty of action and violence in what they read.
Recommend this book:
The Ill-kept Oath
CC Aune
2017 Finalist
416 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Ill-Kept Oath by C.C. Aune is the story of two young women in 1819 England; Lady Josephine Weston and Prudence Fairfeather. Josephine fears she'll always be known as an immature child, and be forever confined to her country home, but her summer begins to look up with the arrival of soldiers with the unusual request to camp out in the yard. When she discovers a trunk of her mother's that contains a female soldier uniform and pistols, she discovers more than heirlooms, but a mystery. Does it have anything to do with the supposed beasts the soldiers are hunting? Meanwhile, Prudence is spending her summer in London with Aunt Amelia, dreaming that one day she'll marry for love. She finds herself with two baffling mysteries: a dashing heroic gentleman, and objects of her mother's called Talismans. Through letter correspondences, they work to unravel the secrets of their pasts.
C.C. Aune captured the tone of the time period perfectly from the prose to the dialogue. It helped bring me into the time of the story, which allowed for a better understanding of Josephine and Prudence. It's not a crazy idea now to marry for love, but wanting to do that in 1819 showed how headstrong Prudence is, which made me like her from the start. Josephine is also an independent woman who doesn't let her cousin Edward push her around, and even goes about trying to reclaim the house from him, and learning to fence. There's several fantasy elements to it, but it's subdued, and instead the story is driven by the characters. The Ill-Kept Oath is charming, delightful, with some romance, humor, and adventure. I didn't want it to end!
The Ill-Kept Oath by C.C. Aune is the story of two young women in 1819 England; Lady Josephine Weston and Prudence Fairfeather. Josephine fears she'll always be known as an immature child, and be forever confined to her country home, but her summer begins to look up with the arrival of soldiers with the unusual request to camp out in the yard. When she discovers a trunk of her mother's that contains a female soldier uniform and pistols, she discovers more than heirlooms, but a mystery. Does it have anything to do with the supposed beasts the soldiers are hunting? Meanwhile, Prudence is spending her summer in London with Aunt Amelia, dreaming that one day she'll marry for love. She finds herself with two baffling mysteries: a dashing heroic gentleman, and objects of her mother's called Talismans. Through letter correspondences, they work to unravel the secrets of their pasts.
C.C. Aune captured the tone of the time period perfectly from the prose to the dialogue. It helped bring me into the time of the story, which allowed for a better understanding of Josephine and Prudence. It's not a crazy idea now to marry for love, but wanting to do that in 1819 showed how headstrong Prudence is, which made me like her from the start. Josephine is also an independent woman who doesn't let her cousin Edward push her around, and even goes about trying to reclaim the house from him, and learning to fence. There's several fantasy elements to it, but it's subdued, and instead the story is driven by the characters. The Ill-Kept Oath is charming, delightful, with some romance, humor, and adventure. I didn't want it to end!
Recommend this book:
Daughter of Destiny
Book 1 of Guinevere's Tale
Nicole Evelina
2016 Gold Medal
326 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Sandra Masters for Readers' Favorite
Daughter of Destiny by Nicole Evelina is well written in first person, and captured my interest with a unique prologue, a simple one paragraph, that made me want to read more about a woman I thought readers of Arthurian legends knew all about. Was Guinevere a sinner or a saint -- or a lovely combination of both? Evelina took a different aspect of Gwen's life than we've been told from other authors. We are introduced to Gwen when she is sent to Avalon to become a pagan priestess at the age of eleven. At age fifteen, because of a tragic circumstance, she is sent back to the family who were strangers to her and the pagan faith of her mother. This faith clashes with Christianity. By chance, she is introduced to the new High King Arthur, a Christian, and her life changes forever when she has to abandon the man she truly loved for four years to marry another.
Daughter of Destiny, Book 1 of Guinevere's Tale, is written in lyrical prose and deposits you right in the middle of medieval times. The writing is fast paced, historically correct for the era, and a page turner. I sympathized with the character whom fictional history buffs branded a lustful harlot because of circumstances that were thrust upon this intelligent, high spirited and delightful woman. Great twist at the end. Evelina's 15 years of research are a powerful addition to a fantastic read. Can't wait for Book Two. Prepare to embrace Guinevere. I feel privileged to have read this outstanding novel by a great writer.
Daughter of Destiny by Nicole Evelina is well written in first person, and captured my interest with a unique prologue, a simple one paragraph, that made me want to read more about a woman I thought readers of Arthurian legends knew all about. Was Guinevere a sinner or a saint -- or a lovely combination of both? Evelina took a different aspect of Gwen's life than we've been told from other authors. We are introduced to Gwen when she is sent to Avalon to become a pagan priestess at the age of eleven. At age fifteen, because of a tragic circumstance, she is sent back to the family who were strangers to her and the pagan faith of her mother. This faith clashes with Christianity. By chance, she is introduced to the new High King Arthur, a Christian, and her life changes forever when she has to abandon the man she truly loved for four years to marry another.
Daughter of Destiny, Book 1 of Guinevere's Tale, is written in lyrical prose and deposits you right in the middle of medieval times. The writing is fast paced, historically correct for the era, and a page turner. I sympathized with the character whom fictional history buffs branded a lustful harlot because of circumstances that were thrust upon this intelligent, high spirited and delightful woman. Great twist at the end. Evelina's 15 years of research are a powerful addition to a fantastic read. Can't wait for Book Two. Prepare to embrace Guinevere. I feel privileged to have read this outstanding novel by a great writer.
Recommend this book:
Depravity
A Beauty and the Beast Novel (A Beastly Tale Book 1)
M.J. Haag
2016 Silver Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In Depravity: A Beauty and the Beast Novel, the first book in the Beastly Tale series by author M.J. Haag, we are immersed in an amazing retelling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Follow the story of the lovely Benella, a young woman born into a poor family. Her main concerns in life are trying to find food to help her family to survive and trying to stay away from the town bullies who have seemingly made it their life's focus to torment her. Her main concerns, that is, until she is hunting for the best wild fruits available in the village, located next to a mysterious estate rumored to be inhabited by a wild beast. The town bullies find her and lock her behind the gates. From that point forward, Benella's life will never be the same.
I very much enjoyed Depravity. Author M.J. Haag has done a fantastic job in retelling a beloved fairy tale that is pretty much known by all in a very unique and intriguing way. That is certainly no small feat, to say the least. Well-written, well-paced, fun, exciting, romantic and suspenseful, Depravity is a book that would appeal to any reader who enjoys fantasy, romance, suspense, fairy tales, or just a plain good work of fiction. I am so happy to highly recommend Depravity, and I am so looking forward to reading the next two installments in the Beastly Tales series. This was the first book that I've read by author M.J. Haag, but it certainly will not be the last!
In Depravity: A Beauty and the Beast Novel, the first book in the Beastly Tale series by author M.J. Haag, we are immersed in an amazing retelling of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Follow the story of the lovely Benella, a young woman born into a poor family. Her main concerns in life are trying to find food to help her family to survive and trying to stay away from the town bullies who have seemingly made it their life's focus to torment her. Her main concerns, that is, until she is hunting for the best wild fruits available in the village, located next to a mysterious estate rumored to be inhabited by a wild beast. The town bullies find her and lock her behind the gates. From that point forward, Benella's life will never be the same.
I very much enjoyed Depravity. Author M.J. Haag has done a fantastic job in retelling a beloved fairy tale that is pretty much known by all in a very unique and intriguing way. That is certainly no small feat, to say the least. Well-written, well-paced, fun, exciting, romantic and suspenseful, Depravity is a book that would appeal to any reader who enjoys fantasy, romance, suspense, fairy tales, or just a plain good work of fiction. I am so happy to highly recommend Depravity, and I am so looking forward to reading the next two installments in the Beastly Tales series. This was the first book that I've read by author M.J. Haag, but it certainly will not be the last!
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