Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Dark forces are invading the planet of Terrene. Erlik the Emperor has instructed his Knight Huntsmen to "kill all in their path". Alys Neale, a young woman destined for greatness, is part of an elite and secretive group of supernatural soldiers known as Mastemas. They alone are responsible for the protection of the villagers.

What will happen when her best friend, Leah, discovers not only her secret, but that she is Alys’s one and only love? Will she choose to embrace Alys's unfaltering love, or run from it? This is a tale of true love, loss, and the obstacles life chooses to throw in one’s direction. The fate of Terrene rests in the hands of Alys Neale...or does it?

 

Book Review

This book was simply magnificent. An incredibly engaging story in a richly imaginative world that currently has been plunged into terror, death, and then a last hope battle to end all torment. First friendship, then a love story wrapped in mystical richness that soars above and attempts to triumph over one of the wickedest, evilest, ugliest and blackest of souls that hopefully never finds a counterpart on our planet Earth. I was completely drawn into this story as I learned about the appalling conditions on Terrene, the Sanctified Mastema Guards, and the bonded mates. It is all about the blood, Mastema blood.

Alys Neale’s family knew she was Mastema and that means a great deal but also having to leave on her sixteenth birthday to train at a special academy. She is more that ‘just’ Mastema; she is a ‘prophet’. In this world, a prophet is one who is recognized as being Mastema at the time of conception and becomes an elder. This is very rare. This sub story and relationship to her bonded mate was compelling, distinctly sweet, and a beacon of courage for all those around her. She spoke right to my heart!

Leah Brampton was Alys’s best friend right from the beginning. Leah knew she loved Alys, but felt uncomfortable expressing her feelings. She is totally bereft, when Alys seems to disappear on her sixteenth birthday. By tradition, only a few knew who Alys was and why she had to leave for two years. Leah eventually goes through an astounding transformation that is practically more amazing than what happens to Alys. However, the pain of being separated from her love during her tender teen years remained a mark on her soul. I loved Leah!

This grand and sweeping tale moves with majesty, expansive vistas, charming details of friends, families, elders, lovers, and oh my goodness the august, black, fearless horses called Acrábases.  Oh yes, the bad guys get their air-time, too. The loving moments shared are so tastefully presented yet the intimate heat and passion found a life via my imagination. A sense of child-like wonder permeates all the way through this story accompanied by an annealing sense of healing and affection. I would have adored having a book like this read to me. I believe teens to seniors might find this appealing. 

Apologies for repeating myself, but this simply has to be read so one can feel and grasp the incredible scope, vision, and beauty presented with such passionate attention to detail and heart. I most certainly recommend this to anyone enjoying an outstanding journey in a far-off land.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 414 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	12-July-2013
Price
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