Book Reviews

Book Blurb

In a land torn by war for generations, Princess Jessa is sent as a peace offering to the country of Arravan, understanding all too well that she is being sacrificed upon the altar of her father’s ambitions—and condemned to an uncertain and possibly short-lived future, if the machinations of her own family are any indication.

But what she finds at Blackstone Keep is not what she expects, and for a daughter of royal blood who has known little of freedom and even less of love, the members of the Durand family are proving to be a very pleasant riddle to be solved—the youngest daughter, Darrius Durand, is the most surprising of all. A captain in the King’s elite guard, Darry’s considerable charms pull Jessa rather happily into an unexpected friendship that quickly becomes something more, promising passion and the fulfillment of her deepest desires.

Jessa and Darry’s relationship threatens the fragile peace, and the future of two countries might very well hang in the balance. When family secrets and hidden agendas begin to surface, as well as an ancient majik that Jessa has been preparing to use since the day she was born, a prophecy is set in motion that will thrust both lands into a bloody war of revenge and retribution—a war that love alone will not be able to stop.

 

Book Review

What an exquisite intrigue set in a medieval-like time on another world that is so enthralling on so many levels. There are many degrees of human conspiracy, but there are even more fascinating intensities of majik (as it is spelled within the book), power, and destiny. The characters and the atmosphere simply sparkle with dynamic fervor as political power struggles unfold and the fate of many hang in the balance. Two realms that have been enemies for almost three hundred years—now one realm seeks an alliance by having the only princess from their kingdom marry the eldest monarchal son from the other. Spectacular!

Princess Jessa-Sirah from Lyoness, who is also called the Nightshade Lark because of her enchanting singing voice, really takes the award for the most evolving, downright far-reaching, and noticeably expansive character on the scene. She blossoms along with her prodigious mystical talents. Additionally, she finds her true sensuous nature and falls profoundly in love. Progressing by leaps and bounds, she uncovers the truth to her persistent prescience. I adored Jessa and prayed to my gods and hers that she would maintain her strength and persistence of vision while all hell breaks loose. Incredible!

Captain Darrius Lauranna Durand, preferably Darry, is the youngest child in the Arravan royal family. She is also not like any of her siblings. She now knows she is a backwards woman and is openly so. In this world, backwards means being homosexual. It is not condemned in Arravan like it is in Lyoness where backwards people are put to death. However, it is still problematic for the royal family to have a child with such tendencies. We learn most of the story involving Darry's first love and it was somewhat of a pivotal turning point for the youngest princess. Darry is an astounding woman with several unique attributes but her majical proclivities are incandescent above all else. Well, perhaps her dancing prowess or her mastery with the sword might contend for first place. Fantabulous!

The leading characters from both realms set the tones, tensions, and obfuscations placing the powers that be constantly on edge and consistently preparing for the ax to fall. Within this uneasiness, Darry and Jessa are flooded with feelings, urges, and connections that have never happened to either of them with such intensity. It is as if they are constantly performing a dance that links them closer and closer with each encounter. Their story within this book is utterly mesmerizing. Darry and Jessa are each extraordinary in their own way, but together they are nearly unbelievable. Magnificent!

 

 

 

 

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

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 312 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-May-2010
Price	$4.99 ebook, $4.99 paperback
Buy Link	http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com/9781602821514B.html