REVIEW: Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas

(c) 2009, Bantam Books, Random House
338 pages, Mass-Market EditionAuthor's Website

Summary:
Bryony Asquith left her tumultous marriage behind and went to India, not expecting that one day, her ex-husband Leo Marsden would come after her. Leo, whose smile had felled her. Leo, who broke her heart before they could say their vows. Leo, whom she still loved.

Review:
The short review: I laughed and cried as I read this book. And cried again. Definitely a keeper!

The long review:

Where to start?

I have to gush about Leo. He's a totally to-die-for hero. I think his most endearing quality is that he has loved Bryony since his youth, and even after the terrible things Bryony has done to him, he still continued to love her, protect her and stayed faithful to her. Throughout the book, we can see Leo taking care of her, making sure she's comfortable, that she's not hungry, etc. And I like that he decided to trust Bryony in the end--trust her regarding their future. This is a powerful story of how love makes us a better person.

I especially love the last paragraph of the book. Read it and I dare you not to get tears in your eyes.

Bryony comes across as prickly and antagonistic toward Leo, at least in the beginning, but she has reason. Good reason, though I don't know why she couldn't have confronted Leo with the truth in the first place. Maybe because of the shame she felt, the shame which shut her mouth. Others may this decry this as The Big Miscommunication issue that could've been resolved easily enough, but I feel that the author carried this off well enough due to the emotions that the character was feeling. Moreover, even if Bryony and Leo had talked about this during the first few months of their marriage, the problem might still have existed, because as Leo said (not exact words), there is something about war that distills everything into the essential: that only love matters, in the end.

When one is near death, or close to, because in war, one never knows, one then realizes the things that are truly important.

Though most of the book happened in war-torn India, the author's vivid descriptions made this exotic setting come alive. However, most of the descriptions of the different tribes and the animosity between and among them went right over my head because, to be honest, I truly don't have any idea what these tribes are and I also couldn't be bothered to go look for a map while I'm the grip of the story. Except for Swat Valley, of course.

Sherry Thomas is simply amazing with this book, combining a vivid description of the setting with a sweet, powerful story of love that touches the heart. Highly recommended.

Book Rating: 5 stars

REVIEW: The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran

(c) 2008, Pocket Star Books, Simon&Schuster
371 pages, Mass Market Edition
Author's Website

Summary:

Emmaline Martin travels to India to be with her fiance, Colonel Marcus Lindley. Though captivated by the country, she is made aware of the stirring unrest among the troops by Julian Sinclair, heir to the Duke of Auburn, who captivates her and for whom she feels an attraction. On the heels of her fiance's betrayal and mutiny among the native troops, Emma has no one to turn to except Julian.

As they flee toward safety, Emma and Julian fall in love, but due to circumstances, they are separated, only to meet again at a London ball years of grief later...

Review:

Meredith Duran brings a refreshing voice to historical romances, partly because of her exotic setting and mainly because of her irresistible writing style. She has a different way of looking at things and this shows in her characters' thoughts and feelings. The words she used are beautiful and perfect, and evokes emotions that make me want to read that particular sentence or paragraph over again.

The Duke of Shadows is divided into two parts, and the first part utterly charms me. Funny how war-torn India could be charming, but I like reading about Emma's and Julian's interactions and the gradual way their feelings for each other developed as Julian tried to bring Emma to safety. I like that Julian is different from other heroes that we normally read about. Though he is dangerous with a rakehell charm, he is kind and patient with Emma, even when there is nothing between them yet. He is also a complex man with hidden depths, brought about by his myriad heritage.

And here is one example of that wonderful inner dialogue of Julian's that charmed me:

...She had not felt like a woman who shared an understanding with
someone else. She had felt like a woman who shared an understanding
with him.

Emma, in this first part as described by Julian, is captivating, a girl who rushes headlong into life, unafraid and excited. And it is so easy to weep with her as she lost her parents and to cheer for her as she takes control of her life, and as she falls in love with Julian.

Here's another passage. The sheer poetry of her words/descriptions astound me:

His hands had performed miracles. Her life had rested in them, balanced in
their capable grace. And now they rested on her, and their grace infused
her as well.

And inevitably, war changes everyone.

I'm torn with the second part. On the one hand, the fairy-tale charm has gone, leaving behind the grim realities of life, wherein we see how Julian and Emma have changed due to their experiences. And on the other, we see a love that has endured through unimaginable sufferings (both characters'), and a love that has matured and is all-encompassing (Julian's). I love that Julian is constant, that his love never wavers, despite what his beloved has turned into. One of the best heroes I've read, and one that makes me want to keep him. This scenario--that of the heroine deteriorating into someone not so lovable due to her experiences--is something we don't often see in books.

And so, one of the brilliant passages in this half of the book is the one wherein Emma was enumerating the places where Julian has searched for her in war-torn India. He said he searched for her everywhere, but he hadn't named London, because he hadn't conducted the search in that city.

"I thought you had not found me here," she whispered. "Or I thought you
would not want me, as I am now. But you did find me here. Didn't you?"

The words are ordinary, but I love the double meaning here, because it is in London that he has found her--both physically and the real Emma, who was "lost" after the war.

And another:

...Yes: everything was coming alive. Plants with deep roots, that had gone
underground for winter, would be rising again through the soil. She had
always loved him, after all. And perhaps he knew it. Perhaps he saw more
than she had suspected. And despite it, he did not look away.

I love the words "he did not look away". Despite my ambivalence, this second part for me is gripping because we see how the characters have changed and there I was, reading as fast as I can to see how they'll get back together again. I don't understand Lockwood's part in all this, though, except for being instrumental in arranging the venue for Emma and Julian to meet again. Nor that of his wife. (Someone enlighten me?) I feel there's a mystery here, and I have a feeling Lockwood would have his own story someday, but thus far, I don't believe he's the hero of the next two books from Meredith Duran. The fourth maybe?

One thing about this book is that after I read the last page, I immediately opened to the first page again to take a second journey through that wonderful interaction between the characters. I highly recommend this book. I've also heard good things about the next two books by Meredith Duran, Bound By Your Touch and Written On Your Skin, and I can't wait to read them.

Book Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: Dark Time by Dakota Banks

Series: Mortal Path, Book 1
(c) 2009, Eos Books, HarperCollins
306 pages, Mass-Market Edition
Author's Website

Summary:

Susannah lives in perilous times. A woman with the gift of healing, she uses her gifts to ease suffering, but she is accused of being a witch. Burned at the stake, she is not willing to just let her life go, and thus, she makes a bargain with the demon Rabishu. She is given immortality, but in return, she has to do the demon's bidding, which usually involves killing people who is poised to thwart some purpose that the demon has. Until a series of events culminates in the breaking of the wall around her heart, and she decides she cannot go on this way.

Now, as Maliha Crayne, she is given a chance for redemption, if she can save a life for every life that she has taken. Or if she can find the means to destroy the demons and rid the world of evil forever. However, she is in a race against time, for every life that she saves aged her in indeterminate ways. If she cannot balance the scales before her death, she is in for a lifetime of unspeakable torment, at the hands of the demon who was once her master.

Review:

Simply amazing! On-the-edge-of-your-seat brilliant, Dark Time is an intriguing blend of myth, paranormal, suspense, and action-adventure.

Maliha Crayne is a complex heroine. A trained assassin, she now uses her powers for good, not only because it's the way to her redemption, but also because she couldn't ignore people in need. After two coders were murdered, she seeks to find the killer and comes face-to-face with an enemy she might not be able to take down, considering her reduced powers.

Yet, what I like about Maliha is that she faces life head on. She takes stock of what she has and does what needs to be done, no matter that the situation might end in her death. She doesn't give up hope, but strives on toward the goal she sets for herself, no matter the obstacles. She is also fiercely protective about the few friends she has and would die to keep them safe. No wonder these friends feel the same way about her.

I also like the detailed descriptions of Maliha's weapons and action scenes, as they give an authentic feel to the story, with Maliha being what she is. Though this book focuses on Maliha's solving the mystery of the coders' death, the entire series has an overall arc, which leaves the question hanging at the end of this book: Will Maliha triumph over evil and emerge victorious in her battle with her demon master?

Because Maliha is not the only Ageless her demon master employs. It also stands to reason that the other six demons have their own Ageless minions as well, minions who are threats to Maliha and her goal.

There's a hint of romance as well, between Maliha and DEA agent Jake Stackman. Yet, who is Jake exactly? A mystery that I'm sure will be revealed in succeeding books.The ending caught me by surprise, and what a cliffhanger! Makes me anxious to read the next book. I hope I won't be kept waiting long.

Disclaimer: This book is provided by the author.

Book Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels series

(c) 2007, ACE Fantasy, Penguin Group

260 pages, Mass-Market Edition
Author's Website

Summary:

Kate Daniels was devastated by the death of her guardian, knight-diviner Greg Feldman, and sought to unravel the mystery of his murder. Her investigation led her into the midst of the People (vampires) and the Pack (shapechangers), and it became clear that someone was trying to stir up trouble between these two groups of creatures and Kate may be caught in the middle of it all.

Review:

People who have been following my blog know that I want to read Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series because I was impressed with her novella Silent Blade. (Incidentally, Ilona Andrews is a husband and wife writing team.) Suffice it to say, I wasn't disappointed with Magic Bites.

Though the story started out slow (for me, as I had a hard time getting into the story initially), I was soon caught up in this richly-detailed world that Kate Daniels inhabited, which was a curious blend of science and magic. However, since the story opened with a vamp in Kate's home, the action-filled sequences were never-ending, and terminologies like residual magic, feylanterns, etc lend a certain authenticity to the story, thereby creating a believable world where a suspension of disbelief on the part of the readers is easily maintained.

Kate Daniels is a likeable, spunky heroine who faces life head on. Though she's a strong woman powerful in magic, she also has moments of vulnerability, like being afraid and being down on her luck at times, that causes me to sympathize with her, as I have been there before. However, she's also a woman running from something, and the author has shrouded her identity with a mystery that aroused my curiosity. I think Kate knows who she is, as in she knows whose blood runs in her veins, but the author doesn't reveal it to us, while giving us tantalizing hints as to what she could be. And I'm a sucker for secrets, so suffice it to say, I'll be following this series.

There's no overt romance in this series, although there's an almost-romance with a non-hero, but I thought Kate's hero might ultimately be Curran, who's the Beast Lord. Yup, the Lord of the Free Beasts, the King of the Shapechangers. He certainly fit the descriptions of what a hero should be--a true alpha male--plus he and Kate have these flirty conversations and they set each other on edge, so I bet we'll see more of Curran in the later books. (There are six more of them, not counting novellas.)

At 200 over pages, it's a short read as the pages flew by, with the author really catching my imagination and interest, even though the heroine wasn't engaged in a romance.

Book Rating: 4 stars

1st Half 2009 Recommended Reads

My Recommended Reads:

Except for Silent Blade, I read the books below on faith, i.e. on the recommendations of other bloggers/reviewers, and I'm not sorry. All these books are fabulous!

The Spymaster's Lady - The author captivated me from the start by the clarity of her prose, her use of unexpected humor and her unique heroine.

Lord of the Fading Lands - What can I say? Strong, handsome men, beautiful women, a fairy-tale like ambience to the story, and magic! The start to a great series.

Silent Blade - Love the story, especially the twist toward the end.

Kushiel's Dart - Love the lush descriptions and the epic story and Phedre's and Joscelin's angsty romance, though some books in the series don't quite match up to this first book. However, the last book in the Kushiel series, Kushiel's Mercy, is a great finish to this series.

Other Worthy Reads:

REVIEW: Demon Moon by Meljean Brook

Series: The Guardians

Author Website

Summary:

Book 3 in the Series

Savitri Murray finds herself in the airplane with a nosferatu, which is hell bent on blowing itself up and taking down all the passengers with it. Hatching a dangerous rescue plan, Savi succeeds in saving everyone and incapacitating the nosferatu until the proper authorities arrived, however, in the process, she discovers herself developing powers above that of humans. And then there is Colin Ames-Beaumont, a vampire who was more than a vampire, a vampire whose beauty and vanity are his only consolation against the terror that he sees in the mirror and who draws her like no other man.

Review:

Fascinating. Ms. Brook's worldbuilding is rich with details, fully fleshed-out and believable. I don't believe I've read a vampire story quite like hers.

Right from the start, I was sucked in into the story with the action in the plane. There was no boring moment, what with nosferatu and wyrmwolves and demons, along with a motorcycle-riding Guardian and halfling demon, and the ever-sizzling chemistry and denial between Colin and Savitri. These two screamed lust and sex every time they met, and the ensuing dance they engaged in builds the sexual tension until I felt like screaming. Both Colin and Savitri are complex characters with lots of baggage, and this made their coming together and their desperation to stay together all the sweeter and more poignant.

And did I mention I love the cover? Gorgeous! Savitri is absolutely sexy, and that costume! Wow! I don't usually drool over a woman. And Colin...*sigh* Need I say more? Never could you find a vampire--or a man--more vain or more beautiful, yet, he remains charming and likeable. The way he obsesses over Savi and loves her...*sigh* I think someone mentioned this before, wherein, as a vampire, he needs to feed from different humans, usually women, which would usually include the bloodlust and sex. Savi asked him if he was capable of being faithful, and his answer was, "If I could, Savi, it would be you."

Sigh. (I seem to be sighing a lot in this review.)

I know some have complained about the cover not being accurate, because Savi was described by Colin as having caramel skin, and well, you'd think her coloring in the cover would be darker than Colin's, as she is after all, half-Indian. But, I don't have a gripe with the cover, as in my experience, most covers don't accurately depict the main characters anyway.

Colin is portrayed as a vain man, but he is by no means shallow, for beneath his vanity lies a great fear. In my opinion, his and Savi's romance is one of the best I've read. I love the angst, and the desperation with which they find ways to stay together is enough to make me weep.

I have to say though, that while I love--absolutely looooove--the concept and the story, I have a hard time keeping up with the way Ms. Brook wrote the story. I find myself getting lost at places in the book, wondering what was happening and what the hell are they talking about, and rereading pages just to understand. I can't seem to be in tune with the characters who jumped to conclusions or have thoughts I have difficulty following. There are also scenes in the book that I don't understand, but I just passed it over, as I was eager to read on. It's either the author or me, but I picked up this book because bloggers have gushed over her books, so I guess it's me.

Also, I haven't read the novella Falling For Anthony, or the book after that Demon Angel, so I don't know if the lack of background knowledge contributed to my slow understanding, or Colin and Savitri are really just smarter than me.

(Update: I've gone to read some more reviews, and I'm happy to note it's not just me. Other reviewers have found the same problems in reading this book, as I've listed in the past two paragraphs, and apparently, in the previous book as well, i.e. Demon Angel.)

Despite my complaints, I still enjoyed this book, and would recommend it, if you don't mind the author's writing style, because it's a hell of a lot meatier than other vamp books out there. Now, I'm thinking whether I should stop here or go on reading, you know, get the first two books, read Demon Moon again and get the next one after that.

Book Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: Dark Protector by Alexis Morgan

Series: The Paladins

Author's Website

Summary:

Laurel Young is the Handler for the Paladins, a doctor in charge of facilitating the process of the Paladins' revival into the world after they have been "killed". Stepping beyond the bounds of doctor-patient, she started to fall in love with one of her patients, Devlin Bane.

Devlin Bane has died too many times to count, and the one thing that brought him back from the edge was the sight of Laurel. However, the last time he was "killed", the one who'd wielded the sword was not an Other (from another world), but human. Who would want him dead? Why?

Comments:

Laurel Young is a gutsy woman who goes for what she wants, and she wants Devlin. However, she's also a professional at heart, and as a doctor and scientist, she cares for her patients by going the extra mile. As each Paladin dies and is revived, they are also slowly being stripped of their humanity. Hence, when she noted that Devlin's progress seems to be slowing and stabilizing, she seeks to find the reason that the other Paladins may be helped.

Devlin Bane is masculine and protective of Laurel, and he knows early on that what he feels for the good doctor is not merely desire. However, I like how the author depicts this progression in a believable manner.

The tension between the two is smokin' hot, and I like Devlin's declaration of love--believable and sincere. I do wonder, though, why is it that heroes tend to be depicted as a playboy before they met the heroine. Does having a lot of women in the past equals being a good lover equals a bad boy image equals more women readers? *scratches head* Maybe the thought of seeing such a bad boy tamed by a worthy heroine drew women to the book. *shrugs* As for me, it doesn't matter, one way or the other. Here's a yummy, celibate hero that drew me just fine.

The pacing of the story is fine, as the romance is coupled with suspense and action. Suspense as to the villain, who might also target Laurel in a bid to draw Devlin out, and action as the Paladins fought with the Other. There's also a surprising twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I foresee inte
rspecies coupling.

Another thing I like was how the author avoided the "big misunderstanding" scene. Laurel is an intelligent young woman, being a doctor, and so of course, she wouldn't have misunderstood, although any insecure woman would have doubts upon hearing those words. But if said insecure woman had thought further, considering the situation, then she shouldn't have misunderstood. If she did, then she's a fool and not deserving of Devlin Bane.

Though the author did present a resolution of some sort, she didn't reveal the reason the enemy sought Devlin's death in the first place. It's obvious that the mystery would continue in the next few books. I don't usually mind such series continuity, but what I don't understand is why Devlin ceased to be a target in the next book. What lowered his being seen as a threat? Is it because his story has been told (and is therefore finished)? Or is it because the mystery is merely an author mechanism, and since the next book focuses on another Paladin, then of course, he should be the new target?

Book Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: King of Sword and Sky by C. L. Wilson

Series: Tairen Soul series

Author's Website

Summary:

This book continues from Lady of Light and Shadows. Rain and Ellie have wed, and they now travel to the Fading Lands to keep Ellie safe behind the mists, as someone wanted to do her harm. Ellie learns that the tairen kits are dying, and she has to save them, else, the fey will die with the tairen.

Comments:

I wish I could just say "great book!" and the review would be done. It is in fact a great continuation from Book 2, and I kept turning the page, wishing the story would never end. Happy that there's a 4th book to look forward to, but sad that I'd have to wait a few more months!

Here, Ellie learns more of the fey and their land, and she's met fey who like her and who don't like her. The tairen, however, like her, and even name her, when they wouldn't name Rain's former mate. She also binds a few more men to her, when she wipes away the weight on their souls, the way she did for Bel and Gaelen. She reasons out that this may save them in the coming war, and she continues to save more despite the toll on her and on Rain.

Tairen are possessive creatures, and though Rain knows with his mind the rationale behind Ellie's actions, he can't stand the jealousy as he watches men touch his beloved. Oh yes, Rain finally knows that he loves Ellie (not just because of the true mate bond) and he confesses as much in the previous book. In the course of this book, we see Ellie change from acting on her own to acting as part of a couple later in the book when she decides to consult Rain on an important matter and to abide by his decision.

We also see that the fey learn more about Ellie's history, that she really is fey (not just half fey, or half Eld) but the identity of her parents elude them. I want to see a reunion between Ellie and her parents, and I want to see Rain's (and the other fey's) reactions when they learn just who Ellie's parents are. And I will curse the author and I will feel cheated if her parents died in Eld without Ellie and the fey knowing who her parents are.

The High Mage has also gotten "badder", with more powerful weapons at his disposal. I do wonder how the fey will beat them in the next book. I'll say it again, I'm waiting with impatience for Queen of Song and Souls. I anticipate a great read, based on the last three books.

Book Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: Lady of Light and Shadows by C. L. Wilson

Series: Tairen Soul series

Author's Website

Summary:

The story continues from where Lord of the Fading Lands ended. Ellysetta Baristani continues with her devotions, a necessary Celierian ritual which is the prelude to the actual wedding. Meanwhile, Rain courts the Celierian king and powerful lords to his cause --to maintain the closure of the Eld borders with Celieria, as his gut feel tells him the Eld mean nothing but evil intentions toward the Celierians in the supposed trade agreement they sent the king for negotiations.

Comments:

This book is a powerful continuation to the story started in Lord of the Fading Lands, fleshing out the situation in Celieria and culminating in a strong conclusion at the end. If the two books had been combined into one, I wouldn't have experienced the I-was-cheated feeling when I finished reading Book 1.

Here, the mystery of Ellie's identity and background deepened as she was able to do great feats that even the greatest living trained shei'dalin wasn't able to do. What I like most was that Ellie finally came into her own toward the end, and it was a pleasure to see her transformation into the woman that she had the potential to be.

The author introduced another character--Gaelen vel Serannis, and I like his wicked, playful manner, especially when he teased the young fey who thought he had nothing to offer them, not even battle tactics, all because he had fallen to the dark side. When fey men killed, the souls of the victims will weigh on their own souls and continue to accumulate until such time when darkness consumed them. Then, they have the choice of an honorable death (suicide) or going to the dark side and being exiled from the Fading Lands forever.

Rain was devastated when he learned something repulsive about Ellie (repulsive to him because he's fey), and his reaction was believable, though it brought great sorrow and distress to Ellie. He did make up for it at the end, but I felt he should've groveled more.

Overall, I love the book, which is a magical blend of fantasy, suspense and romance.

Book Rating: 4 stars

REVIEW: Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson

Series: Tairen Soul series

Author Website contains lots of information about the world, the people of the series. Check it out!

Summary:

Desperate to save his land and his people, Rainier vel'En Daris, Lord of the Fading Lands, went to Celieria, even though the place brought him nothing but grief and terrible memories of the slaying of his heart mate and where he, in his madness, almost razed the world with his tairen fire. He never expected to find salvation in the form of Ellysetta Baristani, the woman who called out to his soul, his true mate. But who is Ellysetta Baristani? How could this mortal woman call to him, when a true mate bond--the highest form of bonding--can only occur between unmated immortal feys?

Comments:

I love love love this book. Why? Let me break it down for you.

The world that the author created is fantastic, with rich details and back history on the mortals and immortals who mix and live together in the same world, complete with humans, feys and elves. The story is full of intrigue and politics and jealousy, and we have a truly evil villain that you'll love to hate. You don't see much of him yet in this book, but wait till the next two books.

The fey men are tall and handsome and powerful. Not just powerfully built (their main mode of travel is by running! and they're not even winded after going on for long distances), but excellent warriors (they spend hundreds of years in training) and powerful in terms of the magic they can summon to their hands. The fey women are beautiful and good and full of compassion, the very base of their healing art. The men are intensely protective of their women, and the sole reason they trained so hard is to be judged worthy enough to protect a shei'dalin (fey women who can heal) when she leaves the Fading Lands, like when she's requested to perform healing on people who live in other nations. Many times throughout the book, I wish I were fey. You don't see that kind of men anywhere here, certainly!

Rain...to be honest, I can't imagine a guy named Rain. I look at the cover art and he doesn't look like a Rain, but that's a personal bias. I thought it would be better if his full name--Rainier--were used all throughout instead. Anyway, Rain is a great hero--tortured, loyal, protective. I think he didn't dare accept Ellie at the start, because he didn't want to replace Sariel, his heart mate whom he loved, and I think he couldn't believe he could have a true mate. That's because he's a Tairen Soul and Tairen Souls don't have true mates. Why? If I tell, it would be a spoiler, so I'll leave it to you to discover, though I'm dying to say why.

BEGIN SPOILER

It's because to be true mates, each party must be the equal of the other in every way, and that's all I'm saying.

END SPOILER

Rain does have to exert effort to court Ellie, as per fey custom and win her over so that she would bond with him and thereby complete their true mate bonding. Ellie, however, resists the bond, because she had secrets that she didn't want Rain to know, because she was afraid he would be repulsed by her should he know. The true mate bond would enable your mate's thoughts to be your own, so that it's like talking in your head and knowing all your deepest secrets. But Rain is determined to win Ellie and save his people, and there's nothing more sexy than a guy who's determined to have you (that is, if you want him too).

Ellysetta, on the other hand, is sweet and young and timid, and in this book, quite passive. She is described as having orange hair, which is unusual, and is the object of ridicule by the people she knows (except for her family). The one thing that stands out about her is that she's very kind, and she's scared of what she perceived as something evil that is in her that she tries very hard to keep imprisoned. I find she didn't have much personality, and this is something that bothered me in this book.

The pacing of the book is slow at times, but there are enough exciting parts to make up for it. There's also a running mystery throughout the series as to Ellie's real identity. The presence and wickedness of the villains and their villainous acts make the danger real, and I just can't help but to keep on turning the page to know what happened next or to unravel another small mystery. In view that I've already read the next two books, this is a very well-plotted series, and the way the author hands out the pieces to the readers make for a very engaging and addicting read.

This book is the first in a series of four, which tells the complete story. It is better to read it in sequence: Lord of the Fading Lands, Lady of Light and Shadows, King of Sword and Sky, and Queen of Song and Souls. When I finished Lord of the Fading Lands, I felt slightly cheated, because it was very obvious to me that the story isn't finished. There are a lot of loose threads left hanging. If this were marketed as a fantasy book (and not a romance, which seems to have a maximum word or page count), the four books would be packaged as one into one big tome, like the Kushiel books by Jacqueline Carey, which reached approximately 1,000 page per book (depends on the edition you're holding). Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book enough that I quickly went to get the next two books and am looking forward to the last and fourth installment. A keeper, this book deserves a special place on shelves. I will certainly read this book over and over.

Book Rating: 4 stars