Tag Archives: Book Review

A Reverse ‘View – #Book #Interviews Backwards

01 Wednesday Jul 2020

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Book reviews are a marvelous thing.  For an author, each one is the Holy Grail; an invaluable treasure we are ever searching to acquire.  Yet, I have found very often after reading a review that I want to know more.  Whether the review is for one of my own books or a tale I want to learn more about, I am always left wondering what else the reader thought.

Limited in most cases to under 300 words, reviewers typically choose and use their lexicon wisely, but how do you adequately summarize a daring adventure, sweeping romance, or beguiling mystery of over 100K words with so few?

Being a creative problem solver, I have thought about this repeatedly, wondering how to free the reviewer of the constraints of social media attention spans and give them the opportunity to pontificate pleasingly and profusely.

Here enters the Reverse ‘View.  Note the apostrophe, please.  It’s placement is intentional. Not only does this title indicate what you are about to see or read is not what you might anticipate, but it denotes, in this case, the omission of the letters INTER.

How often have you read an author interview? Come on now, be honest; how often have you actually read the entire thing?  I confess, I’m as guilty as most, but what if I interviewed YOU?  We do it all the time.  We ask each other what we thought about the movie we saw over the weekend, how the restaurant we went to compared to others; we even ask each other about books we’ve read.

We interview each other.  So why not interview READERS about the books they’ve read?  This is what you want to know…not what the author wants to tell you to make you buy it, but what the reader thought.  Was it good or an epic failure?  Did you read it all in one weekend because you couldn’t put it down? Why? What made it so good?

Now, imagine if YOU could read the reader’s interview and then ask them whatever it is YOU want to know.  It a nifty notion, not? (Ok, I love alliterations, but ‘lest I digress..) Enter the Reverse ‘View.  An interview of a reader.  An interactive interview! Interested? (sorry, it was right there!)

Before I lose you…In the coming weeks (and months, depending on how much YOU like them) I will be posting a series of Reverse ‘Views.  Interviewing readers about books you may or may not have ever heard of… and giving YOU the opportunity to ask them questions too (in the comments, of course!)

I hope you will enjoy them.  I hope you will join them.  And, of course, ultimately, I hope you will read them 🙂

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~Morgan~

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Beautiful photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer and Artist.  Thank You.

The Kalis Experiments- A #Sci-Fi #Fantasy #Steampunk #Mystery Epic #Read!

20 Sunday Oct 2019

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The Kalis Experiments (Tides Book 1) Kindle Edition

by R.A. Fisher

Syrina is a Kalis: a master of disguise, assassin, and spy. Her kind has served the High Merchants’ Syndicate for a thousand generations.

She receives a surprising gift from her master, and she realizes something isn’t right. The High Merchants don’t do anything without a reason.

When things don’t add up in an otherwise normal investigation, she follows the trail to the steam-powered city of Fom. There, she learns of a machine that could end civilization a second time.

Will Syrina stave off disaster, or seek revenge?

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My 5-Star Review:

An absorbing Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Steampunk/ mystery saga that makes me wish for a T.V. Series!

The Kalis Experiments, Book One Tides, has opened a brand-new world of Sci-Fi adventure.  The world building is immaculate, in-depth, and so original I found myself re-reading entire chapters just to fully appreciate all the subtle details and intricacies R.A Fisher has woven into his exceptional tale. The main character is equally unique, well-conceived, and thoughtfully introduced, allowing readers to identify with her despite her alien nature.

Thoroughly enjoyable and written with a likable prose style, I am eager to see where the author takes the story through the rest of the series.

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Biography

Robert Fisher has lived in Hiroshima, Japan with his wife and five-year-old son since 2015, where he occasionally teaches English, writes, and pretends to learn Japanese. Before that he lived in Vancouver, Canada where he worked in the beer industry and mostly just cavorted about, getting into trouble and eating Thai food.

He placed fourth in The Vancouver Courier’s literary contest with his short story The Gift, which appeared in that paper on February 20, 2009. His science fiction novella The God Machine was published by Blue Cubicle Press in 2011 under the name Robert Fisher.

He has been trying to write stories since he was four years old

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~Morgan~

An Exciting #Fantasy World – #5Star #review

23 Tuesday Jul 2019

Posted by in Dark Fey

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I’m honored! Just discovered this #5Star #book #review of #DarkFey The Reviled

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The novel established an exciting fantasy world

July 16, 2019

Verified Purchase

Format: Kindle Edition

I love to read unique texts, and this one certainly is one. The author has a voice and an interesting style of writing, which complimented this metaphysical novel. I enjoy fantasy, especially one that deals with fey or elves, and this one beautifully merges the world of the light and dark fey. I enjoyed the development of the characters, especially the main character Ayla, who won my heart right from the start due to her empathy and genuine willingness to help. I found the character of Gairynzvl most entertaining, as he is the one who keeps being tested throughout the story. There’s a constant tension between the main characters as well as the darkness and light sides, which keeps you turning the pages.

The novel established an exciting fantasy world, and since it’s the first in the series, I look forward to read on.

Review by SacredGeometryBlog

Discover more about Dark Fey

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~Morgan ~

Dark Fey #Review: An Engrossing Entertaining Read

17 Saturday Feb 2018

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THE REVILED: Book One of the Dark Fey Series, by Cynthia A. Morgan, is a five star read. It is a fantasy with some very unique characters and an imaginary world. It reflects real life battles between good and evil. There is love, friendship, determination and loyalty. The story is very engrossing, entertaining and an enjoyable read.

Book review by International Writers Inspiring Change

via Book review: THE REVILED: Book One of the Dark Fey Series, by Cynthia A. Morgan

A wonderful review of my first book, The Reviled

The Phoenix Project #BookReview

05 Monday Feb 2018

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A thought provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice…

A man fights for life—and redemption—in D. M. Cain’s riveting new novel, The Phoenix Project.

Britain has descended into chaos as violence and terrorist attacks seethe across this once-peaceful country. Outraged by the steady stream of lawlessness, citizens demand a harsher penal system, and the Phoenix Project is born.

In prisons across the country, inmates fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.

Raven Kennedy, a prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages on within himself, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?

***

After reading the book’s cover description, I was already intrigued to learn more, not only about the history of this futuristic society where brutality has become the norm, much as it had been in Roman times, but also by the main character, Raven. It did not take long to connect with his tortured soul as he was beautifully and lovingly developed; his pain and the trials he faces to survive, outwardly and inwardly, are poignant and marvelously developed in a story that delves far beyond the gladiator theme I originally envisioned.

Aptly named, The Phoenix Project tells a stirring, vivid tale of a self-destructive soul who eventually discovers Hope and Renewal through the inspirations and insights provided by those he meets on his journey. Entertaining, yet thoroughly provocative, Raven’s story captured my imagination and, very quickly, my heart.  I unreservedly gave this book 5-Stars.

D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for US publisher Booktrope. She has released two full length novels: The Phoenix Project – a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future, and A Chronicle of Chaos – the first in a dark fantasy series. She is currently working on the next novel in the series, ‘The Shield of Soren’, and a novella to accompany it.  You can read more about her via her Amazon Author Page here:  http://www.amazon.com/D.M.-Cain/e/B00LTTX3PA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

And you can grab your copy of The Phoenix Project Here: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-D-M-Cain-ebook/dp/B0195A6AYK

I hope you enjoyed this review, the first of more to come 🙂 After all, we cannot grow if we do not make the attempt, right?

~Morgan~

#DarkFey The Reviled #5Star #BookReview and #FREE offer

20 Friday Oct 2017

Posted by in Dark Fey, Friday FeyDay / Fantasy

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Dark Fey The Reviled recently received this wonderful 5-Star Review from a UK Reader And I am so Thankful 🙂  It’s always more delightful than even I, with my gift of words, can often describe, to read how much people enjoy this story.  
 
“The Reviled is a beautifully written tale wrought with magic, intrigue, and danger. Cynthia A. Morgan adopts a wonderfully descriptive tone leaving lasting impressions of all she describes. She creates an imaginative world complete with lore, beautiful scenes, and interesting characters all enhanced by a well-developed plot. As the first book in a trilogy it also serves to set a scene for the next book, which promises to be every bit as gripping as this one!”
 
You can read the full review here  
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Dark Fey The Reviled is also currently FREE!!!   
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Some additional reviews:
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You can discover more about Dark Fey at its official website All Things (Dark) Fey
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~Morgan~

Hunter Hunted by Richard Ankers – #BookReview

08 Thursday Jun 2017

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As soon as Jean stands in the sun’s ruby light, a world of darkness draws him and Princess Linka in. The Nordic royalty – albino Eternals of myth – transport their guests deep beneath the Arctic ice to the legendary city of Hvit.

Their mother, Queen Serena, offers the pair sanctuary, but all is not right. Betrayed by the royal family and almost drowned in an orca hunt, Jean must leave Linka behind. His mood is darker than ever and the world will feel his fury. Renewing old acquaintances, Jean must solve the mystery of who manipulates him and the deepening saga of his parents’ deaths. Now, Jean fights for more than just himself; he fights for love.

Once again, aided and abetted by the increasingly manic Merryweather, and the mysterious beauty that is Princess Aurora, Jean seeks retribution. Both hunter and hunted, trapped between wolves of land and sea, all directions point north. Jean must return to Hvit, the cloying, lavender stench of death, and the never-ending quest for blood.

*******

Having thoroughly enjoyed my initial foray into author Richard Ankers unique vision of a futuristic vampire tale brimming with gothic imagery, steampunk ingenuity, and engaging, well-developed characters; I was eager to immerse myself yet again into the shifting landscapes of Earths far distant future.  Told in first-person voice by the lead character who is neither grotesque vampire nor human, Eternal Lord Jean relates his tale through a seductive combination of cynical mirth and revealing honesty.

In this second installment of the distinctive trilogy that seamlessly pairs a vampire tale with dystopian, sci-fi and steampunk elements, Jean finds himself in the legendary city of Hvit, home to the incomparable Nordic Royalty: Albino Eternals who live amid the wastes of the Arctic in a close-knit community and unexpected brutality.  Jean quickly discovers how valuable any alliance with the Nordics can be, particularly the newly introduced, mysterious Nordic Princess Aurora.

For me, the graceful, immensely powerful, often stoic Nordics ‘stole the show’.  I found myself repeatedly reading the passages that described their super-human (and even super-vampiric) capabilities; their enigmatic home deep in the ice of the Arctic plain, and their shocking hunting prowess.  Nordic Prince Grella became an immediate favourite, as his brooding personality and unpredictability left me eager to know more about him.

Jean’s quest to understand the truth about those who try to manipulate him, as well as the truth of his own life, leads him full circle, which is as metaphorically ingenious as it is compelling reading.  I highly recommend delving into this little-know gem of a tale!

Bravo, Richard!  Again!

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Learn more about book one of the series in my review of The Eternals

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Find the two-book series on Amazon

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~Morgan~

 

Online Book Club Official #Review

05 Sunday Feb 2017

Posted by in Dark Fey

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I just happened upon this 4 out of 4 Stars official Online Book Club review of Dark Fey The Reviled (Oh I Needed this today!)  OnlineBookClub.org is a free site for readers that has been around for over 10 years, before smartphones even!  They have a professional review team, so garnering any sort of review from them is wonderful.  Earning the coveted 4 out of 4 is enough to send my already Off-my-trolly happiness into the realms of chuffed-beyond-intelligible-expression!
 
“Of all the characters in this novel… my favorite is Gairynzvl. He has so many layers of emotion and strength so that I was overwhelmed…… The story was pieced together well so that the reader struggles to put it down…I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to readers.”
 
Thank You Madison Degraffenreid, I cannot tell you how Delighted I am you enjoyed Dark Fey The Reviled and I am honoured by your review.
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~Morgan~

The Du Lac Devil #BookReview

30 Monday Jan 2017

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The Du Lac Devil: Book 2 of The Du Lac Chronicles

By Mary Yarde

War is coming to Saxon Briton.

As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.

Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.

Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.

Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war?

*******

Having only recently finished the first book of this series, which I enjoyed thoroughly; I was delighted to have the opportunity to voraciously dive right into the second.  I was not disappointed. Not only has Mary Yarde meticulously researched the history of the 6th century in which the story takes place, allowing readers to experience how different life truly was so long ago, but she draws the reader deep into the mystery and intrigues of the plot.  She spins a web of romance, lust, violence, and the darkness of self-loathing.

Merton emerges as the dark anti-hero in this part of Yarde’s epic saga, and readers are hard pressed to not like him, in spite of so many things that might make him unlikeable.  I found myself aching because of his sorrows, yearning with him for something more, and hoping with him when love reaches out to touch him. The characters of Yarde’s tale are complex and bound together through dichotic and intense associations that twist the moment you think understand them!

Although there is enough backstory to make this a standalone, you would be cheating yourself if you did not start with the first books of the series.  Highly recommended and absolutely enjoyed, this reader is anxiously awaiting book three!

Undeniably 5 Stars!

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~Morgan~

Emilia: The Darkest Days – #BookReview

14 Saturday Jan 2017

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Emilia: The darkest days in history of Nazi Germany through a woman’s eyes

by Ellie Midwood

This story is dedicated to all the victims of sexual slavery in German concentration camps, who had to endure inhumane suffering under the Nazi regime.

For many years after the atrocities had been committed, both sides – the abusers and the abused – still vehemently denied certain aspects of the Holocaust, and even the victims refused to admit the ugly truth about their incarceration, some out of fear, some out of shame, until several women decided to break an unofficial oath of silence, and brought their stories to life. This book is based on one of those stories.

Emilia is a young Jewish woman, whose life slowly turns into a nightmare as she finds herself facing a dreadful choice: to secure her family’s very existence by offering herself to one of the men who had put her behind the walls with barbed wire, or perish together with the least fortunate ones. Only, the Krakow ghetto and her very first abuser pale in comparison to what is yet to come, as she’s being sent to a place that soon will turn into her own personal hell and that will scar her for life…

*******

‘Emilia’ tells the darkest tale honestly, drawing the reader into this fictional young woman’s harrowing life as subtly and surprisingly as Emilia herself was drawn, yet it shows so accurately what happened to countless victims.  You cannot help connecting with Emilia as you turn page after page, reliving her nightmare told with startling candor.

This is an inspiring tale of courage, yet the horrors of war fill every page.  Ellie Midwood successfully conveys this young woman’s tale of rape and abuse through poignantly compelling, as well as frighteningly sadistic, characters; transporting the reader into the heart of a young woman desperately trying to survive.

Not for the faint of heart, Emilia’s story shares more than just the dreadfulness of her darkest days; it goes beyond them into her determination to recover and find renewal, emphasizing the strength of Positive Resolve and Power of Hope that all survivors understand.

5 Stars Without a Doubt!

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~Morgan~

A Beautiful Gem – #5Star #BookReview

19 Monday Dec 2016

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Dark Fey The Reviled just earned this Amazingly Enthusiastic Review 🙂  I cannot describe how delighted I am and how honoured to be compared to such a skilled author as Cassandra Clare!

PLUS the Award Winning 5Star Fantasy Dark Fey The Reviled is now only 99Cents  Just in time for the Holidays!

With over 50 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars, you can’t lose! Honestly, have I ever steered you wrong? 🙂

~Morgan~

 

Heavensgate: Joy – #BookReview

01 Thursday Dec 2016

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Heavensgate Joy  by Leo Kane

Death is obsessed with her.
Angels adore her.
Evil desires her.

Joy, the unloved child of the local virgin miraculously resurrects years after drowning in the North Sea. Everyone craves her company, but no-one remembers her for more than a fleeting moment.

Stalked by Death, Joy becomes trapped in Heavensgate, where she falls victim to the demonic supernatural, Jake. She is willing to sacrifice her immortal soul for his love. He wants to defile and destroy her.

Can she escape Heavensgate, or will the Beast steal Joy from the Mortal Realm?

*******

A Tumultuous tale about tortured souls.

I shall begin by saying that this is definitely not a standalone:  If you haven’t read Heavensgate Hope and think you can jump into the story in this second book, your thoughts will end up more twisted than the main characters.  Yet having stated that, I will also say that Leo Kane has written a masterful sequel to her initial story, filling page after riveting page with confusion, disarray, and enough steam to power a locomotive from the character you love to hate and hate to love: Jake.

As the story delves deeper into the incursions and capitulations of the main character, Jacob, and draws in the new, haunting character of Joy, you are lead down an increasingly twisted avenue into the darkness, connecting you in an extremely powerful way to the tortured soul(s) about which Leo write.  You begin to THINK you understand; then the carpet is pulled out from beneath you, leaving you re-reading frantically trying to figure out just what you missed.  But the truth is, you didn’t miss anything and that is the Brilliance of the author’s writing which allows you to experience the inescapable chaos of the main character(s).\

I found myself emotionally and mentally drained after reading this second installment, yet thirsty for more!  Bring on Book Three, Leo…I’m ready….I think!

 

Read more about Leo Kane’s character in the recent Character Interaction she did with Booknvolume

Find Heavensgate Joy here 

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~Morgan~

In The Wake of Death – #BookReview

16 Wednesday Nov 2016

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In The Wake Of Death  by Billy McLaughlin

“This book does have a fantastically unexpected twist that left me breathless!” – Emma Mitchell, The Little Book Worm. 

Sometimes waking up is only the beginning…

He was left for dead on the side of the road. Now Marc Adams is awake and he can barely remember anything about his life before. All he knows is that his meddling sister has returned to his life, whilst his partner Joel is gone.

Marc is convinced that something has happened to Joel. Why won’t anybody believe him?
As he is pulled further into the pit of his subconscious, Marc begins to remember exactly what happened on the night of his accident.

Soon, he’ll be wishing he hadn’t woken up at all. Continue reading →

Heavensgate – Hope by Leo Kane – #BookReview

03 Thursday Nov 2016

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Heavensgate: Hope  by Leo Kane

When Jacob is a child, a mysterious girl comforts him at the funeral of the family he accidentally killed.

Years later, grieving for his lost wife and son, Jacob is at Heavensgate. He strongly believes that the dead should stay dead, but sees things other people don’t see.

Even worse, Jacob is besieged by his alter ego: the taunting, foul-mouthed, sex-crazed and dangerous Jake. A personality with a twisted sense of fun and no conscience.

Jacob battles for his sanity and soul, surrounded by supernatural enemies and allies, as he struggles to free the Keeper of the Forbidden Book and ignore the menacing pink Cadillac that drives by his lakeside lodge every night.

Wherever Jacob goes, people die, and the cops are moving in when a terrifying and seductive presence arrives on the frozen lake.

Now, Jacob will discover that even hope has a dark side.

*******

I began reading this book with an advantage.  I had recently hosted a Character Interaction between Jacob and Jake on my blog, so I had some idea what to expect; however, as the story began to unfold, its complexities and multi-faceted layers wove a web of intrigue in my mind I could not ignore.  In fact, I could barely put the book down (though I had to) and I found myself more and more curious about the main character…or main characters, perhaps.

The authors approach is both mesmerizing and, like any hypnotist worth his/her salt, equally confusing.  Many times I had to stop and re-read, searching for the meaning behind the meaning; seeking truth where there, perhaps, wasn’t any to find.  I felt the turmoil of the characters and was drawn into their psychosis with frightening clarity.

Hope is a tale not only of Hope, but of trauma and darkness and the slippery slopes of the human psyche.  It kept me thoroughly beguiled and Im looking forward to book two of the series.

5 Stars!

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You can read more about the characters of Heavensgate through a recent Character Interaction I hosted between Jacob and Jake. 

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~Morgan~

Du Lac Chronicles Book 1 – #Book Review

20 Thursday Oct 2016

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du Lac Chronicles

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Du Lac Chronicles Book 1
By Mary Anne Yarde

“An evocative, timeless saga of love and betrayal” Tony Riches, author of The Tudor Trilogy.

“It is dangerous to become attached to a du Lac. He will break your heart, and you will not recover.” So prophesies a wizened healer to Annis, daughter of King Cerdic of Wessex. If there is truth in the old crone’s words, they come far too late for Annis, who defies father, king, and country to save the man she loves.

Alden du Lac, once king of Cerniw, has nothing. Betrayed by Cerdic, Alden’s kingdom lies in rubble, his fort razed to the ground and his brother Merton missing, presumably dead. He has only one possession left worth saving: his heart. And to the horror of his few remaining allies, he gives that to the daughter of his enemy. They see Annis, at best, as a bargaining chip to avoid war with her powerful father. At worst, they see a Saxon witch with her claws in a broken, wounded king.

Alden has one hope: When you war with one du Lac, you war with them all. His brother Budic, King of Brittany, could offer the deposed young king sanctuary—but whether he will offer the same courtesy to Annis is far less certain.

The Du Lac Chronicles from Mary Anne Yarde is a new story based on Arthurian Legend and the great historical/fantasy fiction tradition of Bernard Cornwall, C.M.Grey and Kim Headlee.

The Du Lac Chronicles has a recommend reading age of 15+

 

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Historical Fiction that reads as lush and lyrical as Fantasy and as Sweet as Romance, I fell in love with this story before finishing chapter one!  The time period appeals to me as a reader of historical fiction, but the characters came alive, sharing their stories with me and vying for my attention with each turn of the page.  The details were delicious; I could see, taste, feel, hear and yes, even Smell the world I had tumbled into and I felt more like I was on a holiday in a far distant land than simply reading.

Definitely a series to follow and a story I could see easily adapted to tele or movie, I am now invested in the saga and look forward to reading the sequel!

5 Stars Ms. Yarde 🙂

***Discover more about Mary Anne Yarde  

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~Morgan~

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