Untouchable (The Emperor's Brides, Book 1)

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Untouchable (Emperor's Brides #1)

by Linda Winstead Jones (Goodreads Author)

3.71 · rating details · 120 ratings · 19 reviews

A cause for celebration: a new series from the author of the Prince trilogy.

For the Emperor of Colymbyana, no bride can compare to Sanura, an exotic slave with the power to see into mens souls. To touch her brings incredible pleasureand certain death. Even for his brother, who loves her ardently. This is their story.

Paperback, 304 pages

Published August 5th 2008 by Berkley

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Aug 25, 2008

Heather rated it

Shelves: queuemyreview

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com

This was my first novel by Linda Winstead Jones, although she is a well-known and well-liked author of many paranormal romance novels including Prince of Fire. Untouchable is also a paranormal romance, although it could almost fall into the Historical Romance category because of all of the tales of Kings, Queens and Emperors, however because it is set in a world other than our own, it’s classified as paranormal.

This is a story about two brot...moreReviewed for queuemyreview.com

This was my first novel by Linda Winstead Jones, although she is a well-known and well-liked author of many paranormal romance novels including Prince of Fire. Untouchable is also a paranormal romance, although it could almost fall into the Historical Romance category because of all of the tales of Kings, Queens and Emperors, however because it is set in a world other than our own, it’s classified as paranormal.

This is a story about two brothers… well, one brother actually, however you have to know both of them to know the story. These brothers are fraternal twins. One of them, the firstborn, is Emperor Jahn of Columbyana. He is in need of a bride. So Emperor Jahn sends out men to different locations around the world to bring him suitable bridal candidates. One of the men he sends is his younger brother (by mere minutes) Prince Alixandyr. Prince Alix goes to get a potential bride- Princess Edlyn- and as he is departing with her, the King gives Alix a gift for the Emperor, a woman named Sanura. She is a woman made to pleasure men and she can see into their souls while she belongs to them, however no one is allowed to touch her unless she is theirs. To ensure this, Sanura is covered in blue powder. If anyone touches her skin, they get stained and the men assigned to protect her will kill anyone on site of they see blue on someone else’s skin other than Sanura.

Sanura must ride with Prince Alix back to the Emperor, and they slowly become more and more enamored of each other. However, Alix has a dark side to him, one that emerges when he least expects it. And when Princess Edlyn turns up dead, Prince Alix is the first one they suspect. When the riding party accuses Alix of the killing, he grabs Sanura, kisses her, throws her on his horse and flees! Now, the two of them have to make it back to Emperor Jahn in time to prove their innocence and Alix refuses to give Sanura up no matter the consequences. Is Prince Alix innocent of what they are accusing him of, or has his dark side taken over his life? Can Sanura love both parts of Alix, the dark and the light?

Untouchable was a forbidden romance story, where two people who shouldn’t be together, loved each other anyway. This book was a bit long at times, and there was a side story about one of the potential brides that I wasn’t sure belonged in this book. I thought Ms. Winstead Jones would end the side story differently as to tie it in to the rest of the book, however that didn’t happen so I wasn’t sure what the purpose was. Overall, I enjoyed the story, and if there were another book, perhaps a story about the Emperor, I would definitely pick it up.

xo
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Aug 01, 2011

Sandy M rated it

Shelves: historical, paranormal

I rather enjoyed this book. Twin brothers, one dark and doing everything in his power to keep that darkness secreted from others, an interesting blue woman who was created only for a man’s pleasure, and everything’s thrown into chaos when the evil machinations of another brings forth that darkness. Well, it’s something different than from most everything I’ve ever read before!

Emperor Jahn has finally given in to his council’s nagging him to marry and beget an heir. He sends men to ...moreI rather enjoyed this book. Twin brothers, one dark and doing everything in his power to keep that darkness secreted from others, an interesting blue woman who was created only for a man’s pleasure, and everything’s thrown into chaos when the evil machinations of another brings forth that darkness. Well, it’s something different than from most everything I’ve ever read before!

Emperor Jahn has finally given in to his council’s nagging him to marry and beget an heir. He sends men to the farthest reaches of the land to bring to him women to choose for his bride. His brother, Prince Alix, is sent to escort the young woman who will give the emperor a much-needed alliance. Things do not go as planned for the prince. Not only does he head home with a bride to be, but also a Agnese woman, Sanura, who has been created and trained to pleasure the men who own her. Death is the penalty for any other man who touches her, and the blue paint she wears on her body is the telltale sign of that offense, all that is needed for her protectors to wield their swords.

During the return journey is when both Alix’s hidden darkness is forced to the fore by a lurking evil. He fails to protect his charge; she’s found murdered, his own dagger the weapon used. Sanura is also implicated and Alix’s dark self, Trystan, emerges to help them flee the death squad his soldiers have become. Though Alix is able to retain control of himself, there’s something about Sanura that moved him before these unfortunate events, he held himself back from her because she’s been given as a gift to his brother, but on the run with her their feelings begin to grow and his darkness once again claims control and is determined to have what has always been just out of his reach his entire life.

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this story. There are a lot of players until the real meat of it all comes along. Once that happens, however, things move at a good little clip. I really liked the times throughout the book when Alix has been quieted by Trystan and we learn all that he covets and what he’s going to do about it. Finally Sanura comes to realize the man she’s fallen in love with may never return, but she eases herself and her love under Trystan’s skin so that a new man eventually evolves.

My only disappointment was that when everyone is home again and all is revealed, including Tyrstan’s plans, I was a little disappointed in Emperor Jahn’s reaction to it all. This is his twin, so I expected much more from him, especially considering the depth of Trystan’s feelings over the years. Other than that, Ms. Winstead Jones has given us an intriguing story that’s so different from a lot of romance we read today. I’m looking forward to Jahn’s story in 22 Nights. After everything the entire cast went through to find him a bride, I’m curious to see who he actually chooses.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

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Feb 23, 2011

Reneblock rated it

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, review, romance

Pros: Hero's struggle against his dark side is fascinating.

Cons: Major plot thread is still completely unaddressed by the end of the book.

Review book courtesy of Penguin Group

Sent to escort a prospective bride to his brother Emperor Jahn, Alix finds his hands full with not only a willful princess, but an unexpected female gift to his brother as well. Sanura, a woman trained in seeing both sexual pleasure and seeing into men's souls, is fascinated by the darkness tha...morePros: Hero's struggle against his dark side is fascinating.

Cons: Major plot thread is still completely unaddressed by the end of the book.

Review book courtesy of Penguin Group

Sent to escort a prospective bride to his brother Emperor Jahn, Alix finds his hands full with not only a willful princess, but an unexpected female gift to his brother as well. Sanura, a woman trained in seeing both sexual pleasure and seeing into men's souls, is fascinated by the darkness that she sees inside of Alix. As disaster strikes and the chaos in Alix threatens to overwhelm him, Sanura must try to stop him from doing something that would break him completely.

This book was a lot of fun to read, because both the hero and heroine had aspects that really fascinate me. Sanura is a woman trained not only to see into men's souls, but also to be able to please them. She can't read their minds, but she can certainly get ideas of their feelings and motivations. Because a certain degree of cynicism exists with that kind of ability, it was fascinating to watch her relationship with Alix. His other side makes it difficult for her to fully read him, and watching her reactions as she tries to understand him help us understand more of what she was trained to do. Also interesting to watch was the shift in Sanura's approach to sex as her feelings for Alix developed. It's not often that I get to see a character in a romance novel consider love in the way that she does, and it was both refreshing and enjoyable.

Alix also fascinated me. I'm somewhat of an amateur psychology buff, and so watching both the way that his darker side works in this book, as well as the way that he has to overcome it, are absolutely fascinating. I can't tell you more without spoiling the book, but I've never seen someone's inner conflict resolved in the way that Alix's was, and I adored it.

The setting and background to this story are full of their own stories, as the setting is a fantasy one. If you're a reader that enjoys lots of lore and background, however, then this might not be an enjoyable book for you. There were several occasions where I wanted more than just a brief explanation of prior events, but that's because I'm a sucker for lore and complex backgrounds. The level of detail was certainly appropriate for a romance novel, though. I just happen to be one of those readers that loves to understand the history of a setting.

The one thing that absolutely drove me up the wall about this book, however, are the major plot threads that are left dangling after the book is done. Assassination attempts are made, along with attempts to possibly discredit the royal family. Yet no one in a position of authority seems to really be concerned about these matters, or even to want to try to get to the bottom of them. I understand that this book is the beginning of a series, and so not everything is going to be solved at the end of this book, but to have no clue about why these things are happening throughout the entire book is somewhat irritating, but to see that no one seems to take much interest is simply maddening.

This book also has a second storyline running through it, centered around another of the Emperor's potential brides. The deeper I got into her story, the more I started to wonder why she didn't merit her own book. I liked her as a character in her own right, but her story isn't a part of Alix and Sanura's at all and just felt out of place because of that. I spent a good portion of the book trying to find a connection between the two stories that turned out to be non-existent, and so I couldn't help feeling like it was filler.

Because I loved Sanura and Alix's characters so much, I wanted to give this book a 4, but the non-related plot and loose ends had me leaning towards a 2.5. I wound up settling at a three, but only because of how much the characters and their dynamics fascinated me. Fantasy fans may be left looking for more, but the book works quite well as a romance.(less)

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Feb 07, 2009

Rhianna rated it

In Jones' Fyne Witches trilogy a pair of twin sons are born to Emperor Sebestyen of Columbyana. Now adults, Emperor Jahn and his moments-younger twin, Prince Alixandyr begin an adventure to find a bride for the Emperor. There is to be a contest, six women of worth from varying lands are to be brought to the palace to be offered the chance to be Empress. Messengers are sent to the far places at the height of the Spring Festival to return with the ladies in time for the Summer Festival where Jahn ...moreIn Jones' Fyne Witches trilogy a pair of twin sons are born to Emperor Sebestyen of Columbyana. Now adults, Emperor Jahn and his moments-younger twin, Prince Alixandyr begin an adventure to find a bride for the Emperor. There is to be a contest, six women of worth from varying lands are to be brought to the palace to be offered the chance to be Empress. Messengers are sent to the far places at the height of the Spring Festival to return with the ladies in time for the Summer Festival where Jahn will choose his bride.

Princess Edlyn of Tryfyn's father is noted to not want his daughter traveling with just anyone so Alix is sent to retrieve her. While at the King of Tryfyn's court the new Queen demands that Alix bring a gift back to the Emperor along with the princess. Painted blue and scantily clad, Sanura is a woman of the Agnese. Gifted with the ability to see into the hearts of those around her she must never be touched by anyone save the man who owns her. One small touch and the blue which covers her skin will mark anyone who dares touch her for death. When Alix hesitates to take the pleasure slave the Queen makes it known she will kill Sanura instead so he takes her with them on their journey.

Through her gift Sanura can see that Alix is a good man, but there is a darkness within him she doesn't understand. His attraction to Sanura goes denied for much of their long journey until his dark side breaks free. When one of their traveling party is murdered and Alix and Sanura are blamed it is his dark side that saves them. But will the darkness ever go away? Can Alix desire and love Sanura without risking his very soul? Can Sanura save Alix from himself?

Fans of Jones' writing will love this first in a new trilogy. It has all the great elements she's come to be known for- epic storytelling, sensuality, strong character development and while she focuses on Sanura and Alix, she still takes time to tell more of the overall story of the trilogy. Tying into her Fyne Witches trilogy and the Children of the Sun trilogy you can enjoy the continued world building. But if you haven't read them, this story can stand alone well enough that you can easily go back and enjoy them later if you like.

My only complaint with this book was how abruptly it ended but due to this being about the Emperor finding a bride too many details of what the future holds for Alix and Sanura would have required giving away the rest of the story. We will just have to wait for 22 Nights (the second book in this trilogy) to find out. I personally can't wait! (less)

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Jun 13, 2009

TDF Pamela (The Discriminating Fangirl) rated it

Shelves: fantasy-romance, fiction

This was a really enjoyable fantasy romance. It takes place within the universe created in a couple of Jones's other series, so I occasionally felt like I was missing some backstory while reading this one, but Jones does a great job of fleshing out the 'verse and the history without degenerating into expository dumps.

The main characters, Prince Alixandyr and Sanura, are both interesting and likable. Alix is much more developed and deep as far as characterization goes; his internal ...more

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Feb 17, 2009

Anna (Genre Reviews) rated it

Shelves: anna

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Feb 24, 2009

BJ Rose rated it

this is the first book in the Emperor's Sons series. This one is about Alixandyr/Tristan, and Sanura, the blue Agnese, or love/sex slave. Untouchable refers to her, as anyone who touches her dies - but that's a stretch, anyone who touches her will be killed by her guards (her blue body paint comes off on whoever touches it). She's meant for the emperor, Alix's brother, but Alix touches her, kidnaps her, fights for her, and basically keeps her.

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Jul 21, 2011

Crystal Davidson rated it

In the romantic genre, it is difficult to come up with a unique story line but I think this novel accomplishes it. Having a character who cannot be TOUCHED, having another character with a split personality - this was an enjoyable read and I recommend it.

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May 13, 2009

Diana rated it

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal, romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 02, 2011

Jenna rated it

Another great from LWJ. It follows the Fyne Witch and Children of the Sun Trilogies or can be read alone. Can't wait to read the next 2.

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Jan 15, 2012

Rachel rated it

Good book! I was disappointed how easily Sanaura gave in to loving Tryston and Alix both. Even though Tryston is apart of Alix, I still felt she should love and want Alix more. The side story with the princess and the sentinel was almost better than the main story. Seems with most her books that the side stories are more entertaining than the main ones. Can't wait to get back to the Emperor's story. Im not too excited that the second book is more about someone other than the 2 main guys. I just ...more

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Nov 12, 2009

Grace added it

I read this one second. I am immersed in this world!

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Jul 31, 2011

Kerry rated it

Good series.

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Nov 02, 2011

Karen Desmond rated it

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Mar 22, 2010

Verodarling Melani rated it

Shelves: favorites

I love all the books in this series and I love Linda Winstead Jones, but I must say this one is my favorite. I don't know, the story is a little bit more passionate and more intriguing and... I've always had a soft spot for bad boys...

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Jan 07, 2011

Carrie rated it

Recommends it for: romance lovers

This is another bodice ripper from Jones. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance. Jones is adept at character and world building and the plot moves along quite well. Overall I enjoyed this book.

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Oct 07, 2008

Pamela(AllHoney) rated it

Shelves: fantasy-paranormal

It wasn't a bad read but because of certain unresolved issues I had to give it 3 stars. I can only assume the author has plans for a 2nd book to finish the story.

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Oct 07, 2008

Kimberly rated it

Shelves: greatseries, historicalromance, paranormalromance

It was interesting, the new characters were cunning, sweet and unexpected.

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Sep 19, 2008

Annette added it

Shelves: the-unable-finish-shelf

May come back to it later just not that into it.

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Feb 09, 2012

Erin Taylor rated it

Shelves: romance

Feb 07, 2012

Juana "Darkness" Duran marked it as to-read

Feb 06, 2012

Jennifer marked it as to-read

Feb 05, 2012

Allison rated it

Shelves: paranormal-magic, fantasy, paranormal-romance

Feb 03, 2012

Ugochi rated it

Feb 04, 2012

Chloe added it

Feb 01, 2012

Ciarra marked it as to-read

Jan 31, 2012

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Jan 31, 2012

Heather marked it as to-read

Jan 30, 2012

Wendy rated it

Jan 29, 2012

Desiree marked it as to-read

Shelves: magic, romance, series-first-books

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Untouchable (Emperor's Brides #1)

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