38th out of 141 books
—
143 voters
The Rose of Shanhasson (Blood and Shadows #1)
by
Joely Sue Burkhart (Goodreads Author)
Shannari is destined to unite the Green Lands.All she has to do is survive a battle with a barbarian, marry the barbarian, escape the very sexy barbarian and his elite warrior band, kill her former fiance,and make it home in one piece. The men in Shannari's life don't take no for an answer easily, and she's definitely worth fighting for. She doesn't believe in love with go...more
Kindle Edition, 252 pages
Published
(first published March 9th 2008)
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The Rose of Shanhasson by Joely Sue Burkhart
Paranormal Romance – November 1st, 2009
4 1/2 stars
The Rose of Shanhasson enthralled me with its lush imagery and vivid characters. I felt as if I had been swept away into a world that blended the richness of the Medieval Era combined with stunning fantasy and magic. Since this is smaller publisher I hope that this romance will enjoy the wide readership it deserves.
Shannari’s destiny is a hard one. The prophecy foretells that she will wear the Rose Cro...more
Paranormal Romance – November 1st, 2009
4 1/2 stars
The Rose of Shanhasson enthralled me with its lush imagery and vivid characters. I felt as if I had been swept away into a world that blended the richness of the Medieval Era combined with stunning fantasy and magic. Since this is smaller publisher I hope that this romance will enjoy the wide readership it deserves.
Shannari’s destiny is a hard one. The prophecy foretells that she will wear the Rose Cro...more
3.5 stars?
Not sure how to rate this. The world building was a little confusing at times, but in an epic, "where the hell is this story going?" sort of way that kept me reading. I enjoyed the characters, but the pacing was so fast there really wasn't much space to get to know them very well -- one benefit of this being a series is that, hopefully, the character building will be expanded in the next book.
This actually reminded me of an old-school, epic fantasy/romance in a lot of ways -- the emot...more
Not sure how to rate this. The world building was a little confusing at times, but in an epic, "where the hell is this story going?" sort of way that kept me reading. I enjoyed the characters, but the pacing was so fast there really wasn't much space to get to know them very well -- one benefit of this being a series is that, hopefully, the character building will be expanded in the next book.
This actually reminded me of an old-school, epic fantasy/romance in a lot of ways -- the emot...more
The Rose of Shanhasson by Joely Sue Burkhart
I am feeling pretty conflicted about this story. There were some things that I loved about it...cool paranormal stuff going on, beautiful and well-written imagery of this fantasy world, and two sexy heroes. There were also some things I didn't love...too much detail about the political conflict, the blood sucking/biting thing was a little off-putting to me and reminiscent of a vampire story (but it's not a vampire story), and I found the heroine's repe...more
I am feeling pretty conflicted about this story. There were some things that I loved about it...cool paranormal stuff going on, beautiful and well-written imagery of this fantasy world, and two sexy heroes. There were also some things I didn't love...too much detail about the political conflict, the blood sucking/biting thing was a little off-putting to me and reminiscent of a vampire story (but it's not a vampire story), and I found the heroine's repe...more
I received this book from the author and I'm totally biased cuz Joely is one of the nicest people I know and I totally adore her work. You have been warned!
I haven't read a romantic fantasy book as good as this one for a long time. It has everything I love about this genre and even a bit more. I always like it when the fantasy is something special. I don't want to read about orks and elves any longer. I have so had enough of those.
I appreciate it when the author creates something new and creat...more
I haven't read a romantic fantasy book as good as this one for a long time. It has everything I love about this genre and even a bit more. I always like it when the fantasy is something special. I don't want to read about orks and elves any longer. I have so had enough of those.
I appreciate it when the author creates something new and creat...more
As a fan of the fantasy genre, I have lamented the lack of romance and strongly drawn female characters. The late Robert Jordan, George RR Martin, Brandon Sanderson, et al, are some of my favorite authors, but they just cannot create a compelling romance or write a decent sex scene! In her Shanhasson novels, Ms. Burkhart gives homage to the great fantasy authors that I have mentioned above (and I see a bit of Diana Gabaldon, as well), and her fantasy world-building contains the romance elements,...more
When Joely Sue Burkhart asked if anyone was interested in reading and reviewing the Rose of Shanhasson I raised my hand immediately, I liked the blurb but I forgot this tiny little thing… out of all genres, fantasy is my least favorite one. And although this story is labeled as a fantasy romance (and I heart romance), I avoid this genre as much as possible. I dread the extensive world-building and lengthy descriptions of everything and nothing that slows down the pace of the story. It is just no...more
I worship Ms. Burkhart. She is an amazing writer. Each time I read one of her books, I think, why didn't I read this book earlier? I am so glad I purchased this book and enjoyed it thoroughly. Shannari is a literally a warrior princess. I love this strong yet prim and proper lead female character. What I enjoy about Ms. Burkhart's writing style is that she doesn't explain her world or tell me how it works. She reveals the world like a rose opening from a bud into full bloom.
Something that reall...more
Something that reall...more
At first I had trouble getting into the story, but as I progress in reading I was immersed in a world of wars, intrigues and adventures that I did not want to leave it. Shannari is a stubborn character but loyal to her principles, a true warrior who fights for the good of her people. I really love the relationship between she and Rhaekhar, he is a sweetheart! And as always, Ms. Joely has a pen full of wonderfully descriptive and sensuality. A great start to the trilogy.
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“Love; the greatest Gift of all and the greatest Sacrifice.”
If you haven’t heard that before, you’ve obviously never read “The Rose of Shanhasson”, the first book of Bloods and Shadows, by Joely Sue Burkhart.
In which case? You’re missing out and I’ll tell you why.
Joely Sue Burkhart weaves a perfect blend of romance and fantasy. Her poetic prose sucks you in and refuses to let you go as we learn all about this delightfully heart wrenching love story about Bonds, Honor, Duty and above all else, Lo...more
If you haven’t heard that before, you’ve obviously never read “The Rose of Shanhasson”, the first book of Bloods and Shadows, by Joely Sue Burkhart.
In which case? You’re missing out and I’ll tell you why.
Joely Sue Burkhart weaves a perfect blend of romance and fantasy. Her poetic prose sucks you in and refuses to let you go as we learn all about this delightfully heart wrenching love story about Bonds, Honor, Duty and above all else, Lo...more
Bit curious as to how her loving two Barbarians will work out seeing her husband is the King of the clan (or "Khul")! Her struggle to accept Khul's love for her gets a bit tedious nearer the end and it would have been better if he HAD been prone to the green eyed demon. Read it in one sitting and enjoyed it! I was very aware it was part of a triolgy though which was a little off putting.
I must admit this isn't the first time I've read this book. Before it was released in paperback, I read the electronic version. And I must say the second time through was just as pleasurable as the first. Maybe more so.
I love these characters and I love the world Burkhart has created for them. As a romance, this book delivers a unique and powerful depiction of love, honor and sacrifice. It's bold and adventuresome, pushing against traditional RWA boundaries (you know, where there must be only o...more
I love these characters and I love the world Burkhart has created for them. As a romance, this book delivers a unique and powerful depiction of love, honor and sacrifice. It's bold and adventuresome, pushing against traditional RWA boundaries (you know, where there must be only o...more
The Rose of Shanhasson is an epic story that swept me into a land of sword-weilding princess,barbarian warriors and magic bonds. However it's not for the weak stomached as there is alot of decribed pain and blood. All around a well wrote story that leaves me wanting more and just my luck this is the first of the series:)
May 24, 2013
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Author for Samhain Publishing and Carina Press.
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Sep 10, 2010 03:18am