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The Fade #1
Slumber
Molded by a tragic childhood, nineteen-year-old Rogan finds it extremely difficult to trust people. Now Haydyn, her best friend and the one person she does trust, is dying and only Rogan can save her.
Setting off on a journey to retrieve the plant that will cure Haydyn and subsequently the ills that will befall them all if she dies, Rogan is stuck in close quarters with a protector she distrusts above all others.
Wolfe Stovia.
The son of the man who destroyed Rogan’s family.
At a constant battle of wills with the handsome Captain of the Guard, Rogan just knows this adventure together will be fraught with tension. She never imagined, however, that the quest would be so dangerous… not least of all when she finds herself falling for a man she could have sworn was her no.1 enemy…
Setting off on a journey to retrieve the plant that will cure Haydyn and subsequently the ills that will befall them all if she dies, Rogan is stuck in close quarters with a protector she distrusts above all others.
Wolfe Stovia.
The son of the man who destroyed Rogan’s family.
At a constant battle of wills with the handsome Captain of the Guard, Rogan just knows this adventure together will be fraught with tension. She never imagined, however, that the quest would be so dangerous… not least of all when she finds herself falling for a man she could have sworn was her no.1 enemy…
372 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2011
About the author
Samantha Young
125 books25.3k followersSamantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She's been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.
She resides in Scotland.
She resides in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 571 reviews
August 31, 2021
Second re-read: 31.08.2021
In the new edition, Fear of Fire and Shadow, Rogan is 21 instead of 19. Haydyn is 19 instead of 17. And Wolfe 25 instead of 21. I don't remember what else is changed from the old to the new. What I do know is that it is more NA in the way that it had a little described sex scene (I didn't remember it was that described so perhaps that is changed as well), but it's also a bit mature YA with the way Rogan is acting. That said, I still enjoy this book, I do, but there is a bunch of things that bother me like the constant back and forth with Rogan's treatment of Wolfe. She was judgy, immature at times and childish, however she did grow a bit. Then there was the enemies to lovers transition that didn't feel so smooth. It didn't quite fit, like it was missing a part in a way that made it feel shallow.
Overall, I still like it but I feel like there's a huge potential for it to be much better. It has tons of things happening, bickering, surprises, a hot love interest and friendships, but what it is missing is more Wolfe - like see him more in action, more alpha male and so forth, and that transition. The story as a whole feels unfinished and I hope that the author decides to write a sequel; giving the characters more growth and depth, but more importantly making story feel less shallow in a way. I don't know how to described it. I'll shut up now. Conclusion; I still like it, I just want more from it. I don't regret re-reading it again.
New rating: 3.5/3 stars.
Re-read: 02.08.2019
I took quite a risk deciding to re-read this one... I was afraid to read it as it's YA, and me and YA does not get along anymore, but I wanted to see if I could still enjoy it as I remember it's quite a mature YA, border lining on NA. Also there's the risk of me not liking it at all considering my re-reads this year has not gone well. But after a re-read On Dublin Street and ended up still enjoying it quite much, I know I was willing to that this risk and I'm glad I did. I enjoy it a lot, I didn't want to quit reading it until I had finish it all. I didn't once skim (HALLELUJAH!) and the story is interesting and a bit different than the normal YA/NA. Though the concept can be a bit confusing with the different naming of things and people, but it's sometime I can live with.
The book centers around Rogan ‘The Handmaiden of Phaedra’ (19), an Azyl and Vikomt Wolfe Stovia (21), one of the youngest Captains in the history of the Guard. When her best friend falls ill to the Somna; the rarest of illnesses in Phaedra, the Somna, more colloquially known as the Sleeping Disease. Only way to save her is the rare leaves of the Somna Plant, the only cure to the Sleeping Disease. A plant that was said to be extinct now. As an Azyl, Rogan is the only one who can save her, and she will do everything to make that happen. On her journey to save the princess, her becomes wide open to how to world is outside of the castle wall. With her protector, Wolfe and his men, Rogan's life gets changed forever. Too bad she can't trust her guard as they are enemies, but as Rogan finally starts to see Wolfe, she realizes that not everything is as it seems.
Overall, I'm really glad I decided to re-read this book. I enjoy Samantha Young 's writing and stories. Some of them just calls to me, like this one. Though Rogan sometimes get on my nerves, it is understandable as to why she is as she is and act as she does, so no one can really blame her. However, since she's in war with herself when it comes to her feelings, the ending feels a bit shortcutted, which makes me desperately want a sequel with Rogan and Wolfe. The author is quite good at writing great male characters and I want more of Wolfe. So, so much more. The female characters are easy to relate to, on a more deep level than usual and many of her characters goes through - or has gone through - some really tough things that makes them stronger and a bit colder than others. I definitely recommend this book.
Other Characters:
The list is a bit long, so I put it in a spoilers tag.
Index of Terms:
→ The Rada – The Council
→ The Dravilec – Healers
→ The Glava – Psychics
→ The Azyl – Seekers
→ The Dyzvati – Evokers
Terms of Royalty and Nobility:
→ Kral – King
→ Kralovna – Queen
→ Prince – Prince
→ Princezna – Princess
→ Vojvoda – Duke
→ Vojvodkyna – Duchess
→ Markiz – Marquess
→ Markiza – Marchioness
→ Grof – Earl
→ Grofka – Countess
→ Vikomt – Viscount
→ Vikomtesa – Vicountess
→ Baron – Baron
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Mature YA/NA) Somewhat Fantasy Romance.
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Wolfe Stovia. Are you really surprised?
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yup.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Definitely.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
First read review:
Woah, Samantha Young never seem to disappoint us! Man, here she goes and bring us yet another fantastic book!! Though, my favorite will always be 'Moon Spell', nothing can compete with that one.. But I still love 'Slumber', and I'm really hoping for a book two with my baby Wolfe! :D
In the new edition, Fear of Fire and Shadow, Rogan is 21 instead of 19. Haydyn is 19 instead of 17. And Wolfe 25 instead of 21. I don't remember what else is changed from the old to the new. What I do know is that it is more NA in the way that it had a little described sex scene (I didn't remember it was that described so perhaps that is changed as well), but it's also a bit mature YA with the way Rogan is acting. That said, I still enjoy this book, I do, but there is a bunch of things that bother me like the constant back and forth with Rogan's treatment of Wolfe. She was judgy, immature at times and childish, however she did grow a bit. Then there was the enemies to lovers transition that didn't feel so smooth. It didn't quite fit, like it was missing a part in a way that made it feel shallow.
Overall, I still like it but I feel like there's a huge potential for it to be much better. It has tons of things happening, bickering, surprises, a hot love interest and friendships, but what it is missing is more Wolfe - like see him more in action, more alpha male and so forth, and that transition. The story as a whole feels unfinished and I hope that the author decides to write a sequel; giving the characters more growth and depth, but more importantly making story feel less shallow in a way. I don't know how to described it. I'll shut up now. Conclusion; I still like it, I just want more from it. I don't regret re-reading it again.
New rating: 3.5/3 stars.
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Wolfe Is Hot*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 02.08.2019
I took quite a risk deciding to re-read this one... I was afraid to read it as it's YA, and me and YA does not get along anymore, but I wanted to see if I could still enjoy it as I remember it's quite a mature YA, border lining on NA. Also there's the risk of me not liking it at all considering my re-reads this year has not gone well. But after a re-read On Dublin Street and ended up still enjoying it quite much, I know I was willing to that this risk and I'm glad I did. I enjoy it a lot, I didn't want to quit reading it until I had finish it all. I didn't once skim (HALLELUJAH!) and the story is interesting and a bit different than the normal YA/NA. Though the concept can be a bit confusing with the different naming of things and people, but it's sometime I can live with.
The book centers around Rogan ‘The Handmaiden of Phaedra’ (19), an Azyl and Vikomt Wolfe Stovia (21), one of the youngest Captains in the history of the Guard. When her best friend falls ill to the Somna; the rarest of illnesses in Phaedra, the Somna, more colloquially known as the Sleeping Disease. Only way to save her is the rare leaves of the Somna Plant, the only cure to the Sleeping Disease. A plant that was said to be extinct now. As an Azyl, Rogan is the only one who can save her, and she will do everything to make that happen. On her journey to save the princess, her becomes wide open to how to world is outside of the castle wall. With her protector, Wolfe and his men, Rogan's life gets changed forever. Too bad she can't trust her guard as they are enemies, but as Rogan finally starts to see Wolfe, she realizes that not everything is as it seems.
Overall, I'm really glad I decided to re-read this book. I enjoy Samantha Young 's writing and stories. Some of them just calls to me, like this one. Though Rogan sometimes get on my nerves, it is understandable as to why she is as she is and act as she does, so no one can really blame her. However, since she's in war with herself when it comes to her feelings, the ending feels a bit shortcutted, which makes me desperately want a sequel with Rogan and Wolfe. The author is quite good at writing great male characters and I want more of Wolfe. So, so much more. The female characters are easy to relate to, on a more deep level than usual and many of her characters goes through - or has gone through - some really tough things that makes them stronger and a bit colder than others. I definitely recommend this book.
Other Characters:
The list is a bit long, so I put it in a spoilers tag.
Index of Terms:
→ The Rada – The Council
→ The Dravilec – Healers
→ The Glava – Psychics
→ The Azyl – Seekers
→ The Dyzvati – Evokers
Terms of Royalty and Nobility:
→ Kral – King
→ Kralovna – Queen
→ Prince – Prince
→ Princezna – Princess
→ Vojvoda – Duke
→ Vojvodkyna – Duchess
→ Markiz – Marquess
→ Markiza – Marchioness
→ Grof – Earl
→ Grofka – Countess
→ Vikomt – Viscount
→ Vikomtesa – Vicountess
→ Baron – Baron
“If there be one thing these here mountains learn us, Rogan, it be life is often harsh… and always temporary. Don’t run from love because ye lost so much o’ it as a child. Instead… love while ye can.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Mature YA/NA) Somewhat Fantasy Romance.
Series: - Standalone.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Wolfe Stovia. Are you really surprised?
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yup.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Definitely.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably.
New Rating - 3.5/4 stars.
First read review:
Might there come a time
When we stand over a grave
And mourn ourselves?
Mourn the past, a previous life?
Shall we weep for the passing of time?
Shall we grieve for unfulfilled dreams?
In my naivety; in my belief
In immortal youth,
I sleep walk through life.
Someone… wake me up.
Please.
Wake me up.
Woah, Samantha Young never seem to disappoint us! Man, here she goes and bring us yet another fantastic book!! Though, my favorite will always be 'Moon Spell', nothing can compete with that one.. But I still love 'Slumber', and I'm really hoping for a book two with my baby Wolfe! :D
April 23, 2015
4.5 stars
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Slumber by Samantha Young has one of the best first lines I’ve ever read:
“When I was a child the world smelled of summer.”
It’s nostalgic. It’s foreboding. If the world still smelled of summer, of bright things, of happy things, there would be no need to remember what life was like when you were young . . .
Rogan comes from a magical people much like the Fae. They removed themselves from the human world millennia ago after creating a new world—Phaedra. Among her people are the Dyzvati who fill those around them with peace while draining all negative emotions. There are the Glava who have myriad magical gifts, including, but not limited to power over the elements, foretelling and intuition, and telekinesis. Then there are the Azyl who, like Rogan, can be asked to find a thing, anything in the world, and their magic will lead them to it.
Over time magic has begun die out, until only the princess of the Realm, Haydyn, is left of the Dyzvati, who are responsible for keeping the world at peace (or emotionally lobotomized depending on how you look at it). The use of a Dyzvati’s magic is called the Evocation, and while it is weakened after the death of the Kral (Haydyn’s father), an evil man, Syracen Stovia, free to pursue his vices for the first time, seeks out other magic users in the realm. Syracen does this under the guise of securing stability for the young princess, but his method is by indiscriminately slaughtering any who stand in his way . . . including Rogan’s family.
Fast forward eight years, and a now nineteen year old Rogan is the “Handmaiden of Pheadra,” thus named by Haydyn (her BFF). Syracen has been brought to justice years ago (and by “brought to justice” I mean EXECUTED, and good riddance), and Wolfe, Syracen’s son, is captain of the guard.
Rogan hates Wolfe.
*snickers*
But when Haydyn contracts the Somna virus, a rare disease in which the victim falls asleep and never wakes (Ohhhhh, the iiiiironnyyy), Rogan demands that someone, anyone (except for Wolfe) command her to find the cure (the believed-to-be-extinct Somna plant), enabling her magic to find it, if it exists.
It does exist, at the mythical Pool of Pheadra, and Rogan is commanded by Haydyn’s advisers to allow Wolfe and 50 of his guard to accompany her on the journey.
Rogan is furious. Because she H-A-T-E-S Wolfe.
*snorts*
And thus begins the best paranormal romance/fantasy book I. Have. Ever. Read.
Slumber wasn’t the first Samantha Young book that I read, but it is my favorite. I looked it up in my Amazon history and over several weeks, I purchased and read every single book she had available. I’ve done that with several indie authors—Kristen Ashley (and that took a while), R.L. Mathewson, and Elizabeth Hunter to name a few—but Samantha Young was the very first.
I remember reading the teaser chapters on her blog for On Dublin Street, and I remember the first time I saw that same book sitting on a shelf in Target. Samantha Young, an independent writer from SCOTLAND, had her book for sale in one of American’s biggest discount retailers<—–THE FEELS.
The point is that I have a special place on the bookshelf of my heart for Samantha Young, and this book is IMO her best. Rogan is the perfect, prickly, know-it-all-who-painfully-learns-she-doesn’t-know-it-all-BUT-is-big-enough-to-admit-it heroine. Wolfe is a leader of the pack (heh) on my the-book-boy-is-mine list. I love the secondary characters, I love the relationship development, I love the individual character growth, I love, love, L-O-V-E the story.
So if you liked Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Cinda Willaims Chima’s Seven Realms series, or Kristen Ashley’s Fantasyland series, I order you to immediately purchase and devour this book in one sitting. Then you can be hooked on Samantha Young too.
*grins hugely*
And if you haven’t read any of those books, but you like Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance, I highly recommend you give Slumber a go. It’s a perfect blend of both genres, and as indie books are notoriously cheap (this one is like a dollar), even if (youaredeadinside) you don’t like it, you won’t have to regret spending a bunch of your book allowance on a book you didn’t like. The potential gains FAR outweigh the potential losses (IM humble O).
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
Slumber by Samantha Young has one of the best first lines I’ve ever read:
“When I was a child the world smelled of summer.”
It’s nostalgic. It’s foreboding. If the world still smelled of summer, of bright things, of happy things, there would be no need to remember what life was like when you were young . . .
Rogan comes from a magical people much like the Fae. They removed themselves from the human world millennia ago after creating a new world—Phaedra. Among her people are the Dyzvati who fill those around them with peace while draining all negative emotions. There are the Glava who have myriad magical gifts, including, but not limited to power over the elements, foretelling and intuition, and telekinesis. Then there are the Azyl who, like Rogan, can be asked to find a thing, anything in the world, and their magic will lead them to it.
Over time magic has begun die out, until only the princess of the Realm, Haydyn, is left of the Dyzvati, who are responsible for keeping the world at peace (or emotionally lobotomized depending on how you look at it). The use of a Dyzvati’s magic is called the Evocation, and while it is weakened after the death of the Kral (Haydyn’s father), an evil man, Syracen Stovia, free to pursue his vices for the first time, seeks out other magic users in the realm. Syracen does this under the guise of securing stability for the young princess, but his method is by indiscriminately slaughtering any who stand in his way . . . including Rogan’s family.
Fast forward eight years, and a now nineteen year old Rogan is the “Handmaiden of Pheadra,” thus named by Haydyn (her BFF). Syracen has been brought to justice years ago (and by “brought to justice” I mean EXECUTED, and good riddance), and Wolfe, Syracen’s son, is captain of the guard.
Rogan hates Wolfe.
*snickers*
But when Haydyn contracts the Somna virus, a rare disease in which the victim falls asleep and never wakes (Ohhhhh, the iiiiironnyyy), Rogan demands that someone, anyone (except for Wolfe) command her to find the cure (the believed-to-be-extinct Somna plant), enabling her magic to find it, if it exists.
It does exist, at the mythical Pool of Pheadra, and Rogan is commanded by Haydyn’s advisers to allow Wolfe and 50 of his guard to accompany her on the journey.
Rogan is furious. Because she H-A-T-E-S Wolfe.
*snorts*
And thus begins the best paranormal romance/fantasy book I. Have. Ever. Read.
Slumber wasn’t the first Samantha Young book that I read, but it is my favorite. I looked it up in my Amazon history and over several weeks, I purchased and read every single book she had available. I’ve done that with several indie authors—Kristen Ashley (and that took a while), R.L. Mathewson, and Elizabeth Hunter to name a few—but Samantha Young was the very first.
I remember reading the teaser chapters on her blog for On Dublin Street, and I remember the first time I saw that same book sitting on a shelf in Target. Samantha Young, an independent writer from SCOTLAND, had her book for sale in one of American’s biggest discount retailers<—–THE FEELS.
The point is that I have a special place on the bookshelf of my heart for Samantha Young, and this book is IMO her best. Rogan is the perfect, prickly, know-it-all-who-painfully-learns-she-doesn’t-know-it-all-BUT-is-big-enough-to-admit-it heroine. Wolfe is a leader of the pack (heh) on my the-book-boy-is-mine list. I love the secondary characters, I love the relationship development, I love the individual character growth, I love, love, L-O-V-E the story.
So if you liked Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, Cinda Willaims Chima’s Seven Realms series, or Kristen Ashley’s Fantasyland series, I order you to immediately purchase and devour this book in one sitting. Then you can be hooked on Samantha Young too.
*grins hugely*
And if you haven’t read any of those books, but you like Fantasy and/or Paranormal Romance, I highly recommend you give Slumber a go. It’s a perfect blend of both genres, and as indie books are notoriously cheap (this one is like a dollar), even if (youaredeadinside) you don’t like it, you won’t have to regret spending a bunch of your book allowance on a book you didn’t like. The potential gains FAR outweigh the potential losses (IM humble O).
November 24, 2013
4.5 Stars! Impressive!
Best $1.14 you'll ever spend, kick in another $1.99 for the audiobook and you got yourself one heck of a deal!!
What an engaging, compelling, amazing read! We all know Samantha Young for her brilliant book, On Dublin Street, but I had no idea how talented she really was! Your heart will go through the wringer with this one, and beware, because there are some brutal scenes in this book! But it's all worth it just to read about Wolfe Stovia! RAWRRRR!!
There is a whole host of intriguing characters and an adventure that will captivate you. Rogan was a little irritating, but then again with all that happened to her, she should be allowed to have attitude. This read was one of the best surprises of the year, and again I say...Wolfe...RAWRRR!!
The narration by Michelle Ford, was fabulous. Her lyrical voice captured the essence of the read, and listening to her pronounce all the names and places properly, which I might have struggled with had I read the book, made it so much more enjoyable.
The entire experience was wonderful. I can't wait to devour all of Samantha Young's fantasy books!
*A side note: While researching Samantha Young's other books, I happened to notice that at one time she was going to continue with this series, and this world she created. Slumber comes to a pretty satisfying ending, so I was curious to see what the next book, Sneak Thievery, was about, and found that the publication of the book was delayed indefinitely. I went over to her website via the link that she has on the book's page. Okay, so what's my point here, well I'll tell you. At one point she felt pressured to write another book, she was just starting out, everyone loved Slumber, and she wanted to please her fans, because they wanted more. Problem was, there was no more story about this world in her. So rather than write something...just because she could...she chose to go with her heart and leave things as they were. Maybe someday, but not now. It's pretty interesting to see what she has to say, and I applaud her. Instead of pumping out a half baked story, she took the high road and didn't cave into pressure. Way to often when that happens, the result is less than good.
If you have a few minutes, see what she has to say in The Learning Curve.*
December 10, 2018
1.75/5
The beginning – mainly the prologue – was pretty captivating. Almost fairy tale like, which is what I expected form the rest of the book as well, since it has some element of Sleeping Beaty with the heroin’s friend, the princezna, falling under a sleeping sickness (Somna virus). The general premise was interesting to me, because I love fairy tale retallings and have not yet read any Sleeping Beauty one. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The thing is, the Prologue had petty great writing, but as I read on I noticed that the book needed better editing. From the repetitive use of '?!' behind most exlamations and expressions of dismay, to the sometimes cringe worthy sentences, which made the book look unfinished and some of the dialogues between characters seem clunky and almost caricature-esque.
The world building sememd to inspire – I’m only guessing here that it was intentionally – in Slavic languges. Taking some words from Slovak or Czech langure. As well as some vaguely Russian sounding ones, though I don’t speak the language well enough to judge. All of it was combined into a world building of the authors choosing.
Some of that made for an ok NA fantasy/romance book (aside for the occasional cringe), but the downfall for me were the characters. I didn’t like the heroine, nor the love interest. Which resuted in not really liking the romance. Some aspects of the romance and the love interest were a bit cringe worthy to me, I though the MC was way too reckless at times (though gotta admit there was some character development for her so there’s that!) On another note, there were surprisingly many threats of rape when it came to the MC.
Wolfe (love interest) was more or less typical for the romance genre (every woman he encounteres swoons over him, one moment he’s hot toward the MC another he’s cold and angry and their cringey interactions in general), but I mostly just couldn’t connect to them.
Strangely enough the character that interested me the most was the princess Haydyn, MC’s friend. And my favorite interactions were probably between the heroine and L, the Mountain girl.
The start was captivating for me, was dissapointed in the first half and middle, but the very last part got better again.
Overall: I liked the idea of the story – I liked that the heorine’s best friend was the fairytale princess of the story and the resulting journey to find a cure for the Princezna’s sleeping sickness. I liked the prologue and the very first sentences, I just wished the whole story was in the same spirit. The MC’s magic was pretty new idea. The romance and the love interest weren’t for me unfortunately, but I enjoyed the relationship between the heroine and her friend the princess. I always like when the stories I read have a friendship aspect to it so that's a plus.
The beginning – mainly the prologue – was pretty captivating. Almost fairy tale like, which is what I expected form the rest of the book as well, since it has some element of Sleeping Beaty with the heroin’s friend, the princezna, falling under a sleeping sickness (Somna virus). The general premise was interesting to me, because I love fairy tale retallings and have not yet read any Sleeping Beauty one. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this book, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The thing is, the Prologue had petty great writing, but as I read on I noticed that the book needed better editing. From the repetitive use of '?!' behind most exlamations and expressions of dismay, to the sometimes cringe worthy sentences, which made the book look unfinished and some of the dialogues between characters seem clunky and almost caricature-esque.
The world building sememd to inspire – I’m only guessing here that it was intentionally – in Slavic languges. Taking some words from Slovak or Czech langure. As well as some vaguely Russian sounding ones, though I don’t speak the language well enough to judge. All of it was combined into a world building of the authors choosing.
Some of that made for an ok NA fantasy/romance book (aside for the occasional cringe), but the downfall for me were the characters. I didn’t like the heroine, nor the love interest. Which resuted in not really liking the romance. Some aspects of the romance and the love interest were a bit cringe worthy to me, I though the MC was way too reckless at times (though gotta admit there was some character development for her so there’s that!) On another note, there were surprisingly many threats of rape when it came to the MC.
Wolfe (love interest) was more or less typical for the romance genre (every woman he encounteres swoons over him, one moment he’s hot toward the MC another he’s cold and angry and their cringey interactions in general), but I mostly just couldn’t connect to them.
Strangely enough the character that interested me the most was the princess Haydyn, MC’s friend. And my favorite interactions were probably between the heroine and L, the Mountain girl.
The start was captivating for me, was dissapointed in the first half and middle, but the very last part got better again.
Overall: I liked the idea of the story – I liked that the heorine’s best friend was the fairytale princess of the story and the resulting journey to find a cure for the Princezna’s sleeping sickness. I liked the prologue and the very first sentences, I just wished the whole story was in the same spirit. The MC’s magic was pretty new idea. The romance and the love interest weren’t for me unfortunately, but I enjoyed the relationship between the heroine and her friend the princess. I always like when the stories I read have a friendship aspect to it so that's a plus.
January 2, 2021
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
-It was as though we were two magnets, inevitably drawn together.
Rogan grew up a happy farmgirl until tragedy touched her life. Everything she held dear was taken from her nine years ago when she was stolen because of her rare magic. She was placed in a palace as the handmaiden to Hayden, the last member of the royal family. Hayden became her best friend and her only family. She pledged her loyalty to her, so when the Princezna becomes ill Rogan sets out on a quest to retrieve the only thing that can save her. To keep the peace her journey must be successful, so she will have a royal escort travel with her. This includes the Captain of the Guard, Wolfe Stovia. His job was to protect her, but she found him an arrogant, infuriating man. He was a thing of beauty to look at, but anytime she was forced to be in his proximity he made her blood boil. She'd changed and grown, but didn't trust easily. She had a guarded heart and thunderclouds behind her eyes. It's hard to come to terms with her past when there are constant reminders all around. Times are unsettling, tensions are high, and danger is around every corner. She hated being around Wolfe made her feel safe, but she soon starts to realize she may not truly know him at all. When she finds herself suddenly falling for the enemy will she finally put the past behind her and look toward the future?
-"There cannot be anything, anyone, or anyplace in this land, in any land, that matches your beauty, within and without."
Fear of Fire and Shadow by Samantha Young writing as S. Young is a paranormal, fantasy novel previously published under the title Slumber. It's a captivating, enemies to lovers romance full of adventure, secrets, magic, heartbreak, danger, emotion, passion, and fabulous banter. It's about friendship, love, loyalty, and finding your true self. I loved this book so much, and hope we get more stories in this world. S. Young is quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal, fantasy authors!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/3pMYIc7
(ARC provided by author)
-It was as though we were two magnets, inevitably drawn together.
Rogan grew up a happy farmgirl until tragedy touched her life. Everything she held dear was taken from her nine years ago when she was stolen because of her rare magic. She was placed in a palace as the handmaiden to Hayden, the last member of the royal family. Hayden became her best friend and her only family. She pledged her loyalty to her, so when the Princezna becomes ill Rogan sets out on a quest to retrieve the only thing that can save her. To keep the peace her journey must be successful, so she will have a royal escort travel with her. This includes the Captain of the Guard, Wolfe Stovia. His job was to protect her, but she found him an arrogant, infuriating man. He was a thing of beauty to look at, but anytime she was forced to be in his proximity he made her blood boil. She'd changed and grown, but didn't trust easily. She had a guarded heart and thunderclouds behind her eyes. It's hard to come to terms with her past when there are constant reminders all around. Times are unsettling, tensions are high, and danger is around every corner. She hated being around Wolfe made her feel safe, but she soon starts to realize she may not truly know him at all. When she finds herself suddenly falling for the enemy will she finally put the past behind her and look toward the future?
-"There cannot be anything, anyone, or anyplace in this land, in any land, that matches your beauty, within and without."
Fear of Fire and Shadow by Samantha Young writing as S. Young is a paranormal, fantasy novel previously published under the title Slumber. It's a captivating, enemies to lovers romance full of adventure, secrets, magic, heartbreak, danger, emotion, passion, and fabulous banter. It's about friendship, love, loyalty, and finding your true self. I loved this book so much, and hope we get more stories in this world. S. Young is quickly becoming one of my favorite paranormal, fantasy authors!
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October 4, 2011
Some spoilers are in this review. You have now been warned and I will not be responsible for any red-face, shock, and/or heart attacks that may occur if you don't like spoilers.
Slumber is the remake of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, but with a couple of twists. The heroic "knight" that saves her from her deep sleep and restores her crumbling kingdom-instead of the dashing Prince Charming- is none other than her best friend Rogan.
The book starts off in a way I didn't expect. Instead of it beginning with her in the present time, it starts off with Rogan telling of her childhood in a nice (but slightly wordy) whimsical prose:
When I was a child the world smelled of summer.
The heady perfume of the dancing wildflowers would hug my senses every time the breeze rattled their song and took them with it on its journey to soothe my cheeks from the heat of the afternoon sun. The relieving scent of the damp soil when the sun had pushed the sky too far and it wept rain for days on end, before wearily turning the world back over to its golden companion. The refreshing aroma of lemons in the thick air of the house, mixing with my mother’s baking as she prepared our afternoon repast of bitter lemonade and thick warm bread, slathered with creamy butter made cold from the sheltering shade of the larder.
And my father’s pipe.
The sweet odour of tobacco tickling my nose as he held me close and whispered the stories of our Salvation and the mighty Kral who lived in the grandest palace in all the land with his beautiful daughter the Princezna... how kind and gentle they were... the reason my private world was one of innocence and endless summer."
Then, very quickly, Rogan's childhood, and innocence, really, are shattered when Vikomt Stovia arrives at her house and brutally murders her mother, father, and little brother right in front of her eyes. Why, do you ask? Because she's an Azyl: a person with the magic to seek and find anything anyone desires, and with magic slowly dying out, she's needed at the palace to be the Princezna's Seeker.
Now, before I continue on, I'll fill you guys in on how this world works: it's run by a group of people called the Dyvatzi (who the Princhezna Hayden is) who pretty much have this super-sweet power to keep things calm and keep people from hating and being cruel. Then there are the Dravilec, who are the healers, and the Glava who are pretty much wizards and can control the elements, have telekinesis, and can control people's minds, and as I said, the Azyls.
So the King dies and it is left to his 8 year old daughter, Hayden, to rule (they are the only Dyvatzi left), she has Stovia go find one of each of the tribes of people, but due to her weak powers being only a child, Stovia uses some cruel-and very unnecessary- ways to find them all.
I found Stovia to be a great bad guy in the story. The things he did were truly awful: he murdered, ripped children from their homes, and used Rogan's own powers to find and murder the healer's family. Also he really has a total disregard and carelessness for human life. He broke Rogan's mother's neck ,slit her little brother's throat, then stepped over his body like it was just a log. Oh, and he branded is own freaking son and called him his property, so if that's not a messed-up guy I don't know what is. I also like how Rogan described him: like a snake. I know that that's kind of cliche, but Young really extends it to his whole being; his cloak hisses, his eyes are black, he stalks and slides along the ground, etc. He was bad to the max, essentially. A pretty good villain, in my eyes.
But, back to the plot line!
So Stovia brings all of the children with the powers back to the young Princezna, Hayden (who has no idea of what means he used to acquire these children) and Hayden immediately latches onto Rogan to become her family, since she lost what little she already had, and her and Rogan become close friends as they learn palace life. There really isn't much about them growing up except for one part (but that's a bit of a spoiler) and the story jumps ahead to present time where Hayden is 17 and Rogan is 19, and, as Hayden falls under the sleeping ailment, her country is thrown into chaos and only Rogan can find the location of the one flower that can save her life.
I have never hated-and yet loved- a character as much as I have one feisty little Rogan. I loved her because she's gone through so much horrible shit in her life: her parents and brother dying, and instead of being oh woe is me my life sucks, she moves on because get this, guys: she knows that there are more important things to do and she has to move on to help her and her country. I'm not saying that she's some unemotional robot, either. She has horrible nightmares every night about that time with Stovia and the Mountain Man, and she can't deal with certain things because they remind her too much of that horrible time in her life. But she puts her own demons behind her for the day and doesn't let it effect her. Now that's a MC that I can get behind and root for in a novel, which is exactly what I did.
Before I get to what I also didn't like Rogan, I have to talk about one hot piece of man, Wolfe Stovia (whom I also like to call Wolfie and my Wolfe-man ) I love him. Now I know you're probably thinking, Stovia.....hey, isn't this his son?! *gasp* why do you love him I'm sure he's totally evil! And in response to that, I have a question. Who says that just because it's the son of the bad guy that he also has to be rotten to the core? This has become very common in YA these days; the child of the bad guy is evil, bitchy, backstabbing, pretty much the cliche "the apple never falls far from the tree". But Slumber breaks off of this mold which couldn't make me happier. Wolfe is the total opposite of his father. He's Captain of the Guard, has a deep sense of right and wrong, and is virtuous. Don't get me wrong, he's not some angelic good boy; he's badass and he knows it, but it's a different kind of BA than the norm of:
* guy rides up all in black leather on a black motorcycle and leans against a light-pole: " hey, my name's Malcolm, totally cool bad-boy name right?" *tucks hands into dark-washed jeans in the typical fashion*
Me: Alright, then...Hey.
Malcolm: "'I'm going to go be a rebel and do something highly illegal/dangerous, coerce you into coming with me, then, when we're on a total adrenaline high, I'll let you in on some highly deep and personal secret of mine that shows I actually do have feelings." *puts on black sunglasses* "let's go"
Me: Uhmmm that's alright, I've seen it before *yawn*
Malcolm: what?! No one has been able to resist the secret soft side that is Malcom! Lets try this again."
Me: well, if you really want.... you can try.
Malcolm: *staggers a little bit up to me* " hey, I'm totally drunk and hammered, but it's not because I'm bad; that's all show, it's because I've had really bad stuff happen to me and I think about you all the time so I drink! I love you, Cait! Come away with me!"
Me: *eyes get huge* "have fun with that" *runs away*
This is what Wolfe is like:
*comes up on a horse in his Guard clothes looking all badass with his sword and expertly swings off of his horse and looks at me with those crazy-hot blue eyes*
Me: Ohhhh boy.
Wolfe: "I've had bad shit happen in my life, but that's neither here nor there. I'm just going to try and protect you as best as I can, and maybe, once I earn your trust, you can grow to love me as much as I've loved you ever since I first saw you. Maybe then, and only if you want, we can share and help each other through what's happened to both of us. "
Me: *swoon*
( I know I probably failed at that, but, seriously, he's amazing)
You can tell right from the very beginning that Wolfe loves Rogan, even if both of them say snide remarks and push at each other's buttons. He's always right there with her, protecting her, no matter what, and I loved him for it.
Some spoilers ahead relationship-wise. If you really don't want to know what happens in their relationship, then stop here, although it's pretty obvious the second you first see Wolfe
Which is exactly why I hated Rogan. After him only having to save her life about four freaking times, she finally realizes that he loves her and, well, they do the deed ( which was a really good scene). But, guess what she does, folks? She gets up in the morning, sees Wolfe gone, and decides that she's making......get this.... a mistake. If that wasn't stupid enough, she goes and tells Wolfe that and essentially breaks his heart, for really no reason that I felt like was a big deal. Then she still has the balls to make out with him two more times, have sex with him again, listen to Wolfe tell a girl he used to be in a serious relationship with that he loves only Rogan, and STILL denies him. I mean, whhhaaattt?!?! To use an analogy to reiterate my point it was kind of like this photo:
To set up the scene in case you don't watch baseball, the pitcher throws the ball and hits the hitter in the thigh, and the hitter rushes the mound to go:
A. Punch the pitcher
B. Pick up his leg and hop at the pitcher, who does the same in return
C. Spit in the pitcher's face
D. A & C
Well, if any of you are crazy and chose B, you're....
Right!
Besides the craziness of that; it's pretty much how I felt about Rogan. I thought that they would just go into their relationship easily after being together, but then she does a japanese pitcher and throws me all off-balance. I felt like, after Stovia was gone as the villain, Rogan herself was the villain in this book. She kept on making all the wrong choices and sabotaging herself almost everywhere she went, which was probably why I ticked off the star.
The only other thing that bothered me in this book was some of the language that Young set up. It looked like it was a mix of slavic and italian, and some of the names were hard to pronounce because of it.
Besides all that, though, I really liked this book. The journey was really well-written for the most part. There was a lot of action (mostly in the way of kidnapping and other things that put Rogan in danger) and I liked that Rogan could take care of herself. She was tough and the journey made her even tougher, while also making her grow and mature in ways she and I didn't really expect. Really, really horrible things happened to her on her mission to save her friend, and she just kept on going no matter what the cost when, if I was in her shoes, I don't think I'd be able to. I would have curled up in a little ball and shriveled up, but she thrived.
There was no horribly random cliffhanger at the end of the book, or Wolfe and Rogan separate again; really, it's all tied up an taken care of so I'm kind of excited to see what new turn Young takes with the next book in this series. Definitely read this novel if you haven't already.
Slumber is the remake of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, but with a couple of twists. The heroic "knight" that saves her from her deep sleep and restores her crumbling kingdom-instead of the dashing Prince Charming- is none other than her best friend Rogan.
The book starts off in a way I didn't expect. Instead of it beginning with her in the present time, it starts off with Rogan telling of her childhood in a nice (but slightly wordy) whimsical prose:
When I was a child the world smelled of summer.
The heady perfume of the dancing wildflowers would hug my senses every time the breeze rattled their song and took them with it on its journey to soothe my cheeks from the heat of the afternoon sun. The relieving scent of the damp soil when the sun had pushed the sky too far and it wept rain for days on end, before wearily turning the world back over to its golden companion. The refreshing aroma of lemons in the thick air of the house, mixing with my mother’s baking as she prepared our afternoon repast of bitter lemonade and thick warm bread, slathered with creamy butter made cold from the sheltering shade of the larder.
And my father’s pipe.
The sweet odour of tobacco tickling my nose as he held me close and whispered the stories of our Salvation and the mighty Kral who lived in the grandest palace in all the land with his beautiful daughter the Princezna... how kind and gentle they were... the reason my private world was one of innocence and endless summer."
Then, very quickly, Rogan's childhood, and innocence, really, are shattered when Vikomt Stovia arrives at her house and brutally murders her mother, father, and little brother right in front of her eyes. Why, do you ask? Because she's an Azyl: a person with the magic to seek and find anything anyone desires, and with magic slowly dying out, she's needed at the palace to be the Princezna's Seeker.
Now, before I continue on, I'll fill you guys in on how this world works: it's run by a group of people called the Dyvatzi (who the Princhezna Hayden is) who pretty much have this super-sweet power to keep things calm and keep people from hating and being cruel. Then there are the Dravilec, who are the healers, and the Glava who are pretty much wizards and can control the elements, have telekinesis, and can control people's minds, and as I said, the Azyls.
So the King dies and it is left to his 8 year old daughter, Hayden, to rule (they are the only Dyvatzi left), she has Stovia go find one of each of the tribes of people, but due to her weak powers being only a child, Stovia uses some cruel-and very unnecessary- ways to find them all.
I found Stovia to be a great bad guy in the story. The things he did were truly awful: he murdered, ripped children from their homes, and used Rogan's own powers to find and murder the healer's family. Also he really has a total disregard and carelessness for human life. He broke Rogan's mother's neck ,slit her little brother's throat, then stepped over his body like it was just a log. Oh, and he branded is own freaking son and called him his property, so if that's not a messed-up guy I don't know what is. I also like how Rogan described him: like a snake. I know that that's kind of cliche, but Young really extends it to his whole being; his cloak hisses, his eyes are black, he stalks and slides along the ground, etc. He was bad to the max, essentially. A pretty good villain, in my eyes.
But, back to the plot line!
So Stovia brings all of the children with the powers back to the young Princezna, Hayden (who has no idea of what means he used to acquire these children) and Hayden immediately latches onto Rogan to become her family, since she lost what little she already had, and her and Rogan become close friends as they learn palace life. There really isn't much about them growing up except for one part (but that's a bit of a spoiler) and the story jumps ahead to present time where Hayden is 17 and Rogan is 19, and, as Hayden falls under the sleeping ailment, her country is thrown into chaos and only Rogan can find the location of the one flower that can save her life.
I have never hated-and yet loved- a character as much as I have one feisty little Rogan. I loved her because she's gone through so much horrible shit in her life: her parents and brother dying, and instead of being oh woe is me my life sucks, she moves on because get this, guys: she knows that there are more important things to do and she has to move on to help her and her country. I'm not saying that she's some unemotional robot, either. She has horrible nightmares every night about that time with Stovia and the Mountain Man, and she can't deal with certain things because they remind her too much of that horrible time in her life. But she puts her own demons behind her for the day and doesn't let it effect her. Now that's a MC that I can get behind and root for in a novel, which is exactly what I did.
Before I get to what I also didn't like Rogan, I have to talk about one hot piece of man, Wolfe Stovia (whom I also like to call Wolfie and my Wolfe-man ) I love him. Now I know you're probably thinking, Stovia.....hey, isn't this his son?! *gasp* why do you love him I'm sure he's totally evil! And in response to that, I have a question. Who says that just because it's the son of the bad guy that he also has to be rotten to the core? This has become very common in YA these days; the child of the bad guy is evil, bitchy, backstabbing, pretty much the cliche "the apple never falls far from the tree". But Slumber breaks off of this mold which couldn't make me happier. Wolfe is the total opposite of his father. He's Captain of the Guard, has a deep sense of right and wrong, and is virtuous. Don't get me wrong, he's not some angelic good boy; he's badass and he knows it, but it's a different kind of BA than the norm of:
* guy rides up all in black leather on a black motorcycle and leans against a light-pole: " hey, my name's Malcolm, totally cool bad-boy name right?" *tucks hands into dark-washed jeans in the typical fashion*
Me: Alright, then...Hey.
Malcolm: "'I'm going to go be a rebel and do something highly illegal/dangerous, coerce you into coming with me, then, when we're on a total adrenaline high, I'll let you in on some highly deep and personal secret of mine that shows I actually do have feelings." *puts on black sunglasses* "let's go"
Me: Uhmmm that's alright, I've seen it before *yawn*
Malcolm: what?! No one has been able to resist the secret soft side that is Malcom! Lets try this again."
Me: well, if you really want.... you can try.
Malcolm: *staggers a little bit up to me* " hey, I'm totally drunk and hammered, but it's not because I'm bad; that's all show, it's because I've had really bad stuff happen to me and I think about you all the time so I drink! I love you, Cait! Come away with me!"
Me: *eyes get huge* "have fun with that" *runs away*
This is what Wolfe is like:
*comes up on a horse in his Guard clothes looking all badass with his sword and expertly swings off of his horse and looks at me with those crazy-hot blue eyes*
Me: Ohhhh boy.
Wolfe: "I've had bad shit happen in my life, but that's neither here nor there. I'm just going to try and protect you as best as I can, and maybe, once I earn your trust, you can grow to love me as much as I've loved you ever since I first saw you. Maybe then, and only if you want, we can share and help each other through what's happened to both of us. "
Me: *swoon*
( I know I probably failed at that, but, seriously, he's amazing)
You can tell right from the very beginning that Wolfe loves Rogan, even if both of them say snide remarks and push at each other's buttons. He's always right there with her, protecting her, no matter what, and I loved him for it.
Some spoilers ahead relationship-wise. If you really don't want to know what happens in their relationship, then stop here, although it's pretty obvious the second you first see Wolfe
Which is exactly why I hated Rogan. After him only having to save her life about four freaking times, she finally realizes that he loves her and, well, they do the deed ( which was a really good scene). But, guess what she does, folks? She gets up in the morning, sees Wolfe gone, and decides that she's making......get this.... a mistake. If that wasn't stupid enough, she goes and tells Wolfe that and essentially breaks his heart, for really no reason that I felt like was a big deal. Then she still has the balls to make out with him two more times, have sex with him again, listen to Wolfe tell a girl he used to be in a serious relationship with that he loves only Rogan, and STILL denies him. I mean, whhhaaattt?!?! To use an analogy to reiterate my point it was kind of like this photo:
To set up the scene in case you don't watch baseball, the pitcher throws the ball and hits the hitter in the thigh, and the hitter rushes the mound to go:
A. Punch the pitcher
B. Pick up his leg and hop at the pitcher, who does the same in return
C. Spit in the pitcher's face
D. A & C
Well, if any of you are crazy and chose B, you're....
Right!
Besides the craziness of that; it's pretty much how I felt about Rogan. I thought that they would just go into their relationship easily after being together, but then she does a japanese pitcher and throws me all off-balance. I felt like, after Stovia was gone as the villain, Rogan herself was the villain in this book. She kept on making all the wrong choices and sabotaging herself almost everywhere she went, which was probably why I ticked off the star.
The only other thing that bothered me in this book was some of the language that Young set up. It looked like it was a mix of slavic and italian, and some of the names were hard to pronounce because of it.
Besides all that, though, I really liked this book. The journey was really well-written for the most part. There was a lot of action (mostly in the way of kidnapping and other things that put Rogan in danger) and I liked that Rogan could take care of herself. She was tough and the journey made her even tougher, while also making her grow and mature in ways she and I didn't really expect. Really, really horrible things happened to her on her mission to save her friend, and she just kept on going no matter what the cost when, if I was in her shoes, I don't think I'd be able to. I would have curled up in a little ball and shriveled up, but she thrived.
There was no horribly random cliffhanger at the end of the book, or Wolfe and Rogan separate again; really, it's all tied up an taken care of so I'm kind of excited to see what new turn Young takes with the next book in this series. Definitely read this novel if you haven't already.
December 4, 2018
3.5 Stars
Romantasy (Romance + Fantasy) is a hard thing to balance. You have to have a good enough romance happening that the reader is rooting for the couple but then you have the added difficulty of creating a world that is full of magic and wonder that is interesting as well but not overwhelming. Samantha Young did this well in Slumber.
This story starts off with a tragic beginning as Rogan is ripped from everyone she loves and everything she knows to serve the princess at the palace. Rogan is gifted you see and is needed to help the princess secure her reign. She is taken with a few others with different gifts and the trek back to the palace is hard. It starts of very dark and I worried that it would remain that way but things lighten a bit after the first chapters.
Wolfe is the captain of the Princess’s guard and the son of the man sent to bring Rogan to the capitol. At first I wasn’t sure what to thing of him knowing who his father was, but I had some suspicions about him and I’m glad that they turned out to be right.
Most of the story is about Rogan and Wolfe on a journey to find a rare plant when the princess becomes ill. It is far away in a treacherous place and they will have to overcome a lot to be able to work with one another. Rogan hates Wolfe because of his father and assumes that the feeling is mutual, but the more time they spend together the more she sees that maybe there are some other emotions hiding under that stoic facet.
I liked a good portion of this story and the world. The issues I had were always with Rogan who often thought she knew better and would set off on her own and undoubtedly get into trouble that she needed help getting out of just to do it again. She was frustrating at times in her denial of her feelings and her need to run away from Wolfe.
Seriously this is how I felt about Rogan for a lot of the book. She is smart in some ways and TSTL in others. One of my favorite side characters was L a girl growing up in the mountains with her family who was a great tracker and knew how to take care of herself. She was a great help to Rogan and I liked the sisterly bond that formed between them. I also loved how L didn’t mince words and totally told Rogan how it was. Seriously Rogan needed someone to help open her eyes to what was right in front of her and let her know when she was being an idiot.
It is a cute love story in the middle of a fantasy world and I very much enjoyed most of it. I’m definitely hoping to see more stories set in this world. Possibly one centered around L or Kir
Romantasy (Romance + Fantasy) is a hard thing to balance. You have to have a good enough romance happening that the reader is rooting for the couple but then you have the added difficulty of creating a world that is full of magic and wonder that is interesting as well but not overwhelming. Samantha Young did this well in Slumber.
This story starts off with a tragic beginning as Rogan is ripped from everyone she loves and everything she knows to serve the princess at the palace. Rogan is gifted you see and is needed to help the princess secure her reign. She is taken with a few others with different gifts and the trek back to the palace is hard. It starts of very dark and I worried that it would remain that way but things lighten a bit after the first chapters.
Wolfe is the captain of the Princess’s guard and the son of the man sent to bring Rogan to the capitol. At first I wasn’t sure what to thing of him knowing who his father was, but I had some suspicions about him and I’m glad that they turned out to be right.
Most of the story is about Rogan and Wolfe on a journey to find a rare plant when the princess becomes ill. It is far away in a treacherous place and they will have to overcome a lot to be able to work with one another. Rogan hates Wolfe because of his father and assumes that the feeling is mutual, but the more time they spend together the more she sees that maybe there are some other emotions hiding under that stoic facet.
“When we’re there I’ll create a distraction. You have to keep your wits about you, Lady Rogan. Watch me all the time. When I make my move, you make it with me and we run.”
I blinked owlishly, hoping I’d heard wrong. “That’s your big plan? A distraction?”
He smiled cheekily at me. “Yes. It’s good, right?”
“You’re going to get us killed.”
“Well, since you got us kidnapped in the first place, I think it’s only fair.”
I liked a good portion of this story and the world. The issues I had were always with Rogan who often thought she knew better and would set off on her own and undoubtedly get into trouble that she needed help getting out of just to do it again. She was frustrating at times in her denial of her feelings and her need to run away from Wolfe.
“I'm stuck up in these here mountains with the dumbest smart person I ever be meetin'.”
Seriously this is how I felt about Rogan for a lot of the book. She is smart in some ways and TSTL in others. One of my favorite side characters was L a girl growing up in the mountains with her family who was a great tracker and knew how to take care of herself. She was a great help to Rogan and I liked the sisterly bond that formed between them. I also loved how L didn’t mince words and totally told Rogan how it was. Seriously Rogan needed someone to help open her eyes to what was right in front of her and let her know when she was being an idiot.
It is a cute love story in the middle of a fantasy world and I very much enjoyed most of it. I’m definitely hoping to see more stories set in this world. Possibly one centered around L or Kir
June 15, 2012
Slumber is road trip fantasy fiction set in a parallel world, which some magicians' clans had especially created for their kind in order to evade human persecution in ours.
A few centuries after the world's construction magical talents have become rare among the newborn, but everybody believes that magic is necessary to keep the small world from tumbling into chaos. After the ruler dies, his young daughter Haydyn is the last known person able to excercise nationwide mindcontrol: Her job is to keep all her subjects from nursing violent or aggressive emotions and certainly from acting upon them. Everlasting peace among the handfull of provinces and the two nomadic clans is the highest goal in Phaedra. It is doubly tragic, that it had been in the name of said peace that the Captain of the young princess' guard employed unnecessarily brutal methods to gather the latest generation of mages at the palace when they were still small: Willing to cooperate or not - he had his soldiers kill every family member of Rogan, Kir and Valena in front of the gifted children's eyes and left their properties in smoking heaps of ashes and bones.
It is quite understandable that Rogan still harbors a deep hatred for the man responsible for slaughtering her family, although the princess has grown to be her best friend, values her opion above all and had the sadistic killer tried and executed for his crimes years ago. It is also understandable that Rogan is a bit weary of the sincerity of his will to protect her, when the former Captain's son Wolfe inherits his father's position and treats her with a mixture of chivalry and cold haughtiness. And, gosh, does the initiary bickering of the two entertain, when princess Haydyn falls into a deep slumber and the royal court sends Rogan on a heavily chaperoned road trip to find the almost extinct antidote plant in far away mountains because of her magical ability to find everything she had been ordered to find.
But what is not understandable and also not amusing at all is Rogan's resolve to keep despising Wolfe on principle because of what his father did to her family even after he repeatedly went enormous lengths to save her life and keep her out of the hands of thugs and rapists and although the dangerous situations she found herself in again and again were mainly her very own fault. For there is a reason the royal court sent 50 soldiers to accompany her on her cross-country journey - namely reports of heightend violence, vagabond thief groups and savage rebels in the provinces. Yet Rogan values her privacy and her own judgement so high that she sneaks off on her own on a regular basis for no urgent reason at all , which certainly triggers trouble each time. The repetitions got boring with time and Rogan "evolved" from a tough cookie victim to a snotty brat who doesn't deserve all the loving and worrying.
Because of the good start Slumber and I had, I had been pretty bent on ploughing through, but I started skimming at approximately 60% and lost monumentum shortly before 70%. Now there is no drive left to finish the journey side by side with the annoying hope of her little universe, Lady Rogan of Phaedra.
A few centuries after the world's construction magical talents have become rare among the newborn, but everybody believes that magic is necessary to keep the small world from tumbling into chaos. After the ruler dies, his young daughter Haydyn is the last known person able to excercise nationwide mindcontrol: Her job is to keep all her subjects from nursing violent or aggressive emotions and certainly from acting upon them. Everlasting peace among the handfull of provinces and the two nomadic clans is the highest goal in Phaedra. It is doubly tragic, that it had been in the name of said peace that the Captain of the young princess' guard employed unnecessarily brutal methods to gather the latest generation of mages at the palace when they were still small: Willing to cooperate or not - he had his soldiers kill every family member of Rogan, Kir and Valena in front of the gifted children's eyes and left their properties in smoking heaps of ashes and bones.
It is quite understandable that Rogan still harbors a deep hatred for the man responsible for slaughtering her family, although the princess has grown to be her best friend, values her opion above all and had the sadistic killer tried and executed for his crimes years ago. It is also understandable that Rogan is a bit weary of the sincerity of his will to protect her, when the former Captain's son Wolfe inherits his father's position and treats her with a mixture of chivalry and cold haughtiness. And, gosh, does the initiary bickering of the two entertain, when princess Haydyn falls into a deep slumber and the royal court sends Rogan on a heavily chaperoned road trip to find the almost extinct antidote plant in far away mountains because of her magical ability to find everything she had been ordered to find.
But what is not understandable and also not amusing at all is Rogan's resolve to keep despising Wolfe on principle because of what his father did to her family even after he repeatedly went enormous lengths to save her life and keep her out of the hands of thugs and rapists and although the dangerous situations she found herself in again and again were mainly her very own fault. For there is a reason the royal court sent 50 soldiers to accompany her on her cross-country journey - namely reports of heightend violence, vagabond thief groups and savage rebels in the provinces. Yet Rogan values her privacy and her own judgement so high that she sneaks off on her own on a regular basis for no urgent reason at all , which certainly triggers trouble each time. The repetitions got boring with time and Rogan "evolved" from a tough cookie victim to a snotty brat who doesn't deserve all the loving and worrying.
Because of the good start Slumber and I had, I had been pretty bent on ploughing through, but I started skimming at approximately 60% and lost monumentum shortly before 70%. Now there is no drive left to finish the journey side by side with the annoying hope of her little universe, Lady Rogan of Phaedra.
May 24, 2018
Meh, It's ok.
May 21, 2012
I thought this book was similar in style to "Graceling" and "Poison Study"; a romantic fantasy which is pretty much my favorite genre. Definitely the best of Samantha Young's work, of which I've read a fair amount.
Things to love: It has a strong female heroine.
The story starts out with an immediate emotional hook that will draw you in.
The male love interest has a believably conflicted relationship with the heroine.
Much of the conflict in the story arises from the protagonist herself as she struggles to come to terms with her fear and pride.
The author does a good job of setting up a pretty rich and detailed world; the diverse cities, the different titles and ranking of nobility, the gypsies, the rookery, the mountain people, and the different classes of magically gifted people. I found the world very well drawn.
The romance is quite yummy, but also bittersweet. Hardly young adult, as there is some mild sexy times. But more importantly, I found the premise of their relationship a compelling one, and it was fun to watch it develop.
Really some dark, disturbing scenes in this book. The author was pretty fearless in what she was willing to do to her characters, so I must give props for that.
The ending is satisfying, and I think I like where the author is going with the character of Haydyn. I think it would be awesome if Haydyn transitions to a darker character!
Complaints/Criticism: Sometimes the language the characters used felt too modern for this sort of old-world, fantasy setting.
Complaint #2: Rogan's shoddy reasoning often stretched beyond the point of believability and felt forced to ensure conflict. You would think if she really cared about saving her friend, she would put her pride second to getting the job done in a safe and efficient manner. Further to that point, her inner turmoil over Wolfe was getting silly towards the end. She likes him, but she can't be with him. She's with him, but it was a mistake. Okay, so it wasn't a mistake, but they can't really get married. On and on she thought like this. It felt a little forced just so we could watch Wolfe chase her a little bit more. Which, I'll admit, was enjoyable if a little contrived. I really would've liked to have seen Rogan have to do some groveling and chasing towards Wolfe because her actions were that selfish and stupid.
Complaint #3: the sub-plot involving the dude who tries to seduce Rogan into finding his lost love felt really random and pointless.
But overall, I really loved this book and am looking forward to the next. Really entertaining read. This is the kind of book for me that is a pleasure to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon.
Things to love: It has a strong female heroine.
The story starts out with an immediate emotional hook that will draw you in.
The male love interest has a believably conflicted relationship with the heroine.
Much of the conflict in the story arises from the protagonist herself as she struggles to come to terms with her fear and pride.
The author does a good job of setting up a pretty rich and detailed world; the diverse cities, the different titles and ranking of nobility, the gypsies, the rookery, the mountain people, and the different classes of magically gifted people. I found the world very well drawn.
The romance is quite yummy, but also bittersweet. Hardly young adult, as there is some mild sexy times. But more importantly, I found the premise of their relationship a compelling one, and it was fun to watch it develop.
Really some dark, disturbing scenes in this book. The author was pretty fearless in what she was willing to do to her characters, so I must give props for that.
The ending is satisfying, and I think I like where the author is going with the character of Haydyn. I think it would be awesome if Haydyn transitions to a darker character!
Complaints/Criticism: Sometimes the language the characters used felt too modern for this sort of old-world, fantasy setting.
Complaint #2: Rogan's shoddy reasoning often stretched beyond the point of believability and felt forced to ensure conflict. You would think if she really cared about saving her friend, she would put her pride second to getting the job done in a safe and efficient manner. Further to that point, her inner turmoil over Wolfe was getting silly towards the end. She likes him, but she can't be with him. She's with him, but it was a mistake. Okay, so it wasn't a mistake, but they can't really get married. On and on she thought like this. It felt a little forced just so we could watch Wolfe chase her a little bit more. Which, I'll admit, was enjoyable if a little contrived. I really would've liked to have seen Rogan have to do some groveling and chasing towards Wolfe because her actions were that selfish and stupid.
Complaint #3: the sub-plot involving the dude who tries to seduce Rogan into finding his lost love felt really random and pointless.
But overall, I really loved this book and am looking forward to the next. Really entertaining read. This is the kind of book for me that is a pleasure to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon.
May 28, 2013
So...much...wonderfulness (is that a word?) I love books like this....imagination...adventure...friendship...but mostly looooove.
Girl hates boy because boy's father killed her family. Boy secretly loves girl but acts like he hates her.
I loved Wolfe! Brooding and strong and protective.
I loved Rogan! Strong and independent and selfless.
I love that there wasn't any angst in this book (because story isn't set in high school :)).
I love Samantha Young! I could read anything she writes!
Girl hates boy because boy's father killed her family. Boy secretly loves girl but acts like he hates her.
I loved Wolfe! Brooding and strong and protective.
I loved Rogan! Strong and independent and selfless.
I love that there wasn't any angst in this book (because story isn't set in high school :)).
I love Samantha Young! I could read anything she writes!
May 12, 2012
Might there come a time
When we stand over a grave
And mourn ourselves?
Mourn the past, a previous life?
Shall we weep for the passing of time?
Shall we grieve for unfulfilled dreams?
In my naivety; in my belief
In immortal youth,
I sleep walk through life.
Someone… wake me up.
Please.
Wake me up.
Slumber – Haydyn Dyzvati
Very well my dear. Let’s hope the rest of the book follows this fabulous start.
:pause for effect:
Of course it didn’t follow the accursed start. I couldn’t be this lucky, could I?
Well.. it wasn’t as bad as I made it sound. No bleeding eyes, no pulled hair, no vomit (thank god, I wouldn’t want to experience Fifty Shades of Grey again) and no anger.
Maybe only some frustration here and there. Some boredom, because the story was slow at times. It picked up towards the end and it saved the book from a low rating. You got lucky book. Really lucky!
The concept of the story is pretty awesome, taken from the Sleeping Beauty idea. I was actually hoping this would apply to the heroine and not her friend/princess but then what would the story become? Rogan having an adventure in Dreamland?
Hold on there, that doesn’t sound so bad. I bet it would be more action-packed than how the real story went.
Dreamland Adventures. Not bad. Not bad at all.
So yeah, Rogan is our dearest heroine. And as all YA heroines go, she judges the guy who’s in love with her in an unfair way, she acts like an annoying 30-year-old virgin and almost gets raped because (not the first time this happens) she considers herself badass enough to finish the highly difficult quest on her own. Nothing new here, move along.
Ugh, I can’t understand why these girls go for decisions like this. Isn’t it obvious that they’ll get in trouble because of doing stunts like that? And of course the judging! Oh the judging!!
Wolfe’s dad killed her family and kidnapped her because she’s special. But he also beat the crap out of his wife and son (Wolfe), who is, of course, deeply in love with our fresh peach Rogan. And you judge, Rogan? YOU JUDGE???
”Oh no, I can’t be with him because my dead parents will judge me from their puffy spot in heaven. I cannot betray them in this manner. It would be too cruel…”
Pushing him away is surely the best thing you can do. You idiot!!
Bull. Utter bull.
But she shows signs of maturity from time to time. One of these moments is when they make love. Which is more detailed than I would think, especially considering that this is a young adult book. He touches her and ZOMG I’m a different person! I see all my mistakes, I see my true feelings. But have Wolfe mind his stuff and not kiss her ass and ZOMG the bitch is back. Attention leech much?
Historical YAs are pretty weird, but at least they have a plot, unlike the “traditional” Historical Romance genre. If I hear of an enormous erection one more time...
I was also a bit disappointed at the end. I was hoping the cure would be harder to attain. Get more nervous, wonder if she’ll live or die, you know the usual sadistic thing that readers do. It was all too easy, and the Epilogue was weird. It didn’t include 5 babies and a dog, and it didn’t conclude the story. Will the next book focus on different characters or will it stay with Rogan and Wolfe? They got their epilogue, so is L next? She’s on the cover after all.
September 18, 2011
I have to admit that I was instantly intrigued by this story because it is based on sleeping beauty, but with a twist, and I absolutely love how Samantha Young wrote it. This story doesn't revolve around "sleeping beauty" Hayden, but rather her best friend Rogan. Because, Hayden cannot be woken up with a simple kiss from her one true love but by an almost nonexistent herb that only Rogan can find.
I have to say that I completely love the heroine in this story, Lady Rogan. She was so self assured and strong willed, feisty and witty that I instantly took a liking to her. She is also extremely loyal to Hayden even though the circumstances that brought these two together we not the greatest. Rogan was forced to watch her parents and younger brother's murder in order for her to be taken because she is a mage. Rogan is what is called an Azyl, a person who has the magic to find anything that she is told to find.
After the horrors that she has to face Rogan is brought to Hayden and they instantly become like sisters. Their bond is so strong that nothing can break it. They were there for each others through the deaths of their parents and were what each other needed to make it through life.
After the background is told then the story is fast forwarded into the present with Rogan 19 and Hayden 17. The disease takes a hold of Hayden and Rogan is thrust into a journey that is filled with horror, pain and perhaps love. But, non of this matters to Rogan because all she cares about it saving Hayden's life and retrieving the magical plant that will allow her to wake up before she succumbs to death.
The journey Rogan is set on involved the mas Rogan despises most in this world, Captain Wolfe. She hates him because his father is the one who murdered her family and took her away. She believes that Wolfe is just like his father and only biding his time before he also does something horrifying.
This complicated romance between Lady Rogan and Captain Wolfe was a nice surprise. There is so much hate and tension between the two that at first the reader is stunned into thinking something is actually going on with them. If they are speaking to each other it's rude commentary and if they aren't speaking to each other they are giving evil looks to one another just to make it clear that they despise each other. I think this has to be one of my favorite love that I got to completely devour. It was angry and hateful but at the same time romantic and passionate.
This is also an action packed adventure for Rogan. There is always something happening in every chapter and it really leave you with nothing to do but to keep tearing at the pages to find out what is going to happen next. Slumber is astonishing through and through. It has everything a reader could ever want in a story, action, adventure, romance and wonderful characters. This book has left me with nothing left to do but wait, impatiently I might add, for the sequel to be released. Let me say it again... I absolutely loved Slumber and I am sure you will too! It is a story that draws you deep into it clutches and doesn't want to ever let go! ;)
I have to say that I completely love the heroine in this story, Lady Rogan. She was so self assured and strong willed, feisty and witty that I instantly took a liking to her. She is also extremely loyal to Hayden even though the circumstances that brought these two together we not the greatest. Rogan was forced to watch her parents and younger brother's murder in order for her to be taken because she is a mage. Rogan is what is called an Azyl, a person who has the magic to find anything that she is told to find.
After the horrors that she has to face Rogan is brought to Hayden and they instantly become like sisters. Their bond is so strong that nothing can break it. They were there for each others through the deaths of their parents and were what each other needed to make it through life.
After the background is told then the story is fast forwarded into the present with Rogan 19 and Hayden 17. The disease takes a hold of Hayden and Rogan is thrust into a journey that is filled with horror, pain and perhaps love. But, non of this matters to Rogan because all she cares about it saving Hayden's life and retrieving the magical plant that will allow her to wake up before she succumbs to death.
The journey Rogan is set on involved the mas Rogan despises most in this world, Captain Wolfe. She hates him because his father is the one who murdered her family and took her away. She believes that Wolfe is just like his father and only biding his time before he also does something horrifying.
This complicated romance between Lady Rogan and Captain Wolfe was a nice surprise. There is so much hate and tension between the two that at first the reader is stunned into thinking something is actually going on with them. If they are speaking to each other it's rude commentary and if they aren't speaking to each other they are giving evil looks to one another just to make it clear that they despise each other. I think this has to be one of my favorite love that I got to completely devour. It was angry and hateful but at the same time romantic and passionate.
This is also an action packed adventure for Rogan. There is always something happening in every chapter and it really leave you with nothing to do but to keep tearing at the pages to find out what is going to happen next. Slumber is astonishing through and through. It has everything a reader could ever want in a story, action, adventure, romance and wonderful characters. This book has left me with nothing left to do but wait, impatiently I might add, for the sequel to be released. Let me say it again... I absolutely loved Slumber and I am sure you will too! It is a story that draws you deep into it clutches and doesn't want to ever let go! ;)
October 19, 2015
I didn't enjoy this one but it was me. If you like Fantasy stories, this is a good one. It was set in a magical Realm Dyzvati with princess Haydyn and her BFF Rogan as the main characters. Haydyn had a disease and Rogan was on the quest to get a plant in order to save the last living princess of Dyzvati.
Rogan as the Handmaiden of Pheadra was a pretty strong character and heroine, but I guess I was expecting some of the On Dublin Street magic. But Rogan was a focused heroine, and so the story wasn't focused on attraction brewing between Rogan and Wolfe, the captain of the guard.
I really liked Wolfe and wanted him to find happiness with Rogan. But Rogan was very resistant to him because of Wolfe's father (Syracen) and what he'd done to Rogan's family. I was hoping for more fireworks and angst, but it wasn't really there. It was an okay story but it just didn't thrill me.
Rogan as the Handmaiden of Pheadra was a pretty strong character and heroine, but I guess I was expecting some of the On Dublin Street magic. But Rogan was a focused heroine, and so the story wasn't focused on attraction brewing between Rogan and Wolfe, the captain of the guard.
I really liked Wolfe and wanted him to find happiness with Rogan. But Rogan was very resistant to him because of Wolfe's father (Syracen) and what he'd done to Rogan's family. I was hoping for more fireworks and angst, but it wasn't really there. It was an okay story but it just didn't thrill me.
December 1, 2020
3.5 stars
This book was previously released as Slumber in 2011, and has now been re-released with a sexy title and cover upgrade, and (I believe) some updated content. The original book has been on my TBR for years, and this re-release presented me with the perfect opportunity to finally delve into Samantha Young’s fantasy writing and an exciting and dramatic story with action, adventure, magic, and a slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance.
The story focusses on 21-year-old Rogan. As a rare magic user, she was torn from her family as a child and sent to the palace to become handmaiden to the new, young queen, Haydyn. She and Haydyn pretty much grew up together and have become the best of friends and closer than sisters. When Haydyn falls ill with a mysterious sleeping disease, Rogan is the only one with the ability to track down the cure, and she immediately volunteers to travel across the kingdom to find help for her dear friend. And at her side for the journey is Captain of the Guard, Wolfe, gorgeous, enigmatic and the one man that Rogan cannot stand.
It’s not until Rogan and her entourage hit the road that this book really hits its stride. Travelling through the different provinces of the kingdom gives Rogan a different perspective on her home as she encounters danger, violence, and surprising kindness in the hearts of the people she encounters. She goes through hell on her journey, but she learns a lot and grows so much as a character. And through it all, the sexual tension between her and Wolfe just sizzles!
There is a lot of history between Rogan and Wolfe, and their animosity toward each other is obvious but entirely misunderstood. But there is an underlying attraction which simmers below the surface of their bickering and cold, hard stares. It’s a great dynamic, and literally every time the two of them were alone together, my heart would start to race with excited anticipation just waiting for something to happen. There are secrets and old hurts between them, and Rogan is a stubborn girl, but Wolfe is a fierce protector and a determined man, and I loved watching their love story unfold.
It’s not an easy ride – either the romance or Rogan’s mission, but the two storylines play out really well alongside each other, and both are tied to Rogan’s character growth. She will return home a different person than she left, and it’s really satisfying to watch her journey play out.
The fantasy isn’t too overwhelming, with the only fantastical element being magic-wielding mages living among ‘normal’ people in the mythical land of Phaedra. The language and political systems are complex, with made-up words and locations peppered frequently throughout the book. There is a glossary at the beginning, but when reading on ebook, it’s difficult to flick back and forth, so I just plowed through, skimming over some of those details, but I could easily follow the storyline even not knowing what people’s titles meant, or which land they were from.
The book didn’t bring the full range of feels that I usually get from a Samantha Young book, but I still really enjoyed it. It did take a little while for me to get fully hooked, but once things really got going, I was captivated. It’s exciting and unexpected, and the romance is really entertaining with a nice amount of steam. I enjoyed Rogan and Wolfe as characters, and there are some great side characters introduced. While this book reads well as a standalone, there is a lot going on in Phaedra, with plenty of scope for spin-off stories, and I would be keen to explore more of this world.
3.5 stars
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was previously released as Slumber in 2011, and has now been re-released with a sexy title and cover upgrade, and (I believe) some updated content. The original book has been on my TBR for years, and this re-release presented me with the perfect opportunity to finally delve into Samantha Young’s fantasy writing and an exciting and dramatic story with action, adventure, magic, and a slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romance.
The story focusses on 21-year-old Rogan. As a rare magic user, she was torn from her family as a child and sent to the palace to become handmaiden to the new, young queen, Haydyn. She and Haydyn pretty much grew up together and have become the best of friends and closer than sisters. When Haydyn falls ill with a mysterious sleeping disease, Rogan is the only one with the ability to track down the cure, and she immediately volunteers to travel across the kingdom to find help for her dear friend. And at her side for the journey is Captain of the Guard, Wolfe, gorgeous, enigmatic and the one man that Rogan cannot stand.
It’s not until Rogan and her entourage hit the road that this book really hits its stride. Travelling through the different provinces of the kingdom gives Rogan a different perspective on her home as she encounters danger, violence, and surprising kindness in the hearts of the people she encounters. She goes through hell on her journey, but she learns a lot and grows so much as a character. And through it all, the sexual tension between her and Wolfe just sizzles!
“I’m just starting to realize I don’t know you at all.”
“Yes, you do,” came his hoarse response. “You just hate that I’m not what you need me to be.”
There is a lot of history between Rogan and Wolfe, and their animosity toward each other is obvious but entirely misunderstood. But there is an underlying attraction which simmers below the surface of their bickering and cold, hard stares. It’s a great dynamic, and literally every time the two of them were alone together, my heart would start to race with excited anticipation just waiting for something to happen. There are secrets and old hurts between them, and Rogan is a stubborn girl, but Wolfe is a fierce protector and a determined man, and I loved watching their love story unfold.
“I love you, Rogan … I could not ask you to give up who you are when it is the very reason I want you.”
It’s not an easy ride – either the romance or Rogan’s mission, but the two storylines play out really well alongside each other, and both are tied to Rogan’s character growth. She will return home a different person than she left, and it’s really satisfying to watch her journey play out.
Our eyes locked.
I felt known. I felt known and loved down to my very soul.
The fantasy isn’t too overwhelming, with the only fantastical element being magic-wielding mages living among ‘normal’ people in the mythical land of Phaedra. The language and political systems are complex, with made-up words and locations peppered frequently throughout the book. There is a glossary at the beginning, but when reading on ebook, it’s difficult to flick back and forth, so I just plowed through, skimming over some of those details, but I could easily follow the storyline even not knowing what people’s titles meant, or which land they were from.
The book didn’t bring the full range of feels that I usually get from a Samantha Young book, but I still really enjoyed it. It did take a little while for me to get fully hooked, but once things really got going, I was captivated. It’s exciting and unexpected, and the romance is really entertaining with a nice amount of steam. I enjoyed Rogan and Wolfe as characters, and there are some great side characters introduced. While this book reads well as a standalone, there is a lot going on in Phaedra, with plenty of scope for spin-off stories, and I would be keen to explore more of this world.
3.5 stars
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2020
Ms Young does it again. I devoured this story and feel like I want more from these characters. Highly recommend
May 19, 2013
I've been waiting to read this story for over a year now. I love this cover, and I know it's been redesigned and I like that one too, I just think this is a better representation of the story. Anyways, as much as I would of liked to give this book a higher rating, my expectations and what I got were completely different. This truly is a good story, and had the author approached it with a stronger female lead, I might have enjoyed it far more than I did.
"Might there come a time when we stand over a grave and mourn ourselves?
Mourn the past, a previous life?
Should we weep for the passing of time?
Shall we grieve for unfulfilled dreams?
In my naivety, in my belief in immortal youth, I sleep walk through life.
Someone...wake me up. Please. Wake me up. ~Haydyn Dyzvati"
There's very little world building in this book, but it was enough for me to get a sense of what Phaedra is all about. Samantha Young has created a beautiful world in Slumber ; with its beautiful people, the land of Phaedra was created so they could live away from humans and their civil wars. But the people of Phaedra feared their emotions. So much that they decided the Dyzvati, a clan of magical evokers with the ability to lull the people with peace would rule the land. Phaedra was split into six provinces and the each clan was given a province to oversee. You have the Dyzvati, the Glava, the Azyl and the Dravilec. As aeons have passed, only the King and the Princezna remained of the Dyzvati and very few other mages from the rest of the clans.
When the Princezna, Haydyn, falls ill to the very rare, but deadly illness the Somna, or Sleeping Disease, Rogan goes on a journey through Phaedra to find the Somna Plant. Which is said to be able to cure the illness with its leaves. But, as the Princezna's Handmaiden, she won't travel alone. She will take fifty of the Royal Guard, along with their Captain, Vykomt Wolfe Sylvia. The son of the man that ruined Rogan's life. It's very obvious early on in the book that she detests the young Vykomt, and because of what had been done to her it's understandable. I'll even say that I would hate the Captain myself IF he was anything like his father.. but he's NOT!!
The thing about Rogan is she's not exactly a Lady, she's tough and strong willed, always speaks her mind even though half the time she's out of line, but having been raised in the palace given free reign by the Princezna, it's no wonder she is the way she is. At first, it's easy to form your own opinion of the Captain because of his attitude with Rogan, but as the story progresses you begin to see that the only reason he acts as he does is because Rogan is so damn hostile towards him. She picks unnecessary fights with him throughout the entire book, and honestly at some point I had to reconsider continuing at all.
Throughout the journey, Rogan and the Guard encounter many troubled, but also good people. They see how poorly the land is being governed and what it is doing to the people of Phaedra. They depend too much on the evocation by the Princezna, and since she has fallen ill, it's deteriorating causing peaceful people to act on their emotions, including anger. I do believe that a lot of the situations Rogan went through could have been avoided if it weren't for her stupid pride. She gets kidnapped twice because of her inability to understand there is danger and she can't protect herself.
Honestly, for a nineteen year old, Rogan was very childish. Her character needed far more development and I felt the ending too abrupt. The romance, if you can even call it that, was ridiculous at best. I could have liked Wolfe, but as a love interest, he didn't quite wow me. I loved discovering what he is, but when it came to his love for Rogan, I wasn't sold. Mainly because of the hostility, I really wish he wouldn't have kept running back to her all the time. There were secondary characters I am curious about, Kir especially, and I'm hoping we get to see more of him in the next installment.
Would I recommend this book? Yes and no. Truth be told, if someone had told me how irritating the lead was, I might not have picked it up. But the world itself is enchanting and I want to know what will happen happen to Phaedra now. I read on Samantha Young's blog that she's tried to write her second book, Sneak Thievery , but for some reason she can't. I'm hoping that if it's to be delayed, at least it comes out by 2014 like it says on Goodreads.
November 18, 2020
OMG I loved this! I couldn’t put it down!! The story was so fantastically written. It had action, adventure, magic, romance and amazing friendships.
The premise of the story was unique and interesting, and the world building was incredibly rich and well done.
Rogan was a joy of a character to read and I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book. The romance angle was slow burning and the perfect mix to compliment the adventure and magic of the story. Five stars!
The premise of the story was unique and interesting, and the world building was incredibly rich and well done.
Rogan was a joy of a character to read and I really enjoyed watching her grow throughout the book. The romance angle was slow burning and the perfect mix to compliment the adventure and magic of the story. Five stars!
January 5, 2016
THIS is the way to write romantic fantasy.
This story is better than the synopsis sounds. The writing is very good.
Currently $1.14 for Kindle version and $1.99 for the Audible version. WELL worth it.
First off I'll admit Romances typically are not my thing. Now, I don't mind some romance in my stories, if done well, and not too angsty, have a love triangle and or insta-love, but too often I've found in books labeled "Romance" everything but the "romance" seems thrown in as window dressing.
However, there are a few notable exceptions, and this is one of them. I'd label this Romance/Fantasy. There is an actual, real plot here. Not too complex a plot, but in this case that didn't matter to me. Because, the writing is excellent, the world in which it takes place is well drawn, as are secondary characters, and it was a real pleasure to read this story. The author knows how to tell a story, set a scene and give us characters we can like and care about.
Bonuses: Our heroine is feisty, and our hero, while having his grumpy, testy moments, is not a jerk.
If you like Romances that are more than thrown together to be devoured and forgotten, and you can enjoy some fantasy and adventure elements mixed in, then you may very well like this one.
If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, with a plucky heroine and don't mind a bit of romance in the mix, then you also may enjoy this one.
And with a Kindle price of $1.14 there's not much risk giving it a try.
This story is better than the synopsis sounds. The writing is very good.
Currently $1.14 for Kindle version and $1.99 for the Audible version. WELL worth it.
First off I'll admit Romances typically are not my thing. Now, I don't mind some romance in my stories, if done well, and not too angsty, have a love triangle and or insta-love, but too often I've found in books labeled "Romance" everything but the "romance" seems thrown in as window dressing.
However, there are a few notable exceptions, and this is one of them. I'd label this Romance/Fantasy. There is an actual, real plot here. Not too complex a plot, but in this case that didn't matter to me. Because, the writing is excellent, the world in which it takes place is well drawn, as are secondary characters, and it was a real pleasure to read this story. The author knows how to tell a story, set a scene and give us characters we can like and care about.
Bonuses: Our heroine is feisty, and our hero, while having his grumpy, testy moments, is not a jerk.
If you like Romances that are more than thrown together to be devoured and forgotten, and you can enjoy some fantasy and adventure elements mixed in, then you may very well like this one.
If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, with a plucky heroine and don't mind a bit of romance in the mix, then you also may enjoy this one.
And with a Kindle price of $1.14 there's not much risk giving it a try.
March 2, 2017
I actually started reading this by mistake, thinking I'd opened a different book on my Kindle reader app. I figured it out soon enough, but HAPPY ACCIDENT! Rogan (her name is so wrong! That name belongs to The Scourge of Mexico!) wasn't perfect, kept trying to do things on her own that she wasn't equipped for. Aside from that stubborn streak of stupid, she was alright.
Wolfe was alpha fantastico! Well done, not over cooked in the least. Usually I complain about helpless females, but sheesh! A palace pampered lady who thinks she can brave the wilderness & bad guys on her own? It's a dang good thing that Wolfe was around to rescue her from herself!
Nice, HEA story. Kind of predictable, but the marshmallow fluffy feels made up for it. 4 stars.
Wolfe was alpha fantastico! Well done, not over cooked in the least. Usually I complain about helpless females, but sheesh! A palace pampered lady who thinks she can brave the wilderness & bad guys on her own? It's a dang good thing that Wolfe was around to rescue her from herself!
Nice, HEA story. Kind of predictable, but the marshmallow fluffy feels made up for it. 4 stars.
March 22, 2016
I really like this book, it was auctioned packed full of angst lots of love it was great!
I love how she was tough but so sweet, she was extremely spirited and never gave up on her quest, I loved that he knew her and called her on her shit! I loved how great he was he never gave up on her, I liked that he made her feel things when she didn't want to.
I really really love L, I wish there was a bit more about her in the end, she deserved a bit more
The whole story was fantastic ;) I loved it!
I love how she was tough but so sweet, she was extremely spirited and never gave up on her quest, I loved that he knew her and called her on her shit! I loved how great he was he never gave up on her, I liked that he made her feel things when she didn't want to.
I really really love L, I wish there was a bit more about her in the end, she deserved a bit more
The whole story was fantastic ;) I loved it!
June 29, 2011
Rogan took her responsibilities as best friend and protector of Princezna Haydyn Dyzvati very seriously. So when Haydyn succumbed to the sleeping disease that could only be cured by the somna plant, Rogan was ready to do whatever it took to save her.
Even if that meant journeying to the farthest reaches of Phaedra into hostile territory. And even if that meant traveling with the Captain of the Guard, Vikomt Wolfe Stovia, her longtime adversary and son of the man who murdered her entire family.
Haydyn was the only person she trusted and loved and Rogan would not give up without a fight. Phaedra needed her. She needed her. Haydyn’s recovery was worth any unpleasantness and risk to her own safety that might come from traveling side-by-side with a man she despised and one who might just take this opportunity to seek out his revenge.
But when their travels put them in even greater peril than she could ever have imagined, Rogan may just have to seek help and solace from this most unlikely of persons, her sworn enemy.
***
Slumber is a gripping, deliciously tormenting, and absolutely magical tale about a feisty and daring heroine and her brave and worthy protector who are on a quest to bring back the cure to their slumbering Princezna.
Phaedra is in jeopardy. With the Princezna’s evocation growing weaker by the day, unrest begins to make itself known at Phaedra’s distant borders.
And when Princezna Haydyn falls into a deep sleep that will most assuredly result in death without the cure, the rare somna plant that is located at the farthest reaches of Phaedra, Rogan sets out to find this plant that will save her friend and restore order.
To begin this journey, she is required to be accompanied by fifty of the royal guard, including their Captain, Wolfe Stovia, whose father slaughtered her family in front of her when she was just a child so that he could acquire her special talents for the Kral – or King.
As an Azyl, she has the magical ability to find anything that is demanded of her. The very ability which caused her to lose her family, but one that could now save her best friend.
The journey is not an easy one, and the territories they pass through under the guise of a diplomatic mission for the Princezna were not the friendly lands they had once been when under Haydyn’s evocation.
As Wolfe and the rest of the guard try to stay alert to any threats, Rogan is set on keeping her distance and retaining her freedom, even if it puts her safety on the line.
Slumber is a heroic journey, with danger and excitement around every turn. Each new stop along the way brings with it a new threat to either their safety or the delicate peace that Rogan and Wolfe have managed to establish in their contentious relationship.
This exciting and harrowing tale will keep readers flying through the pages, and this fairly lengthy novel will not feel like one. Readers will become instantly immersed in this delightful tale of bravery, selflessness, love and self-discovery.
Readers will be drawn in by Rogan’s strength, determination, stubbornness and courage and Wolfe’s intensity, devotion and passion.
Author Samantha Young has created a remarkable story that incorporates all the elements of a traditional fairytale, an epic adventure and an impassioned love story. Her writing is exceptional, the story flows beautifully, and her two main characters are well-suited – both equally headstrong. They really come to life on the page and their chemistry just sizzles.
Slumber is an absolute must read, but may not be appropriate for younger teens. While this story reads like a young adult novel, it contains a few more violent and sensual scenes than are the norm for young adult books.
On a personal note:
Okay, so I am totally going to gush again about another one of Samantha Young’s books. Just be prepared.
Epic. I told you I was going to use this word on the blog, and Slumber is the perfect book in which to do so. This was a totally epic adventure. I felt like I was on this amazing journey with the characters and when it was over I felt so sad having to say goodbye. I definitely wanted more.
I did not expect to like this nearly as much as Moonspell, the first book in the author’s young adult series about werewolves. This wasn’t exactly young adult and it was billed as “romantic fantasy” which is not a genre I typically read.
Aside from a few scenes which may be a little mature for a younger crowd, this read exactly like my favorite young adult books. It had adventure, tension, a love story, danger, the possibility of a happily-ever-after, a strong female main character and a swoon-worthy love interest.
And I’m not talking a little tension. It was unbelievably, maddeningly torturous in the best of all possible ways.
First there was Clary and Jace, then there was Rose and Dmitri, and now there’s Rogan and Wolfe. The dynamic between the two characters kept me tied in knots. Every time they argued I just wanted Wolfe to grab Rogan and kiss her.
And I love Rogan. She managed to drive me crazy and at the same time I understood exactly why she did things the way she did and reacted as she did. Her behavior while frustrating was not out of character or unbelievable.
When I first opened the eBook my heart sunk. I saw a map of the territory and a glossary of terms. Those tend to always be big turn-offs for me. Especially with eBooks as you can’t easily get back to the page to reference them without really disturbing the reading experience.
But they were a non-issue. You don’t really need the map unless you absolutely love that kind of thing and want to picture the world in more detail. And the glossary of terms was only necessary if you wanted to know hierarchy among the titled groups. While I may not have remembered exactly which title was higher up than another, I found that I didn’t have to check that glossary key once.
This did not feel like a novel of well over five hundred pages although by the story’s end I felt as if I’d known the characters forever.
And although it’s called Slumber, the story is not like Sleeping Beauty. While it is a fairytale of sorts it is very much its own adventure.
I am so excited that this is part of a series, which I didn’t find out until I checked Goodreads after I finished the book. I want more, even if it means waiting until 2012.
And I’ve just got to say that this – I have no idea why a traditional publisher has not grabbed this author up. She is a brilliant writer. Both books I’ve read have such a beautiful flow and even without a team of content editors or proofreaders, these self-published books feel very polished.
With a couple tweaks this book would be a perfect read for young adults of all ages.
Samantha Young is definitely on my list of author’s to stalk.
***
I actually have quite a few favorite passages. A couple are too long, one is definitely not rated PG, and one is too much of a spoiler. But I think this one is just perfect:
Those aquamarine eyes blazed down at me, all masculine arrogance and determination. “I always get what I want, Rogan. Always.”
Even if that meant journeying to the farthest reaches of Phaedra into hostile territory. And even if that meant traveling with the Captain of the Guard, Vikomt Wolfe Stovia, her longtime adversary and son of the man who murdered her entire family.
Haydyn was the only person she trusted and loved and Rogan would not give up without a fight. Phaedra needed her. She needed her. Haydyn’s recovery was worth any unpleasantness and risk to her own safety that might come from traveling side-by-side with a man she despised and one who might just take this opportunity to seek out his revenge.
But when their travels put them in even greater peril than she could ever have imagined, Rogan may just have to seek help and solace from this most unlikely of persons, her sworn enemy.
***
Slumber is a gripping, deliciously tormenting, and absolutely magical tale about a feisty and daring heroine and her brave and worthy protector who are on a quest to bring back the cure to their slumbering Princezna.
Phaedra is in jeopardy. With the Princezna’s evocation growing weaker by the day, unrest begins to make itself known at Phaedra’s distant borders.
And when Princezna Haydyn falls into a deep sleep that will most assuredly result in death without the cure, the rare somna plant that is located at the farthest reaches of Phaedra, Rogan sets out to find this plant that will save her friend and restore order.
To begin this journey, she is required to be accompanied by fifty of the royal guard, including their Captain, Wolfe Stovia, whose father slaughtered her family in front of her when she was just a child so that he could acquire her special talents for the Kral – or King.
As an Azyl, she has the magical ability to find anything that is demanded of her. The very ability which caused her to lose her family, but one that could now save her best friend.
The journey is not an easy one, and the territories they pass through under the guise of a diplomatic mission for the Princezna were not the friendly lands they had once been when under Haydyn’s evocation.
As Wolfe and the rest of the guard try to stay alert to any threats, Rogan is set on keeping her distance and retaining her freedom, even if it puts her safety on the line.
Slumber is a heroic journey, with danger and excitement around every turn. Each new stop along the way brings with it a new threat to either their safety or the delicate peace that Rogan and Wolfe have managed to establish in their contentious relationship.
This exciting and harrowing tale will keep readers flying through the pages, and this fairly lengthy novel will not feel like one. Readers will become instantly immersed in this delightful tale of bravery, selflessness, love and self-discovery.
Readers will be drawn in by Rogan’s strength, determination, stubbornness and courage and Wolfe’s intensity, devotion and passion.
Author Samantha Young has created a remarkable story that incorporates all the elements of a traditional fairytale, an epic adventure and an impassioned love story. Her writing is exceptional, the story flows beautifully, and her two main characters are well-suited – both equally headstrong. They really come to life on the page and their chemistry just sizzles.
Slumber is an absolute must read, but may not be appropriate for younger teens. While this story reads like a young adult novel, it contains a few more violent and sensual scenes than are the norm for young adult books.
On a personal note:
Okay, so I am totally going to gush again about another one of Samantha Young’s books. Just be prepared.
Epic. I told you I was going to use this word on the blog, and Slumber is the perfect book in which to do so. This was a totally epic adventure. I felt like I was on this amazing journey with the characters and when it was over I felt so sad having to say goodbye. I definitely wanted more.
I did not expect to like this nearly as much as Moonspell, the first book in the author’s young adult series about werewolves. This wasn’t exactly young adult and it was billed as “romantic fantasy” which is not a genre I typically read.
Aside from a few scenes which may be a little mature for a younger crowd, this read exactly like my favorite young adult books. It had adventure, tension, a love story, danger, the possibility of a happily-ever-after, a strong female main character and a swoon-worthy love interest.
And I’m not talking a little tension. It was unbelievably, maddeningly torturous in the best of all possible ways.
First there was Clary and Jace, then there was Rose and Dmitri, and now there’s Rogan and Wolfe. The dynamic between the two characters kept me tied in knots. Every time they argued I just wanted Wolfe to grab Rogan and kiss her.
And I love Rogan. She managed to drive me crazy and at the same time I understood exactly why she did things the way she did and reacted as she did. Her behavior while frustrating was not out of character or unbelievable.
When I first opened the eBook my heart sunk. I saw a map of the territory and a glossary of terms. Those tend to always be big turn-offs for me. Especially with eBooks as you can’t easily get back to the page to reference them without really disturbing the reading experience.
But they were a non-issue. You don’t really need the map unless you absolutely love that kind of thing and want to picture the world in more detail. And the glossary of terms was only necessary if you wanted to know hierarchy among the titled groups. While I may not have remembered exactly which title was higher up than another, I found that I didn’t have to check that glossary key once.
This did not feel like a novel of well over five hundred pages although by the story’s end I felt as if I’d known the characters forever.
And although it’s called Slumber, the story is not like Sleeping Beauty. While it is a fairytale of sorts it is very much its own adventure.
I am so excited that this is part of a series, which I didn’t find out until I checked Goodreads after I finished the book. I want more, even if it means waiting until 2012.
And I’ve just got to say that this – I have no idea why a traditional publisher has not grabbed this author up. She is a brilliant writer. Both books I’ve read have such a beautiful flow and even without a team of content editors or proofreaders, these self-published books feel very polished.
With a couple tweaks this book would be a perfect read for young adults of all ages.
Samantha Young is definitely on my list of author’s to stalk.
***
I actually have quite a few favorite passages. A couple are too long, one is definitely not rated PG, and one is too much of a spoiler. But I think this one is just perfect:
Those aquamarine eyes blazed down at me, all masculine arrogance and determination. “I always get what I want, Rogan. Always.”
November 18, 2020
I was consumed with this book.
It captivated me all over again..
I had read this years ago when it was called Slumber and man Samantha Young’s writing blows me away..
I cannot wait to win this gorgeous book in print..
This story is a beautiful tale of a young lady finding out who she truly is... and let’s add that it has a fiery budding romance that keeps you tied to the pages..
One of my all time favorites of Sam’s books!!
It captivated me all over again..
I had read this years ago when it was called Slumber and man Samantha Young’s writing blows me away..
I cannot wait to win this gorgeous book in print..
This story is a beautiful tale of a young lady finding out who she truly is... and let’s add that it has a fiery budding romance that keeps you tied to the pages..
One of my all time favorites of Sam’s books!!
January 4, 2014
This book wasnt what I was expecting at all. I didnt realize it was a high fantasy. It is about a Princess' handmaiden that goes on a journey to find a plant to save the Princess from a disease, and falls in the love with the Captain of the Royal Guards that escort her in the process. Its called slumber because the Princess has a sleeping disease, and because Rogan wakes up on the journey, to realize who she really is.
This was a great adventure and an interesting story. And Wolfe was totally swoon-worthy. But I found Rogan pretty annoying at times. She made so many mistakes, and fought Wolfe for most of the book. I cant believe she ran away from her escort 3 times thinking she could do things on her own and ended up getting kidnapped each time. You'd think she'd learn! And I have trouble understanding why Wolfe even bothered after so long. But I guess she meant well. She was a good person, and that is why Wolfe has apparently been in love with her for the past 5 years without her knowledge. Because he saw how she treated people around the castle kindly, even though she never gave him the time of day. But that is a long time to wait. You'd think he would have given up before then. Nonetheless, I was pleased with the amount of romance in this because I hadnt gotten enough in my last few reads.
But I am not as excited about the sequel as most people, because it will feature L, a character we met briefly near the end and who Rogan quickly became very attached to. I found her fairly annoying. It would have been better if the sequel was about Haydyn or Valena. Or Rogan again, but she got her HEA so its someone else's turn I guess. Maybe it will be about Valena in #3 (I am assuming there will be a #3) since she is still a bit young (14), but by #3 maybe she will be older and then she can get her HEA too. :)
This was a great adventure and an interesting story. And Wolfe was totally swoon-worthy. But I found Rogan pretty annoying at times. She made so many mistakes, and fought Wolfe for most of the book. I cant believe she ran away from her escort 3 times thinking she could do things on her own and ended up getting kidnapped each time. You'd think she'd learn! And I have trouble understanding why Wolfe even bothered after so long. But I guess she meant well. She was a good person, and that is why Wolfe has apparently been in love with her for the past 5 years without her knowledge. Because he saw how she treated people around the castle kindly, even though she never gave him the time of day. But that is a long time to wait. You'd think he would have given up before then. Nonetheless, I was pleased with the amount of romance in this because I hadnt gotten enough in my last few reads.
But I am not as excited about the sequel as most people, because it will feature L, a character we met briefly near the end and who Rogan quickly became very attached to. I found her fairly annoying. It would have been better if the sequel was about Haydyn or Valena. Or Rogan again, but she got her HEA so its someone else's turn I guess. Maybe it will be about Valena in #3 (I am assuming there will be a #3) since she is still a bit young (14), but by #3 maybe she will be older and then she can get her HEA too. :)
June 15, 2012
I wanted to like this a lot more than I ultimately did. The storyline was interesting, as was the world. However, I absolutely couldn't get behind Rogan as a heroine. She wasn't completely off-putting, but she seemed incredibly dense when it came to Wolfe. I felt like a lot of the bad things happened to her just so we would feel sorry for her, or just so Wolfe could rescue her. On one hand, I was glad that she wasn't superhuman Mary Sue, but on the other hand, I just sighed by the second or third time she got kidnapped.
There wasn't a big climax like I'm used to in fantasy, and that's okay, but it just felt like the story was building up to a bigger story. It felt more transitional than a whole story in it's own. I don't have to have a stand alone novel, but it just didn't feel complete to me.
I'm a sucker for love/hate relationships in stories, but Wolfe's and Rogan's was so completely predictable I felt bored by it all.
I still might have given this three stars, but the Kindle copy I had was riddled with errors. At first I thought it was because I'm American and the book was obviously written in British English, but I soon realized this wasn't the case. Tighter editing would have made this story a lot more enjoyable, and not just copy-editing. All in All, I felt the author could do SO much better.
There wasn't a big climax like I'm used to in fantasy, and that's okay, but it just felt like the story was building up to a bigger story. It felt more transitional than a whole story in it's own. I don't have to have a stand alone novel, but it just didn't feel complete to me.
I'm a sucker for love/hate relationships in stories, but Wolfe's and Rogan's was so completely predictable I felt bored by it all.
I still might have given this three stars, but the Kindle copy I had was riddled with errors. At first I thought it was because I'm American and the book was obviously written in British English, but I soon realized this wasn't the case. Tighter editing would have made this story a lot more enjoyable, and not just copy-editing. All in All, I felt the author could do SO much better.
August 26, 2017
[Second reread: August, 2017]
[First read: January, 2015]
[First read: January, 2015]
January 18, 2012
(2.5 stars) There was so much potential in the beginning, but I was completely disappointed by the end. The half star is only because I love Wolfe too much.
This book begins with our main character, Rogan, as a child telling a story about the magical world they live in. The way the prologue is told is absolutely fantastic and it completely sucked me in, even though there's a lot of information thrown into it. Rogan is a feisty heroine, and I loved that she was someone of strong values and determination, even as a child. I loved the twist on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty; that Rogan is the "Knight in Shining Armor" to save the Princess, who is Rogan's best friend. Let me be perfectly clear when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed the start of this book.
So, why the low rating?
Well, the Princess falls ill to Somna, the Sleeping Disease, and the only way to wake her is with a rare plant that only Rogan can find through her powers. Naturally, Rogan plans to go on a quest to retrieve the plant, with the one condition that she is accompanied by a guard. Enter Wolfe, Captain of the guard and obviously in love with Rogan. He volunteers himself and the best of his men to travel with Rogan to protect her. However, shortly after they leave on their adventure, the story starts going downhill. All magic and intrigue is lost as everything becomes too predictable. Chapter after chapter, Rogan lands herself in the same situation every time:
- Rogan's "I'm not as pretty" act is shattered as some guy is caught drooling over her, eyeing her, seducing her, etc.
- Rogan is shocked as she discovers more and more that Wolfe is nothing like his father (who killed her family), yet still decides it's best to stay away from him, and continues to treat him poorly.
- Rogan selfishly goes off in her own only to be captured and then saved by Wolfe.
- Rogan denies any feelings she may have for Wolfe, or any feelings that he may have for her.
This gets really old, really fast. What once started as a story of magic and adventure, is turned into a crappy story comparable to a Lifetime original movie - complete with a rape scene.
W.T.F.
[image error]
SO. In the end, Rogan and Wolfe end up tying the knot (since Rogan could be carrying Wolfe's baby) and the Princess is saved. The end. Happily Ever After, right?
Well, there is room for a sequel, and it's obvious in which direction it will go. But I highly doubt I'll be reading the next book in this series, if only because I don't want to be disappointed again.
*I feel the need to explain that Wolfe was not the one who raped Rogan, a stupid mountain man did. Wolfe is pure perfection, andRogan does not deserve to have him he loves Rogan deeply.*
This book begins with our main character, Rogan, as a child telling a story about the magical world they live in. The way the prologue is told is absolutely fantastic and it completely sucked me in, even though there's a lot of information thrown into it. Rogan is a feisty heroine, and I loved that she was someone of strong values and determination, even as a child. I loved the twist on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty; that Rogan is the "Knight in Shining Armor" to save the Princess, who is Rogan's best friend. Let me be perfectly clear when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed the start of this book.
So, why the low rating?
Well, the Princess falls ill to Somna, the Sleeping Disease, and the only way to wake her is with a rare plant that only Rogan can find through her powers. Naturally, Rogan plans to go on a quest to retrieve the plant, with the one condition that she is accompanied by a guard. Enter Wolfe, Captain of the guard and obviously in love with Rogan. He volunteers himself and the best of his men to travel with Rogan to protect her. However, shortly after they leave on their adventure, the story starts going downhill. All magic and intrigue is lost as everything becomes too predictable. Chapter after chapter, Rogan lands herself in the same situation every time:
- Rogan's "I'm not as pretty" act is shattered as some guy is caught drooling over her, eyeing her, seducing her, etc.
- Rogan is shocked as she discovers more and more that Wolfe is nothing like his father (who killed her family), yet still decides it's best to stay away from him, and continues to treat him poorly.
- Rogan selfishly goes off in her own only to be captured and then saved by Wolfe.
- Rogan denies any feelings she may have for Wolfe, or any feelings that he may have for her.
This gets really old, really fast. What once started as a story of magic and adventure, is turned into a crappy story comparable to a Lifetime original movie - complete with a rape scene.
W.T.F.
[image error]
SO. In the end, Rogan and Wolfe end up tying the knot (since Rogan could be carrying Wolfe's baby) and the Princess is saved. The end. Happily Ever After, right?
Well, there is room for a sequel, and it's obvious in which direction it will go. But I highly doubt I'll be reading the next book in this series, if only because I don't want to be disappointed again.
*I feel the need to explain that Wolfe was not the one who raped Rogan, a stupid mountain man did. Wolfe is pure perfection, and
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2011
After reading, Smokeless Fire, I found myself completely in love with Samantha's creativeness and beautiful writing. So when when Rachel over at Fiktshun gifted me Slumber, I knew I was in trouble. Firstly, the cover is STUNNING. I started Slumber in the evening and did not go to bed until I finished. It's so imaginative, alluring, exciting, and all-around my perfect type of book.
After being ripped away from her family, Rogan has become the Handmaiden and best friend of the Princezna Haydyn. When Haydyn falls ill to a sleeping disease, Rogan is determined to set out and save her... and she's the only one who can. With the protection of the royal guard, led by Captain Wolfe Stovia (who Rogan dislikes because of his father), she sets out on a adventure to find the Somna plant to save Haydyn. What she discovers along the way, is a world she didn't know existed, love, and that she herself is much stronger than she ever thought.
I loved everything about Slumber. I honestly couldn't have asked for anything more... except maybe some more Wolfe. Unf, cannot get enough of him! But, Slumber is a twist on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, and Samantha Young does it so much justice and then some. The fact that she created this whole world of magic, thrills, cities, and love is just purely stunning.
This is one of those books, where you just adore each and every character. Where each character has a role in the story. Whether it's the strong, beautiful protagonist (aka Rogan), the protective, yet more than meets the eye, sexy love interest (Wolfe), the all-around-you-can't-help-but-love-best-friend (aka Haydyn), or all the brilliant characters you meet along the way (aka Matai, L, Kir, Valena, and Chaeron).
The writing is beautiful. The story is pure creativeness. The characters are a joy to follow through the story. The heart-pumping moments are perfectly executed. And the romance is just the perfect fairy tale. This book was everything I could have hoped for, and I cannot wait to read more of Samantha's books.
After being ripped away from her family, Rogan has become the Handmaiden and best friend of the Princezna Haydyn. When Haydyn falls ill to a sleeping disease, Rogan is determined to set out and save her... and she's the only one who can. With the protection of the royal guard, led by Captain Wolfe Stovia (who Rogan dislikes because of his father), she sets out on a adventure to find the Somna plant to save Haydyn. What she discovers along the way, is a world she didn't know existed, love, and that she herself is much stronger than she ever thought.
I loved everything about Slumber. I honestly couldn't have asked for anything more... except maybe some more Wolfe. Unf, cannot get enough of him! But, Slumber is a twist on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, and Samantha Young does it so much justice and then some. The fact that she created this whole world of magic, thrills, cities, and love is just purely stunning.
This is one of those books, where you just adore each and every character. Where each character has a role in the story. Whether it's the strong, beautiful protagonist (aka Rogan), the protective, yet more than meets the eye, sexy love interest (Wolfe), the all-around-you-can't-help-but-love-best-friend (aka Haydyn), or all the brilliant characters you meet along the way (aka Matai, L, Kir, Valena, and Chaeron).
The writing is beautiful. The story is pure creativeness. The characters are a joy to follow through the story. The heart-pumping moments are perfectly executed. And the romance is just the perfect fairy tale. This book was everything I could have hoped for, and I cannot wait to read more of Samantha's books.
June 18, 2012
Originally at ... http://teenyreader.blogspot.co.uk/
(Plot summary removed)
Good Points: Holey-moley how have I not found this author before. I came across Slumber when browsing on Amazon and thought I'd give it a chance and I'm so glad I did. This book is amazing, it sort of reminded me of a Maria V.Snyder novel which is always good and I just loved the characters and the world Young has created. Rogan's character is outspoken and strong yet she cares deeply for her friends and will do anything for them as the plot has already outlined. I loved the banter between herself and Wolfe and yes, you can immediately see where her rocky relationship is heading but who cares? Wolfe and Rogan were meant to be (The little romantic in me sighs).
Rogan on her journey to find the plant that will save her friends life meets a variety of characters, my favourite being L who has a similar fierceness to her own. I loved how you got to see the friendship quickly develop and at times in the book I was taken aback by the reality of the situation and events such as the mountain man which were written spookily well, keeping me on the edge of my seat!
Bad Points: At first I was a little worried because of all of the unique names to everything and it kind of made me feel as if the author was giving you a crash course on the lands and the people a little too quickly as it was a lot to take in. However once you get your'e bearing on everything you start to concentrate on the plot which I thought was well paced.
To Sum Up... I cannot recommend this book enough. It is soooooo good. I am really looking forward to the next instalment which I just Googled and has not been dated for a release yet (Noooooo). But seriously I cannot wait to read another book by this fabulous author, I think you can gather this simply from the amount of o's I have in this bit of the review!
(Plot summary removed)
Good Points: Holey-moley how have I not found this author before. I came across Slumber when browsing on Amazon and thought I'd give it a chance and I'm so glad I did. This book is amazing, it sort of reminded me of a Maria V.Snyder novel which is always good and I just loved the characters and the world Young has created. Rogan's character is outspoken and strong yet she cares deeply for her friends and will do anything for them as the plot has already outlined. I loved the banter between herself and Wolfe and yes, you can immediately see where her rocky relationship is heading but who cares? Wolfe and Rogan were meant to be (The little romantic in me sighs).
Rogan on her journey to find the plant that will save her friends life meets a variety of characters, my favourite being L who has a similar fierceness to her own. I loved how you got to see the friendship quickly develop and at times in the book I was taken aback by the reality of the situation and events such as the mountain man which were written spookily well, keeping me on the edge of my seat!
Bad Points: At first I was a little worried because of all of the unique names to everything and it kind of made me feel as if the author was giving you a crash course on the lands and the people a little too quickly as it was a lot to take in. However once you get your'e bearing on everything you start to concentrate on the plot which I thought was well paced.
To Sum Up... I cannot recommend this book enough. It is soooooo good. I am really looking forward to the next instalment which I just Googled and has not been dated for a release yet (Noooooo). But seriously I cannot wait to read another book by this fabulous author, I think you can gather this simply from the amount of o's I have in this bit of the review!
February 23, 2017
4.5 stars because huh. I actually really liked this. But be warned: major damsel in distress stuff going on. As in it seemed that every few chapters there was someone new who was assaulting and kidnapping Rogan or lusting after her. I think everyone at some point tried to mentally undress Rogan or let her stumble into walls or trip over leaves.
THE GOOD
1) Book chemistry. A one-sided slow-burn romance between supposed enemies-turned-lovers. A killer prologue that starts the book. Lots of good looking people just roaming around.
2) Damsel in distress cliches up the wazoo. Loved every one of them :)
3) Relationship angst between Rogan and Wolfe.
THE MEH
1) The tension and fear set in the prologue didn't really carry through the rest of the book. Next chapter in, we're only remembering what happened in between being pampered like a real Lady and gossiping about good looking hunks.
2) Some elements were random...like the guy who was searching for his long lost love. Other elements weren't fully explored...like how did Wolfe know the Mosses? Why is Wolfe so powerful? Where do people's powers come from? Can we understand the politics of the territory scheming a bit more? What's up with Javel and Kir having enough book time to be relevant but not enough to matter?
3) And sure, we gotta sit through relatively detailed, unsettling unsexy times (translation: near rape) but when it comes to the real sexxy time we fade to black?
THE VERDICT
I liked it a lot. Wasn't perfect by any means, but I'd give it a 4.5 stars.
THE GOOD
1) Book chemistry. A one-sided slow-burn romance between supposed enemies-turned-lovers. A killer prologue that starts the book. Lots of good looking people just roaming around.
2) Damsel in distress cliches up the wazoo. Loved every one of them :)
3) Relationship angst between Rogan and Wolfe.
THE MEH
1) The tension and fear set in the prologue didn't really carry through the rest of the book. Next chapter in, we're only remembering what happened in between being pampered like a real Lady and gossiping about good looking hunks.
2) Some elements were random...like the guy who was searching for his long lost love. Other elements weren't fully explored...like how did Wolfe know the Mosses? Why is Wolfe so powerful? Where do people's powers come from? Can we understand the politics of the territory scheming a bit more? What's up with Javel and Kir having enough book time to be relevant but not enough to matter?
3) And sure, we gotta sit through relatively detailed, unsettling unsexy times (translation: near rape) but when it comes to the real sexxy time we fade to black?
THE VERDICT
I liked it a lot. Wasn't perfect by any means, but I'd give it a 4.5 stars.
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