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Imnada Brotherhood #0.5
Awaken the Curse
Now available only as an eBook, the dark and sexy prequel to the Imnada Brotherhood series about a clan of shape-shifters and telepaths living secretly as humans for centuries.
One very passionate and very scandalous kiss separated university student Justin McKeegan and professor’s daughter Kate Lacey. Now five years later, Justin, the new Lord Duncallan, receives an unexpected summons from Kate’s father begging him to come to Wales. When Justin arrives, he finds Professor Lacey has vanished while studying a mysterious ancient obelisk, and everyone blames the nightwalkers, sinister creatures said to haunt the surrounding remote Welsh mountains. Do these legends point to the existence of the Imnada, a race of shape-shifters said to have died off a thousand years ago? Or is the professor’s disappearance the result of a very human villain? Justin and Kate are determined to find out the truth, knowing it may be the only way to find her father.
Even as they work to unravel the mystery, they find that they’re not the only ones interested in the obelisk and the lost race of Imnada. Treasure hunter Gilles d’Espe believes the ancient dolmen is the focal point of the shape-shifters’ power and would do anything to lay his hands on the last of four silver disks he needs to unlock the dolmen. A disk that hangs around the neck of Justin McKeegan. While Cade, a local villager, is determined to refute both the claims of nightwalker sightings and the power of the dolmen as superstitious nonsense.
Justin and Kate soon find themselves fighting for their lives. Yet every hour they spend together makes it harder to lay aside the bitterness of the past and a very new and very real temptation…
One very passionate and very scandalous kiss separated university student Justin McKeegan and professor’s daughter Kate Lacey. Now five years later, Justin, the new Lord Duncallan, receives an unexpected summons from Kate’s father begging him to come to Wales. When Justin arrives, he finds Professor Lacey has vanished while studying a mysterious ancient obelisk, and everyone blames the nightwalkers, sinister creatures said to haunt the surrounding remote Welsh mountains. Do these legends point to the existence of the Imnada, a race of shape-shifters said to have died off a thousand years ago? Or is the professor’s disappearance the result of a very human villain? Justin and Kate are determined to find out the truth, knowing it may be the only way to find her father.
Even as they work to unravel the mystery, they find that they’re not the only ones interested in the obelisk and the lost race of Imnada. Treasure hunter Gilles d’Espe believes the ancient dolmen is the focal point of the shape-shifters’ power and would do anything to lay his hands on the last of four silver disks he needs to unlock the dolmen. A disk that hangs around the neck of Justin McKeegan. While Cade, a local villager, is determined to refute both the claims of nightwalker sightings and the power of the dolmen as superstitious nonsense.
Justin and Kate soon find themselves fighting for their lives. Yet every hour they spend together makes it harder to lay aside the bitterness of the past and a very new and very real temptation…
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2012
About the author
Alexa Egan
10 books47 followersCritically acclaimed author of historical and paranormal romance, ALIX RICKLOFF’s family tree includes a knight who fought during the Wars of the Roses (his brass rubbing hangs in her dining room), and a soldier who sided with Charles I during the English Civil War (hence the family's hasty emigration to America).
Her novels include the Heirs of Kilronan trilogy, and, as ALEXA EGAN, the Imnada Brotherhood series and the Bligh Family series.
Her novels include the Heirs of Kilronan trilogy, and, as ALEXA EGAN, the Imnada Brotherhood series and the Bligh Family series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 21, 2013
**I received an ARC of this novella via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**
I‘m honestly unsure how to review Awaken the Curse, author Alexa Egan’s prequel novella to her Imnada Brotherhood series. On the one hand, I think Egan succeeded in creating interest in a complex paranormal world and mythos. On the otherhand, I really could care less about the romantic relationship between the main characters who are central to this story.
Egan’s worldbuilding is interesting. There are humans, Others, and the Imnada. The Others are descendants of the Fae with varying levels of power and ability; the Imnada are a defeated and disgraced race of shapeshifters. The Fae and the Imnada became enemies when the Fae King Arthur, yes THE King Arthur, was betrayed by his Imnada lieutenant and murdered. This created an all out war against the shapeshifters who were decimated, the last of their kind sent into hiding and into the annals of legend. Do they still exist? Are they a threat? I liked the connection of the Imnada and Fae to the King Arthur legend. I also liked the visceral sense of anonymity between the two. I was, at first, a little unclear as to what the Imnada actually shifted into but that question is answered towards the end of the story. All in all, Egan piqued my interest. Add to this the period setting and I am into this world, no questions asked.
The romantic plot…meh. Katherine and James are ex-lovers who ended their relationship on what is essentially a mountain of misunderstanding. They are thrown together when Katherine’s father goes missing in the Welsh countryside. James is summoned to the house for research but finds himself thrown into the mystery of finding Katherine’s father. This, of course, is all tied into the legend of the Imanda. While working together they iron out their past issues but only after some very unbelievable conflict. I didn’t find myself interested in their story, their romance, or its resolution. Katherine was a bit annoying, the chemistry between the two non-existent, and I just found the continuous misunderstanding (mainly on Katherine’s part) to be forced. In the end, I couldn’t help but ask, what’s the point of these two? Do they play a bigger role in the series?
I’m giving Awaken the Curse two howls for the worldbuilding alone. The romance and relationship between the two leads was simply not compelling. Though I plan on reading the first full-length in the series, Demon’s Curse, I’m not sure if this prequel novella is necessary. 2 stars!
This review is courtesy of She-Wolf Reads.
I‘m honestly unsure how to review Awaken the Curse, author Alexa Egan’s prequel novella to her Imnada Brotherhood series. On the one hand, I think Egan succeeded in creating interest in a complex paranormal world and mythos. On the otherhand, I really could care less about the romantic relationship between the main characters who are central to this story.
Egan’s worldbuilding is interesting. There are humans, Others, and the Imnada. The Others are descendants of the Fae with varying levels of power and ability; the Imnada are a defeated and disgraced race of shapeshifters. The Fae and the Imnada became enemies when the Fae King Arthur, yes THE King Arthur, was betrayed by his Imnada lieutenant and murdered. This created an all out war against the shapeshifters who were decimated, the last of their kind sent into hiding and into the annals of legend. Do they still exist? Are they a threat? I liked the connection of the Imnada and Fae to the King Arthur legend. I also liked the visceral sense of anonymity between the two. I was, at first, a little unclear as to what the Imnada actually shifted into but that question is answered towards the end of the story. All in all, Egan piqued my interest. Add to this the period setting and I am into this world, no questions asked.
The romantic plot…meh. Katherine and James are ex-lovers who ended their relationship on what is essentially a mountain of misunderstanding. They are thrown together when Katherine’s father goes missing in the Welsh countryside. James is summoned to the house for research but finds himself thrown into the mystery of finding Katherine’s father. This, of course, is all tied into the legend of the Imanda. While working together they iron out their past issues but only after some very unbelievable conflict. I didn’t find myself interested in their story, their romance, or its resolution. Katherine was a bit annoying, the chemistry between the two non-existent, and I just found the continuous misunderstanding (mainly on Katherine’s part) to be forced. In the end, I couldn’t help but ask, what’s the point of these two? Do they play a bigger role in the series?
I’m giving Awaken the Curse two howls for the worldbuilding alone. The romance and relationship between the two leads was simply not compelling. Though I plan on reading the first full-length in the series, Demon’s Curse, I’m not sure if this prequel novella is necessary. 2 stars!
This review is courtesy of She-Wolf Reads.
October 8, 2012
I have a bit of a soft spot for books that combine paranormal romance with a historical setting, that does cover two of my favourite genres after all so I see it as a two for one deal! Awaken the Curse is a prequel novella to Alexa Egan's Imnada Brotherhood series, the first full length book, Demon's Curse, is being published at the end of December so I thought I'd try this story first.
Main characters James and Kate first met five years ago when James was a student of Kate's father. They fell headlong into a secret affair but things fell apart after they were caught kissing by Kate's father and they haven't seen each other since. But when Kate's father goes missing while investigating an unusual obelisk deep in the mountains James knows he must help Kate find out what happened to him. Kate's father believed that the obelisk is an artifact that was created by the extinct race of Imnada shape-shifters but with local rumours of nightwalkers attacking humans and now his disappearance Kate and Justin wonder if the Imnada are really as extinct as they have been led to believe.
It is hard to introduce a new world along with several different types of supernatural creatures in a novella so although I felt the author managed to catch my interest I have been left with a lot of unanswered questions. That isn't necessarily a problem though and I do think that there is a lot of potential for things to get really interesting in Demon's Curse. I'm looking forward to learning more about both the Imnada and the Others (who are somehow related to the Fae) and the different abilities that they may have. I also definitely want to see more of the mysterious Lucas!
As far as the romance in this story went I felt things were a little rushed but that is something I usually expect when reading a novella. The couple did have a past history so that helps to explain how they rediscover their feelings so quickly but I have to admit that I found Kate's actions confusing at times - especially towards the end of the book. I can't really say too much giving spoilers so I'll just mention I found her actions to James were very cold considering what had already taken place between them. Although Awaken the Curse didn't wow me as much as I'd hoped it would it wasn't a bad introduction to the series and I'm left with high hopes for the next book which I'm planning on reading very soon.
Main characters James and Kate first met five years ago when James was a student of Kate's father. They fell headlong into a secret affair but things fell apart after they were caught kissing by Kate's father and they haven't seen each other since. But when Kate's father goes missing while investigating an unusual obelisk deep in the mountains James knows he must help Kate find out what happened to him. Kate's father believed that the obelisk is an artifact that was created by the extinct race of Imnada shape-shifters but with local rumours of nightwalkers attacking humans and now his disappearance Kate and Justin wonder if the Imnada are really as extinct as they have been led to believe.
It is hard to introduce a new world along with several different types of supernatural creatures in a novella so although I felt the author managed to catch my interest I have been left with a lot of unanswered questions. That isn't necessarily a problem though and I do think that there is a lot of potential for things to get really interesting in Demon's Curse. I'm looking forward to learning more about both the Imnada and the Others (who are somehow related to the Fae) and the different abilities that they may have. I also definitely want to see more of the mysterious Lucas!
As far as the romance in this story went I felt things were a little rushed but that is something I usually expect when reading a novella. The couple did have a past history so that helps to explain how they rediscover their feelings so quickly but I have to admit that I found Kate's actions confusing at times - especially towards the end of the book. I can't really say too much giving spoilers so I'll just mention I found her actions to James were very cold considering what had already taken place between them. Although Awaken the Curse didn't wow me as much as I'd hoped it would it wasn't a bad introduction to the series and I'm left with high hopes for the next book which I'm planning on reading very soon.
September 23, 2012
Rating: C ... Heat: Warm
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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When an old professor, who happens to be his ex-lovers father, writes James for help interpreting runes on an obelisk (think phallic shaped monument), James can't help but go. Apart for five years, his feelings for Katherine haven't changed. And he’ll use any excuse to see her again. His arrival does not please Katherine, however. Due to a miscommunication, a big misunderstanding, both feel hurt by what did and didn't happen between them years ago. When Katherine’s father goes missing, feared dead, they must work together to figure out the runes.
As far as prequels go, openers for a new series, I think Awaken the Curse did a pretty good job introducing a new world. The inner workings, the paranormal aspects, weren’t crystal clear at first and took some time to figure out, but by the end I had a good understanding of what to expect in Demon’s Curse. I enjoyed the use of magic, the way that Miz Egan writes it, it was incredibly descriptive and imaginative. And the supernatural characters in the series have a unique twist—there are the Others (descendants of Fae) and the Imnada (shape shifters). I love me some fae, so thumbs up on that!
My only true complaint is with the heroine. I wish that Katherine would actually stop and think. It was infuriating how knee-jerk her actions were. And even though her instincts were correct, it’s no excuse. She literally hurt James and then never even apologized. She thought she killed him and didn’t really feel a twinge of remorse. I didn't understand her emotions, her feelings, for James at all. She felt cold. And, when her father tells her what love is, what it can make you do, my first thought was: ‘Well, that pretty much proves she doesn't love him.’
Awaken the Curse has a lot going for it, and I'm still excited for Demon's Curse... but the heroine totally sunk this novella for me.-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review.
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November 15, 2012
This prequel showed such promise! Long lost lovers reunited to find the heroine’s missing father, where they end up battling a terrible foe and uncovering. However,this novella had too much going on at one time for me to enjoy this. We learn about the history of the main characters, their thoughts and feelings for one another, and their pursuit of information about her missing father.
Not unexpected; this is the basis of several romance novels I enjoy reading. However, there is also the addition of the history of their people, information about their people’s war with another race, secondary characters get thrown in with their motivations, and the addition of another character and their problems at the end on top off. All this in a novella length title! By the time I finished, my head was spinning and I couldn’t keep all the information straight.
Which almost never happens to me.
I think the attempt here is to set the stage for the world before the release of the full-length novel next month. I have that title, Demon’s Curse, on my Kindle for review closer to its publication date and I’m hopeful that there is more character story instead of world building. The parts of the story where the author wasn’t trying to inform were interesting and seemingly well-written.
*review copy provided by publisher via Edelweiss
Not unexpected; this is the basis of several romance novels I enjoy reading. However, there is also the addition of the history of their people, information about their people’s war with another race, secondary characters get thrown in with their motivations, and the addition of another character and their problems at the end on top off. All this in a novella length title! By the time I finished, my head was spinning and I couldn’t keep all the information straight.
Which almost never happens to me.
I think the attempt here is to set the stage for the world before the release of the full-length novel next month. I have that title, Demon’s Curse, on my Kindle for review closer to its publication date and I’m hopeful that there is more character story instead of world building. The parts of the story where the author wasn’t trying to inform were interesting and seemingly well-written.
*review copy provided by publisher via Edelweiss
December 22, 2012
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I was not a fan of this short novella, nothing seemed to come together for me. The writing was alright but the structure was too choppy. Scenes would abruptly end and new ones would suddenly begin. It pulled me out of the story and I kept losing concentration.
The storyline didn’t hold my interest and the characters were mostly dull. I found Kate to be really annoying, especially her actions towards the end of the book. She jumps to some pretty big conclusions as well, to be honest I couldn’t stand her at all.
All in all this one just wasn’t for me.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review
I was not a fan of this short novella, nothing seemed to come together for me. The writing was alright but the structure was too choppy. Scenes would abruptly end and new ones would suddenly begin. It pulled me out of the story and I kept losing concentration.
The storyline didn’t hold my interest and the characters were mostly dull. I found Kate to be really annoying, especially her actions towards the end of the book. She jumps to some pretty big conclusions as well, to be honest I couldn’t stand her at all.
All in all this one just wasn’t for me.
The publisher provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for and honest review
July 24, 2012
3.5 Stars
Review also posted at Under The Covers Book Blog
“Over all, Awaken the Curse was an enjoyable read. I am optimistic that Imnada Brotherhood series will make it to my favorite series list”. ~Under The Covers
Justin McKeegan aka Lord Duncallan and Kate Lacey have known each other but it has been five years since their relationship had ended. Several misunderstandings caused the end of their love affair but fate will give them a second chance. Their path crosses again when Kate’s father disappears in the midst of his research. They will work together to unravel the legends of Imnanda and Night Walker mystery in hopes to find the professor.
This novella is a great introduction to the Imnada Series. Ms. Egan did a great job with the world building. It’s a historical story with a blend of fae, shapeshifters and a dash of magic. I love that Ms. Egan had incorporated the superstitions that coincide with what was happening in the paranormal world. Doubts of the paranormal always makes if feel real, if that makes sense.
Justin and Kate’s relationship was nothing spectacular but it was romantic enough. I was more into the suspense of finding out what was happening. It was like watching The Mummy or Indiana Jones but obviously the story is not long enough and I wanted more. Though some things were not clear, it was enough for me to get an understanding of what is to come.
Ms. Egan’s writing flowed; she kept me interested in her characters and the fascinating plot. Over all, Awaken the Curse was an enjoyable read. I am optimistic that Imnada Brotherhood series will make it to my favorite series list.
November 30, 2012
James and Katherine were once involved in a passionate affair, one that left Katherine jilted and James moving on. When James returns years later to help Professor Lacey decipher information concerning a strange obelisk in the mountains that is somehow linked to the lore of the now extinct Imnada, he discovers only Katherine, for her father has disappeared (after a string of accidents) and they must work together to find him.
The lore of the Imnada and the Other is unique to itself and Awaken the Curse brings readers to a beginning of sorts, where James and Katherine discover the meaning behind his magic, and also reconnect in a beautiful romance that warms your heart. Their love is based on more than lust, although they aren't lacking for passion, because they have a history that despite everything has endured, simmering beneath the surface. Both have had a chance to grow so this love is more mature and able to withstand trouble in a way that young love sometimes cannot. The legend of Lucan is so creative and Awaken the Curse sheds light while also creating more curiosity.
Alexa Egan wrote one of my favorite books of the year (2012) and this e-novella is an excellent example of her brilliant and inventive storytelling, an excellent paranormal romance that I highly recommend!
The lore of the Imnada and the Other is unique to itself and Awaken the Curse brings readers to a beginning of sorts, where James and Katherine discover the meaning behind his magic, and also reconnect in a beautiful romance that warms your heart. Their love is based on more than lust, although they aren't lacking for passion, because they have a history that despite everything has endured, simmering beneath the surface. Both have had a chance to grow so this love is more mature and able to withstand trouble in a way that young love sometimes cannot. The legend of Lucan is so creative and Awaken the Curse sheds light while also creating more curiosity.
Alexa Egan wrote one of my favorite books of the year (2012) and this e-novella is an excellent example of her brilliant and inventive storytelling, an excellent paranormal romance that I highly recommend!
June 2, 2017
So I started reading DEMON'S CURSE only to realize that there was a prequel novel so I decided to read this one first. The writing was fine but I wasn’t as interested in the plot. Part of that comes from the lack of world building about the Fey-Blood and the Imnada. I feel like the only reason I really understand what’s going on is because I had gotten the backstory on the Imnada and Fey-Blood from the other book.
I liked both James and Katie in the first part of the book. Their conflict is based on a big miscommunication years ago and the lack of talking in the present time keeps them apart for a little while. That being said they were good characters: James was charming and proud but he also cared about Katie and her missing father. They both had a lot in common with their interest in the Imnada and the fact that they were Fey-Blood (which is never really explained by the way, and it just is). However, Katie really threw me for a loop at the very end of the book and her actions were really strange. It was so out of left field for her, especially after the moment she and James just shared. I honestly have to say that the ending dropped this down an entire star for me.
I liked both James and Katie in the first part of the book. Their conflict is based on a big miscommunication years ago and the lack of talking in the present time keeps them apart for a little while. That being said they were good characters: James was charming and proud but he also cared about Katie and her missing father. They both had a lot in common with their interest in the Imnada and the fact that they were Fey-Blood (which is never really explained by the way, and it just is). However, Katie really threw me for a loop at the very end of the book and her actions were really strange. It was so out of left field for her, especially after the moment she and James just shared. I honestly have to say that the ending dropped this down an entire star for me.
October 12, 2012
E-Arc from Edelweiss. Vacation read.
The first book of the series, Demon's Curse, is also up on Edelweiss, but since this was available, I figured it would be better to get a taste before committing to the full book.
I didn't have an OMIGOD I LUV DIS moment with this novella and it reminded me strongly of Patricia Rice's Malcolm/Magic series & Katherine Kennedy's Relics of Merlin series. However, I thought it was interesting enough that I'll probably get around to requesting the full book at some point. I liked the hero better than the heroine and the book really started to pop for me when we were finally introduced to the shapeshifters.
I guess, in a nutshell, I'm cautiously optimistic about these books. I'm curious to see how I like Demon's Curse.
The first book of the series, Demon's Curse, is also up on Edelweiss, but since this was available, I figured it would be better to get a taste before committing to the full book.
I didn't have an OMIGOD I LUV DIS moment with this novella and it reminded me strongly of Patricia Rice's Malcolm/Magic series & Katherine Kennedy's Relics of Merlin series. However, I thought it was interesting enough that I'll probably get around to requesting the full book at some point. I liked the hero better than the heroine and the book really started to pop for me when we were finally introduced to the shapeshifters.
I guess, in a nutshell, I'm cautiously optimistic about these books. I'm curious to see how I like Demon's Curse.
October 2, 2012
James McKeegan the new Lord Duncallan receives a letter for help from Professor Lacey his former teacher.By the time he arrives the professor is missing and his daughter Katie, the lord's former lover needs his help. The professor was studying the ancient Obelisk and the Imnada shape=shifters and the night-walkers. James has Fey powers and Katie has some healer powers.
I really enjoyed this book it has a well thought out storyline and wonderful characters. I would truly recommend this book to everyone who likes a little fantasy, some history and rekindled love.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for letting me read/review this wonderful book.
I really enjoyed this book it has a well thought out storyline and wonderful characters. I would truly recommend this book to everyone who likes a little fantasy, some history and rekindled love.
Thanks to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for letting me read/review this wonderful book.
September 15, 2013
Awaken the Curse (Imnada Brotherhood, #0.5)
Egan, Alexa
passion denied does not stop desire. Katherine's father sent away her tutor to protect the innocence of his only child. He did not do it soon enough the deep abiding love between the two will free the most hated man in history and begin an ill fated war... but her father had to fix his mistake
Egan, Alexa
passion denied does not stop desire. Katherine's father sent away her tutor to protect the innocence of his only child. He did not do it soon enough the deep abiding love between the two will free the most hated man in history and begin an ill fated war... but her father had to fix his mistake
November 10, 2012
Review soon...
December 2, 2012
3*
Really wasn't impressed and the heroine kept getting on my nerves so damn much! I hope the novel is better.
Really wasn't impressed and the heroine kept getting on my nerves so damn much! I hope the novel is better.
August 11, 2015
Holy WOW. I really enjoyed this whole mystically-cursed world. Each book in the series could stand on it's own, but together it is a great ride.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews