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Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #3
Binding Spell
A case of mistaken identity takes Lark Sedassa from her family's estate and into the power of Kadar Arkalis, the ruler of North Eredor, who thinks he's captured a much greater prize. Although he soon realizes his error, he makes Lark his bride anyway, still hoping to capitalize on her family's connections. Escape is nearly impossible, and before long Lark is not sure whether she even wants to leave. As she struggles with her growing feelings for her captor, she must find the strength within herself to draw on powers she doesn't even realize she possesses. Without those powers, she cannot hope to face the evil rising within the kingdom...or save the man she now calls husband.
343 pages, ebook
First published March 27, 2013
36 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
217 books1,096 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 10, 2020
SOme authors I just like the writing style. The books have issues but I seem to eat them up anyway. Pope is like that for me right now. I'm fickle and I can get tired of the issues quickly but for now I am reading her books and enjoying them. There are plot holes and things come a little too easy in the end. The characters need more fleshing out, I always feel like I need more from her men. This is written from Lark's POV. I just love the story, I love Lark. I like the feel of this kingdom. I love adventure and magic and a kidnapping then marriage, I had to see how this would end up.
These books have a PG13 feel. They are sensual, fade to black bedroom scenes in some like this one, that had one but the last book had none. I still would say overall more a older teen book. The bad guys are seriously evil and deaths are sometimes detailed.
These books have a PG13 feel. They are sensual, fade to black bedroom scenes in some like this one, that had one but the last book had none. I still would say overall more a older teen book. The bad guys are seriously evil and deaths are sometimes detailed.
January 20, 2015
This had the makings of a fairly interesting story, but in my mind fell pretty flat when it got caught up in endlessly circular storytelling about how evil the Evil Dude is but it can't be proven and how Lark, the character whose POV the story is told from, loves her husband but wont admit it. It is then wrapped up with a rather abrupt ending that leaves some fairly important things unexplained and was concluded in a way I thought could have happened much, much sooner if only the characters in question hadn't succumbed to a case of the stupid.
This is also one of those types of "romances" that doesn't really make sense to me and I don't quite understand what one or both of the characters see in each other, so making even that part of the story unappealing.
This is also one of those types of "romances" that doesn't really make sense to me and I don't quite understand what one or both of the characters see in each other, so making even that part of the story unappealing.
July 17, 2018
I had a hard time getting past the kidnap and forced marriage. I especially disliked the implication, which was emphasized by the priest, that echos the Judeo-Christian "what God has joined, let not man separate". Not because I disagree with the sentiment, but because it was never intended to bind an unwilling woman into virtual slavery. I also question whether having Lark accept the marriage and even is a little to close to the "rape myth". I guess the Stockholm Syndrome has elements in common with it when it leads to intimate relationships. I kept reading because I wanted to see how Pope handled her eventual submission. The story completely blurred the issue by introducing the mystery Lark needed to solve.
Kadar is cruel in the beginning and then suddenly becomes tender. He never admits to fault against her. He is also ruthless in the sense that his principles suffer when he focuses on his main goal.
Lark is courageous and stands up to quite a bit of hardship, much of which has nothing to do with the kidnapping. She is also intelligent and generous. But other than the Stockholm Syndrome, what in world is there to make her have affection for Kadar? In the three books I've read by Pope, none of the romance stories appeal to me, because it doesn't seem like there is any romance except the result.
The story is much more interesting than either of the other two books of this series that I've read, but I still think I'm done with this author. For me, this story was worth reading for the suspense.
Mature themes: there is not any explicit description of sex, but as I mentioned, the forced marriage is an issue, and later there are threats of worse. The story uses blood magic.
Kadar is cruel in the beginning and then suddenly becomes tender. He never admits to fault against her. He is also ruthless in the sense that his principles suffer when he focuses on his main goal.
Lark is courageous and stands up to quite a bit of hardship, much of which has nothing to do with the kidnapping. She is also intelligent and generous. But other than the Stockholm Syndrome, what in world is there to make her have affection for Kadar? In the three books I've read by Pope, none of the romance stories appeal to me, because it doesn't seem like there is any romance except the result.
The story is much more interesting than either of the other two books of this series that I've read, but I still think I'm done with this author. For me, this story was worth reading for the suspense.
Mature themes: there is not any explicit description of sex, but as I mentioned, the forced marriage is an issue, and later there are threats of worse. The story uses blood magic.
October 27, 2017
This book has a lot of potential and some excellent writing. But there is one major flaw that undermines the entire experience, and that is the opening kidnapping. Not the fact that it happens, we could forgive Kadar that, but the manner in which it is done. She is manhandled, mocked, frozen, starved and treated with unnecessary cruelty. Although his behavior improves on further acquaintance, there is no demonstration that his character itself has changed. This leaves the reader in dissonance with Lark for the rest of the story. She goes along with the wedding quietly, and we're disappointed and baffled. She stays with him, but we aren't convinced she should have. She forgives him, even though no apology was ever made, but we haven't. A good romance makes the reader fall in love alongside the heroine, but that's impossible in this situation. I found myself more moved by Ulias than I ever was by Kadar.
My recommendation would be a rewrite of the opening few chapters. Show Kadar doing what he thinks is necessary, but with some self doubt. Show him as a fundamentally moral character making a mistake, not a callous and spoiled man who can be turned by a pretty face. And most importantly, show him treating a woman with respect even in a tense and frightening situation. The rest of the book would take care of itself.
My recommendation would be a rewrite of the opening few chapters. Show Kadar doing what he thinks is necessary, but with some self doubt. Show him as a fundamentally moral character making a mistake, not a callous and spoiled man who can be turned by a pretty face. And most importantly, show him treating a woman with respect even in a tense and frightening situation. The rest of the book would take care of itself.
October 24, 2015
I am actually really enjoying this series now. The first book kind of fell short for me but this one was actually a really good read. I loved the story and the characters and just could not put it down.
November 6, 2019
I have really enjoyed this series so far, but this one had some issues for me. If you are familiar with the Scottish practice of reaving (aka stealing), then the kidnapping a teenage girl out of her bed and then forcing her into a marriage with a virtual stranger is unappealing but not totally unexpected. So king Kadar who kidnapped his bride does get a little credit for waiting until he had a willing partner to consummate the relationship, but his reckless ambition really is his tragic flaw in this story. So I liked that story well enough until I got to the very last page and realized that it was the last page.
Spoiler Alert:
I have to tell you that the biggest problem I have with this one as opposed to the rest of the series so far is the fact that there were some very important unanswered questions when you get to the end. This one desperately needs an epilogue to tell us what happened to Lark's mentor, who the random chick in the cell at the end was and how she got there, how they are going to explain all this to their court, and I feel that after sticking through all that feeling suppression and avoiding telling your spouse how you really feel we should have a chance to see Kadar and Lark as a happy couple. If I was Christina Pope, I would add one of those extra bonus scenes on her website somewhere so that readers can have a more satisfactory ending!
Spoiler Alert:
I have to tell you that the biggest problem I have with this one as opposed to the rest of the series so far is the fact that there were some very important unanswered questions when you get to the end. This one desperately needs an epilogue to tell us what happened to Lark's mentor, who the random chick in the cell at the end was and how she got there, how they are going to explain all this to their court, and I feel that after sticking through all that feeling suppression and avoiding telling your spouse how you really feel we should have a chance to see Kadar and Lark as a happy couple. If I was Christina Pope, I would add one of those extra bonus scenes on her website somewhere so that readers can have a more satisfactory ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2022
Minor spoilers:
My favorite of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms. I have the box set on Kindle. Of the three books in this set, I think this one is the most interesting. I prefer books with magic to those with other fantasy elements in them. The main character's use of magic and exploring/learning to use her abilities to aid in her situation
This story is about a girl who is stolen from her home and brought to be the wife of a leader, called The Mark, of another country. This girl has the power of magic. She must decide if she wants to stay with The Mark and eventually learn to like or even love her new home, or if she would prefer to escape and return to her family despite knowing there is an evil mage in the court of her new home.
My favorite of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms. I have the box set on Kindle. Of the three books in this set, I think this one is the most interesting. I prefer books with magic to those with other fantasy elements in them. The main character's use of magic and exploring/learning to use her abilities to aid in her situation
This story is about a girl who is stolen from her home and brought to be the wife of a leader, called The Mark, of another country. This girl has the power of magic. She must decide if she wants to stay with The Mark and eventually learn to like or even love her new home, or if she would prefer to escape and return to her family despite knowing there is an evil mage in the court of her new home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2018
I'm beginning to think the author really enjoys wine-coloured clothing. Every book of hers so far has at least one item in this colour!
Otherwise, however, I enjoyed the story, although what I DIDN'T understand was why Lark didn't kick up a bigger fuss about everything. She kept saying initially how she was so against her situation, but at the same time she 'kept her manners because that was right and proper' and I'm like ... girl, if I'd been kidnapped and forcing to marry against my will, you can bet I wouldn't care if someone thought my ranting improper!
Other than that, an entertaining read.
Otherwise, however, I enjoyed the story, although what I DIDN'T understand was why Lark didn't kick up a bigger fuss about everything. She kept saying initially how she was so against her situation, but at the same time she 'kept her manners because that was right and proper' and I'm like ... girl, if I'd been kidnapped and forcing to marry against my will, you can bet I wouldn't care if someone thought my ranting improper!
Other than that, an entertaining read.
June 30, 2018
When even good magic is feared, who will be left to fight evil magic? I expected the Mark’s magical relatives to be called in to help, but was pleasantly surprised by the way they defeated the evil villain. I’m enjoying this series and the world in which it is set, but I have to wonder... will the characters from each book ever meet?
August 14, 2018
I loved this book! It's pretty much awesome. I can't decide if I like this book or Dragon Rose better. I love that Lark has magic. Fantasy is my favorite genre, and then these books add in a love story. For me, that is a recipe for awesomeness. I really like the author's style too. I loved this book!
August 28, 2021
This was an interesting story where we get a bit more world building of this fantasy world that the "Tales of the Latter Kingdoms" take place in. We wind up discovering a little bit more about how magic works and where it originally came from. I liked the "leading lady" of the story Lark. Her developing relationship with Kadar is not too rushed.
October 28, 2018
This was by far the best of the box set thanks to the fact that there is actual dialog between the two main characters rather than a protagonist mooning over a man from a distance. Unfortunately there are still plot holes, inconsistencies, and an abrupt ending.
February 4, 2018
I love how capable Lark was through her ordeal. She doesn't loose her hear over a guy and keeps focused on the main goal. Wish more books featured a smart h.
July 18, 2018
The endings of all of these felt rushed.
March 13, 2019
2.5 rounded up.
Read
June 8, 2019Courageous story, strength and survival was the main theme.
May 8, 2020
fun quick read
February 24, 2024
But like who died? In the end??? Like they just started making out over by an unknown woman's dead body. Like, what?! But who?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2013
Binding Spell is a fantasy novel that follows Lark through her kidnapping and marriage to Kadar Arkalis – the Mark of North Eredor. My initial thought before I started reading the relationship between Lark and Kadar was Stockholm syndrome. Nope, not in this story. Lark find her own in this book.
This is the third installment of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms. I have not read the other two books, so I'm not sure how everything would flow. I was told by the author that this book can be read as a standalone, and I feel this is an accurate statement.
Characters:
The story is written in first person – through Lark Sedassa. She's not your typical damsel in distress. She tries to escape her kidnapping repeatedly (obviously without much success because the description states they get married.) She stands up for what she thinks is right and speaks her mind. She also knows she has limits and when to test her chances with the challenges she faces. Lark has magic – a secret that she holds as well as others like her. Once she is in Eredor, she soon discovers that there is at least one other person with a strong sense of magic. This sets her off on finding out who it is and what to do about it. Can she trust her husband with this secret? Can she help save North Eredor from an evil magic?
Plot:
The plot moves well and kept my interest throughout the book. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the force marriage because I have read a few stories with similar dilemmas. Some were good and others I could have done without. This particular was one of the good ones, because the mystery of this magical person and a dark power out to take over the kingdom made the story more worthwhile. The only complaint that I have on the story is that the ending seem to be rather fast. I suppose I was expecting a little more "umph" fighting the villain than what was written. Perhaps a short epilogue on how things settled after the climax would have also helped.
The Bottom Line:
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's a nice clean fantasy novel with a little mystery. If you like fantasy novels and magic, you might want to try this book.
This is the third installment of the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms. I have not read the other two books, so I'm not sure how everything would flow. I was told by the author that this book can be read as a standalone, and I feel this is an accurate statement.
Characters:
The story is written in first person – through Lark Sedassa. She's not your typical damsel in distress. She tries to escape her kidnapping repeatedly (obviously without much success because the description states they get married.) She stands up for what she thinks is right and speaks her mind. She also knows she has limits and when to test her chances with the challenges she faces. Lark has magic – a secret that she holds as well as others like her. Once she is in Eredor, she soon discovers that there is at least one other person with a strong sense of magic. This sets her off on finding out who it is and what to do about it. Can she trust her husband with this secret? Can she help save North Eredor from an evil magic?
Plot:
The plot moves well and kept my interest throughout the book. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the force marriage because I have read a few stories with similar dilemmas. Some were good and others I could have done without. This particular was one of the good ones, because the mystery of this magical person and a dark power out to take over the kingdom made the story more worthwhile. The only complaint that I have on the story is that the ending seem to be rather fast. I suppose I was expecting a little more "umph" fighting the villain than what was written. Perhaps a short epilogue on how things settled after the climax would have also helped.
The Bottom Line:
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's a nice clean fantasy novel with a little mystery. If you like fantasy novels and magic, you might want to try this book.
May 9, 2013
4 STARS
Binding Spell is book 3 in the series but the first one I have read. As far as I can tell it stands alone. It is fantasy, romance story. I like the characters, especially Lark. The suspense of the series is good.
Lark has traveled far with her brother so he can accept his legacy. Her Aunt's other guess was going to be a Princess but she could not show up. So Lark was given her rooms. In the middle of the night she was kidnapped. She figured out that it was a mistake. She tried to use sleep spells to make everyone fall a sleep but she got caught by Kadar
Kadar is the ruler of North Eredor. He wants more for his country. That was why he risked kidnapping a wife. He decided to go ahead and marry Lark. Her family had some power and money anyway. He married her the day after she arrived in his home. He promised her he would give her time before they would share a bed. They would keep that a secret. Kadar after Lark's second attempted to escape had lots of guards surround her she could not get away.
Lark hid her powers. People with magic are not wanted anymore. Lark does have just a little bit of talent or so she thinks. She can tell when people do magic around her. She feels great power is at hand in the castle. She wants to find out who has such power. It is more power than her father has.
The story is well told and kept my interest in the story. Wanting to see what would happen next? Why is someone doing powerful magic in the castle. Does Kadar know?
What is Kadar's plans now?
I would enjoy reading more of tales of the Latter Kingdoms in the future. I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review of it by Librarything.
Published March 27th 2013 by Dark Valentine Press 320 pages ISBN:9780988334823
Binding Spell is book 3 in the series but the first one I have read. As far as I can tell it stands alone. It is fantasy, romance story. I like the characters, especially Lark. The suspense of the series is good.
Lark has traveled far with her brother so he can accept his legacy. Her Aunt's other guess was going to be a Princess but she could not show up. So Lark was given her rooms. In the middle of the night she was kidnapped. She figured out that it was a mistake. She tried to use sleep spells to make everyone fall a sleep but she got caught by Kadar
Kadar is the ruler of North Eredor. He wants more for his country. That was why he risked kidnapping a wife. He decided to go ahead and marry Lark. Her family had some power and money anyway. He married her the day after she arrived in his home. He promised her he would give her time before they would share a bed. They would keep that a secret. Kadar after Lark's second attempted to escape had lots of guards surround her she could not get away.
Lark hid her powers. People with magic are not wanted anymore. Lark does have just a little bit of talent or so she thinks. She can tell when people do magic around her. She feels great power is at hand in the castle. She wants to find out who has such power. It is more power than her father has.
The story is well told and kept my interest in the story. Wanting to see what would happen next? Why is someone doing powerful magic in the castle. Does Kadar know?
What is Kadar's plans now?
I would enjoy reading more of tales of the Latter Kingdoms in the future. I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review of it by Librarything.
Published March 27th 2013 by Dark Valentine Press 320 pages ISBN:9780988334823
June 3, 2015
Binding spell is the story of Lark Sedassa, a young noble woman who is minding her own business, when she is mistaken for the princess and carried off to be the bride of Kadar Arkalis, the young king of a smaller neighboring kingdom. Lark is married against her will and when the chance for escape finally arrives Lark finds herself making excuses to stay. Could she be falling for her kidnapper? But something strange is afoot in the castle, magic was thought to be wiped out long ago, but someone is using magic in the castle! Lark is herself a magic user and the only one that can figure out what is going on.
This is a fun romance fantasy book. It is a light read and lovers of the romantic fantasy genre will enjoy this book. I liked the characters and especially enjoyed Larks dry wit. This book didn't exactly go the way I expected it to and it is one of the only books I have read where the character actually gets married early on in the book and comes to fall in love with the man after the fact. So this was a new and interesting read for me. I will definitely look into the other books in the series.
As the characters are already married, sex and whether or not the characters are going to have any, is a big part of the book. There are no actual sex scenes though.
This is a fun romance fantasy book. It is a light read and lovers of the romantic fantasy genre will enjoy this book. I liked the characters and especially enjoyed Larks dry wit. This book didn't exactly go the way I expected it to and it is one of the only books I have read where the character actually gets married early on in the book and comes to fall in love with the man after the fact. So this was a new and interesting read for me. I will definitely look into the other books in the series.
As the characters are already married, sex and whether or not the characters are going to have any, is a big part of the book. There are no actual sex scenes though.
June 25, 2013
By: Christine Pope
Published By: Dark Valentine Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series: Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #3
Review:
"Binding Spell" By Christine Pope was the third book in this series: 'Binding Spell' that will follow 'Lark through her kidnapping and marriage to Kadar Arkalis, the Mark of North Eredor.' You will find this story is written in first person by Lark Sedassa. Upon finding out that someone else had 'Magic" as does, Lark is set to find out who that is and what to do of it. Will she be able to trust Kadar and even save 'North Eredor' from this magic which is evil?
You will be kept intrigued as this plot unfolds. Who is this person that posses the magic that will take over the kingdom? This will be where I say you must pick up this good read to see just who that villain is.
This was definitely a good fantasy and yes, 'Magic.' Also you will find in this fantasy novel there was even some mystery.
I found "Binding Spell" a well enjoyable read and Yes I would recommend this novel as a good read.
Published By: Dark Valentine Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Book Blog For: GMTA
Series: Tales of the Latter Kingdoms #3
Review:
"Binding Spell" By Christine Pope was the third book in this series: 'Binding Spell' that will follow 'Lark through her kidnapping and marriage to Kadar Arkalis, the Mark of North Eredor.' You will find this story is written in first person by Lark Sedassa. Upon finding out that someone else had 'Magic" as does, Lark is set to find out who that is and what to do of it. Will she be able to trust Kadar and even save 'North Eredor' from this magic which is evil?
You will be kept intrigued as this plot unfolds. Who is this person that posses the magic that will take over the kingdom? This will be where I say you must pick up this good read to see just who that villain is.
This was definitely a good fantasy and yes, 'Magic.' Also you will find in this fantasy novel there was even some mystery.
I found "Binding Spell" a well enjoyable read and Yes I would recommend this novel as a good read.
September 5, 2016
Another fairy tale by Christine pope in this tale we start out with a case of mistaken Identity and a dangerous secret IN the Kingdoms magic is Forbidden and mostly thought to be gone from the world But it still exists with in a few souls and some will do any thing to have it even if they aren't one of the lucky few born with the gift. Mistaken for the crowned Princess of the kingdom her brothers Duchy Lies in lark Is Kidnapped by the Ruler of the neighboring country though he takes his error in-stride and decides she'll do he doesn't know lark is harboring a dangerous secret shes one of the mage born those born with the forbidden gift of magic can they make their marriage work will lark confide in her husband and who is this new advisior who's shown up suddenly why dose he seem to be taking all her husbands attention and why dosent she trust him is he truely as evil as he seems? Time will tell in this Book we uncover many secrets about the latter kingdoms and how the mage born came to be
September 27, 2014
I read this super fast. It was my third by the author and I was not disappointed. The sister of a duke is mistaken for a princess and kidnapped from her bed, taken to a political rivals leader for marriage. The idea was to bind two kingdoms together. Despite her being the wrong person, her erstwhile kidnapper decides to take what he as, since the sister of a duke is still a chip to be played. The mark, Kadar, is likable and irritatingly sexy at the same time. Our heroine is also likable, clearly playing the hand played to her the best she can while keeping her own secret: she is a Mage, a skill outlawed in her new land. With her secret talent, she is able to assist her husband, while be it reluctantly at first, to help his people and more. Great quick read! Suspenseful and gives me the HEA I love...:)
April 2, 2014
This is Book #3 in the Tales of the Latter Kingdoms Series, but the first book that I've read by Christine Pope.
I featured it as a DSOA pick on my Blog in April 2013, which meant that at that time it was available as a free Kindle download.
Although this is Book #3 in the series, it's capable of standing alone.
Actually, it's a fairly decent fantasy/magic/romantic novel that I really quite enjoyed.
I love the cover too, which I think first attracted me to the work.
This was enjoyable enough that I will be going back and putting the first two books of the series on my WTR list.
Little Miss Fuss Pot that I am, it wasn't error/bug bear free, but you can find the full Blog post is available on my Blog #431 in April 2014.
I featured it as a DSOA pick on my Blog in April 2013, which meant that at that time it was available as a free Kindle download.
Although this is Book #3 in the series, it's capable of standing alone.
Actually, it's a fairly decent fantasy/magic/romantic novel that I really quite enjoyed.
I love the cover too, which I think first attracted me to the work.
This was enjoyable enough that I will be going back and putting the first two books of the series on my WTR list.
Little Miss Fuss Pot that I am, it wasn't error/bug bear free, but you can find the full Blog post is available on my Blog #431 in April 2014.
May 28, 2016
2.5*
Had plenty of potential but ruined by the constant prattle and tedious internal monologues.
The Beginning was 5* material. Heroine appears strong and tries to escape hero subtly using magic. However, as we move on towards the middle, she becomes annoying and the author goes on about the castle life, silly squabbles relating to this farmer or that etc that it did become tedious.
Also, the heroine's constant "I'm not a great lady" and "I wasn't brought up a great lady" and irritating observations meant I began skipping loads of pages.
It appeared as though the author lost steam and began adding loads of page filler to add bulk. The ending was a massive anti-climax.
Overall, not a bad book and kept me entertained but was annoying at times.
Had plenty of potential but ruined by the constant prattle and tedious internal monologues.
The Beginning was 5* material. Heroine appears strong and tries to escape hero subtly using magic. However, as we move on towards the middle, she becomes annoying and the author goes on about the castle life, silly squabbles relating to this farmer or that etc that it did become tedious.
Also, the heroine's constant "I'm not a great lady" and "I wasn't brought up a great lady" and irritating observations meant I began skipping loads of pages.
It appeared as though the author lost steam and began adding loads of page filler to add bulk. The ending was a massive anti-climax.
Overall, not a bad book and kept me entertained but was annoying at times.
April 24, 2013
This is book 3 of the Tales of Latter Kingdoms. I had not read the first two books and I didn't feel lost at all reading this book as you do with other series. I also found it to be a easy read.
In this book a woman named Lark is kidnapped and brought to a ruler named Kadar. She soon realizes that she was not kidnapped for a ransom but for marriage.
What Kadar doesn't realize is that Lark knows magic, of which she has been told to share that knowledge with no one. She did quite well until she felt dark impending doom as she felt an evil magic brought into the castle.
Will she betray her beliefs to help a kingdom that was originally forced upon her?
In this book a woman named Lark is kidnapped and brought to a ruler named Kadar. She soon realizes that she was not kidnapped for a ransom but for marriage.
What Kadar doesn't realize is that Lark knows magic, of which she has been told to share that knowledge with no one. She did quite well until she felt dark impending doom as she felt an evil magic brought into the castle.
Will she betray her beliefs to help a kingdom that was originally forced upon her?
April 20, 2013
A fun read. A young girl is kidnapped by a King. He thinks he has secured himself a position in being able to negotiate when he realizes he has not been able to kidnap the right girl. She is taken back to his kingdom and she starts to settle and begins to like the people who are serving her. She eventually starts to like the King and they work together to solve a mystery about an adviser the King has hired.
May 31, 2013
Well written and a great read but it does leave too much open at the end. What happens to them all? I dont think there is enough information for the author to give us another book on this alone and does leave it to the imagination as to what will happen next. being given a name at the end until now did not exist but it goes no further as to whether it can be done. Did she truly destroy the evil or did it still survive in the one she loved? won on library thing for review
January 26, 2016
Did not enjoy this book as much as the others, in fact skipped ahead to read ending. I found the main premise distasteful, the Mark unlikable in his ambition, and could not see what our heroine saw in him. That being said the tale is well written and I am enjoying this world where each book is a standalone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews