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Relics of Merlin #4
Everlasting Enchantment
From the enchanting world of Kathryne Kennedy comes the long-awaited new installment in her bestselling Relics of Merlin series-where the magic never dies.
Power Magic is Afoot
Millicent Pantere has lived her entire life in the notorious London Underground. She cares nothing for the problems of the crown or the intrigues of society. But the ladies of the realm are acting strangely, and Millicent is coerced into tracking down the rumors of a mysterious man-a magic man who comes in the night and disappears at dawn.
And So the Hunt Begins
Millicent's search leads her to one of Merlin's legendary relics and the seductive knight whose fate is bound up with it. Centuries ago, Sir Gareth Solimere made the mistake of seducing the wrong woman, and he has been trapped ever since by a diabolical curse. He's looking for the one who can break the enchantment-but in this world, there is no love without betrayal...
Power Magic is Afoot
Millicent Pantere has lived her entire life in the notorious London Underground. She cares nothing for the problems of the crown or the intrigues of society. But the ladies of the realm are acting strangely, and Millicent is coerced into tracking down the rumors of a mysterious man-a magic man who comes in the night and disappears at dawn.
And So the Hunt Begins
Millicent's search leads her to one of Merlin's legendary relics and the seductive knight whose fate is bound up with it. Centuries ago, Sir Gareth Solimere made the mistake of seducing the wrong woman, and he has been trapped ever since by a diabolical curse. He's looking for the one who can break the enchantment-but in this world, there is no love without betrayal...
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2013
14 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Kathryne Kennedy
20 books215 followersAs a college grad, business owner, and writer, Kathryne has published nearly a dozen short stories in the SFF/Romance genre, receiving Honorable Mention twice in the 'Writers of the Future' contest. Being a self-proclaimed "Air Force brat," Kathryne has traveled a great deal, and over the years has lived in Guam, Okinawa, and several states in the U.S
She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two sons, and the rest of her family (including two chihuahuas named Precious and Baggins (think Lord of the Rings) who she's rather fond of).
She currently resides in Arizona with her husband, two sons, and the rest of her family (including two chihuahuas named Precious and Baggins (think Lord of the Rings) who she's rather fond of).
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January 30, 2024DNF at 52%. Really wanted to like this one especially with the hero knight but this series has been diminishing returns.
December 3, 2013
Panther Shapeshifter Millicent has been blackmailed in to acquiring one of the relics of Merlin...but she has no idea that a man is attached to the relic. Gareth, a former Knight of the Round Table has been trapped in the bracelet for centuries, when he was cursed by Merlin for dallying with his love. Gareth appears every night to the wearer of the bracelet, can only be freed when he finds true love...but is that all? Millicent possesses the bracelet, and it attaches itself to her, releasing Gareth, she can only be free by sleeping with him, but Millicent has learned to trust no-one and doesn't want to be like her mother, making Gareth's task harder. After escaping her blackmailer, then being re-captured, Millicent finally succumbs to Gareth's charms....at the cost of her heart. As their love for each other develops, they have to escape their captor, and thwart his plans to use Gareth's blood on the Queen to make her marry him, and gain the power he craves. Can they succeed? Can they break Gareth's curse? Will Mallicent's love be enough?
I haven't read the other book's in the series, and I can safely say this can be read as a stand alone book. I was intrigued by the mention of Merlin, as I love all things King Arthur so I thought I'd give the book a go.
The premise of the book was so unique, with the Relics, and Shifters, not to mention the magic being possessed by the Queen herself among others! The underground and aboveground division was also a unique twist.
I was hooked from the first page, the writing and the characters draw you in, and keep hold of you throughout the whole story. I admire Mallicent as a character, she was strong, and relateable to an extent as well as believable. All the characters had so much depth to them.
There's lots of mentions of Merlin, and the threads of the plot are intertwined with History and Romance. The romance is slow building, going from Gareth trying to seduce her and her being very opposed to the idea, to them slowly falling in love and realizing their feelings. I love stories where the love is slowly developed, it's not there from the beginning, I have a lot of dislike and issues with Insta-love, and this drew me in for the love story alone.
There's lots of mystery and intrigue to keep you occupied as well! With plot twists all over the place, including the one about Gareth's curse! I couldn't predict what would happen next, and Millicent being in denial about Gareth's love for her, and hers for him added a nice touch, not to mention the betrayals!
Everlasting Enchantment is a fantastic blend of Historical, paranormal romance, with twists and turns all over the place, and so fast paced you can't put it down! You will fall in love with the world that has been created as well as the characters!
I haven't read the other book's in the series, and I can safely say this can be read as a stand alone book. I was intrigued by the mention of Merlin, as I love all things King Arthur so I thought I'd give the book a go.
The premise of the book was so unique, with the Relics, and Shifters, not to mention the magic being possessed by the Queen herself among others! The underground and aboveground division was also a unique twist.
I was hooked from the first page, the writing and the characters draw you in, and keep hold of you throughout the whole story. I admire Mallicent as a character, she was strong, and relateable to an extent as well as believable. All the characters had so much depth to them.
There's lots of mentions of Merlin, and the threads of the plot are intertwined with History and Romance. The romance is slow building, going from Gareth trying to seduce her and her being very opposed to the idea, to them slowly falling in love and realizing their feelings. I love stories where the love is slowly developed, it's not there from the beginning, I have a lot of dislike and issues with Insta-love, and this drew me in for the love story alone.
There's lots of mystery and intrigue to keep you occupied as well! With plot twists all over the place, including the one about Gareth's curse! I couldn't predict what would happen next, and Millicent being in denial about Gareth's love for her, and hers for him added a nice touch, not to mention the betrayals!
Everlasting Enchantment is a fantastic blend of Historical, paranormal romance, with twists and turns all over the place, and so fast paced you can't put it down! You will fall in love with the world that has been created as well as the characters!
May 14, 2025
Millicent isn’t what one would call a people person. Living her life in the Underground, shying away from both shifter and human contact as much as possible, she has very few true friends. When one of those friends is threatened, she will do everything she can to save them. So, she finds herself in a fancy dress that chafes, is a fancy carriage with a fancy new fake accent, on her way to a fancy house to steal a magical artifact. She needs to get her hands on the bracelet for the piece of scum that has her friend held prisoner and she’ll do whatever she needs to in order to get her hands on it. However, when she finds out the consequences of wearing the bracelet, she is furious.
Gareth has spent centuries enslaved to the bracelet and whomever possesses it after angering the famous Merlin. Trapped imprisoned until he can find his true love, Gareth has slept his way through all his many female masters in search of a means to break the curse. When he meets his latest master, he’s stunned by her resistance to his seductive charm. He’s used to women falling over themselves for a chance to be his lover for one special evening before the bracelet choses a new owner. But the beautiful shifter is a hard nut to crack. She is stubborn and prideful and soon he realizes that she may well be the own to save him as he experiences real emotions for the first time in a long time.
However, as they soon realize the curse is not to be broken so easily and the path is blocked with distrust and heartbreak. And a plot to harm the Queen means they must each put aside their own selfish needs for the good of their country.
This series is always promised to be entertaining. Some installments are better then other but I have not come across a truly bad one. While I enjoyed this book, I did feel like it carried on a bit too long. Otherwise, I enjoyed all characters involved and was along for the ride.
Millicent was a grumpy cat for the most of the book but she did have a true heart which came through anytime someone she cared about was in trouble. She was one to hold tight to her emotions and she came across as a real bitch because she’s had to fight her entire life for survival. It made her treatment of Gareth more understandable, even though it made me angry at times.
Gareth was a kind and loyal soul. Tormented by his enslavement and hopeful of a chance to break the curse, he lost site of what the curse was put upon him to be in the first place. He needed to fall in love, but didn’t truly understand what that meant. I loved his gallant personality and charming disposition. He could roll with the punches and slowly start breaking through the heroine tough outer shell.
Good book, not great, but definitely worth the read.
Gareth has spent centuries enslaved to the bracelet and whomever possesses it after angering the famous Merlin. Trapped imprisoned until he can find his true love, Gareth has slept his way through all his many female masters in search of a means to break the curse. When he meets his latest master, he’s stunned by her resistance to his seductive charm. He’s used to women falling over themselves for a chance to be his lover for one special evening before the bracelet choses a new owner. But the beautiful shifter is a hard nut to crack. She is stubborn and prideful and soon he realizes that she may well be the own to save him as he experiences real emotions for the first time in a long time.
However, as they soon realize the curse is not to be broken so easily and the path is blocked with distrust and heartbreak. And a plot to harm the Queen means they must each put aside their own selfish needs for the good of their country.
This series is always promised to be entertaining. Some installments are better then other but I have not come across a truly bad one. While I enjoyed this book, I did feel like it carried on a bit too long. Otherwise, I enjoyed all characters involved and was along for the ride.
Millicent was a grumpy cat for the most of the book but she did have a true heart which came through anytime someone she cared about was in trouble. She was one to hold tight to her emotions and she came across as a real bitch because she’s had to fight her entire life for survival. It made her treatment of Gareth more understandable, even though it made me angry at times.
Gareth was a kind and loyal soul. Tormented by his enslavement and hopeful of a chance to break the curse, he lost site of what the curse was put upon him to be in the first place. He needed to fall in love, but didn’t truly understand what that meant. I loved his gallant personality and charming disposition. He could roll with the punches and slowly start breaking through the heroine tough outer shell.
Good book, not great, but definitely worth the read.
January 13, 2014
Review from Backchatting Books
Sir Garath Solimere, a knight of Arthur’s Round Table, has been trapped inside a relic as punishment for having an affair. He is doomed to remain tethered to the bracelet until he meets his one true love. Over the years he has become very good at pleasuring the ladies so he is unpleasantly surprised that Millicent, a werepanthur, is only interested in handing his bracelet over to free her firebird friend, Nell.
Millicent Pantere lives in the underground where many like her have hidden away from the Victorian world rather than being used and abused. Shapeshifters are immune to magic so Millicent catches the eye of the Duke of Ghoulston. He kidnaps Nell to persuade Millicent to acquire one of Merlin’s relics. Millicent may have had a tough life but she is forthright, loyal and able to take down a range of foes. I enjoyed her interactions with Nell best.
Garath appears at night to whoever wears the bracelet and seduces them in hope that he will be freed. His bracelet will not release the lady in question until Garath has slept with her. He yearns for freedom but still hasn’t quite grasped the concept of love rather than lust after all this time. He thinks that sex is the only way to find his true love but thankfully Millicent resists his charms long enough for them to get to know each other. Rather than being completely swept away by the romance, I kept wondering what STIs he could have picked up given the hundreds upon hundreds of women he had slept with.
I had a few quibbles with the plot but nothing major. I’m not sure why the Duke picked Millicent to do his dirty work – he needed someone who could blend with the cream of society yet he picked a barmaid in a fairly rough bar instead of his seductive sidekick werebat called Selina. There also seemed to be rather a lot of people escaping, getting captured, escaping again and getting recaptured. The world was interesting and we had some interesting characters popping up. Queen Victoria was a highlight for me especially when she got involved in the action.
"Everlasting Enchantment" is a fairly light paranormal romance that is heavy on the fantasy. Kennedy has tried to breathe new life into the Merlin legend and even though the plot is a bit predictable, it is an enjoyable read. It can be read as a standalone.
*I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Sir Garath Solimere, a knight of Arthur’s Round Table, has been trapped inside a relic as punishment for having an affair. He is doomed to remain tethered to the bracelet until he meets his one true love. Over the years he has become very good at pleasuring the ladies so he is unpleasantly surprised that Millicent, a werepanthur, is only interested in handing his bracelet over to free her firebird friend, Nell.
Millicent Pantere lives in the underground where many like her have hidden away from the Victorian world rather than being used and abused. Shapeshifters are immune to magic so Millicent catches the eye of the Duke of Ghoulston. He kidnaps Nell to persuade Millicent to acquire one of Merlin’s relics. Millicent may have had a tough life but she is forthright, loyal and able to take down a range of foes. I enjoyed her interactions with Nell best.
Garath appears at night to whoever wears the bracelet and seduces them in hope that he will be freed. His bracelet will not release the lady in question until Garath has slept with her. He yearns for freedom but still hasn’t quite grasped the concept of love rather than lust after all this time. He thinks that sex is the only way to find his true love but thankfully Millicent resists his charms long enough for them to get to know each other. Rather than being completely swept away by the romance, I kept wondering what STIs he could have picked up given the hundreds upon hundreds of women he had slept with.
I had a few quibbles with the plot but nothing major. I’m not sure why the Duke picked Millicent to do his dirty work – he needed someone who could blend with the cream of society yet he picked a barmaid in a fairly rough bar instead of his seductive sidekick werebat called Selina. There also seemed to be rather a lot of people escaping, getting captured, escaping again and getting recaptured. The world was interesting and we had some interesting characters popping up. Queen Victoria was a highlight for me especially when she got involved in the action.
"Everlasting Enchantment" is a fairly light paranormal romance that is heavy on the fantasy. Kennedy has tried to breathe new life into the Merlin legend and even though the plot is a bit predictable, it is an enjoyable read. It can be read as a standalone.
*I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
November 1, 2013
Full of magic, romance, and betrayal, Everlasting Enchantment was a wonderful read. I absolutely loved this romance! It was just lovely.
Millicent was a tough heroine. She had a difficult life, and that made her very strong. She was definitely a survivor. Nothing the world threw at her could take her down. But, her past also made her wary of trusting others. And, while I understood the reason, it did frustrate me that she was so staunchly opposed to a relationship with Gareth. Otherwise, though, I really liked her character. She was great.
Gareth was just as amazing. He's seen a lot in his centuries of living, so absolutely nothing can shock him. He was strong and determined to break the curse so that he could live a normal life again. But, things are not exactly as they seem with the curse. And, when he had to make a choice between what he though he wanted and what he really wanted, he knew what to choose. He was very sweet and devoted to Millicent. I adored him. I thought he was perfect.
The romance was sweet and steamy. Millicent and Gareth were a perfect match, though someone *cough* Millicent *cough* was in denial about that. They are both very strong and they definitely met their match in each other. And, the sparks between them were super hot. They were certainly well matched in that area as well ;)
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were surprises, secrets, and betrayals that a never saw coming. Particularly the truth about Gareth's curse. That one was a shocker. I really enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was perfect.
Everlasting Enchantment was a fantastic romance. I loved this book! The magic, the romance, the surprises. It was all perfect. Lovers of romance, this is a book you definitely need to read.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Millicent was a tough heroine. She had a difficult life, and that made her very strong. She was definitely a survivor. Nothing the world threw at her could take her down. But, her past also made her wary of trusting others. And, while I understood the reason, it did frustrate me that she was so staunchly opposed to a relationship with Gareth. Otherwise, though, I really liked her character. She was great.
Gareth was just as amazing. He's seen a lot in his centuries of living, so absolutely nothing can shock him. He was strong and determined to break the curse so that he could live a normal life again. But, things are not exactly as they seem with the curse. And, when he had to make a choice between what he though he wanted and what he really wanted, he knew what to choose. He was very sweet and devoted to Millicent. I adored him. I thought he was perfect.
The romance was sweet and steamy. Millicent and Gareth were a perfect match, though someone *cough* Millicent *cough* was in denial about that. They are both very strong and they definitely met their match in each other. And, the sparks between them were super hot. They were certainly well matched in that area as well ;)
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were surprises, secrets, and betrayals that a never saw coming. Particularly the truth about Gareth's curse. That one was a shocker. I really enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was perfect.
Everlasting Enchantment was a fantastic romance. I loved this book! The magic, the romance, the surprises. It was all perfect. Lovers of romance, this is a book you definitely need to read.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
December 6, 2013
While Everlasting Enchantment is book four of the Relics of Merlin series it has no problem standing on its own.
The setting is Victorian England and Queen Victoria plays a role in the story. It is an England with shape shifters and magic. Gareth Solimere is trapped in one of Merlin’s relics. Millicent Pantere is suppose to find that relic in order to save Nell, the only person she thinks she cares for. Once the relic with Gareth comes into Millicent’s possession the story really takes off.
I had a great time reading Everlasting Enchantment. There was action, adventure, romance, magic, shape shifting, and enough tension to keep me reading. I loved Millicent. She really did care about others; she just refused to admit that she did. Gareth started out very jaded. As the story progressed I got to watch him change into a wonderful caring man who loved with all his being.
Relics of Merlin is a fun series and Everlasting Enchantment is a great addition. The writing is crisp, the plot well developed and the characters fun. If you like fantasy and romance this is a good pick.
The setting is Victorian England and Queen Victoria plays a role in the story. It is an England with shape shifters and magic. Gareth Solimere is trapped in one of Merlin’s relics. Millicent Pantere is suppose to find that relic in order to save Nell, the only person she thinks she cares for. Once the relic with Gareth comes into Millicent’s possession the story really takes off.
I had a great time reading Everlasting Enchantment. There was action, adventure, romance, magic, shape shifting, and enough tension to keep me reading. I loved Millicent. She really did care about others; she just refused to admit that she did. Gareth started out very jaded. As the story progressed I got to watch him change into a wonderful caring man who loved with all his being.
Relics of Merlin is a fun series and Everlasting Enchantment is a great addition. The writing is crisp, the plot well developed and the characters fun. If you like fantasy and romance this is a good pick.
November 26, 2025
Trapped inside an ancient ring Sir Gareth Solimere can only find true freedom by finding his one true love. He uses his ability to seduce in the hopes he will find his escape. When his ring attaches itself to Millicent Patere, a were-panther, he discovers that he might like to stick around longer than a one night seduction...but an evil sorcerer has his sights on the power of the ring and will stop at nothing to control Solimere.
Everlasting Enchantment is an interesting mix of the legend of Merlin, paranormal creatures and steamy seduction all blended into a historical romance. This original plot will send you to a new world beneath everyday society. Kennedy created a vivid, dark and beautiful world for us explore.
I received this ARC copy of Everlasting Enchantment from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication December 3, 2013.
Everlasting Enchantment is an interesting mix of the legend of Merlin, paranormal creatures and steamy seduction all blended into a historical romance. This original plot will send you to a new world beneath everyday society. Kennedy created a vivid, dark and beautiful world for us explore.
I received this ARC copy of Everlasting Enchantment from SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication December 3, 2013.
December 1, 2013
You can easily read this one before the other books. At the beginning there is an explanation about the relics and the start of this society.
In this book Millicent, a were panther and hired to find a relic. And a relic she finds, and with it a sexy knight called Gareth. Adventure and romance follows.
But things are never that easy. Cos of things I will not explain Millie is not exactly falling all over him and their way to love is long. There is also someone in the need of a rescue, an evil guy to take down, a curse to break and love to find.
A nice adventure with a strong woman who could take care of herself.
In this book Millicent, a were panther and hired to find a relic. And a relic she finds, and with it a sexy knight called Gareth. Adventure and romance follows.
But things are never that easy. Cos of things I will not explain Millie is not exactly falling all over him and their way to love is long. There is also someone in the need of a rescue, an evil guy to take down, a curse to break and love to find.
A nice adventure with a strong woman who could take care of herself.
January 28, 2018
**3.5 Stars
This series has been an enjoyable and colorful romp through an alternate Victorian England. And I have loved the shapeshifters, so much, haha. This one has a female shifter, and some predictable twists - that made it no less enjoyable.
This series has been an enjoyable and colorful romp through an alternate Victorian England. And I have loved the shapeshifters, so much, haha. This one has a female shifter, and some predictable twists - that made it no less enjoyable.
June 30, 2018
I'm never entirely sold on romances where one character is under the other's power (slavery, debt, whatever), but this handles it as well as they ever do. The push and pull of the relationship grows a bit tiresome by the end, but is believable due to characterization. And it delivers on an engaging world and happy ending.
October 13, 2018
I'm used to romance novels not being very deep but this veneer was too thin for me. Shame as the premise and possibilities of this world and characters had me.
I've not read other books in the series but I don't think that would help.
I've not read other books in the series but I don't think that would help.
March 30, 2022
I read the other three books in the series years ago. I always meant to come back and finish the series. I stumbled on the book again recently and thought I’d finish it. I found myself skimming a lot of it but it was enjoyable overall.
November 27, 2017
Almost redeemed series. Might have been my favorite. Still a few unsavory plot twists that just made me go ugh. Can't actually say I'd recommend this author.
August 28, 2019
DNF at about 50%. Too much insta-love for me.
June 21, 2020
A prequel?
January 8, 2014
Imagine a Victorian London where magic never died. The stronger the mage, the higher his or her title. Birth is no longer the most important thing in society, magical power is. If the younger sibling is stronger than the oldest, the younger will inherit. If the children are weak in magical power, they will loose their title and estate and status completely to a stranger who will get it all.
Merlin’s offspring is numerous, and the not so white wizards have been experimenting on man and beasts and plants, creating horrors and wonders alike. Only the horrors are kept below London, in the Underground. The shapeshifters are looked down upon, but they have one big advantage over the normal humans: they are immune to magic, and can look through the most elaborate illusions the nobles create.
Millicent Pantere is a panter shapeshifter, living in the Underground. She has had to look after herself from a young age and is quite capable of protecting herself. She doesn’t need friends or family, although she does have one good friend, an old firebird shifter called Nell. And now the evil Duke of Ghoulston has captured Nell to make Millicent do his bidding. She is to go out in Society as a real Lady, and steal one of the Relics of Merlin for him. Millicent is not so sure this will work, a few months of tutoring does not make a streetcat into a lady, but she has no choice if she wants to safe her friend.
To her own surprise, blending in as the Duke’s country cousin is easy, except of course the Baronets (shapeshifters) immediately smell what she is. One of the young ladies quickly befriends her, and takes her to Lady Chatterly, the current owner of the Relic. Apparently, the relic comes with a secret: a cursed Knight of the Round Table who is looking for his one true love to break the curse. He will come out at midnight to the lady whom is wearing the enchanted bracelet, and seduces the lady in question, hoping she will be the one who will set him free. He will return into the bracelet at sunrise. Millicent doesn’t expect to end up wearing the blasted thing herself, but until the knight has seduced her, it won’t come off. Not for the Duke, nor for the Baronets who are chasing after her, following her from the Duke’s underground castle all through the Underground.
Millicent refuses to give in to the Knight’s seductive manners just to possibly end the curse, she treasures her virginity and won’t be swayed so easily. But spending a few nights together, on the run, Millicent and Sir Gareth get to know each other, and Millicent is falling for him. She admires his sense of honor, and how he genuinely seems to care for both her and Nell. But what if they do make love, and the curse is not broken, that means she will never see him again, as the bracelet only chooses a lady once. Sir Gareth has fallen in love with the fierce Millicent, even though she warns him she is incapable of loving anyone so deeply. He thinks differently, and to safe her he will gladly give up his own life…
It has been 4 years since the previous book in this series was published, and I was really looking forward to this one. I enjoyed the first books very much. Unfortunately, I am a bit disappointed in this one.
The story is entertaining enough, but I just don’t like the trope where the couple has to have sex because of the magic. So I did admire Millicent for refusing Sir Gareth time and again, but well, the man has been having sex with a different woman each night for centuries! Of course he went about it all wrong, how can you fall in love with a woman when you immediately on seeing her, set out to seduce her? Those things are completely different. And sleeping with married ladies, why would they fall in love with you in just a few hours?
It is also never explained how the Duke got a hold of Nell, and why he wanted or even found Millicent in the Underground and picked her for his dirty work. She was just working in a tavern as a kind of bouncer and barmaid. He was already employing a very willing and beautiful were-bat named Selena.
I did like the descriptions of the Underground, and the different kinds of creatures. Not the scary ones though. I liked Lady Yardley and how she immediately liked Millicent, but was still so very young and naïve. Queen Victoria was a good secondary character as well, and I loved how she fought the evil Duke when he had her under his spell. The ending of the book was good too, how Sir Gareth handled himself after the curse was broken. And the little hobgoblin in his new house sounds like fun.
I will certainly read more books in this series, but I hope for a story with more body like the previous ones.
6 stars.
Merlin’s offspring is numerous, and the not so white wizards have been experimenting on man and beasts and plants, creating horrors and wonders alike. Only the horrors are kept below London, in the Underground. The shapeshifters are looked down upon, but they have one big advantage over the normal humans: they are immune to magic, and can look through the most elaborate illusions the nobles create.
Millicent Pantere is a panter shapeshifter, living in the Underground. She has had to look after herself from a young age and is quite capable of protecting herself. She doesn’t need friends or family, although she does have one good friend, an old firebird shifter called Nell. And now the evil Duke of Ghoulston has captured Nell to make Millicent do his bidding. She is to go out in Society as a real Lady, and steal one of the Relics of Merlin for him. Millicent is not so sure this will work, a few months of tutoring does not make a streetcat into a lady, but she has no choice if she wants to safe her friend.
To her own surprise, blending in as the Duke’s country cousin is easy, except of course the Baronets (shapeshifters) immediately smell what she is. One of the young ladies quickly befriends her, and takes her to Lady Chatterly, the current owner of the Relic. Apparently, the relic comes with a secret: a cursed Knight of the Round Table who is looking for his one true love to break the curse. He will come out at midnight to the lady whom is wearing the enchanted bracelet, and seduces the lady in question, hoping she will be the one who will set him free. He will return into the bracelet at sunrise. Millicent doesn’t expect to end up wearing the blasted thing herself, but until the knight has seduced her, it won’t come off. Not for the Duke, nor for the Baronets who are chasing after her, following her from the Duke’s underground castle all through the Underground.
Millicent refuses to give in to the Knight’s seductive manners just to possibly end the curse, she treasures her virginity and won’t be swayed so easily. But spending a few nights together, on the run, Millicent and Sir Gareth get to know each other, and Millicent is falling for him. She admires his sense of honor, and how he genuinely seems to care for both her and Nell. But what if they do make love, and the curse is not broken, that means she will never see him again, as the bracelet only chooses a lady once. Sir Gareth has fallen in love with the fierce Millicent, even though she warns him she is incapable of loving anyone so deeply. He thinks differently, and to safe her he will gladly give up his own life…
It has been 4 years since the previous book in this series was published, and I was really looking forward to this one. I enjoyed the first books very much. Unfortunately, I am a bit disappointed in this one.
The story is entertaining enough, but I just don’t like the trope where the couple has to have sex because of the magic. So I did admire Millicent for refusing Sir Gareth time and again, but well, the man has been having sex with a different woman each night for centuries! Of course he went about it all wrong, how can you fall in love with a woman when you immediately on seeing her, set out to seduce her? Those things are completely different. And sleeping with married ladies, why would they fall in love with you in just a few hours?
It is also never explained how the Duke got a hold of Nell, and why he wanted or even found Millicent in the Underground and picked her for his dirty work. She was just working in a tavern as a kind of bouncer and barmaid. He was already employing a very willing and beautiful were-bat named Selena.
I did like the descriptions of the Underground, and the different kinds of creatures. Not the scary ones though. I liked Lady Yardley and how she immediately liked Millicent, but was still so very young and naïve. Queen Victoria was a good secondary character as well, and I loved how she fought the evil Duke when he had her under his spell. The ending of the book was good too, how Sir Gareth handled himself after the curse was broken. And the little hobgoblin in his new house sounds like fun.
I will certainly read more books in this series, but I hope for a story with more body like the previous ones.
6 stars.
© 2013 Reviews by Aurian
December 26, 2013
Kathryne Kennedy's latest book in the Relics of Merlin series, Everlasting Enchantment has been a long time coming and fans of this eclectic series are ready to see where Kennedy will take them. Kennedy's world building skills are among the best in this cross between fantasy and paranormal romance. It is definitely a genre-bender as it is set during the reign of young Queen Victoria and uses the London underground as a backdrop for the action and adventure that makes up this novel. Kennedy fans will relish her knack for time and setting as much as her ability to create meaningful love scenes and tender moments. A great addition to a good fantasy series.
What I liked:
I liked the fact that Kennedy doesn't give us a straight up paranormal romance or a high fantasy title, which she is known for. She gives readers a very unique mix between the two in Everlasting Enchantment. You have paranormal characters like the heroine who a panther shifter, you also have historical figures like Queen Victoria and the magical realm that is very reminiscent of high fantasy. It is truly a genre-bender and will appeal to readers of many different types. I thought Kennedy did a great job of bringing all the elements together to bring readers a very adventurous love story.
I liked Millicent a lot. She was a heroine that has had a hard go of it. She is orphaned and used to relying on only herself and her abilities to get her though anything. She isn't very trusting and she doesn't believe in doing anything that doesn't lend itself toward her own preservation. Kennedy shows a lot of skill at character development as she begins to break down Millicent's walls and allows her become vulnerable and ready for love.
Gareth is kind of a confusing character for me. He has been imprisoned in a relic by Merlin for seducing his lover, but yet he comes off with such a chivalrous and kind character. A knight of the round table, we know he is gallant and serves others before himself. But as seen in times past, the knights are still human and Gareth is certainly not oblivious to the fact that he must seduce the right woman in order to break the curse. I liked the fact that Kennedy shows Gareth's growth as well. At first all he cares about is getting Millicent to sleep with him in order to break the curse but in the end he begins to think more about her than about freeing himself.
These two make a great team and a great couple. Their relationship is not without it's problems but it develops in just the right way. They become friends before anything else. Each of them must make some hard decisions that affect each other and the way Kennedy resolves thing is very enjoyable and surprising. That curse is a little more devious than meets the eye.
The magical elements of this story were a joy to read. Millicent's abilities as a were-panther were innovative and creative. I liked the fact that the magical aspects of the story leaned a bit toward Kennedy's roots in high fantasy. She has long been one of my favorites in that area. There were just so many elements that showed Kennedy vast imagination. She has created a very unique world and readers are sure to fall in love with it.
What I didn't like:
The bad guy was a ruthless duke who coerces Millicent to steal the relic and he holds her friend as ransom. As bad guys goes he was a little predictable but that doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. He was just one of those people that you know is a bad, but he doesn't steal the show. He sort of lingers in the background a bit and other elements overshadow him.
Bottom Line:
This was a very good long awaited book. It had so many different elements in it, that it will appeal to a wide range of readers. I miss Kennedy's fantasy edge a little bit, but it does surface enough in this one to make me want to read any succeeding books in the series. The time of Arthur and his knights, of Merlin and real magic, is quite well represented and I think there is a lot to like about this one.
What I liked:
I liked the fact that Kennedy doesn't give us a straight up paranormal romance or a high fantasy title, which she is known for. She gives readers a very unique mix between the two in Everlasting Enchantment. You have paranormal characters like the heroine who a panther shifter, you also have historical figures like Queen Victoria and the magical realm that is very reminiscent of high fantasy. It is truly a genre-bender and will appeal to readers of many different types. I thought Kennedy did a great job of bringing all the elements together to bring readers a very adventurous love story.
I liked Millicent a lot. She was a heroine that has had a hard go of it. She is orphaned and used to relying on only herself and her abilities to get her though anything. She isn't very trusting and she doesn't believe in doing anything that doesn't lend itself toward her own preservation. Kennedy shows a lot of skill at character development as she begins to break down Millicent's walls and allows her become vulnerable and ready for love.
Gareth is kind of a confusing character for me. He has been imprisoned in a relic by Merlin for seducing his lover, but yet he comes off with such a chivalrous and kind character. A knight of the round table, we know he is gallant and serves others before himself. But as seen in times past, the knights are still human and Gareth is certainly not oblivious to the fact that he must seduce the right woman in order to break the curse. I liked the fact that Kennedy shows Gareth's growth as well. At first all he cares about is getting Millicent to sleep with him in order to break the curse but in the end he begins to think more about her than about freeing himself.
These two make a great team and a great couple. Their relationship is not without it's problems but it develops in just the right way. They become friends before anything else. Each of them must make some hard decisions that affect each other and the way Kennedy resolves thing is very enjoyable and surprising. That curse is a little more devious than meets the eye.
The magical elements of this story were a joy to read. Millicent's abilities as a were-panther were innovative and creative. I liked the fact that the magical aspects of the story leaned a bit toward Kennedy's roots in high fantasy. She has long been one of my favorites in that area. There were just so many elements that showed Kennedy vast imagination. She has created a very unique world and readers are sure to fall in love with it.
What I didn't like:
The bad guy was a ruthless duke who coerces Millicent to steal the relic and he holds her friend as ransom. As bad guys goes he was a little predictable but that doesn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. He was just one of those people that you know is a bad, but he doesn't steal the show. He sort of lingers in the background a bit and other elements overshadow him.
Bottom Line:
This was a very good long awaited book. It had so many different elements in it, that it will appeal to a wide range of readers. I miss Kennedy's fantasy edge a little bit, but it does surface enough in this one to make me want to read any succeeding books in the series. The time of Arthur and his knights, of Merlin and real magic, is quite well represented and I think there is a lot to like about this one.
December 7, 2013
Newly Released!
I am really enjoying this Merlin's Relic series by Kathryne Kennedy. There are shifters, magic, a Knight of the Round Table, action, and a steamy romance.
Our Knight, Sir Gareth, is such a gentleman. Doesn't matter that he has known so many women who cannot help him. He's kind and chivalrous anyway. But he's been trapped in one of Merlin's relics for so long, he's almost given up hope for his release. That is until the relic tightens on Millicent's wrist.
For her part, she doesn't want to have anything to do with him, or any man. She depends upon herself, and her animal's claws and fangs, to deal with whatever may come. Unfortunately, her only friend, Nell Feenix is being held for the ransom of the relic.
Millie is distraught to learn that there are only two ways for the relic to release her: death (not a great choice) or spending the night with the Knight, and not to sleep. She's rather appalled by the choices even though she thinks he is quite charming, and hot, too.
For his part, Gareth is intrigued by this woman who doesn't want him. In his very long enchantment he's only run across a couple, one who was too old and one who only wanted other women. In those cases, they chose death. I bet that hurt his ego.
The supporting cast was fun: Selena, the were-bat was sexy, but needed to be smacked; Bran, the were-bear (who needs his own book); Ambrose, the message sprite; and the evil Duke of Ghoulston, a magician who enjoys dabbling in the dark arts. Queen Victoria and her uncle were a LOT of fun. I sincerely hope we see more of them as the series continues.
While the Merlin's Relics books are a series, each can stand on it's own. I like that.
I definitely recommend these books to lovers of shifters.
Four and Half Bookmarks, rounded to five for Goodreads
*Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the opportunity to read Everlasting Enchantment
This review, and others, may be seen at my blog:
www.firstpagetothelast.com
I am really enjoying this Merlin's Relic series by Kathryne Kennedy. There are shifters, magic, a Knight of the Round Table, action, and a steamy romance.
Our Knight, Sir Gareth, is such a gentleman. Doesn't matter that he has known so many women who cannot help him. He's kind and chivalrous anyway. But he's been trapped in one of Merlin's relics for so long, he's almost given up hope for his release. That is until the relic tightens on Millicent's wrist.
For her part, she doesn't want to have anything to do with him, or any man. She depends upon herself, and her animal's claws and fangs, to deal with whatever may come. Unfortunately, her only friend, Nell Feenix is being held for the ransom of the relic.
Millie is distraught to learn that there are only two ways for the relic to release her: death (not a great choice) or spending the night with the Knight, and not to sleep. She's rather appalled by the choices even though she thinks he is quite charming, and hot, too.
For his part, Gareth is intrigued by this woman who doesn't want him. In his very long enchantment he's only run across a couple, one who was too old and one who only wanted other women. In those cases, they chose death. I bet that hurt his ego.
The supporting cast was fun: Selena, the were-bat was sexy, but needed to be smacked; Bran, the were-bear (who needs his own book); Ambrose, the message sprite; and the evil Duke of Ghoulston, a magician who enjoys dabbling in the dark arts. Queen Victoria and her uncle were a LOT of fun. I sincerely hope we see more of them as the series continues.
While the Merlin's Relics books are a series, each can stand on it's own. I like that.
I definitely recommend these books to lovers of shifters.
Four and Half Bookmarks, rounded to five for Goodreads
*Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for the opportunity to read Everlasting Enchantment
This review, and others, may be seen at my blog:
www.firstpagetothelast.com
November 27, 2013
Millicent has been blackmailed into finding this relic but she has no clue that the relic holds a cursed man inside of it. That is until the bracelet fastens itself onto her wrist and at dusk a man appears. Sir Gareth has been cursed to appear every night to the wearer of the bracelet in hopes that she's his one true love thus breaking Merlin's curse. However, Millicent has no desire to sleep with him and has ever intention of turning him and the relic he's imprisoned in over to the man who is holding her friend captive.
I came across the first book in the series a year ago when at a book sale. I really enjoyed the story but just never continued with the series. I was a little worried that I would feel lost picking back up at book #4 but the stories don't really mix. These are all new characters that we read about and everything is explained as far as the magical world is concerned. So this can be read as a stand-alone or read in a series. It doesn't really seem to make a difference.
I haven't read too many Merlin type books but I really enjoyed that there was quite a bit of mention of Merlin in this one. We get background information as to why Merlin made a relic and locked Sir Gereth into it. Personally, I felt like Merlin was justified in his decision... but that's just me.
The romance was slow building and sweet. At first Sir Gareth is just trying to seduce Millicent to try to break the curse but because she keeps refusing him, he gets to know her and finds himself falling in love with her. The two don't start out being in love with each other and I think that's what really drew me in. I loved that they actually built a relationship out of friendship instead of instantly falling into the sheets.
This was a great book that had a mixture of historical and paranormal romance. I will have to go back and read the other books that I skipped in the series.
I came across the first book in the series a year ago when at a book sale. I really enjoyed the story but just never continued with the series. I was a little worried that I would feel lost picking back up at book #4 but the stories don't really mix. These are all new characters that we read about and everything is explained as far as the magical world is concerned. So this can be read as a stand-alone or read in a series. It doesn't really seem to make a difference.
I haven't read too many Merlin type books but I really enjoyed that there was quite a bit of mention of Merlin in this one. We get background information as to why Merlin made a relic and locked Sir Gereth into it. Personally, I felt like Merlin was justified in his decision... but that's just me.
The romance was slow building and sweet. At first Sir Gareth is just trying to seduce Millicent to try to break the curse but because she keeps refusing him, he gets to know her and finds himself falling in love with her. The two don't start out being in love with each other and I think that's what really drew me in. I loved that they actually built a relationship out of friendship instead of instantly falling into the sheets.
This was a great book that had a mixture of historical and paranormal romance. I will have to go back and read the other books that I skipped in the series.
January 23, 2016
Unfortunately, this is the last book in the "Relics of Merlin" series--or perhaps just the latest one written (one can hope!).
Millicent Pantere is commissioned to find (and steal) a bracelet charged with a great deal of magic--she has no idea just how much--and she finds out the bracelet brings a ghostly lover to teach her about love. Well, she's having none of it! But she can't get the bracelet off until she sleeps with the cursed knight, Sir Gareth, and that she won't do, so she's stuck with the bracelet on while she deals with a wizard she despises who has captured her only friend, Nell Feelix, and won't let her go until Millicent delivers the bracelet to him.
This is an old-fashioned adventure story with shapeshifters, chases, battles, magic, legends and a large basket of romance to sweeten the pot. It reminds me a lot of "The Prisoner of Zenda," in that it has so many twists and turns and battles and chases, and whatnot. I think the main characters are better developed than in earlier stories, and the story is more complex and enjoyable. Just as the writer gets into the swing of things, she quits on us! I can only hope Ms. Kennedy decides to continue writing about the "Relics of Merlin," and gives us all many more hours of great reading. I certainly recommend this book, and the series, to those who like fantasy adventure.
Millicent Pantere is commissioned to find (and steal) a bracelet charged with a great deal of magic--she has no idea just how much--and she finds out the bracelet brings a ghostly lover to teach her about love. Well, she's having none of it! But she can't get the bracelet off until she sleeps with the cursed knight, Sir Gareth, and that she won't do, so she's stuck with the bracelet on while she deals with a wizard she despises who has captured her only friend, Nell Feelix, and won't let her go until Millicent delivers the bracelet to him.
This is an old-fashioned adventure story with shapeshifters, chases, battles, magic, legends and a large basket of romance to sweeten the pot. It reminds me a lot of "The Prisoner of Zenda," in that it has so many twists and turns and battles and chases, and whatnot. I think the main characters are better developed than in earlier stories, and the story is more complex and enjoyable. Just as the writer gets into the swing of things, she quits on us! I can only hope Ms. Kennedy decides to continue writing about the "Relics of Merlin," and gives us all many more hours of great reading. I certainly recommend this book, and the series, to those who like fantasy adventure.
May 19, 2014
Millicent, a street tough were-panther from the Underground, is blackmailed into searching for a lost relic of Merlin. When she finds it, there's a catch--the bracelet has clamped onto her arm and won't release until she makes love with the knight who has been cursed into it since Arthurian times by Merlin himself. Gareth has been searching for centuries for the woman who can break his curse, and is certain Millicent is it--but she refuses to believe in love.
While this is technically another installment in the Relics of Merlin series, it basically stands on its own, as there are no recurring characters and no real plot threads besides the fact that the relics are being hunted. This story reminded me of a mashup between two Gena Showalter plots: the Pleasure Slave, who is bound to an item and must serve his mistress, and The Lord of the Underworld, Paris, who can only have sex with a woman once. Millicent was a very prickly character, and it was hard to like her until much further in the book, even as she continued to be in self-denial about how she can't love him enough. Gareth was not as well-characterized, and seemed like a bland portrait of a chivalrous knight.
While this is technically another installment in the Relics of Merlin series, it basically stands on its own, as there are no recurring characters and no real plot threads besides the fact that the relics are being hunted. This story reminded me of a mashup between two Gena Showalter plots: the Pleasure Slave, who is bound to an item and must serve his mistress, and The Lord of the Underworld, Paris, who can only have sex with a woman once. Millicent was a very prickly character, and it was hard to like her until much further in the book, even as she continued to be in self-denial about how she can't love him enough. Gareth was not as well-characterized, and seemed like a bland portrait of a chivalrous knight.
December 3, 2013
Everlasting Enchantment is a paranormal romance that takes place in the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. This book has shifters, magic, romance, intrigue and a new play on the Genie in a Bottle fairytale. I started reading and enjoyed every bit of it!
Sir Gareth Solimere has been looking for his true love since the time King Author ruled England. Because of what he did to Merlin he has been trapped inside a relic, a bracelet, and he only comes out for a woman who might be the one to help him break his curse. Millicent Pantere is being forced to help an evil man in order to get her elderly friend free of his clutches. Now she has the relic and she has begun to have feelings for Gareth…
This is book four of the Relics of Merlin series. I think it does really well as a standalone especially since I have only read one book out of the series before I picked up this one. I do have the other two books and I am looking forward to finding the time to read and enjoy them as well.
Sir Gareth Solimere has been looking for his true love since the time King Author ruled England. Because of what he did to Merlin he has been trapped inside a relic, a bracelet, and he only comes out for a woman who might be the one to help him break his curse. Millicent Pantere is being forced to help an evil man in order to get her elderly friend free of his clutches. Now she has the relic and she has begun to have feelings for Gareth…
This is book four of the Relics of Merlin series. I think it does really well as a standalone especially since I have only read one book out of the series before I picked up this one. I do have the other two books and I am looking forward to finding the time to read and enjoy them as well.
December 29, 2013
Everlasting Enchantment is the next installment in the Relics of Merlin series by Kathryne Kennedy. The magical world she has built using the Regency and Victorian English real world is beautifully crafted and it is always a delight to revisit. This book is a delightful read even though I found the plot a bit transparent. Others may not find it so. If you like your fantasy grounded with a bit of "real world" history, Ms. Kennedy's books will more than likely keep you entertained. Plus, I adore her "baronets"--the shapeshifters in this world where one's magical talent determines their rank.
March 22, 2014
A lovely tale, full of magic and mystery. Millicent Pantere is a shapechanger, content to live her life in the shadows, but she's coerced into a conspiracy. She meets Sir Gareth Solimere, who has been trapped by Merlin's curse for centuries. They are thrown together, unlikely allies, to save lives and perhaps even a kingdom...
First-rate characters, Millicent is more fully realized, full of faults and virtues, mistakes and bravery. Sir Gareth is still a cipher at the end of the novel, but he fulfills his role well. The magic is wonderful, better than much fantasy-only fiction. The constructed world is full of detail and I felt like I was walking through an alternate reality, resembling a might-have-been London in Regency times.
First-rate characters, Millicent is more fully realized, full of faults and virtues, mistakes and bravery. Sir Gareth is still a cipher at the end of the novel, but he fulfills his role well. The magic is wonderful, better than much fantasy-only fiction. The constructed world is full of detail and I felt like I was walking through an alternate reality, resembling a might-have-been London in Regency times.
August 5, 2015
I really like the author's magic fantasy world in this series. It is fun to escape to. This one was my least favorite because it just felt like it was dragging on forever, like there were 5 possible ending places but kept going. There is a significant page difference between the first three and this one, so it wasn't completely in my head. So, I guess if you enjoy a thorough story with lots of story, you will definitely enjoy it.
May 21, 2015
I like this series, I have tried to read another book (from another series) written by Kathryne Kennedy but only got about half way. I did guess alot of the story line, but I enjoyed reading this. I think most of the reason I loved this series was the shapeshifters. I hope she writes more Relics of Merlin.
February 15, 2014
Kennedy riffs on the gennie myth, where Gareth a knight from King Arthur's time is cursed by Merlin and traped inside a silver and opal bracelet.
Cursed jewelery is a common theme in fantsy romance and Kennedy does her version well.
Cursed jewelery is a common theme in fantsy romance and Kennedy does her version well.
August 9, 2015
Merlin's Curse, Merlin's Relic, Victorian England, One of King Arthur's Knights of the round table and a Were Panther and a cast of other Weres and magic both above and below the lands of England. Mystery and love abound in this fantastic read! Enjoy!
September 9, 2016
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Review to come.
Review to come.
July 21, 2014
Definitely not at as good as her first three but I loved Millicent from the beginning and Gareth was so funny.
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