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Tredan's Bane #1
Tredan's Bane
A magician’s ghost warns Lanith about fire and kisses. Fire for endings. Kisses for magical power like she’s never tasted before.
Lanith and her husband Tredan, magical curio merchants in the seaside town of Isor, have a quiet life—until the day Lanith meets the ghost. She rushes home to find their store on fire and Tredan gone. Keeping a promise to Tredan to seek help if he ever went missing, Lanith teams up with Enchanter Nyle. The reclusive Enchanters are so attractive, the Church declares them a danger to a person’s soul. The warnings are valid—before Nyle will help her, she must taste his magical essence with a kiss. It is a revelation shattering everything she knows about magic.
They discover Tredan is not what he seems. For years a Church spell compelled him to write a secret journal with magic that will ruin the Enchanters. Enchanter essence powers everything in their world. Without it, many will die from lack of magic to nourish their bodies, fuel their machines, and even make the water flow.
Now a Church magician has come to Isor and he will stop at nothing to acquire Tredan’s journal. Lanith has to keep him from getting the journal and enslaving the Enchanters. In addition, she must conquer her desire for Nyle and his delectable magic before it sullies her marriage vows and damns her soul.
Lanith and her husband Tredan, magical curio merchants in the seaside town of Isor, have a quiet life—until the day Lanith meets the ghost. She rushes home to find their store on fire and Tredan gone. Keeping a promise to Tredan to seek help if he ever went missing, Lanith teams up with Enchanter Nyle. The reclusive Enchanters are so attractive, the Church declares them a danger to a person’s soul. The warnings are valid—before Nyle will help her, she must taste his magical essence with a kiss. It is a revelation shattering everything she knows about magic.
They discover Tredan is not what he seems. For years a Church spell compelled him to write a secret journal with magic that will ruin the Enchanters. Enchanter essence powers everything in their world. Without it, many will die from lack of magic to nourish their bodies, fuel their machines, and even make the water flow.
Now a Church magician has come to Isor and he will stop at nothing to acquire Tredan’s journal. Lanith has to keep him from getting the journal and enslaving the Enchanters. In addition, she must conquer her desire for Nyle and his delectable magic before it sullies her marriage vows and damns her soul.
- GenresFantasy
434 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2012
1 person is currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Lita Burke
7 books138 followersLITA BURKE is an indie fantasy author. She is an avid reader and enjoys downloading titles by new authors onto her Kindle. Lita works a day job and writes her stories early in the morning before the day clutters up her brain.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 4, 2014
When Lanith's beloved husband Tredan mysteriously vanishes, on the same day as their shop and home burn down, Lanith embarks on a frantic search for him. But her chief ally in this quest will be Nyle, an Enchanter who moves Lanith in strange and powerful ways, beginning with a highly-charged, erotic, magical kiss...
This is the starting-point for Lita Burke's astonishing novel, set in the fantastical world of Sye, where a repressive and formidable Church is locked in a battle with the sensual forces of enchantment.
With cruel scenes of murder, torture and forced sex contrasting against tenderness and the magic of love, this is a world not too different from our own, but described in metaphysical terms. Some readers may find the details of spells and amulets slow the story a little, but this is a very vividly-imagined world in which the reader can be deeply immersed!
Lanith's quest opens up revelations about her missing husband, Tredan -- secrets he kept from her, which have now destroyed their lives. And inevitably, her deepening feelings for Nyle, are bringing her to a terrible choice -- with whom does she belong, her husband or the Enchanter?
The answer may shock you -- but I highly recommend this novel to all readers who love romance, fantasy and magic.
This is the starting-point for Lita Burke's astonishing novel, set in the fantastical world of Sye, where a repressive and formidable Church is locked in a battle with the sensual forces of enchantment.
With cruel scenes of murder, torture and forced sex contrasting against tenderness and the magic of love, this is a world not too different from our own, but described in metaphysical terms. Some readers may find the details of spells and amulets slow the story a little, but this is a very vividly-imagined world in which the reader can be deeply immersed!
Lanith's quest opens up revelations about her missing husband, Tredan -- secrets he kept from her, which have now destroyed their lives. And inevitably, her deepening feelings for Nyle, are bringing her to a terrible choice -- with whom does she belong, her husband or the Enchanter?
The answer may shock you -- but I highly recommend this novel to all readers who love romance, fantasy and magic.
January 3, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author for providing a free copy of this book for review.
Tredan’s Bane is quite an interesting novel. It is most definitely a full-fledged, magical, fantasy epic comprised of guilds and enchanters, charms and spells, and all sorts of other fantastical ideas. The novel could easily be a written adaptation of the role-playing video game, Morrowind.
The book reeks of magic. In fact, it is so magic heavy that I felt fumigated at times, as if I were under an enchantment myself, again, much like a video game you’ve been playing for hours on end. I’m not sure if this was the author’s intention, but magic overwhelmed the story. I enjoyed it to a degree, but the overabundance of magic was overbearing at times. I didn’t feel a healthy balance between magic and humanity, which I believe to be important in any supernatural novel. It appears that everyone in the book had access to magic, whether it was through Enchanters or the Church. So if you like magic—lots and lots of it—this is the book for you.
Essence restoration for magical powers was a key component of the story. This seemed to be everyone’s aim—getting an essence kiss—and the way essence was shared was quite sensual, whether it was by a kiss or a sexual act. Everyone was hungry for essence in the same way a vampire needs blood; in the same way a drug addict needs drugs. I didn’t really care for this aspect of the story. It was too indulgent. Too much kissing was passed around from person to person way too casually. All the kissing in the novel caused “a kiss” to lose its magic touch.
The author does a wonderful job with dialogue for character development. My only complaint is that there were times when the language slipped from the primitive fantasy dialect into modern lingo, and this made for some inconsistencies that caused conversations between characters to fall short. But I was definitely able to picture every character in my mind’s eye. They all had very distinct personalities and different voices, which I appreciate in writing. I like to get to know the characters as if they are real people. This author does this well. The descriptive narratives fell short, but the healthy dialogue made up for it.
Note: May be minor spoilers from this point on.
I was disappointed with Lanith’s grieving process. It seemed a bit offhanded, and perhaps it was enchanter magic that kept her from properly mourning her husband. She was so allured by Nyle and Sahn, and even Eli. She seemed—at times—to forget the beautiful love she shared with her husband, and her desire for essence—like a drug—caused her to be careless. But her lack of grief seemed unrealistic. Her grieving was gravely overshadowed by all of her kissing.
Lanith’s desire for Nyle seemed to be a central theme throughout the story, as if she was waiting for Tredan to release her from her marriage vows. And once he did, she didn’t waste any time, despite her mother-in-law’s disapproval. It would have been nice to delve deeper into Lanith’s psyche and see what in the world was going on with her. But we really only stayed on the surface. Even at the funeral, she seemed neutral. I would have liked to have seen more.
Overall, the book was well-written and a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the beginning more than the end. It became tedious after a time. It did have a plot mingled in with the magic and the kisses and the politics that was easy to follow. Although it turns out this really was not the book for me, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys an overly-magical world full of mysticism and pleasure-seeking--and a good magical mystery, too.
Casey Hays
Author of The Cadence
Tredan’s Bane is quite an interesting novel. It is most definitely a full-fledged, magical, fantasy epic comprised of guilds and enchanters, charms and spells, and all sorts of other fantastical ideas. The novel could easily be a written adaptation of the role-playing video game, Morrowind.
The book reeks of magic. In fact, it is so magic heavy that I felt fumigated at times, as if I were under an enchantment myself, again, much like a video game you’ve been playing for hours on end. I’m not sure if this was the author’s intention, but magic overwhelmed the story. I enjoyed it to a degree, but the overabundance of magic was overbearing at times. I didn’t feel a healthy balance between magic and humanity, which I believe to be important in any supernatural novel. It appears that everyone in the book had access to magic, whether it was through Enchanters or the Church. So if you like magic—lots and lots of it—this is the book for you.
Essence restoration for magical powers was a key component of the story. This seemed to be everyone’s aim—getting an essence kiss—and the way essence was shared was quite sensual, whether it was by a kiss or a sexual act. Everyone was hungry for essence in the same way a vampire needs blood; in the same way a drug addict needs drugs. I didn’t really care for this aspect of the story. It was too indulgent. Too much kissing was passed around from person to person way too casually. All the kissing in the novel caused “a kiss” to lose its magic touch.
The author does a wonderful job with dialogue for character development. My only complaint is that there were times when the language slipped from the primitive fantasy dialect into modern lingo, and this made for some inconsistencies that caused conversations between characters to fall short. But I was definitely able to picture every character in my mind’s eye. They all had very distinct personalities and different voices, which I appreciate in writing. I like to get to know the characters as if they are real people. This author does this well. The descriptive narratives fell short, but the healthy dialogue made up for it.
Note: May be minor spoilers from this point on.
I was disappointed with Lanith’s grieving process. It seemed a bit offhanded, and perhaps it was enchanter magic that kept her from properly mourning her husband. She was so allured by Nyle and Sahn, and even Eli. She seemed—at times—to forget the beautiful love she shared with her husband, and her desire for essence—like a drug—caused her to be careless. But her lack of grief seemed unrealistic. Her grieving was gravely overshadowed by all of her kissing.
Lanith’s desire for Nyle seemed to be a central theme throughout the story, as if she was waiting for Tredan to release her from her marriage vows. And once he did, she didn’t waste any time, despite her mother-in-law’s disapproval. It would have been nice to delve deeper into Lanith’s psyche and see what in the world was going on with her. But we really only stayed on the surface. Even at the funeral, she seemed neutral. I would have liked to have seen more.
Overall, the book was well-written and a quick and easy read. I enjoyed the beginning more than the end. It became tedious after a time. It did have a plot mingled in with the magic and the kisses and the politics that was easy to follow. Although it turns out this really was not the book for me, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys an overly-magical world full of mysticism and pleasure-seeking--and a good magical mystery, too.
Casey Hays
Author of The Cadence
May 8, 2014
If you like magic and kissing...
Brief synopsis: Lanith has been thrown into turmoil when her curio shop is burned to the ground and her husband Tredan goes missing. She keeps a promise she made to him to seek out the Enchanters and ends up inside a magical world that is full of danger as someone seeks to destroy the Enchanters and their magical essence. Lanith discovers that it is Tredan's journal that is at the root of the current evil and center of attention so she must find a way to find it and protect it.
Originality: I loved this story because of its creativity, magic and originality! Magic essence and spells around every corner! Ghosts from the Fields of Yalu, who you can visit if you have a couple good enchanter friends to bring you back. Charms and amulets! Tredan's Bane is packed full of fantasy fun!
Characters: I enjoyed the variety of characters in the story and they were all well developed, even Tredan, who is lost in the Fields of Yalu. My favorite was Arnl'jhott, the adorable and so sweet dragonette-I was almost crushed. I enjoyed Sciomancer Taavi, the Ghostchanter as he struggled under the villainess Samirah's control.
SPOILER: Now...Lanith was quite a character. I guess magic essence can make a girl do anything, including mourn for her husband at the same time she is gallivanting all over town taking magic kisses from everyone who crosses her path and wanting to bed her enchanter. This back and forth is the one reason I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 star. They haven't even had a funeral and she's moving onto her next great love. Granted, I don't want to spend a whole book in mourning but this just went to fast for me to be believable. Again, magic can make a person do strange things - including professing their love of donkeys! Loved that spell. That said, I liked her character and her drive to tackle the evil that hung over all of them.
Recommendation: Tredan's Bane goes well with exquisite sushi with edible orchids and a glass of wine. This book is well polished and I highly recommend it for readers who love fantasy books filled with magic at every turn...oh and kissing.
Brief synopsis: Lanith has been thrown into turmoil when her curio shop is burned to the ground and her husband Tredan goes missing. She keeps a promise she made to him to seek out the Enchanters and ends up inside a magical world that is full of danger as someone seeks to destroy the Enchanters and their magical essence. Lanith discovers that it is Tredan's journal that is at the root of the current evil and center of attention so she must find a way to find it and protect it.
Originality: I loved this story because of its creativity, magic and originality! Magic essence and spells around every corner! Ghosts from the Fields of Yalu, who you can visit if you have a couple good enchanter friends to bring you back. Charms and amulets! Tredan's Bane is packed full of fantasy fun!
Characters: I enjoyed the variety of characters in the story and they were all well developed, even Tredan, who is lost in the Fields of Yalu. My favorite was Arnl'jhott, the adorable and so sweet dragonette-I was almost crushed. I enjoyed Sciomancer Taavi, the Ghostchanter as he struggled under the villainess Samirah's control.
SPOILER: Now...Lanith was quite a character. I guess magic essence can make a girl do anything, including mourn for her husband at the same time she is gallivanting all over town taking magic kisses from everyone who crosses her path and wanting to bed her enchanter. This back and forth is the one reason I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 star. They haven't even had a funeral and she's moving onto her next great love. Granted, I don't want to spend a whole book in mourning but this just went to fast for me to be believable. Again, magic can make a person do strange things - including professing their love of donkeys! Loved that spell. That said, I liked her character and her drive to tackle the evil that hung over all of them.
Recommendation: Tredan's Bane goes well with exquisite sushi with edible orchids and a glass of wine. This book is well polished and I highly recommend it for readers who love fantasy books filled with magic at every turn...oh and kissing.
February 12, 2015
Tredan’s Bane by Lita Burke was a book I discovered on Book Review Depot. Based on the blurb and the cover, I decided to give it a shot. Read on to see my thoughts on the novel!
Synopsis (from the author): A ghost's stern warning...
The dead Sciomancer told Lanith to beware of fire and kisses.
He should have told her to RUN.
Enchanters are so attractive, most believe they are amoral seducers. The Church considers them a dangerous lure for a soul's journey into the afterlife. Problem is, Enchanter essence powers all of the magic in Lanith's world of Sye. Because of the escalating attacks from Church Enforcers, the Enchanters have fled to their impenetrable enclaves.
What I liked: Lita Burke created an interesting world where both the Church and secular society have magicians and they are in competition with each other. Enter into the fray Lanith, wife of Tredan, caught between the Church and their priests and the Enchanters, the societal magicians. The story combines elements of mystery, suspense, romance, love, betrayal, and the battle between the Church and the Enchanters and draws the reader into Lanith’s world, her heartbreak over her missing husband Tredan,and her developing relationship with the Enchanters. Very well written, with pleasing plot twists, and a satisfying ending, Tredan’s Bane was a nice read.
What I didn’t like: For me, even with the action that begins almost immediately, the story developed slowly. I thought the essence taking sequences were too numerous and repetitive and didn’t add much to the story.
Overall impression: As I mentioned, the story was very well written. It had nice elements of romance and suspense, with just enough intrigue to keep it interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little bit of fantasy romance with a sensual twist. Well done Lita Burke!
My rating: 4 stars
Synopsis (from the author): A ghost's stern warning...
The dead Sciomancer told Lanith to beware of fire and kisses.
He should have told her to RUN.
Enchanters are so attractive, most believe they are amoral seducers. The Church considers them a dangerous lure for a soul's journey into the afterlife. Problem is, Enchanter essence powers all of the magic in Lanith's world of Sye. Because of the escalating attacks from Church Enforcers, the Enchanters have fled to their impenetrable enclaves.
What I liked: Lita Burke created an interesting world where both the Church and secular society have magicians and they are in competition with each other. Enter into the fray Lanith, wife of Tredan, caught between the Church and their priests and the Enchanters, the societal magicians. The story combines elements of mystery, suspense, romance, love, betrayal, and the battle between the Church and the Enchanters and draws the reader into Lanith’s world, her heartbreak over her missing husband Tredan,and her developing relationship with the Enchanters. Very well written, with pleasing plot twists, and a satisfying ending, Tredan’s Bane was a nice read.
What I didn’t like: For me, even with the action that begins almost immediately, the story developed slowly. I thought the essence taking sequences were too numerous and repetitive and didn’t add much to the story.
Overall impression: As I mentioned, the story was very well written. It had nice elements of romance and suspense, with just enough intrigue to keep it interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a little bit of fantasy romance with a sensual twist. Well done Lita Burke!
My rating: 4 stars
October 11, 2014
I need to say from the outset that I loved this novel. It definitely helped that I read the prequel, Wrath because it added a perspective of Tredan that I wouldn’t have otherwise had. The magical essence of the Enchanters is necessary to fulfil the needs of every facet of Sye and yet the Church magicians and His Divine seem intent on destroying those who would give it. As the Enchanters are forced back into their fortresses, their magical essence runs short and people become desperate. Desperate enough to hurt for it.
It dawned on me early on that the Enchanter’s essence is love. The magical world of Sye in which Lanith lives is something of a parody on our world. Love is what keeps people alive and fills our own essence cache in the real world. But there is a long history of those who hate love and all it stands for and will drive it back behind the battle lines. Nobody can realistically survive without it. Some try to overpower it or take it through violence and others try to manufacture their own brand of it. This is how it is in Sye and there are a lot of truths in the novel for those who care to look.
Lanith is a neat character and I loved her immediately. She is pure of heart and knows what love and real essence are. Her husband’s kidnapping moves her from loving wife to formidable wielder of political might in a delicate tightrope of diplomacy between the Enchanters and the Church. It’s a cast of characters with real depth and an incredibly gripping read. I would definitely recommend this.
It dawned on me early on that the Enchanter’s essence is love. The magical world of Sye in which Lanith lives is something of a parody on our world. Love is what keeps people alive and fills our own essence cache in the real world. But there is a long history of those who hate love and all it stands for and will drive it back behind the battle lines. Nobody can realistically survive without it. Some try to overpower it or take it through violence and others try to manufacture their own brand of it. This is how it is in Sye and there are a lot of truths in the novel for those who care to look.
Lanith is a neat character and I loved her immediately. She is pure of heart and knows what love and real essence are. Her husband’s kidnapping moves her from loving wife to formidable wielder of political might in a delicate tightrope of diplomacy between the Enchanters and the Church. It’s a cast of characters with real depth and an incredibly gripping read. I would definitely recommend this.
December 6, 2014
Lita Burke's "Tredan's Bane" transports the reader to a seductive world of magic, sensuality and danger. Spells, ghosts, Maji'kers, evil enforcers, Enchanters, and Church Magicians abound as this lyrical story unfolds, taking the reader to an enthralling world of wonder-making.
The story unfolds slowly, investing the reader in Lanith's fate as she searches for her missing husband (Tredan), navigating her way through an amazing world of magic and magicians. She is accompanied on her quest by her sweet little dragonette, Arnl'jhott - another delightful creature created by Burke.
I particularly loved the sensory imagery in this novel used to describe each character's particular magic or essence. For example, Enchanter Nyle is "chocolate-cinnamon-peppery magic" and Lanith's kisses are "blueberry." How wonderful is that!
Burke's writing is 'magical' and "Tredan's Bane" is a real page-turner. I can't wait for the next in this series, "Ghost Orchid", to appear so I can gobble it down, too!
In summary, this novel is highly recommended for those who want to leave this mundane world and, for a short time, live in a truly magical realm.
The story unfolds slowly, investing the reader in Lanith's fate as she searches for her missing husband (Tredan), navigating her way through an amazing world of magic and magicians. She is accompanied on her quest by her sweet little dragonette, Arnl'jhott - another delightful creature created by Burke.
I particularly loved the sensory imagery in this novel used to describe each character's particular magic or essence. For example, Enchanter Nyle is "chocolate-cinnamon-peppery magic" and Lanith's kisses are "blueberry." How wonderful is that!
Burke's writing is 'magical' and "Tredan's Bane" is a real page-turner. I can't wait for the next in this series, "Ghost Orchid", to appear so I can gobble it down, too!
In summary, this novel is highly recommended for those who want to leave this mundane world and, for a short time, live in a truly magical realm.
November 13, 2013
Enchantingly Sensual Fantasy
In Tredan’s Bane, by Lita Burke, the world of Sye is filled with magicians, ghosts, and magical creatures. Just before Lanith’s home and shop are destroyed by fire, a ghost imparts a sinister warning. In the aftermath of the fire, her beloved husband is missing. After losing everything except her little dragonnette Arnl’jhott and the clothes on her back, Lanith must join forces with the charismatic Enchanter Nye.
With the violent animosity between the Church and the Enchanters looming over them, Lanith and Nyle desperately seek Tredan. When a pivotal event takes place, Nyle helps her make an important decision. As Events move through Patterns, Lanith and Nyle must complete their bittersweet investigations before it is too late.
Tredan’s Bane is a sensual fantasy novel, with the silken strands of the plots weaving amazing magical characters and mystical creatures. With her deft writing and unbelievable imagination, Ms. Burke has created an enchanting world with different societal and cultural norms and mores.
In Tredan’s Bane, by Lita Burke, the world of Sye is filled with magicians, ghosts, and magical creatures. Just before Lanith’s home and shop are destroyed by fire, a ghost imparts a sinister warning. In the aftermath of the fire, her beloved husband is missing. After losing everything except her little dragonnette Arnl’jhott and the clothes on her back, Lanith must join forces with the charismatic Enchanter Nye.
With the violent animosity between the Church and the Enchanters looming over them, Lanith and Nyle desperately seek Tredan. When a pivotal event takes place, Nyle helps her make an important decision. As Events move through Patterns, Lanith and Nyle must complete their bittersweet investigations before it is too late.
Tredan’s Bane is a sensual fantasy novel, with the silken strands of the plots weaving amazing magical characters and mystical creatures. With her deft writing and unbelievable imagination, Ms. Burke has created an enchanting world with different societal and cultural norms and mores.
May 12, 2014
This novel is for readers who love mystery and magic, romance and sensuality all mixed together. As I turned the pages of Tredan's Bane, I have to say that at first I was a little confused with all the magical spells, guilds, and characters, but I slowly got immersed in the fantasy world created by Lita Burke.
Lanith's quest to find her husband, Tredan, is both intriguing and captivating; you have to be prepared to open up to the sensual enchantments and twists that the story offers. Tredan kept secrets from Lanith, and Nyle is helping her to find him, but he is also an Enchanter... The tensions between the Enchanters and the Church are creative and somewhat mystical. You will also enjoy characters such as Arnl'jhott, the dragonette, and Sciomancer Taavi, the Ghostchanter, but I will stop there; I don’t like spoilers.
In short, Lita Burke's book is well thought and crafted; the structure of her magical worlds and character development are flawless. People looking for a good fantasy novel with a touch of sensuality will not get disappointed.
Lanith's quest to find her husband, Tredan, is both intriguing and captivating; you have to be prepared to open up to the sensual enchantments and twists that the story offers. Tredan kept secrets from Lanith, and Nyle is helping her to find him, but he is also an Enchanter... The tensions between the Enchanters and the Church are creative and somewhat mystical. You will also enjoy characters such as Arnl'jhott, the dragonette, and Sciomancer Taavi, the Ghostchanter, but I will stop there; I don’t like spoilers.
In short, Lita Burke's book is well thought and crafted; the structure of her magical worlds and character development are flawless. People looking for a good fantasy novel with a touch of sensuality will not get disappointed.
September 2, 2016
Erotic Magic: A new kind of world of magic where kisses and intimacies are used to share magical essence. It wasn't the promise the prequel suggested as the story became that of the widow and her magical development while trying to solve the arson, kidnapping and murder of her husband. The grief of the widow only touched me in small incidences when I felt it should be more pervasive but was overpowered by the attraction to beautiful magical persons. There were places where the incessant kissing and sensual draw of magic was unpleasant to read and made the story a different kind of suggestive erotica. Aside from that the story is very original in this strange world where various castes of magic and the Church collide. The biases as seen in our world was represented and handled well in this one. And the happiest moments were when the little dragon survived and the magical moments at the end of the funeral. I'd long since deduced where the journal would be hidden, but wish it could have been the surprise intended.
August 11, 2016
Overall I enjoyed this book although I can't say it left me too motivated to continue reading the series. What I liked about it was the originality of the story, which I'm finding to be what I enjoy best when reading the many e-books in my Nook library. If you have an original story and are not re-hashing the same fantasy/paranormal stuff then props to you from me. However, what I did not enjoy was and you'll see what I mean if you read this book, is the whole essence to and fro thing between the enchanters and the main character. At first, it's like, "okay, so this is how it goes." but then the process is repeated so much throughout the story, that I was like "ugh! not again!". It got boring for me after awhile and for me it made the story seem to drag. That's my honest opinion and I read a lot. Still I may decide to read the sequels to Tredan's Bane at some point but right now I'm moving on to something else.
August 5, 2016
I love a good fantasy and I enjoyed the short prequel to this, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to read a little - okay, a lot - more of Tredan's story. Except, of course, this is very much the story of Lanith, Tredan's wife, as she searches for answers into his disappearance and fights for her own survival.
This book made me cry several times; for Lanith lost her home, her husband and everything she owned and her despair was palpable. She never wallowed in it - taking the time to release her misery and get on with what needed to be done. She's a kickass heroine, but a very human one, too.
I found myself cheering on Nyle, though I didn't want to at first, as I lost myself in this absolutely enchanting story. While the book is complete, I admit I was thrilled to discover there will be a sequel, which I absolutely MUST read as soon as it's released.
Now...if only I can get a dragonette for a pet, because they sound wonderful.
This book made me cry several times; for Lanith lost her home, her husband and everything she owned and her despair was palpable. She never wallowed in it - taking the time to release her misery and get on with what needed to be done. She's a kickass heroine, but a very human one, too.
I found myself cheering on Nyle, though I didn't want to at first, as I lost myself in this absolutely enchanting story. While the book is complete, I admit I was thrilled to discover there will be a sequel, which I absolutely MUST read as soon as it's released.
Now...if only I can get a dragonette for a pet, because they sound wonderful.
April 27, 2014
This may be the most unique and fascinating fantasy story I've read in years. A murder mystery, set in a vampiric world where all people hunger for magical essence traded through kisses, supplied by Enchanters who convert the energy from the essence of trees. A unique style, with consistent prose and dialogue. Magic turned into sensuality, and sometimes sexuality. This is an absolute winner.
The exquisitely detailed world-building quickly immerses you, making understanding of the terms and outlook of the people easier than it could be for such a complex reality. It's rare to see a new idea in fiction; the author's managed to create something truly new, here. Recommended for lovers of fantasy romance, and all energy-worker folks.
The exquisitely detailed world-building quickly immerses you, making understanding of the terms and outlook of the people easier than it could be for such a complex reality. It's rare to see a new idea in fiction; the author's managed to create something truly new, here. Recommended for lovers of fantasy romance, and all energy-worker folks.
August 23, 2014
I’m a sucker for great opening lines of a book. How about this one, “I am only a dead Sciomancer, but I must warn you of fire and kisses.” I had to know more. And Tredan's Bane by Lita Burke poured it on page after page. It’s a fantastic and suspenseful fantasy filled with unique characters – Nyle was my favorite. Some very cool world-building as well. Enchanters, Enforcers, charms, spells and all manner of magic – I hope they make this into a movie some day. The author’s imagination and skilled writing impressed me and I’m looking forward to exploring more of her work.
September 15, 2014
Interesting book with a unique magic system. The characters were interesting and the story was well written.
<> I did struggle with the main characters interactions with many of the other characters given that she'd lost her husband so recently. Even allowing for the nature of the interactions and the magic it jarred a little. <
<> I did struggle with the main characters interactions with many of the other characters given that she'd lost her husband so recently. Even allowing for the nature of the interactions and the magic it jarred a little. <
April 12, 2015
Sensual Fantasy.
Author Lita Burke has created a world filled with magic. There are ghosts, magicians, and magical creatures. In this fantasy the main character Lanith is on a quest to find her husband. He mysteriously disappears after a fire destroys their home and livelihood. To help her on her journey she must trust an Enchanter named Nyle.
What I’ve described is just a portion of this complex and engrossing tale. This book is a fabulous mix of sensuality, fantasy, and mystery. Once you enter this realm you won’t want to leave. Beautifully written!
Author Lita Burke has created a world filled with magic. There are ghosts, magicians, and magical creatures. In this fantasy the main character Lanith is on a quest to find her husband. He mysteriously disappears after a fire destroys their home and livelihood. To help her on her journey she must trust an Enchanter named Nyle.
What I’ve described is just a portion of this complex and engrossing tale. This book is a fabulous mix of sensuality, fantasy, and mystery. Once you enter this realm you won’t want to leave. Beautifully written!
July 19, 2014
What an original tale! Lita Burke is a talented world builder, and Tredan's Bane immersed me in an imaginative fantasy world I’d love to revisit again and again. When Lanith’s husband goes missing, she goes to the Enchanters for help and becomes caught up in a world of magic, and sensuality, as magic is shared by kissing. There’s danger as well, and the many twists and turns kept me reading long into the night. Well done!
April 3, 2015
Totally fascinating book
Tredan's Bane is a great and totally fascinating book. It crosses many genres successfully. Mystery, love, magic, all the elements for an enthralling read are there. This is the second book that I have read by Lita Burke, and I am happy to highly recommend the book and the author. The first book Wrath is the prequel to Tredan's Bane.
Tredan's Bane is a great and totally fascinating book. It crosses many genres successfully. Mystery, love, magic, all the elements for an enthralling read are there. This is the second book that I have read by Lita Burke, and I am happy to highly recommend the book and the author. The first book Wrath is the prequel to Tredan's Bane.
April 14, 2012
The book is focused on Lanith, Tredan's wife, who is an engaging heroine. The structure of magic and the author's fantasy world are interesting and well-constructed. It was a good read.
August 2, 2025
What a creative and fun story. It is not the usual writing I read; the author states many things in short, exact sentences. Yet it’s descriptive where it needs to be to engross you to turn the page for more. The characters complement the story and delight the senses. They weren’t doing irritating things, like ‘they should be smarter than that’ scenes, which I greatly appreciated.
I don’t want to tell more of the story because not knowing the creative weave of place and people makes it that much more pleasant to discover. Suffice it to say, I was impressed with the whole story from start to finish, and I am certain you will enjoy it too.
It is a love story, and I was so pleased with the whole thing; I definitely want to read more of Lita’s books. I will recommend this book to everyone. Great job, thank you!
I don’t want to tell more of the story because not knowing the creative weave of place and people makes it that much more pleasant to discover. Suffice it to say, I was impressed with the whole story from start to finish, and I am certain you will enjoy it too.
It is a love story, and I was so pleased with the whole thing; I definitely want to read more of Lita’s books. I will recommend this book to everyone. Great job, thank you!
November 22, 2017
I am not much into fantasy, and I started reading this book with the wariness that I usually feel for books of this genre. I must say I was surprised.
The storyline is great - it keeps the reader tense and looking forward to the next sentence, though I feel there is too much stress on the sexual nuances of the magic that forms the backbone of the story. The narration is above average: I caught gaps in sequence: the author jumped from one magic effect to another without quite letting the reader know how it happened. However, those were minor glitches that did not disturb the flow.
So where does all that take us? Was the book worth the purchase?
Yes. It will be so for you, too, if you bother. You should.
I repeat - I am not much into fantasy. But I plan to get the sequel.
The storyline is great - it keeps the reader tense and looking forward to the next sentence, though I feel there is too much stress on the sexual nuances of the magic that forms the backbone of the story. The narration is above average: I caught gaps in sequence: the author jumped from one magic effect to another without quite letting the reader know how it happened. However, those were minor glitches that did not disturb the flow.
So where does all that take us? Was the book worth the purchase?
Yes. It will be so for you, too, if you bother. You should.
I repeat - I am not much into fantasy. But I plan to get the sequel.
April 14, 2018
Fun, sexy, kind fantasy novel
I reallyenjoyed this book. The world is interesting, the relationships are warm and kind, and the romance is ofthe sexy variety. Let's justsay, if youare a fan of sensual kisses and magic - you will like this story.
I reallyenjoyed this book. The world is interesting, the relationships are warm and kind, and the romance is ofthe sexy variety. Let's justsay, if youare a fan of sensual kisses and magic - you will like this story.
May 22, 2016
Magic, enchantments, dragons...all fantasy books have any or all of these, but the land of Sye, also gives us dragonettes, Maji'kers, Enchanters and their seductively flavoured kisses, which impart to the recipient the essence needed for the particular magic practiced in this book.
Our story continues from the prequel, Wrath, with Lanith searching for her missing husband, Tredan, who disappeared during an attack at their shop. Ghosts and Enchanters (one in particular!) guide and aid her, along with her and Tredan's little dragonette whose loyalty goes beyond the norm.
Lanith searches through the worlds of the living and the dead for Tredan, in a race to find him before the 'Chuch Magicians', enemy of the Enchanters (think "Inquisition", sort of), either stop her, kill her or destroy his ghost.
Tredan's Bane tale is a beautifully crafted tale, although initially it was difficult to get into. This is in NO way due to any shortcomings of the book, but rather the fact that I had those heretofore mentioned 'preconceived notions'!
This world of fantasy and magic is such a complete removal from any other...at least in my experience; it is imperative that, to savour every tittle and morsel of the world of Sye, the reader must forget all s/he has ever 'learned' about other worlds before venturing into this one!
My suggestion would be that, before entering through the gates of Sye, the reader first visit the 'welcome center" Ms. Burke also created on her website, which explains their culture...and their unique magic!
I've not yet continued beyond Tredan's Bane, but am so enamoured of this world that I intend to tread the full journey to its end.
I invite all to join me.
Our story continues from the prequel, Wrath, with Lanith searching for her missing husband, Tredan, who disappeared during an attack at their shop. Ghosts and Enchanters (one in particular!) guide and aid her, along with her and Tredan's little dragonette whose loyalty goes beyond the norm.
Lanith searches through the worlds of the living and the dead for Tredan, in a race to find him before the 'Chuch Magicians', enemy of the Enchanters (think "Inquisition", sort of), either stop her, kill her or destroy his ghost.
Tredan's Bane tale is a beautifully crafted tale, although initially it was difficult to get into. This is in NO way due to any shortcomings of the book, but rather the fact that I had those heretofore mentioned 'preconceived notions'!
This world of fantasy and magic is such a complete removal from any other...at least in my experience; it is imperative that, to savour every tittle and morsel of the world of Sye, the reader must forget all s/he has ever 'learned' about other worlds before venturing into this one!
My suggestion would be that, before entering through the gates of Sye, the reader first visit the 'welcome center" Ms. Burke also created on her website, which explains their culture...and their unique magic!
I've not yet continued beyond Tredan's Bane, but am so enamoured of this world that I intend to tread the full journey to its end.
I invite all to join me.
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