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The Void Chronicles #1
A World Away
A strange land.
A glowing sword.
And an ancient dragon bent on the destruction of the world.
Julianna Foss is abruptly thrust into circumstances she has little hope of understanding. On one side of a great conflict stand the Templars, an ancient warrior order dedicated to protecting the world and on the other side are the Void dragons and their allies the necromancers, who are intent on plunging civilisation into chaos. She alone may hold salvation in her hands in the form of a sword that seems to have an affinity for her. Thrust into a foreign culture where highborn women are objectified, magic is a fact of life and things she never thought possible are reality, every day is a struggle.
Tristan Roarke is the gatekeeper. Leader of the Templars he sees something in Julianna and offers a way for her to make a difference, but can she trust him? Deadly with a weapon yet handsome and sensual, he is a risk to Julianna in more ways than one – not content for her to just join their side in the fight against the Void, Tristan is making a play for her affections. Can she make it through Templar training with her head – and her heart – intact?
Contains explicit depictions of sex and instances of violence. Not recommended for readers under 18.
A glowing sword.
And an ancient dragon bent on the destruction of the world.
Julianna Foss is abruptly thrust into circumstances she has little hope of understanding. On one side of a great conflict stand the Templars, an ancient warrior order dedicated to protecting the world and on the other side are the Void dragons and their allies the necromancers, who are intent on plunging civilisation into chaos. She alone may hold salvation in her hands in the form of a sword that seems to have an affinity for her. Thrust into a foreign culture where highborn women are objectified, magic is a fact of life and things she never thought possible are reality, every day is a struggle.
Tristan Roarke is the gatekeeper. Leader of the Templars he sees something in Julianna and offers a way for her to make a difference, but can she trust him? Deadly with a weapon yet handsome and sensual, he is a risk to Julianna in more ways than one – not content for her to just join their side in the fight against the Void, Tristan is making a play for her affections. Can she make it through Templar training with her head – and her heart – intact?
Contains explicit depictions of sex and instances of violence. Not recommended for readers under 18.
262 pages, ebook
First published December 17, 2013
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 4, 2017
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This was such a disappointment.
The base line of the story appeared to be just an excuse to write steamy sex scenes.
Which for me got very monotonous.
Could have been so much better if the author had concentrated on the Fantasy rather than the sex scenes.
This was such a disappointment.
The base line of the story appeared to be just an excuse to write steamy sex scenes.
Which for me got very monotonous.
Could have been so much better if the author had concentrated on the Fantasy rather than the sex scenes.
April 21, 2017
Quick Summary: Extremely intriguing and wholly captivating!
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M, R
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Suspense/Intrigue: Yes
Dark Elements: Yes
Strong Protagonists: Yes
Evil Antagonists: Yes
Stand Alone: No
Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: Yes
Want More: Yes!
Other: I loved the strength of the heroine. She didn't back down at challenges. She showed no weepy, whimpy, wailing behaviors, despite the uncertainty she faced. She was a mystery and yet not. Also, I loved the hero. He had a strong presence. He did not come across as arrogant or brash. Over the course of time, I felt that his character knew more than he let on.
Read/re-read: Yes
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Adult
Status: M, R
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
Suspense/Intrigue: Yes
Dark Elements: Yes
Strong Protagonists: Yes
Evil Antagonists: Yes
Stand Alone: No
Series: Yes
Cliffhanger: Yes
Want More: Yes!
Other: I loved the strength of the heroine. She didn't back down at challenges. She showed no weepy, whimpy, wailing behaviors, despite the uncertainty she faced. She was a mystery and yet not. Also, I loved the hero. He had a strong presence. He did not come across as arrogant or brash. Over the course of time, I felt that his character knew more than he let on.
Read/re-read: Yes
Source: NetGalley
February 2, 2015
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review**
I'm very much in two minds about the book, I really really did enjoy it but I think I am too much of a modern woman to find a man telling someone exactly what to do, dominating her even, romantic / seductive.
The main characters Julia and Tristan are two people from a completely different world- quite literally- who are brought together by a common evil. Julia who like me is a modern woman, from our time is thrown into Tristan's life wielding a legendary sword, from this moment on she has to go through training under the guidance of Tristan. Julia struggles to understand the customs Tristan tries to force upon her and rebells against him as far as possible. Tristan is a king or at least someone high up in his lands political system and has taken it on as his job to protect Julia throughout the training. I liked the arguments and the fact that Julia and Tristan always went back to each other however I didn't like how desperate Tristan was to stop Julia talking about her past life or his he was forcing her to follow his culture although it did offer opportunities for hot and steamy love.
There were very few constant secondary characters like the workers who help Julia, who show comfort towards her and help her settle into her new environment. The other novices in Julia's training classes who bully her for being female and the politicians who argue with Tristan when he's trying to protect Julia. All of these characters add to the story in a unique way by offering more information on just how this new environment works.
The pacing was very good keeping the story moving along leading up to the second book in the story without giving away any details on the second books plot line. The story line was very well carried out giving the characters enough situations to deal with without it feeling forced.
The story line was original and offered a brand new fantasy world for a reader to sink their teeth into.
3 stars some parts were annoying and it was difficult to understand the motivation for it, I think I will read the second book but just to satisfy my curiosity.
I'm very much in two minds about the book, I really really did enjoy it but I think I am too much of a modern woman to find a man telling someone exactly what to do, dominating her even, romantic / seductive.
The main characters Julia and Tristan are two people from a completely different world- quite literally- who are brought together by a common evil. Julia who like me is a modern woman, from our time is thrown into Tristan's life wielding a legendary sword, from this moment on she has to go through training under the guidance of Tristan. Julia struggles to understand the customs Tristan tries to force upon her and rebells against him as far as possible. Tristan is a king or at least someone high up in his lands political system and has taken it on as his job to protect Julia throughout the training. I liked the arguments and the fact that Julia and Tristan always went back to each other however I didn't like how desperate Tristan was to stop Julia talking about her past life or his he was forcing her to follow his culture although it did offer opportunities for hot and steamy love.
There were very few constant secondary characters like the workers who help Julia, who show comfort towards her and help her settle into her new environment. The other novices in Julia's training classes who bully her for being female and the politicians who argue with Tristan when he's trying to protect Julia. All of these characters add to the story in a unique way by offering more information on just how this new environment works.
The pacing was very good keeping the story moving along leading up to the second book in the story without giving away any details on the second books plot line. The story line was very well carried out giving the characters enough situations to deal with without it feeling forced.
The story line was original and offered a brand new fantasy world for a reader to sink their teeth into.
3 stars some parts were annoying and it was difficult to understand the motivation for it, I think I will read the second book but just to satisfy my curiosity.
August 23, 2014
At first when I started this book I wasn't sure if I was going to sink into it. By the 3rd/4th chapter I was hooked. At the end, I was wishing I could stay up later that night to start the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics between the MC's. There are light BDSM characteristic to their relationship that will appeal to readers of that genre. Because it is a fantasy world, I don't think it will deter non-BDSM readers. Both Tristan and Juliana are strong independent characters in the book. They are unique and adventurous; which makes them interesting.
The setting is a new world full of odd characters, old buildings and a different social/political structure. Juliana is dropped into a place with different rules and expectations she has to adapt to. Tristan is in a powerful position. He has to carefully navigate the waters with his lover and with his peers. In the 2nd half of the book the setting has a slightly "Rated-R Harry Potter-ish" feel to it. Without giving away the storyline, there were many scenes with action, subterfuge and politics. It was fun adult reading. As more was revealed, I was drawn deeper into the story arc and their romance. I'm looking forward to what happens with Tristan and Juliana in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics between the MC's. There are light BDSM characteristic to their relationship that will appeal to readers of that genre. Because it is a fantasy world, I don't think it will deter non-BDSM readers. Both Tristan and Juliana are strong independent characters in the book. They are unique and adventurous; which makes them interesting.
The setting is a new world full of odd characters, old buildings and a different social/political structure. Juliana is dropped into a place with different rules and expectations she has to adapt to. Tristan is in a powerful position. He has to carefully navigate the waters with his lover and with his peers. In the 2nd half of the book the setting has a slightly "Rated-R Harry Potter-ish" feel to it. Without giving away the storyline, there were many scenes with action, subterfuge and politics. It was fun adult reading. As more was revealed, I was drawn deeper into the story arc and their romance. I'm looking forward to what happens with Tristan and Juliana in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2014
So I have to say this book just wow'd me it drew me in and an wouldn't let go. It's a great start to the series and I can't wait to read book 2.
This is the story of Julianna and how everything she knew disappeared from a bump to her head and she wakes up in a different place with different rules and way of life. Does she have the strength to risk it all and prove she is as good as any guy and deserves to keep her sword that only sings for her. What does her destiny hold for her and lord Tristan only time will tell.
Find out for yourself to it's defiantly worth reading with characters that draw you in and make you feel part of the story. Add to you TBR lists today
This is the story of Julianna and how everything she knew disappeared from a bump to her head and she wakes up in a different place with different rules and way of life. Does she have the strength to risk it all and prove she is as good as any guy and deserves to keep her sword that only sings for her. What does her destiny hold for her and lord Tristan only time will tell.
Find out for yourself to it's defiantly worth reading with characters that draw you in and make you feel part of the story. Add to you TBR lists today
January 18, 2019
Amount of sex 4 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Wow! What a great story!
A World Away is the first book in the Void Chronicles series from author Holly Blackstone. So you are aware this is not a standalone romance, and the storyline does continue from book to book. Therefore, be prepared for a cliffhanger!
A World Away tells the story of Julianna Foss who is an assistant curator at the American Centre for Ancient Armaments. The museum specializes in weapons and armor from different periods. She is fascinated with a four and a half foot long broadsword that was just donated. Julianna happens to be an avid fencer and has an A classification with the US Fencing Association.
While Julianna is working late one night, she hears several men breaking into the museum. She locks herself in a room with the swords and hides while she calls the police. Although, while hiding for cover, Julianna trips and falls and hits her head. She wakes up sometime later in another time/world. The story takes off at this point, and I loved every minute of it.
A World Away was so captivating, I did not want to put my Kindle down! The storyline was well developed, gripping, and oh so steamy! There were so many deliciously naughty sex scenes between Julianna and Lord Tristan Roarke. You may want an extra pair of panties nearby!
Can’t wait to read the next in the series!!!
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
How explicit is the sex scenes 4 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Wow! What a great story!
A World Away is the first book in the Void Chronicles series from author Holly Blackstone. So you are aware this is not a standalone romance, and the storyline does continue from book to book. Therefore, be prepared for a cliffhanger!
A World Away tells the story of Julianna Foss who is an assistant curator at the American Centre for Ancient Armaments. The museum specializes in weapons and armor from different periods. She is fascinated with a four and a half foot long broadsword that was just donated. Julianna happens to be an avid fencer and has an A classification with the US Fencing Association.
While Julianna is working late one night, she hears several men breaking into the museum. She locks herself in a room with the swords and hides while she calls the police. Although, while hiding for cover, Julianna trips and falls and hits her head. She wakes up sometime later in another time/world. The story takes off at this point, and I loved every minute of it.
A World Away was so captivating, I did not want to put my Kindle down! The storyline was well developed, gripping, and oh so steamy! There were so many deliciously naughty sex scenes between Julianna and Lord Tristan Roarke. You may want an extra pair of panties nearby!
Can’t wait to read the next in the series!!!
Voluntarily Reviewed a Gifted Copy
May 23, 2014
Arc Review
Not my usual read but I liked it and the ending left me wanting to know the rest of the story.This is only book 1 of The Void Chronicals.
Julianne works in a historical museum that deals in old artifacts one perticular item facinates her a sword that no one knows where it came from. She gets snowed in and there is a break in at the museum so she hides in a closet & is knocked out. When she wakes up she is in a different world & meets a very handsome alpha man named Tristan. She saves him from a monster and later finds out she is to be trained for battle and to be Tristan's lover. The story will be continued and I look forward to book 2, I don't want to give to much away read for yourself :)
Not my usual read but I liked it and the ending left me wanting to know the rest of the story.This is only book 1 of The Void Chronicals.
Julianne works in a historical museum that deals in old artifacts one perticular item facinates her a sword that no one knows where it came from. She gets snowed in and there is a break in at the museum so she hides in a closet & is knocked out. When she wakes up she is in a different world & meets a very handsome alpha man named Tristan. She saves him from a monster and later finds out she is to be trained for battle and to be Tristan's lover. The story will be continued and I look forward to book 2, I don't want to give to much away read for yourself :)
March 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this book was a little slow to begin with but once it picked up i was hooked.Can not wait to try the rest of the series.
April 4, 2017
A bookish academic finds a sword that glows, and while studying it one snowy night she’s trapped in the museum with some thieves. She gets knocked out and ends up in another world where she gets to play Red Sonja, when she’s not the sexual plaything of the local general as they fight demons and dragons and such like.
There’s not much style to start, and probably in an effort to make it different it’s told in present tense. It felt like typical 80s escapist fantasy, where the disenchanted end up in another world via a magic gate, magic cupboard, etc. Unlike those, this one doesn’t bother to explain how she switched realities; no magic portals, just the sword.
Not great by any means, and a bit Mary Sueish with a British accent, but I did find myself enjoying the fish out of water aspects. This could have easily turned bad. The writing got better, but I was never comfortable with the present tense; didn’t see any need for it at any point.
There’s not much style to start, and probably in an effort to make it different it’s told in present tense. It felt like typical 80s escapist fantasy, where the disenchanted end up in another world via a magic gate, magic cupboard, etc. Unlike those, this one doesn’t bother to explain how she switched realities; no magic portals, just the sword.
Not great by any means, and a bit Mary Sueish with a British accent, but I did find myself enjoying the fish out of water aspects. This could have easily turned bad. The writing got better, but I was never comfortable with the present tense; didn’t see any need for it at any point.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews