In the kingdom of Amaranyllis there is a legend...
Of a prince who crossed the ocean chasing a prophecy.
Of a princess traded for a rose.
When destiny brings them together it will lead them through a fairy land and across the sea; along a road marked by strife and storms. For even though this destiny has bound their hearts together, it will also tear them apart.
Entangled in the battle between fairy magic and sorcery they will risk the schemes and lies of court and the wrath of rogue enemies to find their way back to one another. But will it be enough to defeat the prophecy that haunts them both?
This loose retelling evokes the romance of Beauty and the Beast and the perils of Eros and Psyche to reveal that legends are not always what they seem.
Stories have pretty much always consumed Annie's life. She enjoys films, devours books and can watch three full seasons of tv in a good four day weekend. This has given rise to the belief among her nephews that she is the foremost authority on all things super hero, fantasy and sci fi.
While she lived in LA she worked in tv and film production and, oddly enough, learned to write fairy tales. She began writing her own fairy tale because she still believes in a world of gallant heroes, where princesses are not frivolous things and honor is not for the faint of heart.
Tinged with magic and full of romance, this is a stellar second novel from Annie Jackson. I love this world and the beauty of it but the real strength of the novel is the characters.
The sisters in the beginning draw you into their dynamic, heartfelt relationships. I enjoyed how they're strong for each other when they can't be strong for themselves.
I liked that they're honest with each other even when it's not something that they may want to hear. I hate it in books when the characters aren't truthful because of other people's feelings, specifically with family members. At the same time the characters can hear what the other person is saying and not let it change who they are because they recognize that what they feel as valuable.
I especially like that there are no stupid characters. Kieran's dad is a jerk, but he's not stupid. All the characters are real and make understandable choices. I hate reading books and the characters make choices and I just think, "Who would do that? That's stupid!" Just so the author can add to the storyline or attempt to make another plot twist. This is a smart book that doesn't need to have stupid people and bad choices to have a story.
And I love Kit.
Not only is there growth in the characters themselves, but there is also growth in the character's relationships with each other. Their arcs and their relationships drive the plot, grounding it and making it more engaging.
And I like that Enchanted Storms shows that sometimes you have to let go of things to move forward... even parts of yourself that may be holding the real you or your true you back.
Despite the fact that I get a little "lost" in terms of faeriesense (I'm a bit too left-brained I think), I quite enjoyed this second novel. While there are some of the "standard" stages included in the building of the love story and good vs evil - there are also some delightful surprises. I really don't want to spoil anyone here, but I admire the author for sticking by her guns and keeping her hero and heroine strong-minded and intelligent. Allowing the basis of their partnership to truly be a faithful guide. There aren't any contrived angles here we, the readers, have to muck through to get the couple together. THAT was hugely refreshing to me, and very well done. Definitely seems as if this story is not completely done....
I enjoyed reading this story even though I haven't read the first book in this series and while it did take me a little bit of time in the very beginning of the story to figure out who was who and get into it I think that was more because of the large number of characters involved in the story than that I hadn't read the first book. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters and seeing how the story unfolded as well as all the descriptions about the different characters and magic. I would have liked a little more at the end about how Evanelle adapts once she settles in and seen how her and Kieran's brothers got along. Overall I enjoyed reading this story and plan to look into more of this authors books.
I loved this story! When the author describes the relationship of the characters and promises a little Beauty and the Beast, she does not disappoint. I enjoyed the humor throughout the book and with each chapter I began to love the characters more and more. Annie Jackson is a beautiful writer and storyteller and while the ending of the book tied every knot to the very last sentence, it left me wanting more. Loved it!