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Carnelian #2
The Carnelian Tyranny: Savino's Revenge
Three months after her trip through the vortex, Marisa MacCallum is having second thoughts about her engagement to Darian Fiore as she struggles to adjust to royal life.
But when palace spies uncover a secret plot to assassinate the royal family and eradicate the Crimson Knights, Marisa and Darian must put their plans for the future on hold to stop Savino da Rocha and his legion of warrior giants from stealing the throne.
After narrowly escaping an attempt on her life, Marisa is left to defend Crocetta while Darian marches off to war. But when Savino strikes at the heart of the kingdom with supernatural powers of darkness, Marisa must wage an even greater battle against the spiritual forces bent on destroying her family and ending the Fiore dynasty forever.
But when palace spies uncover a secret plot to assassinate the royal family and eradicate the Crimson Knights, Marisa and Darian must put their plans for the future on hold to stop Savino da Rocha and his legion of warrior giants from stealing the throne.
After narrowly escaping an attempt on her life, Marisa is left to defend Crocetta while Darian marches off to war. But when Savino strikes at the heart of the kingdom with supernatural powers of darkness, Marisa must wage an even greater battle against the spiritual forces bent on destroying her family and ending the Fiore dynasty forever.
490 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2014
About the author
Cheryl Koevoet
4 books105 followersBorn and raised as a native Oregonian, I married a dreamy Dutch naval officer thirty years ago and have been living abroad ever since.
As a busy mother of four rapidly-growing young adults, I enjoy spending the precious little spare time I have writing the stories that I would love to discover on a bookstore shelf. When I'm not writing, I can be found on the softer side of the couch with a bowl of popcorn, binging on my favorites episodes of The Crown, Outlander, Star Wars or Downton Abbey.
www.CherylKoevoet.com
www.CarnelianLegacy.com
www.facebook.com/CarnelianLegacy
As a busy mother of four rapidly-growing young adults, I enjoy spending the precious little spare time I have writing the stories that I would love to discover on a bookstore shelf. When I'm not writing, I can be found on the softer side of the couch with a bowl of popcorn, binging on my favorites episodes of The Crown, Outlander, Star Wars or Downton Abbey.
www.CherylKoevoet.com
www.CarnelianLegacy.com
www.facebook.com/CarnelianLegacy
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 21, 2016
It was a real pleasure reading The Carnelian Series , the author did a wonderful job mixing biblical stories with epic fantasy elements.Will not tell you how the book ends but it is based on the story of Lazarus' Resurrection .Looking forward to read the 3rd book from the saga : The Carnelian Destiny.
May 30, 2015
Okay, I know this is my own book, but honestly, I am just so in love with this story that I can't help it! I've spent the last 2.5 years writing, re-writing, and editing this novel, and I hope that you will enjoy it too! Thank you for taking the time to review!
May 28, 2015
"The Tyranny Carnelian" a blend of faith, fantasy and romance begins with Marisa MacCallum's preparation for her coronation only weeks away, and her continual dodging of setting a date for her marriage to Prince Darian Fiore. As tension mounts between these two, news of a secret plot to assassinate the royal family creates a scare that has Marisa fleeing to Castle Beauriél with her brother Mark and her Uncle Al while Darian looks after affairs of state in Crocette.
When Savino's giant warriors attack the Marisa's castle, capturing her uncle and brother, Prince Darian takes his Crimson Knights to free them from Abbadon only to discover a ruse that leaves his army decimated and Savino da Roche achieving the fruit of his ambition after attacking the citadel in Crocette.
Cheryl Koevoet sets the stage for this exciting and gripping plot three months after Marisa MacCallum, distraught after the death of her father is swept up in a vortex and left unconscious on a road in another dimension. After being discovered by Ambassador Darian Fiore and his friend Arrie Macario who are on a peace mission to Abbadon Marisa is thrown into a series of events that lead her on a journey of self-discovery as she falls in love and learns that she is the royal heir to the Carnelian throne. In this sequel there are twists and turns that keep the reader guessing as threads of the plot not only follow the outcome of Darian's war against Abbadon, but Marisa's battle against supernatural forces that threaten her family and kingdom. The plot is fast-paced and well-developed with a theme of hope, forgiveness, love and trust in a fantasy mixed with biblical nuances. As the suspense and violence escalates she cleverly breaks the intensity with dashes of humor until the surprising ending that provides clues to the framework of her third novel.
The characters with all their flaws, faults and strengths mature in complexity in this plot. Maraya Fiore (aka Marisa MacCallum) is naturally insecure about marriage at eighteen years of age after being flung into a world where people marry young. With the weight of responsibility of Carnelia on her shoulders she's wise enough to lean on Prince Darian and her counsellors for advice, although finds him overly protective and controlling at times. As events unfold Marisa's faith and vision for her future grow stronger as she struggles against the dark supernatural powers that want to destroy her. In bold exploits she demonstrates her love, loyalty and daring as well as a compassionate and forgiving heart. Prince Darian Fiore is domineering at first having years of experience ruling as well as wanting to protect Marisa. But it's his loving, steadfast heart and selfless actions that endear him to the reader.
Of the other personalities who add to the power, passion and drama, Cavaliere Bruno Nestore a War Counselor is a shameless flirt and skilled warrior who's smitten with the strong-willed Matilda da Roche. Eman is the kind, compassionate shepherd who wants to deliver his people and bring them back to the way of Garon, the antithesis of Count Savino Da Roche a despot who's cruel, arrogant and ruthless; his mind and body ruled by evil spirits.
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Tyranny Carnelian" with its messages of faith and the power of prayer ingrained in a story that keeps your enthralled from the first page to the last.
When Savino's giant warriors attack the Marisa's castle, capturing her uncle and brother, Prince Darian takes his Crimson Knights to free them from Abbadon only to discover a ruse that leaves his army decimated and Savino da Roche achieving the fruit of his ambition after attacking the citadel in Crocette.
Cheryl Koevoet sets the stage for this exciting and gripping plot three months after Marisa MacCallum, distraught after the death of her father is swept up in a vortex and left unconscious on a road in another dimension. After being discovered by Ambassador Darian Fiore and his friend Arrie Macario who are on a peace mission to Abbadon Marisa is thrown into a series of events that lead her on a journey of self-discovery as she falls in love and learns that she is the royal heir to the Carnelian throne. In this sequel there are twists and turns that keep the reader guessing as threads of the plot not only follow the outcome of Darian's war against Abbadon, but Marisa's battle against supernatural forces that threaten her family and kingdom. The plot is fast-paced and well-developed with a theme of hope, forgiveness, love and trust in a fantasy mixed with biblical nuances. As the suspense and violence escalates she cleverly breaks the intensity with dashes of humor until the surprising ending that provides clues to the framework of her third novel.
The characters with all their flaws, faults and strengths mature in complexity in this plot. Maraya Fiore (aka Marisa MacCallum) is naturally insecure about marriage at eighteen years of age after being flung into a world where people marry young. With the weight of responsibility of Carnelia on her shoulders she's wise enough to lean on Prince Darian and her counsellors for advice, although finds him overly protective and controlling at times. As events unfold Marisa's faith and vision for her future grow stronger as she struggles against the dark supernatural powers that want to destroy her. In bold exploits she demonstrates her love, loyalty and daring as well as a compassionate and forgiving heart. Prince Darian Fiore is domineering at first having years of experience ruling as well as wanting to protect Marisa. But it's his loving, steadfast heart and selfless actions that endear him to the reader.
Of the other personalities who add to the power, passion and drama, Cavaliere Bruno Nestore a War Counselor is a shameless flirt and skilled warrior who's smitten with the strong-willed Matilda da Roche. Eman is the kind, compassionate shepherd who wants to deliver his people and bring them back to the way of Garon, the antithesis of Count Savino Da Roche a despot who's cruel, arrogant and ruthless; his mind and body ruled by evil spirits.
I thoroughly enjoyed "The Tyranny Carnelian" with its messages of faith and the power of prayer ingrained in a story that keeps your enthralled from the first page to the last.
February 5, 2017
This book picks up right where it left off in book one and is just as compelling.
Marisa is now preparing for her big event whilst still adjusting to her new life.
Darian and the rest of the household are very supportive and help Marisa to adapt to her new status but Savino has different ideas. They learn that Savino is plotting an attack to eliminate the Fiore family as he believes that the title should be his. Darian is as passionate about keeping Marisa and the kingdom safe as much as he is in love with Marisa.
Savino is very meticulous in his planning and catches everyone off guard. Everything takes a turn for the worse for Darian, Marisa and all their loved ones. The situation becomes quite hopeless when Darian goes off on a wild goose chase. In the meantime Marisa has to hold the fort and protect what is rightfully hers.
The subsequent events are full of tension, keeping me glued to the pages. The truth about what really drives Savino comes to light but Marina keeps her faith and surprises everyone with her strength. Everytime something worse happens and she is on the verge of giving up, she finds a way of fighting back.
This part of the story puts everyone's strength and beliefs to the test. Darian and Marisa are on the verge of giving up after what they have been led to believe. Will they find their way back to each other?
There is a lot of blood shed, uncertainties, cruelty, despair and traitors amongst the midst but will love and loyalty prevail? It's a gripping story and I look forward to reading the last part of this amazing tale.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Marisa is now preparing for her big event whilst still adjusting to her new life.
Darian and the rest of the household are very supportive and help Marisa to adapt to her new status but Savino has different ideas. They learn that Savino is plotting an attack to eliminate the Fiore family as he believes that the title should be his. Darian is as passionate about keeping Marisa and the kingdom safe as much as he is in love with Marisa.
Savino is very meticulous in his planning and catches everyone off guard. Everything takes a turn for the worse for Darian, Marisa and all their loved ones. The situation becomes quite hopeless when Darian goes off on a wild goose chase. In the meantime Marisa has to hold the fort and protect what is rightfully hers.
The subsequent events are full of tension, keeping me glued to the pages. The truth about what really drives Savino comes to light but Marina keeps her faith and surprises everyone with her strength. Everytime something worse happens and she is on the verge of giving up, she finds a way of fighting back.
This part of the story puts everyone's strength and beliefs to the test. Darian and Marisa are on the verge of giving up after what they have been led to believe. Will they find their way back to each other?
There is a lot of blood shed, uncertainties, cruelty, despair and traitors amongst the midst but will love and loyalty prevail? It's a gripping story and I look forward to reading the last part of this amazing tale.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2015
I received this book for an honest review.
It's been a few months since Marissa learned she is The Future Queen of Carnelia. However her power hungry of a cousin is planning to take the title and throne from her. Not only does she have Savino to worry about but she still has lessons to prepare for her reign and coronation to become the best Queen she can be. With Prince Darian at her side, Marissa knows she can handle everything that is being thrown at her. However she's only 18 years old and still misses the minuscule problems she had when she was back in Jacksonville, OG because the duties of a Princess are tough. However when she becomes Queen, it'll be a bigger challenge to face but everyone knows she has it in, she just needs to believe in herself.
So it's been a while since I read the first one but thank goodness that there was a family tree and map of Carnelia to help jog my memory of who everyone is. Once I remembered everyone, I was immediatly engrossed into the world of Carnelia. I love how everyone has a POV besides Marissa because each one has their own thoughts and feelings that readers want to know what is going on in their heads. For example, I forgot that Arrie was engaged to a woman in Paris and he still longs to be with her or Marissa's best friend Danielle back in Jacksonville. I hope that somehow the author can bring these people back together but nothing like how Savino was resurrected. I felt like Matilda saying that Savino being controlled by something "supernatural" or "inner demons" was just slapped in the book. I felt like if it was explained more than I would not have mind him coming back to life. Now he suddenly wants to find love which is what everyone in this book wants too so he's joining the bandwagon.
The book still amazes me like Marissa and Mark having a younger brother. When I was looking at the tree, I was wondering if that was a typo lol! That explains why their mother was depressed before her untimely death and now Raniero claims to have loved her. All this angst is what I love about this book. Also Eman being the one who was sent by Garon should have been obvious but never caught on. Or what should have been obvious was that prophecy but I admit I'm not one who pays attention to detail and I likes to find out when everything falls into place at the end of the book. Oh but that cliffhanger was devastating for Mark. I'm sure that he'll be able to have the happy ending he deserves, I know the author will make it right. That is why I cannot wait to read the third book when ever it comes out!
It's been a few months since Marissa learned she is The Future Queen of Carnelia. However her power hungry of a cousin is planning to take the title and throne from her. Not only does she have Savino to worry about but she still has lessons to prepare for her reign and coronation to become the best Queen she can be. With Prince Darian at her side, Marissa knows she can handle everything that is being thrown at her. However she's only 18 years old and still misses the minuscule problems she had when she was back in Jacksonville, OG because the duties of a Princess are tough. However when she becomes Queen, it'll be a bigger challenge to face but everyone knows she has it in, she just needs to believe in herself.
So it's been a while since I read the first one but thank goodness that there was a family tree and map of Carnelia to help jog my memory of who everyone is. Once I remembered everyone, I was immediatly engrossed into the world of Carnelia. I love how everyone has a POV besides Marissa because each one has their own thoughts and feelings that readers want to know what is going on in their heads. For example, I forgot that Arrie was engaged to a woman in Paris and he still longs to be with her or Marissa's best friend Danielle back in Jacksonville. I hope that somehow the author can bring these people back together but nothing like how Savino was resurrected. I felt like Matilda saying that Savino being controlled by something "supernatural" or "inner demons" was just slapped in the book. I felt like if it was explained more than I would not have mind him coming back to life. Now he suddenly wants to find love which is what everyone in this book wants too so he's joining the bandwagon.
The book still amazes me like Marissa and Mark having a younger brother. When I was looking at the tree, I was wondering if that was a typo lol! That explains why their mother was depressed before her untimely death and now Raniero claims to have loved her. All this angst is what I love about this book. Also Eman being the one who was sent by Garon should have been obvious but never caught on. Or what should have been obvious was that prophecy but I admit I'm not one who pays attention to detail and I likes to find out when everything falls into place at the end of the book. Oh but that cliffhanger was devastating for Mark. I'm sure that he'll be able to have the happy ending he deserves, I know the author will make it right. That is why I cannot wait to read the third book when ever it comes out!
June 8, 2014
A wonderful sequel to the first book, The Carnelian Legacy. I already fell in love with the characters in book one, so it's no surprise that I was excited to get my hands on this second part of the journey.
I'll admit, I did help in the proof reading end of this, but I wouldn't have given my time if I didn't really enjoy the story.
We get to know the characters even better, their good points as well as their faults. Actually, that's one of the things I loved most about this. The characters do make mistakes. Usually, they learn from them-sometimes, they don't. But this only makes them more realistic.
I really enjoyed seeing how several questions that were still left open in book one were answered in this story. It really built out the entire world (a place I wouldn't mind traveling to someday, if I could.) Especially the end held twists and turns I never saw coming.
I can really recommend this to anyone who loves to dive into a fantasy world, where knights and chivalry exist with a slightly modern twist. (really slight) Can't wait to see book three!
I'll admit, I did help in the proof reading end of this, but I wouldn't have given my time if I didn't really enjoy the story.
We get to know the characters even better, their good points as well as their faults. Actually, that's one of the things I loved most about this. The characters do make mistakes. Usually, they learn from them-sometimes, they don't. But this only makes them more realistic.
I really enjoyed seeing how several questions that were still left open in book one were answered in this story. It really built out the entire world (a place I wouldn't mind traveling to someday, if I could.) Especially the end held twists and turns I never saw coming.
I can really recommend this to anyone who loves to dive into a fantasy world, where knights and chivalry exist with a slightly modern twist. (really slight) Can't wait to see book three!
August 26, 2014
I love love love this book! I didn't think it was possible to love the second book more than the first one, but I did. The characters are more developed, more mature and go through so much together in this book that it keeps things exciting and real. This book is non-stop action but romantic and loving at the same time. Another page turner that I couldn't put down. Like the first one, this book has everything to keep your interest, excite you, warm your heart and keeps you cheering for the good guy. This is a book for all ages and for anyone who dreams of living in an ancient castle, finding your soulmate, saving a country and defeating evil. Awesome job Cheryl! I can't wait for the third one - in the meantime, I think I'll read this one again!
May 16, 2015
Saved the best for last
I've had this book for months now and couldn't read it yet till now! And I'm glad to say I saved the best for last! I've been with the Carnelian Legacy since the beginning and the second book was no disappointment at all! If you're into knights, kings and queens, sorcerers and some science then you'll love this series! It has romance, some actions, yes there are barbaric scenes but given the era in which the story takes place, it's suitable. Can't wait for the 3rd book and to see Queen Marsha (marissa) and Prince Darian married!!!
I've had this book for months now and couldn't read it yet till now! And I'm glad to say I saved the best for last! I've been with the Carnelian Legacy since the beginning and the second book was no disappointment at all! If you're into knights, kings and queens, sorcerers and some science then you'll love this series! It has romance, some actions, yes there are barbaric scenes but given the era in which the story takes place, it's suitable. Can't wait for the 3rd book and to see Queen Marsha (marissa) and Prince Darian married!!!
August 30, 2015
This book was amazing. The author did such a good job of describing and placing everything that it felt like I was watching it before my very eyes on a movie screen. I'd like to call it a "tush tightener" so to speak ;). I couldn't put the book down in my free time because I always had to know what happened next! I can't wait to read the next one!
July 17, 2014
Great Book!
The second book in The Carnelian Trilogy. This picks up where the last one left off and is an amazing read. You have every emotion as you read this book and it leaves you wanting more. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one!
The second book in The Carnelian Trilogy. This picks up where the last one left off and is an amazing read. You have every emotion as you read this book and it leaves you wanting more. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one!
January 26, 2020
You just keep on reading. Love this serie. Now looking for book 3. Please let me know where to get it in the Netherlands!
November 30, 2015
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to review from the author. This review is also posted on my personal website www.travelsinmedia.nl.
A while ago I have read the first book in the Carnelian series, The Carnelian Legacy. For those who have read more of my reviews know that once I start a new book series, I always want to finish it. That was precisely the reason that I started The Carnelian Tyranny: Savino's Revenge.
The second book starts right where the first book left off. Marisa’s identity as the lost princess is revealed and her family is reunited. Savino is disposed of and everyone lives happily ever after, right? Nope, just as the title suggests, Savino wants revenge. And not just give her a proper spanking, but completely erase the Fiore family from Carnelia!
Although the focus is again on Marisa, Darian and Savino, Marisa’s family has a bigger role in this book. Marisa is also more mature and doesn’t wine as much as in the first book. Then there is also Eman, a shepherd with a big heart (and a big secret too!). I really liked this character in the beginning, until he started preaching way too much.
I liked the idea of the story, and I always enjoy reading books with both a strong male and female character. But at times Marisa is just a bit too strong to be believable, like having a raging fever but still goes out to save someone. If that was the only time that things were a bit off that wouldn’t be much of a problem, but there are so many illogical choices that it was hard for me to continue reading. The ending was also weird. It didn’t have a huge cliffhanger (yay) but it stopped right in the middle of a discussion.
There is also a heavy emphasis on religion, something I do not really like in books. I respect people who believe in God, but I am not a strong believer myself. So it is just a personal preference, but it felt like half of the book was a lecture.
Conclusion
This book has left me with mixed feelings. Although I enjoyed it at times, it frustrated me as well. Because of that I have decided to give this book a positive rating, hopefully the third book in the series will be better.
Storyline 25/40
Main character(s) 18/30
Plot twists 6/10
Ending 7.5/10
Overall experience 7/10
-------------------------------------
Total score 63.5/100
A while ago I have read the first book in the Carnelian series, The Carnelian Legacy. For those who have read more of my reviews know that once I start a new book series, I always want to finish it. That was precisely the reason that I started The Carnelian Tyranny: Savino's Revenge.
The second book starts right where the first book left off. Marisa’s identity as the lost princess is revealed and her family is reunited. Savino is disposed of and everyone lives happily ever after, right? Nope, just as the title suggests, Savino wants revenge. And not just give her a proper spanking, but completely erase the Fiore family from Carnelia!
Although the focus is again on Marisa, Darian and Savino, Marisa’s family has a bigger role in this book. Marisa is also more mature and doesn’t wine as much as in the first book. Then there is also Eman, a shepherd with a big heart (and a big secret too!). I really liked this character in the beginning, until he started preaching way too much.
I liked the idea of the story, and I always enjoy reading books with both a strong male and female character. But at times Marisa is just a bit too strong to be believable, like having a raging fever but still goes out to save someone. If that was the only time that things were a bit off that wouldn’t be much of a problem, but there are so many illogical choices that it was hard for me to continue reading. The ending was also weird. It didn’t have a huge cliffhanger (yay) but it stopped right in the middle of a discussion.
There is also a heavy emphasis on religion, something I do not really like in books. I respect people who believe in God, but I am not a strong believer myself. So it is just a personal preference, but it felt like half of the book was a lecture.
Conclusion
This book has left me with mixed feelings. Although I enjoyed it at times, it frustrated me as well. Because of that I have decided to give this book a positive rating, hopefully the third book in the series will be better.
Storyline 25/40
Main character(s) 18/30
Plot twists 6/10
Ending 7.5/10
Overall experience 7/10
-------------------------------------
Total score 63.5/100
March 9, 2015
I received this book in the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Hmm... To be honest, I had very high expectations after reading The Carnelian Legacy. The Carnelian Tyranny was good... But it did leave me disappointed. Like one thing that irritated me was the themes of religion AGAIN. These themes were so prominent in this book that it came off a bit preachy. Like come on, Eman was impaled at the wrists and feet (sound familiar?) oh and he was seen walking on water (this sounds REALLY familiar). If only, Koevoet created a completely new religion for the world of Carnelia. I understand that in those kind of medieval eras, they did have a strong sense of faith AND I also understand that this is a different dimension so the name of God couldn't be used in Carnelia as well as Earth. I honestly just couldn't, it was tolerable in the first book, I was literally skimming quickly over the paragraphs where they are speaking of faith and praying. I don't know, I just feel like I couldn't connect with this book as much as I did with the first. I felt like Marisa was a bit more rash in her decisions than she was in the first book. As was Darian, he straight up was like "Don't worry Marisa, I'll leave you here with guards while I get ambushed!" Why didn't he just listen to Marisa when she said she had a bad feeling about the situation.
One thing that did get me like :O was the reveal of the real Marino Fiore! That was super crazy.
This was sort of a brutal read, it took me two days to read unlike the first book which I read in one sitting.
I wish I liked this book more than I thought I would. I still recommend this book to anyone who is continuing the series. And I still will read the third book in the series if I'm lucky enough to get my hands on it again.
Hmm... To be honest, I had very high expectations after reading The Carnelian Legacy. The Carnelian Tyranny was good... But it did leave me disappointed. Like one thing that irritated me was the themes of religion AGAIN. These themes were so prominent in this book that it came off a bit preachy. Like come on, Eman was impaled at the wrists and feet (sound familiar?) oh and he was seen walking on water (this sounds REALLY familiar). If only, Koevoet created a completely new religion for the world of Carnelia. I understand that in those kind of medieval eras, they did have a strong sense of faith AND I also understand that this is a different dimension so the name of God couldn't be used in Carnelia as well as Earth. I honestly just couldn't, it was tolerable in the first book, I was literally skimming quickly over the paragraphs where they are speaking of faith and praying. I don't know, I just feel like I couldn't connect with this book as much as I did with the first. I felt like Marisa was a bit more rash in her decisions than she was in the first book. As was Darian, he straight up was like "Don't worry Marisa, I'll leave you here with guards while I get ambushed!" Why didn't he just listen to Marisa when she said she had a bad feeling about the situation.
One thing that did get me like :O was the reveal of the real Marino Fiore! That was super crazy.
This was sort of a brutal read, it took me two days to read unlike the first book which I read in one sitting.
I wish I liked this book more than I thought I would. I still recommend this book to anyone who is continuing the series. And I still will read the third book in the series if I'm lucky enough to get my hands on it again.
February 26, 2015
I would give this 4.5 stars if possible. I enjoyed it more then book 1. It lost me a little at the end when Savino's final fate is revealed otherwise I found it a GREAT read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews