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Chronicles of Ebonvale #1
Minstrel's Serenade
He's sworn to protect her, but can he save her from himself?
Danika Rubystone has hated the minstrels ever since her mother ran away with one. As Princess, she's duty bound to marry Valorian, a minstrel from the House of Song. But problems in the kingdom are mounting. With her father dead she's the sole heir to an imperiled throne, and wyverns attack Ebonvale's southern shores. But after Danika finds a lone survivor of a wyvern's attack who holds the key to protecting the kingdom and she finally meets the enchantingly sly Valorian, everything changes.
As Ebonvale's Royal Guard sails with the minstrels to smite the uprising of wyverns, Danika dances a line between sticking by duty like her father, or following her wild heart like her mother.
78,346 Words
Danika Rubystone has hated the minstrels ever since her mother ran away with one. As Princess, she's duty bound to marry Valorian, a minstrel from the House of Song. But problems in the kingdom are mounting. With her father dead she's the sole heir to an imperiled throne, and wyverns attack Ebonvale's southern shores. But after Danika finds a lone survivor of a wyvern's attack who holds the key to protecting the kingdom and she finally meets the enchantingly sly Valorian, everything changes.
As Ebonvale's Royal Guard sails with the minstrels to smite the uprising of wyverns, Danika dances a line between sticking by duty like her father, or following her wild heart like her mother.
78,346 Words
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Aubrie Dionne
38 books568 followersAubrie grew up watching the original Star Wars movies over and over again until she could recite and reenact every single scene in her backyard. She also loved The Goonies, Star Trek the Next Generation-favorite character was Data by far-, and Indiana Jones. But, her all time favorite movie was The Last Unicorn. She still wonders why the unicorn decided to change back to a unicorn in the end.
Aubrie wrote in her junior high yearbook that she wanted to be "A concert flutist" when she grew up. When she made that happen, she decided one career was not enough and embarked as a fantasy, sci fi author. Two careers seems to keep her busy. For now.
Now for the professional bio:
Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She recently signed her YA sci fi novel with Inkspell Publishing titled: Colonization: Paradise Reclaimed, which will release in October 2012. When she's not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras. She's a big Star Trek TNG fan, as well as Star Wars and Serenity.
Aubrie wrote in her junior high yearbook that she wanted to be "A concert flutist" when she grew up. When she made that happen, she decided one career was not enough and embarked as a fantasy, sci fi author. Two careers seems to keep her busy. For now.
Now for the professional bio:
Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She recently signed her YA sci fi novel with Inkspell Publishing titled: Colonization: Paradise Reclaimed, which will release in October 2012. When she's not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras. She's a big Star Trek TNG fan, as well as Star Wars and Serenity.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 12, 2014
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
This book could be so much better...
The story was there and the elements, if combined differently, could have resulted in a truly great book.
Unfortunately, I found lacking the style of the narrative. It's often too flowery, and equally often very dry. To me it seemed like the author couldn't decide which road to travel.
I had the feeling that this should have been a romantic fantasy, but the romance was very mild.
The core story is very interesting and thus the 3 stars.
A princess, a low-born head of the guard, a prince of the neighbouring realm, the evil wyverns trying to invade and destroy the world - all of this has been already used in fantasy novels, but still it has produced some really good ones too. And we have here a nice and insteresting story.
Here the major fault is the characterization. All the characters are carbord and without much depth, even if the author did try to infuse them with deeper feelings. But, they still act very stiff and the dialogue seems very formal and sometimes repetitive.
Also, there are only three characters who act. There are no supporting characters. Well, to tell the whole truth, there are Nip, a young child Danika saves at the beginning, Danika's mother and Danika's half sister, but they just briefly appear. The majority of time, around Danika, Valorian and Bron only a sketchy and ghost-like figures mingle around: the army.
The princess, Danika, is young and has lost her father while her mother abondoned her when he run away with a minstrel. She's (supposed) to be a strong and honorable young woman, but she comes out like a spoilt child who want to appear strong and honorable...
Valorian is the prince of the realm of minstrels. All through the story I was expecting him to do soething deplorable, but to me he seemed more level-headed and intelligent than all the others.
Now Danika has to marry him, in order to strengthen her realm and defend it, and because both realms are threaten by the wyverns who are swarming and destroying everything on their path.
But she's (not so secretly) in love with her head of guard Bron.
Bron is (supposed) to be a self-sacrificing hero, full of peasant wisdom, but he appeared just dumb and absolutely submissive to Danika, even when her orders were plain stupid.
So we have Danika that is torn between the duty to the throne and her love for Bron; Valorian who, having fallen in love with her, is now very happy to be marrying her; Bron who is deeply suffering because he knows Danika has to marry Valorian and who knows he must keep his love for her secret (he doen't do it very well...) because it is the honorable thing to do (besides he's low-born and even if Valorian was not in the picture, he still couldn't marry her...).
Obviously, there's a happy ending and everything comes out very well for all.
The interesting and best parts of the book are the background stories: first the quest for the "magical" metal, then the invasion and battle against the wyverns. It could have been better if slightly polished, but it was good.
I'm really sorry to give such a low rating to a story that have so much potential... :(
This book could be so much better...
The story was there and the elements, if combined differently, could have resulted in a truly great book.
Unfortunately, I found lacking the style of the narrative. It's often too flowery, and equally often very dry. To me it seemed like the author couldn't decide which road to travel.
I had the feeling that this should have been a romantic fantasy, but the romance was very mild.
The core story is very interesting and thus the 3 stars.
A princess, a low-born head of the guard, a prince of the neighbouring realm, the evil wyverns trying to invade and destroy the world - all of this has been already used in fantasy novels, but still it has produced some really good ones too. And we have here a nice and insteresting story.
Here the major fault is the characterization. All the characters are carbord and without much depth, even if the author did try to infuse them with deeper feelings. But, they still act very stiff and the dialogue seems very formal and sometimes repetitive.
Also, there are only three characters who act. There are no supporting characters. Well, to tell the whole truth, there are Nip, a young child Danika saves at the beginning, Danika's mother and Danika's half sister, but they just briefly appear. The majority of time, around Danika, Valorian and Bron only a sketchy and ghost-like figures mingle around: the army.
The princess, Danika, is young and has lost her father while her mother abondoned her when he run away with a minstrel. She's (supposed) to be a strong and honorable young woman, but she comes out like a spoilt child who want to appear strong and honorable...
Valorian is the prince of the realm of minstrels. All through the story I was expecting him to do soething deplorable, but to me he seemed more level-headed and intelligent than all the others.
Now Danika has to marry him, in order to strengthen her realm and defend it, and because both realms are threaten by the wyverns who are swarming and destroying everything on their path.
But she's (not so secretly) in love with her head of guard Bron.
Bron is (supposed) to be a self-sacrificing hero, full of peasant wisdom, but he appeared just dumb and absolutely submissive to Danika, even when her orders were plain stupid.
So we have Danika that is torn between the duty to the throne and her love for Bron; Valorian who, having fallen in love with her, is now very happy to be marrying her; Bron who is deeply suffering because he knows Danika has to marry Valorian and who knows he must keep his love for her secret (he doen't do it very well...) because it is the honorable thing to do (besides he's low-born and even if Valorian was not in the picture, he still couldn't marry her...).
Obviously, there's a happy ending and everything comes out very well for all.
The interesting and best parts of the book are the background stories: first the quest for the "magical" metal, then the invasion and battle against the wyverns. It could have been better if slightly polished, but it was good.
I'm really sorry to give such a low rating to a story that have so much potential... :(
July 15, 2014
Full Review
I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this book was and definitely recommend adding it to your tbr pile.
Minstrel’s Serenade is book one in a new series by Aubrie Dionne. It takes place in a fantasy setting in what looks to be a Medieval like era. Princess Danika is Ebonvale’s new ruler, her father was killed in the winning battle against the necromancers, who faces the new oncoming threat of the wyverns (think dragons) and their mother the She-Beast. Constantly by her side helping her to defeat these beasts is Bron, her Chief of Arms and bodyguard. Bron, having moved up the ranks from humble beginnings and grown up beside Danika takes his job, shall we say, very seriously. In their quest they are also joined by Nip, a boy that survived his village being destroyed by wyverns and holds secret knowledge on how to defeat them, and Valorian, a prince from the House of Song who through his musical abilities can defeat beasts and a good candidate to become Danika’s husband.
This is mostly a road adventure as they are traveling to gather materials to beat the wyverns and then traveling to defeat them. Dionne does a good job of world building, however, since this is fantasy I wish there had been a map or glossary of places and terms so I could immerse myself fully into the story. In the beginning, half my attention was diverted to trying to picture where all these different houses or kingdoms were in relation to each other and figuring out what these new creatures or things resembled. This does only last for around 30% of the story and then you get the hang and flow of things.
This is a clean romance but there is plenty of longing, tension, and chemistry between the lead characters. Danika has strong feelings for Bron but feels she should put her kingdom’s needs first and marry Valorian. Bron, being the broody stand up soldier he is, feels his farm boy lineage would never be good enough for Danika. Valorian? Well, Valorian has feelings for Danika but ends up getting the shaft a lot. Sorry Valorian, maybe you’ll get your own story in the future.
Danika is a wonderful strong , level headed (gets a bit wishy washy dealing with her love triangle at times), and smart female character. Bron is enduring, always there for Danika, and all that is the strong silent broody type. Their push/pull relationship and longing for one another will have you begging for them to have their happily ever after.
As I said, this is a mixture of action, fantasy, and romance. Neither the fantasy or romance side over powers the other and I can see this mightily appealing to both genres. I will definitely be following this series and keeping a lookout for the next one. I personally hope for a grown up Nip :)
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I was very pleasantly surprised at how good this book was and definitely recommend adding it to your tbr pile.
Minstrel’s Serenade is book one in a new series by Aubrie Dionne. It takes place in a fantasy setting in what looks to be a Medieval like era. Princess Danika is Ebonvale’s new ruler, her father was killed in the winning battle against the necromancers, who faces the new oncoming threat of the wyverns (think dragons) and their mother the She-Beast. Constantly by her side helping her to defeat these beasts is Bron, her Chief of Arms and bodyguard. Bron, having moved up the ranks from humble beginnings and grown up beside Danika takes his job, shall we say, very seriously. In their quest they are also joined by Nip, a boy that survived his village being destroyed by wyverns and holds secret knowledge on how to defeat them, and Valorian, a prince from the House of Song who through his musical abilities can defeat beasts and a good candidate to become Danika’s husband.
This is mostly a road adventure as they are traveling to gather materials to beat the wyverns and then traveling to defeat them. Dionne does a good job of world building, however, since this is fantasy I wish there had been a map or glossary of places and terms so I could immerse myself fully into the story. In the beginning, half my attention was diverted to trying to picture where all these different houses or kingdoms were in relation to each other and figuring out what these new creatures or things resembled. This does only last for around 30% of the story and then you get the hang and flow of things.
This is a clean romance but there is plenty of longing, tension, and chemistry between the lead characters. Danika has strong feelings for Bron but feels she should put her kingdom’s needs first and marry Valorian. Bron, being the broody stand up soldier he is, feels his farm boy lineage would never be good enough for Danika. Valorian? Well, Valorian has feelings for Danika but ends up getting the shaft a lot. Sorry Valorian, maybe you’ll get your own story in the future.
Danika is a wonderful strong , level headed (gets a bit wishy washy dealing with her love triangle at times), and smart female character. Bron is enduring, always there for Danika, and all that is the strong silent broody type. Their push/pull relationship and longing for one another will have you begging for them to have their happily ever after.
As I said, this is a mixture of action, fantasy, and romance. Neither the fantasy or romance side over powers the other and I can see this mightily appealing to both genres. I will definitely be following this series and keeping a lookout for the next one. I personally hope for a grown up Nip :)
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 8, 2014
I went into this with caution, knowing that I more than likely wasn't going to understand everything but was hoping that nonetheless, I would still get a great story and I am happy to say that I did get a great story and, more importantly, I wasn't lost at all.
Dionne did a fabulous job with the world building. While there was a lot of learn and remember it was all laid out and told beautifully.
More than anything this was a story about a young woman thrown into leadership, coming into her own and going after what she wants, whether that is acceptable to others or not.
I am a sucker for forbidden romances and star crossed lovers and it didn't take me long at all to get through this and enjoy it.
Overall this was a fantastic story that I think any lover of high fantasy and romance, will truly have fun with.
Dionne did a fabulous job with the world building. While there was a lot of learn and remember it was all laid out and told beautifully.
More than anything this was a story about a young woman thrown into leadership, coming into her own and going after what she wants, whether that is acceptable to others or not.
I am a sucker for forbidden romances and star crossed lovers and it didn't take me long at all to get through this and enjoy it.
Overall this was a fantastic story that I think any lover of high fantasy and romance, will truly have fun with.
December 22, 2014
This was an excellent fantasy romance and something quite different from the norm. I liked it VERY much. The gentle, strong silent type really works for me, and the bodyguard/knight character, Bron, stole my heart from the first page. A forbidden romance also always makes the heart grow stronger, so from that side of things, this book gets an A+.
The storyline and setting were also top notch, with a historical fantasy vibe and an abundance of fascinating species and charatcers. Truly, what's not to like?
4.5 stars.
The storyline and setting were also top notch, with a historical fantasy vibe and an abundance of fascinating species and charatcers. Truly, what's not to like?
4.5 stars.
December 9, 2014
MINSTREL'S SERENADE has great bones and the atmosphere is very epic fantasy. It just didn't feel epic enough because the scope is very small and limited to Princess Danika's POV as opposed to an all encompassing one. I love the medieval feel of the story and combining it with fire breathing wyverns makes for an entertaining read.
September 2, 2014
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Ebonvale is being attacked by Wyverns and it is up to Princess Danika to save her kingdom. She must find a way to defeat the Wyverns. With the help of her chief of arms of her royal army, Bron they set out on a quest to find the answers they are looking for. On their journey they meet a little boy, Nip. He is the lone survivor of his village. He lost his family and everyone he knew in an attack by the Wyverns. But this little boy Nip knows the secret to defeating the Wyverns. He has heard his father talk of the secret for many years.
After they gather everything they need to hopefully defeat the Wyverns Danika, Bron with their royal army and Valorian with his army of minstrels without Nip (who is not too happy about this but has no choice in the matter because the adults as spoken) is safely left behind at Ebonvale start out on their quest to kill the Wyverns before they kill them and hundreds more. They have a long road ahead of them to travel to find the Wyverns and kill them. They have decided that it would be best if they went to the Wyverns instead of waiting for them to come and attack their kingdoms. If they attack the Wyverns on their own turf instead of Ebonvale or the House of Song they will save a lot more lives.
Danika is torn between her heart and her duty to the people of Ebonvale. As the princess she is duty bound to marry the minstrel to join together the House of Song and Ebonvale. But Danika's heart lies elsewhere; her heart belongs to her chief of arms and bodyguard Bron. Bron would give his life to keep the princess safe even if it means he would have to see her with another man day in and day out. Bron not only has a duty to protect the princess he also has a duty to protect the people of Ebonvale as well. Bron doesn't think that he is worthy of the princess and tries to keep his feelings a secret from the princess and everyone else too. But neither one of them is very good at hiding their feelings from everyone. Oh they can fool each other or at least keep the other one wondering. So who will the princess choose to spend the rest of her life with? Will it be her body guard Bron or will it be the minstrel from the House of Song? Will she follow her heart or will she follow her head? Will she choose the one person that will make her happy or will she choose what will make Ebonvale stronger?
I have enjoyed and loved everything by Aubrie Dionne that I have read and the Minstrel's Serenade ranks right up there at the top with her other books that I have read. I have read almost everything she has written. If I have not then that is my quest to read everything she has written. With Aubrie Dionne's work who needs to read the summary? Not me. Thanks Aubrie for being such a great author and artist.
I would like to share a quote with you from Minstrel's Serenade that really touched me and that I truly love and believe. Before I share the quote I would like to say that I am not much of a music person. What I mean is that although I do like music and I like different kinds of music like country, classic rock, hard rock, alternative rock and some heavy metal and rap. I love school bands. Hearing the bands play at half-time was or is my favorite time at a football game. And now for the quote:
“Music is a universal language understood by all.”
“Everyone cares for music, even a newborn baby or an elder too old to remember anything else. The trick is finding the right chords to strike to find their innermost desires and open their heart.
Minstrel's Serenade is for anyone who loves mystery, fantasy, music and adventure with a little romance thrown in or anyone who just loves Aubrie Dionne's wonderful writing.
Ebonvale is being attacked by Wyverns and it is up to Princess Danika to save her kingdom. She must find a way to defeat the Wyverns. With the help of her chief of arms of her royal army, Bron they set out on a quest to find the answers they are looking for. On their journey they meet a little boy, Nip. He is the lone survivor of his village. He lost his family and everyone he knew in an attack by the Wyverns. But this little boy Nip knows the secret to defeating the Wyverns. He has heard his father talk of the secret for many years.
After they gather everything they need to hopefully defeat the Wyverns Danika, Bron with their royal army and Valorian with his army of minstrels without Nip (who is not too happy about this but has no choice in the matter because the adults as spoken) is safely left behind at Ebonvale start out on their quest to kill the Wyverns before they kill them and hundreds more. They have a long road ahead of them to travel to find the Wyverns and kill them. They have decided that it would be best if they went to the Wyverns instead of waiting for them to come and attack their kingdoms. If they attack the Wyverns on their own turf instead of Ebonvale or the House of Song they will save a lot more lives.
Danika is torn between her heart and her duty to the people of Ebonvale. As the princess she is duty bound to marry the minstrel to join together the House of Song and Ebonvale. But Danika's heart lies elsewhere; her heart belongs to her chief of arms and bodyguard Bron. Bron would give his life to keep the princess safe even if it means he would have to see her with another man day in and day out. Bron not only has a duty to protect the princess he also has a duty to protect the people of Ebonvale as well. Bron doesn't think that he is worthy of the princess and tries to keep his feelings a secret from the princess and everyone else too. But neither one of them is very good at hiding their feelings from everyone. Oh they can fool each other or at least keep the other one wondering. So who will the princess choose to spend the rest of her life with? Will it be her body guard Bron or will it be the minstrel from the House of Song? Will she follow her heart or will she follow her head? Will she choose the one person that will make her happy or will she choose what will make Ebonvale stronger?
I have enjoyed and loved everything by Aubrie Dionne that I have read and the Minstrel's Serenade ranks right up there at the top with her other books that I have read. I have read almost everything she has written. If I have not then that is my quest to read everything she has written. With Aubrie Dionne's work who needs to read the summary? Not me. Thanks Aubrie for being such a great author and artist.
I would like to share a quote with you from Minstrel's Serenade that really touched me and that I truly love and believe. Before I share the quote I would like to say that I am not much of a music person. What I mean is that although I do like music and I like different kinds of music like country, classic rock, hard rock, alternative rock and some heavy metal and rap. I love school bands. Hearing the bands play at half-time was or is my favorite time at a football game. And now for the quote:
“Music is a universal language understood by all.”
“Everyone cares for music, even a newborn baby or an elder too old to remember anything else. The trick is finding the right chords to strike to find their innermost desires and open their heart.
Minstrel's Serenade is for anyone who loves mystery, fantasy, music and adventure with a little romance thrown in or anyone who just loves Aubrie Dionne's wonderful writing.
December 8, 2014
Danika is a young princess who is struggling with a choice between duty and love. Her father would tell her duty to her kingdom is above all. Her mother would tell her that her only duty lies with her heart. Bron is the Chief of Arms in Ebonvale, bodyguard to Danika, and is very loyal to his position in the kingdom. Valorian is the minstrel prince from the House of Song who is enchanting just as much as he may be Danika’s last hope to save her kingdom.
This isn’t just a story of romance or fantasy; it leans heavily on sense of duty and loyalty, and the line one must make for themselves before they will give up their duty for their own desires. Bron and Danika both feel the heavy weight of the kingdom’s future on their shoulders when the wyverns attack, but it doesn’t stop them from feeling the deeper longing that’s been with them since Bron first left his farming village to join the soldiers.
Prince Valorian enters the picture which complicates their emotions and the future of the kingdom. He’s charming and has an army of minstrels that could save Ebonvale from the wyverns, but Bron has always been by Danika’s side. Danika herself isn’t just a pushover, either. She isn’t as well practiced as a soldier, but she enters the battles and manages to keep from being a distressed damsel too much.
The minstrels I love. They use music and song to get to the heart of their enemies and play havoc on their emotions. Ebonvale’s army could use a little work. If a kingdom is described as having a great force of archers, I do expect to see arrows fly more than once.
The world building is a big part of fantasy, and Dionne’s world fits together perfectly without getting overly complicated or skimping on the details.
I do love the characters, but there aren’t very many side characters named other than a boy named Nip (who I adore, by the way) and Valorian’s father. A few very good side characters give fantasy novels an edge.
Overall, I recommend Minstrel’s Serenade to anyone looking for a light fantasy/romance novel. Next please!
www.readingbifrost.com
This isn’t just a story of romance or fantasy; it leans heavily on sense of duty and loyalty, and the line one must make for themselves before they will give up their duty for their own desires. Bron and Danika both feel the heavy weight of the kingdom’s future on their shoulders when the wyverns attack, but it doesn’t stop them from feeling the deeper longing that’s been with them since Bron first left his farming village to join the soldiers.
Prince Valorian enters the picture which complicates their emotions and the future of the kingdom. He’s charming and has an army of minstrels that could save Ebonvale from the wyverns, but Bron has always been by Danika’s side. Danika herself isn’t just a pushover, either. She isn’t as well practiced as a soldier, but she enters the battles and manages to keep from being a distressed damsel too much.
The minstrels I love. They use music and song to get to the heart of their enemies and play havoc on their emotions. Ebonvale’s army could use a little work. If a kingdom is described as having a great force of archers, I do expect to see arrows fly more than once.
The world building is a big part of fantasy, and Dionne’s world fits together perfectly without getting overly complicated or skimping on the details.
I do love the characters, but there aren’t very many side characters named other than a boy named Nip (who I adore, by the way) and Valorian’s father. A few very good side characters give fantasy novels an edge.
Overall, I recommend Minstrel’s Serenade to anyone looking for a light fantasy/romance novel. Next please!
www.readingbifrost.com
July 10, 2014
This book was stunning! Much like the Minstrel's songs she so eloquently describes, Dionne has a talent for infusing lyric into every word. I was hanging onto each sentence, lost in the story from page one. I loved how the author did not rush this love story as Danika has to choose between two men, both worthy of her, but only one she can find true happiness with. And she keeps you guessing until the end. Danika is no pushover heroine either. She isn't wishy washy about romance, but takes her time with the decision instead, all the while, fighting right alongside the men who are fighting for her homeland of Ebonvale. The world Dionne has created is pure magic and takes you on a journey through harsh and wildly beautiful lands as quest after quest brings an unlikely alliance closer to an epic battle to save them all.
Danika knows how to fight, and never complains about duty or sleeping rough. Princess she might be, but she doesn't use her station to put others beneath her. Instead, she uses her position to serve others. I loved her, identified with her, mourned with her, celebrated her triumphs and, thanks to the beautiful writing, felt I was right there in the story.
One of my favorite parts about this was the memories and flashbacks of stories from the hero and heroine's youth that had helped to shape not only them as adults, but their unbreakable bond together. It was utterly satisfying finishing a read feeling like I knew these characters. A highly enjoyable read I'd recommend to anyone looking for an action and adventure packed sweet romance. Minstrel's Serenade is a consuming, heart-pounding, well-written read from page one to last.
5 wyvern slaying stars from me.
Danika knows how to fight, and never complains about duty or sleeping rough. Princess she might be, but she doesn't use her station to put others beneath her. Instead, she uses her position to serve others. I loved her, identified with her, mourned with her, celebrated her triumphs and, thanks to the beautiful writing, felt I was right there in the story.
One of my favorite parts about this was the memories and flashbacks of stories from the hero and heroine's youth that had helped to shape not only them as adults, but their unbreakable bond together. It was utterly satisfying finishing a read feeling like I knew these characters. A highly enjoyable read I'd recommend to anyone looking for an action and adventure packed sweet romance. Minstrel's Serenade is a consuming, heart-pounding, well-written read from page one to last.
5 wyvern slaying stars from me.
December 12, 2014
Normally I’m not a big fan of books about a war era. I usually just don’t find them very enjoyable. But from the moment I started ‘Minstrel’s Serenade’ I must say I enjoyed the story. This book is very easy to read and I loved the chemistry between Danika and Bron, her bodyguard. Danika and Bron are both very loyal people and they will do almost anything for their kingdom. At times I found it a little frustrating that they were so loyal. (LOL) I really wanted to scream at times and tell them that they just had to give in to their feelings. But a true princess does what’s best for her kingdom off course. (Still frustrating :P)
The character I loved the most was definitely Bron. I loved how strong willed and brave he was. Bron would do anything for Danika and her kingdom. Even if that would mean that Bron had to deny his true feelings, he would do it out of loyalty for Ebonvale. A very admirable thing, I think. And being a part of the Royal Guard made him even more appealing to me. A brave strong knight. Swoon!!!
This story is mixed with action and moments of romance. Although I definitely enjoyed this book and I loved the way Aubrie Dionne wrote this story, I still find this war era is not really for me. But Aubrie Dionne made sure I enjoyed this book none the less. This is definitely a book you should read if you’re in the mood for some action filled romance.
The character I loved the most was definitely Bron. I loved how strong willed and brave he was. Bron would do anything for Danika and her kingdom. Even if that would mean that Bron had to deny his true feelings, he would do it out of loyalty for Ebonvale. A very admirable thing, I think. And being a part of the Royal Guard made him even more appealing to me. A brave strong knight. Swoon!!!
This story is mixed with action and moments of romance. Although I definitely enjoyed this book and I loved the way Aubrie Dionne wrote this story, I still find this war era is not really for me. But Aubrie Dionne made sure I enjoyed this book none the less. This is definitely a book you should read if you’re in the mood for some action filled romance.
December 12, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of this book to read and review for this tour. No other compensation was offered, nor would have been accepted, and this is my honest opinion.
Ah, love triangles. Duty versus your heart. Kingdom versus bliss. Can you ever have both? Aubrie Dionne has created this lovely fantasy novel filled with battle scenes, romance, and adventure and I loved every moment of it.
Bron is my clear choice, but Valorian, Prince of Song, is handsome, romantic, and better for the kingdom simply for the alliance that would be achieved between his kingdom and Danika's. But how can you not love the one that teaches you to defend yourself, who doesn't just coddle you and celebrates your strengths, who makes you feel safe and warm and protected and loved? Yeah, I feel like you, too,
I liked the magic of the Minstrels, the backstory of the old Queen, Bron's heroics, and... I really wanted to hate Valorian, but you just can't. The mixture of adventure and fantasy and romance is really well done. Danika's observations of people and portraits and looking back towards the past as more information is revealed are wonderful and human.
I'm hoping for more in this world. I'd like to go back to the Darkenbite, I'd like a novel about a grown-up Nip, I'd just like more please!
Ah, love triangles. Duty versus your heart. Kingdom versus bliss. Can you ever have both? Aubrie Dionne has created this lovely fantasy novel filled with battle scenes, romance, and adventure and I loved every moment of it.
Bron is my clear choice, but Valorian, Prince of Song, is handsome, romantic, and better for the kingdom simply for the alliance that would be achieved between his kingdom and Danika's. But how can you not love the one that teaches you to defend yourself, who doesn't just coddle you and celebrates your strengths, who makes you feel safe and warm and protected and loved? Yeah, I feel like you, too,
I liked the magic of the Minstrels, the backstory of the old Queen, Bron's heroics, and... I really wanted to hate Valorian, but you just can't. The mixture of adventure and fantasy and romance is really well done. Danika's observations of people and portraits and looking back towards the past as more information is revealed are wonderful and human.
I'm hoping for more in this world. I'd like to go back to the Darkenbite, I'd like a novel about a grown-up Nip, I'd just like more please!
July 1, 2014
Danika Rubystone must choose between her duty and her heart in Aubrie Dionne's Minstrel's Serenade. The fast-paced action keeps the reader on edge. This fantasy romance novel has rich world-building set against amazing settings, many fraught with danger. Danika is a strong character, although her bouts of wishywashyness made me not always like her. My favorite characters were Bron, Chief of Arms of Ebonvale, and Nip, a child who'd survived a wyvern attack. The wyverns are a worthy foe for the people of this land. The House of Song was a magical place, and I would love to live there, although some quiet every once in a while would be nice too. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the land and the people, so Ebonvale and the House of Songs' quest would've been a touch more powerful. Overall, Minstrel's Serenade by Aubrie Dionne is a beautiful fantasy novel with smoldering romance at its core.
August 31, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author Aubrie Dionne for giving me this book for an honest reveiw. The world building was nicely done and the story-line is very good. The characters are well developed and written. I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 21, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by Minstrel's Serenade! The story line was interesting and full of adventure and action. I enjoyed the fantasy characters added in such as the wyverns and the kobolds as well as the idea behind the minstrel's songs. The action scenes were very full of action, but there was enough description that you did not get lost or confused. The main characters each had their own personalities and were strong lead characters, however there were not many supporting characters. I could not help but want to hear more about them as well. Dionne did add some back story and history throughout the book to give you an idea of what shaped the main characters, but I would have liked a little more. For example, what made Bron fall in love with Danika? We saw his introduction into the Royal Guard and his previous battles as well as what happened to the king, but it did not tell why he loved Danika. Interwoven through the story you could feel the strong connection between the two while they did their best to ignore it. I did enjoy the small parts where they almost gave in, but held strong. Over all, I enjoyed reading Minstrel's Serenade and would definitely read the next book.
May 20, 2015
Did I enjoy this book: Every time I tell myself I don’t really like reading love stories I come across a book like this. I’m not saying it wasn’t cheesy — it’d be hard not to be with names like Troubadir, Rubystone, and Darkenbite flying around — but let’s just say it was my favorite flavor of cheese. Yeah, the characters said “tis” more often than I would have liked, but let’s face it: I didn’t chose this book hoping for some mind-altering literature. I’m actually kind of impressed that Dionne got me to take a character seriously whose main battle skill is, um, singing. So yeah. I might hide it under my bed, but I’m definitely keeping this book around.
Would I recommend it: If you’re interested in a cheesy-but-satisfying love story, go for it.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/12/bl...
Would I recommend it: If you’re interested in a cheesy-but-satisfying love story, go for it.
As reviewed by Melissa at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/12/bl...
March 24, 2015
Minstrel's Serenade is a good read. Princess danika is thrown into ruling way before she is ready and the forbidden romance is sweet and sucks you in. Bron is an awesome character that captures your heart right away and you can't help but want him for yourself.
I really liked this setting in the medieval times and enjoyed the characters.
I really liked this setting in the medieval times and enjoyed the characters.
August 15, 2014
Good premise but the storyline was uneven, characters shallow and flat.
December 9, 2014
Review to follow
July 3, 2014
review to come.
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