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It is said that when war threatens the world, one individual will be selected by prophecy to lead the Shadow Warriors out of the Land of Mist and reclaim the freedom which has been stolen.
Shanti has grown up under the constant threat of war. Since she helped her people defeat a raiding party by using a special power, she's been a hunted woman. Carrying rare abilities and an uncanny fighting aptitude, Shanti is the only hope of salvation for her people. The problem is, she doesn't believe in her own divinity, and when she flounders, she nearly fails in the duty hanging so heavy on her shoulders.
It seems like any other day when Sanders and his band of misfit boys find a foreign woman clinging to life in the wastelands. Oblivious to the weapon they now have in their possession, they are content to harbor the mysterious woman until she is well enough to continue her journey. But when the war spreads its arms and lands on her borrowed doorstep, Shanti has no choice but to reveal her secrets, plunging her saviors into danger.
If they band with her, they will face certain death. But to trade her to Xandre, the warlord desperate to add her to his war machine, would be to give up their entire way of life.
Shanti has grown up under the constant threat of war. Since she helped her people defeat a raiding party by using a special power, she's been a hunted woman. Carrying rare abilities and an uncanny fighting aptitude, Shanti is the only hope of salvation for her people. The problem is, she doesn't believe in her own divinity, and when she flounders, she nearly fails in the duty hanging so heavy on her shoulders.
It seems like any other day when Sanders and his band of misfit boys find a foreign woman clinging to life in the wastelands. Oblivious to the weapon they now have in their possession, they are content to harbor the mysterious woman until she is well enough to continue her journey. But when the war spreads its arms and lands on her borrowed doorstep, Shanti has no choice but to reveal her secrets, plunging her saviors into danger.
If they band with her, they will face certain death. But to trade her to Xandre, the warlord desperate to add her to his war machine, would be to give up their entire way of life.
411 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2014
8491 people are currently reading
12673 people want to read
About the author
K.F. Breene
128 books13.9k followersFollow me!
K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.
Click FOLLOW for notification of new releases.
Join her mailing list to receive BONUS CONTENT, free stories, and hear about the crazy goings-on of her life. Sign up here ➜ http://bit.ly/KFBContent
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K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.
Click FOLLOW for notification of new releases.
Join her mailing list to receive BONUS CONTENT, free stories, and hear about the crazy goings-on of her life. Sign up here ➜ http://bit.ly/KFBContent
Check out her chat group on Goodreads!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,230 reviews
May 26, 2020
Previous rating: 4 stars.
New rating: 8 stars.
➻ Why the higher rating, you ask? Because I'm an idiot, that's why. Or because I was drunk the first time I read this. Or high. Or both. Because Shanti is even more awesome than I remembered her to be. And even funnier. And even more badass. And because Cayan is not entirely unpleasant. And because I'm in love with the Honor Guard kids. And because Sanders is much cooler than I remembered. And because the plot isn't kind of messy and the writing isn't all over the place like I wrote in my first review. Damn, I must have been really drunk and high back then.
➻ I first reviewed this Piece of Awesomeness just 4 months ago, so you're really naïve if you think I'm going to review it again. I have a life you know. Things to do, places to go, people I have to bully and whose brains I need to eat. Besides, my first review was crappy enough, believe me when I tell you you don't want me to write another one. Which means you are left with two choices here:
① Read the above-mentioned crappy review anyway ← you're so brave, I'm so proud of you right now.
② Read mylovely friend Shelly's review ← that's the better alternative, if you ask me. I mean, it's always good to read different opinions about a book. Broadens your perspective and all that ← yes, this is an attempt at humour. Just pointing it out in case you didn't get it. Because you can be, you know, kind of slow sometimes. But I love you anyway. Of course I do. Well, more or less.
[May 2015]
⚠️ Friendly warning: super crappy review ahead. Read at your own risk.
Okay. I've been trying to review this book for 10 whole days. I just can't do it. Never happened before. I mean, it's not that complicated: vaguely mention the book and then ramble on and on and on about meaningless stuff. Easy right? Well no, not this time. Sigh. What makes it worse is that I loved this story. I loved it despite the messy plot and confusing writing. I ♥ LOVED ♥ Shanti, the heroine. But every time I try writing this review my two grey cells (appropriately named Ben & Jerry) just go poof! Sigh again. Okay, I guess extreme lack of inspiration calls for extreme measures.
So. Time to hold your breath, my dear friends and nemeses, for I have no idea where I'm going with this
Here we go and stuff.
➽ This book survived being read after my third Magic Bites reread. And I gave it a 4-star rating. Now this should tell you something. Yes it should.
➽ Not only is this book a Kate Daniels survivor, it also is the perfect antidote to this spectacular piece of crap and its suicide-inducing heroine.
➽ This book is about Shanti, badass heroine extraordinaire, whom I may want to be when I grow up. Well I'll be Kate Daniels first but I wouldn't mind being Shanti in one of my next lives.
The Perks of NOT Being a Wallflower when you have been Chosen to save your people from doom and destruction:
① You were born and bred to kick ass.
② You started kicking said ass and crushing minds at the tender of 5. A little mass slaughter never hurt anyone now did it?
③ You're a ruthless warrior who leads men into battle.
④ You're a lean mean killing machine who cuts-cuts-cuts and slices-slices-slices until she's drenched in blood.
⑤ You manipulate minds. Jericho Freaking Barrons and his Voice lessons are a total joke compared to you.
⑥ You don't take crap from anyone, especially not men who think of women as the weaker sex. What a joke.
The Downside of NOT Being a Wallflower when you find yourself stuck in a foreign land where women are only good enough to stay at home, wearpretty dresses and be generally stupid:
① You have to wear saidpretty dresses. You're kidding me right? You wear pants. Or nothing at all. Clothes are overrated anyway.
② Knife sharpening & polishing is not an acceptable pastime. Neither are fighting, shooting and hunting. Needlepoint is considered appropriate. Sigh. But no one said you couldn't draw explicit gestures in needlepoint to pass time.
③ You have to further your knowledge of the local language. But you have to watch your mouth. No "fuck," no "ass," no "shit." Too bad, you love the startled faces when you use those words.
④ You inherit a hopeless horde of funny boys to watch over you. But no one said you couldn't make a project of said boys. And teach them a thing or two. And kick them, throw rocks at them, thump them, punch them in the throat. Live and learn ragtag.
⑤ You are expected to be nice, behave and be prudish. Too bad. You were destined to be a royal pain in the ass.
⑥ You are expected to blindfully obey and worship all members of the almighty male species. HA. HA. HA. These foreigners are too funny.
➽ That's Shanti for you. Bloody amazing character. A non-TSTL heroine, who has been in a position of power all her life and doesn't take crap from stupid men who expect her to behave like a weak, brainless broodmare. YES PLEASE.
I originally wanted to give this book a 3.5-star rating. Because yes, the plot is kind of messy and yes, the writing is a bit all over the place. But I've obviously had some time (haha) to think about it since reading the book and decided to go for 4 stars anyway. Because this was unexpectedly entertaining. Because this was unexpectedly funny. Because this was unexpectedly kick ass with blood-and-gore-yay-very-cool scenes. But most of all because this was unexpectedly thought-provoking in terms of gender stereotypes and prejudices against women.
➽ And the moral of this story is: Sir + Mam = S'am. Ha!
P.S. To the delightfully hilarious people who shelved this as romance: any damage to your grey cells lately? Everything working properly up there? Oh don't get so easily offended, it's just a friendly question! 😬
· Book 0.5: Forged in Blood ★★★★
· Book 2: Hunted ★★★★★
· Book 3: Shadow Lands ★★★★
· Book 4: Invasion ★★★★★
· Book 5: Siege ★★★★★
· Book 6: Overtaken ★★★
New rating: 8 stars.
➻ Why the higher rating, you ask? Because I'm an idiot, that's why. Or because I was drunk the first time I read this. Or high. Or both. Because Shanti is even more awesome than I remembered her to be. And even funnier. And even more badass. And because Cayan is not entirely unpleasant. And because I'm in love with the Honor Guard kids. And because Sanders is much cooler than I remembered. And because the plot isn't kind of messy and the writing isn't all over the place like I wrote in my first review. Damn, I must have been really drunk and high back then.
➻ I first reviewed this Piece of Awesomeness just 4 months ago, so you're really naïve if you think I'm going to review it again. I have a life you know. Things to do, places to go, people I have to bully and whose brains I need to eat. Besides, my first review was crappy enough, believe me when I tell you you don't want me to write another one. Which means you are left with two choices here:
① Read the above-mentioned crappy review anyway ← you're so brave, I'm so proud of you right now.
② Read my
[May 2015]
⚠️ Friendly warning: super crappy review ahead. Read at your own risk.
Okay. I've been trying to review this book for 10 whole days. I just can't do it. Never happened before. I mean, it's not that complicated: vaguely mention the book and then ramble on and on and on about meaningless stuff. Easy right? Well no, not this time. Sigh. What makes it worse is that I loved this story. I loved it despite the messy plot and confusing writing. I ♥ LOVED ♥ Shanti, the heroine. But every time I try writing this review my two grey cells (appropriately named Ben & Jerry) just go poof! Sigh again. Okay, I guess extreme lack of inspiration calls for extreme measures.
So. Time to hold your breath, my dear friends and nemeses, for I have no idea where I'm going with this
Here we go and stuff.
➽ This book survived being read after my third Magic Bites reread. And I gave it a 4-star rating. Now this should tell you something. Yes it should.
➽ Not only is this book a Kate Daniels survivor, it also is the perfect antidote to this spectacular piece of crap and its suicide-inducing heroine.
➽ This book is about Shanti, badass heroine extraordinaire, whom I may want to be when I grow up. Well I'll be Kate Daniels first but I wouldn't mind being Shanti in one of my next lives.
The Perks of NOT Being a Wallflower when you have been Chosen to save your people from doom and destruction:
① You were born and bred to kick ass.
② You started kicking said ass and crushing minds at the tender of 5. A little mass slaughter never hurt anyone now did it?
③ You're a ruthless warrior who leads men into battle.
④ You're a lean mean killing machine who cuts-cuts-cuts and slices-slices-slices until she's drenched in blood.
⑤ You manipulate minds. Jericho Freaking Barrons and his Voice lessons are a total joke compared to you.
⑥ You don't take crap from anyone, especially not men who think of women as the weaker sex. What a joke.
The Downside of NOT Being a Wallflower when you find yourself stuck in a foreign land where women are only good enough to stay at home, wear
① You have to wear said
② Knife sharpening & polishing is not an acceptable pastime. Neither are fighting, shooting and hunting. Needlepoint is considered appropriate. Sigh. But no one said you couldn't draw explicit gestures in needlepoint to pass time.
③ You have to further your knowledge of the local language. But you have to watch your mouth. No "fuck," no "ass," no "shit." Too bad, you love the startled faces when you use those words.
④ You inherit a hopeless horde of funny boys to watch over you. But no one said you couldn't make a project of said boys. And teach them a thing or two. And kick them, throw rocks at them, thump them, punch them in the throat. Live and learn ragtag.
⑤ You are expected to be nice, behave and be prudish. Too bad. You were destined to be a royal pain in the ass.
⑥ You are expected to blindfully obey and worship all members of the almighty male species. HA. HA. HA. These foreigners are too funny.
➽ That's Shanti for you. Bloody amazing character. A non-TSTL heroine, who has been in a position of power all her life and doesn't take crap from stupid men who expect her to behave like a weak, brainless broodmare. YES PLEASE.
I originally wanted to give this book a 3.5-star rating. Because yes, the plot is kind of messy and yes, the writing is a bit all over the place. But I've obviously had some time (haha) to think about it since reading the book and decided to go for 4 stars anyway. Because this was unexpectedly entertaining. Because this was unexpectedly funny. Because this was unexpectedly kick ass with blood-and-gore-yay-very-cool scenes. But most of all because this was unexpectedly thought-provoking in terms of gender stereotypes and prejudices against women.
➽ And the moral of this story is: Sir + Mam = S'am. Ha!
P.S. To the delightfully hilarious people who shelved this as romance: any damage to your grey cells lately? Everything working properly up there? Oh don't get so easily offended, it's just a friendly question! 😬
· Book 0.5: Forged in Blood ★★★★
· Book 2: Hunted ★★★★★
· Book 3: Shadow Lands ★★★★
· Book 4: Invasion ★★★★★
· Book 5: Siege ★★★★★
· Book 6: Overtaken ★★★
June 24, 2016
Shanti is an awesome female warrior who can kill a person with her mind or her sword. She comes from a society where women and men are equal in rank and power. They also had no problems with nudity which is the only thing I would have changed. Let's face it, most nudists are people that NOBODY wants to see naked. Plus, nudism? Kind of unsanitary in my eyes. Put on some damn clothes and we'll talk. Until then, please don't sit on my furniture.
So, when Shanti's town is wiped-out, she goes out to seek help from another place that is really far away. Bummer that they don't have cars because she could have probably driven it in a couple of days, but she has been walking for a year. When we begin our story, she has been starving and is almost dead from dehydration when a group of young men find her and save her. This is like a boy scout group of misfits who are training to be in their city's army. They just earned their "save a foreign woman from death" badge - which was surprisingly easier to earn than the "knot-tying" badge.
That'll motivate them to try harder...
So, Shanti is taken to a town where they have old fashioned gender roles and she doesn't quite fit in. She's a warrior and they won't let her fight, they want her to wear dresses, and they expect her to do feminine things - like needlepoint. The leader of the town, the Captain, even checks up on how her needlepointing is coming along.
The man was a meddling jerk. She left the house for a walk, and someone showed up to tell her to go home and work on needlepoint. She opened the window for some air and someone wandered by with the needlepoint message..
She'd settled for drawing an explicit gesture on a piece of cloth and sending it to his house. She received the cloth back with a message to try again, only this time, sew the gesture in needlepoint.
The best part is that later in the story, we find her using those needles as weapons. That's awesome.
But, the Captain is far more interesting than just his fascination with the crafty arts. It turns out that he has the same mind-crushing powers as Shanti but just doesn't know how to use it. So, Shanti is thinking she either has to help him or kill him. She's leaning towards the killing... And, that's one of the things I love about her. Killing is her default setting.
So, this story is mainly about her experiences in this town as she gets to know the people and especially the Captain. It is funny, different, and entertaining. Shanti is a great heroine who has a lot of heartbreak inside of her but still manages to be snarky and fun throughout the book. I really can't remember the last time I liked a main character as much as I like Shanti. This book is definitely worth reading if you like a strong female character who brings the sarcasm and kicks ass.
October 28, 2017
*** 4 ***
A buddy read with the kick-ass ladies @ The MacHalo Freaks!
I wrote this fun and peppy review for this warrior woman led Fantasy, but my PC ate it and I am to tired right now to try to replicate it... However, I have to let you guys know about this bloody but still comparatively light Fantasy about Shanti, a young woman with martial and mental powers, who has been chosen by her paltry remnants of a tribe to cross the continent in search for help. A big bad Evil dude is trying to take over the World, using soldiers with similar to hers abilities to control, influence, or use for torture or as a weapon their mental powers. Having met her, he wants Shanti for his own, mostly as a breeding stock, and to use her as his strongest soldier underling. Shanti is on the run and starving.
"..."“I have lost all I hold dear, Cayan. I have been alone for over a year. I have no one to talk to that knows anything about me, no one I trust to lean on when things get tough, and no one that cares about me outside of what I can do with my Gift or my body. I have no family, no friends, and no idea how my future will unravel from one day to the next. And now I barely have control over my present or my choices. So yes, a warm body that wants me, however superficial, is all that I require. I’m no longer a prime candidate for a mate, I can assure you. All that awaits my home fire is death.” ...
Lucky for her, a group of Cadets on a training mission finds her after she faints from thirst and hunger. They are not very good at saving almost dead young women, but their leader, the grumpy Sargent Sanders, manages to organize them enough to deliver her to their town still alive and pass her onto some more competent adults...
"..."“It was the “I’m not happy, and despite the fact that my face is showing no discernible expression, someone will die” tone.” ...
It would all have worked out just fine if only the leader of the town, The Captain, didn't decide that Shanti would serve his agenda and detained her. He is physically gorgeous, mentally powerful, and all together a complete misogynistic arsehole, who in keeping with the norms of his culture thinks of women as good for only taking care of the house and doing some needlework, while the strong men defend them from harm. Right! You can imagine the dynamic between the two of them - she really wanted to kill him at times and I was on board with that decision 😈!
"..."“You are welcomed to try to kill me.”
“I have tried. It hasn’t gone well so far. But I am still hopeful.” ...
My favorite characters were the Cadets, since once in contact with the power of nature Shanti is, were able to be shaped in her likeness and it came easily to them, since they did not have any bad habits to try to break 😀. Shanti was fun to root for, since she is a young woman who despite a very difficult life is not only willing to laugh or cry, but her true strength comes from her ability to bend with all the tragedies which befall her without letting them break her. You guys have to check it out! 👌
"..."“I am sad. Therefore, I cry,” Shanti said unabashedly. “I realize big strong men are trained not to show emotion in this land. It is a shame. It makes you brittle. But I am not from this land. And I am a woman, which your people have decided can shed a few tears in public. So… there you go.” ...
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
A buddy read with the kick-ass ladies @ The MacHalo Freaks!
I wrote this fun and peppy review for this warrior woman led Fantasy, but my PC ate it and I am to tired right now to try to replicate it... However, I have to let you guys know about this bloody but still comparatively light Fantasy about Shanti, a young woman with martial and mental powers, who has been chosen by her paltry remnants of a tribe to cross the continent in search for help. A big bad Evil dude is trying to take over the World, using soldiers with similar to hers abilities to control, influence, or use for torture or as a weapon their mental powers. Having met her, he wants Shanti for his own, mostly as a breeding stock, and to use her as his strongest soldier underling. Shanti is on the run and starving.
"..."“I have lost all I hold dear, Cayan. I have been alone for over a year. I have no one to talk to that knows anything about me, no one I trust to lean on when things get tough, and no one that cares about me outside of what I can do with my Gift or my body. I have no family, no friends, and no idea how my future will unravel from one day to the next. And now I barely have control over my present or my choices. So yes, a warm body that wants me, however superficial, is all that I require. I’m no longer a prime candidate for a mate, I can assure you. All that awaits my home fire is death.” ...
Lucky for her, a group of Cadets on a training mission finds her after she faints from thirst and hunger. They are not very good at saving almost dead young women, but their leader, the grumpy Sargent Sanders, manages to organize them enough to deliver her to their town still alive and pass her onto some more competent adults...
"..."“It was the “I’m not happy, and despite the fact that my face is showing no discernible expression, someone will die” tone.” ...
It would all have worked out just fine if only the leader of the town, The Captain, didn't decide that Shanti would serve his agenda and detained her. He is physically gorgeous, mentally powerful, and all together a complete misogynistic arsehole, who in keeping with the norms of his culture thinks of women as good for only taking care of the house and doing some needlework, while the strong men defend them from harm. Right! You can imagine the dynamic between the two of them - she really wanted to kill him at times and I was on board with that decision 😈!
"..."“You are welcomed to try to kill me.”
“I have tried. It hasn’t gone well so far. But I am still hopeful.” ...
My favorite characters were the Cadets, since once in contact with the power of nature Shanti is, were able to be shaped in her likeness and it came easily to them, since they did not have any bad habits to try to break 😀. Shanti was fun to root for, since she is a young woman who despite a very difficult life is not only willing to laugh or cry, but her true strength comes from her ability to bend with all the tragedies which befall her without letting them break her. You guys have to check it out! 👌
"..."“I am sad. Therefore, I cry,” Shanti said unabashedly. “I realize big strong men are trained not to show emotion in this land. It is a shame. It makes you brittle. But I am not from this land. And I am a woman, which your people have decided can shed a few tears in public. So… there you go.” ...
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and many more wonderful books to come!
July 11, 2024
✅ Strong and badass main character
✅ Secondary characters
✅ Banter / Funny moments
✅ Action
✅ Pace and Plot
✅ Powers
✅🆗 World-building
4.5 stars
What a pleasant surprise!
This book is a real fast-paced page-turner. I did not think that I would enjoy it that much.
Shanti is a young woman with unparalleled mental powers, and also happens to be a kickass warrior. She has been chosen by her people, just before they were all killed or forced to hide, to cross the continent in search of help. A warlord is trying to take over the whole continent, bit by bit, and he would like nothing more than to get ahold of Shanti and her powers to use her and try to get her pregnant with babies that have abilities similar to hers. Because of that threat, Shanti is on the run, alone, and starving, until her unconscious body is discovered by a group of cadets and she is brought back to their city ruled by their Captain.
Shanti is a confident and strong main character, she is a badass and her not fully understanding the way of life of the city she is now in creates such funny moments. She is sarcastic and does not accept bullshit. She reminds me a little of Celaena in Throne of Glass, but she is more mature and less of a brat. She is also full of grief and has nothing left to live for, she wants to find help so her people did not die in vain, but at the same time, the grief and despair she is feeling are overwhelming her to the point where she does not really care if she lives or die anymore. I really love her, she is an awesome character (even more awesome after the second read).
The other characters are also very funny and interesting, and I learned to like them in no time at all! There is a good mix of action, relationship development, emotions, and banter in this book. The relationship between Shanti and her honor guard is sooo funny and so sweet at the same time, I love them!
There is a potential for future romance, but it was not the focal point of this book. Shanti discovers after spending a few minutes with the Captain that he has abilities similar to hers, so she tries to train him as much as she can before she is forced to leave and go on with her hopeless mission. She also decides to help the group of cadets that found her and I really like her interactions with the other characters.
The plot is predictable, the kickass heroine is on a mission to save the world from the evil warlord. All of her people are dead and the weight of grief and the heavy task of stopping the evil man and saving the world are resting on her shoulders. It is nothing new, but even though I knew what to expect and it is all quite predictable, I really liked reading this book, and I strongly recommend it.
Truly I recommend this book, even though it is 400 pages it is a fast read. I really enjoyed it, and I hope to see more of all the characters in the next book. 😊
0.5 Forged in Blood ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Secondary characters
✅ Banter / Funny moments
✅ Action
✅ Pace and Plot
✅ Powers
✅🆗 World-building
4.5 stars
What a pleasant surprise!
This book is a real fast-paced page-turner. I did not think that I would enjoy it that much.
Shanti is a young woman with unparalleled mental powers, and also happens to be a kickass warrior. She has been chosen by her people, just before they were all killed or forced to hide, to cross the continent in search of help. A warlord is trying to take over the whole continent, bit by bit, and he would like nothing more than to get ahold of Shanti and her powers to use her and try to get her pregnant with babies that have abilities similar to hers. Because of that threat, Shanti is on the run, alone, and starving, until her unconscious body is discovered by a group of cadets and she is brought back to their city ruled by their Captain.
Shanti is a confident and strong main character, she is a badass and her not fully understanding the way of life of the city she is now in creates such funny moments. She is sarcastic and does not accept bullshit. She reminds me a little of Celaena in Throne of Glass, but she is more mature and less of a brat. She is also full of grief and has nothing left to live for, she wants to find help so her people did not die in vain, but at the same time, the grief and despair she is feeling are overwhelming her to the point where she does not really care if she lives or die anymore. I really love her, she is an awesome character (even more awesome after the second read).
“Good. Come along you lot. And stay in pairs. You look like shit after someone ate beans. I will need more swear words, too; I love the startled faces when I use them.”
The other characters are also very funny and interesting, and I learned to like them in no time at all! There is a good mix of action, relationship development, emotions, and banter in this book. The relationship between Shanti and her honor guard is sooo funny and so sweet at the same time, I love them!
“Marc is about to demonstrate how to get tough really quick.” She spun, sweeping the legs out from under him. He fell directly on his butt-bone in the middle of the footpath. It looked like it hurt. Her stagger wasn’t much better.
“Please note that Xavier is smart. He didn’t try to help that time. Silently give Xavier praise.”
“I hear you’re abusing my Cadets.”
“Teaching, not abusing.”
“Kicking them for not vocalizing an affirmation is abusive.”
There is a potential for future romance, but it was not the focal point of this book. Shanti discovers after spending a few minutes with the Captain that he has abilities similar to hers, so she tries to train him as much as she can before she is forced to leave and go on with her hopeless mission. She also decides to help the group of cadets that found her and I really like her interactions with the other characters.
“If I’ve landed in a lover’s triangle of some sort, I am going to quit,” Sanders muttered. He scratched the center of his chest where the lump had formed. “And if I develop a soft spot for that fool girl, I’m going to throw myself down a cliff.”
The plot is predictable, the kickass heroine is on a mission to save the world from the evil warlord. All of her people are dead and the weight of grief and the heavy task of stopping the evil man and saving the world are resting on her shoulders. It is nothing new, but even though I knew what to expect and it is all quite predictable, I really liked reading this book, and I strongly recommend it.
Truly I recommend this book, even though it is 400 pages it is a fast read. I really enjoyed it, and I hope to see more of all the characters in the next book. 😊
0.5 Forged in Blood ⭐⭐⭐
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April 5, 2019
I don't normally rate books I can't finish, but I will have to from now on to prevent the Goodreads recommendation algorithm from recommending similar books to this one.
* * * * *
This book came to me highly recommended by a friend who loves the Kate Daniels series, so of course I had to give it a try.
Unfortunately, it's not for me. But this time, I think it's the book's fault for the simple fact that the writing is just not... any good. It comes off as very awkward and juvenile to me, not unlike the style of a first draft and not unlike an exercise piece you'd see in creative writing classes.
Case in point:
This is just from the first chapter.
I went on to finish the second chapter, but found that it wasn't any better. The humor seemed forced, like it's trying too hard, and the addition of more characters to the story didn't improve it--they're more like caricatures than characters. And the writing's still very much the same, the same awkwardness and awkward use of language continues.
Though to be fair, I should add that the friend who rec'd this book to me said the story gets much better and that later books are significantly stronger and more interesting. Shanti, the main character, is a kickass heroine with kickass powers and there's lots of action throughout the series. If that's what you're interested in, this book might be a good fit. However, the writing style remains the same because it's the author's thing. It either works for you or it doesn't.
I don't read SF/F for the prose (obviously) or realism, and I used to think I could put up with pretty much anything, that it wouldn't matter much if the story and characters are okay, but this book, or rather what little I've read of it, is making me reconsider my standards for "good enough."
* * * * *
This book came to me highly recommended by a friend who loves the Kate Daniels series, so of course I had to give it a try.
Unfortunately, it's not for me. But this time, I think it's the book's fault for the simple fact that the writing is just not... any good. It comes off as very awkward and juvenile to me, not unlike the style of a first draft and not unlike an exercise piece you'd see in creative writing classes.
Case in point:
His cruel smile winked out as confusion stole his countenance.
[...]
Her empty stomach sucked the ribs into the middle of her body, trying to fill that void. Her brain thumped against the inside of her skull with dehydration.
[...]
She didn’t have long. She had to find something to eat and drink or her journey would end right here, in this crypt that used to hold a forest.
[...]
She was in the last leg of her journey, nearing the Great Sea, and instead of fulfilling her supposed destiny, she was knocking at death’s door.
[...]
Her brain pounded so hard it felt like it was trying to rip out of the casing of her skull.
This is just from the first chapter.
I went on to finish the second chapter, but found that it wasn't any better. The humor seemed forced, like it's trying too hard, and the addition of more characters to the story didn't improve it--they're more like caricatures than characters. And the writing's still very much the same, the same awkwardness and awkward use of language continues.
Though to be fair, I should add that the friend who rec'd this book to me said the story gets much better and that later books are significantly stronger and more interesting. Shanti, the main character, is a kickass heroine with kickass powers and there's lots of action throughout the series. If that's what you're interested in, this book might be a good fit. However, the writing style remains the same because it's the author's thing. It either works for you or it doesn't.
I don't read SF/F for the prose (obviously) or realism, and I used to think I could put up with pretty much anything, that it wouldn't matter much if the story and characters are okay, but this book, or rather what little I've read of it, is making me reconsider my standards for "good enough."
December 21, 2024
rereading this series is going to consume my entire soul again i can feel it
———————————
*SQUEEZES THIS INTO MY BUSY SCHEDULE*
THIS WAS FANTASTIC IN EVERY BUTT-OUT WAY.
Give me some time to gather my thoughts. I may or may not post it. I'm on a tight schedule here folks.
But believe me when I say that this book is a MUST READ. I am going to read the sequel right after this post and I think I just made the smartest life decision ever.
My gathered thoughts: Available
10 OUT 5 STARS!
The synopsis at the back was what sold me. The story inside didn't disappoint and it wasn't a readbait at all. It surely captivated me from start to finish.
I like the magic system in this world. It's mildly complicated but it was not hard to understand. As the story progresses, the magic gets more complex and interesting.
The writing was really, really good. The pacing was perfect and it was never boring or painful to read.
Shanti is the main protagonist and the icebreaker of this dark and twisted story. She's a very hard-driven woman who carries a huge chip on her shoulders. Despite that, she still have a really good sense of humor. She's witty and very likable.
Her snarky remarks were too cute as was her process of profanity acquisition.
Shanti's sass was on literal point.
Her conversations with the doctor were probably my favourites.
&
I also liked how she constantly shock everyone with her skills. She's badass personified. For real. She's reached legendary status in this world. And I had witnessed why. That's a shock because I can't count how often I have been misled when a character was supposed to be the greatest warrior or assassin or magician in that world and fails miserably when faced with danger.
There's none of that BS in this book. Which I truly appreciate.
Cayan is the leader of the group who found Shanti. And he. is. sooooo dreamy. It was love at firstread sight for me.
I also adore the Honor Guard and Sanders.
I am so curious to know what mesasha means. But I have a feeling it's an endearment of some sort. I hope it's really cheesy like my world or my heart.
If anyone picked this up because you've noticed that romance was under its genres, I hate to break your hearts, you'll be disappointed, my lovelies. Because this book only had a tinch hint of it. A mere possibility. But don't let that deter you from reading this.
When I say that this book was amazing, would be the understatement of the decade.
———————————
THIS WAS FANTASTIC IN EVERY BUTT-OUT WAY.
Give me some time to gather my thoughts. I may or may not post it. I'm on a tight schedule here folks.
But believe me when I say that this book is a MUST READ. I am going to read the sequel right after this post and I think I just made the smartest life decision ever.
My gathered thoughts: Available
10 OUT 5 STARS!
The synopsis at the back was what sold me. The story inside didn't disappoint and it wasn't a readbait at all. It surely captivated me from start to finish.
I like the magic system in this world. It's mildly complicated but it was not hard to understand. As the story progresses, the magic gets more complex and interesting.
The writing was really, really good. The pacing was perfect and it was never boring or painful to read.
Shanti is the main protagonist and the icebreaker of this dark and twisted story. She's a very hard-driven woman who carries a huge chip on her shoulders. Despite that, she still have a really good sense of humor. She's witty and very likable.
Her snarky remarks were too cute as was her process of profanity acquisition.
“Fuck? It seems you’ve been tight-lipped about a very important swear word. Explain.”
Shanti's sass was on literal point.
Her conversations with the doctor were probably my favourites.
“Let’s go, we are wasting time.”
“Fantastic, she is granting hospital releases now. Well, then, what am I needed for?” the doctor asked as he stood.
&
“----to be in your vicinity at the time. How strange. But the Captain says there is no correlation so, as the lowly working man, I must defer.”
“I didn’t catch half of what you said, but you seem bitter.”
I also liked how she constantly shock everyone with her skills. She's badass personified. For real. She's reached legendary status in this world. And I had witnessed why. That's a shock because I can't count how often I have been misled when a character was supposed to be the greatest warrior or assassin or magician in that world and fails miserably when faced with danger.
There's none of that BS in this book. Which I truly appreciate.
Cayan is the leader of the group who found Shanti. And he. is. sooooo dreamy. It was love at first
I also adore the Honor Guard and Sanders.
I am so curious to know what mesasha means. But I have a feeling it's an endearment of some sort. I hope it's really cheesy like my world or my heart.
If anyone picked this up because you've noticed that romance was under its genres, I hate to break your hearts, you'll be disappointed, my lovelies. Because this book only had a tinch hint of it. A mere possibility. But don't let that deter you from reading this.
When I say that this book was amazing, would be the understatement of the decade.
May 11, 2017
They were shining lights in a year of solitary darkness.
Okay, here's the thing: I really like the book. The concept was very good, the same with the story. I loved the 'side' characters, specially the Honor Guard boys. However,, yes there is a however, there was something missing...and I cannot understand what that was exactly missing...
“Fashion excuses common sense?”
Shanti was...weird, though quite awesome and kickass. She has a really amazing power, she can crush minds. She can give them so much pain, but she can also make them feel good. She can practically do anything when it comes to the mind...I think. Shanti is a woman who does not take any crap, and I mean ANY crap from men who look down on women, or think women should just sit back and watch. She literally just kick their buts, or/and give them snarky comments. Crushing their manhood.. Gotta love a woman who fights for her rights.
“Come again?”
“I would love to come the first time, but the man of my choosing is not interested. I could really use that distraction right now.”
She is really independent, likes to be alone. Prefer it actually. She does not want to get close to other people, because she does not want to lose more. Shanti has no problem with being naked, so she doesn't understand why Cayan's people dress up, put makeup on, use high heels or use neckless which can be used as a weapon to choke... Let's just say that she is used to an another...lifestyle?
“A necklace is a great way to allow someone to choke you without having to bring their own supplies,” she muttered.”
Shanti is a bloody damn fantastic fighter. She has been trained all her life and has her own people to fight for. So you can say she has a lot on her plate. Shanti, though amazing in fighting and disappearing, has suffered a lot, lost so many people she loved that though she want to keep fighting so their lives won't be lost in vain, she still want to just..let go. But luckily, Shanti is a fighter who knows her people depend on her, so she keeps fighting.
“I have lost all I hold dear, Cayan. I have been alone for over a year. I have no one to talk to that knows anything about me, no one I trust to lean on when things get tough, and no one that cares about me outside of what I can do with my Gift or my body..."
As you can see, she is quite amazing, but she is also...cold? Sometimes I had trouble connecting with her, and I believe that was the main problem with me. I need to connect with the main character, or else I cannot follow her journey, only watch from the damn sidelines..which does not work with me. However, it wasn't all the time, which is why I'm having trouble understanding what I felt was missing.. Perhaps more romance? I don't know..
“Thank fuck, we found her! I thought for sure she was hiding in the men’s bathroom again!” As she let them lead her away, Sanders frothing in her wake, she said, “Fuck? It seems you’ve been tight-lipped about a very important swear word. Explain.”
Cayan.... Oh Captain Cayan... I really loved him! He was great! He was a fabulous leader, smoking hot body, blue eyes *sigh*. He had compassion, humor. He's dominant and alpha male. He takes what he want. He-
Crap, I need to stop talking about him, because I can go on forever... I really hope we get to know him better though. I mean we know a little from Shanti reading his emotions, but still, it's not enough. I need to know him better, because h e i s g r e a t !
She was so afraid she’d lose someone else she cared about it choked her, closed her throat until sweat beaded her forehead. She pushed the feelings down, trying to get control, and felt a pulse of relief ping through her body. It was Cayan trying to ease her mind.
Cayan and Shanti..hot damn. They are, in my head, perfect for each other. I totally ship them, though there aren't any romance in this book.. Which means I have to read second book. Or third. Or all of them. I need them together...like now. They can make cute little babies with the Gift (which both Cayan and Shanti has. Might be the only ones left), and be the most powerful couple. A girl can dream right? Well, if Shanti and Cayan doesn't end up together, then I'm taking him! Just sayin'.
I’m no longer a prime candidate for a mate, I can assure you. All that awaits my home fire is death.”
Many compares Cayan and Shanti with Curran and Kate (Kate Daniels series), but I don't quite agree, however I don't disagree either. It's hard to explain. I mean, they do, but they don't? Makes sense huh? xp I guess it's because I cannot compare Shanti with Kate or Cayan with Curran mainly because they are very different. For example Kate has way more compassion than Shanti and Curran is way more...dominant (has more power?)? than Cayan. I don't know, I cannot explain it.. You'll understand when/if you read Chosen yourself. Probably the main reason is because Kate and Curran are one of my couples and characters...
“For example,” Shanti continued. “You can use it as an action: I am going to fuck you sideways and call you Martha. Or as a thing: you are a dumb fuck. Or as—”
Oh and btw at first I thought Sanders was an abusive Commander, however, after reading a couple of chapters, I understood that it was their way of teaching the boys how to man up. How to toughen them up. Took some time to get used to specially since Shanti was the same way, in a way.
I think, or more I know, that Shanti is the main reason I didn't love this book. I just have to find out the..complete reason, because I have to admit she's pretty awesome. Yes, I also realize that I haven't really talked about the story... On to the next book!
Rate: 3.5/3 stars.
November 21, 2020
Chosen
The Warrior Chronicles, Book 1
By: K. F. Breene
Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
This book takes the reader to a very unique world with a variety of settlements, some violent. Our gal of the story is from a town that has an occasional child born with a gift. A way to use the mind. Certain people want to get these people with gifts to use them as weapons. After her village and town is destroyed, she was able to escape. Over a year later, she is found starving and dehydrated by another group. Come to find out, she finds out there is a guy with the gift there. Lots of action, great characters, and world building!
Narration terrific!
The Warrior Chronicles, Book 1
By: K. F. Breene
Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
This book takes the reader to a very unique world with a variety of settlements, some violent. Our gal of the story is from a town that has an occasional child born with a gift. A way to use the mind. Certain people want to get these people with gifts to use them as weapons. After her village and town is destroyed, she was able to escape. Over a year later, she is found starving and dehydrated by another group. Come to find out, she finds out there is a guy with the gift there. Lots of action, great characters, and world building!
Narration terrific!
June 7, 2015
This is the second novel by K.F. Brenne I have attempted to read, a completely different series and i can say i hated it as much as the first.
I don't like the way she writes. It's one dimensional, not engaging and riddled with cliches. Nothing i haven't seen before. I guess it has an audience out there, but I'm not a part of it.
I don't like the way she writes. It's one dimensional, not engaging and riddled with cliches. Nothing i haven't seen before. I guess it has an audience out there, but I'm not a part of it.
January 5, 2016
The usual ingredients of typical UF in an epic fantasy setting.
Female MC is kick-ass, great with a sword, does not fit in and breaks the accepted behaviours of a woman. Good-looking, smarter than anybody else, independent, rude to others and very self-assured, but deep down a moral and good person.
The male lead it tall, dark/blonde and handsome, well built, a great leader and fighter, just, moraled, principled, finds her tremendously annoying, but will fall for her eventually.
Bad guys are overwhelming and all would be lost without our witty, snarky heroine.
An UF novel would wrap that up with an almost HEA and some cliffhanger for the next book. Instead the last chapter felt a bit like Wheel of Time, off on a quest for the next gazillion number of books. Just with less detail, depth and world/character building.
The heroine has an unusual gift with questionable application. There is a fun set of side characters. They were well written, but nonetheless I had problems keeping them straight. Their names all starting with the same letters did not help the issue. The doctor was fun (Bones, not having a good day).
Despite this being a decent book, I wasn't really engaged in the story. Somewhere around the middle I lost interest. Besides our heroine's gift, the whole plot was pretty formulaic. There was no real suspense. I am sure if I had sat down beforehand and written down a possible plot and outcome, I wouldn't have been far off. All very predictable. The characters remained fairly flat for me, the potential romance was lacklustre. The fight scenes were ok.
It's probably me, not the book... It's a toss-up between two and three stars, because I actually considered not finishing it. But there was a lot of good quotes and if the author could breathe more life into her characters, this could have real potential. So three stars it is.
I think I need a break from UF.
Female MC is kick-ass, great with a sword, does not fit in and breaks the accepted behaviours of a woman. Good-looking, smarter than anybody else, independent, rude to others and very self-assured, but deep down a moral and good person.
The male lead it tall, dark/blonde and handsome, well built, a great leader and fighter, just, moraled, principled, finds her tremendously annoying, but will fall for her eventually.
Bad guys are overwhelming and all would be lost without our witty, snarky heroine.
An UF novel would wrap that up with an almost HEA and some cliffhanger for the next book. Instead the last chapter felt a bit like Wheel of Time, off on a quest for the next gazillion number of books. Just with less detail, depth and world/character building.
The heroine has an unusual gift with questionable application. There is a fun set of side characters. They were well written, but nonetheless I had problems keeping them straight. Their names all starting with the same letters did not help the issue. The doctor was fun (Bones, not having a good day).
Despite this being a decent book, I wasn't really engaged in the story. Somewhere around the middle I lost interest. Besides our heroine's gift, the whole plot was pretty formulaic. There was no real suspense. I am sure if I had sat down beforehand and written down a possible plot and outcome, I wouldn't have been far off. All very predictable. The characters remained fairly flat for me, the potential romance was lacklustre. The fight scenes were ok.
It's probably me, not the book... It's a toss-up between two and three stars, because I actually considered not finishing it. But there was a lot of good quotes and if the author could breathe more life into her characters, this could have real potential. So three stars it is.
I think I need a break from UF.
July 7, 2016
Although this book wasn't recommended to me directly, I did choose to read it because of a Goodreads friend's review and I have to say that I am glad I followed her lead!
Ms Breene is a new author to me, one that I haven't come across before. Her writing, for me personally, didn't hit home immediately but I have to say it didn't take long for it to grab me. Around 7% into the book and I was intrigued with the plot and the characters alike. The story kept me engaged throughout the book, Shanti is an amazing lead and towards the end of the book, I couldn't wait to get some 'free' time (time out of work that is) to finish off the story. The 'fight' was epic!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Shanti's gift, her background and her current circumstances and I loved the people that she met up with, but I have to say my favourite is Saunders!
I'll definitely continue this journey with the next installment very soon, a quick thank you to Nicklein for a review that drew me to this series!
Ms Breene is a new author to me, one that I haven't come across before. Her writing, for me personally, didn't hit home immediately but I have to say it didn't take long for it to grab me. Around 7% into the book and I was intrigued with the plot and the characters alike. The story kept me engaged throughout the book, Shanti is an amazing lead and towards the end of the book, I couldn't wait to get some 'free' time (time out of work that is) to finish off the story. The 'fight' was epic!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Shanti's gift, her background and her current circumstances and I loved the people that she met up with, but I have to say my favourite is Saunders!
I'll definitely continue this journey with the next installment very soon, a quick thank you to Nicklein for a review that drew me to this series!
May 18, 2025
“What are you smiling about?” Betty asked in his crisp tones. He was standing close to the bars, looking into the gloomy cell, trying to make out Sanders’ face.
“You better hope she isn’t here. She has a mean temper.”
***
“Pushing down an insane urge to stick a knife in his shoulder just for giggles, she said”
***
“Then they must have more than one, you idiot! Send out more of our Sarshers. Bring him down! Why do you laugh?!” Betty screamed at Sanders.
“It is not a he, and you are all gonna die.”
***
“We won’t need to run home. There won’t be anyone left to chase us,” Shanti said in a voice she hardly recognized.”
“You better hope she isn’t here. She has a mean temper.”
***
“Pushing down an insane urge to stick a knife in his shoulder just for giggles, she said”
***
“Then they must have more than one, you idiot! Send out more of our Sarshers. Bring him down! Why do you laugh?!” Betty screamed at Sanders.
“It is not a he, and you are all gonna die.”
***
“We won’t need to run home. There won’t be anyone left to chase us,” Shanti said in a voice she hardly recognized.”
September 5, 2015
MacHalo buddy read on September 2!
New favorite series!
New favorite series!
September 10, 2015
Shanti has spent her whole life training to be a warrior, she is the Chosen one, the one who is meant to be the saviour of her people, and trying to live up to that has cost her everything. Now her people are in hiding and she has been alone for a year, searching for allies who can help her defeat their enemies. She is desperate and on the verge of starvation when a band of soldiers rescue her and take her back to their home town to recover. All she really wants is to heal up and get enough supplies to continue her journey but the town Captain Cayan is determined to find out where she came from and what secrets she is hiding. It quickly becomes obvious that Shanti has unusual abilities, ones that call to a similar power deep inside Cayan, and it isn't long before he is forced to chose between handing her over to her enemies or going into battle at her side.
I don't think I can even put into words how much I loved this book, the fact that I stayed up until 6am reading should give you a clue though, especially when I tell you that I'm planning to dive straight into the sequel, Hunted, as soon as I've written this review. I hardly ever read series books back to back but this one is definitely calling for a reading binge!
Shanti is a brilliant main character, she is incredibly strong, independent, intelligent, fierce, determined, ruthless, powerful, honourable, protective and completely badass. She has been honing her skills both physical, with all kinds of weapons and fighting styles, and mental, where she is able to use her Gift to attack on a psychic level, since she was a child and that really shows when she goes into battle. She is the kind of woman who takes no nonsense, she refuses to be seen as weaker than men and she has no time for the old fashioned gender roles in Cayan's town. I'll admit some of her actions are questionable in the beginning but I think any woman who wakes up surrounded by male soldiers is going to be immediately on the defensive and once she realises that they're not bad guys and they aren't intending to harm her she dials back on her Gift.
Shanti is slow to trust and let people into her inner circle but she's the kind of woman who inspires loyalty from those who get to know her properly. She is happy to pass on her skills and when she is forced to deal with an honour guard of young and still fairly untrained soldiers she takes it upon herself to teach them how to protect themselves. Scenes with her and her boys were absolutely hilarious and I loved the banter between them but what I really liked was how the author took her time building relationships between them all. We get to see that bond of loyalty slowly develop as they train together.
Cayan had to be another highlight, he's another complex and multi layered character who has a lot of the same great qualities of Shanti. He's a little old fashioned and the last thing he wants is a woman on the battlefield but that is before he sees Shanti in action and once he realises quite how skilled she is he is more than willing to see her as an asset. The relationship between him and Shanti is complicated, he wants to know all her secrets and she sees him as a threat, but when they decide to work together they can achieve the impossible. I really loved the way Shanti goes out of her way to tease and irritate Cayan and I have high hopes that things might develop beyond friendship at some point. I don't think it's going to happen quickly because they're only just starting to trust each other at the moment but that kind of will they / won't they build up is the best kind of relationship if you ask me.
Chosen is a fantastic start to this series, it has a whole collection of fantastic characters, a lot of humour, plenty of action and I think the world has a lot of potential. I still have a lot of questions about things but I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about Shanti's Gift and how she can use it. If the rest of the series remains as good as this book then I definitely have a new favourite on my hands.
I don't think I can even put into words how much I loved this book, the fact that I stayed up until 6am reading should give you a clue though, especially when I tell you that I'm planning to dive straight into the sequel, Hunted, as soon as I've written this review. I hardly ever read series books back to back but this one is definitely calling for a reading binge!
Shanti is a brilliant main character, she is incredibly strong, independent, intelligent, fierce, determined, ruthless, powerful, honourable, protective and completely badass. She has been honing her skills both physical, with all kinds of weapons and fighting styles, and mental, where she is able to use her Gift to attack on a psychic level, since she was a child and that really shows when she goes into battle. She is the kind of woman who takes no nonsense, she refuses to be seen as weaker than men and she has no time for the old fashioned gender roles in Cayan's town. I'll admit some of her actions are questionable in the beginning but I think any woman who wakes up surrounded by male soldiers is going to be immediately on the defensive and once she realises that they're not bad guys and they aren't intending to harm her she dials back on her Gift.
Shanti is slow to trust and let people into her inner circle but she's the kind of woman who inspires loyalty from those who get to know her properly. She is happy to pass on her skills and when she is forced to deal with an honour guard of young and still fairly untrained soldiers she takes it upon herself to teach them how to protect themselves. Scenes with her and her boys were absolutely hilarious and I loved the banter between them but what I really liked was how the author took her time building relationships between them all. We get to see that bond of loyalty slowly develop as they train together.
Cayan had to be another highlight, he's another complex and multi layered character who has a lot of the same great qualities of Shanti. He's a little old fashioned and the last thing he wants is a woman on the battlefield but that is before he sees Shanti in action and once he realises quite how skilled she is he is more than willing to see her as an asset. The relationship between him and Shanti is complicated, he wants to know all her secrets and she sees him as a threat, but when they decide to work together they can achieve the impossible. I really loved the way Shanti goes out of her way to tease and irritate Cayan and I have high hopes that things might develop beyond friendship at some point. I don't think it's going to happen quickly because they're only just starting to trust each other at the moment but that kind of will they / won't they build up is the best kind of relationship if you ask me.
Chosen is a fantastic start to this series, it has a whole collection of fantastic characters, a lot of humour, plenty of action and I think the world has a lot of potential. I still have a lot of questions about things but I'm definitely looking forward to learning more about Shanti's Gift and how she can use it. If the rest of the series remains as good as this book then I definitely have a new favourite on my hands.
March 5, 2016
“You are welcomed to try to kill me.”
“I have tried. It hasn’t gone well so far. But I am still hopeful.”
This was great!
I had super low expectations going into this, because, let’s be honest, sometimes the Machalo choices are a little suspect, just check out this and this for examples of some of our more questionable choices.
But what a pleasant surprise this turned out to be.
“Come Again?”
“I would love to come the first time, but the man of my choosing is not interested.”
Shanti is the best. I want to be her best friend. She hates clothing. She likes sex. She is a massive badass warrior woman. She loves swear words and she has mind powers. What’s not to love?
Cayan. *SWOON* *SWOON* *SWOON* I’ll be your noisy bag of cabbage any day.
“Many women have tried to figure me out. Haven’t been able to.”
“I liked you better when you were always serious.” Shanti mumbled.
“I liked you better when you were naked.”
Her honour guard were fantabulous. So entertaining, especially Leilius and his inability to get her title straight. I like the sense of loyalty that Shanti instilled in them and how they started to blossom while under her care.
“I only bite during sex, Leilius, and you are too young for that.”
I really enjoyed the character interactions and pretty much everything that went on in this. But that ending. It left me wanting. I’m not sure if I will jump into the next one, I’m intrigued but worried that there will not be enough Cayan for my liking. So a firm maybe.
4 punch-them-all-in-the-throat Stars
“Lucius, I can’t get down when you’re-" Shanti’s words were cut off by Lucius dragging her over to his saddle. “What am I, a sack of cabbage?”
“You are much louder than a sack of cabbage.” Cayan drawled.
Thanks for the buddy read Machalo Crew !
July 28, 2018
This is my second book by this author, the first book I absolutely loathed while this brought me a breath of fresh air. I had thought I would not pick up a book by this author again but then I went scouring through shelves of friends and I found several had this book in their favourite shelf, but then this review clinched it.
I absolutely love Shanti, her default setting was either riling you into a fight or trying to kill you and the Captain really pushed her to the latter. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. This book was so well written that I am almost tempted to reread that mess of the first book I read but not quite. This was also very slow burn which I liked, Shanti was clueless about Cayon and I especially like when he kept denying her Jerrol. I can't wait to read the next book.
I absolutely love Shanti, her default setting was either riling you into a fight or trying to kill you and the Captain really pushed her to the latter. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well. This book was so well written that I am almost tempted to reread that mess of the first book I read but not quite. This was also very slow burn which I liked, Shanti was clueless about Cayon and I especially like when he kept denying her Jerrol. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 24, 2021
This was surprisingly really really great. Unique might be the correct word. Shanti was a foreigner new to Western lands and her culture shock/struggle w the language along with everyones reaction to the 'strange foreign woman' was so so funny to read. Her lil honor squad was really entertaining too. I liked how the physical and mental weapons coincided in this world. They engaged in mental warfare and their 'gifts' allowed them to slice into minds but they didn't only rely on that, rather using both physical fighting and mental assaults in tandem which made it way more interesting and badass.
October 26, 2015
Buddy Read with the MacHalos and it was AMAZING, but the full review will have to wait bc I need to start the second book. Like right now.
October 7, 2015
Buddy read with the MacHalos
Who designed this ridiculous cover? Shanti is described as blonde, pale, purple eyed. Epic fail.
Shanti is a badass killing machine with magical powers. It's awesome and she's a hardass. She's not some send me flowers and love me, love me, because I'm a chick, even if I know how to fight kind of woman. She's a 'I will fuck you up' kind. She's not afraid to put anyone in their place, no matter rank, societal position, size, age, etc. If she thinks you need a good kick in the head/read/stomach, she will deliver. While that is all fun & good times, her life has not been so. Her life is full of pain and suffering that shows no end in sight. She is the Chosen and like all roles that are giant destiny fulfilling ones, it's a road filled with pain, loss, and strife. That's one of things I like about this book, the author doesn't make this title/mantle an easy one.
The main plot of the book is about Shanti being saved by this Mountain Region town and her time there while healing. She makes friends with a group of teenage boys who become her Honor Guard. The teenagers are all the reject cadets that no one wants, she brings out their talents and molds them into useful teens. We meet Cayan, an enigmatic man who is the Captain (king) of this town/city and full of surprises. You can see the writing on the wall that these two will collide. Shanti's time in the town is defining for both her and the people. She learns how to be a member of society again, letting people into her sphere, and the townsfolk learn that women are good for more than needlepoint.
To tell more of the plot would be a spoiler. Suffice to say, the book is good, it's not great. My high rating is mostly based on the fact that I love a killing machine kinda girl (they are so hard to find these days) that is better at it than everyone else, the witty banter, and the interesting powers of the Gift. I will be reading the rest in this series. If you're wondering, there is 0.5% romance in this book, so safe for people like Sarah who hurl at the thought of such an atrocity defiling her literary choices.
Shanti:
Cayan:
But with dark hair & no Thor suit.
Sanders:
Who designed this ridiculous cover? Shanti is described as blonde, pale, purple eyed. Epic fail.
Shanti is a badass killing machine with magical powers. It's awesome and she's a hardass. She's not some send me flowers and love me, love me, because I'm a chick, even if I know how to fight kind of woman. She's a 'I will fuck you up' kind. She's not afraid to put anyone in their place, no matter rank, societal position, size, age, etc. If she thinks you need a good kick in the head/read/stomach, she will deliver. While that is all fun & good times, her life has not been so. Her life is full of pain and suffering that shows no end in sight. She is the Chosen and like all roles that are giant destiny fulfilling ones, it's a road filled with pain, loss, and strife. That's one of things I like about this book, the author doesn't make this title/mantle an easy one.
The main plot of the book is about Shanti being saved by this Mountain Region town and her time there while healing. She makes friends with a group of teenage boys who become her Honor Guard. The teenagers are all the reject cadets that no one wants, she brings out their talents and molds them into useful teens. We meet Cayan, an enigmatic man who is the Captain (king) of this town/city and full of surprises. You can see the writing on the wall that these two will collide. Shanti's time in the town is defining for both her and the people. She learns how to be a member of society again, letting people into her sphere, and the townsfolk learn that women are good for more than needlepoint.
To tell more of the plot would be a spoiler. Suffice to say, the book is good, it's not great. My high rating is mostly based on the fact that I love a killing machine kinda girl (they are so hard to find these days) that is better at it than everyone else, the witty banter, and the interesting powers of the Gift. I will be reading the rest in this series. If you're wondering, there is 0.5% romance in this book, so safe for people like Sarah who hurl at the thought of such an atrocity defiling her literary choices.
Shanti:
Cayan:
But with dark hair & no Thor suit.
Sanders:
February 15, 2016
It was okay.
For the most part the narrative unfolds awkwardly and the progression of the action is a little inorganic. For example, Shanti is at first cold and distrustful, holding her cards to herself- next she is bossing around and training young soldiers so they don't "embarass her", and talks her mouth off like the jolly ol chatterbox she has somehow transformed into. She reveals key personal secrets without there being a buildup from "I don't want to be here" to "I trust you with my dark tortured past". This is no fun to read.
The action scenes are clunky too. For supposedly adrenaline-amped scenes, the pacing is like molasses. Exhibit A:
"A large man filled the room, looking around for an attack. Only seeing an aged woman and a little girl, his gaze scanned the room for a threat, stopping on the suit of arms above the fireplace. After a beat, his focus went straight to Shanti.
Her grandmother sprang to life. One knife was quickly dispatched to the middle of his neck. The man pawed at it feebly, his strength sapping with each spurt of blood. He tripped on nothing, his legs losing purchase. His weight crashed into the wall, falling a moment later as a wet gurgle bubbled out of his mouth.”
Did you skim through that excerpt? I know I did.
This is just ONE MAN. There are THREE MEN in total and all of those scenes are equally long winded. And is your grandmother just sat there watching a strange man waltz in? How about gaining the upper hand and jumping him? I skimmed through so many scenes like this because if I didn't I would have fallen asleep.
The metaphors are even stranger.
"Blood oozed from her grandmother’s lifeless body, reaching across the ground as if pleading"
D:
“Another knife blossomed in the back of his neck”
WHAT KIND OF KNIFE IS THAT?
“the door burst open, hinges creaking like a ruler bent too far”
How are hinges like rules? Does a ruler creak? What kind if ruler do you have?! Is it like this:
Because if it is WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO YOUR POOR RULER ITS PRETTY MUCH INDESTRUCTIBLE
I mostly skip over metaphors like these because my mind simply cannot accept them.
Other than than the novel is *okay*. I managed to push through and finish the book, and it was somewhat entertaining. (though not much actually happens, mind you.)
I was curious about Shanti's tortured past, but I didn't give two hoots for the "Chosen One" and *~destiny~* crap. I was curious to see Shanti whip em boys into shape, but her interactions with the Captain and the other soldiers left me lukewarm at best.
I expected better worldbuilding and character development and plotting (basically.... a better novel as a whole....) but received something that feels underdeveloped to me. But it is ok, and if I had the time, I might consider reading the next one to see if it gets better.
As always, if you are considering reading this, your mileage may vary and who knows! Maybe you'll like it better than I did. The first chapter should be enough to help you know if it'll be a yay or a nay for you.
For the most part the narrative unfolds awkwardly and the progression of the action is a little inorganic. For example, Shanti is at first cold and distrustful, holding her cards to herself- next she is bossing around and training young soldiers so they don't "embarass her", and talks her mouth off like the jolly ol chatterbox she has somehow transformed into. She reveals key personal secrets without there being a buildup from "I don't want to be here" to "I trust you with my dark tortured past". This is no fun to read.
The action scenes are clunky too. For supposedly adrenaline-amped scenes, the pacing is like molasses. Exhibit A:
"A large man filled the room, looking around for an attack. Only seeing an aged woman and a little girl, his gaze scanned the room for a threat, stopping on the suit of arms above the fireplace. After a beat, his focus went straight to Shanti.
Her grandmother sprang to life. One knife was quickly dispatched to the middle of his neck. The man pawed at it feebly, his strength sapping with each spurt of blood. He tripped on nothing, his legs losing purchase. His weight crashed into the wall, falling a moment later as a wet gurgle bubbled out of his mouth.”
Did you skim through that excerpt? I know I did.
This is just ONE MAN. There are THREE MEN in total and all of those scenes are equally long winded. And is your grandmother just sat there watching a strange man waltz in? How about gaining the upper hand and jumping him? I skimmed through so many scenes like this because if I didn't I would have fallen asleep.
The metaphors are even stranger.
"Blood oozed from her grandmother’s lifeless body, reaching across the ground as if pleading"
D:
“Another knife blossomed in the back of his neck”
WHAT KIND OF KNIFE IS THAT?
“the door burst open, hinges creaking like a ruler bent too far”
How are hinges like rules? Does a ruler creak? What kind if ruler do you have?! Is it like this:
Because if it is WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO YOUR POOR RULER ITS PRETTY MUCH INDESTRUCTIBLE
I mostly skip over metaphors like these because my mind simply cannot accept them.
Other than than the novel is *okay*. I managed to push through and finish the book, and it was somewhat entertaining. (though not much actually happens, mind you.)
I was curious about Shanti's tortured past, but I didn't give two hoots for the "Chosen One" and *~destiny~* crap. I was curious to see Shanti whip em boys into shape, but her interactions with the Captain and the other soldiers left me lukewarm at best.
I expected better worldbuilding and character development and plotting (basically.... a better novel as a whole....) but received something that feels underdeveloped to me. But it is ok, and if I had the time, I might consider reading the next one to see if it gets better.
As always, if you are considering reading this, your mileage may vary and who knows! Maybe you'll like it better than I did. The first chapter should be enough to help you know if it'll be a yay or a nay for you.
July 15, 2014
I love those days when Amazon gives me that one recommendation that makes reading all the other sub par stories worthwhile. This book is not perfect, I wont say that it is. But there is that magic in the characters and the story that will draw you in and leave you wanting for more (basically trying to find some news online about when the author might actually release the sequel..sadly to no avail though!)
I loved Shanti's character - she is funny, tough, doesn't like to play games or beat around the bush, doesn't waste too much time wallowing in her grief (whatever time is spent thinking about it, she deserves it - a really tragic past and all). I loved her little quirks like how she messed up the colloquialisms of the city, her training methods for her honor guard, her very unexpected shyness with Cayan..for me they all added a lot to her character and why I ended up liking her so much. Cayan also is a good character, maybe a little too He Man-esque, with his protectiveness and how he always managed to scare all his subordinates, but the story between Shanti and Cayan worked for me. There was no instant connection in spite of their similar backgrounds and similar power, at least not from Shanti's perspective. I get the feeling that Cayan is way more into Shanti that he lets on, which is in line with both the characters personalities. The secondary characters, though, are even more memorable for me. I love Sanders and Lelius and Marc and the doctor. This is not to say that they are very well developed, three dimensional characters. At times they seemed like caricatures of what they are supposed to be, but still fun. I didn't mind too much and for me it did not detract from the story.
In some ways this book reminded me a lot of Kate and Curran's first book. Its not as developed, the action is not as suspenseful, but I think if you enjoy Kate's character and are looking for something along the same lines without expecting too much, give this a try. I did and I really enjoyed it! Cant wait for the second book to come - whenever it does.
I loved Shanti's character - she is funny, tough, doesn't like to play games or beat around the bush, doesn't waste too much time wallowing in her grief (whatever time is spent thinking about it, she deserves it - a really tragic past and all). I loved her little quirks like how she messed up the colloquialisms of the city, her training methods for her honor guard, her very unexpected shyness with Cayan..for me they all added a lot to her character and why I ended up liking her so much. Cayan also is a good character, maybe a little too He Man-esque, with his protectiveness and how he always managed to scare all his subordinates, but the story between Shanti and Cayan worked for me. There was no instant connection in spite of their similar backgrounds and similar power, at least not from Shanti's perspective. I get the feeling that Cayan is way more into Shanti that he lets on, which is in line with both the characters personalities. The secondary characters, though, are even more memorable for me. I love Sanders and Lelius and Marc and the doctor. This is not to say that they are very well developed, three dimensional characters. At times they seemed like caricatures of what they are supposed to be, but still fun. I didn't mind too much and for me it did not detract from the story.
In some ways this book reminded me a lot of Kate and Curran's first book. Its not as developed, the action is not as suspenseful, but I think if you enjoy Kate's character and are looking for something along the same lines without expecting too much, give this a try. I did and I really enjoyed it! Cant wait for the second book to come - whenever it does.
September 16, 2015
A good start to an intriguing new series. I LOVED the banter and the main characters.
But, but, but.......just a little nitpick. This is set in medieval times, right? The dialogue and smart ass comments are way too modern to be realistic to the story. Usually, I'd ignore it because otherwise it's a great book. But since the author is witholding the booty times with the schmexy Cayan I think I can be a butthead and hold out a star. I know...I have issues. But really. That's IT?!?!?! That kiss, a belly poke with a hot naked peener and then a little mental oral playfulness and NOTHING?!?! No follow through? You don't play with a girl's happy bits and not follow through, buddy. Oh, the horror.
I'm just saying. A little down and dirty would have been nice, that's all. What do you want from me? I have a one track mind. But I think the author's devious little mind is stretching it out to keep me reading. Their better be a big payoff. Big. Mind blowing. I really liked Cayan, can you tell? I think I need to go read a little Highlander loving now to clear up the sexual frustration.
October 9, 2014
The world building in this book is atrocious, there is no sense of the time this book is supposed to be set in, the female lead is forced to wear a long dress once yet words such as "genetics" is thrown around to explain away her special blond hair and light blue eyes. The author also seems to think it is edgy to write down for the male characters that everytime they are in fear or a difficult situation their "balls tightened." I found it kind of ridiculous the same as the mary sue female protagonist and the whole premise of this book.
When will I learn to stay away from the bargain price books?
Seriously!
When will I learn to stay away from the bargain price books?
Seriously!
September 3, 2015
Re-read starting tomorrow with the MacHalo gals - or tonight as it happens. Mwahahaha.
1st rating - 4 stars
2nd rating - 5 stars
RTC. Because, book II.
1st rating - 4 stars
2nd rating - 5 stars
RTC. Because, book II.
November 29, 2017
More reviews posted on my website – www.booksandwinewithmeg.blog
5 I-fucking-love-you Miss Breen Stars!!
Shanti. She is my Spirit Animal….
She was so AMAZING! Everything about her, everyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for a kick-ass heroine. And Shanti was everything I LOVE about a character rolled into one tight ball of fun. She was funny, humble, sassy, quirky, and could kick all the guys’ ass both mentally and physically. K.F. Breene can tell a story. I was sucked to my kindle. Of which I would just like to say, Kindle Unlimited is totally worth the money. I got ALL six of these books for free. At $4.99 each that would have cost me about $30 bucks! I already made 3 months of the prescription worth it. And I just noticed ALL her books are on KU! YASSSSSS I could have gotten 29 .99 cent books with that! Just sayin #KFBreene #KindleUnlimitedRocks
She was a practical fighter through-and through. She had the mentality of a Zen master, and never cared of power or who was leading the pony show just that the job got done.
- When she was trying to be convinced into wearing a full-out dress (fully equipped with a corset and petticoat)
She defended the weak, and never relied on others to ‘save’ her, and always did what she felt was just.
The banter between her and the entire team was so funny. I had this huge shit-eating-grin on my face throughout the entire book. You know when you are reading something funny – but then you try to hide you smile because you don’t want to have to explain to ANYONE why you are laughing. Not because you can’t explain it (shits funny, it’s funny) but because it will take up too much time to build up the character development, and side jokes all leading to that LOL moment?
I made note of the following quotes, not to be vulgar but because I am honestly curious. Do men’s balls anticipate adrenaline? Obviously I cannot confirm….well because I do not have a penis and attached appendages… but it was mentioned a few times and I am now needing to know.
Sanders. Good ol’ Sanders. I honestly didn’t know how I felt about him throughout the book until his interaction with the Inkna. He was pretty funny. The fact that they mentioned his fighting style as sloppy yet effective I can already picture this character. Short, loud and an honest fellow barreling into the enemy. Yes I think we will keep him. His backtalk alone is worth reading this book and he is just a small part.
Being that I have already about read all the books, I will admit the Honor Guard was kinda cool. I wasn’t sure on some of the characters. However I can say with certainty that they all made a grand debut later in the series. I was confused as to why she chose specific kids to tell their POV – but later I came to understand it was a strategic move. Leilius – Marc – and Xavier play such important roles. Leilius is probably one of my favorites now (book 6 he really came out). I am so excited. I really do LOVE Miss Breene.
5 I-fucking-love-you Miss Breen Stars!!
Shanti. She is my Spirit Animal….
She was so AMAZING! Everything about her, everyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for a kick-ass heroine. And Shanti was everything I LOVE about a character rolled into one tight ball of fun. She was funny, humble, sassy, quirky, and could kick all the guys’ ass both mentally and physically. K.F. Breene can tell a story. I was sucked to my kindle. Of which I would just like to say, Kindle Unlimited is totally worth the money. I got ALL six of these books for free. At $4.99 each that would have cost me about $30 bucks! I already made 3 months of the prescription worth it. And I just noticed ALL her books are on KU! YASSSSSS I could have gotten 29 .99 cent books with that! Just sayin #KFBreene #KindleUnlimitedRocks
She was a practical fighter through-and through. She had the mentality of a Zen master, and never cared of power or who was leading the pony show just that the job got done.
”Are their lives so easy that they have to invent challenges in their dress? That device cuts off breath.”
- When she was trying to be convinced into wearing a full-out dress (fully equipped with a corset and petticoat)
“A necklace is a great way to allow someone to choke you without having to bring their own supplies,”
She defended the weak, and never relied on others to ‘save’ her, and always did what she felt was just.
“Tommas, you should know that only cowards pick on the weak. And while, by definition, that makes me a coward, you were posing as a big man, so I think I am just, don’t you? I mean, I have talked myself out of killing you, so that is a step in the right direction, don’t you think?”
The banter between her and the entire team was so funny. I had this huge shit-eating-grin on my face throughout the entire book. You know when you are reading something funny – but then you try to hide you smile because you don’t want to have to explain to ANYONE why you are laughing. Not because you can’t explain it (shits funny, it’s funny) but because it will take up too much time to build up the character development, and side jokes all leading to that LOL moment?
“I liked you better when you were always serious,” Shanti mumbled. “I liked you better when you were naked.” “Most men do. Now focus.”
I made note of the following quotes, not to be vulgar but because I am honestly curious. Do men’s balls anticipate adrenaline? Obviously I cannot confirm….well because I do not have a penis and attached appendages… but it was mentioned a few times and I am now needing to know.
…thrill coursed through Leilius, ending in a tingle at the base of his balls.
A wave of fear rumbled over Sanders. His skin tingled. His balls tightened. Shit was about to blow up.
Sanders. Good ol’ Sanders. I honestly didn’t know how I felt about him throughout the book until his interaction with the Inkna. He was pretty funny. The fact that they mentioned his fighting style as sloppy yet effective I can already picture this character. Short, loud and an honest fellow barreling into the enemy. Yes I think we will keep him. His backtalk alone is worth reading this book and he is just a small part.
Ah Betty, that ol’ bitch.
Being that I have already about read all the books, I will admit the Honor Guard was kinda cool. I wasn’t sure on some of the characters. However I can say with certainty that they all made a grand debut later in the series. I was confused as to why she chose specific kids to tell their POV – but later I came to understand it was a strategic move. Leilius – Marc – and Xavier play such important roles. Leilius is probably one of my favorites now (book 6 he really came out). I am so excited. I really do LOVE Miss Breene.
June 27, 2016
"The doctrines said that when a girl is born from magic and none, who takes the role of a man, and desecrates with thought, she is the Chosen. She will connect the distant halves into a whole and lead her people to salvation."
After a shaky start, I ended up finishing this one on a pretty positive note.
"You can call me whatever you wish, though something long and hard to pronounce would match my personality."
It is no secret that Shanti was not my favorite character to begin with. I thought she was abusive with her Gift and that she violated people's minds rather indiscriminately. She used fear and lust and shame to control them. I'm not going to lie, it rubbed me the wrong way from the very start.
HOWEVER
As the story progresses, and Shanti realizes these people are good people who mean her no harm, she stops using her Gift so offensively. She starts becoming involved with the townspeople who saved her and begins helping them instead of harming them. After that, Shanti and I developed a sort of truce. I won't say that I LOVE Shanti yet but I am definitely coming around to her side. She is warrior and a leader trying to save her people. She possesses an incredible power and like they say
"They were shining lights in a year of solitary darkness."
Her Honor Guard, the group of trainee boys that saved her life in the beginning (and probably in more ways than one). These boys were such a great addition to the story. I always say I love a ragtag group and these kids do not disappoint. They are quirky and different from the others so some say they have the least potential of all the trainees. Shanti, because she too comes from outside the norm, sees their potential and hones it, earning the boys loyalty and respect. I just love them.
"That's why I get called 'Lord'. I'm the best."
And last, but not least, our formidable Captain Cayan. Men fear and respect him in equal measure. Nothing happens in his city without his knowledge. He is aware of everything that goes on and he is VERY aware of Shanti. He and Shanti are inexplicably drawn to one another. Each is a daunting force of their own but when they come together things get volatile, and not always in a good way. And did I mention he's really good looking? Yeah. He's REALLY good looking. But be aware ladies, he's spoken for. Shelly has already laid claim.
Anyway, I'm not going into much more recap than that. Once I got past my initial reservations with Shanti, the book picked up right away and I fell a little bit in love with it. It was funny, and actiony, and even a little romancey (don't worry, it's just a smidge!). All of the characters are developing nicely, though the world is still a little bit murky to me. I'm hoping it gets fleshed out more in the next books. All in all I was pleasantly surprised by how I ended up feeling about it. It's a good start to a hopefully better series.
I'm giving it 4 stars.
September BR with the MacHalos!!
I started reading this one BEFORE it went on the ballot. Naturally I put it on hold to see if it would win for the September pick. It did! So now I get to finish it with these lovely people =)
After a shaky start, I ended up finishing this one on a pretty positive note.
"You can call me whatever you wish, though something long and hard to pronounce would match my personality."
It is no secret that Shanti was not my favorite character to begin with. I thought she was abusive with her Gift and that she violated people's minds rather indiscriminately. She used fear and lust and shame to control them. I'm not going to lie, it rubbed me the wrong way from the very start.
HOWEVER
As the story progresses, and Shanti realizes these people are good people who mean her no harm, she stops using her Gift so offensively. She starts becoming involved with the townspeople who saved her and begins helping them instead of harming them. After that, Shanti and I developed a sort of truce. I won't say that I LOVE Shanti yet but I am definitely coming around to her side. She is warrior and a leader trying to save her people. She possesses an incredible power and like they say
"They were shining lights in a year of solitary darkness."
Her Honor Guard, the group of trainee boys that saved her life in the beginning (and probably in more ways than one). These boys were such a great addition to the story. I always say I love a ragtag group and these kids do not disappoint. They are quirky and different from the others so some say they have the least potential of all the trainees. Shanti, because she too comes from outside the norm, sees their potential and hones it, earning the boys loyalty and respect. I just love them.
"That's why I get called 'Lord'. I'm the best."
And last, but not least, our formidable Captain Cayan. Men fear and respect him in equal measure. Nothing happens in his city without his knowledge. He is aware of everything that goes on and he is VERY aware of Shanti. He and Shanti are inexplicably drawn to one another. Each is a daunting force of their own but when they come together things get volatile, and not always in a good way. And did I mention he's really good looking? Yeah. He's REALLY good looking. But be aware ladies, he's spoken for. Shelly has already laid claim.
Anyway, I'm not going into much more recap than that. Once I got past my initial reservations with Shanti, the book picked up right away and I fell a little bit in love with it. It was funny, and actiony, and even a little romancey (don't worry, it's just a smidge!). All of the characters are developing nicely, though the world is still a little bit murky to me. I'm hoping it gets fleshed out more in the next books. All in all I was pleasantly surprised by how I ended up feeling about it. It's a good start to a hopefully better series.
I'm giving it 4 stars.
September BR with the MacHalos!!
I started reading this one BEFORE it went on the ballot. Naturally I put it on hold to see if it would win for the September pick. It did! So now I get to finish it with these lovely people =)
December 3, 2015
I hadn't intended to stay up until dawn reading this, but it was too good to put down. Shanti was awesome! She was tough without being bitchy. At first I didn't think I was going to like her because she had rare and special powers, but it worked in this. Although she was special, she didn’t think she was better than anyone else. Women were generally viewed as weak and powerless. Shanti certainly showed the men otherwise.
Cayan was the captain of the people who saved Shanti. He had everything going for him: looks, charm, intelligence, and physical prowess. He was also kind and loyal. He's everything you could ever want in a man. The sparks ignited when he and Shanti were together, but their trust issues were getting in the way.
All of the side characters were great. They were entertaining and funny. The plot wasn’t the most original ever, but it was worth reading just for the characters. The one issue I had with the story was Shanti’s magic. Sometimes it felt like she abused it since it allowed her to invade people’s minds to a degree. As long as she keeps using her powers for good, I’ll be okay with it.
November 3, 2017
Shanti! Sanders! Honor Guard! And Cayan! Oh there are more characters, for sure. All very good. The story is interesting and is full of funny moments. Shanti and her Honor Guard are very much worth the read. Do it!
June 7, 2022
Okay, Yeah I'm Intrigued!
This is going to be a short and quick review!
Okay, for starters this book started off a little slow but knowing K. F. Breene, you just have to stick with it because, as she has proven to me time and time again things start to get good and quite interesting once you get into the thick of things and she didn't disappoint me this time either!
I find myself quite invested in this heroine Shanti, and the strong, alpha male hero Captain Cayan... Lol, can't wait to see what happens between these two. 😜 I do want to warn you this is a freaking slow burn guys. So if you're looking for steamy hot sex scenes in the beginning.. (Shaking my head) this isn't a book series for you... Breene, don't move like that.., she reminds me of the song by the Pointer Sisters called a Slow Hand..😂😂...Yeah, this author is slow but steady and she character builds and gives you love, passion, desire, fun, and adventure!
So off to book 2 of this series!
Happy Reading Y'all!
Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
This is going to be a short and quick review!
Okay, for starters this book started off a little slow but knowing K. F. Breene, you just have to stick with it because, as she has proven to me time and time again things start to get good and quite interesting once you get into the thick of things and she didn't disappoint me this time either!
I find myself quite invested in this heroine Shanti, and the strong, alpha male hero Captain Cayan... Lol, can't wait to see what happens between these two. 😜 I do want to warn you this is a freaking slow burn guys. So if you're looking for steamy hot sex scenes in the beginning.. (Shaking my head) this isn't a book series for you... Breene, don't move like that.., she reminds me of the song by the Pointer Sisters called a Slow Hand..😂😂...Yeah, this author is slow but steady and she character builds and gives you love, passion, desire, fun, and adventure!
So off to book 2 of this series!
Happy Reading Y'all!
Overall Rating:
4* ~ A Good Read
June 24, 2015
OMG! What a waste of my time with this reading! The plot could be interesting: a girl with a psyche power, running from bad guys (that intend to user her powers badly, of course), end up being rescued by guys from a totaaaally different village, from where she came from. Ok, that was good, till she wake up and show how annoyingly rude she is! The author was worried ALL THE TIME, to make sure to let the readers know, how much Shanti looooooves her nudity! For a badass woman, whom doesn't like when guys that think women are just a "delicious body", she use and a lot, her nudity to make the men do what she wants! BUT the "interesting" thing is that when a guy, is simply laying on her bed, she felt that was like an invasion on her intimacy! What?! Oh please! Besides that, the girl loves to learn swearwords! So stupid! I couldn't even feel sorry for her, when she told her story and the reason she is runaway! Of course, i won't even read the sequel! I'll stop here, regretting that i read this first book.
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