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In Deception's Shadow #1
Betrayal's Price
For some, rebirth is not a reward. Centuries ago the gods demanded Ashayna Stonemantle sacrifice her demon-tainted lover. She did, and then ended her own life, but it didn't fulfill her obligations to the gods. Reborn into a new body, Ashayna has no awareness of her former life until her sentient magic manipulates her into seeking out Sorntar, Crown Prince of the Phoenix. The majestic and charismatic Sorntar reveals that she is host to a Larnkin—a spirit creature of vast power. If she can trust the word of a man who is part avian, he is host to her Larnkin's other half. When their Larnkins awaken early and force them into an unbreakable bond, Ashayna and Sorntar are accused of being corrupted by an ancient evil. To prove their innocence, they must discover what happened in the past to pit bondmate against bondmate. As the search for the truth draws them closer together, Ashayna realizes she's falling in love with Sorntar. But before she can tell him, his tainted Larnkin enslaves him. The gods demand she kill her beloved, as she did once before, but she will not do it, even if it's the only thing that will keep her soul safe from his darkness.
310 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2012
About the author
Lisa Blackwood
48 books313 followersLisa Blackwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle and Sorceress Urban Fantasy series. She and her new co-author, S.M. Schmitz, are also embarking upon a new Space Opera Romance series. Book one is titled, Vengeance: Warships of the Spire. It can be found in the Dominion Rising boxset anthology.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 31, 2016
Now this is what I look for in a nice romantic-fantasy that lingers more on the quick, casual side of reading (as opposed to those books that require serious attention and thought).
Firstly, there wasn't anything inherently problematic I noticed in the book; all the bad things we acknowledged as bad/wrong and the main characters didn't say or do anything that raised any red flags for me. I give it a seal of approval in that regard.
Secondly, the fantasy and romance were both very well done. The world building is a little scant, more wanting to focus on Ashayna and Sorntar than on the universe, but from what was told it's an interesting set up. I've not seen anything super similar to it before, so I was interested. As for the romance, it's sweet and well set up. There's no insta-love or lust-mistaken-for-love; they begin as friends and things slowly develop between them, so the progression feels real and natural. They stand on pretty equal footing as a pair and have mutual respect. I suppose some might see some of Ashayna's actions as "leading on" but I registered the whole thing as more of her not really knowing her own feelings and wants and the extent of them (leading on is a deliberate deception). Overall, a quality romance in my book with likeable, good characters.
Some other reviewers also mentioned thinking this book choppy and hard to understand; I'm a high level reader, but if a book isn't well written it's apparent to me and I didn't see anything that would indicate the story was especially hard to follow or written in a jerky, choppy manner. I thought the language was good and the edition I got well edited. I have no qualms about the author's writing style or word choices.
I was mistaken in my initial ideas of how this book would play out; the blurb makes it seem like there might be some epic battle or something, but it's a pretty straightforward book that progresses well and has a very clear, direct plot to get to with the main characters, but leaves enough loose ends and an overhanging plot to keep the series going and connect all the next books together under the same story umbrella. The climax of this book isn't especially riveting, but I again chalk this up to a more casual fantasy with a romance focus to be presented and wrapped up in a single 300+ page book, and in that vein of book it performs well. The following books focus on other characters in the same universe.
All in all, I quite liked this book. I read half one day and half the next. I think I'll try out the next book, though I certainly would have liked to read more on Ashayna and Sorntar. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a dash of fantasy but doesn't want to commit to something super long, heavy, and intricate.
Firstly, there wasn't anything inherently problematic I noticed in the book; all the bad things we acknowledged as bad/wrong and the main characters didn't say or do anything that raised any red flags for me. I give it a seal of approval in that regard.
Secondly, the fantasy and romance were both very well done. The world building is a little scant, more wanting to focus on Ashayna and Sorntar than on the universe, but from what was told it's an interesting set up. I've not seen anything super similar to it before, so I was interested. As for the romance, it's sweet and well set up. There's no insta-love or lust-mistaken-for-love; they begin as friends and things slowly develop between them, so the progression feels real and natural. They stand on pretty equal footing as a pair and have mutual respect. I suppose some might see some of Ashayna's actions as "leading on" but I registered the whole thing as more of her not really knowing her own feelings and wants and the extent of them (leading on is a deliberate deception). Overall, a quality romance in my book with likeable, good characters.
Some other reviewers also mentioned thinking this book choppy and hard to understand; I'm a high level reader, but if a book isn't well written it's apparent to me and I didn't see anything that would indicate the story was especially hard to follow or written in a jerky, choppy manner. I thought the language was good and the edition I got well edited. I have no qualms about the author's writing style or word choices.
I was mistaken in my initial ideas of how this book would play out; the blurb makes it seem like there might be some epic battle or something, but it's a pretty straightforward book that progresses well and has a very clear, direct plot to get to with the main characters, but leaves enough loose ends and an overhanging plot to keep the series going and connect all the next books together under the same story umbrella. The climax of this book isn't especially riveting, but I again chalk this up to a more casual fantasy with a romance focus to be presented and wrapped up in a single 300+ page book, and in that vein of book it performs well. The following books focus on other characters in the same universe.
All in all, I quite liked this book. I read half one day and half the next. I think I'll try out the next book, though I certainly would have liked to read more on Ashayna and Sorntar. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes a dash of fantasy but doesn't want to commit to something super long, heavy, and intricate.
June 6, 2016
It started out really well. I was immediately drawn in and didn't want to put it down. Then somewhere along the sixth chapter the grammar fell apart. I literally remember thinking "why is the grammar suddenly so bad?"
The last few chapters are disjointed, with sentences lacking any purpose or sense. For example, on the very last page, "quite" is written when it should have been "quiet." Yes, mistakes happen. Even my OCD can deal with it once or twice, but there were quite a few that really threw me out of the story. Not to mention the dreaded "added extra words" that didn't get weeded out in an edit. "That that" really tends to bug me.
I could have enjoyed it, (minus the language and inappropriate parts), but it was super annoying. For someone so against marrying the guy, she sure liked leading him on. And her family was awfully forgiving. Not sure I will read the next.
I did, however, like that the ending tapered off well. There were several threads that needed addressed, but the main plot wrapped up quite nicely. Well enough to be satisfied to wait for the next installment, or be done with the whole thing.
For my clean readers:
Includes language, inappropriate scenes, and violence.
Language: includes the main 3, but no f-bomb.
Inappropriate scenes: A few, but easy to skip over.
The last few chapters are disjointed, with sentences lacking any purpose or sense. For example, on the very last page, "quite" is written when it should have been "quiet." Yes, mistakes happen. Even my OCD can deal with it once or twice, but there were quite a few that really threw me out of the story. Not to mention the dreaded "added extra words" that didn't get weeded out in an edit. "That that" really tends to bug me.
I could have enjoyed it, (minus the language and inappropriate parts), but it was super annoying. For someone so against marrying the guy, she sure liked leading him on. And her family was awfully forgiving. Not sure I will read the next.
I did, however, like that the ending tapered off well. There were several threads that needed addressed, but the main plot wrapped up quite nicely. Well enough to be satisfied to wait for the next installment, or be done with the whole thing.
For my clean readers:
Includes language, inappropriate scenes, and violence.
Language: includes the main 3, but no f-bomb.
Inappropriate scenes: A few, but easy to skip over.
September 18, 2016
In the past Ashayna Stonemantle killed her lover because he was tainted with a demon and then killed herself. She has now been reborn but has no idea what has happened in the past. She is then pushed to meeting Sorntar who is the Crown Prince of the Phoenix (and a bit of a looker). Sorntar reveals that she is host to a Larnkin which is a spirit creature of vast magic power and he is host to her Larnkin's other half. Through various adventures they are both falling in love with each other, but Ash is fighting it all the way due to stubbornness and her fear of magic.
A great story in which I was routing for Sorntar winning her heart and them being put out of their misery. Very well told, with great descriptive writing which meant you could feel and see everything that was written in the book. Definitely recommended.
A great story in which I was routing for Sorntar winning her heart and them being put out of their misery. Very well told, with great descriptive writing which meant you could feel and see everything that was written in the book. Definitely recommended.
February 21, 2021
This book is recommended for readers 18+ did to adult scenes.
This is a really interesting world Ms Blackwood has created. The magic system being fueled by a symbiotic relationship, though not original, makes the plot so much more interesting. Sorntar and Ashayna's relationship is both sweet and steamy. He is the perfect combination of boyish charm and masculinity. Ash is strong and independent without being harsh and cold. Great beginning to this series.
This is a really interesting world Ms Blackwood has created. The magic system being fueled by a symbiotic relationship, though not original, makes the plot so much more interesting. Sorntar and Ashayna's relationship is both sweet and steamy. He is the perfect combination of boyish charm and masculinity. Ash is strong and independent without being harsh and cold. Great beginning to this series.
March 9, 2016
It was ok. I've liked some of her other stuff better. I liked the idea of it. The last 25% was just a little jumbled, disjointed. Bad things were happening and then it was fine. Like- whoops my bad. Totally killed a person. No bigs.
Want to Read
July 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/25/2019)! 🎁
June 22, 2020
Good story
I like the story and I'm intrigued enough to read the next book. I like Ashayana and Sorntar and how they met. i like their relationship. Neither of them is shy or rough. Both seem to be intelligent and even-tempered. I like how they try to do good for their people.
What I didn't like it that the author didn't spend much time on other people or the politics or family. She gave us glimpses, but nothing substantial.
Regarding the narrator, she doesn't voice the different characters. It's the same voice no matter who is speaking and no emotion whatsoever. Her pacing is also terrible. In books, sometimes there's a line of asterisks or some blank space when there's a scene change within a chapter. There were a few times this happened in the book, but the narrator didn't even pause to indicate this. Just kept reading. Took me a moment to figure out what happened each time. It was distracting and then really annoying.
I like the story and I'm intrigued enough to read the next book. I like Ashayana and Sorntar and how they met. i like their relationship. Neither of them is shy or rough. Both seem to be intelligent and even-tempered. I like how they try to do good for their people.
What I didn't like it that the author didn't spend much time on other people or the politics or family. She gave us glimpses, but nothing substantial.
Regarding the narrator, she doesn't voice the different characters. It's the same voice no matter who is speaking and no emotion whatsoever. Her pacing is also terrible. In books, sometimes there's a line of asterisks or some blank space when there's a scene change within a chapter. There were a few times this happened in the book, but the narrator didn't even pause to indicate this. Just kept reading. Took me a moment to figure out what happened each time. It was distracting and then really annoying.
December 23, 2017
Wow, superb. Started out a bit slow, but once I got into the book, I couldn’t read it fast enough to find out what happens at the end. Definitely ready for more. Received a free book.
October 31, 2022
Great beginning and strong ending, but in the middle I was wondering why I was reading it.
July 6, 2025
Purch Amazon Oct. 18, 2016
Betrayal's Price (In Deception's Shadow #1) by Lisa Blackwood is a Young Adult Fantasy Romance.
My first problem with this book is it is 'Young Adult'. Nowhere does it state this. Not in any synopsis I read, nor on Amazon kindle where the book is categorized. At no point was I, as a reader, informed of it being Young Adult. I suspected it half way through. By the time I was 75% done, it was beyond question.
Why did it take me so long to realize this? The writing in the first half of the story constantly insinuates that something 'More' will happen between Ashayna and Sortar. Their age, the world building and how the story was flowing, leads the reader to think it is Adult. Imagine my bewilderment when they 'bond'. This scene should have been pivotal. It was weak and impotent.
My second problem with the story is the last 50 percent. It is indecisive and faltering. It is so unlike the first half you feel like a different author started writing it. Or perhaps the author changed their mind on the type of story they were writing NUMEROUS times. The H/H run around getting into situations that make the reader think something is going to happen, but nothing comes of their actions. You are left scratching your head, wondering WHY is this scene in this story. This happens throughout the rest of the story. The entire last half was unsatisfying and long winded. You are left with a bad taste in your mouth.
What started off with a lot of promise fizzled out and died.
Betrayal's Price (In Deception's Shadow #1) by Lisa Blackwood is a Young Adult Fantasy Romance.
My first problem with this book is it is 'Young Adult'. Nowhere does it state this. Not in any synopsis I read, nor on Amazon kindle where the book is categorized. At no point was I, as a reader, informed of it being Young Adult. I suspected it half way through. By the time I was 75% done, it was beyond question.
Why did it take me so long to realize this? The writing in the first half of the story constantly insinuates that something 'More' will happen between Ashayna and Sortar. Their age, the world building and how the story was flowing, leads the reader to think it is Adult. Imagine my bewilderment when they 'bond'. This scene should have been pivotal. It was weak and impotent.
My second problem with the story is the last 50 percent. It is indecisive and faltering. It is so unlike the first half you feel like a different author started writing it. Or perhaps the author changed their mind on the type of story they were writing NUMEROUS times. The H/H run around getting into situations that make the reader think something is going to happen, but nothing comes of their actions. You are left scratching your head, wondering WHY is this scene in this story. This happens throughout the rest of the story. The entire last half was unsatisfying and long winded. You are left with a bad taste in your mouth.
What started off with a lot of promise fizzled out and died.
May 18, 2015
OK. Three years after publication and I'm just now reading this book. Shame on me !
Ms Blackwood's imagination has grabbed me by the neck. Her characters are awesome and well fleshed out, the story is something different and the concept is riveting.
For all intents and purposes, I shouldn't have liked this book. It's listed as a fantasy romance. Usually, I read the descriptions of the story for ebooks, soft-back and hard-back books, but for some reason I looked at the cover (with a woman ready to fire an arrow from her bow) and just started reading.
By the time I realized it was a "Romance book", I was hooked by the story.
I highly recommend this story to Fantasy fans, and I guess Romance fans, alike.
Many stories have something that trips up your reading pace and this one had too many characters to keep everything on the edge of your mind for quick retrieval. That can be explained when you realize most of the characters are dual characters. For example, there is Ash and there is her majic wielding inner self that is another entity with a different name. Except for the normal human characters, almost all of the other characters have this duality. Just keep that in mind, keep a line-up and jump in.
I guess I sometimes felt the story was too big for the length of the ebook - or, something like that.
This book is free at Amazon, but the second book isn't....and I have already purchased the second book.
Ms Blackwood's imagination has grabbed me by the neck. Her characters are awesome and well fleshed out, the story is something different and the concept is riveting.
For all intents and purposes, I shouldn't have liked this book. It's listed as a fantasy romance. Usually, I read the descriptions of the story for ebooks, soft-back and hard-back books, but for some reason I looked at the cover (with a woman ready to fire an arrow from her bow) and just started reading.
By the time I realized it was a "Romance book", I was hooked by the story.
I highly recommend this story to Fantasy fans, and I guess Romance fans, alike.
Many stories have something that trips up your reading pace and this one had too many characters to keep everything on the edge of your mind for quick retrieval. That can be explained when you realize most of the characters are dual characters. For example, there is Ash and there is her majic wielding inner self that is another entity with a different name. Except for the normal human characters, almost all of the other characters have this duality. Just keep that in mind, keep a line-up and jump in.
I guess I sometimes felt the story was too big for the length of the ebook - or, something like that.
This book is free at Amazon, but the second book isn't....and I have already purchased the second book.
September 22, 2016
After reading the sample I was looking forward to reading the whole story, but around midway some things started to bug me.
The world is wonderful; I liked how unique it felt. The different characters and species really piqued my interest. I can’t put my finger on it or come up with the right words, but sometimes it seemed like there was a “and voila! it is done!” sort of feeling about some events. As in something just happened quickly and I thought I might’ve missed a few pages so I went back to see.
The whole lore created around the 12 was intriguing and the concept of Larnkin seemed to be a distinctive touch and made the concept of a magic user something that wasn’t like all of the other fantasy novels out there. The human’s perception of magic was markedly different than how the other races felt about it. That perception made the whole idea of Ashayna having to live in the other races’ world seem a bit more dangerous, until you get to learn about the other races also and see they aren’t as evil as she is taught to believe.
Despite any of my misgivings I enjoyed the book and might pick up the next one because it has an interesting premise to it too.
Just a weird thought I had, but what did the Phoenix do in regards to sleeping? I mean those wings would be a pain in the butt, not to mention their feet. Wouldn’t they tear up a lot of sheets and blankets? Or did they just sit on a perch like regular birds do to sleep?
The world is wonderful; I liked how unique it felt. The different characters and species really piqued my interest. I can’t put my finger on it or come up with the right words, but sometimes it seemed like there was a “and voila! it is done!” sort of feeling about some events. As in something just happened quickly and I thought I might’ve missed a few pages so I went back to see.
The whole lore created around the 12 was intriguing and the concept of Larnkin seemed to be a distinctive touch and made the concept of a magic user something that wasn’t like all of the other fantasy novels out there. The human’s perception of magic was markedly different than how the other races felt about it. That perception made the whole idea of Ashayna having to live in the other races’ world seem a bit more dangerous, until you get to learn about the other races also and see they aren’t as evil as she is taught to believe.
Despite any of my misgivings I enjoyed the book and might pick up the next one because it has an interesting premise to it too.
Just a weird thought I had, but what did the Phoenix do in regards to sleeping? I mean those wings would be a pain in the butt, not to mention their feet. Wouldn’t they tear up a lot of sheets and blankets? Or did they just sit on a perch like regular birds do to sleep?
March 25, 2016
I loved this amazing series opener, which is a complete standalone with an HEA, yet aptly sets the stage for book two, Herd Mistress. The storyline moves quickly, with the great world building, character development and the forces of good and evil marshalling toward a powerful climax. And what a beautiful cover!
Ashayna Stonemantle is a human general's daughter, trained for the battlefield and determined to save her people from the ravages of a war they can't win. When the enemy calls for a one on one challenge to settle the outcome, she faces off against Sorntar, Crown Prince of the enemy Phoenix and host to a Larnkin, creatures of spirit that provide their hosts with power and knowledge. As the loser, she will live in the homeland of the victor, a price she is willing to pay for peace. Then she learns she is Sorntar's bondmate and their days are filled with training and tests designed to ferret out darkness and prepare them for their new roles. But Sorntar's Larnkin has been corrupted by a powerful dark force and as it awakens, they are drawn into a battle for their very souls. This is a KU Library read.
Ashayna Stonemantle is a human general's daughter, trained for the battlefield and determined to save her people from the ravages of a war they can't win. When the enemy calls for a one on one challenge to settle the outcome, she faces off against Sorntar, Crown Prince of the enemy Phoenix and host to a Larnkin, creatures of spirit that provide their hosts with power and knowledge. As the loser, she will live in the homeland of the victor, a price she is willing to pay for peace. Then she learns she is Sorntar's bondmate and their days are filled with training and tests designed to ferret out darkness and prepare them for their new roles. But Sorntar's Larnkin has been corrupted by a powerful dark force and as it awakens, they are drawn into a battle for their very souls. This is a KU Library read.
September 24, 2016
Betrayal's Price is an interesting, unique fantasy. I've never seen this particular storyline before. The whole idea of the different fantastic races was intriguing. It was interesting to read about the whole idea of being a host to Larnkins.
I really enjoyed watching Ashayna's development of her magic and her falling in love with Sorntar. As they work on getting to know each other and complete their bond, I was surprised at the former identity of their Larnkins. There were several twists I didn't expect.
I didn't find anything to object to in the writing style. Although there were a number of unexpected surprises, if you read closely instead of skimming, they are not difficult to understand.
I will definitely be reading more of Lisa Blackwood's writing. I enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed watching Ashayna's development of her magic and her falling in love with Sorntar. As they work on getting to know each other and complete their bond, I was surprised at the former identity of their Larnkins. There were several twists I didn't expect.
I didn't find anything to object to in the writing style. Although there were a number of unexpected surprises, if you read closely instead of skimming, they are not difficult to understand.
I will definitely be reading more of Lisa Blackwood's writing. I enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
April 22, 2016
I loved the characters
Wonderful story line which kept me reading to find out what would happen next. I thought the story was well written and the characters unique. Looking forward to reading the next book. Great job I would recommend this book to all who like fantasy.
Wonderful story line which kept me reading to find out what would happen next. I thought the story was well written and the characters unique. Looking forward to reading the next book. Great job I would recommend this book to all who like fantasy.
September 1, 2016
Enjoyed
I enjoyed this book from start to finish looking forward to next book in the series. Wonderfully written with unique characters. First time I have read anything from author highly recommend
I enjoyed this book from start to finish looking forward to next book in the series. Wonderfully written with unique characters. First time I have read anything from author highly recommend
September 22, 2016
Great story with an extremely talented female character! I love the story and past life background. I was hoping for something a bit more at the end and am curious to see if my question is answered in book two ~
May 10, 2015
very interesting. got a little tricky to follow all the different people once the storyline got into depth.
December 25, 2015
Not your typical female in distress
Great read, loved the female heroine. Good fantasy realm with real and not so real characters. Well written, I recommend.
Great read, loved the female heroine. Good fantasy realm with real and not so real characters. Well written, I recommend.
August 2, 2016
Must try it!
At first I didnt think I.would get into this book but then I couldn't put it down. I loved this book.
At first I didnt think I.would get into this book but then I couldn't put it down. I loved this book.
April 15, 2016
I expected a lot more action. But it was a good read.
June 30, 2016
Excellent
I love this book. She has such a great ability to get you into her stories that you just can't put it down. I really like the whole idea behind the series.
I love this book. She has such a great ability to get you into her stories that you just can't put it down. I really like the whole idea behind the series.
August 19, 2016
Betrayals Price
Nice read, thought provoking at times. Moves smoothly and an interesting cast of characters. I am interested in the book. Enjoy.
Nice read, thought provoking at times. Moves smoothly and an interesting cast of characters. I am interested in the book. Enjoy.
February 16, 2024
This book was an interesting journey, one I can’t easily compare with some of the other fantasy novels I’ve read recently. The reincarnation elements are a new twist on a classic fated mates tale, and although I’ll admit to feeling a bit lost at times with the amount of worldbuilding and invented fantasy creatures, I eventually got the hang of it.
I still could not tell you exactly what parts of the MMC’s body are feathered; at first I thought it was just his head (like human hair), wings and tail, but then it’s mentioned that his er, man parts are feathered, and at that point I was just lost. Also uncertain if he has humanoid hands, how many fingers, talons, whatever, it doesn’t matter I guess. The descriptions of the beautiful feathers on all of the MMC’s people were some of my favorite parts, as well as the way they can emote with their wings and crests and feathers rising etc. It was just new to me, after lots of wolf/dragon/bear shifters, the bird thing was something fresh.
I felt like the magic and the FMC’s training was kind of glossed over, which on the one hand was a relief because training montages do be repetitive, but I wanted to know more about the magic system and how it worked, especially because FMC was trying to use her magic in the end to heal the MMC, and if I had understood more about the complexity of it, I think the happy ending would’ve felt more earned.
The book does not end on a true cliffhanger, but there were a lot of big plot points left unresolved for future books: are the people going to accept the MCs for who they are or try to kill/exile them? What’s going to happen with the FMC’s sister? I sensed a Hades/Persephone vibe from what little I know of her situation. Are the rest of the Twelve going to pop up soon, or are they yet to be reborn? What is the deal with the anti-magic cult people? I could definitely see issues with the bad guy getting out of prison being worthy of an entire book. Or maybe he just needs his own fated mate to turn him onto the straight and narrow 🥰🥰🥰 Suffice to say there’s a LOT going on here and I’ll be wishlisting the next books posthaste!
I still could not tell you exactly what parts of the MMC’s body are feathered; at first I thought it was just his head (like human hair), wings and tail, but then it’s mentioned that his er, man parts are feathered, and at that point I was just lost. Also uncertain if he has humanoid hands, how many fingers, talons, whatever, it doesn’t matter I guess. The descriptions of the beautiful feathers on all of the MMC’s people were some of my favorite parts, as well as the way they can emote with their wings and crests and feathers rising etc. It was just new to me, after lots of wolf/dragon/bear shifters, the bird thing was something fresh.
I felt like the magic and the FMC’s training was kind of glossed over, which on the one hand was a relief because training montages do be repetitive, but I wanted to know more about the magic system and how it worked, especially because FMC was trying to use her magic in the end to heal the MMC, and if I had understood more about the complexity of it, I think the happy ending would’ve felt more earned.
The book does not end on a true cliffhanger, but there were a lot of big plot points left unresolved for future books: are the people going to accept the MCs for who they are or try to kill/exile them? What’s going to happen with the FMC’s sister? I sensed a Hades/Persephone vibe from what little I know of her situation. Are the rest of the Twelve going to pop up soon, or are they yet to be reborn? What is the deal with the anti-magic cult people? I could definitely see issues with the bad guy getting out of prison being worthy of an entire book. Or maybe he just needs his own fated mate to turn him onto the straight and narrow 🥰🥰🥰 Suffice to say there’s a LOT going on here and I’ll be wishlisting the next books posthaste!
February 28, 2019
I got this book before I realized that I really am not a big fan of the high fantasy genre. I finally decided to listen to the book after a long time just to get it off my queue.
First of all, the narrator was good, but I found it hard to listen to the book at normal speed. After speeding it up to 1.25x, it was better, but still a little difficult for me to concentrate. Maybe it's because there are so many new names, beings, worlds, etc. in a fantasy, but listening to an audiobook version makes it hard for me to follow the characters, etc.
I'm not going to describe the storyline (mainly because I couldn't spell the character names if I tried), but will try to describe my feelings about the book.
Personally, I never truly figured out what was happening throughout most of the book. I couldn't see why characters did what they did and didn't understand the magic behind it. Also, I found the whole idea of the bond mates and the bonding a little skeevy. Take two young people from different species, add in a being that has taken up residence them and then try to control every part of their life.
Add in the sexual harassment/predator undertones of this being trying to force the MC to do what he wants with her body and it was kind of disturbing. Then, after a nearly 11 hour buildup to the consummation of their bonding, the author puts a very short sex scene (with a PG rating) at the very end of the book. The book is well-written, just not my type of book.
After listening to the book, I still don't know what the whole point was and definitely don't care enough to read more in the series. I think I'll just pass on more high fantasy in the future
First of all, the narrator was good, but I found it hard to listen to the book at normal speed. After speeding it up to 1.25x, it was better, but still a little difficult for me to concentrate. Maybe it's because there are so many new names, beings, worlds, etc. in a fantasy, but listening to an audiobook version makes it hard for me to follow the characters, etc.
I'm not going to describe the storyline (mainly because I couldn't spell the character names if I tried), but will try to describe my feelings about the book.
Personally, I never truly figured out what was happening throughout most of the book. I couldn't see why characters did what they did and didn't understand the magic behind it. Also, I found the whole idea of the bond mates and the bonding a little skeevy. Take two young people from different species, add in a being that has taken up residence them and then try to control every part of their life.
Add in the sexual harassment/predator undertones of this being trying to force the MC to do what he wants with her body and it was kind of disturbing. Then, after a nearly 11 hour buildup to the consummation of their bonding, the author puts a very short sex scene (with a PG rating) at the very end of the book. The book is well-written, just not my type of book.
After listening to the book, I still don't know what the whole point was and definitely don't care enough to read more in the series. I think I'll just pass on more high fantasy in the future
February 26, 2018
I'm not a fan, overall, of this story. I enjoyed the first three quarters, but not the last quarter. It felt like an integrated series of stories I've read before. Whenever interesting mysteries arose, they were abruptly clipped off to be pursued, I assume, at some future date.
This first book was primarily to resolve one particular mystery while opening the door to a multitude of others. I completely lost interest, at various intervals, due to the many tangents. It was just overly contrived. I would have loved if it had been approached more organically--resolving more urgent mysteries, while introducing others in future books in this series. Just a matter of preference, I suppose.
Still, so many unresolved threads left me frustrated with the story--even while I was relieved to finally be finished with it. I'm not putting myself through those feelings, again--thus, ending my foray into the world of Ash Stonemantle.
This first book was primarily to resolve one particular mystery while opening the door to a multitude of others. I completely lost interest, at various intervals, due to the many tangents. It was just overly contrived. I would have loved if it had been approached more organically--resolving more urgent mysteries, while introducing others in future books in this series. Just a matter of preference, I suppose.
Still, so many unresolved threads left me frustrated with the story--even while I was relieved to finally be finished with it. I'm not putting myself through those feelings, again--thus, ending my foray into the world of Ash Stonemantle.
September 17, 2017
When I first got this audio book, I was not so sure I'd enjoy it! I was wrong, I loved it, so much in fact that I went back to buy the others. The cover is actually what initially drew me to the book, but the fast moving and unexpected twists and turns kept me totally engrossed and guessing, until the very end. Shiromi Arserio did an excellent job in narrating this paranormal, adventurous love story. I love listening to the audio books as well as reading the ebook since it helps me know the proper enunciation of the places and characters names. Lisa Blackwood is a master at weaving an exciting, intriguing, story with well developed and personable characters. I'd have no qualms what so ever in recommending this book to others. I was quite pleasantly surprised and did not want to put it down until the end.
December 8, 2019
I got this free on Google ebooks and it sounded good so I started reading it. I don't read ebooks very often bc I only have my phone and it hurts my head.
I have to say that the synopsis for this was way more confusing than the actual book! I was very confused at first. But quickly, these characters and this really cool world dragged me in and I read it on and off all day and am actually thinking of buying the books in this series! Such cool animal Hybrid type characters and a really neat magic system. It was also such an easy read and it wrapped up nice and neatly but with business unfinished enough that you want to keep going and follow these characters along their quests! And I must say that I really enjoyed the slower burned romance. It was one that you already knew would happen but it wasn't instalove.. and it was sweet.. anyway, great read!
I have to say that the synopsis for this was way more confusing than the actual book! I was very confused at first. But quickly, these characters and this really cool world dragged me in and I read it on and off all day and am actually thinking of buying the books in this series! Such cool animal Hybrid type characters and a really neat magic system. It was also such an easy read and it wrapped up nice and neatly but with business unfinished enough that you want to keep going and follow these characters along their quests! And I must say that I really enjoyed the slower burned romance. It was one that you already knew would happen but it wasn't instalove.. and it was sweet.. anyway, great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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