The Reckoning of Asphodel

Asphodel Cycle #1

by Celina Summers

Tamsen de Asphodel watched as her parents were murdered by her sorcerer uncle. Raised by her Elven kin, Tamsen knows her destiny is to avenge them both.

Unfortunately, Tamsen’s destiny is complicated. She is the sole heir to her human father’s estate, but she is also the last remaining heir to the Elven throne. The Elves, especially the Scout Brial, are suspicious of her human ties and her magical power. Her magic is unique—neither human nor Elven, dangerous, and difficult to control. And when she and Brial fall in love, it is a relationship the Elves will not accept.

But when her uncle moves to destroy the Elves, war explodes across both kingdoms. Only Tamsen, with Brial at her side, can bring human and Elf together to fight against him. In the reckoning that is coming, she will need both sides of her conflicted nature…and the aid of a goddess.

#1 Bestseller in Science Fiction/Fantasy at numerous online retailers June, 2007
Love Romances and More Best New Author Nominee 2007
Love Romances and More Best Sci Fi/Fantasy Novel, Nominee 2007
P&E Readers List--Top Ten Best Sci Fi/Fantasy Novel, 2007

608 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2007

About the author

Celina Summers is a speculative fiction author who mashes all kinds of genres into one giant fantasy goo. Her first fantasy series, The Asphodel Cycle, was honored with multiple awards--including top ten finishes for all four books in the P&E Readers' Poll as well as a prestigious Golden Rose nomination. Her Asphodel world combines a strong classical mythology foundation, traditional fantasy characters and settings, and strong female protagonists--elements to be found in all her work. The Black Dream series is also set in Asphodel, as is her new series Blood Feud.

Celina's other published works include the Mythos sensual romance series about Greco-Roman goddesses; Metamorphosis, a collection of her short stories; and the Covenant series, vampire historical fiction co-authored with Canadian author Rob Graham. Celina was the editor of the speculative fiction e-zine Penumbra, and worked as an editor and managing editor in e-publishing for well over a decade. She now writes full-time, but moonlights and edits a select clientele of writers including NYT and USA Today bestsellers in multiple genres. She also is a sportswriter and political analyst writing for multiple media outlets.

Reviews

[Helen Hardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first word, I was drawn into this magical story. The prologue is elegantly written and introduces Tamsen de Asphodel, a child of two cultures, human and elven. At twelve years old, Tamsen witnesses the horrific murder of her parents at the hands of her half uncle. She comes of age as a ward of her elven kin and discovers she is more powerful than either human or elf. When she learns who she truly is, she is fiercely determined to avenge her parents’ deaths, especially when her uncle vows to destroy all else she holds dear. While her adventures and the battles she faces are riveting, I found myself even more enthralled by the growth of Tamsen herself, who, along the way, finds courage, love, and acceptance of her dual heritage. Do you prefer a story that’s character-driven or plot-driven? A love story or a heroic quest? Traditional fantasy or multi-genre drama? The Reckoning of Asphodel has it all. Highly recommend!

[Bitten_by_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamsen Ka’antira watched in horror as her uncle, Gabril de Spesialle, murdered her parents at her home Asphodel. The young Tamsen escapes by unknowingly causing a magical snow storm with her powers...

For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of The Reckoning of Asphodel in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.

[Annie Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I am hooked. Half-human, half-elf orphan Tamsen Ka'antira de Asphodel has a complex history. Born of an un-blessed union, her heritage both creates her and shapes her destiny. I was carried away with the characters and the plot from the first page. Unlike some novels in the genre, this high fantasy is readable, clear, and moves a steady pace. It has everything I want in fantasy: elves, knights, journeys, battles, and none of the unwieldy overcomplicated writing that can bog down good fantasy.The humor was a welcome surprise, and the cast of supporting characters are memorable and entertaining in their own right. I didn't just read this book, I settled in and savored every page. The writing is exactly what you'd want--so smooth, so complete, so precise in its descriptions that you forget there is a (very human) writer behind the vivid images and succinct action. A female protagonist, revenge, war, with romantic entanglements and monarchical rites, this is a truly epic page-turner. I never got lost in the world building and when I had to put the book down and return to it, I was able to pick right back up without missing a beat. To me, that's the mark of a great story. Even with a large cast of human and fantastic characters, each was memorable, distinct, and entertaining enough that I never got lost... I just got lost IN reading! Love this first book in the series and can't wait to dive into the next. Highly recommend for lovers of fantasy, female-driven adventure, and those who want to get lost in a memorable read.