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The Heathen Chronicles #1
Darkest Heathens
Princess Akashka is caught in a land ruled by a tyrant, her very own father. She wants nothing to do with his ways of ruling, but has no escape. Not until she meets four prisoners who don’t seem to belong anywhere. They escape together and now are on the run from her father and from the Winter Kingdom as she finds her place among these strangers. Her role in a long held prophecy that could change all of their futures.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2018
43 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Brandi Bell
7 books50 followersThis author also writes under the pen name Rose Alexander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 14, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a way to start a book! We meet the most eclectic group of misfits one by one that gravitate together because none of them truly fit in. They get captured by the Winter King and thrown in the dungeon where we get to meet Princess Akashka as she is ruthlessly tortured by the King as well. All of this bonds this group together in way that is amazing and leads to an adventure that is full of remarkable details. Great writing, nice world building, and characters you can love/hate. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
What a way to start a book! We meet the most eclectic group of misfits one by one that gravitate together because none of them truly fit in. They get captured by the Winter King and thrown in the dungeon where we get to meet Princess Akashka as she is ruthlessly tortured by the King as well. All of this bonds this group together in way that is amazing and leads to an adventure that is full of remarkable details. Great writing, nice world building, and characters you can love/hate. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
September 18, 2018
Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
Those familiar with Bell’s other books will love her latest Darkest Heathens. There is a lot to be said about the storyline given that the lead is a familiar character. Princess Akashka who was a memorable secondary character from Bell’s other series Soul Twin series. She seemed have quite the story waiting to be told and it had to be good right?
As the taste were given of her own personal story meant there was a juice secret or two right. As it seemed that living under a tyrant had to have more than its fair share of problems. The possibilities was endless .
To say the least, it was going to be interesting given the taste that we had in the Soul Twin series that lead to possibilities milling in my head. The introduction of the world was breath taking and I loved this re-introduction to this same world from a different group of characters. It allowed for more careful exploration of the mysterious Winter Kingdom and allowed a great taste of a different sort of adventure from Bell.
It allowed readers to gain a greater understanding of a part of the world that offered so much it seemed. The new cast won’t disappoint. It was interesting cast of characters and the different POV offered unique takes on the world and situation unfolding in front of us.
It’s not the same world perspective we found in the Soul Twin series and I like the direction of this series as it offer a more confronting dark take on this shared world. It’s not amiss with its own moments and readers will love the way Bell has go about to tell this story. It’s not straight forward and the slow burn work well given the storyline. It’s a great opener to her new series and readers will love this
For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Those familiar with Bell’s other books will love her latest Darkest Heathens. There is a lot to be said about the storyline given that the lead is a familiar character. Princess Akashka who was a memorable secondary character from Bell’s other series Soul Twin series. She seemed have quite the story waiting to be told and it had to be good right?
As the taste were given of her own personal story meant there was a juice secret or two right. As it seemed that living under a tyrant had to have more than its fair share of problems. The possibilities was endless .
To say the least, it was going to be interesting given the taste that we had in the Soul Twin series that lead to possibilities milling in my head. The introduction of the world was breath taking and I loved this re-introduction to this same world from a different group of characters. It allowed for more careful exploration of the mysterious Winter Kingdom and allowed a great taste of a different sort of adventure from Bell.
It allowed readers to gain a greater understanding of a part of the world that offered so much it seemed. The new cast won’t disappoint. It was interesting cast of characters and the different POV offered unique takes on the world and situation unfolding in front of us.
It’s not the same world perspective we found in the Soul Twin series and I like the direction of this series as it offer a more confronting dark take on this shared world. It’s not amiss with its own moments and readers will love the way Bell has go about to tell this story. It’s not straight forward and the slow burn work well given the storyline. It’s a great opener to her new series and readers will love this
For more of my reviews, visit Thoughts by Tash.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
July 30, 2018
So by now, we know I'm a total fangirl. I fucking adore the Soul Twins series and this book is no different.
We met our Princess shortly in Precious Stones. To say I was intrigued during that reading would be an understatement. There's torture and there's a headless being, who wouldn't want to know more?
These stories get more and more interesting as the author dives into each story. We see some characters from Precious Stones show up and make a cameo in this book, but it's mostly about our Princess and finding out more about the Winter Kingdom than we did it the Soul Twins Series.
PROS:
- I love this author and the characters she creates
- Cameo from our other characters
- It's a bit darker so I'm in love
CONS:
- Tis a slow burn - limited sexy fun times, but the chemistry is there
- Why do books end? Impatiently awaiting the next one
OVERALL:
The worlds are expanding, we're getting more characters are more species introduced to us. This book is darker with torture galore. But it's not without its humor as well. I can't wait for more.
We met our Princess shortly in Precious Stones. To say I was intrigued during that reading would be an understatement. There's torture and there's a headless being, who wouldn't want to know more?
These stories get more and more interesting as the author dives into each story. We see some characters from Precious Stones show up and make a cameo in this book, but it's mostly about our Princess and finding out more about the Winter Kingdom than we did it the Soul Twins Series.
PROS:
- I love this author and the characters she creates
- Cameo from our other characters
- It's a bit darker so I'm in love
CONS:
- Tis a slow burn - limited sexy fun times, but the chemistry is there
- Why do books end? Impatiently awaiting the next one
OVERALL:
The worlds are expanding, we're getting more characters are more species introduced to us. This book is darker with torture galore. But it's not without its humor as well. I can't wait for more.
July 28, 2018
This story follows Akashka whom you get a mini glimpse of in the Precious Stones book. Akashka and her winter kingdom inhabitants live a life that no one ever wants to experience. Yet she never loses who she truly is. Her kindness and sense of right and wrong is incredible after the life shes had. Shes earned unwavering support and loyalty in those who work regularly with her like her bodyguard Celli and her maid Martha. Her sense of right and wrong also leads her to the darkest heathens. They of course are leery and unsure of her until they get to know her themselves. They all work together to overcome their challenges and to help play their roles in the prophecy. My beloved pookas are back(they're definitely my favorite)! The details are such a great improvement from Ms. Bell. Very impressed. You get such a greater perspective of the parts of Caestia that you see in this particular book and of the characters and prophecy. Very well done.
July 31, 2018
I really liked this book. I loved how the book starts out from a guys point of view, that is different from books I have read in the past and I enjoyed it. I also liked reading about the Princess of the Winter Kingdom and her backstory. Hopefully they will get things done when it comes to the King of Winter. I also really loved reading about the prophesy from Princess Akashka and the other Queen's points of view, it was nice to see how they saw everything as it happened. I hope to learn more about the Princess and the rest of the Darkest Heathens and maybe in the future more about the other Queens in future books!
October 16, 2018
This is my first time reading a Brandi Bell novel.
Interesting story and I like how fast paced the book is. I must admit I had a really hard time getting used to the writing style as it is basically all taking. I would have liked to see more description of the landscape and characters features and how the character is feeling inside their heads. Because of this, I struggled to separate characters and got mixed up regarding who is who. All of them seemed one dimensional and child like.
I would love to see more meat in the next book, good depth and slowly descriptive.
Great start though and looking forward to see where the story goes!
Interesting story and I like how fast paced the book is. I must admit I had a really hard time getting used to the writing style as it is basically all taking. I would have liked to see more description of the landscape and characters features and how the character is feeling inside their heads. Because of this, I struggled to separate characters and got mixed up regarding who is who. All of them seemed one dimensional and child like.
I would love to see more meat in the next book, good depth and slowly descriptive.
Great start though and looking forward to see where the story goes!
January 9, 2019
Great book!!
Loved this book! It’s very different from most books I read, in that it took me a few chapters to catch on to what each character actually is, and even who the main character would be. Princess Akasha has lived her life watching every move she makes in fear of punishment, her trusted bodyguard, Celli, at her side. Enter Warren, Declan, Radley and Lachlan. Four very different Fae, who all want the same thing as the Princess. I urge you to start the journey with them because if this book is any indication, it’s going to be great!! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it started off a little slow for me. Rest assured, it starts to pick up soon. :)
Loved this book! It’s very different from most books I read, in that it took me a few chapters to catch on to what each character actually is, and even who the main character would be. Princess Akasha has lived her life watching every move she makes in fear of punishment, her trusted bodyguard, Celli, at her side. Enter Warren, Declan, Radley and Lachlan. Four very different Fae, who all want the same thing as the Princess. I urge you to start the journey with them because if this book is any indication, it’s going to be great!! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it started off a little slow for me. Rest assured, it starts to pick up soon. :)
October 13, 2018
Just okay
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't fall into like I do with other books I enjoy. I think a lot of it was the way it was written. A lot of the dialogue just seemed really childish honestly. The whole time reading it was just kinda boring felt like the story was just pushed together. I liked the story line but I just feel like the everyone was underdeveloped and things should been run by more during rough drafting. I'll check out the next book to see if things get better but I'm not getting my hopes up.
I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't fall into like I do with other books I enjoy. I think a lot of it was the way it was written. A lot of the dialogue just seemed really childish honestly. The whole time reading it was just kinda boring felt like the story was just pushed together. I liked the story line but I just feel like the everyone was underdeveloped and things should been run by more during rough drafting. I'll check out the next book to see if things get better but I'm not getting my hopes up.
October 17, 2018
A magical story with several types of creatures. The story starts off slow as we start to learn each of the several characters. We learn a lot about an abusive king. Even his own daughter is not safe from his joy of inflicting pain. But she has good friends and make several more throughout the story. And there are a few surprises. By the end I was very glad I picked this story to read. It is the beginning to a series and I can’t wait to find out what happens next to our princess and her friends.
August 6, 2018
I like the different character personalities in this story. It is nice to have a more in depth look into the fae world from the Twin Souls Series. There is one thing I will say about this book though and that is that this book seemed a bit jumpy in the way of the story writing. It wasnt quite as smooth as some of the authors other books and that is why I didnt give it 5 stars. Still, a great read overall.
August 7, 2018
When I read the journey that Jade, Ruby, and co. embarked on, when we met the princess of Winter, princess Akashka, I couldn’t help but wonder about her future endeavors. There were background information given about the Winter kingdom, readers would appreciate, and we meet new characters along the way. As predicted, I couldn’t put this book down because it was so enchanting; I for one cannot wait for book 2.
August 13, 2018
You may recognize Princess Akashka from the Soul Twins series, she is the main female lead for the Heathen Chronicles. The story had my attention from the start, and i really like that it had different point of views from different characters. All of the characters are different but they meld together so well to make the story flow fast. I was excited to know this series was about Akashka and i was not disappointed. If you are a fan of Brandi Bell, than you will enjoy Darkest Heathens.
September 27, 2018
This was a very good story line. The story is not just told from one characters POV but from multiples characters, so we get to know these characters on deeper levels. The sorry has some dark topics and triggers. It’s also the beginnings of a RH love story. I think this is a wonderful start to a series and look forward to seeing more growth in the relationships as well as all the action where the plot is promising to go.
October 1, 2018
Darkest Heathens
The Heathen Chronicles Book 1
Brandi Bell
Amazing Story! Okay - loved the story - but there is a cliffhanger at the end - just want to let people know. Other than that this was an amazing story with characters that seem to jump off the page. The author did an amazing job creating them and bringing them to life. I am loving this story so far, and cannot wait to see where it goes in the future.
The Heathen Chronicles Book 1
Brandi Bell
Amazing Story! Okay - loved the story - but there is a cliffhanger at the end - just want to let people know. Other than that this was an amazing story with characters that seem to jump off the page. The author did an amazing job creating them and bringing them to life. I am loving this story so far, and cannot wait to see where it goes in the future.
February 1, 2019
A spin off from the Soul Twins series. This follows the princess Akashka and her new friends, a group of "dark" heathens that dont fit in with their people. They decide to leave their homes behind and start off anew, doing things they'd rather be doing other than what their image should be. The journey doesn't go as planned and they find themselves in a rut.
This was a good start to Akashka's story, I am looking forward to where the author will take it.
This was a good start to Akashka's story, I am looking forward to where the author will take it.
September 29, 2018
Super good! I had no idea the Princess was from a different series or I would’ve read those before this book. So the first few chapters seemed slow since I had no reference for this world but after chapter 6 I could’nt put it down! And that cliffhanger!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
This book has it all. Suspense and bone chilling moments. Brandi Bell did a great job with world building and drawing you straight into a story filled with heart clenching moments and funny scenes to break the tension. Cant wait for book2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2018
She is held prisoner by her own father. She wants to get away but will need help. She finds four prisoners and they all manage to get away. They will be chased but things will change as she has a destiny which will change everything. See what this destiny is
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2018
I read this book through Kindle Unlimited even though I am apart of this authors ARC and was asked to leave a review.
This book has so much potential to be great. I feel like the author just scratched the surface and I desperately wanted more details. I'm interested to see what happens with book two. Great for those who enjoy slow burns.
This book has so much potential to be great. I feel like the author just scratched the surface and I desperately wanted more details. I'm interested to see what happens with book two. Great for those who enjoy slow burns.
October 14, 2018
2,5/5 stars
It was sadly only an okay read. While the book has a lot of potential to be great and I liked that the romance was slow-burn, the characters didn't have much depth to them. In addition to that, I just didn't enjoy the writing style. Except for the adult themes, it felt as though I read a book intended for children.
It was sadly only an okay read. While the book has a lot of potential to be great and I liked that the romance was slow-burn, the characters didn't have much depth to them. In addition to that, I just didn't enjoy the writing style. Except for the adult themes, it felt as though I read a book intended for children.
July 29, 2018
Pretty cool book. I love fae so this was perfect. I like that a bunch of people that felt they didn't belong found in another and got along. I can tell this is too g to make a wonderful adventure with many twists and turns very very cool.
July 30, 2018
This story follows the Winter Princess Akashka on her journey to help Jade from soul twin series and she begins her journey to get to the throne. I loved the soul twin series and this is right along with it.
August 10, 2018
So what can I say about this book without giving away any spoilers?
Well I’m just going to give away one spoiler and that is there is a cliffhanger waiting at the end of the book.
But other than that I thought Dark Heathens was awesome once I got to chapter six. The chapters before six seemed to drag a little to me but they were still good.
Anyway I like that this book ties in with the Soul Twin Series and it’s during Jade and Ruby’s stories because it was nice seeing those two again even though this story is during their time just of someone else which I look forward to reading more of Akashka.
So yes I definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in following Akashka’s story.
Well I’m just going to give away one spoiler and that is there is a cliffhanger waiting at the end of the book.
But other than that I thought Dark Heathens was awesome once I got to chapter six. The chapters before six seemed to drag a little to me but they were still good.
Anyway I like that this book ties in with the Soul Twin Series and it’s during Jade and Ruby’s stories because it was nice seeing those two again even though this story is during their time just of someone else which I look forward to reading more of Akashka.
So yes I definitely recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in following Akashka’s story.
August 6, 2018
This is Princess Akashka story. I really liked reading her story. We met her when Jade was trying to save her father. Reading her side of the story was really good. It's hard to say much without giving anything away. It really is a great story
August 17, 2018
So excited that Akashka has her own series! She’s amazing, and I adore Celli and how protective she is. The men, they are sweet, slightly innocent in mind. I really liked Declan and Lachlan they warm my heart! Hehe I adore this story, and I’m interested in finding out what happens next.
September 27, 2018
I liked how it opened with the different point of views from the guys. Gave you a chance to kinda get to know them before diving right into the meat of the book.
Chapter 6 is where it really picks up and runs.
Slow burn but worth it.
Overall good book to have on your shelf!
Chapter 6 is where it really picks up and runs.
Slow burn but worth it.
Overall good book to have on your shelf!
September 28, 2018
The story line has so much promise!
You JUST scratch the surface of where this story could take you. I found it a bit hard to read because of the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You JUST scratch the surface of where this story could take you. I found it a bit hard to read because of the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2018
This book took me a minute to get into at first. Once I got to the third chapter though it started picking up some. I started to get lost in the journey. I throughly enjoyed Akashka’s point of view. And Celli kept me laughing.
January 20, 2019
Soo good
Normally I don’t read books like this but I thought I would give it a go. I am so happy I gave it a chance it was so good and it got my attention from the very beginning. I can’t wait to read more books by this author
Normally I don’t read books like this but I thought I would give it a go. I am so happy I gave it a chance it was so good and it got my attention from the very beginning. I can’t wait to read more books by this author
January 24, 2019
Yet another amazing work of art from Brandi bell. She has yet to disappoint and peaks my interest so I have to binge read from start to finish. Loved how this book tied in with another series of hers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews