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The Lost Shrines #1
By Vengeance Guided
Librarian Note: This is an alternate cover edition of ASIN: B01KEEBN5W. The original cover edition is here.
First in a new fantasy romance series.
The nature of his magic, and Council mandate, prevent Caerwyn, Lord of Alwyn, from unleashing his Vengeance on the sorcerer responsible for his parents' murder. Instead, he's forced to go incognito to hunt for justice. His quest leads him to the land of Hara Dale and to the enigmatic Lady of the Dale. Liadan d'Hara, rumored to have unnatural powers linking her to Caerwyn's enemy, may hold the answers he seeks. The closer he gets to Lia, however, the harder it is to believe she's in league with a monster. And the harder it is to keep pretending to be someone he's not.
Lia only wants peace, but her sister's untimely death has forced her into the role of the Lady. A responsibility she is wholly unprepared for. It also left her to deal with an ill-considered betrothal that could plunge the region into war. Fighting to protect her people, the last things Lia needs is a charming stranger digging up secrets better left buried. Even if it seems like he's the only one she can talk to when the weight of her world gets too heavy.
When the power of a stone circle leaves them bound together by a magical connection, Lia and Caewyn struggle to keep their secrets hidden from one another. But darkness is closing in and threatening everything they both love. If they don't learn to trust one another and fight together, the world itself may fall to a sorcerous tyrant.
First in a new fantasy romance series.
The nature of his magic, and Council mandate, prevent Caerwyn, Lord of Alwyn, from unleashing his Vengeance on the sorcerer responsible for his parents' murder. Instead, he's forced to go incognito to hunt for justice. His quest leads him to the land of Hara Dale and to the enigmatic Lady of the Dale. Liadan d'Hara, rumored to have unnatural powers linking her to Caerwyn's enemy, may hold the answers he seeks. The closer he gets to Lia, however, the harder it is to believe she's in league with a monster. And the harder it is to keep pretending to be someone he's not.
Lia only wants peace, but her sister's untimely death has forced her into the role of the Lady. A responsibility she is wholly unprepared for. It also left her to deal with an ill-considered betrothal that could plunge the region into war. Fighting to protect her people, the last things Lia needs is a charming stranger digging up secrets better left buried. Even if it seems like he's the only one she can talk to when the weight of her world gets too heavy.
When the power of a stone circle leaves them bound together by a magical connection, Lia and Caewyn struggle to keep their secrets hidden from one another. But darkness is closing in and threatening everything they both love. If they don't learn to trust one another and fight together, the world itself may fall to a sorcerous tyrant.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2016
95 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Amberlyn Holland
31 books64 followersAmberlyn grew up reading her older sister’s SFF collection and her mother’s category romances so it’s only natural her storytelling leans toward fantasy and paranormal romance.
She currently lives in Northern New York where her writing schedule, and life, revolve around the whims of her dog. When not catering to a demanding terrier or getting lost in books, she enjoys crafting, watching football and hockey, and hanging out with her husband.
If you want to keep up to date on new releases and special events, sign up for her newsletter.
She currently lives in Northern New York where her writing schedule, and life, revolve around the whims of her dog. When not catering to a demanding terrier or getting lost in books, she enjoys crafting, watching football and hockey, and hanging out with her husband.
If you want to keep up to date on new releases and special events, sign up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 7, 2020
2.5 stars.
This was an incredibly frustrating read. On one hand, there were a lot of interesting ideas (the Attributes; Caerwyn as Lord Vengeance who passes judgment on the guilty; the hound shifters), but the plot was all over the place and half the time I just couldn't get a sense of the politics or what was really going on. Names, places, kingdoms were tossed in to no effect, and the sense of "danger" and the pile of secrets seemed so melodramatic. Also not very convinced with the romance, which imo was poorly developed.
I enjoyed the Dragon Ever After series and was looking forward to reading more by the author, but honestly I'm on the fence about continuing this series.
This was an incredibly frustrating read. On one hand, there were a lot of interesting ideas (the Attributes; Caerwyn as Lord Vengeance who passes judgment on the guilty; the hound shifters), but the plot was all over the place and half the time I just couldn't get a sense of the politics or what was really going on. Names, places, kingdoms were tossed in to no effect, and the sense of "danger" and the pile of secrets seemed so melodramatic. Also not very convinced with the romance, which imo was poorly developed.
I enjoyed the Dragon Ever After series and was looking forward to reading more by the author, but honestly I'm on the fence about continuing this series.
February 1, 2019
Great characters and great story line. Exciting and keeps your attention . The Angel of Vengeance was my favorite character
August 2, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ Just a little too fast-paced for me but I still enjoyed it!! I think as a longer novel it would have been great
December 9, 2020
This book begins a series set in a well-realized fantasy universe that is reminiscent of ancient Eire. Each storyline follows a 'power couple' brought together by the Goddess to counter forces of evil let loose by blood magick. Holland has imbued each meeting tale with gripping adventure and relatable personalities who have successfully blended their special abilities with a matrix of loving humanity and greater service to their world.
Those who prefer a veil of sacred euphemism to remain between them and the physical aspects of romance will be pleased by this series, which makes it safe for young adults. Descriptions never stray beyond kissing and cuddling, even in this first installment, where a fertility rite is crucial to the plot.
Caerwyn of the Isles is of the Milesan race, who are each born to embody a godlike power of their universe, which overshadows their human personality when invoked properly. His is the spirit of Vengance, and has kept him roaming the lands of this world to redress the killing of his parents in defense of an ancestral Cauldron of power. He is aided in this by his foster brothers the Hounds, with shape-shifting abilities of the Thousand Tribes race but also Milesan ones, granted by the healing Cauldron. They have been summoned by Daen, prince of Galwei, because he suspects he has been bewitched. The culprit? His betrothed, Lady Liadan of Hara Dale.
Liadan herself knows that this betrothal is all sorts of wrong. The match would badly upset the balance between her tiny principality and its neighbors; besides, she was not supposed to be the true heir, but rather her sister, and eventually, her three year old niece. Now Gui, her sister's husband, is attempting to manipulate her the way her sister once allowed herself to be used. Ancestral secrets of the land are in grave danger. What does the stranger who calls himself 'Wyn' have against her family? Is he friend or foe?
What he and the Hounds uncover will not only seal the fate of Hara Dale but all of the human kingdoms.
This book stands alone quite well, but you will be wanting more happy endings for our other heroes.
Those who prefer a veil of sacred euphemism to remain between them and the physical aspects of romance will be pleased by this series, which makes it safe for young adults. Descriptions never stray beyond kissing and cuddling, even in this first installment, where a fertility rite is crucial to the plot.
Caerwyn of the Isles is of the Milesan race, who are each born to embody a godlike power of their universe, which overshadows their human personality when invoked properly. His is the spirit of Vengance, and has kept him roaming the lands of this world to redress the killing of his parents in defense of an ancestral Cauldron of power. He is aided in this by his foster brothers the Hounds, with shape-shifting abilities of the Thousand Tribes race but also Milesan ones, granted by the healing Cauldron. They have been summoned by Daen, prince of Galwei, because he suspects he has been bewitched. The culprit? His betrothed, Lady Liadan of Hara Dale.
Liadan herself knows that this betrothal is all sorts of wrong. The match would badly upset the balance between her tiny principality and its neighbors; besides, she was not supposed to be the true heir, but rather her sister, and eventually, her three year old niece. Now Gui, her sister's husband, is attempting to manipulate her the way her sister once allowed herself to be used. Ancestral secrets of the land are in grave danger. What does the stranger who calls himself 'Wyn' have against her family? Is he friend or foe?
What he and the Hounds uncover will not only seal the fate of Hara Dale but all of the human kingdoms.
This book stands alone quite well, but you will be wanting more happy endings for our other heroes.
September 6, 2020
🛡️🛡️ONE PLEASURABLE DELIGHT🛡️🛡️
Intense! Amberlyn delivers all the heat, magic, chaos and mayhem, rocking this bad boy to its own beat, bouncing this baby right on home, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. A churning tempest of baffling events and vexing mishaps, drawing you closer to the arduous trials and daunting tribulations, observing the dramatic twists and dubious turns, thrusting this jewel to life flawlessly. Boundaries are strengthened and stretched, unveiling the fervent facts, daring deals and electrifying escapades, launching this baby into the eye of the storm, blasting it into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Amberlyn, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Intense! Amberlyn delivers all the heat, magic, chaos and mayhem, rocking this bad boy to its own beat, bouncing this baby right on home, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, wrapping this jewel up sleek, shiny and tight. A churning tempest of baffling events and vexing mishaps, drawing you closer to the arduous trials and daunting tribulations, observing the dramatic twists and dubious turns, thrusting this jewel to life flawlessly. Boundaries are strengthened and stretched, unveiling the fervent facts, daring deals and electrifying escapades, launching this baby into the eye of the storm, blasting it into a tailspin with an astonishing culmination. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuine charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Amberlyn, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
September 14, 2023
I love all of Amberlyn Holland’s books, but I would definitely give this one a 14A or 18A rating and caution unsuspecting readers to be careful. I would not call it graphic or crude, but for me personally it walked the line of too much.
The entire plot of the book is based on a mysterious bond formed between lovers under the light of the full moon, so the story does not shy away from the topic of sex nor does it model values that I personally agree with on the topic of sex; that said, I still enjoyed the characters and the story and am interested in reading the next book in the series as long as it doesn’t push the limit of what I consider appropriate any farther. This series is definitely targeted at a more mature audience than most of what I’ve read by Amberlyn Holland, but if you are not phased by that type of content then you will probably enjoy this series just as much as her others. It is a bit of a different flavour of fantasy, which I really enjoyed, having more of a Celtic folklore vibe than I am used to seeing in genre.
The entire plot of the book is based on a mysterious bond formed between lovers under the light of the full moon, so the story does not shy away from the topic of sex nor does it model values that I personally agree with on the topic of sex; that said, I still enjoyed the characters and the story and am interested in reading the next book in the series as long as it doesn’t push the limit of what I consider appropriate any farther. This series is definitely targeted at a more mature audience than most of what I’ve read by Amberlyn Holland, but if you are not phased by that type of content then you will probably enjoy this series just as much as her others. It is a bit of a different flavour of fantasy, which I really enjoyed, having more of a Celtic folklore vibe than I am used to seeing in genre.
February 9, 2020
I truly enjoyed Amberlyn Holland’s Dragon Ever After books (separately reviewed), so it’s no surprise that I glommed on to By Vengeance Guided, the first book in her The Lost Shrines series. It was so good that I found myself addictively turning to By Destiny Bound (Book 2) almost immediately after finishing Book 1. It’s 6am and my husband, who just woke up, is looking at me like I’m a crazy person as he realizes I’ve been reading through the night (and then some). I don’t care though as it was worth it. Whether it’s Lia and Caer (Book 1) or Maddyn and Yve (Book 2) taking the lead, these stories with their romance, magic, shifters, thrills and adventure (and superbly determined heroines, of course) are a total pleasure ride. One that I’m happy to highly recommend.
May 15, 2020
This is the second series I have read by Amberlyn Holland, the first being Dragon Ever After which I adored. It may be because I am in such a dragon mood currently, but I struggled to get into this one, at first. Once I did though, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The play between Caerwyn and Liadan is well written. It sets up the premise for the rest of the series really well. Interested to see how it works out.
August 16, 2017
A different kind of science fiction story but good p!of and action.
I found the new type of shifter quite interesting. Not a free shifting but needs magic words to invoke his other being called Vengeance who can interpret the facts and define truth. Then he
Magical brings justice to the evildoers.
I found the new type of shifter quite interesting. Not a free shifting but needs magic words to invoke his other being called Vengeance who can interpret the facts and define truth. Then he
Magical brings justice to the evildoers.
January 24, 2019
Vengeance is it more important than Love
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are enthralling. A man who shifts into a Angel of Vengeace. A woman who had to take over a valley that's strange. What do they have in common?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are enthralling. A man who shifts into a Angel of Vengeace. A woman who had to take over a valley that's strange. What do they have in common?
May 4, 2020
A rather tense story. Gui is a rather obvious villain. I was unable to read it front to back but I did eventually read it all. It's just a difficulty that I experience with tension. Overall, it is enjoyable.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.
Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.
May 4, 2020
Wonderful read!
Intense, I fully enjoyed! Highly recommended! Won't disappoint! Like a Roller coaster ride you do not want to end! I look forward to the next in line!! ( Amberlyn Holland, Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!)
Intense, I fully enjoyed! Highly recommended! Won't disappoint! Like a Roller coaster ride you do not want to end! I look forward to the next in line!! ( Amberlyn Holland, Thank you for sharing this wonderful story!)
August 22, 2018
Great story! Exciting and so enjoyable!
Great characters and great story line! Exciting and keeps your attention routing for love and ever afters for the chatacters!
Great characters and great story line! Exciting and keeps your attention routing for love and ever afters for the chatacters!
May 6, 2025
cute, fast paced, closed door adorable romance read.
June 9, 2025
An interesting read
I'm intrigued. There is much in this story I want to know and I have every expectation much will be revealed in the coming series. I enjoyed this read.
I'm intrigued. There is much in this story I want to know and I have every expectation much will be revealed in the coming series. I enjoyed this read.
November 14, 2025
A Wonderful Read
If you love romance & fantasy, this book is for you. I loved the way each character is fully fleshed out. Definitely, an excellent read.
If you love romance & fantasy, this book is for you. I loved the way each character is fully fleshed out. Definitely, an excellent read.
May 5, 2020
A good start...
Enjoyable fantasy romance. I will buy the next in the series. Three and a half stars. Mildly explicit. I recommend it
Enjoyable fantasy romance. I will buy the next in the series. Three and a half stars. Mildly explicit. I recommend it
December 30, 2025
DNF at 22%. I wanted to like it but I just struggled to enjoy any of the characters and found it very slow. I might give it another shot in the future but it's just too slow for me right now.
August 10, 2021
You know, a fantasy story with an interesting magic system and with themes of revenge, intrigue, plotting and romance should be exactly my jam, right? Except for whatever reason, this book managed to make it as boring as it possibly could be. I even had trouble understanding what was going on because this story zigzags between info dumping and putting in as very little details as possible as if to not bog the story down, ironically, until I stopped questioning my intelligence and realized I just didn't really care about anything. I didn't care about the characters, the plot twists were very melodramatic for the sake of shock (again, I didn't care), and I didn't even care about the romance, which was very rushed, when what it tries to be is usually the kind of thing I'm into. So, looks like I'll be removing the rest of the series from my TBR for this month, unfortunately.
**SPOILERS AHEAD** Can I also just say, the near resolution Caerwyn gets for his 7-year mission was just... very rushed and not earned at all? Which in all honesty made me feel dumb for not DNFing this book. Urgh.
**SPOILERS AHEAD** Can I also just say, the near resolution Caerwyn gets for his 7-year mission was just... very rushed and not earned at all? Which in all honesty made me feel dumb for not DNFing this book. Urgh.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews