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Timur's Escape
In the height of Sultan Mustafa’s reign, a war between Ubir factions has begun leaving the fate of the Ottoman Empire in the hands of one vampire.
Abandoned as a child, Timur never knew his parents or a life outside of the Janissary Corp. The only thing he’s ever known is that he belongs to the Ubir underworld, a group of vampires led by the valide sultan, Queen Naz.
Despising himself for everything this life has made him do, Timur’s world changes one fateful day when he finds a cure. His bloodlust vanishes in her mere presence, his heart yearning to be near her.
Will their love conquer all? Or will he lose himself to the darkness?
Abandoned as a child, Timur never knew his parents or a life outside of the Janissary Corp. The only thing he’s ever known is that he belongs to the Ubir underworld, a group of vampires led by the valide sultan, Queen Naz.
Despising himself for everything this life has made him do, Timur’s world changes one fateful day when he finds a cure. His bloodlust vanishes in her mere presence, his heart yearning to be near her.
Will their love conquer all? Or will he lose himself to the darkness?
- GenresRomance
220 pages, Paperback
Published February 22, 2019
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Tabi Slick
13 books111 followersTABI SLICK (Also known as Tabitha Slick) is a captivating fantasy author, delving into Paranormal Romance, Dark Fantasy, Mysteries, and the enchanting fae world. Her imaginative storytelling weaves intricate tales with beautifully crafted characters that captivate from page one. Discover her mesmerizing Transitioned Universe and the Fae Romance Realm, where she continues to expand into the world of fantasy Romance.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 2, 2019
I would be the first one to admit that history and I are not friends. This book was written at the backdrop of the Ottoman Empire between 14th and 20th century. But it was not a historical fiction. It is purely a paranormal love story with action, politics, and drama.
The story started with Queen Naz a vampire with mind blowing powers, she literally could blow the mind with her ability to control it. She kept the present sultan under a tight leash. Cut to the present day, Timur, a vampire, an Ubir in her army, abhorred the blood lust. He hated killing humans or drinking off them. He was one the few who could turn a human, his canines were poisonous. He lived a quiet self-loathing life. Then entered Emel, the woman in whose presence his blood lust abated. And this was their love story amidst politics and murders.
Tabi Slick is a great writer, I enjoyed her romantic sections. Both Timur and Emel complemented each other, the romantic vibes between them had me melting. The author's writing was authentic and clear. I loved the drama which happened behind the curtains where people changed sides. There were a couple of unexpected twists, to my sheer delight.
The few niggles I had were the story sometimes moved slow, and the latter half had too many characters, I got a bit confused and had to re-read to understand it all.
Queen Naz was awesome she caught my eye, she had a few tricks up her sleeve even when she appeared defeated. Book 2 would probably have her ramping up. Emel was sweet and accepting, she knew quite a bit about Timur's secret.
I would love to meet a guy like Timur with his power and protectiveness, preferably not a vampire. Overall a great 2 hour read with a romance which made me smile.
The story started with Queen Naz a vampire with mind blowing powers, she literally could blow the mind with her ability to control it. She kept the present sultan under a tight leash. Cut to the present day, Timur, a vampire, an Ubir in her army, abhorred the blood lust. He hated killing humans or drinking off them. He was one the few who could turn a human, his canines were poisonous. He lived a quiet self-loathing life. Then entered Emel, the woman in whose presence his blood lust abated. And this was their love story amidst politics and murders.
Tabi Slick is a great writer, I enjoyed her romantic sections. Both Timur and Emel complemented each other, the romantic vibes between them had me melting. The author's writing was authentic and clear. I loved the drama which happened behind the curtains where people changed sides. There were a couple of unexpected twists, to my sheer delight.
The few niggles I had were the story sometimes moved slow, and the latter half had too many characters, I got a bit confused and had to re-read to understand it all.
Queen Naz was awesome she caught my eye, she had a few tricks up her sleeve even when she appeared defeated. Book 2 would probably have her ramping up. Emel was sweet and accepting, she knew quite a bit about Timur's secret.
I would love to meet a guy like Timur with his power and protectiveness, preferably not a vampire. Overall a great 2 hour read with a romance which made me smile.
February 22, 2019
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now that the business out of the way. Wow! I loved this story. It had political intrigue, betrayal, murder and I love that couldn't be denied. The author painted such a vivid picture of the Ottoman Empire that you could see the rich tapestry, the architecture (the mosque Timur used as a quiet place). The characters truly came to life. Timur's self-loathing. Emel's hurt at a sister's betrayal. I love the electricity between the two when they shared their first encounter and then their first kiss. The discovery that Emel knew of Timur's true nature was handled so matter of factly that he didn't know what to expect. This was a well-organized story with developed characters and a plot twist at the end that threw me for a loop. I appreciated the historical note provided by the author. It helped put into context why this era as chosen for her story. It was also a good reminder of how cutthroat the political world was (and still is on some level)including the mothers of sons. Sons were vital to the success of an empire.
The author did her homework to ensure that although this was a fictional story, it still held accurate and true to its time frame. How will the fact that both sister's share the same gift playout as this story develops? What will happen to the current Sultan? the current regime? Emel's family? Book 2 where are you?
Now that the business out of the way. Wow! I loved this story. It had political intrigue, betrayal, murder and I love that couldn't be denied. The author painted such a vivid picture of the Ottoman Empire that you could see the rich tapestry, the architecture (the mosque Timur used as a quiet place). The characters truly came to life. Timur's self-loathing. Emel's hurt at a sister's betrayal. I love the electricity between the two when they shared their first encounter and then their first kiss. The discovery that Emel knew of Timur's true nature was handled so matter of factly that he didn't know what to expect. This was a well-organized story with developed characters and a plot twist at the end that threw me for a loop. I appreciated the historical note provided by the author. It helped put into context why this era as chosen for her story. It was also a good reminder of how cutthroat the political world was (and still is on some level)including the mothers of sons. Sons were vital to the success of an empire.
The author did her homework to ensure that although this was a fictional story, it still held accurate and true to its time frame. How will the fact that both sister's share the same gift playout as this story develops? What will happen to the current Sultan? the current regime? Emel's family? Book 2 where are you?
March 3, 2019
Timur’s Escape is a revelation to a part of history seldom visited. Ottoman Empire (between the 14th and early 20th centuries) is an important part of the world today in culture and politics. Don’t dismiss this work as a history textbook. It’s a story entertaining to a large audience. The author invites the reader to move beyond facts and figures to immerse in a bygone lifestyle and intense emotions. The novel is a seamless blend of history, culture, romance, intrigue, and paranormal adventure.
Readers have the opportunity to inhabit the mind of a vampire including desires, instinct, and a touch of humanity in the form of bloodlust restraint. Intense research brings awareness to family life and ancient traditions interwoven with complex layers of government dynamics. Through all the pages you will root for love to win.
I believe the end of the book is not the end of the story. There is still a wealth of historic events and exciting relationships to explore through the talented pen of Ms. Slick.
Readers have the opportunity to inhabit the mind of a vampire including desires, instinct, and a touch of humanity in the form of bloodlust restraint. Intense research brings awareness to family life and ancient traditions interwoven with complex layers of government dynamics. Through all the pages you will root for love to win.
I believe the end of the book is not the end of the story. There is still a wealth of historic events and exciting relationships to explore through the talented pen of Ms. Slick.
October 23, 2019
What's not to like in this story? History, vampires, love, mystery, all combine to make this an excellent book. It's a fast read that leaves you ”hungering” for more.
The settings are lush and complete, and the characters fully-defined. You can feel the evil and ache for the victims.
I am amazed at the depth of feeling the author manages to reach in just a few pages. She is truly a master of words.
Lovers of paranormal romance and mystery will be ”compelled” to keep turning the pages.
In all seriousness, this is a great book and I can definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this genre.
I need a sequel!
The settings are lush and complete, and the characters fully-defined. You can feel the evil and ache for the victims.
I am amazed at the depth of feeling the author manages to reach in just a few pages. She is truly a master of words.
Lovers of paranormal romance and mystery will be ”compelled” to keep turning the pages.
In all seriousness, this is a great book and I can definitely recommend it to anyone who likes this genre.
I need a sequel!
August 5, 2019
It has been a while since I have read a book with vampires in it, and to be honest I was a little apprehensive about picking one up again. I'm so glad I did though! Timur's Escape is a fun quick read that anyone who loves an endearing love story can appreciate.
What drew me into this story was the characters. The plot was fairly basic, but the characters were well rounded. Slick changes between Timur and Emel, the two main characters, letting the reader see the world through both of their eyes. I really enjoyed this as it was also a way for Slick to show her readers life as a woman during this time period and life as a man. Both are caught up in their outer worlds as much as they are with each other.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction and paranormal romance stories than Timur's Escape should be on your list.
What drew me into this story was the characters. The plot was fairly basic, but the characters were well rounded. Slick changes between Timur and Emel, the two main characters, letting the reader see the world through both of their eyes. I really enjoyed this as it was also a way for Slick to show her readers life as a woman during this time period and life as a man. Both are caught up in their outer worlds as much as they are with each other.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction and paranormal romance stories than Timur's Escape should be on your list.
March 31, 2019
In the Ottoman Empire, the vampire Queen rules with absolute control. The human Sultan is under her constant compulsion and she has turned all of the officials into Ubir. But are all of the Ubir happy with this? There may be a plan afoot to depose the Queen… Timur is an orphan Ubir, with no recollection of being human. He fears himself, his Ubir curse, and attempts to get by with as little blood as he can to survive. Emel is a mischievous human girl of marrying age, set to marry the son of a detestable woman. However, Emel and Timur alike are drawn to each other, ever since their chance encounter that day in the streets. Can they stay apart? Can Timur afford to remain away from her and her blessing of relieving hunger?
This book made my heart swoon! I’m a sucker for good romance, and I think this qualifies (granted, I don’t read much romance, so maybe I’m a novice in this aspect!). Ah! There’s a Romeo and Juliet forbidden-ness that I absolutely adore, a physical need to be together, and then the hesitation of Timur to place Emel in harm’s way! Everything that I want, all the good, juicy romance, is here. I also have to admit, I absolutely love the way that Emel always describes Timur’s “sorrel eyes.” There’s just something about that phrase that gets me.
What made this book extra enjoyable were the multiple POVs. We have Timur and Emel, enhancing their love story by allowing us readers to glimpse both sides and their hesitations and yearnings. We also have Timur’s friend Adel and various officials, giving further depth to the both the underlying mysterious plot arc and the setting as a whole. Along with these multiple POVs were the various descriptions that went along with each different character. Everyone saw the world differently, as would be expected. As such, we readers are given amazingly detailed descriptions of places and people alike.
I also enjoyed how Tabi Slick incorporated the historical aspect into her story. Not only did she include historically correct locations and customs, but also used correct terminology and even mythology! I have only a passing knowledge of the Ottoman Empire, or really any empire in that era, but I now feel as if I know their ways of life. The customs, the language, the folklore… I feel so much more connected to those long lost people, and it has inspired within me a wanting to learn more! Perhaps I will now do some factual research over the Ottoman Empire and its peoples. I definitely recommend glancing at the gloassary at the end of the book whenever you get tripped up with the unfamiliar language and customs! Slick was so gracious to give us a little cheat sheet!
One reason I did not give this novel 5 stars was because of the occasional grammatical mistakes. Being an English-Teacher-in-training, these annoy me to no end! I was so enthralled with the story and its characters that I was abruptly kicked out whenever I came across one of these errors. However, this is one of my pet peeves, and they are few and far between, so perhaps other readers will not be bothered by such!
Another reason is that I wanted more. I love the fate trope in romance, but I wanted more of a build-up. It seemed a little too easy and quick, and even though I was wholeheartedly rooting for Emel and Timur, I think a slower build-up and more characterization between the two would have been even better. This was definitely a very quick read–I read it in about 2 hours nonstop–and I would have preferred having a few additional chapters and taking slightly longer to read in order to build their relationship.
This book made my heart swoon! I’m a sucker for good romance, and I think this qualifies (granted, I don’t read much romance, so maybe I’m a novice in this aspect!). Ah! There’s a Romeo and Juliet forbidden-ness that I absolutely adore, a physical need to be together, and then the hesitation of Timur to place Emel in harm’s way! Everything that I want, all the good, juicy romance, is here. I also have to admit, I absolutely love the way that Emel always describes Timur’s “sorrel eyes.” There’s just something about that phrase that gets me.
What made this book extra enjoyable were the multiple POVs. We have Timur and Emel, enhancing their love story by allowing us readers to glimpse both sides and their hesitations and yearnings. We also have Timur’s friend Adel and various officials, giving further depth to the both the underlying mysterious plot arc and the setting as a whole. Along with these multiple POVs were the various descriptions that went along with each different character. Everyone saw the world differently, as would be expected. As such, we readers are given amazingly detailed descriptions of places and people alike.
I also enjoyed how Tabi Slick incorporated the historical aspect into her story. Not only did she include historically correct locations and customs, but also used correct terminology and even mythology! I have only a passing knowledge of the Ottoman Empire, or really any empire in that era, but I now feel as if I know their ways of life. The customs, the language, the folklore… I feel so much more connected to those long lost people, and it has inspired within me a wanting to learn more! Perhaps I will now do some factual research over the Ottoman Empire and its peoples. I definitely recommend glancing at the gloassary at the end of the book whenever you get tripped up with the unfamiliar language and customs! Slick was so gracious to give us a little cheat sheet!
One reason I did not give this novel 5 stars was because of the occasional grammatical mistakes. Being an English-Teacher-in-training, these annoy me to no end! I was so enthralled with the story and its characters that I was abruptly kicked out whenever I came across one of these errors. However, this is one of my pet peeves, and they are few and far between, so perhaps other readers will not be bothered by such!
Another reason is that I wanted more. I love the fate trope in romance, but I wanted more of a build-up. It seemed a little too easy and quick, and even though I was wholeheartedly rooting for Emel and Timur, I think a slower build-up and more characterization between the two would have been even better. This was definitely a very quick read–I read it in about 2 hours nonstop–and I would have preferred having a few additional chapters and taking slightly longer to read in order to build their relationship.
July 8, 2019
I've always had an interest in history, but I'll admit that I don't know very much about the Ottoman Empire. So it was a lot of fun to explore this world, even in a fictional setting! Overall, I enjoyed this book. The concept and world were really intriguing.
I had a bit of a hard time with the characters. It was difficult for me to really connect with them. I didn't dislike them, in fact there were a lot of things I liked about each of them. There just wasn't anything that really drew me to them. Admittedly, I often have a harder time with romance-heavy books, so that might have had something to do with my struggles.
Like I said before, however, the world Slick created was so well done! I loved how seamlessly she combined the history and fiction. It made the world feel so real. I feel like I could step right into this world and know exactly what to expect.
If you're a fan of historical fantasies and paranormal books, I would definitely recommend giving this a read. I'm interested to see where Slick takes the story next!
I had a bit of a hard time with the characters. It was difficult for me to really connect with them. I didn't dislike them, in fact there were a lot of things I liked about each of them. There just wasn't anything that really drew me to them. Admittedly, I often have a harder time with romance-heavy books, so that might have had something to do with my struggles.
Like I said before, however, the world Slick created was so well done! I loved how seamlessly she combined the history and fiction. It made the world feel so real. I feel like I could step right into this world and know exactly what to expect.
If you're a fan of historical fantasies and paranormal books, I would definitely recommend giving this a read. I'm interested to see where Slick takes the story next!
February 25, 2020
Timur’s Escape is an exceptional vampire-themed young adult novel/historical fiction; the originality of the Ottoman Empire setting makes it a standout. It’s refreshing to have the determined, autonomous female characters of Emel and Queen Naz in this genre. I am particularly fascinated by Queen Naz and her complicated relationships with Bayar and Timur. I agree with the author that this novel is “inspired by a respectful marriage between history and folklore, of culture and passion, and a tale filled with love.” I wanted to see more nuanced character development in Funda and the chief judge’s wife, but that’s because I like fiction to enable me to relate in varying degrees to every character. I appreciate the glossary for those unfamiliar with the Ottoman Empire (like me) but it would help to mention the glossary in the Historical Note section. I am eager for a sequel so that I can experience the continued intrigue and vibrance of Ottoman Empire.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews