Sven the Collector

Dokiri Brides #0.5

by Denali Day

If they don’t kill each other, the forest will.

Willful and daring, Lady Colette dreams of finding true love with a man who can handle her wild nature without dominating her. Those dreams come crashing down when her doting father decides it’s high time she settle down and marry a weakling lord who could never inspire her passion. While enjoying her final hunt as a free woman, Colette throws caution to the wind and chases her quarry into the dark and forbidding forest known only as “The Twist”.

Wyvern-rider, Sven, has one thing on his mind: capture the beautiful huntress he’s been watching and get her back to his mountain home. Then he can resume his bid to become his clan’s next chieftain. Just as he gets his opportunity, a dagger across his chest alerts him that his would-be-bride possesses far more spirit than he bargained for, but not more than he’s willing to take on.

Stranded together in one of the most dangerous places in the world, a lady and a barbarian find themselves at the mercy of each other as much as the labyrinthian terrain they must escape. Tension grows thick even as time runs short, for something malevolent lurks in the shadows.

Author’s Note: This is not a shifter romance. The Dokiri men are savage enough in their manly forms. That being said, this book features subdued sexual content. Enjoy the heat but don’t expect to get singed.

Trigger warning: This novel plays on the trope of abduction. While Dokiri men won’t let anything keep them from the woman they love, even that woman herself, all sexual acts in this book are consensual.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy Romance, Novella, Dragons, Paranormal

102 pages, ebook

First published November 28, 2019

About the author

When Denali Day was trying to figure out “what to be when she grew up” she noticed all her written stories featured a scene where the beautiful heroine patched up the wounds of a gallant hero. So she decided to become a nurse. Twelve years and two degrees later, she realized all she ever really wanted was to be a writer.

Now she lives in the midwest with her adoring husband, a real life gallant hero, and their two wicked goblins (children). When she isn’t writing she’s reading and when she’s not doing either of those things she’s probably plundering the fridge for something she can smother in whipped cream.

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Read Denali's books and series:

Dokiri Brides Series (Fantasy Romance)
- Sven the Collector (#0.5)
- Hollen the Soulless (#1)
- Erik the Tempered (#2)
-Ivan the Bold (#3)
-Magnus the Vast (#4)
-Sigvard the Nameless (#5)

Reviews

[astarion's bhaal babe (wingspan matters)]

"My name is Sven the Collector."
"Collector of what? Women mending their own business?"
He grinned, flashing straight white teeth.
"Among other things."

Okay, friends, here's the thing.


Imagine being gifted a bag of cookies.
Imagine knowing nothing about these cookies except that they look and smell extremely delicious.
Imagine taking a first bite and finding out it doesn't only look and smell delicious, it also tastes good.
Imagine that this first bite tastes good enough that you end up taking another one. And another one and another one and another one.
Imagine realizing halfway through the bag that good is probably putting it mildly and that you're now addicted to the cookies.
Imagine not being able to stop even though you probably should save some for later, until you're inevitably left with crumbs and craving for more.
You're still with me?
Okay, last effort. Now rewind and imagine the very same thing but the cookies aren't cookies, this time.
They're chapters of this novella.


I'm currently on a sugar high induced by this precious gem.
Holy moly, what a great read!


One of the best things about the Dokiri Brides series, is that these books don't beat around the bush, they're perfect if you love your romance with a tad of paranormal, and promptly deliver what they promise without shame.
If you're like me, you sometimes need to read something that goes straight to the point,
(Point being fanfiction-esque relationship developments and beautiful, witty main characters, in this case.)but when this happens, I never seem to find the perfect book for the occasion. Even romance books often have way too much plot and it's not like I can always skim entire scenes and chapters because I only want to read about the smooching.
I mean, I could, but...Nevermind. What I'm trying to say is that one of the best things about the Dokiri Brides series is actually the way it serves this purpose and it's also the reason why - while I thoroughly enjoyed Hollen the Soulless and its plot - the simplicity of Sven the Collector sent me the moon and refused to bring me back.
Oh, and did I mention the Dokiri men are totally my type?
The moment the writer writes about one of them cutting their hair in the book I'm selling my soul to her.


Sorry about that. I apparently get pretty enthusiastic when I fall in love with fictional characters.

Back to the book, now.

You're in the mood for something not too pretentious and complex? You're feeling like you could do with a story that mainly focuses on two sarcastic idiots that you already know will eventually fall in love? You're looking for an easy, sexy, funny, intriguing read with a dark, supernatural touch? Sven's your guy. And what a guy he is.


If you, like me, are also a sucker for female leads who take no shit from anyone and are good with weapons, you have Colette.

Colette is an absolute boss. I love how fierce and brave she is, but I also liked how she was quick to back down when she made a mistake and ready to turn off her judgment and pride when it came between her and her feelings for Sven.
Speaking of Sven. Charming little shit just climbed his way to the top of my favorite Dokiri chart.
Sorry Hollen, daddy's beat you.

Uh. I swear that sounded better in my head.

... Anywayz,
He and Colette take turns in being the badass of the situation and have so much chemistry, and even though they pretty much had something going on right from the start and their banter was basically just foreplays, I enjoyed that, squinting a little, you could categorize this as a enemies-to-lovers trope.
I'll never not smirk like a little girl at their banter and the adorable way Colette tries to deny her attraction.
I feel you, sis, but keep it in your pants.

The barbarian surprised her with an impish grin across his bearded face. "Stripped me down, did you?"
"I've seen more of you than I would have liked, yes."
That was a lie. Colette had seen precisely as much as she wanted, which was to say she'd seen all of him, brazenly following the path of his scars across his arms and legs as well as shamelessly satisfying years of maidenly curiosity. She couldn't have asked for a finer study.
No regrets.

We all know romance is basically the main focus of the story, but Denali Day isn't only a pro at writing about hunt savages and snarky binches having the hots for each other, she knows her way around a creepy scene or two.
Brujit. Remember this word.
And avoid it while you can.
Seriously, I was pleasantly terrified and not at all disappointed.



Said this, I just wanted to point something out.
If you're reading this series, you've also read the tags and blurb that come with every book.
You've acknowledged that every book gives you an insight into some of the Dokiri's traditions and beliefs, contains elements that some readers might consider 'problematic' and that the main Steal-Yourself-A-Bride plot would somehow make you question the rules of consent if it happened in real life.
I probably wouldn't be too thrilled if I was out grocery shopping in my stained sweatpants and I was suddenly kidnapped by a dragon-riding hot bearded savage who claims he's been keeping an eye on me for a while and now he's here to take me and my horrible clothes to his village to make me his bride.
Let me change into something prettier, first. Or at least let me put the frozen peas in the refrigerator before you take me anywhere.
Jokes aside, my point is:
There's a moment and a place for everything, and a book is one of those rare moments and places where rules of reality don't always have to apply.
It's fiction. It's entertaining. And sometimes, that's all you need to know.

I just wanted to make sure you're won't chastised this and its final ratings because you got into it thinking it's a plot-driven, perfect fairytale with a life-changing hidden message between the lines.
It's really not.

It's pure indulgent entertainment.



And it's actually better.
😎




(OH! And can we talk about that Baby Hollen cameo??? My heartttt❤️)


ACTUAL RATINGS 4,5/5

[Katherine]

Needed some romance in my lineup and this delivered. 💗 The amazing banter between Sven and Colette is 😚!

4 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog]

<3 4 stars <3

It was great, interesting story! It was fast paced and I loved the banter between the characters!It has action and I loved the premise of this one.Even though it's a novella the characters were well developed!



The heroine was fantastic, she was sassy,strong and fierce.Sven was sexy and smart.Together were great.There was tension between them and intensity!

I can't wait to read more from this author!


 

  

[Stacie]

5 "The Death of Me" Stars!

So, so, so good! Fantastic prequel to what is sure to be a fantastic series. Full of action and perilous adventure, with just a bare hint of heat, I thoroughly enjoyed Sven's and Colette's meeting and claiming. I already read Hollen the Soulless and I cannot wait for more. Bring on the battle of wills that the Dokiri Brides series is sure to be! Happy reading!

Find this story here for free! https://storyoriginapp.com/giveaways/...

[Laura]

What would you do if a rugged but incontestably handsome rascal were to suddenly throw you over a shoulder and tell you he wants you for his bride so he's carrying you to his cave?
I personally would tell him to: 'Buzz off Buster!' then try to taekwondo the shite out of him. Regardless of how deliciously hot all those muscles of his are and how undeniably sexy the guy is.

But whatever I'd try to dish him is a piece of cake compared to what Lady Colette did in this particular predicament.
Wilful and daring and utterly unhappy about her father's decision to marry her to a weakling lord who could never inspire her passion, she threw caution to the wind on her last hunt as a free woman and chased her quarry into the dark and forbidding forest known only as “The Twist”.
The perfect opportunity for Wyvern-rider Sven The Collector to grab her. He'd been watching the beautiful huntress for a while and wanted to claim her as his wife. It was his right after all, according to the Dokiri tradition.

The knucklehead should have though about it, that a fierce huntress like Colette won't be such an easy prey. But he's a big strong warrior right?! So what's a little lady gonna do!?
Pretty much as it turns out, as the poor guy will soon find out.

The little hell-cat manages to not only knife him and poison him, but also threatens to maim him, breaks his nose and even kicks him in the balls among other fun stuff.
I almost felt sorry for the rascal but then he had it coming. And I couldn't stop chuckling when he finally realised he may have bitten a little more than he can chew.

'Was that your grand scheme? Make me your bride?'
'I didn't know you'd be such a thorn in my ass.'

Ha! You had it coming Boyo! if you ask me.

Truth be told, the little she-demon would make more than a worthy Dokiri bride! If Sven manages to win her heart and keep both of them alive. Not an easy feat with the little spitfire fighting him all along the way.

Stranded together in one of the most dangerous places in the world, with something terrifying hunting them from the shadows, they'll need to set their differences aside and work together if they want to survive.
If they don't kill each other first that is. :D

I'm not gonna tell you how their tale will end, but if you decide to give it a try, here's what you should expect: fast paced thrilling action, witty retorts and a hell lot of fun topped with a good measure of feeling, fabulous characters and chemistry that's off the charts.

Sweet and snarky, fun and fabulous!
Sven the Collector is a keeper for all romantic fantasy fans.

[Baileys Book Babble]

YAS!!! This is just what I needed to break me out of my current reading slump. It was a quick read but was full of everything I love, funny characters, strong female lead, amazing banter and serious chemistry. Can’t wait for the next one 🙃

[Betül]

**Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review**


There are some (sub)genres I can't resist reading and the fantasy romance where the hero is a savage/barbarian is high on that list. The thing that convinced me to read this book was that the heroine Colette was fierce and stood up for herself. She definitely made things difficult for Sven, she made him regret that he kidnapped her in the beginning. The banter was great between them, I also really enjoyed seeing them fall for each other. Colette started with hating him, and ended up falling for him. The development of this relationship was done well, and felt organic. I liked that it didn't feel rushed, even though this is a novella.

When the book is short, authors tend to want to do too much in a short amount of pages. But that wasn't the case for this book. Would I have wanted this book to be full-length? Of course I would, I would've liked to see these two partner up again to fight off monsters, and to see them have more intimate moments. But I was still satisfied with the end result of this book. The characters were a great match, and there was no dull moment. I was also happy that the author included an epilogue. I am definitely looking forward to reading Denali Day's next book when it releases. I rarely give novellas more than 3 stars, but I just had to with this book.

[Laura Elizabeth]

Wow. Great story. Loved their journey through the forest and them falling in love along the way. Reminded me of the Princess Bride and the fire swamp 🥰

[Caesara]

This was too short 😭
Love the banter between Sven and Collette ❤️

[Deb]

4 1/2 stars ⭐️

I really enjoyed this story. Sven is a warrior whose culture believes that a warrior’s final rite of passage to manhood is finding themselves a bride from the lowlands they protect. This rite is the abduction and bonding of the female they have chosen. Unfortunately for Sven, his chosen one came with a mind of her own, and an attitude to match, which lands them in trouble and with the need to escape a dangerous forest on foot while being stalked by a cannibal beast

[⚠️&#x1f387;TriggerWarningEnthusiast&#x1f516;&#x1f4da;&#x1f478;&#x1f3fe;]

cute, a little slow, fade to black which i hated because i am a SMUT queen and i need my smut! i am buddy reading this with a couple people SO BOOK 1 BETTER HAVE SOME FUCKING SMUT and more dragon action would be cool! if it does not i probably won't read anymore of the series. ANYWHO- i like the cover, it's gorgeous and the writing is good. but Miss Day, i need more filth....and dragon action please-- and i say that with all the love and kindness, no ill feelings at all tho.

[i_hype_romance]

I was gifted this book by my friend Bailey - and she has excellent taste. The last 3 romances I've read have been sub par, and I really needed something sweet and snarky to banish my apathy.

Sven gave me Khal Drogo and Griffin Beta Fisa (Amanda Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles) vibes... and those two characters are my holy manna of hotness.

I loved the sinister setting and the vividly imagined cast of sinuous monsters that lurked in the forest.

This book was the perfect evening escape. I loved the banter between Colette and Sven, and the fact that their relationship was forged between two alphas. This is my favorite kind of relationship, as I think a meeting of equals is what we should all strive for in a balanced relationship.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

[Kenny Danewitz raveh]

Nice but very short, you don’t get to blink and hate turns into love. I love forest stories and this one had a great potential but was way too short to achieve it.

[Izzie d]

Really liked this one. Seriously one of the best books I read in a while.
Really liked both Hero and heroine.
Seems to be a new author.
Sort of fantasy.
Strong heroine.
Interesting world building.

At the time of writing this review I was able to receive this book free from the author's website.

The premise of the story requires the Hero to steal a bride.
The Hero in this book thinks he will just steal a woman and then get on with his real purpose which is to become chief.
The heroine has several older brothers and is quite the tomboy so she proves a real challenge for the Hero.
I did find their antagonism funny
"Once he caught up, she’d take great pleasure in drawing shrub branches forward as she passed and allowing them to whip backward, occasionally catching him in the face. At one point, she realized the way she sneezed irritated him, so she was sure to develop a sudden rash of hay fever."

Unlike many hostage/ Stockholm syndrome storylines theses days the Hero's people have great respect for women and treat them well so this was a refreshing change.

Both Hero and heroine were likeable.
The Hero was really amazing.
HEA but I imagine we will see their HEA through other couples books as the series progresses.

Closed door bedroom scenes though plenty of chemistry and build up.


Really worth reading.

[Isla Cristeon]

A Perfect 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

Writing 5 Stars - Whoa ... Where did Denali Day come from?? Historical fiction | fantasy | magical realism folks rejoice, because have I got a fresh, new author for y’all to stalk. This woman must have been hiding away somewhere, quietly perfecting her craft, because she has busted onto the scene with a near perfect debut. Did I mention you can get it for free? Hmm ..

... a blast of wind bent her shoulders downward toward the brittle grass. Though the sun had been hiding behind the clouds, a darker shadow cast onto the ground, surrounding Colette in its chilling embrace. An inner voice, deep and primal, told her what was about to happen, and, before she could think on it, Colette turned her face toward the sky.

(wyvern ‘bout to get you, gurl)

Characters 5 Stars - Sven and Colette. Sigh. I have so much to say about these two. Colette is a stubborn, strong, capable, stubborn, (did I mention stubborn?) woman, and Sven is at first kinda blown away by her. He tempers her sarcasm with his own wit but doesn’t ever diminish her. He believes her to be capable and doesn’t question her worth. He returns her weapons to her, because he knows he’ll need her strong to survive the wretched Twist. With their final hurdle, he makes her an important part of the plan to defeat their enemy, he didn’t just keep her hidden away. I love him for that.

Hey, did I mention you can get this book for free-ninety-nine??

A spirit like hers would be wasted on one man and snuffed out by the other.

Plot 5 Stars - I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading Hollen The Souless, so getting this prequel to set up the coming series totally made my year. Sven is Dokirri, a tribe of colossal men who are charged with protecting the lowlands from vicious monsters lurking within the mountains. As such, it’s only fair they can select any bride from anywhere and claim her. Problem is ... Sven chose Colette, a quick-witted woman who’s handy with a bow and dagger and not so keen on being claimed. Now together, they need to survive the Twist, an area of dense forest even animals avoid.

If she were the praying sort, she might have asked the gods for more time. A chance to discover more of him, to reveal more of herself. Were there enough hours in a lifetime?

Setting 5 Stars - The Twist reminded me of the Fire Swamp from The Princess Bride. It’s near impossible to survive there, they nearly die multiple times, but man, it’s a thrilling adventure.

It seemed that even the birds avoided this part of the land, the twisted canopy as silent as the bare ground below it.

Unputdownable factor 5 Stars - Pretty much finished it the same night it arrived on my kindle. So yeah, pretty unputdownable.

If only the brujit were as stupid as lions. If only she cared so little for the bait.

Dialogue 5 Stars - Omg, these two had me hollering in laughter. Colette was snarky and Sven just came back with it every time.

“There’s wild and then there’s feral. You, my little hell-cat, are the latter.”

In conclusion, don’t miss this book. It’s a thrilling start to what’s sure to be an incredible series.

Oh, and did I mention you can get it for FREE?? Check out her website: DenaliDay.com and sign up to receive her newsletter. You’ll get the free book that way. Enjoy!!! Thank me later 😘

[Luna Lovesbooks]

I will read as many of these as Denali Day can write! Characters, dialogue and fantasy world just the way I like them.

[Jacie Lennon]

I really enjoyed this novella and I can't wait to read more by Denali Day. Her way with words kept me intrigued and flipping pages to see what happens next.

Though it was novella length, this story is packed full of adventure and action, enough to have you cheering them on one page and laughing at their banter the next.

I can't wait to read the next story, Hollen the Soulless. You will meet that character in Sven's story...but I don't want to give anything away!

Overall, I really loved reading Sven the Collector and I can't wait for more!

[Sonia De Leon]

Review to come! SUCH an amazing debut 👌 by an incredibly talented author.

[Alex (AlexInariBooks)]

Book: Sven the Collector (Denali Day)⁣
Rating: 5⭐️⁣⁣
⁣
Summary: The fierce Lady Colette is doomed to marry a weakling lord who could never satisfy her. Sven the Collector, a wyvern riding beast of a man, is to find a wife. And when their paths meet in one of the most dangerous places in the world - well, let’s just say there are worse enemies to be reckoned with than the lethal beasts in the deadly forest around them...⁣
⁣
Favourite character: Sven and his axe (levelling out my breath, the struggle is real!!)! Almost too much to handle🆘🔥⁣
⁣
To whom: To lovers of Rhysand, Khal Drogo, Bjorn Ironside, enemies to lovers, and epic fantasy. People - YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES!!⁣
⁣
Additional notes: ⁣
Don’t know what I’m talking about? Still doubting if you should invest in one of these books? Omg fly to denaliday.com NOW and get your free e-copy of Sven the Collector! And oh so happy reading...🔥🔥🔥⁣

[Hollee Mands]

This has been such a delectable read! Sven the Collector was filled with hold-your-breath moments, feel-good chuckles and a few toe-curling pages.
Also features everything I could wish for in a novella:
Instalove-NOT? Check.
Sizzling chemistry? Check.
Witty banter? Check.
Fast-moving plot? Check.
A dark, fantasy world with a touch of eerie? Check.
Immersive writing? Check.
A strong-willed heroine with a smart mouth to boot? Check.
A sexy hero who isn't just there to flex his biceps and save the day? Check.
What an impressive debut. Denali Day is definitely an author to watch for all fantasy rom lovers.

[Zero (semi-hiatus)]

The ebook for Sven the Collector is free if you sign up for the author's newsletter on her website.

This is a very cute novella and it was fun to read. It's a prequel and it focuses on the 2 main characters and their immediate location, without going into too much detail about things outside the scope of the story. The world seems interesting and I'm excited to learn more about it in the next book.

The main characters are great. Colette tends to act before she thinks, which is annoying, but she's badass and I like her. Sven is also badass and likable. They have good chemistry, but I think that the romance would have benefited from a longer book.

[Maria]

I rarely enjoy novellas, but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. I don't know if it was a mistake or a smart move to read this before the series. On one hand, it lessens the shock value of the Dokiri life described in the actual first installment of the series, but on the other hand, I maybe felt better about it because I genuinely liked Colette and Sven the most out of all of the couplings.

Colette is a very classic "independent woman that need no man" protagonist, but somehow she wasn't too much. Sven was such a brute, but happily also a true gentleman. Nothing about this book was realistic, but it felt real and that is a true testament to the author. I enjoyed their chemistry and I enjoyed the relatively simple story line.

This might be the only novella I've ever enjoyed so far, but I truly did enjoy it. It was simple, yet fun and captivating. I do recommend it for a quick read.

[mara0b]

I think reading this after A Heart of Blood and Ashes was a big mistake.

I wanted something similar but boi oh boi, was this not. I really really really disliked the two MCs, Colette was insufferable and whiny and spoiled and Sven was bland. The book was definitely too short, they go through some shit in the forest but their relationship has almost 0 development, little to no depth and they absolutely do not communicate. The conflict gets resolved within a few sentences and I was like ???? for real???
The writing is also not remarkable, not that Barbarian Romances have to have that "old-time" feel but like... "The plan was trash" does not fit the vibe imo.

[Deb]

This was an awesome book that I really enjoyed. The story and characters grabbed me from the beginning and I couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters and watching them grow together, they were well written and went well together. I found this book amazing with great word building making me feel apart of the story and watching it unfold in front of me. A definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more from this author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin]

Hollen the Soulless had mentioned several things about his parents in his story, so it was amazing to get a novella with all of their little twists and turns! If you think Joselyn was stubborn, Hollen’s mother, Colette is on a whole other level! She’s a spit fire, copper haired, maiden that can throw punches, use a bow, smoke a pipe, and slice and dice her way into Sven’s heart. I loved her! She’s the kind of lady I love to read about! Definitely not a damsel in distress. Sven is similar to his son, Hollen, in that he upholds the Dokiri way of obtaining a bride and stumbles over his words and actions along the way. I loved this glimpse into the past, and now I’m craving more from this series! I can’t wait to read about the other Dokiri men and their brides.

[Angela Pinheiro]

5 freaking ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I absolutely loved this! The chemistry was fenomenal, the MFC sassy level!?! Pure perfection!

Sven is a total alpha male, but the fact that he is also caring and so sweet to Colette, to the point of apologizing and recognizing he commit an error or hurt her?! That hit the spot ❤️ Love love.

Watch me while I go outside to the woods and star making a racket all the while hoping for a Dokiri to come and get me 💃🏻

[Lail]

Sven the Collector: A Fantasy Romance (Dokiri Brides) by Denali Day
Wonderful writing and character development. I absolutely loved the witty banter dialogue! Made me laugh out loud! The storyline was engaging and well thought out with entertaining characters and creatures who find adventure, danger, survival, and under it all, an undeniable love. This is a novella, but I really would have like to see it a full length novel. I believe this is this author’s first book. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Happy Reading♥️
Content Note: References to body parts.

[Mary]

This is a very intriguing story that I could not put down. I love the characters and the banter. It's a creative work of fiction wtih and good plot.

[Edwina Brown]

Sven and Colette. He is a warrior and called the collector. She a rebellious lady who despises weak men. She is betrothed to a mu man she despises. On a hunt with her father and brothers she rides into the twist. A forbidden Forrest that is very dangerous. Sven captures her and the adventure begins. Fast moving action and romance. Enjoyed the story a lot.

[Chivon]

Great back story into Sven and the beginnings of the Dokiri people and their traditions .
Sven and Collette are perfection of fighting the relationship and the angst was real . I enjoyed their banter and tough spots they make it thru .
Great ending to birth our Dorkiri Men to follow .