For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald. Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser–magically bonded to her. Cera … needs nothing more to aid in her fight. Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she’d desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption or will the epic battle end in tragedy and evil conquer them all?
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Might have a spoiler or 2!
I had a really hard time getting through this. Starting off it was very slow. It never really picked up for me. I mean slightly after you get through about 35-40%. I had difficulty liking Cera. I went back and forth about her. I LOVED Jorrin and wanted my own half elf. There’s a lot in this book and a little too descriptive which made it drag. Cera is one of those characters who dont really think before jumping into something. She indeed has some skill and does better than most but there is a lot she doesnt. She’s really stubborn and doesnt always accept things so quickly especially if someone might have a better plan of action. She’s definitely out for revenge which is totally warranted. I do feel sympathy toward her character. So I did like her sometimes. Jorrin himself goes through a lot in this book. Being abandoned by a parents isnt easy especially when you see them later when your an adult. There’s always a reason for the abandonment but still it really smarted him for a bit when he was reunited with said parent. When Jorrin and Cera weren’t acting like fools I totally dug them as a couple. I think I am interested in reading the 2nd book at some point.
Always a pleasure to read stories of strong woman. Strength is gained and maintained by continued efforts. As a woman it often required extra sacrifice. It is inspirational to read of a woman who invests what it takes.
I really liked this story this is my introduction to this author. I will tell you what I liked and then what I didn’t.
First I liked the world building, the strong characters, the action, drama. the angst, the emotions and the slow build up to the romance. What I wasn’t too happy about is the missing details like the family before the disaster and quest if you will that Cera needs to fulfill before she gives her heart fully to Jorrin. That being said I liked the journey to the ending. I hope to be able to read more of these King’s Riders and their bondmates if they are so lucky as to find one.
I voluntarily read an advance copy and have not been compensated in any way for this honest opinion.
This was a fantastic book, I loved all the characters and they seemed so real as I kept reading more and more. There was adventure, romance, paranormal, fabulous people and the feeling of being right with them on their journey
The descriptions of all the characters give you the feeling of really knowing them but lucky for us we don’t have to fight them. You will be cheering on the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys ” with a couple of “bad boys” that are really Good Guys
This was my first book by C.A Szarek and will be reading the rest of this series
Magical! An epic fantasy adventure full of danger, suspense and romance. I enjoyed the characters and how their grew stronger together learning about themselves and one another throughout. I love how they overcame obstacles having their relationship grew because of it. Can’t wait to read about the other characters!