Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it … make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.
But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.
For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken.
If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.
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Omg, I need a Bargainer in my life. Loved the main characters, and of course, Laura Thalassa’s writing is superb and sucked me into her story and world. I can’t wait to read the second book later this week.
This is a really beautiful story, even with (inspite of) all the darkness with in. The love and respect, the humor and heat it makes for a wonderful read.
I loved the past vs. present way of telling (and usually I dislike it). I think it really added the history and emotion that the relationship needed. It was amazing to see their past verses their present and how much of how little things had changed. I also really love both main characters. Des and Callie are strong and brave souls in their own rights but the emotion between them… perfection.
I cannot wait to jump into the next story and continue on this journey…
3.5
‘Rhapsodic’ is book one in Laura Thalassa’s The Bargainer series. A new to me author, recommended through facebooks “Dark Desires Reading Group”. (Go check it out, it’s where like minded readers and authors hang out).
‘Rhapsonic’ follows the story of Callie and Des. Callie’s present day life and flashing back to her teenage years when she first meets the elusive Bargainer. A friendship is formed between the two. Unknowable to Callie she makes a wish that causes them to be separated for 7 years. But now the Bargainer is back and things get steamy pretty quickly. Callie owes 322 favours to The Bargainer and he’s come to collect, he needs her skills as a Siren and PI to help solve the mystery that has Female Fae warriors showing up in glass caskets, which are not dead but not alive with children in their arms.
So many mixed feelings about this book. I had some trouble with the going from present to past time frames. I love that Laura wanted to give us some insight to the relationship Callie and Des had but felt that some of the scenes could have been cut as it made no difference to the storyline. But they were still swoon worthy moments to show that the King of Chaos was or is more than that towards Callie.
I did enjoy the bond/connection between the younger and present Callie and Des. One thing I do what to ask and that is where can I get my own King of the Night? I want to be treated like a Queen *swoon.
Although at times this book was predictable, it still had me on the edge of my seat with some unforeseen situations. My heart broke for both Callie and Des at different times throughout the book. I felt that Callie was given the raw end of the stick with her childhood and then to be taken again.
Callie may not be the most strongest and kicka** heroine that I have read but her strength was still a sight. She has grown to be strong and independent by a different means for her horribly horrific past.
Des was a shock, he’s this elusive myth. He makes deals in exchange for secrets and will do whatever is needed to collect his payment. He’s supposed to be this cold, ruthless horrible monster but when he’s with Callie is so much more then the King of Night, Lord of Secrets, Master of Shadows, Emperor of the Evening Stars and King of Chaos. He’s got a huge heart, a caring soul and a man in love. *swoon
I am excited to continue this series and look forward to exploring more of Des and Callie’s relationship.
Uhmm, so like can I make a deal with the Bargainer?
I read this book 2 years ago and it was great. Well, I LOVED it a second time. I’ve seen quite a few bookbloggers posting about the series recently and I thought, “hmmm, I think I’ll re-read it.” I’m so glad I did. The witty banter, sexual tension, and handsome fairies, what’s not to love??? Desmond Flynn is everything you want in a dark brooding male. Callie is a siren and she’s all about the sass. I do wish we got more insight into her dynamic with Temper, but maybe that’ll come in book 2. If you loved Rhysand from ACOTAR, then you will most definitely adore Desmond. I read this book quickly both times and couldn’t put it down. I did kinda see the Thief of Souls coming, but that’s not a big deal. I’m super excited to start book 2, A Strange Hymm & to venture into more of Thalassa’s work.
Amazing!!!!! I am absolutely in love with this book, it was everything and expected and more. It definitely lived up to the hype it received and I’m so glad I picked it up. If you love Sarah J Maas, even if you don’t, you will definitely 100% love this book. I’m bursting at the seams with excitement after finishing it, ughhh I just love Des and Callie’s love. I will totally be reading the feast of the series and I can’t wait to start it. The adventure has only just begun. Xx
I don’t know what it was about this book that compelled me to keep reading.
At first I wasn’t sure I was going to finish it. The first few chapters where hard to get by. Not because is bad, the book is truly beautifully written I just couldn’t get into the story.
I was maybe 3 chapters in when I got really intrigued and after that I couldn’t put it down.
The bargainer is such an enigmatic character, you never know what he’s up to other than it can be really bad or sinfully good.
Callie is a siren. A beautiful young woman with a troubled past that pushes through her insecurities to live her best life.
There’s some dark topics that are mentioned here and there without being overly descriptive but we get the idea of when and what happened. There where times I got so angry for Callie, no child should ever be treated the way she was. I got mad and that’s when I realized I was invested in the story.
Des and Callie are good for each other in the weirdest ways, despite the huge age difference they actually work together. I can’t imagine Callie with anyone else. She’s the good that’s missing from Des’s life and he’s the spark that was missing from Callie’s.
I had to fan myself a couple of times with how hot this book got. Some of those X rated descriptions where just… too good. I’m not ashamed to admit I got completely turned on.
I can’t wait to get the next book.
“Rhapsodic” was an incredibly original read with excellent world-building and an interesting premise. The central male character was handsome and charming, perfect for a romantic love interest. I truly enjoyed the new approach to magic and faeries.
First of all, I read these 1 and 2 star reviews and I don’t know what book they read. You know how when you read a good book it makes a place for itself in your brain? You think about it constantly and talk about it to everyone? This was that book for me. Granted, I love books about the fae. So maybe I’m a bit biased. I loved these characters. I loved this story.
You hop from past to present to see how Callie and Des got to where they are now. The constant attraction between them is obvious from our outside point of view. This is a dark paranormal world with more to come.
I don’t read much fantasy but I have to say that Rhapsodic is an intriguing story. It’s very complex and I’m enamored with the enigmatic hero, Desmond (aka The Bargainer or The King of the Night). I’m also drawn to Callie, a broken but resilient siren fueled by anger and lust.
The writing could use some editing. There are some typos, but I mainly object to the choppy storytelling. The story unfolds by flashing back and forth between present and past — not a favorite device of mine. It could possibly work if one full chapter was set in the past and another was set in the present. The way it is written, however, the story switches back and forth mid-chapter. Even when dealing with key moments during a particular time period, the author rarely sees the action through to the end of the chapter. For example, a chapter might begin in the present day and then switch to March, 7 years ago. We come to a key point in the story when everything freezes. A new “header” (not a new chapter) is inserted that also says March, 7 years ago and the story picks up again. It’s just an odd interruption.
That aside, the fairies, werewolves, sirens, enchanters and their lives both on earth and in the Otherworld have completely beguiled me. The ending is a doozy and I’m eager to see where the story leads.
I loved Callie and Des’ tale. It was an emotional journey of betrayal, compassion, trust and forgiveness.
Callie starts off as a young and vulnerable character that tragically loses her mom and afterwards suffers through many years of abuse.
Eventually she escapes with the aid of an unlikely character and starts a new life.
Callie struggles with ptsd but it doesn’t keep her down. She gradually grows stronger, less naive and really starts to develop more into the kickbutt character I believe she’ll become.
I adored the companionship between Callie and Des. I liked how it grew and blossomed over time transforming into the undying love they share.
I’m excited to see where the next segment of their journey will take them. Can’t wait to dive into A Strange Hymn. (4.5)
This is the book that I see recommended all the time as a book to read after you’ve read ACOMAF… and well there are a lot of books out there that make that comparison…. but I have never read a book that fit the ACOMAF shaped hole in my heart the way this book does. I loved this book with every fiber of my being. Des is so wicked and so charming and Callie is just fierce. I loved their dynamic and I loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to dive into the next book… which I will be doing immediately.
I loved everything about this paranormal read. The characters and the story-line kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I finished this book in a day. Callypso “Callie” and The Bargainer “Des” will have you rooting for them. There’s just something about their first meeting that lets you know they are meant to be. The chemistry between them was EVERYTHING and I loved how their story went from past to present. It was nice to see Callie grow into the woman (siren) she is and have Des there every step of the way. Their journeys together were sweet and I couldn’t get enough of them. This story was sweet, steamy, full of surprises, laughs, romance and so much more. I also enjoyed the side characters and I’m sure there will be more of Temperance and Eli in the next books. I’m intrigued by Temperance and I hope I get to read how she does what she does. There’s a bit of mystery when it comes to her and I can’t wait to get more of her story. This is my first book from this author and it was absolutely amazing. I look forward to not only finishing this series but checking out more of her books. If you’re a paranormal book lover, this story should not be missed. I will definitely be recommending it.
I am not usually a fan of fantasy, but tried Rhapsodic after it was recommended to me. Within a few pages, I was totally immersed in the story. I loved the magical elements and appreciated the creativity. There’s so much to enjoy. Unique and interesting characters, intriguing plot and all sorts of twists and turns. While this book was clearly just the beginning of a series with some plot lines left open, there’s still a very satisfying end. I would highly recommend Rhapsodic for anyone who can is willing to open their imagination to fairies, sirens, werewolves and otherworldly creatures. I am excited to jump into the second book of the series.
Holy hotness on a Popsicle! Des… that’s the only name you need to know. Never in a million years did I think I would LOVE a fae, but the King of the Night changed that!
Obsessed. Read this series 2-3 times already. In love. Wish there were more books in this series. Can’t get enough.
After being in a little bookslump I was fortunate to read this one! It is a fantasy, but mostly romance.
Callie is a human, but she is also a siren. She can glamour people into doing things against their will and she uses that in her PI business she runs with her best friend. Then one day she is surprised to find The Bargainer in her bedroom. The Bargainer, Desmond Flynn, whom she has not seen for 7 years and who is collecting on her massive debt (322 beads on her bracelet).
Every chapter has a flashback to 7/8 years ago, when Callie was 16 years old. In a time of need she called for The Bargainer and he helped her out for no charge. But then she calls him again and again, as she is lonely and has a crush on him. And Des keeps showing up and a strange friendship grows (plus the amount of debt-beads on her bracelet). Until one day he leaves her to not return for 7 years. So where was he? Why did he stay away? Why is he back now?
At first I disliked the flashbacks as they kept interrupting the story, but the flashbacks are necessary to tell the whole story. Plus it was endearing to read about the friendship between a damaged teenager and The King of the Night. And she is only 16 in the flashbacks so it was just that nothing happened between them.
‘You have day of the week panties,’ Des says. ‘That means you’re too young for me to stay over.’.
I was totally in love with this book. Yes, there are some minor issues I have with the plot (the case Des and Callie are solving but I won’t spoil anything) but I enjoyed the story overall and everything Des/Callie!
Only 40% in I went to look for the next book in the trilogy and wanted to pre-order.
The story ARC is not complete and will continue in the next, but it does not end on a real cliffhanger. I absolutely look forward to the rest of the series. (2017)
This is my second read of Laura’s, I’m eager waiting for WAR!!! I heard good things about her books and this series. Ok, I honestly thought this was going to be a 3 star or less for me. The past/present chapters….I have a hard time with those and they have to engage me to enjoy both. After 60-70%ish? mark I think is when things started to get interesting, so I’m glad I pushed through. I hope the plot arc for the series will be thoroughly fleshed out, because the way how this book was told, I felt some things were missing. I’ll be reading the next one in the series soon!
It loved this book . it really kept me interested. It made you feel like you were actually there with the characters. I actually read all three. Now I want to kbow what happened to the characters. She made you feel for them like you would your real family and friend. Hope there another one in the series
Awesome book! Great read love the trilogy