Published by TCK Publishing on August 2, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal
Pages: 150
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
When a Sorcerer and a Scribe Team Up to Fulfill an Ancient Prophecy, The Fate of The World Lies in Their Hands
In the mythical kingdom of Salyndria, an exiled sorcerer named Leith plots to overthrow the restrictions placed on the use of magic by the Academy. Suspecting the worst, the Academy sends a beautiful young scribe, Kyler, to be his apprentice and act as an unwitting spy.
Leith tries to drive her away by proving his reputation as a vicious and unforgiving master, but he soon discovers his new pupil is far more useful than she appears. As her charms and magical abilities become all too tempting for him to resist, the two join forces to fulfill a hidden prophecy that will grant them incredible power.
Together, the sorcerer and the scribe will change Salyndria's history forever.
Their story is equally sinister and sensual, a romantic dark fantasy adventure full of suspense and surprises.
Fans of Defended by Darkness by Terry Bolryder, A Torn Paige by L. Rose, Innocence by Dean Koontz, and The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith will love this fantasy romance.
You'll love this book if you enjoy:
Fantasy genres
Erotic romance
Adventure stories
Paranormal romance
Young adult fiction
Gothic fiction
Fair warning: This review may be a bit spoilery. Read at your own risk.
Fantasy romance isn’t my usual genre, I typically hunker down in the paranormal subgenre. For a high fantasy novella, the world of Salyndria was built fairly well, though I found myself wanting to know more. Readers are treated to glimpses of the political structure, and the fuel behind Leith’s actions but very little on the magic mechanics. We are told lust inhibits magic but I am still completely baffled as to why.
Fantasy and romance are both genres that require some legwork to build up a world/romance. Choosing a novella length adds a special layer of difficulty. Readers see virtually none of the training Kyler receives from Leith to show what a gruff taskmaster he is. Instead there are snippets where he is aloof before exploding in a tantrum reminiscent of my two year old followed by Kyler’s feelings being hurt and she hides in her cell-like room. Personally, I am looking for a bit more than two scenes. My greedy self would even be happy with an extended training montage as long as it also shows how the interpersonal relationship is evolving as they spend more time together showing the sensual overtones peeking out. In this current edition, Kyler and Leith’s just didn’t have that romance or tension to pull me in.
Now, when a book is categorized as erotic, I’m expecting five alarm, open door sex. I should be blushing or at least making sure no one under age is reading over my shoulder. What we receive is a bit of kissing that comes out of the blue almost half way through the book. There was a distinct lack of sexual tension on both sides so when it did come time for the characters to throw caution to the wind, it felt out of the blue. The language within the sex scenes themselves felt awkward and completely took me out of the story.
Ultimately, I think I would have been happier to read Leith’s arc on revenge alone, without the romance. I would be willing to try a full length novel from the author, but this one was a miss for me.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
