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Royal House of Shadows #3
Lord of the Wolfyn
Once upon a time...the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs...and time is running out....
For practical Reda Weston, nothing could explain how reading a sexy version of Little Red Riding Hood catapulted her into another realm - face-to-fang with the legendary wolf-creature who seduced women. A wolf who transformed into a dark, virile man....
Dayn cursed the Sorcerer that turned him wolfyn and damned him to a lonely fate. As a beast, he mated with women to gain strength. Strength he needed to rescue his royal parents. But as a man, he craved Reda's heated, sizzling touch. With little time left, Dayn had to either embrace his wolf to save his kingdom...or fight it to save his woman.
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 18, 2011
72 people are currently reading
2115 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Andersen
76 books635 followersJessica S. Andersen is an American writer of mystery and medical romances. She obtained a PhD in Genetics, but when she finally settles on a single career, she will have been many things: a doctor of molecular genetics, a patent agent, a freelance editor, a professional horse trainer and riding coach, a fiance and the proud owner of a pair of corgis. But if you ask her who she is, Jessica will say, "I'm a writer. The rest is all background research."
Jessica lives in a smal farm in eastern Conneticut with her own personal hero, Brian, as well as the corgis, two cats and a handful of young horses, who she claims are investments but never seem to get sold.
Jessica lives in a smal farm in eastern Conneticut with her own personal hero, Brian, as well as the corgis, two cats and a handful of young horses, who she claims are investments but never seem to get sold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
October 16, 2012
Lord of the Wolfyn is the third book in the Royal House of Shadows series and is written by Jessica Andersen, the author of the popular Final Prophecy series. Lord of the Wolfyn is my first read by Ms. Andersen and I really enjoyed her writing. I found it an easy style to read and follow, and I even saw shades of J.R. Ward (one of my very favorite authors) scattered throughout — not too surprising considering that they are critique partners. Or perhaps I have it wrong and there are shades of Ms. Andersen in J.R. Ward’s writing? Hmmm…
Anyway…
So as I said, I enjoyed the writing. I felt it flowed well and the story Ms. Andersen created was interesting, to say the least, however, I didn’t fall in love with the characters the way I must in order to really be WOW’d by a story. I never became connected to them, or invested in them. Dayn seemed “flat” to me, spending much of his time trying to appease Reda, who in my opinion, was kind of mental.
I was talking with a Goodreads friend about them, and she made the point that Reda’s concern about being brainwashed or controlled was definitely bordering on paranoia, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Laurie had nailed what I hadn’t been able to put my finger on. A big part of my issues with Reda and her behavior was something I found… I don’t know… unreasonable... based on what we, the readers, were given. And Dayn was so wrapped up in trying to make her happy, so concerned about her, that it made him seem kind of… wimpy.
Even though I’m giving Lord of the Wolfyn 3 stars, which means I did like it, I have to admit that I was also a bit disappointed. Aside from feeling like the characters never became anything more than words on a page - meaning I just never came to see them as real people who I should become invested in - I really had hoped for something more from this book, and I hate to say it, but that something more - that buildup to final battle in Lord of the Abyss, the next and last book of the series, just wasn’t delivered.
That said, I'm definitely looking forward to reading Lord of the Abyss which is written by Nalini Singh.
June 16, 2012
DNF
There is nothing worse than not connecting with characters in a book. This being my first read by Jessica Andersen, I was very excited to read a new-to-me author. Unfortunately, I wasn’t captured by the characters in this story.
I felt that Dayn and Reda were one-dimensional, neither one bringing anything forward to make me want to finish this book. I’m sad to say this because I was really looking forward to reading about shifters, but couldn’t find the will to turn that next page.
This doesn’t take away from the fact that Andersen has an easy to follow writing style that I enjoyed. There’s this urgency to which she writes that definitely has the potential to push the plot forward, but again, when I can’t relate to your main characters, it’s tough for me to care about what happens to them.
I won’t let this one book deter me from reading more of Andersen’s books though. Given that she is J.R. Ward’s critique partner, I’m sure her other books will sparks some interests in my tastes.
There is nothing worse than not connecting with characters in a book. This being my first read by Jessica Andersen, I was very excited to read a new-to-me author. Unfortunately, I wasn’t captured by the characters in this story.
I felt that Dayn and Reda were one-dimensional, neither one bringing anything forward to make me want to finish this book. I’m sad to say this because I was really looking forward to reading about shifters, but couldn’t find the will to turn that next page.
This doesn’t take away from the fact that Andersen has an easy to follow writing style that I enjoyed. There’s this urgency to which she writes that definitely has the potential to push the plot forward, but again, when I can’t relate to your main characters, it’s tough for me to care about what happens to them.
I won’t let this one book deter me from reading more of Andersen’s books though. Given that she is J.R. Ward’s critique partner, I’m sure her other books will sparks some interests in my tastes.
April 15, 2020
An ok read. The narrator was good but for some reason I just couldn’t get that excited about the book. Nothing really stands out for me. I do like seeing the different couples in the series and how they are connected.
November 3, 2020
Book 3
I don't know if I can continue reading this. Immature dialogue already.. I mean who talks or thinks like this? I don't know if I will be able to manage it.. will most likely skip to book 4, for I am already skimming.
UPDATE I managed to finish it, although I skimmed. It did get a little better. Hated the OW drama which immediately made me dislike the hero. The ending rushed and incomplete.
I don't know if I can continue reading this. Immature dialogue already.. I mean who talks or thinks like this? I don't know if I will be able to manage it.. will most likely skip to book 4, for I am already skimming.
UPDATE I managed to finish it, although I skimmed. It did get a little better. Hated the OW drama which immediately made me dislike the hero. The ending rushed and incomplete.
December 6, 2011
3.5 flames
In this third installment of the Royal House of Shadows series, we see a Little Red Riding Hood theme. Our heroine Reda is a cop who froze during a robbery, causing her partner to get shot (she feels the weight of guilt and blame of his death, feeling she is such a coward). So she has since taken a leave of absence from the force, and is instead hunting down a painting and book. We enter the story as she gets the book.
We are given little snippets and hints that her mother gave her this one of a kind book about Little Red Riding Hood when she was a child, then told her all would become clear once she was 16. But her mother died, and her non-nonsense father felt that any little bit of magic (the dreams about the book Reda had) was bs. So Reda was shoved in therapy. In the book, there’s a picture of the wolf prince who always seemed to have Little Red in a trance, a sensual haze so to speak, as if she were brainwashed (Reda’s reasoning not mine). Then there’s the woodsman. Oh the sexy sexy woodsman. What will it take for Reda to understand that Dayn is both?
Dayn is Nicolai and Breena’s brother, and in his prologue, he is every bit the spoiled prince. But he overhears the battle through his father’s mind-speak, and carries that guilt that due to his selfishness, his family died. Well, really, he just wasn’t there to fight, that’s all, but he sees it the other way. In fact I got really tired of being “told” he was being/acting selfish, when I felt he was behaving normally. This was a common theme throughout the book, which it bugged me so much. Just as Reda’s cowardice is constantly thrown in our faces-it was obnoxious. Either show me she’s a coward, or show me she sees herself as one, but don’t keep telling me she is. I find it hard to see a female cop as coward. She should have had a different profession. So, Reda’s back in therapy, because not just her partner’s death, but the dreams of Little Red are back. But she’s drawn to the book, she couldn’t stop searching if she tried. And once she reads the book, she ends up in Dayn’s world.
Dayn was thrown to the Wolfyn realm. He has hidden his identity from the vampire-hating Wolfyn, and has instead stayed low on the radar. But he knows his guide is coming and once she’s there, he’ll have 4 days to make it to his ancestral home to take it back. But Dayn holds more than just his identity secret, his Big Secret (which is spoiled in the blurb of the book-not cool) causes Reda to have a massive freak-out. And that’s where I stopped liking her. It really made me mad. She had come a long way, and then she reverted to her “cowardly” self. I spoke with a friend of mine and we both felt that based on what we, the readers, were given, Reda’s behavior was unreasonable and confusing. Her brainwashing and entrancing issues were not well-done, so it felt confusing. I had to figure out that her problem with the Wolfyn was that she didn’t want to be entranced.
I did really like the ending, and the set up for the coming battle...you know, THE battle. The one each book has been gearing up for. I liked how Reda finally grew up, and I liked Dayn. Hopefully he can unite the Wolfyn and the Vampires.
**ARC courtesy of netgalley.com
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
In this third installment of the Royal House of Shadows series, we see a Little Red Riding Hood theme. Our heroine Reda is a cop who froze during a robbery, causing her partner to get shot (she feels the weight of guilt and blame of his death, feeling she is such a coward). So she has since taken a leave of absence from the force, and is instead hunting down a painting and book. We enter the story as she gets the book.
We are given little snippets and hints that her mother gave her this one of a kind book about Little Red Riding Hood when she was a child, then told her all would become clear once she was 16. But her mother died, and her non-nonsense father felt that any little bit of magic (the dreams about the book Reda had) was bs. So Reda was shoved in therapy. In the book, there’s a picture of the wolf prince who always seemed to have Little Red in a trance, a sensual haze so to speak, as if she were brainwashed (Reda’s reasoning not mine). Then there’s the woodsman. Oh the sexy sexy woodsman. What will it take for Reda to understand that Dayn is both?
Dayn is Nicolai and Breena’s brother, and in his prologue, he is every bit the spoiled prince. But he overhears the battle through his father’s mind-speak, and carries that guilt that due to his selfishness, his family died. Well, really, he just wasn’t there to fight, that’s all, but he sees it the other way. In fact I got really tired of being “told” he was being/acting selfish, when I felt he was behaving normally. This was a common theme throughout the book, which it bugged me so much. Just as Reda’s cowardice is constantly thrown in our faces-it was obnoxious. Either show me she’s a coward, or show me she sees herself as one, but don’t keep telling me she is. I find it hard to see a female cop as coward. She should have had a different profession. So, Reda’s back in therapy, because not just her partner’s death, but the dreams of Little Red are back. But she’s drawn to the book, she couldn’t stop searching if she tried. And once she reads the book, she ends up in Dayn’s world.
Dayn was thrown to the Wolfyn realm. He has hidden his identity from the vampire-hating Wolfyn, and has instead stayed low on the radar. But he knows his guide is coming and once she’s there, he’ll have 4 days to make it to his ancestral home to take it back. But Dayn holds more than just his identity secret, his Big Secret (which is spoiled in the blurb of the book-not cool) causes Reda to have a massive freak-out. And that’s where I stopped liking her. It really made me mad. She had come a long way, and then she reverted to her “cowardly” self. I spoke with a friend of mine and we both felt that based on what we, the readers, were given, Reda’s behavior was unreasonable and confusing. Her brainwashing and entrancing issues were not well-done, so it felt confusing. I had to figure out that her problem with the Wolfyn was that she didn’t want to be entranced.
I did really like the ending, and the set up for the coming battle...you know, THE battle. The one each book has been gearing up for. I liked how Reda finally grew up, and I liked Dayn. Hopefully he can unite the Wolfyn and the Vampires.
**ARC courtesy of netgalley.com
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
July 30, 2016
I've always been baffled by books that are put out with spoilers in the blurbs – like mysteries telling who the victim in chapter 5 is going to be – or even in the jacket art. Putting one in the title, though, is even dumber than having a title which actually means little to the story (thinking of Across the Nightingale Floor here). On page 172 of Lord of the Wolfyn (about which title I wondered, since the main character is many things but not Lord of the Wolfyn), something happened which made my eyes flick up to the title, and I thought "Ah. Well, I know how that's going to come out, now, don't I." At which point I rolled my eyes and skimmed for awhile.
Apart from that, it was an, I think, above average paranormal romance (PNR), though surprisingly undersexed if anything. That is not, I should add, a complaint. It has an interesting premise, and interesting worldbuilding – I actually love and am intrigued by the concept of the three worlds linking, intrigued enough that I may one day seek out the other book in the series (one for each sibling – this was #3). Each seems to be a take on a different fairy tale, this one being Red Riding Hood.
It has a cop (or former cop) for the female main character, which is not so successful: I don't buy it. She's one of the tiny-and-damaged breed of romance heroine, and I simply don't believe that the character as presented would have met either the physical or mental health requirements for the job even before the incident that damaged her further. In the story she is a former cop because of a terrible incident in which she froze in the middle of a crisis and cost a life (and, incidentally, let a criminal get away), and that for me doesn't make it easy to either warm up to her (she shouldn't have been on the job in the first place) or believe in the near-miraculous turn-around she undergoes when her new beloved needs her.
There are three worlds: ours, the dull world of science and no magic; Dayn's, the one with magic and no science; and the wolfyn world, with borrowings from both. Dayn was a "guest" in the halfway world for 20 years, and picked up some earth-y slang. However, throughout the book there are references to "another fitting human saying" (that one was "Damnation" – which I suppose he shouldn't even understand the meaning of) or "a particularly fitting human idiom". Yet shortly after these there's a mention of "the deer-in-the-headlights freeze" … considering the man's never, unless I'm very much mistaken, seen a car, that's careless. I don't even want to get into "bad fur day" or "You're it for me". *shudder*
It was cute. I used it as a diversion from a larger, denser, more difficult book, and it sufficed. It was, as I said, a great over-arching idea, another one (rather like Alchemy of Desire) which I can only wish had been written as a straight fantasy, without the concentration on mating rituals. But it is what it is, and it's adequate for its intended purpose.
Apart from that, it was an, I think, above average paranormal romance (PNR), though surprisingly undersexed if anything. That is not, I should add, a complaint. It has an interesting premise, and interesting worldbuilding – I actually love and am intrigued by the concept of the three worlds linking, intrigued enough that I may one day seek out the other book in the series (one for each sibling – this was #3). Each seems to be a take on a different fairy tale, this one being Red Riding Hood.
It has a cop (or former cop) for the female main character, which is not so successful: I don't buy it. She's one of the tiny-and-damaged breed of romance heroine, and I simply don't believe that the character as presented would have met either the physical or mental health requirements for the job even before the incident that damaged her further. In the story she is a former cop because of a terrible incident in which she froze in the middle of a crisis and cost a life (and, incidentally, let a criminal get away), and that for me doesn't make it easy to either warm up to her (she shouldn't have been on the job in the first place) or believe in the near-miraculous turn-around she undergoes when her new beloved needs her.
There are three worlds: ours, the dull world of science and no magic; Dayn's, the one with magic and no science; and the wolfyn world, with borrowings from both. Dayn was a "guest" in the halfway world for 20 years, and picked up some earth-y slang. However, throughout the book there are references to "another fitting human saying" (that one was "Damnation" – which I suppose he shouldn't even understand the meaning of) or "a particularly fitting human idiom". Yet shortly after these there's a mention of "the deer-in-the-headlights freeze" … considering the man's never, unless I'm very much mistaken, seen a car, that's careless. I don't even want to get into "bad fur day" or "You're it for me". *shudder*
It was cute. I used it as a diversion from a larger, denser, more difficult book, and it sufficed. It was, as I said, a great over-arching idea, another one (rather like Alchemy of Desire) which I can only wish had been written as a straight fantasy, without the concentration on mating rituals. But it is what it is, and it's adequate for its intended purpose.
October 30, 2011
Hmm, I didn't particularly like this installment of Harlequin Nocturne's Royal House of Shadows series. Not having read anything from Jessica Anderson before, I wasn't sure what to expect... but IMO this was about on par with Gena Showalter's 'Lord of the Vampires' (the first in this series). Since I usually really like Showalter's work, I won't let 'Lord of the Wolfyn' deter me from potentially reading anything else from Anderson.
Each of the books in the Royal House of Shadows is inspired by well-known fairytales (LotV: Alice in Wonderland, Lord of Rage (which I actually enjoyed): Goldilock's and the Three Bears, and this one (LotW): Little Red Riding Hood). The previous books have setup the story - 4 children of the King and Queen of mystical kingdom Elden are flung far away after their parents grisly death at the hands of the Blood Sorcerer; they each have a need to return and vanquish the evil guy to reclaim the kingdom (an instinct that is a parting gift from deceased parents). This story focuses on Dayn, the second eldest brother, who has been flung to the Wolfyn realm (wolfyn = werewolves) and stays there until he meets Reda (Reda = Red; and of course she has red hair), a human from our own realm.
Now the characters, Dayn and Reda were okay, but I was a bit ambivalent towards them. As far as I could tell, Dayn meets Reda almost immediately after an implied sexual encounter with a wolfyn female, so this didn't exactly endear him to me, and she kinda recognizes him as the woodsman/hunter from the Little Red Riding Hood story. Now the back of the book clearly states that Dayn is a "wolf-creature", but whether or not he is treated as a mystery until a bit over half-way through - WTH is that about??? Pretty stupid IMO, and this really hindered my getting into this story and taking it seriously.
My lack of enjoyment for LotW, however, has not banked my enthusiasm for Nalini Singh's 'Lord of the Abyss', the conclusion to this series. I have high hopes for the conclusion...... :)
Each of the books in the Royal House of Shadows is inspired by well-known fairytales (LotV: Alice in Wonderland, Lord of Rage (which I actually enjoyed): Goldilock's and the Three Bears, and this one (LotW): Little Red Riding Hood). The previous books have setup the story - 4 children of the King and Queen of mystical kingdom Elden are flung far away after their parents grisly death at the hands of the Blood Sorcerer; they each have a need to return and vanquish the evil guy to reclaim the kingdom (an instinct that is a parting gift from deceased parents). This story focuses on Dayn, the second eldest brother, who has been flung to the Wolfyn realm (wolfyn = werewolves) and stays there until he meets Reda (Reda = Red; and of course she has red hair), a human from our own realm.
Now the characters, Dayn and Reda were okay, but I was a bit ambivalent towards them. As far as I could tell, Dayn meets Reda almost immediately after an implied sexual encounter with a wolfyn female, so this didn't exactly endear him to me, and she kinda recognizes him as the woodsman/hunter from the Little Red Riding Hood story. Now the back of the book clearly states that Dayn is a "wolf-creature", but whether or not he is treated as a mystery until a bit over half-way through - WTH is that about??? Pretty stupid IMO, and this really hindered my getting into this story and taking it seriously.
My lack of enjoyment for LotW, however, has not banked my enthusiasm for Nalini Singh's 'Lord of the Abyss', the conclusion to this series. I have high hopes for the conclusion...... :)
March 3, 2012
RECEIVED FROM: Net Galley for Review
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Reda Weston used to be a cop, now she’s a destroyed woman, broken from having watched her partner die. When she begins having dreams for a lost fairy tale book in her childhood she has to acquire it. But opening the book and repeating the magic words from her childhood takes her to a world she never thought really existed. A world of shapeshifting wolves called Wolfyn and a woodcutter vampire who needs her help to save his people. When Dayn’s parents used their dying breath to save their children he ended up in a parallel world, one where his true identity would get him killed. He was told to wait for a guide who took twenty years to arrive, but from the moment of his arrival he has four days to take back his kingdom or he and his siblings will die. Unfortunately his guide isn’t sure who’s crazier – him or herself? Will he be able to convince her before it’s too late?
Before this installment I’d been devouring this series, and I was really pleased that it seemed even though there were a few discrepancies between installments all the writers involved were equally talented. Then I read Lord of Wolfyn and there’s no longer just a few discrepancies between titles now if I were to list them all it would take a few pages. The amount of discrepancies made me wonder if these writers truly collaborated at all to create this series. I have so far read three different versions of the king and queens deaths and final spell and this one isn’t even in the same location. And while I probably should have really expanded upon this in the previous novel since the time period between the spell and battle actually matches with the first novel in this one, the characters from the second novel are apparently really poor fighters as they’ve been there for close to twenty years now with no apparent progress. Plus the second installment didn’t say anything about either of the leads being near to immortal so from the sounds of it they’ve aged like a human into their 40s and 50s before the real battle has even begun. However I didn’t notice those discrepancies as much with reading that title because I was enjoying the story. In this novel it was an effort to keep turning the pages and those discrepancies seemed plainer than ever to be joined in with the blaring list of discrepancies in this novel. If multiple authors are going to write the same series they should build the world together and share character sketches etc as well as details of any scene to be used in more than one novel. I may have liked this book more if it wasn’t part of that series only because I wouldn’t have noticed the many, many ways it didn’t match the previous books.
While I will say the book did offer more in plot than just sex scenes, the main focus of the book was sex. They’re running for their lives but stopping to have sex multiple times and somewhere in their many many joinings they fall in love. News flash sex and love are not the same thing. Fortunately for the reader we only have to hear the details of three of these scenes and to be honest while I like a well written sex scene, I’d have rather skipped all of them. For one thing the male leads in romances are supposed to be well endowed. I get that, however either she has the world’s smallest hands or he should be sleeping with large animals instead of women. She couldn’t wrap her hand around it?! What is it the width of a pop can? There is such a thing as too big. I know the expression is hung like a horse but no one means that literally. If someone was actually faced with a man endowed literally the size of a horse it’s unlikely that they’d want to have intercourse with that person. The intercourse would be like giving birth backwards and I’ve yet to hear anyone say that giving birth turns them on. I’m certainly not jealous of her; I pretty much figure she must be some kind of masochist to enjoy that. While I will say the book isn’t just sex scene strung together by a few sentences, it still manages to use sex to sell the book rather than strong characters and a good plot. Romance novels like this one are the reason I started reading more of the other genres and only reading romance on occasion. I witnessed nothing within in the novel to convince me in any way, shape or form that the two characters are in love or have anything to even base a relationship on.
While it should be fast paced based on the scenes covered in this novel it seems to drag on and on. Some of that was all the differences between plot points mentioned in other books. A lot of it was a dislike of the characters.
Reda is self involved and annoying. Anytime we’re viewing a scene from her eyes we get pages upon pages upon pages of her obsessing about this or that. I really couldn’t stand her. Other than her constant obsessing she was pretty one dimensional as was every other character within this novel. None of the characters in this book were well developed or had any real flesh to them, but they did have sex a lot. And it’s near to impossible for me to respect a male lead who sleeps with the female lead scant hours after leaving the bed of another woman. I mean sure it’s nice to have an experienced male lead but he had sex with Keely at the beginning of the night and then sex with Reda at the end of it. Basically she’s made Reda into a character happy to accept sloppy seconds. That really made me respect her too – not.
While Anderson had some interesting ideas for her plot she spent too little time developing those ideas and fleshing out her characters and too much time focusing on sex. This title also might have worked better outside of a series because then she could display the originality she has without contradicting previously mentioned plot point from the other two books. Her novel pretty much is the book where the series falls apart and it’s clear that the writers really didn’t work together too much before they decided they’d throw together a series. As a standalone I might have liked those scene but not as part of this series. She’s got a great talent for description and like I mentioned some very interesting ideas but instead of expanding upon scenes of interest she fills the pages with characters either obsessing about something or having sex. The things that interested me she glossed over, the things that bored me is what she went on and on and on about.
While I’ll probably read the last novel in this series I’m unlikely to pick up another title by this author. However I’m just one opinion among many and the book has been getting some decent ratings from other readers on goodreads. The only positive thing I can think of about reading this book is it’s an installment of the series, however I guess you’ll have to read it and decide for yourself whether it’s worth your time.
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Reda Weston used to be a cop, now she’s a destroyed woman, broken from having watched her partner die. When she begins having dreams for a lost fairy tale book in her childhood she has to acquire it. But opening the book and repeating the magic words from her childhood takes her to a world she never thought really existed. A world of shapeshifting wolves called Wolfyn and a woodcutter vampire who needs her help to save his people. When Dayn’s parents used their dying breath to save their children he ended up in a parallel world, one where his true identity would get him killed. He was told to wait for a guide who took twenty years to arrive, but from the moment of his arrival he has four days to take back his kingdom or he and his siblings will die. Unfortunately his guide isn’t sure who’s crazier – him or herself? Will he be able to convince her before it’s too late?
Before this installment I’d been devouring this series, and I was really pleased that it seemed even though there were a few discrepancies between installments all the writers involved were equally talented. Then I read Lord of Wolfyn and there’s no longer just a few discrepancies between titles now if I were to list them all it would take a few pages. The amount of discrepancies made me wonder if these writers truly collaborated at all to create this series. I have so far read three different versions of the king and queens deaths and final spell and this one isn’t even in the same location. And while I probably should have really expanded upon this in the previous novel since the time period between the spell and battle actually matches with the first novel in this one, the characters from the second novel are apparently really poor fighters as they’ve been there for close to twenty years now with no apparent progress. Plus the second installment didn’t say anything about either of the leads being near to immortal so from the sounds of it they’ve aged like a human into their 40s and 50s before the real battle has even begun. However I didn’t notice those discrepancies as much with reading that title because I was enjoying the story. In this novel it was an effort to keep turning the pages and those discrepancies seemed plainer than ever to be joined in with the blaring list of discrepancies in this novel. If multiple authors are going to write the same series they should build the world together and share character sketches etc as well as details of any scene to be used in more than one novel. I may have liked this book more if it wasn’t part of that series only because I wouldn’t have noticed the many, many ways it didn’t match the previous books.
While I will say the book did offer more in plot than just sex scenes, the main focus of the book was sex. They’re running for their lives but stopping to have sex multiple times and somewhere in their many many joinings they fall in love. News flash sex and love are not the same thing. Fortunately for the reader we only have to hear the details of three of these scenes and to be honest while I like a well written sex scene, I’d have rather skipped all of them. For one thing the male leads in romances are supposed to be well endowed. I get that, however either she has the world’s smallest hands or he should be sleeping with large animals instead of women. She couldn’t wrap her hand around it?! What is it the width of a pop can? There is such a thing as too big. I know the expression is hung like a horse but no one means that literally. If someone was actually faced with a man endowed literally the size of a horse it’s unlikely that they’d want to have intercourse with that person. The intercourse would be like giving birth backwards and I’ve yet to hear anyone say that giving birth turns them on. I’m certainly not jealous of her; I pretty much figure she must be some kind of masochist to enjoy that. While I will say the book isn’t just sex scene strung together by a few sentences, it still manages to use sex to sell the book rather than strong characters and a good plot. Romance novels like this one are the reason I started reading more of the other genres and only reading romance on occasion. I witnessed nothing within in the novel to convince me in any way, shape or form that the two characters are in love or have anything to even base a relationship on.
While it should be fast paced based on the scenes covered in this novel it seems to drag on and on. Some of that was all the differences between plot points mentioned in other books. A lot of it was a dislike of the characters.
Reda is self involved and annoying. Anytime we’re viewing a scene from her eyes we get pages upon pages upon pages of her obsessing about this or that. I really couldn’t stand her. Other than her constant obsessing she was pretty one dimensional as was every other character within this novel. None of the characters in this book were well developed or had any real flesh to them, but they did have sex a lot. And it’s near to impossible for me to respect a male lead who sleeps with the female lead scant hours after leaving the bed of another woman. I mean sure it’s nice to have an experienced male lead but he had sex with Keely at the beginning of the night and then sex with Reda at the end of it. Basically she’s made Reda into a character happy to accept sloppy seconds. That really made me respect her too – not.
While Anderson had some interesting ideas for her plot she spent too little time developing those ideas and fleshing out her characters and too much time focusing on sex. This title also might have worked better outside of a series because then she could display the originality she has without contradicting previously mentioned plot point from the other two books. Her novel pretty much is the book where the series falls apart and it’s clear that the writers really didn’t work together too much before they decided they’d throw together a series. As a standalone I might have liked those scene but not as part of this series. She’s got a great talent for description and like I mentioned some very interesting ideas but instead of expanding upon scenes of interest she fills the pages with characters either obsessing about something or having sex. The things that interested me she glossed over, the things that bored me is what she went on and on and on about.
While I’ll probably read the last novel in this series I’m unlikely to pick up another title by this author. However I’m just one opinion among many and the book has been getting some decent ratings from other readers on goodreads. The only positive thing I can think of about reading this book is it’s an installment of the series, however I guess you’ll have to read it and decide for yourself whether it’s worth your time.
April 17, 2017
If you've read my other two Royal House of Shadows reviews, you know that I'm not a fan of the series. It took me some time to notice that the 'mini' in mini-series was about the length of each novel. They're short. And it shows. But compared to the first two novels, this one was actually more satisfying and I actually am wondering why I can't give it a higher rating, though. The average 2.5 doesn't seem to be good enough, compared to Lord of the Vampires and Lord of Rage.
What I liked was that the heroine really was from our world. The heroine in book #1 was, too, but I never really got her and where she came from. It was soo.. novella-ish. It felt as if I missed the first four chapters of the story, you know? This time I didn't. Reda had a real history, family etc. Still not that much depth, but much more than I expected from the series.
Which leads to the more important things: Because Reda, the heroine, grew up in our world she needed explanations to go along with the hero. And those explanations were what I've been waiting for for a while now.
The reason why I won't give it a higher rating is that I really didn't fell for neither the hero nor the heroine. Both of them were just.. there, you know? Their relationship, too, didn't make any difference to me. When I read the story I thought I'd rant about one part, but it later was obvious that I didn't need to. Still, I'd like to tell you what it was and why I won't get angry about it.
Our hero, Dayn, is a prince. The future second-hand of the king (Nicolai, hero of the first novel in the series written by Gena Showalter) and supposed to mary someone from some royal family. Obviously both he and Reda assume that she isn't one, because she's from our world, a mere human. But then they find out that she is in fact a decent of some royal family. - It reminded me of a Barbie movie, where Barbie needs to be a princess to be able to marry the guy and then, who would have thought, is one. And, as a reader (or watcher.. I guess) you wonder what would have happened if she hadn't been that lucky and a princess.
And he and Reda don't talk about how "Even if you weren't royalty, I'd still be with you!" so.. really, there's this little spark of suspision or at least dissatisfaction. BUT - and that's the thing - Dayn seriously does things that make it clear. He would give up his place there to be with her. Obviously it's a little stupid because he doesn't just risk his own life but that of the entire kingdom.. but come on, it's about love, right? ; )
I almost forgot - Since the whole series is some sort of paranormal-kinda-modern retelling of fairy tales: This time we have Red Riding Hood. The heroine grew up with the fairy tale, her mother reading it to her and dying before she could explain a little more.. In Reda's case the fairy tale actually really was related to the content in an interesting way. She had problems in 'her' world, her family being not very supportive and herself feeling weak and like a coward.
These parts could've been explored more, but Andersen did a decent job. This novel is in fact my favorite out of the three novels I've read so far. (I don't dare reading Nalini's book. I like her and if this book is bad.. Urr!)
What I liked was that the heroine really was from our world. The heroine in book #1 was, too, but I never really got her and where she came from. It was soo.. novella-ish. It felt as if I missed the first four chapters of the story, you know? This time I didn't. Reda had a real history, family etc. Still not that much depth, but much more than I expected from the series.
Which leads to the more important things: Because Reda, the heroine, grew up in our world she needed explanations to go along with the hero. And those explanations were what I've been waiting for for a while now.
The reason why I won't give it a higher rating is that I really didn't fell for neither the hero nor the heroine. Both of them were just.. there, you know? Their relationship, too, didn't make any difference to me. When I read the story I thought I'd rant about one part, but it later was obvious that I didn't need to. Still, I'd like to tell you what it was and why I won't get angry about it.
Our hero, Dayn, is a prince. The future second-hand of the king (Nicolai, hero of the first novel in the series written by Gena Showalter) and supposed to mary someone from some royal family. Obviously both he and Reda assume that she isn't one, because she's from our world, a mere human. But then they find out that she is in fact a decent of some royal family. - It reminded me of a Barbie movie, where Barbie needs to be a princess to be able to marry the guy and then, who would have thought, is one. And, as a reader (or watcher.. I guess) you wonder what would have happened if she hadn't been that lucky and a princess.
And he and Reda don't talk about how "Even if you weren't royalty, I'd still be with you!" so.. really, there's this little spark of suspision or at least dissatisfaction. BUT - and that's the thing - Dayn seriously does things that make it clear. He would give up his place there to be with her. Obviously it's a little stupid because he doesn't just risk his own life but that of the entire kingdom.. but come on, it's about love, right? ; )
I almost forgot - Since the whole series is some sort of paranormal-kinda-modern retelling of fairy tales: This time we have Red Riding Hood. The heroine grew up with the fairy tale, her mother reading it to her and dying before she could explain a little more.. In Reda's case the fairy tale actually really was related to the content in an interesting way. She had problems in 'her' world, her family being not very supportive and herself feeling weak and like a coward.
These parts could've been explored more, but Andersen did a decent job. This novel is in fact my favorite out of the three novels I've read so far. (I don't dare reading Nalini's book. I like her and if this book is bad.. Urr!)
September 20, 2011
Four royal siblings magically sent to safety when an evil sorcerer takes over their kingdom and four authors to bring them back home for an epic battle to regain their kingdom.
On the whole I liked Lord of the Wolfyn, which is book three in the Royal House of Shadow series that also features stories by authors Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe and Nalini Singh. This installment gets off to a bit of a slow start, with the recap of the series setup which drops our hero, Prince Davyn, into the dimension of the shape shifting Wolfyn, where he must hide his identity and his true nature as a blood drinker for fifteen years while waiting for his guide to appear to lead him back home for a reunion with his missing siblings.
Although recapping the setup was likely one of the ground rules for the series, I'd have been happier if that part of the back-story had just been woven into the rest of the book, because the Little Red Riding-hood fairy tale lead-in, which brings the our leading lady former cop Reda into the mix, was more entrancing an opening for a story that only has brief moments in the real world and ends up being fantasy romance.
I am hero-centric, so I liked prince in hiding, Davyn, who is the woodsman to Reda's 'Little Red' and who also happens to be the prince charming of Reda's dreams in the flesh – but with a touch of vulnerability. Reda is a bit more difficult to warm up to initially, because events in her life have left her a mess and ill prepared for her role of unwitting guide. Consequently, she is starts more of damsel in distress than a true heroine.
While there is a steamy attraction between Davyn and Reda from the start, I really clicked with the pair when at last they make it to Davyn's beleaguered homeland. Once there, Reda finally becomes the warrior she was meant to be, and the pair move beyond the past even without the guarantee of a future together.
Having not read the first two books of the continuum (Lord of Vampires and Lord of Rage) before I read this installment, I can say with certainty that it is possible to read Lord of the Wolfyn on its own. Though I must admit that on its own, Lord of the Wolfyn doesn't feel finished - and it shouldn't, since there is one more book to go, Lord of the Abyss, and that book is the grand finale to the four royal siblings' saga.
This review is for an advance reading copy of Lord of the Wolfyn I received for free through NetGalley.
On the whole I liked Lord of the Wolfyn, which is book three in the Royal House of Shadow series that also features stories by authors Gena Showalter, Jill Monroe and Nalini Singh. This installment gets off to a bit of a slow start, with the recap of the series setup which drops our hero, Prince Davyn, into the dimension of the shape shifting Wolfyn, where he must hide his identity and his true nature as a blood drinker for fifteen years while waiting for his guide to appear to lead him back home for a reunion with his missing siblings.
Although recapping the setup was likely one of the ground rules for the series, I'd have been happier if that part of the back-story had just been woven into the rest of the book, because the Little Red Riding-hood fairy tale lead-in, which brings the our leading lady former cop Reda into the mix, was more entrancing an opening for a story that only has brief moments in the real world and ends up being fantasy romance.
I am hero-centric, so I liked prince in hiding, Davyn, who is the woodsman to Reda's 'Little Red' and who also happens to be the prince charming of Reda's dreams in the flesh – but with a touch of vulnerability. Reda is a bit more difficult to warm up to initially, because events in her life have left her a mess and ill prepared for her role of unwitting guide. Consequently, she is starts more of damsel in distress than a true heroine.
While there is a steamy attraction between Davyn and Reda from the start, I really clicked with the pair when at last they make it to Davyn's beleaguered homeland. Once there, Reda finally becomes the warrior she was meant to be, and the pair move beyond the past even without the guarantee of a future together.
Having not read the first two books of the continuum (Lord of Vampires and Lord of Rage) before I read this installment, I can say with certainty that it is possible to read Lord of the Wolfyn on its own. Though I must admit that on its own, Lord of the Wolfyn doesn't feel finished - and it shouldn't, since there is one more book to go, Lord of the Abyss, and that book is the grand finale to the four royal siblings' saga.
This review is for an advance reading copy of Lord of the Wolfyn I received for free through NetGalley.
September 30, 2011
e-ARC provided by Net-galley
3 stars
#3 in Royal of Shadows series
Lord of Wolfyn is the story of Dayn. The second prince of Elden Kingdom. After the assassination to their parent, and their enemy, Blood Sorceres took over Elden, Dayn was transported to Wolfyn realm, a despised enemy of Elden Kingdom.
Alfreda Weston or Reda, is a cop with problem. After facing her partner death with in front of her, she so shocked.That's when she found a book, an old version of Little Red Riding Hood, and she became fascinated with the story, when in the end the Red Riding Hood end up with the Woodman. Not long time after that, she'd been teleported to Wolfyn realm and met Dayn. Dayn believe Reda is his salvation and his key to reach Elden. While Reda believe her attraction to Dayn because he'd mesmerized her. With all that obstacles, Reda must fulfill her task to make Dayn reach Elden, before there's no chance Elden will safe and back to its glory again..
This book is the weakest at this series. And the most confusing after Lord of The Vampires. My compliment is the heroine's name, err,Reda not unusual name. I thing because Lord of The Wolfyn is retelling from Little Red Riding Hood, I prefer heroine name, is Scarlet. For hero, Dayn is more beta than 2 previous heroes. Maybe because he's the second son, so his act not so alpha, he more care and gentle to Reda.
There are some important clue missing, like there's no mention of "time piece".. Is Dayn's time piece was lost? Or he just don't have it from the beginning? There's no more explanation about Reda's past too, which make me frustrated, beside Reda kinda weak and annoying. Even she become stronger in the end, its still look forced.
I can't wait to read the final book Lord of the Abyss. About Micah's story, the third son and might be the final salvation for Nikolai, Brenna and Dayn. And I hope Ms Singh can wrapped the story and left reader satisfied.
3 stars
#3 in Royal of Shadows series
Lord of Wolfyn is the story of Dayn. The second prince of Elden Kingdom. After the assassination to their parent, and their enemy, Blood Sorceres took over Elden, Dayn was transported to Wolfyn realm, a despised enemy of Elden Kingdom.
Alfreda Weston or Reda, is a cop with problem. After facing her partner death with in front of her, she so shocked.That's when she found a book, an old version of Little Red Riding Hood, and she became fascinated with the story, when in the end the Red Riding Hood end up with the Woodman. Not long time after that, she'd been teleported to Wolfyn realm and met Dayn. Dayn believe Reda is his salvation and his key to reach Elden. While Reda believe her attraction to Dayn because he'd mesmerized her. With all that obstacles, Reda must fulfill her task to make Dayn reach Elden, before there's no chance Elden will safe and back to its glory again..
This book is the weakest at this series. And the most confusing after Lord of The Vampires. My compliment is the heroine's name, err,Reda not unusual name. I thing because Lord of The Wolfyn is retelling from Little Red Riding Hood, I prefer heroine name, is Scarlet. For hero, Dayn is more beta than 2 previous heroes. Maybe because he's the second son, so his act not so alpha, he more care and gentle to Reda.
There are some important clue missing, like there's no mention of "time piece".. Is Dayn's time piece was lost? Or he just don't have it from the beginning? There's no more explanation about Reda's past too, which make me frustrated, beside Reda kinda weak and annoying. Even she become stronger in the end, its still look forced.
I can't wait to read the final book Lord of the Abyss. About Micah's story, the third son and might be the final salvation for Nikolai, Brenna and Dayn. And I hope Ms Singh can wrapped the story and left reader satisfied.
September 18, 2011
"Good, then listen well. Because of our wounds and the sorcerer's power, the spell turned, warped as your mother and I cast it. The magic has sent you and your brothers and sister far away, as we intended, but it has also tied the four of you to the castle and begun a countdown. When this count enters its final four nights-and not before-you must all return to the island, retake the castle and kill the Blood sorcerer. If you do not, you will die and Elden will be lost. But you must wait until the time is right.
Dayn's breath rasped in his lungs; his mind spun. "How will I know?" Gods, was this really happening?
A woman will come to guide you home. The countdown begins when she arrives and ends on the fourth night."
The Royal House of Elden was attacked. In an effort to save their children, the Queen cast a spell to send each of them to a different kingdom. At the same time, the King cast a spell so that each of his children would seek vengeance upon the Blood Sorcerer. The two spells merged and then warped. Each child ended up in a different kingdom with the exception of Dayn. He ended up in a different realm. There are three--the kingdom, wolfyn, and human realms. The wolfyn realm is where Dayn ended up and this story begins.
"The older hunters told of the wolfyn taking human form and seducing the most beautiful women they could find...and then killing and eating them. Those were just stories, though."
Reda had been searching for a book for years, entitled Rutakoppchem, an alternate version of Red Riding Hood. In this version the wolf was not only sinister, but a seducer as well. The book had been a gift from her mother. Her father had sold it years ago in attempt to help his daughter overcome her mother's death and her disillusions about a magical world. When Reda finally finds the book, it transports her to another realm, the wolfyn realm, where she meets Dayn and discovers she's his guide. While the tale her mother had given her was started, it was never completed. Additionally, she doesn't remember anything of the magical world of her childhood, so how is it possible that she can guide anyone? Isn't that like the blind leading the blind? Plus, most myths and legends are based on fact. Distinguishing fact from fiction, however, is not always the easiest thing to do. That is something Reda will need to do. Elden's survival depends on her making the right choice.
This is the third book of the Royal House of Shadows tetralogy/quartet. We are slowly starting to get a better view of the overall picture of what is happening in Elden and beyond. Each book gives us a little more insight as to how the series will conclude. I must say I look forward to seeing how Nalini Singh (one of my favorite authors) will finish the tale. She needs to write Micha's story, plus, she's the anchor for this team of authors and will need to bring the previous three stories together to the series conclusion in Lord of the Abyss.
'Lord of the Wolfyn' is my favorite so far of the Royal House of Shadows saga. While I've loved each of the stories thus far, something about this one just seemed a little more magical to me. This is the first book I've read by Jessica Anderson, but it won't be my last. I loved how Jessica took the story of Little Red Riding Hood and changed it to make it her own.
I loved how the blank pages of the book symbolize how Reda needs to find her own way and, in a manner of speaking, create her own story. The phrase "life's what you make it" comes to mind. I also like that Reda grows as a person. When we first meet her we learn she's a former police officer who froze when put in a dangerous situation. Her lack of action caused her partner to lose his life. In order to fulfill her destiny, she'll have to overcome the fear that causes her to freeze.
While Reda suffers from guilt, she is not the only one. Dayn feels guilty for leaving his post after an argument with his parents. He believes if he'd been at the castle at the time of the attack he could have changed the outcome of what happened. He will need to deal with some of his own issues while attempting to find his way back to Elden. Plus, he needs to get his priorities straight and learn what his father meant when he said he need to stay true to himself.
The attraction between Reda and Dayn is instantaneous and steamy, but complicated. Neither knows the other, and they only have four days to find a way back to Eldon and save the Kingdom. At the end of the period it is thought Reda will return home. Plus, with the Kingdom at stake they need to try to stay focused on the task at hand.
There are so many things I loved in this story. I think Jessica added elements she loved from other fairy tales. There is an evil "witch" bent on keeping Dayn from returning home, a dragon that will come into play and a few twists and turns because a good fairytale is never ever supposed to be predictable. A most enjoyable read from Ms. Andersen. Hey, is she related to Hans Christian Andersen? *chuckle*
On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SHOWERM.b< rating - a cold shower may be necessary after reading this book. Need I say more? I believe some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.
Order of series:
1) Lord of the Vampires
2) Lord of Rage
3) Lord of the Wolfyn
4. Lord of the Abyss
To view more of my reviews check out my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com
Dayn's breath rasped in his lungs; his mind spun. "How will I know?" Gods, was this really happening?
A woman will come to guide you home. The countdown begins when she arrives and ends on the fourth night."
The Royal House of Elden was attacked. In an effort to save their children, the Queen cast a spell to send each of them to a different kingdom. At the same time, the King cast a spell so that each of his children would seek vengeance upon the Blood Sorcerer. The two spells merged and then warped. Each child ended up in a different kingdom with the exception of Dayn. He ended up in a different realm. There are three--the kingdom, wolfyn, and human realms. The wolfyn realm is where Dayn ended up and this story begins.
"The older hunters told of the wolfyn taking human form and seducing the most beautiful women they could find...and then killing and eating them. Those were just stories, though."
Reda had been searching for a book for years, entitled Rutakoppchem, an alternate version of Red Riding Hood. In this version the wolf was not only sinister, but a seducer as well. The book had been a gift from her mother. Her father had sold it years ago in attempt to help his daughter overcome her mother's death and her disillusions about a magical world. When Reda finally finds the book, it transports her to another realm, the wolfyn realm, where she meets Dayn and discovers she's his guide. While the tale her mother had given her was started, it was never completed. Additionally, she doesn't remember anything of the magical world of her childhood, so how is it possible that she can guide anyone? Isn't that like the blind leading the blind? Plus, most myths and legends are based on fact. Distinguishing fact from fiction, however, is not always the easiest thing to do. That is something Reda will need to do. Elden's survival depends on her making the right choice.
This is the third book of the Royal House of Shadows tetralogy/quartet. We are slowly starting to get a better view of the overall picture of what is happening in Elden and beyond. Each book gives us a little more insight as to how the series will conclude. I must say I look forward to seeing how Nalini Singh (one of my favorite authors) will finish the tale. She needs to write Micha's story, plus, she's the anchor for this team of authors and will need to bring the previous three stories together to the series conclusion in Lord of the Abyss.
'Lord of the Wolfyn' is my favorite so far of the Royal House of Shadows saga. While I've loved each of the stories thus far, something about this one just seemed a little more magical to me. This is the first book I've read by Jessica Anderson, but it won't be my last. I loved how Jessica took the story of Little Red Riding Hood and changed it to make it her own.
I loved how the blank pages of the book symbolize how Reda needs to find her own way and, in a manner of speaking, create her own story. The phrase "life's what you make it" comes to mind. I also like that Reda grows as a person. When we first meet her we learn she's a former police officer who froze when put in a dangerous situation. Her lack of action caused her partner to lose his life. In order to fulfill her destiny, she'll have to overcome the fear that causes her to freeze.
While Reda suffers from guilt, she is not the only one. Dayn feels guilty for leaving his post after an argument with his parents. He believes if he'd been at the castle at the time of the attack he could have changed the outcome of what happened. He will need to deal with some of his own issues while attempting to find his way back to Elden. Plus, he needs to get his priorities straight and learn what his father meant when he said he need to stay true to himself.
The attraction between Reda and Dayn is instantaneous and steamy, but complicated. Neither knows the other, and they only have four days to find a way back to Eldon and save the Kingdom. At the end of the period it is thought Reda will return home. Plus, with the Kingdom at stake they need to try to stay focused on the task at hand.
There are so many things I loved in this story. I think Jessica added elements she loved from other fairy tales. There is an evil "witch" bent on keeping Dayn from returning home, a dragon that will come into play and a few twists and turns because a good fairytale is never ever supposed to be predictable. A most enjoyable read from Ms. Andersen. Hey, is she related to Hans Christian Andersen? *chuckle*
On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a SHOWERM.b< rating - a cold shower may be necessary after reading this book. Need I say more? I believe some books should come with a warning - make sure your significant other is handy or your shower is in working order. Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.
Order of series:
1) Lord of the Vampires
2) Lord of Rage
3) Lord of the Wolfyn
4. Lord of the Abyss
To view more of my reviews check out my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com
October 17, 2011
As a child, Reda's mother gave her a special book... a unique version of Little Red Riding Hood, filled with magic. After her mother's death, she refused to stop believing in the magic her mother assured her was real. Her father feared for her sanity, so he got rid of the book. But now, Reda has found it again. She realizes that there is more to it that she understood as a child... a sensuality... and she feels unquestionably drawn to both the book and the woodsman in the story.
After reciting some words her mother taught her, Reda founds herself transported to the wolfyn realm, where she comes face-to-face with Dayn. He is a dead ringer for the woodsman in the book and the man featured in the sexy dreams she has been having. Dayn recognizes Reda from his dreams as well. But to him, she is not just a beautiful woman, but the guide he has been waiting 20 years to help him find his way back to his homeland. You see, Dayn was a prince of Elden. But his castle was attacked by a blood sorcerer and his parents used magic to send him away to protect him.
Dayn is a vampire. But he's been living among the wolfyn in secret all this time. Once he meets up with Reda, he begins his quest to return home and save his kingdom. But of course, the two of them find love along the way.
I didn't enjoy this story quite as much as I liked Lord of Rage. First of all, I wasn't a big fan of the heroine. Yes, she has suffered some hard knocks lately, but she came off as a kind of a wimpy whiner, especially in the first half of the book. And every new revelation about Dayn made it worse. She wanted to take no responsibility for her feelings and actions... wanted to make everything his fault. She gave up too easily. And when she finally did come around, it felt abrupt and out of character.
As for Dayn, he made for an ok hero. (Though it's hard to be the follow-up act to a sexy berserker.) But he was responsible for the repetative dialogue that made me want to poke my eyes out. I swear to you, if I had to read him say, "Gods and the Abyss" one more time...
Anyway, the sex was pretty good. I liked the action, the wolfyn, and the dragon. And I'm looking forward to see Dayn reunite with his brothers and sister to kick some Blood Sorcerer ass. It's been a long time coming. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
After reciting some words her mother taught her, Reda founds herself transported to the wolfyn realm, where she comes face-to-face with Dayn. He is a dead ringer for the woodsman in the book and the man featured in the sexy dreams she has been having. Dayn recognizes Reda from his dreams as well. But to him, she is not just a beautiful woman, but the guide he has been waiting 20 years to help him find his way back to his homeland. You see, Dayn was a prince of Elden. But his castle was attacked by a blood sorcerer and his parents used magic to send him away to protect him.
Dayn is a vampire. But he's been living among the wolfyn in secret all this time. Once he meets up with Reda, he begins his quest to return home and save his kingdom. But of course, the two of them find love along the way.
I didn't enjoy this story quite as much as I liked Lord of Rage. First of all, I wasn't a big fan of the heroine. Yes, she has suffered some hard knocks lately, but she came off as a kind of a wimpy whiner, especially in the first half of the book. And every new revelation about Dayn made it worse. She wanted to take no responsibility for her feelings and actions... wanted to make everything his fault. She gave up too easily. And when she finally did come around, it felt abrupt and out of character.
As for Dayn, he made for an ok hero. (Though it's hard to be the follow-up act to a sexy berserker.) But he was responsible for the repetative dialogue that made me want to poke my eyes out. I swear to you, if I had to read him say, "Gods and the Abyss" one more time...
Anyway, the sex was pretty good. I liked the action, the wolfyn, and the dragon. And I'm looking forward to see Dayn reunite with his brothers and sister to kick some Blood Sorcerer ass. It's been a long time coming. 3 1/2 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
October 18, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: October 18, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Nocturne
Author’s Website: http://www.jessicaandersen.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3 of Royal House of Shadows Continuation
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
To be perfectly honest, this one was a disappointment to me. I adore Jessica Andersen’s Nightkeepers series, so I was excited when I heard she would be a part of the Royal House of Shadows. Unfortunately, it got of to an incredibly slow start for me. I didn’t like Dayn when I first met him, and while the premise was intriguing as it involved a heroine from “our” realm, I just couldn’t get back from the vampire prince-dressed-as-a-lumberjack hiding amongst the wolfyn. Plus, the whole time limit thing of four days seemed ridiculously short, especially when two of those days were glossed over and not actually detailed.
That said, about halfway in, the action started to pick up, as did the relationship between Reda and Dayn. While there was quite a bit of superfluous angst (wait, did I say that??), the relationship was much more satisfying, and the final showdown between our main couple and the evil witch went out with a bang.
While I do think this story worked well as a standalone, readers must be aware that it is a part of a four-installment continuity, and as such, the ending is very much a cliff-hanger (since the final Big Showdown will presumably be in the final book, Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh). Despite this fact, I thought that Dayn and Reda’s personal story arc felt complete enough to count as a HEA.
In the end, though, I don’t think this book ever fully recovered for me after the slow start. If I could split my rating, the first half would be 2 stars, and the second half would probably be 4. Because of this, I’m going with an overall rating of 3/5 Stars.
Expected Release Date: October 18, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Nocturne
Author’s Website: http://www.jessicaandersen.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 3 of Royal House of Shadows Continuation
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
To be perfectly honest, this one was a disappointment to me. I adore Jessica Andersen’s Nightkeepers series, so I was excited when I heard she would be a part of the Royal House of Shadows. Unfortunately, it got of to an incredibly slow start for me. I didn’t like Dayn when I first met him, and while the premise was intriguing as it involved a heroine from “our” realm, I just couldn’t get back from the vampire prince-dressed-as-a-lumberjack hiding amongst the wolfyn. Plus, the whole time limit thing of four days seemed ridiculously short, especially when two of those days were glossed over and not actually detailed.
That said, about halfway in, the action started to pick up, as did the relationship between Reda and Dayn. While there was quite a bit of superfluous angst (wait, did I say that??), the relationship was much more satisfying, and the final showdown between our main couple and the evil witch went out with a bang.
While I do think this story worked well as a standalone, readers must be aware that it is a part of a four-installment continuity, and as such, the ending is very much a cliff-hanger (since the final Big Showdown will presumably be in the final book, Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh). Despite this fact, I thought that Dayn and Reda’s personal story arc felt complete enough to count as a HEA.
In the end, though, I don’t think this book ever fully recovered for me after the slow start. If I could split my rating, the first half would be 2 stars, and the second half would probably be 4. Because of this, I’m going with an overall rating of 3/5 Stars.
December 29, 2011
3.5 stars.
This was the first book I've read by Jessica Andersen. Let me say, I loved her writing!
The 3rd book in this series got us a little closer to the battle. At least now we had one of the lost heirs on the Castle Island. None of them have met up yet, nor do they know if their siblings are there.
Reda and Dayn were an interesting couple. She was a human cop, he a misplaced Prince who is a vampire who can turn into a wolfyn. He was a selfish prince before being thrust into the world of the Wolfyn. She was unsure of her self. By the end of the book, he had accepted that he was going to be a selfish guy. The big change came from Reda....she grew. She was braver and decided to go after what she wanted; and that was Dayn. It was alluded to that
I'm anxious to read the next book in the series. Not just because it's going to be the story of the last child, but because the battle will take place and the heirs will be finally be reunited.
This was the first book I've read by Jessica Andersen. Let me say, I loved her writing!
The 3rd book in this series got us a little closer to the battle. At least now we had one of the lost heirs on the Castle Island. None of them have met up yet, nor do they know if their siblings are there.
Reda and Dayn were an interesting couple. She was a human cop, he a misplaced Prince who is a vampire who can turn into a wolfyn. He was a selfish prince before being thrust into the world of the Wolfyn. She was unsure of her self. By the end of the book, he had accepted that he was going to be a selfish guy. The big change came from Reda....she grew. She was braver and decided to go after what she wanted; and that was Dayn. It was alluded to that
I'm anxious to read the next book in the series. Not just because it's going to be the story of the last child, but because the battle will take place and the heirs will be finally be reunited.
January 9, 2012
This had been a pretty slow series for me. I've enjoyed each book in the series but not one thing in each book stands out to me. In fact, I would rate this one about 2.5 to 3 stars. It was pretty steady through the whole book and not very interesting until almost the very end. Even then, it was a bit unexciting.
The next book by Nalini Singh seems like it will be quite interesting. I hope the last one in the series ends up better than the rest.
The next book by Nalini Singh seems like it will be quite interesting. I hope the last one in the series ends up better than the rest.
January 2, 2017
The best of the series so far and It was a great start for my 2017 book-list!
April 2, 2022
This is the third book in this series, and since each book is written by a different author, that adds another layer to this series that just works out great. I haven't read anything by Jessica Andersen before but I was impressed by her writing.
This book is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, but definitely a grown up version. Reda's mother raised her on a special book, a one of a kind book, about Little Red Riding Hood, but she died while Reda was still young so she never had a chance to finish it. Reda is on leave from the police department for personal reasons when she finds that very same book in a book store. She takes it home and opens it and is transported to a magical realm, where she meets a man who is the spitting image of the sexy woodcutter from her book. She also lands square in the middle of a wolfyn village, which is the exact opposite of a safe place.
Dayn has his own problems. While he is away from the castle where he lives with his parents and his 3 siblings, an evil Blood Sorcerer attacks and casts a spell to vanquish the kingdom. The King and Queen are attacked and are dying, but they try to cast a spell of their own to protect their children before they succumb. Dayn's father sends him this message before he and his mother pass on to try to explain what's happening:
"Because of our wounds and the sorcerer's power, the spell turned warped as your mother and I cast it. The magic has sent you and your brothers and sister far away, as we intended, but it has also tied the four of you to the castle and begun a countdown. When this count enters its final four nights - and not before then - you must all return to the island, retake the castle and kill the Blood Sorcerer. If you do not, you will die and Elden will be lost. But you must wait until the time is right."
He tells Dayn that a woman will come to guide him home, and then he is flung to another realm. He makes a home there and waits for this guide to appear. Enter Reda. They will have to work together to save Dayn's kingdom, and each other, from unforeseen complications.
I enjoyed this installment of the series very much. Reda was a bit annoying in that she was constantly questioning herself and freezing when she and Dayn encountered any danger, but given her history and back story, it was pretty understandable and easy to get past. Dayn was just what you want in a hero - sexy and dangerous, but caring and tender as well, depending on what situation they found themselves in.
The world building was done very well, and given the different realms Reda finds herself in, this is saying something. The plot moved along at a good pace and it was easy to get invested in the characters and the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what happens with all of the siblings.
I can definitely recommend this book for fans of paranormal fairy tale retellings with a twist, and am giving it 4/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, but definitely a grown up version. Reda's mother raised her on a special book, a one of a kind book, about Little Red Riding Hood, but she died while Reda was still young so she never had a chance to finish it. Reda is on leave from the police department for personal reasons when she finds that very same book in a book store. She takes it home and opens it and is transported to a magical realm, where she meets a man who is the spitting image of the sexy woodcutter from her book. She also lands square in the middle of a wolfyn village, which is the exact opposite of a safe place.
Dayn has his own problems. While he is away from the castle where he lives with his parents and his 3 siblings, an evil Blood Sorcerer attacks and casts a spell to vanquish the kingdom. The King and Queen are attacked and are dying, but they try to cast a spell of their own to protect their children before they succumb. Dayn's father sends him this message before he and his mother pass on to try to explain what's happening:
"Because of our wounds and the sorcerer's power, the spell turned warped as your mother and I cast it. The magic has sent you and your brothers and sister far away, as we intended, but it has also tied the four of you to the castle and begun a countdown. When this count enters its final four nights - and not before then - you must all return to the island, retake the castle and kill the Blood Sorcerer. If you do not, you will die and Elden will be lost. But you must wait until the time is right."
He tells Dayn that a woman will come to guide him home, and then he is flung to another realm. He makes a home there and waits for this guide to appear. Enter Reda. They will have to work together to save Dayn's kingdom, and each other, from unforeseen complications.
I enjoyed this installment of the series very much. Reda was a bit annoying in that she was constantly questioning herself and freezing when she and Dayn encountered any danger, but given her history and back story, it was pretty understandable and easy to get past. Dayn was just what you want in a hero - sexy and dangerous, but caring and tender as well, depending on what situation they found themselves in.
The world building was done very well, and given the different realms Reda finds herself in, this is saying something. The plot moved along at a good pace and it was easy to get invested in the characters and the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series to find out what happens with all of the siblings.
I can definitely recommend this book for fans of paranormal fairy tale retellings with a twist, and am giving it 4/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 12, 2011
You can also read this review at Reflections on Reading Romance
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Gena Showalter and Nalini Singh are two of my favorite authors, so when Harlequin announced that they would be releasing a series of paranormal romances with the first and last books written by Showalter and Singh, I was thrilled. I was really disappointed in the first book of the series by Showalter, Lord of the Vampires, because it felt disjointed and rushed, but Lord of the Wolfyn was much better. Before reading the third installment of the series, I had never read anything by Jessica Andersen, but I’ll be looking for more of her books in the future, because this was a fun read, even if the phrase “wolfyn” had me cringing every time I read it.
If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, you’ll be able to follow along with ease, as there’s a short prologue that sets up the back story. Also, each of the books is based on a fairy tale, with Lord of the Wolfyn based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. In all of the books, the Blood Sorcerer (whom we have yet to meet) attacks the Royal Castle of Elden, killing the king and queen. The parents manage to protect their four children by using the last of their powers to send the children to different dimensions. Prince Dayn, the second son, finds himself in the realm of the Wolfyn, shapeshifters who are hunted in his realm of vampires. (Quick side note – I cringe every time I write the word wolfyn – surely there was a better name for the werewolves?) One of Dayn’s father’s last acts was to tell his son that when the time was right, they would send a guide to lead him back to the Castle of Elden. Once the guide arrived, Dayn would have four days to return to Elden and join his siblings against the Blood Sorcerer.
We then flash forward 20 years to the present in the Human realm where we meet Alfreda (Reda) Weston, red-headed cop. Reda’s in a bit of funk, because she froze when her partner was killed and has had problems with her self-confidence ever since. When she finally is able to recover a copy of an old version of Little Red Riding Hood that her mother gave her years ago, she purchases the book, little realizing that reading it would send her into the Wolfyn realm. And luckily for her, Dayn happens to be observing the portal that day, and he immediately recognizes her as his guide. Not surprisingly, Reda is more than a little freaked out at her new surroundings. Who wouldn’t be? First you’re reading a book, then POOF! you find yourself in another realm with some hottie telling you what to do. Happens to me ALL the time. Since Dayn desperately wants to be reunited with his family, he has to find a way to convince Reda to help him and in so doing give her confidence she’s lost since her partner’s death.
My absolute favorite aspect of this novel is that it is action-packed. The four day deadline adds suspense to the drama, since you’re wondering if Dayn will be able to convince Reda to help him in time to make it home before the four days are up. Additionally, there’s the concern that when he does arrive, he’ll be the only one of his siblings to have made it. We don’t witness any family reunions in the book, but the ending implies that the others are in fact in other parts of Elden, if not there during Dayn’s battles. I like that there was a resolution to the book, even if the overarching storyline about the Blood Sorcerer won’t be resolved until Nalini Singh’s book is released next month.
I also liked how the fairy tale was tied in with the story. The connection Reda feels with her dead mother and the book of Rutakoppchen with its wood carvings nicely tie the original tale of the wolf and the hunter in with the current plot. Andersen adds a nice twist to the legend by making the wolf in the novel a werewolf (or wolfyn), and Dayn’s connection to the wolfyn realm is an interesting one, especially since he’s hunting wolfyn in the prologue before being sent to the other realm.
Unfortunately Reda is not a strong heroine. I think that we’re supposed to sympathize with her because she’s experienced so much tragedy, but her actions at the beginning of the novel make her come across as really weak. When she does become more assertive, the change is abrupt, and I found it a little disconcerting. I enjoy reading novels that show a weaker heroine finding her own strength, but Reda’s change from wimp to warrior woman occurred during her transition from one realm to the other, which left her almost unrecognizable even to the hero when they met up again.
I think the book suffers a bit from its shorter length as well, because Reda’s character issues could have been resolved if they had been spread out over more of the book. Also, there’s a period when Dayn and Reda are separated, and I would have liked to have seen Reda’s actions during that time. When the two meet up again, she’s suddenly the more confident guardswoman that you would have thought a cop would be anyway. Since this change seems to occur while she’s ‘off-screen,’ I think including that time they’re apart would have tempered some of the issues I had with her character development.
However, I very much enjoyed the book. It was a fun, quick read, and the romance between Dayn and Reda was sizzling. I’m looking forward of the conclusion to the series, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of Ms. Andersen’s books.
I received this book for review from the publisher through NetGalley.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Gena Showalter and Nalini Singh are two of my favorite authors, so when Harlequin announced that they would be releasing a series of paranormal romances with the first and last books written by Showalter and Singh, I was thrilled. I was really disappointed in the first book of the series by Showalter, Lord of the Vampires, because it felt disjointed and rushed, but Lord of the Wolfyn was much better. Before reading the third installment of the series, I had never read anything by Jessica Andersen, but I’ll be looking for more of her books in the future, because this was a fun read, even if the phrase “wolfyn” had me cringing every time I read it.
If you haven’t read any of the other books in the series, you’ll be able to follow along with ease, as there’s a short prologue that sets up the back story. Also, each of the books is based on a fairy tale, with Lord of the Wolfyn based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. In all of the books, the Blood Sorcerer (whom we have yet to meet) attacks the Royal Castle of Elden, killing the king and queen. The parents manage to protect their four children by using the last of their powers to send the children to different dimensions. Prince Dayn, the second son, finds himself in the realm of the Wolfyn, shapeshifters who are hunted in his realm of vampires. (Quick side note – I cringe every time I write the word wolfyn – surely there was a better name for the werewolves?) One of Dayn’s father’s last acts was to tell his son that when the time was right, they would send a guide to lead him back to the Castle of Elden. Once the guide arrived, Dayn would have four days to return to Elden and join his siblings against the Blood Sorcerer.
We then flash forward 20 years to the present in the Human realm where we meet Alfreda (Reda) Weston, red-headed cop. Reda’s in a bit of funk, because she froze when her partner was killed and has had problems with her self-confidence ever since. When she finally is able to recover a copy of an old version of Little Red Riding Hood that her mother gave her years ago, she purchases the book, little realizing that reading it would send her into the Wolfyn realm. And luckily for her, Dayn happens to be observing the portal that day, and he immediately recognizes her as his guide. Not surprisingly, Reda is more than a little freaked out at her new surroundings. Who wouldn’t be? First you’re reading a book, then POOF! you find yourself in another realm with some hottie telling you what to do. Happens to me ALL the time. Since Dayn desperately wants to be reunited with his family, he has to find a way to convince Reda to help him and in so doing give her confidence she’s lost since her partner’s death.
My absolute favorite aspect of this novel is that it is action-packed. The four day deadline adds suspense to the drama, since you’re wondering if Dayn will be able to convince Reda to help him in time to make it home before the four days are up. Additionally, there’s the concern that when he does arrive, he’ll be the only one of his siblings to have made it. We don’t witness any family reunions in the book, but the ending implies that the others are in fact in other parts of Elden, if not there during Dayn’s battles. I like that there was a resolution to the book, even if the overarching storyline about the Blood Sorcerer won’t be resolved until Nalini Singh’s book is released next month.
I also liked how the fairy tale was tied in with the story. The connection Reda feels with her dead mother and the book of Rutakoppchen with its wood carvings nicely tie the original tale of the wolf and the hunter in with the current plot. Andersen adds a nice twist to the legend by making the wolf in the novel a werewolf (or wolfyn), and Dayn’s connection to the wolfyn realm is an interesting one, especially since he’s hunting wolfyn in the prologue before being sent to the other realm.
Unfortunately Reda is not a strong heroine. I think that we’re supposed to sympathize with her because she’s experienced so much tragedy, but her actions at the beginning of the novel make her come across as really weak. When she does become more assertive, the change is abrupt, and I found it a little disconcerting. I enjoy reading novels that show a weaker heroine finding her own strength, but Reda’s change from wimp to warrior woman occurred during her transition from one realm to the other, which left her almost unrecognizable even to the hero when they met up again.
I think the book suffers a bit from its shorter length as well, because Reda’s character issues could have been resolved if they had been spread out over more of the book. Also, there’s a period when Dayn and Reda are separated, and I would have liked to have seen Reda’s actions during that time. When the two meet up again, she’s suddenly the more confident guardswoman that you would have thought a cop would be anyway. Since this change seems to occur while she’s ‘off-screen,’ I think including that time they’re apart would have tempered some of the issues I had with her character development.
However, I very much enjoyed the book. It was a fun, quick read, and the romance between Dayn and Reda was sizzling. I’m looking forward of the conclusion to the series, and I’ll definitely be checking out more of Ms. Andersen’s books.
I received this book for review from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 9, 2025
Aquest tercer llibre m'ha agradat molt més que el primer i el segon, però definitivament més que el primer.
Bàsicament és un llibre romàntic en què dues persones que sembla que no encaixaran mai, encaixen de forma perfecta. A partir d'aquí lluiten junts per reivindicar allò que és seu, però han d'afrontar moltíssims reptes i abans s'han de trobar els quatre germans per recuperar el regne d'Elden.
Sí, m'ha agradat perquè té una mica de tot, superació, amistat, lluites, amor... així que qui vulgui saber què passa més... a llegir-ho s'ha dit.
Bàsicament és un llibre romàntic en què dues persones que sembla que no encaixaran mai, encaixen de forma perfecta. A partir d'aquí lluiten junts per reivindicar allò que és seu, però han d'afrontar moltíssims reptes i abans s'han de trobar els quatre germans per recuperar el regne d'Elden.
Sí, m'ha agradat perquè té una mica de tot, superació, amistat, lluites, amor... així que qui vulgui saber què passa més... a llegir-ho s'ha dit.
February 23, 2012
This is the third book in the Royal House of Shadows series; this time focussing on Dayn, the second brother of the kingdom of Elden.
Reda Watson, a police officer who has just lost her partner in a bungled convenience store robbery, has finally found the book she has been searching for. A very old version of Red Riding Hood, one which her mother used to read to her before she died. After reading this book she wakes up to find herself in a world not of her own, having travelled through a vortex using a spell her mother had taught her.
She meets Dayn, the second eldest prince from Elden and he realises that she is the one, his guide, who can open the vortex and transport him back to Elden to defeat the Blood Sorcerer, who killed his parents and took over his home kingdom. Dayn is a vampire the same as Nikolai, his brother from the first book and he lives in close community with a pack of wolfyn, werewolves in other words. However, they have no idea he is a blood drinker, except for the wise old woman who he confided in and they cannot know simply because they will kill him if they do.
Reda and Dayn have a strange relationship. There is the usual attraction between them the you would expect from a PNR, but she came across as being a bit wet to be honest. Maybe the idea that she was constantly being a coward didn't enthral me to her at all. Dayn needed a guide back to his kingdom and when she turned up that was all he focussed on, not really caring if she would ever return to her own world or not. But as can be expected they fall in love and blah blah blah!
Then out of nowhere some blood sorceress called Moragh turns up trying to find some special artefact which she needed to be able to rule Elden instead of the Blood Sorcerer, but I thought that the Blood Sorcerer was the ultimate evil and to be able to defeat him all four of the Elden siblings needed to be back in the palace. This seemed a bit of a random thing to just plonk into the middle of the story, but I guess it meant that the wolfyn would find out about Dayn being a blood drinker and therefore start the ball rolling as it were.
Dayn and Reda have a bit of a trek across the realm in order to find another vortex, which would transport them both to their respective homelands. Obviously things never go to plan and Dayn has to reveal his other nature - he is a wolfyn, having only ever called upon that power within himself once before. This sends Reda into a panic, ensuring that he had bespelled her into feeling for him the way she does after only a few days, but nope he didn't. She felt that way all by her little self!
Eventually they make it back to Elden, although not together and Dayn realises who he needs to be in order to finally defeat the Blood Sorcerer and they head into the castle for the final showdown.
This was an ok book, not quite as good as the first one, which is my favourite in this series so far. I'm guessing that the conclusions are all revealed in the final book and the siblings all finally return to defeat the Blood sorcerer.
I still have no idea where the wolfyn idea came from, because there is no mention of this at all in the other books. It has been said several times that the king was a blood drinker, whilst the queen was a healer mage, but wolfyn was not at all spoken of. It was almost as if they needed a different type of character for this episode in the series and again plonked it in without explanation. Something needed to be said about his heritage a bit more.
I would like to thank the author and publishers for receiving this ARC free from NetGalley and my review is completely my own!
Reda Watson, a police officer who has just lost her partner in a bungled convenience store robbery, has finally found the book she has been searching for. A very old version of Red Riding Hood, one which her mother used to read to her before she died. After reading this book she wakes up to find herself in a world not of her own, having travelled through a vortex using a spell her mother had taught her.
She meets Dayn, the second eldest prince from Elden and he realises that she is the one, his guide, who can open the vortex and transport him back to Elden to defeat the Blood Sorcerer, who killed his parents and took over his home kingdom. Dayn is a vampire the same as Nikolai, his brother from the first book and he lives in close community with a pack of wolfyn, werewolves in other words. However, they have no idea he is a blood drinker, except for the wise old woman who he confided in and they cannot know simply because they will kill him if they do.
Reda and Dayn have a strange relationship. There is the usual attraction between them the you would expect from a PNR, but she came across as being a bit wet to be honest. Maybe the idea that she was constantly being a coward didn't enthral me to her at all. Dayn needed a guide back to his kingdom and when she turned up that was all he focussed on, not really caring if she would ever return to her own world or not. But as can be expected they fall in love and blah blah blah!
Then out of nowhere some blood sorceress called Moragh turns up trying to find some special artefact which she needed to be able to rule Elden instead of the Blood Sorcerer, but I thought that the Blood Sorcerer was the ultimate evil and to be able to defeat him all four of the Elden siblings needed to be back in the palace. This seemed a bit of a random thing to just plonk into the middle of the story, but I guess it meant that the wolfyn would find out about Dayn being a blood drinker and therefore start the ball rolling as it were.
Dayn and Reda have a bit of a trek across the realm in order to find another vortex, which would transport them both to their respective homelands. Obviously things never go to plan and Dayn has to reveal his other nature - he is a wolfyn, having only ever called upon that power within himself once before. This sends Reda into a panic, ensuring that he had bespelled her into feeling for him the way she does after only a few days, but nope he didn't. She felt that way all by her little self!
Eventually they make it back to Elden, although not together and Dayn realises who he needs to be in order to finally defeat the Blood Sorcerer and they head into the castle for the final showdown.
This was an ok book, not quite as good as the first one, which is my favourite in this series so far. I'm guessing that the conclusions are all revealed in the final book and the siblings all finally return to defeat the Blood sorcerer.
I still have no idea where the wolfyn idea came from, because there is no mention of this at all in the other books. It has been said several times that the king was a blood drinker, whilst the queen was a healer mage, but wolfyn was not at all spoken of. It was almost as if they needed a different type of character for this episode in the series and again plonked it in without explanation. Something needed to be said about his heritage a bit more.
I would like to thank the author and publishers for receiving this ARC free from NetGalley and my review is completely my own!
September 26, 2011
Summary:
The night of the attack Prince Dayn was out tracking a Wolfyn riding out his anger at having to give up his woman of common birth, he is expected to marry someone of noble blood. When his father mindspeaks with him as vampires can do he sees the carnage that has become of the castle and his heart breaks that he was not there to help protect his home and family. His father manages to tell him before his death that he is being sent away for 20 years, then a female guide will appear and she will have four days to return him to Elden to unite with his siblings and then Dayn finds himself in a strange realm where the mythical shape shifters Wolfyn (the shape shifting is a mere myth in Elden) rule and and realm traveling is a common occurrence. Human cop Reda’s foundation was rocked to the core when her partner was killed and she just stood there when they were on duty, she never thought of herself as a coward until that fateful day. Now unsure what to do with her life she clings onto her past, in particular a book that her mother gave her, a one of a kind version of the Wolfyn and “Little Red Riding Hood”. Dreams leading up to finally getting her hands on the book show her, her “woodcutter” but suddenly Reda is being sucked into a strange land and suddenly her woodcutter is alive and demanding her to take him someplace, this must be a dream. It takes several brushes with death before Reda believes this is all real and she is to take her sexy woodcutter to some place called Elden to save his kingdom. With her cowardice haunting her, she is determined to help her woodcutter Dayn reach his home, but with a dark witch and the Wolfyn after them it’s not looking good. Reda and Dayn know they only have four days together and despite the constant danger they are determined to make the most of those days an steamy nights, until Dayn’s secrets catch up with him and Reda is betrayed…
Review:
This is a great spin on “Little Red Riding Hood” dark and dangerous with a sexy male lead. Dayn is sexy enough to lick and bite, and flannel never looked so good. Well in my mind anyway. There is evil and danger lurking in every corner in this book and made for an interesting read. The love scenes were erotic and hot, you won’t be disappointed there. I do have to admit there were times when Reda annoyed me and I wanted to yell “Man up and grow a pair” at her; however, she did make up for it when she saved her prince. And hey any women that is that good with a bow and arrow is ok in my book. I also wondered what did happen with Reda’s mother, did she really die, did she get taken into one the vortexes? You never really find out, but that is more one of those vague, hmmm moments that is besides the fact and doesn’t really affect the book at all. One other thing that had me going hmm was in the first book, Nicolai said Dayn was mindspeaking with him to come help him, but in this book, Dayn could not reach anyone to mindspeak with, again doesn’t affect my enjoyment of the book but one of those small inconsistencies that can happen in multibook series that I picked up on. This book was full tilt action and sexiness and you won’t be disappointed in this installment of this series. Jessica Anderson is going on my list of authors to check out more books by as soon as possible. Overall, a good read.
Rating:
4
*This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
The night of the attack Prince Dayn was out tracking a Wolfyn riding out his anger at having to give up his woman of common birth, he is expected to marry someone of noble blood. When his father mindspeaks with him as vampires can do he sees the carnage that has become of the castle and his heart breaks that he was not there to help protect his home and family. His father manages to tell him before his death that he is being sent away for 20 years, then a female guide will appear and she will have four days to return him to Elden to unite with his siblings and then Dayn finds himself in a strange realm where the mythical shape shifters Wolfyn (the shape shifting is a mere myth in Elden) rule and and realm traveling is a common occurrence. Human cop Reda’s foundation was rocked to the core when her partner was killed and she just stood there when they were on duty, she never thought of herself as a coward until that fateful day. Now unsure what to do with her life she clings onto her past, in particular a book that her mother gave her, a one of a kind version of the Wolfyn and “Little Red Riding Hood”. Dreams leading up to finally getting her hands on the book show her, her “woodcutter” but suddenly Reda is being sucked into a strange land and suddenly her woodcutter is alive and demanding her to take him someplace, this must be a dream. It takes several brushes with death before Reda believes this is all real and she is to take her sexy woodcutter to some place called Elden to save his kingdom. With her cowardice haunting her, she is determined to help her woodcutter Dayn reach his home, but with a dark witch and the Wolfyn after them it’s not looking good. Reda and Dayn know they only have four days together and despite the constant danger they are determined to make the most of those days an steamy nights, until Dayn’s secrets catch up with him and Reda is betrayed…
Review:
This is a great spin on “Little Red Riding Hood” dark and dangerous with a sexy male lead. Dayn is sexy enough to lick and bite, and flannel never looked so good. Well in my mind anyway. There is evil and danger lurking in every corner in this book and made for an interesting read. The love scenes were erotic and hot, you won’t be disappointed there. I do have to admit there were times when Reda annoyed me and I wanted to yell “Man up and grow a pair” at her; however, she did make up for it when she saved her prince. And hey any women that is that good with a bow and arrow is ok in my book. I also wondered what did happen with Reda’s mother, did she really die, did she get taken into one the vortexes? You never really find out, but that is more one of those vague, hmmm moments that is besides the fact and doesn’t really affect the book at all. One other thing that had me going hmm was in the first book, Nicolai said Dayn was mindspeaking with him to come help him, but in this book, Dayn could not reach anyone to mindspeak with, again doesn’t affect my enjoyment of the book but one of those small inconsistencies that can happen in multibook series that I picked up on. This book was full tilt action and sexiness and you won’t be disappointed in this installment of this series. Jessica Anderson is going on my list of authors to check out more books by as soon as possible. Overall, a good read.
Rating:
4
*This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
October 23, 2011
This review was posted at Under The Covers
You know not to judge a book by its cover but...the cover, how do you judge?
Francesca: DE.LICK.CIOUS! All that delicious chest, and the colors are really pretty as well. Wouldn't mind curling in bed with him at night, I mean with the book of course!
Suzanne: LOVE. IT. I would get this book for the cover alone. I know BAD Suzanne, but have you seen that gorgeous man chest. I am not saying that I would lick the cover, but I am just warning don't be surprised if it is a little damp LMAO!
What did you think about the main characters?
Francesca: Dayn is like a little lost puppy. He feels he betrayed his family by not being there but he wants to redeem himself by going back and rescuing them! Not the tough guy, but the do-good one. I liked him. Reda to me was an insecure woman trying to fit in the shoes of a tough chick. She had the job as a cop, she has a mission in life which she thought was always a made up story, but then she doesn't have the guts to back up that role. I mean, she almost ended up as plant food!
Suzanne: I liked Dayn he was one sexy shapeshifter (my faves!) I wouldn't say he was my favourite, but I liked his dedication to his Kingdom and his siblings, as well his super hawtness. But Reda...her constant changing her mind about things irritated me, one moment she was certain of one truth and 10 pages later it was something else! I hate indecisiveness!
What did you like about this book?
Francesca: I liked the play on the fairytale, I think it was done nicely. I liked that Dayn was part wolfyn when in his own land he was the enemy, and I liked Dayn's possessive instincts about Reda. I also liked the Blood Sorcerer storyline, which we get to see more of in this book.
Suzanne: I liked the continuation of the story about getting rid of the Blood Sorcerer and the idea of the Wolfyn and I can't wait to see what happens next!
What do you think could have been better?
Francesca: The story flowed really slow to me. I think maybe if it would've picked up the pace a little would've been more catching.
Suzanne: For me the story was missing something, it was a little slow and I found Reda a little annoying. It also seemed to end rather abruptly as well, but this seems to have happened in all three of them so far.
Series so far, what do you think?
Francesca: I like the fairytale concept and how each book talks about a different fairytale redone. Would I say this is a favorite series of mine? No. But it's definitely something different and well written.
Suzanne: Like Fran I liked the fairytale concept it is something different, but I am just not really "in" to this series as much as I would like to be, it feels to disconnected. But I am looking forward to the next book!
You know not to judge a book by its cover but...the cover, how do you judge?
Francesca: DE.LICK.CIOUS! All that delicious chest, and the colors are really pretty as well. Wouldn't mind curling in bed with him at night, I mean with the book of course!
Suzanne: LOVE. IT. I would get this book for the cover alone. I know BAD Suzanne, but have you seen that gorgeous man chest. I am not saying that I would lick the cover, but I am just warning don't be surprised if it is a little damp LMAO!
What did you think about the main characters?
Francesca: Dayn is like a little lost puppy. He feels he betrayed his family by not being there but he wants to redeem himself by going back and rescuing them! Not the tough guy, but the do-good one. I liked him. Reda to me was an insecure woman trying to fit in the shoes of a tough chick. She had the job as a cop, she has a mission in life which she thought was always a made up story, but then she doesn't have the guts to back up that role. I mean, she almost ended up as plant food!
Suzanne: I liked Dayn he was one sexy shapeshifter (my faves!) I wouldn't say he was my favourite, but I liked his dedication to his Kingdom and his siblings, as well his super hawtness. But Reda...her constant changing her mind about things irritated me, one moment she was certain of one truth and 10 pages later it was something else! I hate indecisiveness!
What did you like about this book?
Francesca: I liked the play on the fairytale, I think it was done nicely. I liked that Dayn was part wolfyn when in his own land he was the enemy, and I liked Dayn's possessive instincts about Reda. I also liked the Blood Sorcerer storyline, which we get to see more of in this book.
Suzanne: I liked the continuation of the story about getting rid of the Blood Sorcerer and the idea of the Wolfyn and I can't wait to see what happens next!
What do you think could have been better?
Francesca: The story flowed really slow to me. I think maybe if it would've picked up the pace a little would've been more catching.
Suzanne: For me the story was missing something, it was a little slow and I found Reda a little annoying. It also seemed to end rather abruptly as well, but this seems to have happened in all three of them so far.
Series so far, what do you think?
Francesca: I like the fairytale concept and how each book talks about a different fairytale redone. Would I say this is a favorite series of mine? No. But it's definitely something different and well written.
Suzanne: Like Fran I liked the fairytale concept it is something different, but I am just not really "in" to this series as much as I would like to be, it feels to disconnected. But I am looking forward to the next book!
December 31, 2011
Original Romancing the Darkside review:
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
This bad wolf can ravage me any day!
In a sexy re-telling of "Little Red Riding Hood," The Royal House of Shadows series continues with the story of Dayn and Reda.
Like his brothers and sister, Dayn was sent to another realm by his mother in order to survive the evil Sorcerer who sought his father's throne. The second son of the King and Queen of Elden, Dayn was cast into the world of the wolfyn, becoming a beast with dark and sensual powers. It is said that a guide will come for him and aid him in the journey back to his kingdom, a guide Dayn has almost given up hope of finding. When his guide finally arrives, Dayn is taken by surprise not only with the fact that she's human, but that she has no knowledge of how to guide him on his journey in which time is of the essence.
Reda Weston is a cop who is dealing with the loss of her partner. Feelings of grief and guilt have led her to seek solace in the one thing that gives her comfort, fairy tales. For quite some time, Reda has been searching for a specific book, a relic storybook of Little Red Riding Hood her mother once spoke about. She's finally found the infamous book, but being transported to another world while reading it and coming face to face with the bid bad wolf was not what Reda had planned. Together Reda and Dayn will attempt to fulfill their destiny without losing their hearts along the way.
Lord of the Wolfyn really won me over. It's by far my favorite in the Royal House of Shadows series. The story is enthralling, Ms. Andersen gives you a spectacular view of her dark world with her descriptive writing and transports you right to each scene. I really loved Dayn's character, while he's not as Alpha as his brothers, he's chivalrous and loyal, not to mention he's a hawt shapeshifter (yes I know it's mispelled but he's that hot!)...what's not to love right? Reda didn't live up to my standards of a heroine, for being a cop she was extremely insecure and cowardly, not what I expected. Yet despite their different personalities, these two characters mesh pretty well. I love the interaction between Reda and Dayn and how they complement each other, their chemistry is strong and sexy!
A fast paced sexy adventure, Lord of the Wolfyn will keep you turning the pages in anticipation. Thorough characters and extensive world building allow the reader to connect to the story, even with its complex backstory and ever shifting timelines. The Royal House of Shadows is filled with tons of emotion: betrayal, suspense, vengeance, love and romance, that captivates you from the start and leaves you wanting more. I, for one cannot wait to meet the youngest and most feared brother, Micah and see what fate holds for this royal family, in what I'm sure will be an epic conclusion!
{ebook courtesy of NetGalley}
http://romancingthedarkside.blogspot....
This bad wolf can ravage me any day!
In a sexy re-telling of "Little Red Riding Hood," The Royal House of Shadows series continues with the story of Dayn and Reda.
Like his brothers and sister, Dayn was sent to another realm by his mother in order to survive the evil Sorcerer who sought his father's throne. The second son of the King and Queen of Elden, Dayn was cast into the world of the wolfyn, becoming a beast with dark and sensual powers. It is said that a guide will come for him and aid him in the journey back to his kingdom, a guide Dayn has almost given up hope of finding. When his guide finally arrives, Dayn is taken by surprise not only with the fact that she's human, but that she has no knowledge of how to guide him on his journey in which time is of the essence.
Reda Weston is a cop who is dealing with the loss of her partner. Feelings of grief and guilt have led her to seek solace in the one thing that gives her comfort, fairy tales. For quite some time, Reda has been searching for a specific book, a relic storybook of Little Red Riding Hood her mother once spoke about. She's finally found the infamous book, but being transported to another world while reading it and coming face to face with the bid bad wolf was not what Reda had planned. Together Reda and Dayn will attempt to fulfill their destiny without losing their hearts along the way.
Lord of the Wolfyn really won me over. It's by far my favorite in the Royal House of Shadows series. The story is enthralling, Ms. Andersen gives you a spectacular view of her dark world with her descriptive writing and transports you right to each scene. I really loved Dayn's character, while he's not as Alpha as his brothers, he's chivalrous and loyal, not to mention he's a hawt shapeshifter (yes I know it's mispelled but he's that hot!)...what's not to love right? Reda didn't live up to my standards of a heroine, for being a cop she was extremely insecure and cowardly, not what I expected. Yet despite their different personalities, these two characters mesh pretty well. I love the interaction between Reda and Dayn and how they complement each other, their chemistry is strong and sexy!
A fast paced sexy adventure, Lord of the Wolfyn will keep you turning the pages in anticipation. Thorough characters and extensive world building allow the reader to connect to the story, even with its complex backstory and ever shifting timelines. The Royal House of Shadows is filled with tons of emotion: betrayal, suspense, vengeance, love and romance, that captivates you from the start and leaves you wanting more. I, for one cannot wait to meet the youngest and most feared brother, Micah and see what fate holds for this royal family, in what I'm sure will be an epic conclusion!
{ebook courtesy of NetGalley}
October 26, 2011
Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out.
Again this is another new to me author within this series and I would definitely read something by this author again. Actually I’ve been looking at Jessica Anderson’s other works and am quite interested. Lord of the Wolfyn is by far my favourite book in the Royal House of Shadows series so far. I really liked Reda I thought she was a great character who goes from living in the real world and being transported to a different world, with different rules and people without cracking up and thinking she’s insane. Reda has been through a lot in her life and I think it shows how she’s suffered and how it’s affected her. She does grow as a character and change but only after she accepts what’s happened to her and how Dayn changes her and her life. Without Dayn in her life believing in Reda I don’t think she would have accepted certain things and grown as a person, never mind that there’s romantic sparks between Reda and Dayn, Dayn really believes in Reda because if he doesn’t he won’t be able to return home and help save his kingdom and that just isn’t acceptable so Dayn believes in Reda and will keep her safe in return for helping him return home.
Dayn, Dayn, Dayn. I don’t really know what to say about Dayn. I liked him and I didn’t like him. I thought he was an interesting character but had certain problems that I tried to overlook and get my head round for example at the start of the book Dayn is in bed with another woman before Reda drops in his lap so to speak and he goes home and finds Reda instead and starts his journey with her without taking a bath! Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat talks about this better than I ever can. It wasn’t a large problem for me to get through but it was a little strange but once I’d overcome this issue I really enjoyed Reda and Dayn’s journey to return Dayn to his home.
Favourite Quotes:
"She thought herself a coward, yet had a core of strength. She had lost someone close to her and blamed herself for it."
"Which brought to mind another of those sayings: throw your heart over first and the rest will follow."
"Because for all that they were taking their moment together here and now, the immediate future pressed heavily an she didn't want either of them to make promises thy might have to break."
Overall, I enjoyed Lord of the Wolfyn and I’m really excited about the fourth and final instalment of the Royal House of Shadows, Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh due out 29th November!
Series List:
Lord of Vampires by Gena Showalter #1
Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe #2
Again this is another new to me author within this series and I would definitely read something by this author again. Actually I’ve been looking at Jessica Anderson’s other works and am quite interested. Lord of the Wolfyn is by far my favourite book in the Royal House of Shadows series so far. I really liked Reda I thought she was a great character who goes from living in the real world and being transported to a different world, with different rules and people without cracking up and thinking she’s insane. Reda has been through a lot in her life and I think it shows how she’s suffered and how it’s affected her. She does grow as a character and change but only after she accepts what’s happened to her and how Dayn changes her and her life. Without Dayn in her life believing in Reda I don’t think she would have accepted certain things and grown as a person, never mind that there’s romantic sparks between Reda and Dayn, Dayn really believes in Reda because if he doesn’t he won’t be able to return home and help save his kingdom and that just isn’t acceptable so Dayn believes in Reda and will keep her safe in return for helping him return home.
Dayn, Dayn, Dayn. I don’t really know what to say about Dayn. I liked him and I didn’t like him. I thought he was an interesting character but had certain problems that I tried to overlook and get my head round for example at the start of the book Dayn is in bed with another woman before Reda drops in his lap so to speak and he goes home and finds Reda instead and starts his journey with her without taking a bath! Marcela from The Bookaholic Cat talks about this better than I ever can. It wasn’t a large problem for me to get through but it was a little strange but once I’d overcome this issue I really enjoyed Reda and Dayn’s journey to return Dayn to his home.
Favourite Quotes:
"She thought herself a coward, yet had a core of strength. She had lost someone close to her and blamed herself for it."
"Which brought to mind another of those sayings: throw your heart over first and the rest will follow."
"Because for all that they were taking their moment together here and now, the immediate future pressed heavily an she didn't want either of them to make promises thy might have to break."
Overall, I enjoyed Lord of the Wolfyn and I’m really excited about the fourth and final instalment of the Royal House of Shadows, Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh due out 29th November!
Series List:
Lord of Vampires by Gena Showalter #1
Lord of Rage by Jill Monroe #2
October 18, 2011
My Review:
Oooh, this was another great installment in this series. I really loved both of these character. The entire series is a bit complex, but I really liked the way that this installment came together.
Reda is from the human realm, but was raised with the magical story of the Woodsman and Little Red Riding Hood as told to her by her mother. In real life, Reda is a cop, but several months ago, her partner got caught up in a liquor store shooting and was killed when Reda froze in the heat of the moment. Ever since then, she has been floundering with her sanity and her ability to deal. She blames herself, doubts herself, and doesn't have any faith in her courage any longer.
When the Elder race was taken over by the Blood Sorcerer, Dayn was flung out of the Elder kingdom into the Wolfyn lands. He has lived there for the past 20 years, although they have no idea who he really is since the Elder and Wolfyn races are enemies. He has had to hide his true self for a LONG time and it has taken it's toll.
Both Dayn & Reda have been dreaming about each other, so when she ends up in the Wolfyn kingdom, they both know who the other is and there is an instant connection between them. Regardless of this, they both know that their association is temporary because they have 4 days to get him to Eldon so that he can fulfill his destiny and she can go home.
There are many twists and turns along the way, as you would expect, and it made for a really suspenseful read. At about the halfway point of this book, I found that I could not put it down. I really enjoyed watching Reda work through her emotional trauma also. She is a character that has a HUGE character arc throughout the book as she learns to trust herself again. In the same way, Dayn has had to learn how to be true to himself too. It was really just a great book. I was highly emotionally involved with this couple's HEA and was so excited at the end of the book. It's been a while since I was truly so happy about an ending in a book because it was simply happy...even though their story isn't done. We still have book #4 to go, and I cannot wait to see how everyone's story ends!!! Amazing series!!!
Oooh, this was another great installment in this series. I really loved both of these character. The entire series is a bit complex, but I really liked the way that this installment came together.
Reda is from the human realm, but was raised with the magical story of the Woodsman and Little Red Riding Hood as told to her by her mother. In real life, Reda is a cop, but several months ago, her partner got caught up in a liquor store shooting and was killed when Reda froze in the heat of the moment. Ever since then, she has been floundering with her sanity and her ability to deal. She blames herself, doubts herself, and doesn't have any faith in her courage any longer.
When the Elder race was taken over by the Blood Sorcerer, Dayn was flung out of the Elder kingdom into the Wolfyn lands. He has lived there for the past 20 years, although they have no idea who he really is since the Elder and Wolfyn races are enemies. He has had to hide his true self for a LONG time and it has taken it's toll.
Both Dayn & Reda have been dreaming about each other, so when she ends up in the Wolfyn kingdom, they both know who the other is and there is an instant connection between them. Regardless of this, they both know that their association is temporary because they have 4 days to get him to Eldon so that he can fulfill his destiny and she can go home.
There are many twists and turns along the way, as you would expect, and it made for a really suspenseful read. At about the halfway point of this book, I found that I could not put it down. I really enjoyed watching Reda work through her emotional trauma also. She is a character that has a HUGE character arc throughout the book as she learns to trust herself again. In the same way, Dayn has had to learn how to be true to himself too. It was really just a great book. I was highly emotionally involved with this couple's HEA and was so excited at the end of the book. It's been a while since I was truly so happy about an ending in a book because it was simply happy...even though their story isn't done. We still have book #4 to go, and I cannot wait to see how everyone's story ends!!! Amazing series!!!
September 14, 2011
4*s
This is the Third installment in the House of Shadows series, each of the four books wrtten by a different author but all revolving around the same plot - The King & Queen of Eldon have been killed, murdered by the Blood Sorcerer and their land and people claimed as his own. With their dying breath they used magic to scatter and erase the memories of their four children, the rightful heirs of Eldon. All the four have is a desire to live and to avenge what has happened to their kingdom.
In this book we find Dayn, second prince of Eldon. As he is whisked away from the Blood Sorcerers invasion by his parents magic he is given instructions by mindspeak from his father . . . . he must wait for a guide to come to him and when his guide arrives they have four days to get back to Eldon to begin the battle with his brothers and sister to claim back Eldon and what is rightfully theirs. His guide turns out to be Alfreda 'Reda', a human who is having a life crisis, suffering crippling panic attacks with disastorous consequences. She is drawn to a book that used to belong to her when she was a child and upon finding it again opens up a whole new world to her that she has a hard time believing is real.
I have to say that this is my favourite book so far in the series. At the beginning i was thinking i should be more into it but it must have slowly crept up on me. There was a lot more action and danger coming from all over in this and it made it more exciting, as the countdown begins it seems more urgent and you end up totally routing for them. Another thing I liked was that the male lead didnt go all caveman as the previous books seem to have done and that they doubted what was happening, tried to rationalise it but were falling for each other anyway . . . it made it more believable, but intense. The main characters were very likable and both had flaws and vulnerabilities that make them who they are and better people when together, they are my favorite couple so far. I cant wait for the fourth book, they just keep getting better and better.
This is the Third installment in the House of Shadows series, each of the four books wrtten by a different author but all revolving around the same plot - The King & Queen of Eldon have been killed, murdered by the Blood Sorcerer and their land and people claimed as his own. With their dying breath they used magic to scatter and erase the memories of their four children, the rightful heirs of Eldon. All the four have is a desire to live and to avenge what has happened to their kingdom.
In this book we find Dayn, second prince of Eldon. As he is whisked away from the Blood Sorcerers invasion by his parents magic he is given instructions by mindspeak from his father . . . . he must wait for a guide to come to him and when his guide arrives they have four days to get back to Eldon to begin the battle with his brothers and sister to claim back Eldon and what is rightfully theirs. His guide turns out to be Alfreda 'Reda', a human who is having a life crisis, suffering crippling panic attacks with disastorous consequences. She is drawn to a book that used to belong to her when she was a child and upon finding it again opens up a whole new world to her that she has a hard time believing is real.
I have to say that this is my favourite book so far in the series. At the beginning i was thinking i should be more into it but it must have slowly crept up on me. There was a lot more action and danger coming from all over in this and it made it more exciting, as the countdown begins it seems more urgent and you end up totally routing for them. Another thing I liked was that the male lead didnt go all caveman as the previous books seem to have done and that they doubted what was happening, tried to rationalise it but were falling for each other anyway . . . it made it more believable, but intense. The main characters were very likable and both had flaws and vulnerabilities that make them who they are and better people when together, they are my favorite couple so far. I cant wait for the fourth book, they just keep getting better and better.
February 20, 2015
#3 in the series, this is Dayn's book. The theme is "Little Red Riding Hood". This book is what happens when you try to get more than one author involved in a series of books. It gets kind of messy & contradictory. This review might contain spoilers, so beware!
Dayn ends up thrown into a different realm than his siblings. He ends up in the Wolfyn realm, which is between our realm & the Kingdom Realm. Since the Wolfyn Realm isn't pure magic like the Kingdom's, they can use some of our technology with some tinkering. 20 years have gone by for him, like Nicolai, but this book explains that the royal family can live for centuries. Dayn has a secret. Although he's a vampire like his brother Nicolai, he's also a Wolfyn, which doesn't really make sense to me, but I guess It's not my story. This is also a "the clothes shift when the wolf shifts back to being human." Also, doesn't make sense.
There's no timepiece in this one & all of the sibs are supposed to have one. Dayn is the only sib who hears his father & knows what's going on.
Reda is a former cop who froze at a crucial moment & her partner died. She feels like a coward & a failure. Although through the first part of the story she acts like a damsel in distress, she gets better after they get back to the kingdom & she actually saves the day.
This the first romance/paranormal I've read where the heroine's name is Alfreda.
All in all not bad, but not as good as the first 2 books. I think Dayn's lost touch with his royal roots. I was not impressed with men being described as "guys" in this particular story.
There's another full length novel with this book. Twin Targets, which I would actually rate 4 stars. It's a contemporary thriller about Sydney & Celeste, who are twins. Celeste has a degenerative genetic disease, which Sydney has traded her freedom for working in a master criminal's lab to get a cure for. John is the FBI guy trying to bring down the crime lord & protect Sydney as well. They of course end up a couple. Pretty good!
Dayn ends up thrown into a different realm than his siblings. He ends up in the Wolfyn realm, which is between our realm & the Kingdom Realm. Since the Wolfyn Realm isn't pure magic like the Kingdom's, they can use some of our technology with some tinkering. 20 years have gone by for him, like Nicolai, but this book explains that the royal family can live for centuries. Dayn has a secret. Although he's a vampire like his brother Nicolai, he's also a Wolfyn, which doesn't really make sense to me, but I guess It's not my story. This is also a "the clothes shift when the wolf shifts back to being human." Also, doesn't make sense.
There's no timepiece in this one & all of the sibs are supposed to have one. Dayn is the only sib who hears his father & knows what's going on.
Reda is a former cop who froze at a crucial moment & her partner died. She feels like a coward & a failure. Although through the first part of the story she acts like a damsel in distress, she gets better after they get back to the kingdom & she actually saves the day.
This the first romance/paranormal I've read where the heroine's name is Alfreda.
All in all not bad, but not as good as the first 2 books. I think Dayn's lost touch with his royal roots. I was not impressed with men being described as "guys" in this particular story.
There's another full length novel with this book. Twin Targets, which I would actually rate 4 stars. It's a contemporary thriller about Sydney & Celeste, who are twins. Celeste has a degenerative genetic disease, which Sydney has traded her freedom for working in a master criminal's lab to get a cure for. John is the FBI guy trying to bring down the crime lord & protect Sydney as well. They of course end up a couple. Pretty good!
September 22, 2011
The worldbuilding was good. Consistent and detailed enough to provide a clear idea of the different realms without venturing into info-dumping.
The writing was good, although the storytelling didn't engage me as much as I'd hoped.
The characters were.. uneven may be the best description can come up with.
I liked Reda at the beginning. I found her a very sympathetic heroine. She'd suffered a serious trauma shortly before the book started, and was struggling with her sense of self-efficacy and self-worth and even with her sanity, and then she's magically thrust into an alternate realm that she'd only heard of in the fairy tales her mom told her as a child. All in all, I thought she coped pretty well... until she gets involved with the hero, Dayn, and suddenly becomes a caricature of herself.
Dayn is... you can tell the author made an effort to make him likable and interesting. He's a rebel with a heart of gold. Unfortunately, he had all the charisma of the guy who played Riley on Buffy (a.k.a., Captain Cardboard.) All in all, my reaction to him was a resounding meh.
Then you've got the villains. Or should I say Villains? They were so OTT, so campy that the whole tone of the book changed with their presence. The problem for me was that after the very grounded introduction of Reda, the portrayal of the villains was discordant. I'm okay with villains as the Big Ebil, but only when the tone of the rest of the story is equally as cartoony. Here, it didn't really work for me.
And neither did the romance. Emotionally damaged heroine whose love interest is someone she's known for 3 days? (During which they alternate between having sex and running/fighting for their lives... at least until Reda convinced herself that Dayn had enthralled her so she couldn't trust him, but she still wanted him, blah blah blah, sigh.)
Anyway, I could deal with a HFN ending, but the baby-crazy HEA just made me cringe.
This review is based on a digital ARC received via NetGalley.
The writing was good, although the storytelling didn't engage me as much as I'd hoped.
The characters were.. uneven may be the best description can come up with.
I liked Reda at the beginning. I found her a very sympathetic heroine. She'd suffered a serious trauma shortly before the book started, and was struggling with her sense of self-efficacy and self-worth and even with her sanity, and then she's magically thrust into an alternate realm that she'd only heard of in the fairy tales her mom told her as a child. All in all, I thought she coped pretty well... until she gets involved with the hero, Dayn, and suddenly becomes a caricature of herself.
Dayn is... you can tell the author made an effort to make him likable and interesting. He's a rebel with a heart of gold. Unfortunately, he had all the charisma of the guy who played Riley on Buffy (a.k.a., Captain Cardboard.) All in all, my reaction to him was a resounding meh.
Then you've got the villains. Or should I say Villains? They were so OTT, so campy that the whole tone of the book changed with their presence. The problem for me was that after the very grounded introduction of Reda, the portrayal of the villains was discordant. I'm okay with villains as the Big Ebil, but only when the tone of the rest of the story is equally as cartoony. Here, it didn't really work for me.
And neither did the romance. Emotionally damaged heroine whose love interest is someone she's known for 3 days? (During which they alternate between having sex and running/fighting for their lives... at least until Reda convinced herself that Dayn had enthralled her so she couldn't trust him, but she still wanted him, blah blah blah, sigh.)
Anyway, I could deal with a HFN ending, but the baby-crazy HEA just made me cringe.
This review is based on a digital ARC received via NetGalley.
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