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Spirian Saga #1
The Protected
Skye Taylor has always been able to see beyond the physical in people—their auras and the energy that surrounds them, telling their stories and revealing their emotions and truths. But she is not convinced that the gift she has developed is special in any way…until she discovers she has the power to heal.
After losing everything she has ever cared about, Skye moves to Washington in hopes of starting over. But a sequence of events brings her face to face with Khalen Dunning—an extraordinary man with a very dark past. Khalen knows that Skye is special. Getting involved with her, though, draws him to the edge of his darkest memories, a place to which he has vowed never to return.
To Khalen, the line that divides illusion and reality is blurred, and the human spirit is stronger than physical bounds. In his world, anything is possible. Unfortunately, the empowered are not spared the law of duality, and power can be used to serve both good and evil. Skye and Khalen will discover that when people start to question reality, they develop the ability to pierce the barrier of illusion and create either wondrous things—or horrible nightmares.
After losing everything she has ever cared about, Skye moves to Washington in hopes of starting over. But a sequence of events brings her face to face with Khalen Dunning—an extraordinary man with a very dark past. Khalen knows that Skye is special. Getting involved with her, though, draws him to the edge of his darkest memories, a place to which he has vowed never to return.
To Khalen, the line that divides illusion and reality is blurred, and the human spirit is stronger than physical bounds. In his world, anything is possible. Unfortunately, the empowered are not spared the law of duality, and power can be used to serve both good and evil. Skye and Khalen will discover that when people start to question reality, they develop the ability to pierce the barrier of illusion and create either wondrous things—or horrible nightmares.
- GenresFictionParanormalFantasy
313 pages, Nook
First published March 10, 2010
5 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Rowena Portch
36 books11 followersMulti-award-winning author for over 30 years, Rowena Portch is best known for her Spirian Saga, a nine-book series. In journalism, she has written numerous articles for distinguished publications, such as LiveStrong, Public Slate, Airbrush Magazine, Northwest Travel, and Guardian Liberty Voice. Her spiritual commitment to God is foremost in her life, but her heart belongs to her husband Gregg and guide-dog Skye-Bear. She has earned a Bachelors degree in business management and a Masters in computer sciences. She is only 16 credits shy of earning her Doctorate in natural medicine. Portch worked as a senior technical editor for Microsoft and Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Other professionals see her as an intelligent woman who learns quickly and follows through with commitments. Her true distinction, however, is her drive for learning. Her family and friends call her a perpetual student who hates wearing shoes.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 10, 2012
I received this book through my goodreads.com Lovers of Paranormal group. I love how the conclusion of this book leads me to believe the next book is going to be about the same characters not a new "couple" related to the first couple which seems to be prevalent in the current Paranormal series that are popular. I like the premise of the novel of there has to be Balance! It makes so much sense yet it is rarely done.
My only critique is that sometimes things seem to happen out of the blue that are a little too convenient that no one questions. Perhaps this will be explained a bit better later.
I like that the characters have flaws like any person would. I can't wait for more character development.
Without giving too much away I would recommend this as a good solid read and I will be likely be reading the next one shortly.
My only critique is that sometimes things seem to happen out of the blue that are a little too convenient that no one questions. Perhaps this will be explained a bit better later.
I like that the characters have flaws like any person would. I can't wait for more character development.
Without giving too much away I would recommend this as a good solid read and I will be likely be reading the next one shortly.
November 18, 2012
Actual rating: 4.75 stars *Provided by the Author for an honest review*
Thank you very much to the author for allowing me to read this wonderful story! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and plot, and the fact that this is a spiritual journey for the protagonist, Skye. The fight between good and evil always makes for an interesting story and this is certainly no exception. The war amongst the members of the Spirian race raises important questions: both spiritually and morally, which I will let you sort through on your own. I loved the connection Skye feels to Khalen...and the protectiveness and connection he feels towards her. And how could you not love her guide dog, Maiyun, who so fiercely watches over her? I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, Union.
Thank you very much to the author for allowing me to read this wonderful story! I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and plot, and the fact that this is a spiritual journey for the protagonist, Skye. The fight between good and evil always makes for an interesting story and this is certainly no exception. The war amongst the members of the Spirian race raises important questions: both spiritually and morally, which I will let you sort through on your own. I loved the connection Skye feels to Khalen...and the protectiveness and connection he feels towards her. And how could you not love her guide dog, Maiyun, who so fiercely watches over her? I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, Union.
October 13, 2012
The fact that this book started as the author's auto-biography was fascinating. She took real-life events and placed them into a fictional plot that will keep you turning the pages.
The heroine is blind and gifted with the ability to heal. She is not your standard heroine, though. She is slightly overweight, rather plain looking, and is 45 years old, which she later discovers is very young in Spirian years.
Khalen, the story's hero, is a doctor. He doesn't want another female in his life, but somehow, Skye nestles her way into his world and he finds himself wanting to her protect her, even if it means costing his soul.
The heroine is blind and gifted with the ability to heal. She is not your standard heroine, though. She is slightly overweight, rather plain looking, and is 45 years old, which she later discovers is very young in Spirian years.
Khalen, the story's hero, is a doctor. He doesn't want another female in his life, but somehow, Skye nestles her way into his world and he finds himself wanting to her protect her, even if it means costing his soul.
November 11, 2012
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review
This book captures the heart. Always a fan of strong women one that knows herself Skye is an exceptional person and deserves to be loved and cared for. This book pulls you into the story and keeps you wanting more and I want more. This proves to be a series that I am going to enjoy reading. I really hope her and Kahlen get married and have children. Maybe Kahlen will let go of all the anger love and protect Skye.
This book captures the heart. Always a fan of strong women one that knows herself Skye is an exceptional person and deserves to be loved and cared for. This book pulls you into the story and keeps you wanting more and I want more. This proves to be a series that I am going to enjoy reading. I really hope her and Kahlen get married and have children. Maybe Kahlen will let go of all the anger love and protect Skye.
September 5, 2012
If you're looking for a romance with a flair of adventure and mystical beings that live in a world where anything is possible, this book is for you.
It provides inspiration and insight to what is possible in a world where Angels exist.
It provides inspiration and insight to what is possible in a world where Angels exist.
March 15, 2013
Lordy!!! Over written and seems to have paid product placement through every freaking paragraph!! Gagging on writing style!!
January 5, 2018
Love the whole series
March 18, 2019
A. Eautiful beginning for this story
December 1, 2010
Fantasy and romance fiction lovers alike are in for a delightful and surprising read as author Rowena Portch presents The Protected, book one of the Spirian Series. Portch successfully gifts the reader with a heroine and a story that will capture as well as excite the imagination, deeply satisfying the avid reader’s hunger for freshness with a style and plot line all her own.
Skye is a blind massage therapist with special gifts and a bright spirit that has attracted the wrong attention. Skye’s power to heal has been noticed, making her the coveted target of those who would steal her freedom and manipulate her gifts. The fate of her race rests on choices she must make. Poised in the balance point of shifting powers, Skye must choose her loyalties well. One wrong choice will tip the balance between redemption and destruction. If she falters, she dooms not only her race but all of humanity. Vulnerable in ways that would terrify and immobilize lesser spirits, Skye transcends the circumstances of her blindness to wage a battle for Spirit and for all of us.
Portch has drawn from her own life and history to write Sky’s character and world, sharing in a way that only a skilled and talented writer can—the very personal experience of blindness. Not only has Portch succeeded to write a blind character in a sighted world, she has done so in such a way as to create a world paradigm, characters, and circumstances that elevate this book from the ranks of a good story to that of a great read. The Protected is full of rich descriptions, breath catching tension, humor, and desire, with characters that come to life and walk off the page to live in you. With a voice and experience uniquely her own, author Rowena Portch will make you believe the world she writes and you will seek it inside yourself.
ISBN: 1432758667
Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc.
Reviewer Byline: Vonnie Faroqui for WITS
Skye is a blind massage therapist with special gifts and a bright spirit that has attracted the wrong attention. Skye’s power to heal has been noticed, making her the coveted target of those who would steal her freedom and manipulate her gifts. The fate of her race rests on choices she must make. Poised in the balance point of shifting powers, Skye must choose her loyalties well. One wrong choice will tip the balance between redemption and destruction. If she falters, she dooms not only her race but all of humanity. Vulnerable in ways that would terrify and immobilize lesser spirits, Skye transcends the circumstances of her blindness to wage a battle for Spirit and for all of us.
Portch has drawn from her own life and history to write Sky’s character and world, sharing in a way that only a skilled and talented writer can—the very personal experience of blindness. Not only has Portch succeeded to write a blind character in a sighted world, she has done so in such a way as to create a world paradigm, characters, and circumstances that elevate this book from the ranks of a good story to that of a great read. The Protected is full of rich descriptions, breath catching tension, humor, and desire, with characters that come to life and walk off the page to live in you. With a voice and experience uniquely her own, author Rowena Portch will make you believe the world she writes and you will seek it inside yourself.
ISBN: 1432758667
Publisher: Outskirts Press Inc.
Reviewer Byline: Vonnie Faroqui for WITS
November 14, 2015
I read the last book of this series first, only because it was labeled, "Spirians: The Beginning". I was very impressed with the first book I read, so naturally, when I picked this one up, I figured it would not be quite a polished as Portch's last. I was wrong. I think Rowena Portch is one of my new favorite paranormal romance authors. What I love most about her writing is that the sex scenes do not have to be graphical to be effective. The storylines are intriguing and she has an ability to weave spiritual wisdom all throughout her chapters. Her characters are tangible, and her pace is fast, leaving me wanting for more.
I highly recommend this entire series to anyone looking for a good story with a strong romantic foundation that doesn't result in one sex scene after another.
At first glance, I thought this would have a religious theme, but in truth, it was more spiritual than religious. It had enough humor to make me laugh, and enough intrigue to keep me cheering for the Protected. This story is one of the most unique I've ever read. It is no wonder why it is the recipient of so many awards.
Now, if I can just find my own Spirian male—hmmm.
I highly recommend this entire series to anyone looking for a good story with a strong romantic foundation that doesn't result in one sex scene after another.
At first glance, I thought this would have a religious theme, but in truth, it was more spiritual than religious. It had enough humor to make me laugh, and enough intrigue to keep me cheering for the Protected. This story is one of the most unique I've ever read. It is no wonder why it is the recipient of so many awards.
Now, if I can just find my own Spirian male—hmmm.
November 15, 2016
I ordered this book from Paperback.com especially to scan for Bookshare.org. I had no idea what it was about and I ordered it on the sole basis that it was classified as an indy science fiction. I want to support and promote indy science fiction. It turned out to not be science fiction at all. It would have been much more accurate to have classified it as urban fantasy. Unfortunately, a lot of people can't tell the difference between fantasy and science fiction, so a lot of both genres get misclassified. I don't like that, but there is nothing I can do about it, so I just have to live with it. The fact that I was expecting science fiction and got fantasy, though, was not all that disappointing. I like fantasy too. I just like science fiction better. What really got to me was that the main point of the story seems to be to push religion. I utterly detest that and if I find myself reading such a book that is enough to make me rate it one star for that reason alone.
January 1, 2013
I won this through the Goodreads giveaway. I'm not religious whatsoever, so even with the all the 'God' references/talk, I found it to be a pretty good read. I was hoping by the end that Skye and Khalen would have ended up closer than what they were. Oh well. Most likely in the next book.
One thing I have a question about though. The part when Skye is helping to heal Pete, Jimmy's brother, with his overdose. Afterwards, when she's talking with Case he says on page 178, "You are unable to cure illnesses, yet you can heal wounds." I don't get that part? How does a person overdosing on drugs relate to an illness. An illness would be like the flu, cancer, or something usually that a person has no real control over. Taking too much drugs would be the opposite. Right?
Anyways, I'll be on the lookout for the next in the series.
One thing I have a question about though. The part when Skye is helping to heal Pete, Jimmy's brother, with his overdose. Afterwards, when she's talking with Case he says on page 178, "You are unable to cure illnesses, yet you can heal wounds." I don't get that part? How does a person overdosing on drugs relate to an illness. An illness would be like the flu, cancer, or something usually that a person has no real control over. Taking too much drugs would be the opposite. Right?
Anyways, I'll be on the lookout for the next in the series.
November 27, 2012
I feel a bit out of place after reading all the glowing reviews for Protected, so please take my opinions with a grain of salt as all opinions should be taken.
Try as I would, I couldn't become involved in the story. I kept feeling like I was reading a true life account in Readers Digest. Portch's descriptions were clear and detailed, right down to the lack of cayenne in the chicken wings,but I never felt the characters take on a life of their own.
I wanted them to. I liked the plot, but I never felt drawn into it and I'm not clear as to why. I think it was partially due to the chapter headings. I spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what they meant and what I was missing and that pulled me away from the story line.
Try as I would, I couldn't become involved in the story. I kept feeling like I was reading a true life account in Readers Digest. Portch's descriptions were clear and detailed, right down to the lack of cayenne in the chicken wings,but I never felt the characters take on a life of their own.
I wanted them to. I liked the plot, but I never felt drawn into it and I'm not clear as to why. I think it was partially due to the chapter headings. I spent a great deal of time trying to figure out what they meant and what I was missing and that pulled me away from the story line.
October 31, 2012
Some people discover their life’s purpose early on in life. I discovered mine when I thought my life was over.
Those are the words that greeted me as I read the first Chapter of the book. I got this book, Thanks to Lovers of Paranormal. They held a Read to Review, and this is my first book ever to try. My Review is a little or rather Very late. Life seems to grow sprouts that kept me from reading.
I'll Update this Review tomorrow. :))
December 7, 2012
This novel had a real good feel factor about it. The main character Skye is blind & she has a guide dog Maiyun who I fell in love with.
Skye works as a masseur, she finds out in hospital after an accident that she has healing powers & Khalen who works with her tells her that she is a Spirian.The Shadows are after her so he takes her to an island so he can protect her.
Hope the follow up is as good which I eagerly await.
I won this on GOODREADS GIVE-AWAY.
Skye works as a masseur, she finds out in hospital after an accident that she has healing powers & Khalen who works with her tells her that she is a Spirian.The Shadows are after her so he takes her to an island so he can protect her.
Hope the follow up is as good which I eagerly await.
I won this on GOODREADS GIVE-AWAY.
November 24, 2012
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I'm interested in: angels, good vs. evil, aromatherapy, natural remedies, romance.
I actually started and finished the book the same day. I could not put it down.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I'm interested in: angels, good vs. evil, aromatherapy, natural remedies, romance.
I actually started and finished the book the same day. I could not put it down.
I can't wait to read the next in the series.
September 25, 2011
I love your writing! It grabs you in the very beginning. I couldn't put it down. I am now finished with " The Union" (2nd book). I have to wait till Tues to get the 3rd book. When will the 4th book be out? I am hooked! Thank you Ro, for the beautiful writings. Leona Byrd
January 2, 2016
This is an absolutely fabulous novel. I had difficulty putting it down. Once done, I ordered the next book in the series. The characters are real and the story line is entertaining. The book is a Sci-Fi, Fiction, and romance all tied up into a neat package of quality reading.
February 7, 2020
Fantastic read!
This book really opens your eyes to the duality of life. I love how you can see yourself in the little town. You get to know the characters and feel like you are a part of their lives.
Her later books are even better!
This book really opens your eyes to the duality of life. I love how you can see yourself in the little town. You get to know the characters and feel like you are a part of their lives.
Her later books are even better!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews