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Impending Reprisals
Anya’s simple, medieval life spirals into a fantastical whirlwind the moment Merivic, a lord, decides to take her for his own. Succumbing to his charisma, Anya is whisked off to his distant kingdom. But shortly after her arrival, she is reunited with her lost love, Kael, when he is introduced as her personal sentinel, and it soon becomes apparent their feelings for one another remain unresolved.
Struggling with what her heart wants and what duty dictates, Anya is soon immersed into a world of manipulation, deceit, and dark magic. Surrounded by impending danger from an unknown enemy, Anya attempts to deny Kael—her protector—to pursue a life with Merivic—the key to the evil threatening her. And while one man seduces her mind with magic, the other captures her heart with love.
Struggling with what her heart wants and what duty dictates, Anya is soon immersed into a world of manipulation, deceit, and dark magic. Surrounded by impending danger from an unknown enemy, Anya attempts to deny Kael—her protector—to pursue a life with Merivic—the key to the evil threatening her. And while one man seduces her mind with magic, the other captures her heart with love.
364 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 27, 2013
I've been sitting on this review, waiting until the re-launch. Very excited it's finally released and I can properly fangirl! :)
The story begins with Anya, a young woman who is about to reach the age where she can choose her own suitor.
It was nice to see a fantasy heroine who was a bit older. Anya is 23, I believe. This really worked for me on several levels, because we can explore more mature relationships and themes, and it was a very welcome deviation from many (or most)traditional fantasies where girls are tossed into marriage at very young and sometimes cringe-worthy ages.
Her age alone spoke volumes about the value and respect shown to women within this created world. Yes, there is a tradition and patriarchal structure in place, but Anya and those around her seem to genuinely want the best for her and that includes her ability to make her own decisions in regards to her future. It's a complicated balance I really enjoyed.
Anya is in love with Kael, her childhood friend turned something more, and is anxious for the day she can be with him. When he disappears without a word, she finds unexpected comfort in the charms of the mysterious Lord Merivic. Gallant, refined, handsome - I was under his sway much faster than Anya! LOL
World-building is wonderful. This is a pure fantasy, and the world presented is both unusual and familiar. There are Lords and Ladies, magic and chivalry and all the trappings that come with epic romantic tales. Very visual without being too over-the-top.
I'd like to mention the language and dialogue. I'm very picky about language usage in fantasy books, and nothing will irk me more than being pulled out of a story by an anachronistic phrase or word that just doesn't fit. No worries here - the language was wonderful, appropriate and reflected the feel and elegance of the story. Bravo!
It's hard to say much more without delving into spoilers, but I'll touch on a few points:
My favorite stories are those in which a character truly surprises me. This can be for the good or the bad, it doesn't really matter. I just like a good twist and/or some punch-in-the-gut emotional responses. I got both, but I can't say how. Sorry. :)
The last 25% of the book really got my blood pumping. Not just with passion, but with fear! I was honestly in fear of and for the characters - and justifiably so, as it turned out. As a stand alone story, I didn't have the luxury of knowing characters would be returning. That alone kept me on my toes, but I was also invested in these characters. When they hurt, I hurt. They cheered, I cheered with them.
It was a great ride - emotional, intriguing, enjoyable. Recommended for those who loves fantasy, romance, magic...anyone, really. :)
Five stars!
The story begins with Anya, a young woman who is about to reach the age where she can choose her own suitor.
It was nice to see a fantasy heroine who was a bit older. Anya is 23, I believe. This really worked for me on several levels, because we can explore more mature relationships and themes, and it was a very welcome deviation from many (or most)traditional fantasies where girls are tossed into marriage at very young and sometimes cringe-worthy ages.
Her age alone spoke volumes about the value and respect shown to women within this created world. Yes, there is a tradition and patriarchal structure in place, but Anya and those around her seem to genuinely want the best for her and that includes her ability to make her own decisions in regards to her future. It's a complicated balance I really enjoyed.
Anya is in love with Kael, her childhood friend turned something more, and is anxious for the day she can be with him. When he disappears without a word, she finds unexpected comfort in the charms of the mysterious Lord Merivic. Gallant, refined, handsome - I was under his sway much faster than Anya! LOL
World-building is wonderful. This is a pure fantasy, and the world presented is both unusual and familiar. There are Lords and Ladies, magic and chivalry and all the trappings that come with epic romantic tales. Very visual without being too over-the-top.
I'd like to mention the language and dialogue. I'm very picky about language usage in fantasy books, and nothing will irk me more than being pulled out of a story by an anachronistic phrase or word that just doesn't fit. No worries here - the language was wonderful, appropriate and reflected the feel and elegance of the story. Bravo!
It's hard to say much more without delving into spoilers, but I'll touch on a few points:
My favorite stories are those in which a character truly surprises me. This can be for the good or the bad, it doesn't really matter. I just like a good twist and/or some punch-in-the-gut emotional responses. I got both, but I can't say how. Sorry. :)
The last 25% of the book really got my blood pumping. Not just with passion, but with fear! I was honestly in fear of and for the characters - and justifiably so, as it turned out. As a stand alone story, I didn't have the luxury of knowing characters would be returning. That alone kept me on my toes, but I was also invested in these characters. When they hurt, I hurt. They cheered, I cheered with them.
It was a great ride - emotional, intriguing, enjoyable. Recommended for those who loves fantasy, romance, magic...anyone, really. :)
Five stars!
January 1, 2014
Firstly I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.
Genre wise this sits probably more in Fantasy with a bit of PNR thrown in.
I love fantasy so this worked well for me.
It did take me a little while to get into because I wasn't sure where it was going and there was some world building which obviously need's doing but by 40% I was totally hooked and loving every word.
Anya is not a crybaby or swooner, she can be very stubborn & hard headed but know's what she wants & goes for it. I really liked that about her. I never blamed her for the decisions she made because she didn't have all the information that she needed to make different one's.
Kael..oh Kael you silly silly boy/man! I really wanted to slap him upside the heads at times. Everything could have been so much easier for them if he'd only spoken to her on more than one occasion. But I did still really like him & was totally rooting for him.
And finally we have Merivic what a wonderfully written character. I was totally fooled! That is all I can say without giving away the heart of the story.
If on starting this book you are thinking "oh well isn't this all sweet & lovely" stick with because the story takes a dark turn and becomes a great suspenseful read.
The love scene's are great & sit in perfectly with the story, never feeling out of place or unnecessary.
My only complaint was everyone seemed to accept Taj (Anya's familiar/guardian-a white tiger) without batting an eyelid & I felt it was never really explained that this was a perfectly normal thing, especially since I didn't come across anybody else who had one. The same went for magic. Very few people had it but everyone readily accepted it as the norm.
And I also felt that there was more to the story with her father that I felt could have been tied up better.
Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Genre wise this sits probably more in Fantasy with a bit of PNR thrown in.
I love fantasy so this worked well for me.
It did take me a little while to get into because I wasn't sure where it was going and there was some world building which obviously need's doing but by 40% I was totally hooked and loving every word.
Anya is not a crybaby or swooner, she can be very stubborn & hard headed but know's what she wants & goes for it. I really liked that about her. I never blamed her for the decisions she made because she didn't have all the information that she needed to make different one's.
Kael..oh Kael you silly silly boy/man! I really wanted to slap him upside the heads at times. Everything could have been so much easier for them if he'd only spoken to her on more than one occasion. But I did still really like him & was totally rooting for him.
And finally we have Merivic what a wonderfully written character. I was totally fooled! That is all I can say without giving away the heart of the story.
If on starting this book you are thinking "oh well isn't this all sweet & lovely" stick with because the story takes a dark turn and becomes a great suspenseful read.
The love scene's are great & sit in perfectly with the story, never feeling out of place or unnecessary.
My only complaint was everyone seemed to accept Taj (Anya's familiar/guardian-a white tiger) without batting an eyelid & I felt it was never really explained that this was a perfectly normal thing, especially since I didn't come across anybody else who had one. The same went for magic. Very few people had it but everyone readily accepted it as the norm.
And I also felt that there was more to the story with her father that I felt could have been tied up better.
Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
June 8, 2012
A COUPLE OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS.
I expected this to be so much better than it was as I've seen many good reviews of books by Ms. Palliata. The last third of the book was far superior to the first 2/3, and in fact is the reason I gave this book two stars instead of one.
I was distracted by the meandering/leaping between POVs with no clear transition to let us know that we were changing POVs, the misspellings (gage/gauge, vile/vial), and so forth. I wish there had been more, earlier, hinting as to Merivic's true nature rather than only a couple of hints that the promising/blessing wasn't what it seemed initially before the last 50 pages or so when suddenly it's dropped on us what he is (which was kinda cool, but its revelation fell flat for me).
Anya was an interesting character, though her flip-flopping between the two men left with the feeling that she was incredibly weak-willed, able to be led by Merivic. I liked Tajvek (her tiger guardian).
I expected this to be so much better than it was as I've seen many good reviews of books by Ms. Palliata. The last third of the book was far superior to the first 2/3, and in fact is the reason I gave this book two stars instead of one.
I was distracted by the meandering/leaping between POVs with no clear transition to let us know that we were changing POVs, the misspellings (gage/gauge, vile/vial), and so forth. I wish there had been more, earlier, hinting as to Merivic's true nature rather than only a couple of hints that the promising/blessing wasn't what it seemed initially before the last 50 pages or so when suddenly it's dropped on us what he is (which was kinda cool, but its revelation fell flat for me).
Anya was an interesting character, though her flip-flopping between the two men left with the feeling that she was incredibly weak-willed, able to be led by Merivic. I liked Tajvek (her tiger guardian).
July 9, 2012
3.25stars
I didn’t think I’d like this book because the first third or so was difficult for me to trudge through. Although I quickly figured out it was more fantasy than PNR and read like the medieval setting it was promised to be, with the stilted formally flowing language I felt as if I was reading a play.
I liked the tiger and the magical twist but he was unfortunately my favorite character. I wasn’t particularly taken with any side of the triangle. Merivic felt creepy and manipulative to me and I couldn’t shake that feeling. Kael just was. Anya (oh to be the toast of two kingdoms) was too much of the hot house flower heroine I avoid.
There was nothing wrong with the mechanics of the story, it held together well. I just didn’t connect with the characters or the shifting POV. Overall it was likeable, just not my particular cup of tea.
I didn’t think I’d like this book because the first third or so was difficult for me to trudge through. Although I quickly figured out it was more fantasy than PNR and read like the medieval setting it was promised to be, with the stilted formally flowing language I felt as if I was reading a play.
I liked the tiger and the magical twist but he was unfortunately my favorite character. I wasn’t particularly taken with any side of the triangle. Merivic felt creepy and manipulative to me and I couldn’t shake that feeling. Kael just was. Anya (oh to be the toast of two kingdoms) was too much of the hot house flower heroine I avoid.
There was nothing wrong with the mechanics of the story, it held together well. I just didn’t connect with the characters or the shifting POV. Overall it was likeable, just not my particular cup of tea.
July 6, 2012
This was the first time I have read a book from Jolyn Palliata and I can say it will NOT be the last. This book was excellent! It has been a long time since I have read a book where my emotions were so up and down with the characters. I experienced joy, anger, frustration,and suspense through out the whole story. The author keeps you guessing right up until the very end when everything is revealed. I did not want to put the book down as I kept wanting to know what came next! I really don't want to give away anything about the book, so I will just say it is for sure worth the read!
To me this book is a fantasy romance book and I will be looking to see what other fantasy books are out there as Jolyn opened my mind up to a new genre! She will be on my auto buy list and keeper list for sure!
To me this book is a fantasy romance book and I will be looking to see what other fantasy books are out there as Jolyn opened my mind up to a new genre! She will be on my auto buy list and keeper list for sure!
June 12, 2012
Interesting read! I was NOT expecting the magical twist in it...but thoroughly enjoyed it. :)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews