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Cruentus: Rise to Power
A prophecy of old continued to burn in the embers of time; long left dormant until the Cruentus family rose above all others as darkness ascended the lands. Greed and deception were the name of the game, and Arturo Cruentus would stop at nothing as he concocted the ultimate scheme to get everything he wanted. No price was too high. The scene was set, the pieces strategically placed. The Gallo family could not come against him, and in the end Guido and Palmiria Gallo would come out the biggest losers, watching their only daughter, Emiliana, be taken away to render a debt settled.
Young Emiliana Gallo, a victim of circumstance, was thrust into a world she did not understand and forced to marry a man she did not know. But what no one expected, not even Arturo, was that Emiliana and his son, Donato, would fall in love against all odds. For Arturo, love made one weak, but for his son, it was love at first sight. Donato became an opportunist in his father’s dirty schemes and did everything in his power to ensure the woman he admired for so long not only took his name in marriage, but also fell in love with him. Donato wanted it all, his gamble paid off richly, and he achieved both marriage and love. However, on the day they said ‘I do’ and the Cruentus and Gallo families were joined, Emiliana was ripped from their home like a thief in the night.
An unknown force too unsettled to let the vision spill and strengthen the Cruentus family decided to do the unthinkable—double-cross the Cruentus family. Rage and disdain fuelled Donato and Arturo. Though their reasons were very different-their goal unified them. They squared off with the leader of the Russian Coven to take back Emiliana, and in the end the Russian coven paid the highest price as the leader's blood was spilled in retribution for his crime at the hands of Arturo. News spread quickly to the Magia Council, and before long Arturo was called before them to answer for his crime of murder unjustly. The Ancients of the roundtable at Mount Blanc, the mountain range bordering Italy and France, was now enacted as they listened to the tale that had unfolded. Little did they know that they were a part of the grand scheme Arturo Cruentus shrewdly planned for the ultimate betrayal.
Young Emiliana Gallo, a victim of circumstance, was thrust into a world she did not understand and forced to marry a man she did not know. But what no one expected, not even Arturo, was that Emiliana and his son, Donato, would fall in love against all odds. For Arturo, love made one weak, but for his son, it was love at first sight. Donato became an opportunist in his father’s dirty schemes and did everything in his power to ensure the woman he admired for so long not only took his name in marriage, but also fell in love with him. Donato wanted it all, his gamble paid off richly, and he achieved both marriage and love. However, on the day they said ‘I do’ and the Cruentus and Gallo families were joined, Emiliana was ripped from their home like a thief in the night.
An unknown force too unsettled to let the vision spill and strengthen the Cruentus family decided to do the unthinkable—double-cross the Cruentus family. Rage and disdain fuelled Donato and Arturo. Though their reasons were very different-their goal unified them. They squared off with the leader of the Russian Coven to take back Emiliana, and in the end the Russian coven paid the highest price as the leader's blood was spilled in retribution for his crime at the hands of Arturo. News spread quickly to the Magia Council, and before long Arturo was called before them to answer for his crime of murder unjustly. The Ancients of the roundtable at Mount Blanc, the mountain range bordering Italy and France, was now enacted as they listened to the tale that had unfolded. Little did they know that they were a part of the grand scheme Arturo Cruentus shrewdly planned for the ultimate betrayal.
Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 14, 2013
Rise to Power is the first part of the Cruentus Series. In many ways a prequel to the heart of the story, this novella packs quite a punch. While classified as a paranormal romance, that label simply is not all-encompassing enough to truly define the story. It is far more than a romance, leading the reader through a course of love against all odds and a family’s quest for power. Ms. Broomfield wields her words much the way her warlocks wield their magic, creating a world that the the reader simply becomes immersed in. Her characters come to life on the page and in the reader’s imagination as the story plays out like a movie for the mind.
The heroine, Emiliana, is immediately identifiable, and her growth throughout the story is felt by the reader. The hero, Donato, is complex and swoon-worthy, surprising Emiliana, the reader, and even his own father, Arturo, on several turns. As Arturo schemes to secure his family’s station, I found myself both loving him and hating him in turns. The wicked are deliciously evil, and even the good hold an undercurrent of something more simmering under the surface. The old-world setting and ancient magic give an ambiance to the story that is other-worldly, allowing the reader to truly escape into a world that is full of magic and power.
While the first few chapters moved a little slow, I was completely captured soon into the story. The budding love between Emiliana and Donato pulled me in and before long I was wrapped up into Cruentus world and couldn’t put it down. Several scenes left me with chills, and more than one had me swooning. Through twists and turns, the plot is unpredictable and layered, and it will leave you wanting more. (Yes, this is just the beginning! You will get more, you can rest easy but anxious.)
Cruentus: Rise to Power is the perfect combination of love and magic, romance and peril, action and old-fashioned good vs. evil. Only this time you’ll be left wondering.... what is so sexy about the wickedly evil?
The heroine, Emiliana, is immediately identifiable, and her growth throughout the story is felt by the reader. The hero, Donato, is complex and swoon-worthy, surprising Emiliana, the reader, and even his own father, Arturo, on several turns. As Arturo schemes to secure his family’s station, I found myself both loving him and hating him in turns. The wicked are deliciously evil, and even the good hold an undercurrent of something more simmering under the surface. The old-world setting and ancient magic give an ambiance to the story that is other-worldly, allowing the reader to truly escape into a world that is full of magic and power.
While the first few chapters moved a little slow, I was completely captured soon into the story. The budding love between Emiliana and Donato pulled me in and before long I was wrapped up into Cruentus world and couldn’t put it down. Several scenes left me with chills, and more than one had me swooning. Through twists and turns, the plot is unpredictable and layered, and it will leave you wanting more. (Yes, this is just the beginning! You will get more, you can rest easy but anxious.)
Cruentus: Rise to Power is the perfect combination of love and magic, romance and peril, action and old-fashioned good vs. evil. Only this time you’ll be left wondering.... what is so sexy about the wickedly evil?
May 14, 2013
L.S. Broomfield writes a fascinating story consisting of not just love, but power and greed. Inside these pages you will find that the true bad guy of the story isn't the ones who kidnap a young bride on her wedding day, no the bad guy is the one who manipulates the situation to benefit him. Not his family, himself.
Father and son will work together to accomplish a goal but neither will see the secret plan the other one is devising.
As a debut novel it's impressive and addicting. You will love what you read if you enjoy novels about warlocks and dueling covens.
Take a chance on Ms Broomfield, she is well worth it.
Father and son will work together to accomplish a goal but neither will see the secret plan the other one is devising.
As a debut novel it's impressive and addicting. You will love what you read if you enjoy novels about warlocks and dueling covens.
Take a chance on Ms Broomfield, she is well worth it.
May 14, 2013
Sitting on the edge of my seat the entire book waiting to see what will happen next!! The book was fantastic. I will not give any spoilers away, but will only say that LS Broomfield is a very talented author and I highly recommend this book to everyone!! I can't wait for the next book to come out.
May 20, 2013
Dont know what else to say but that i loved it from start to finish ! Found myself sinking into the world completley and hated coming back to the reality of the real world ! Can not wait for #2 !!
May 29, 2013
Cruentus: Rise to Power is a unique read that will draw you in and take you places that you've never been before. The characters are well written and engaging. The combination of the late 1800s time period and the magical world in which the story takes place serves to make this story memorable and interesting. I've never read something quite like this novella and I can't wait to see more from L.S. Broomfield in the future.
August 4, 2013
I loved this book from the start to finish .. I can't wait for the next book
October 16, 2014
This was a fantastic book and I am anxious to read the next one in the series. Great, crisp writing and interesting characters/world building.
November 28, 2013
4.5 stars
What a great way to start a series! It was the first book of The Cruentus Series and it showed great promise on how awesome this series will be. It is filled with mystery, magic, romance, action, and betrayal. It sent me on a thrilling adventure that had me asking for more.
The story was easily read but full of action that had me gripping the pages. From the first chapter, I wanted to know who the Cruentus family was and why they desperately wanted Emiliana to marry into the family. It had me guessing as to who was really being honest and if true love really existed between Emiliana and her betrothed. My curiosity peaked some more about the mystery behind the vision on Emiliana and how it was causing other covens to go against the Cruentus family. Though this book did not answer all of my questions, it did have me looking forward to the next book in the series.
The world and characters created were quite interesting. This was a world were magic was part of everyday life. There were witches and warlocks, but they were not seen as a big threat; they were just another part of human kind. The witches and warlocks belong to powerful covens that ruled the lands, and the Cruentus family was the most powerful. Being the most powerful brought evil intentions to keep the power and we get to see that with Arturo Cruentus. He was the mastermind behind everything. He planned ways to get Emiliana to marry his son, Donato. He was cold-hearted but intelligent. When things didn't appear to go according to plan for him, Arturo seemed to be able to make it part of it. Then there was his son, Donato. He was a complex character because I didn't know how true he was to Emiliana. Did he really love her or was he playing along with his father's plans? Lastly, there was Emiliana. She was pure, kind, and innocent. Though she was taken away by force from her family, Emiliana found a way to turn a negative situation into a more positive one. As the story progressed, Emiliana began to show strength, which lead me to believe that she will be a very powerful character in the following books.
To sum up, this was a great read. I enjoyed how it was not only about paranormal romance, like it was tagged, but how it was filled with action and mystery. It was told in a simple fast manner that had me flying through the pages. I was fascinated with the world and characters that Ms. Broomfield created. This book was almost perfect for my taste. I cannot wait for the next book!
What a great way to start a series! It was the first book of The Cruentus Series and it showed great promise on how awesome this series will be. It is filled with mystery, magic, romance, action, and betrayal. It sent me on a thrilling adventure that had me asking for more.
The story was easily read but full of action that had me gripping the pages. From the first chapter, I wanted to know who the Cruentus family was and why they desperately wanted Emiliana to marry into the family. It had me guessing as to who was really being honest and if true love really existed between Emiliana and her betrothed. My curiosity peaked some more about the mystery behind the vision on Emiliana and how it was causing other covens to go against the Cruentus family. Though this book did not answer all of my questions, it did have me looking forward to the next book in the series.
The world and characters created were quite interesting. This was a world were magic was part of everyday life. There were witches and warlocks, but they were not seen as a big threat; they were just another part of human kind. The witches and warlocks belong to powerful covens that ruled the lands, and the Cruentus family was the most powerful. Being the most powerful brought evil intentions to keep the power and we get to see that with Arturo Cruentus. He was the mastermind behind everything. He planned ways to get Emiliana to marry his son, Donato. He was cold-hearted but intelligent. When things didn't appear to go according to plan for him, Arturo seemed to be able to make it part of it. Then there was his son, Donato. He was a complex character because I didn't know how true he was to Emiliana. Did he really love her or was he playing along with his father's plans? Lastly, there was Emiliana. She was pure, kind, and innocent. Though she was taken away by force from her family, Emiliana found a way to turn a negative situation into a more positive one. As the story progressed, Emiliana began to show strength, which lead me to believe that she will be a very powerful character in the following books.
To sum up, this was a great read. I enjoyed how it was not only about paranormal romance, like it was tagged, but how it was filled with action and mystery. It was told in a simple fast manner that had me flying through the pages. I was fascinated with the world and characters that Ms. Broomfield created. This book was almost perfect for my taste. I cannot wait for the next book!
August 26, 2013
I really loved Cruentus: Rise to Power for several reasons.
One - The angst and uncertainty of Emiliana's journey put me right on that rollercoaster of emotion with her. I could identify with some of what she felt. Not wanting to love this man and yet finding her heart trying to choose for itself instead.
Two - The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages furiously to discover what might happen next. There were several times where I had decided which side/person employed honesty and which had the ulterior motives, only to find that Ms Broomfield was leading me into another plot twist. The 'bad guys' were so well written that I found myself sympathizing with aspects of their predicament as several sides tried to out do one another.
Three - I have to say that I found the mix of formal and informal writing style here quite refreshing. Ms Broomfield managed to give the piece enough of an authentic old world feel to suit the period without losing her upbeat and easy to read flow. There were a few small details here and there which may not have been one hundred percent accurate for the time the book is set, but only minor issues and barely noticeable.
Four - I often get to the end of books and feel sad/frustrated to say goodbye to characters, so I love a good series. This book delivered a huge impact while still leaving me wanting more. It was a great beginning for her series and I look forward to the next installment.
One - The angst and uncertainty of Emiliana's journey put me right on that rollercoaster of emotion with her. I could identify with some of what she felt. Not wanting to love this man and yet finding her heart trying to choose for itself instead.
Two - The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages furiously to discover what might happen next. There were several times where I had decided which side/person employed honesty and which had the ulterior motives, only to find that Ms Broomfield was leading me into another plot twist. The 'bad guys' were so well written that I found myself sympathizing with aspects of their predicament as several sides tried to out do one another.
Three - I have to say that I found the mix of formal and informal writing style here quite refreshing. Ms Broomfield managed to give the piece enough of an authentic old world feel to suit the period without losing her upbeat and easy to read flow. There were a few small details here and there which may not have been one hundred percent accurate for the time the book is set, but only minor issues and barely noticeable.
Four - I often get to the end of books and feel sad/frustrated to say goodbye to characters, so I love a good series. This book delivered a huge impact while still leaving me wanting more. It was a great beginning for her series and I look forward to the next installment.
May 22, 2013
Emiliana is a young girl who is thrown into a world she does not understand because her father was tricked into playing cards as everyone knew he would lose....the cost, Emiliana must marry Donato Cruentus. Donato Cruentus who's father is Arturo is a very powerful man and will do anything to gain more.
Emiliana decides to at least try to like Donato since she knows there is no way that she can get out of this arrangement however as time goes on she finds herself falling in love with him and Donato will do anything to protect her.
One day Emiliana is taken right from their home and Donato & Arturo allie together to bring her back.
I truly enjoyed this story. It was a cinderella story but with a twist of magic :) Watching Emiliana's love grow for Donato throughout the story, how he was like her prince charming and the "wicked stepmother" in this case was Arturo :) Like all stories, events take place throughout and make the story even better. I found myself drawn to Emiliana and Donato wanting to make sure that they two of them will end up together and she where their lives will go. I am anxious to read on with this story after how the story ends. Definitely a must read!
Emiliana decides to at least try to like Donato since she knows there is no way that she can get out of this arrangement however as time goes on she finds herself falling in love with him and Donato will do anything to protect her.
One day Emiliana is taken right from their home and Donato & Arturo allie together to bring her back.
I truly enjoyed this story. It was a cinderella story but with a twist of magic :) Watching Emiliana's love grow for Donato throughout the story, how he was like her prince charming and the "wicked stepmother" in this case was Arturo :) Like all stories, events take place throughout and make the story even better. I found myself drawn to Emiliana and Donato wanting to make sure that they two of them will end up together and she where their lives will go. I am anxious to read on with this story after how the story ends. Definitely a must read!
June 2, 2013
I've been waiting for this book to be released for quite a while and I have to say it was well worth the wait. From the very first page I struggled to put it down. You instantly get pulled into the story and the world of magic . I know this isn't the authors first book but for the first book of a series, it defo leaves you wanting more and I can't wait for the next instalment.
August 16, 2014
4.5/5.0
Wow! What an incredible start to a promising series, and what a fine beginning for a gifted new author!
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Wow! What an incredible start to a promising series, and what a fine beginning for a gifted new author!
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews