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Chronicles of the Shifter Directive #3
Warriors' Dream
[Siren Epic Romance, Erotic Alternative Fantasy/Paranormal Romance, M/M, shape-shifters, HEA] In the paranormal world, the greatest legend is that of fae prince Talrasar Myrthylar and his dragon mate, Kaelezrin Tersain. It is the story of the Great Sacrifice, a time when two warriors ended their own lives and their bond to save the world from destruction. But their story isn't over yet. An unexpected attack on their descendents suddenly brings them back, two men out of time, relics of a past long considered myth. However, once again their attempt to help costs them, and the two men are separated. Suffering from amnesia, Talrasar falls into the hands of an unlikely foe. A desperate Kael begins the quest to find his mate, enlisting the help of their descendents. Meanwhile, a new political ploy threatens Ornoz and its shaky leadership. Can Talrasar and Kaelezrin navigate the murky waters of their chaotic future? Will their sacrifice finally be repaid, or is the warriors' dream to have a family fated to never come true? NOTE! You are purchasing Siren's newest imprint, the Siren Epic Romance collection. This is Book 3 of 7 in the Chronicles of the Shifter Directive series. The series shares an overall story arc with many crossover characters playing major roles in each book. These books are not stand-alone and should be read in their numbered order. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2013
4 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Scarlet Hyacinth
94 books385 followersScarlet Hyacinth was born in 1986, in a Romania still struggling under the weight of the communist regime. As a young girl, she started studying the English language and fell in love with books.
After a childhood spent devouring hundreds of pages of fantasy literature, Scarlet found her calling. While at uni, she discovered with the help of a dear friend that she had a knack for writing. The rest, as they say, is history, or rather, lots of hard work and sleepless nights. Today, she can only say with a smile that nothing is impossible and that no matter what others say, you can achieve your dreams if you work hard enough.
After a childhood spent devouring hundreds of pages of fantasy literature, Scarlet found her calling. While at uni, she discovered with the help of a dear friend that she had a knack for writing. The rest, as they say, is history, or rather, lots of hard work and sleepless nights. Today, she can only say with a smile that nothing is impossible and that no matter what others say, you can achieve your dreams if you work hard enough.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 14, 2019
It has been a very long time since I got so excited regarding a series, to the point where I'm devouring the books as fast as I can. 'Chronicles of the Shifter Directive' is an incredible series which has far surpassed my expectations, over and over again. 'Warriors’ Dream' is the third book and, once again, I will say that in my opinion it's practically impossible not to read these in the order which they've been written. There is far too much background in each installment and I believe the enjoyment level would be non-existent without it. Particularly in this book, as it deals with the two warriors, bonded true mates, one draechen and one fae, who gave their lives so many centuries before to save the world from the atrocities of the werewolves and vampires.
Prince Kaelrezin Tersain (Kael) was born a black dragon to the royal line. Black dragons were very rare because they can manipulate and use all energy, unlike ice, fire, earth, or wind dragons who can only use their chosen element. Prince Talrasar Myrthylar was the strongest healer of the fae and a general of their armies. In the fourteenth century A.D. the werewolves and vampires caused the Black Plague which was sweeping through the human population and killing in mass quantities. The draechen and the fae came together to try to defeat this enemy. It was at this initial meeting that Kael and Talrasar met and knew they were true mates. Kael was surprised because, being a black dragon, he assumed he wouldn't have a mate or, if he did, they wouldn't want him. In those days, the black dragon was reviled and looked upon with disgust because their powers were so very deadly. In fact, Kael was approaching his two hundredth birthday and had never met his mother and only seen his father a few times. None of that mattered though, only stopping the horrors wrought by the bats and wolves and protecting the draechen and all paranormals along with humans, mattered.
The draechen and the fae ally and go to war against the bats and wolves. Kael and Talrasar keep their mate bond secret as the fae king wants his son to marry a woman, and because the fae's religion of Jenarra is female based, not all fae are understanding of a male same-sex mating. The two men fight together against appalling odds as the bats and wolves have grown in large numbers over the years. When Kael and Talrasar receive notice that Eternelle, the fae's holy city and source of its strength, is under attack, they rush there to help. Holding back the forces as best they can, Kael and Talrasar allow the fae survivors to escape the city. Overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, Kael and Talrasar sacrifice their own lives, severing their mate bond, which allows Kael's dragon to sweep the hundreds of thousands of enemy into death using the massive amount of his and Talrasar's core energy. Thus they performed the Great Sacrifice, vowing to be together always, even in death.
Fast forward centuries to Draechenburg where Prince Hareematek is getting ready to be crowned emperor after Karein drained their father's energy to prevent him from his plan of world domination. Sari is busy arranging the plans for the coronation while he and Karein celebrate Sari's pregnancy. Karein's most trusted lieutenant, Sage, has just discovered his mate, Prince Camden Isaiat, a naga and a member of the second caste. The Shifter Directive forbids matings between castes and between disparate shifter species, so Sage and Camden are forced into a difficult decision. The new emperor, Hareem, has his own problems as he found and claimed his mate, Taryn, in the first book. Unfortunately, his mate is a werewolf and since they are the lowest caste and Hareem is the draechen emperor it's impossible for them to live a life in the open. Taryn is now pregnant and worries about his mate, and keeping Hareem's focus divided at this vulnerable time for the draechen.
This is all going on while at the hidden temple of Jennara, rebuilt on the grounds of Eternelle, the obelisk which appeared after the Great Sacrifice of Kael and Talrasar, begins to emit troubling energies. At the end of 'Draechen's Mate' we saw Karein touch the obelisk and relieve himself of a dark energy, his twin's, which had consumed him from birth. Caelyn and Graham witness the obelisk exploding and find Kael left alive in the remains. Kael requests Karein and Sari's help in locating Talrasar. Because of the severed mate bond, Kael cannot sense Talrasar although he knows that he's been released too. It was Kael who took the negative energy from Karein as they share a special bond, just as Sari and Talrasar do. Unfortunately, when the obelisk exploded, Kael and Talrasar were released, but so was Karein's malevolent twin who carries all the knowledge that Karein has, Rachen.
OMG. Do you understand now why I can't put these books down? There is so much going on, and multiple stories intersecting and weaving into the bigger picture. Believe me when I say, it is in no way confusing or convoluted. I'm supremely impressed with the quality of the writing and the author's ability to keep me seriously focused, at all times. There are no choices made by any of these characters which don't come around and eventually bite them in the butt. I love it! There is so much action and adventure that I'm completely glued to each page.
Prince Kaelrezin Tersain (Kael) was born a black dragon to the royal line. Black dragons were very rare because they can manipulate and use all energy, unlike ice, fire, earth, or wind dragons who can only use their chosen element. Prince Talrasar Myrthylar was the strongest healer of the fae and a general of their armies. In the fourteenth century A.D. the werewolves and vampires caused the Black Plague which was sweeping through the human population and killing in mass quantities. The draechen and the fae came together to try to defeat this enemy. It was at this initial meeting that Kael and Talrasar met and knew they were true mates. Kael was surprised because, being a black dragon, he assumed he wouldn't have a mate or, if he did, they wouldn't want him. In those days, the black dragon was reviled and looked upon with disgust because their powers were so very deadly. In fact, Kael was approaching his two hundredth birthday and had never met his mother and only seen his father a few times. None of that mattered though, only stopping the horrors wrought by the bats and wolves and protecting the draechen and all paranormals along with humans, mattered.
The draechen and the fae ally and go to war against the bats and wolves. Kael and Talrasar keep their mate bond secret as the fae king wants his son to marry a woman, and because the fae's religion of Jenarra is female based, not all fae are understanding of a male same-sex mating. The two men fight together against appalling odds as the bats and wolves have grown in large numbers over the years. When Kael and Talrasar receive notice that Eternelle, the fae's holy city and source of its strength, is under attack, they rush there to help. Holding back the forces as best they can, Kael and Talrasar allow the fae survivors to escape the city. Overwhelmed by the sheer numbers, Kael and Talrasar sacrifice their own lives, severing their mate bond, which allows Kael's dragon to sweep the hundreds of thousands of enemy into death using the massive amount of his and Talrasar's core energy. Thus they performed the Great Sacrifice, vowing to be together always, even in death.
Fast forward centuries to Draechenburg where Prince Hareematek is getting ready to be crowned emperor after Karein drained their father's energy to prevent him from his plan of world domination. Sari is busy arranging the plans for the coronation while he and Karein celebrate Sari's pregnancy. Karein's most trusted lieutenant, Sage, has just discovered his mate, Prince Camden Isaiat, a naga and a member of the second caste. The Shifter Directive forbids matings between castes and between disparate shifter species, so Sage and Camden are forced into a difficult decision. The new emperor, Hareem, has his own problems as he found and claimed his mate, Taryn, in the first book. Unfortunately, his mate is a werewolf and since they are the lowest caste and Hareem is the draechen emperor it's impossible for them to live a life in the open. Taryn is now pregnant and worries about his mate, and keeping Hareem's focus divided at this vulnerable time for the draechen.
This is all going on while at the hidden temple of Jennara, rebuilt on the grounds of Eternelle, the obelisk which appeared after the Great Sacrifice of Kael and Talrasar, begins to emit troubling energies. At the end of 'Draechen's Mate' we saw Karein touch the obelisk and relieve himself of a dark energy, his twin's, which had consumed him from birth. Caelyn and Graham witness the obelisk exploding and find Kael left alive in the remains. Kael requests Karein and Sari's help in locating Talrasar. Because of the severed mate bond, Kael cannot sense Talrasar although he knows that he's been released too. It was Kael who took the negative energy from Karein as they share a special bond, just as Sari and Talrasar do. Unfortunately, when the obelisk exploded, Kael and Talrasar were released, but so was Karein's malevolent twin who carries all the knowledge that Karein has, Rachen.
OMG. Do you understand now why I can't put these books down? There is so much going on, and multiple stories intersecting and weaving into the bigger picture. Believe me when I say, it is in no way confusing or convoluted. I'm supremely impressed with the quality of the writing and the author's ability to keep me seriously focused, at all times. There are no choices made by any of these characters which don't come around and eventually bite them in the butt. I love it! There is so much action and adventure that I'm completely glued to each page.
August 9, 2013
The first 5 chapters are about Tali and Kael meeting and bonding in ancient times.. I didn't realize that their time together was in actuality so short before they sacrificed themselves.
Then we move back into modern times where Kael and Tali are resurrected. From this point on, the book is all over the place. What I mean is it doesn't feel like Kael and Tali are the main focus anymore but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just LOTS of things going on.
I'm beginning to wonder why this series is Chronicles of the the Shifter Directive thou. Besides the first book main focus centering around the directive and its impact the following books so far are about the dreachen.
Book 2.. Karein (dragon) and Sari
Book 3.. Kael (dragon) and Tali
Without reading the blurbs on the rest (which you can get out of the companion guide) I can say that Sage (dragon) and Camden, Rachen (dragon) and mate, and probably the happy conclusion after everything going on could be Hareem (dragon) and Taryn.. This leaves one book unaccounted for in the dragon sense. But the overall focus is centered around the dreachen as apposed to the Directive. So the series name is making less sense to me at this time. BUT the story arc I'm really enjoying! The author has been doing a GREAT job on building the suspense and throwing in some interesting twists!
Then we move back into modern times where Kael and Tali are resurrected. From this point on, the book is all over the place. What I mean is it doesn't feel like Kael and Tali are the main focus anymore but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just LOTS of things going on.
I'm beginning to wonder why this series is Chronicles of the the Shifter Directive thou. Besides the first book main focus centering around the directive and its impact the following books so far are about the dreachen.
Book 2.. Karein (dragon) and Sari
Book 3.. Kael (dragon) and Tali
Without reading the blurbs on the rest (which you can get out of the companion guide) I can say that Sage (dragon) and Camden, Rachen (dragon) and mate, and probably the happy conclusion after everything going on could be Hareem (dragon) and Taryn.. This leaves one book unaccounted for in the dragon sense. But the overall focus is centered around the dreachen as apposed to the Directive. So the series name is making less sense to me at this time. BUT the story arc I'm really enjoying! The author has been doing a GREAT job on building the suspense and throwing in some interesting twists!
August 5, 2013
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
My Rating: (5 of 5 Stars)5
There are not enough adjectives I want to use that could effectively describe the visceral response I experienced when reading Warrior's Dream. All I can say is that it was a time well spent reading it and the box of tissues well used up. This is a tale of epic proportions and just like any great fantasy, it is large scale. Scarlet Hyacinth promised us readers this very thing and if I could quote the author directly:
"The series is meant to grow larger and larger with every story - so anticipate more angst, more romance, more tears :D."
The Chronicles of the Shifter Directive is a series that just keeps growing larger and larger as the next installments are released. The introduction of characters are well paced, the sequence of events well placed, the resolution of old issues effieciently addressed, and the revelations of what may come next give the readers just the right amount of anxiety, tension and relief.
The story of Kale and Tali is at the heart of the arc of this series. It is a complicated, difficult, and tragic story that, in lesser hands, could have given us a book that would, at most, be rated a 3 or maximum a 4. This is not so. The author not only delivered, she wrote it in such a way that made us feel for these two men more than we already felt for them when once they were just stuff of legends. These two men made the ultimate sacrifice and it was their time to love and just live, something they were never given a chance in their first lives.
The first five chapters of the story opens to readers the amazing Great Sacrifice that blows the mind of fans in its intensity. This is the same story that sets the foundation for the Shifter Directive. The battle scenes were brilliantly written and in fact, I could not help but visualize the intensities of the moments. Something which I only went through once, whilst reading Tolkien's Return Of The King. The Sacrifice itself was astonishingly emotional and yet readers know there is no other way these two men could have decided otherwise. Either they did what they had to do not knowing what the result would be or they lose their whole peoples. When both are reborn once more and find each other, that was just as emotional. The cry of Tali was astonishing in its intensity even if it was just that one word.
Then there was the revelation that it was not just Kale and Tali who get to have a second chance at life. This new and unexpected revelation almost overshadows that happy event by the appearance of Karein's twin, Rachen. His plight, his whole situation, just about broke my heart. To think that this man-child has only been around physically in the few weeks this story occurs, is heartbreaking. He is a child in the form and physique of a man whose memories are, in reality, those of his brother's and Kale's.
I could go on and on but I do not want to reveal much more of this incredible book. This is much larger than the first two books combined.
If you noticed, I rated this with a 5 Stars and enclosed it in a mathematical equation to multiply it by five. This was purposefully done. I must give kudos to this author I once dismissed as fluffy. I honestly loved the first two books of this series and its accompanying guide, however, I was a bit skeptical for I doubted that Ms. Hyacinth could in fact follow through. In my opinion, false as I see this now, she could not follow up those preceding books with something just as incredibly written. She not only proved everyone wrong, she did it with a bang and more.
I must now conclude one thing: given that this is an MM shape-shifter romance, this is in fact an epic fantasy that quite rivals some of those that I grew up loving and continue to read. I have decided to close my eyes on the next books' blurbs found in Chronicles of the Shifter Directive Companion Guide (Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 0,5). I want to be surprised for I don't want to ruin my suspense.
But then again, maybe not.
My Rating: (5 of 5 Stars)5
There are not enough adjectives I want to use that could effectively describe the visceral response I experienced when reading Warrior's Dream. All I can say is that it was a time well spent reading it and the box of tissues well used up. This is a tale of epic proportions and just like any great fantasy, it is large scale. Scarlet Hyacinth promised us readers this very thing and if I could quote the author directly:
"The series is meant to grow larger and larger with every story - so anticipate more angst, more romance, more tears :D."
The Chronicles of the Shifter Directive is a series that just keeps growing larger and larger as the next installments are released. The introduction of characters are well paced, the sequence of events well placed, the resolution of old issues effieciently addressed, and the revelations of what may come next give the readers just the right amount of anxiety, tension and relief.
The story of Kale and Tali is at the heart of the arc of this series. It is a complicated, difficult, and tragic story that, in lesser hands, could have given us a book that would, at most, be rated a 3 or maximum a 4. This is not so. The author not only delivered, she wrote it in such a way that made us feel for these two men more than we already felt for them when once they were just stuff of legends. These two men made the ultimate sacrifice and it was their time to love and just live, something they were never given a chance in their first lives.
The first five chapters of the story opens to readers the amazing Great Sacrifice that blows the mind of fans in its intensity. This is the same story that sets the foundation for the Shifter Directive. The battle scenes were brilliantly written and in fact, I could not help but visualize the intensities of the moments. Something which I only went through once, whilst reading Tolkien's Return Of The King. The Sacrifice itself was astonishingly emotional and yet readers know there is no other way these two men could have decided otherwise. Either they did what they had to do not knowing what the result would be or they lose their whole peoples. When both are reborn once more and find each other, that was just as emotional. The cry of Tali was astonishing in its intensity even if it was just that one word.
Then there was the revelation that it was not just Kale and Tali who get to have a second chance at life. This new and unexpected revelation almost overshadows that happy event by the appearance of Karein's twin, Rachen. His plight, his whole situation, just about broke my heart. To think that this man-child has only been around physically in the few weeks this story occurs, is heartbreaking. He is a child in the form and physique of a man whose memories are, in reality, those of his brother's and Kale's.
I could go on and on but I do not want to reveal much more of this incredible book. This is much larger than the first two books combined.
If you noticed, I rated this with a 5 Stars and enclosed it in a mathematical equation to multiply it by five. This was purposefully done. I must give kudos to this author I once dismissed as fluffy. I honestly loved the first two books of this series and its accompanying guide, however, I was a bit skeptical for I doubted that Ms. Hyacinth could in fact follow through. In my opinion, false as I see this now, she could not follow up those preceding books with something just as incredibly written. She not only proved everyone wrong, she did it with a bang and more.
I must now conclude one thing: given that this is an MM shape-shifter romance, this is in fact an epic fantasy that quite rivals some of those that I grew up loving and continue to read. I have decided to close my eyes on the next books' blurbs found in Chronicles of the Shifter Directive Companion Guide (Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 0,5). I want to be surprised for I don't want to ruin my suspense.
But then again, maybe not.
August 5, 2013
4.5 Stars
Loved how the events in the past was recalled in the first five chapters as there were gaps in Karien's dreams/memories in book 2. The emotions were raw and I got a little teary eyed especially when the couple was in Eternelle. I knew what was coming but I can't help but be swept away with the couple's fear, love, and willingness to sacrifice.
As for the rest of the story, there were twists that I didn't see coming which made this series all the more exciting. Everything is interconnected. Ms Scarlet Hyacinth is weaving a very intricate web and I'm caught in it! Although with all the events going on, I can't help but want more intimate scenes for Kael and Tali.
And what a way to end it! The situation just made Sage and Camden's mating more precarious. The suspense is killing me LOL :). Wish the next book would come out tomorrow.
Loved how the events in the past was recalled in the first five chapters as there were gaps in Karien's dreams/memories in book 2. The emotions were raw and I got a little teary eyed especially when the couple was in Eternelle. I knew what was coming but I can't help but be swept away with the couple's fear, love, and willingness to sacrifice.
As for the rest of the story, there were twists that I didn't see coming which made this series all the more exciting. Everything is interconnected. Ms Scarlet Hyacinth is weaving a very intricate web and I'm caught in it! Although with all the events going on, I can't help but want more intimate scenes for Kael and Tali.
And what a way to end it! The situation just made Sage and Camden's mating more precarious. The suspense is killing me LOL :). Wish the next book would come out tomorrow.
August 10, 2013
Loved how we got to know about our two ancient warriors in the first few chapters! Wow..... Sometimes when there is a whole bunch of secondary characters and the M/C'S and stories crossing over each other it's confusing and frustrating. Not so here! Every character and crossover storyline has a purpose. Fabulous!!
But I do have a bone to pick with my Ms. Scarlet..... OH. KNOW. SHE. DIDN'T LEAVE ME HANGIN AT... THE... END!?!?
(Narrowing Eyes....) No chocolates for you Scarlet! ....... Okay. A little piece.... You get more when I find out what happens to Camden and Sage!
But I do have a bone to pick with my Ms. Scarlet..... OH. KNOW. SHE. DIDN'T LEAVE ME HANGIN AT... THE... END!?!?
(Narrowing Eyes....) No chocolates for you Scarlet! ....... Okay. A little piece.... You get more when I find out what happens to Camden and Sage!
May 13, 2014
3.0 Stars
This was the story of Talrasar Myrthylar and Kaelezrin Tersain. It is the story of the Great Sacrifice, a time when these two warrior princes severed their bond, thereby ending their lives, to save the world from destruction.
Kael and Tali's story was interesting but I was a little bored with it. I don't know why. My best guess is that I was so amped to know about what was happening in the here-and-now, I had little patience for the history lesson. Thankfully, it was only the first five chapters. I don't want to leave you with the impression that their story was underwhelming; it wasn't. I just didn't dig it as much as I could've had I not been distracted by the current day events.
Bottom line: I like Kael and Tali as characters and they lend positively to the overall story. However, this was my least fave installment so far. Moving on to book 4.
This was the story of Talrasar Myrthylar and Kaelezrin Tersain. It is the story of the Great Sacrifice, a time when these two warrior princes severed their bond, thereby ending their lives, to save the world from destruction.
Kael and Tali's story was interesting but I was a little bored with it. I don't know why. My best guess is that I was so amped to know about what was happening in the here-and-now, I had little patience for the history lesson. Thankfully, it was only the first five chapters. I don't want to leave you with the impression that their story was underwhelming; it wasn't. I just didn't dig it as much as I could've had I not been distracted by the current day events.
Bottom line: I like Kael and Tali as characters and they lend positively to the overall story. However, this was my least fave installment so far. Moving on to book 4.
September 20, 2014
Ancient relics come to life, including the twin brother of Karein. There was so much going on. I did not feel the story was about Talrasar and Kael, but more about all the other politics that was going one. I did not feel the romance (the mate bond) between them. Maybe this was my fault...it is an arc story...so with each book there are more and more characters. I just couldn't believe that ancient hero's would arise. And than there was Rachen, the twin brother of Karain. A little grazy in the head. Now that I can believe. I found this book not the best in the series.
September 6, 2016
I'm invested... but that doesn't negate the fact that these books need some serious editing and rewrites. The story is good. The characters are good. But, dammit, I find myself skipping a lot of what's written because the author decides to explain every little detail. Sometimes, I don't an explanation to know that a character isn't pleased and why when the previous scene was someone insulting that character.
July 17, 2015
OK, this series is really picking up and I'm absolutely loving it! The characters are wonderful, the action is fast paced and fun, and I love how each book continues from the previous and we have so many couples in this series. I have no clue how I missed this when it first came out, because I think this might become my favorite series from this author by the time I reach the end.
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September 22, 2013Review being tidied.
December 3, 2013
This just keeps getting better and better with each book! I'm officially hooked now. There's no stopping until the end! On to the next one now...
December 24, 2013
love this series
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews