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Impossible Things
Kael Vapensigsson is one of the elite Chosen—a Warlord whose strength comes from the gods themselves. But despite all his power and prestige, he is plagued by a prophecy that threatens to destroy everything he loves.
When Kael summons Ishtaer to his room and discovers the marks of the Chosen on her body, including the revered mark of the Warrior, both Warlord and slave seem to have met their match.
But as their lives become increasingly entangled and endangered, Ishtaer is forced to test whether the Chosen ever have the ability to choose their own fate.
Kate's UK debut, The UnTied Kingdom, was short listed for the RNA's 2012 Romantic Contemporary Novel of the Year award.
When Kael summons Ishtaer to his room and discovers the marks of the Chosen on her body, including the revered mark of the Warrior, both Warlord and slave seem to have met their match.
But as their lives become increasingly entangled and endangered, Ishtaer is forced to test whether the Chosen ever have the ability to choose their own fate.
Kate's UK debut, The UnTied Kingdom, was short listed for the RNA's 2012 Romantic Contemporary Novel of the Year award.
356 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2014
14 people are currently reading
1627 people want to read
About the author
Kate Johnson
38 books542 followersKate Johnson lives in rural Essex where she belongs to a pride of cats and puts up with a demon puppy. She did actually do most of her homework, but quickly so as to have more time to stare out of the window thinking about heroes. Stay in school, kids. Kate has done a variety of not-particularly great jobs, ranging from airport check-in to lab assistant, but much prefers writing for a living. For one thing, the hours are better, and no one ever tells her off for not ironing her shirt. In fact, the lack of ironing might be the single greatest advantage to being an author. Kate loves going off at mad tangents, which you’d surely never have guessed, but also enjoys reading romance and fantasy, watching funny stuff on TV, drinking coffee by the gallon and occasionally leaving the house. The Untied Kingdom is her first novel to be published in the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 2, 2014
Solid 4 stars, with kudos to Cristina for the rec! By turns grim, pathetic, heartwarming, smexy, and witty, this is fantasy romance, or maybe a romantic fantasy, since the love story -- while beautiful -- doesn't permeate the narrative or drive the plot completely. The love built very slowly, beginning in fear and distrust, then growing to friendship, and finally to physical desire. The romance, the plot, the characters, and the secondary relationships held my attention from page 1. Nice wolf pup and cute boys, too!
The plot isn't always stellar, but my main quibble is that I couldn't come to grips with the setting. Was this Earth? Another planet? The references to Latin smack of Ancient Rome, as does the concept of an Empire, complete with far-flung barbaric islands. However, the references to the Legend of The Wild Hunt indicate Old Norse/English myth, and some words smack of Appalachia: ain't, feller, reckon. Also some modern slang. So when and where are we? Chunks of the story occur at The Academy, a school where magical Chosen Ones -- and the pedantic but rich -- study, much like college. As they mature, the Chosen develop inborn marks resembling tattoos, manifestations of a specific magical skill. Depending on their mark, they become seers, healers, warriors, messengers, spies, etc. The Academy brought to mind J.K. Rowling's school, Hogwarts. Also, Johnson created a vast empire -- one that spans oceans -- with no modern communications tech, but somehow having a common global language. Huh? Well, maybe. Anyway, the setting was unclear. I like to know the setting.
The story is told through the alternating POV of the hero and heroine. My heart went out to the severely misused, emaciated, crippled slave, Ishtaer, or Ish. She's 21 going on 90. Not young at heart nor strong in body. Will she ever stop cowering in fear and learn to trust again? Why is she blind? Will she recover her sight? Yet she can see better than most, via her inner eye. For Ishtaer is a Seer, evidenced by the manifestation under her eye (see cover art). However, all she has seen is a recurring nightmare. She is a Warrior, evidenced by the special marks on her sword arm, yet she's afraid of her own shadow. She is a Healer, marked on her hand, yet with no idea of the power of crystals. (Sedona again, and the magical properties of crystals. Hello, Jayne Castle.)
Then there is Krull the Warlord (Kael to his friends). A pirate in service to the Emperor. So it's -- like -- legal piracy. A warrior who graduated from the Academy about seven years ago, his militia "militis" mark doesn't cover only his sword-arm, it runs up his entire arm and across his chest. Plus, he has another mark, evidence of another inherent magic (I'll keep that special skill a secret, just as the author did). I loved Krull once I understood what he was thinking the first time he met Ish -- why he behaved like such an ass. At first -- no, no, no. Here's an imperfect hero who grows on you. A kind of Robin Hood, Kael has a white-knight complex and a fierce love for children. Great lovemaking scene between Ish and Kael. Sweet and yet sizzling. The break-up scene made me mad, but I got where he was coming from.
Well-Developed Secondary Characters: Eirenn the peg-legged goatherd, a fellow student (tyro) wearing the warrior's mark on his sword arm. His characterization was credible, textured, and fluid. Brutus, the wolf pup Ishtaer rescued. For two-thirds of the story, he's at her side, a devoted, dangerous, and playful companion. The two little brothers at Skullfell, Garik and Durran. Nicely done! Credible kids, about 8 years old. Varek the warrior and Kronos, the healer, Kael's right hand men.
Weaker Secondary Characters: The villain, Samara, is inexplicable. With all she had to lose, why did she take such poor care of Ishtaer? The blind slave was critical to Samara's business, so you'd expect her to at least feed "it" enough to keep "it" alive. (By the way, I always suspected what Ish had been doing for Samara). Inconsistent is the best term for Mags, the housekeeper at Skullfell. Her characterization fluctuated -- I couldn't get a handle on her. Was she in love with Kael? Then there was Marcus Glorius, a fellow student at the Academy. Marcus was like the reincarnation of Malfoy -- the Malfoy who learned his lesson, as in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Blond, bullying, sneeringly handsome, rich, entitled, roaming the campus with his faithful thugs. Then he is
Bottom line, one of the better books in this genre. Recommended to me by the same friend who recommended Ghost Planet (thank you, Cristina!).
See status updates for more quotes, notes, etc.
Ps. There is already a book titled Impossible Things by famed sci-fi / fantasy author Connie Willis. Why don't authors do a search first, and create a unique title?
The plot isn't always stellar, but my main quibble is that I couldn't come to grips with the setting. Was this Earth? Another planet? The references to Latin smack of Ancient Rome, as does the concept of an Empire, complete with far-flung barbaric islands. However, the references to the Legend of The Wild Hunt indicate Old Norse/English myth, and some words smack of Appalachia: ain't, feller, reckon. Also some modern slang. So when and where are we? Chunks of the story occur at The Academy, a school where magical Chosen Ones -- and the pedantic but rich -- study, much like college. As they mature, the Chosen develop inborn marks resembling tattoos, manifestations of a specific magical skill. Depending on their mark, they become seers, healers, warriors, messengers, spies, etc. The Academy brought to mind J.K. Rowling's school, Hogwarts. Also, Johnson created a vast empire -- one that spans oceans -- with no modern communications tech, but somehow having a common global language. Huh? Well, maybe. Anyway, the setting was unclear. I like to know the setting.
The story is told through the alternating POV of the hero and heroine. My heart went out to the severely misused, emaciated, crippled slave, Ishtaer, or Ish. She's 21 going on 90. Not young at heart nor strong in body. Will she ever stop cowering in fear and learn to trust again? Why is she blind? Will she recover her sight? Yet she can see better than most, via her inner eye. For Ishtaer is a Seer, evidenced by the manifestation under her eye (see cover art). However, all she has seen is a recurring nightmare. She is a Warrior, evidenced by the special marks on her sword arm, yet she's afraid of her own shadow. She is a Healer, marked on her hand, yet with no idea of the power of crystals. (Sedona again, and the magical properties of crystals. Hello, Jayne Castle.)
Then there is Krull the Warlord (Kael to his friends). A pirate in service to the Emperor. So it's -- like -- legal piracy. A warrior who graduated from the Academy about seven years ago, his militia "militis" mark doesn't cover only his sword-arm, it runs up his entire arm and across his chest. Plus, he has another mark, evidence of another inherent magic (I'll keep that special skill a secret, just as the author did). I loved Krull once I understood what he was thinking the first time he met Ish -- why he behaved like such an ass. At first -- no, no, no. Here's an imperfect hero who grows on you. A kind of Robin Hood, Kael has a white-knight complex and a fierce love for children. Great lovemaking scene between Ish and Kael. Sweet and yet sizzling. The break-up scene made me mad, but I got where he was coming from.
Well-Developed Secondary Characters: Eirenn the peg-legged goatherd, a fellow student (tyro) wearing the warrior's mark on his sword arm. His characterization was credible, textured, and fluid. Brutus, the wolf pup Ishtaer rescued. For two-thirds of the story, he's at her side, a devoted, dangerous, and playful companion. The two little brothers at Skullfell, Garik and Durran. Nicely done! Credible kids, about 8 years old. Varek the warrior and Kronos, the healer, Kael's right hand men.
Weaker Secondary Characters: The villain, Samara, is inexplicable. With all she had to lose, why did she take such poor care of Ishtaer? The blind slave was critical to Samara's business, so you'd expect her to at least feed "it" enough to keep "it" alive. (By the way, I always suspected what Ish had been doing for Samara). Inconsistent is the best term for Mags, the housekeeper at Skullfell. Her characterization fluctuated -- I couldn't get a handle on her. Was she in love with Kael? Then there was Marcus Glorius, a fellow student at the Academy. Marcus was like the reincarnation of Malfoy -- the Malfoy who learned his lesson, as in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Blond, bullying, sneeringly handsome, rich, entitled, roaming the campus with his faithful thugs. Then he is
Bottom line, one of the better books in this genre. Recommended to me by the same friend who recommended Ghost Planet (thank you, Cristina!).
See status updates for more quotes, notes, etc.
Ps. There is already a book titled Impossible Things by famed sci-fi / fantasy author Connie Willis. Why don't authors do a search first, and create a unique title?
March 23, 2016
Book Facts: Impossible Things
Genre: Fantasy some Romance
Part of a Series/Installment:
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts Let me just start with saying I did not like the H. I learned to tolerate him at the end and the author did a good job at building his character but I did not think he was a good guy overall. Usually I run far far away from a plot line like this in my romance books but I give more leeway to genre's like Fantasy/Sci Fi that only has a little romance in it. I read those those genre's for an entirely separate reason than I do romance. When I read fantasy I want world building, epic adventures, magic etc etc. I got all of that in this book so I would say it is a fantasy with romance in it. When I read romance, I want to read uhhh ROMANCE (abnormal concept I know but I felt I needed to say it).
So that being said even if I considered this a love story I might (probably not but maybe) have read it because there was a reason in the plotline for every issue with the H I had. It wasn't just thrown in because that is the thing to do now days in romance. The actual book is about an abused and broken woman that finds herself incredibly magically powerful . She learns to be at peace and believe in herself as the story progresses. It was a wonderful journey to read about, the world was rich with interesting characters. The POV switched midpage quite a bit so it took me awhile to figure out who was talking but the actual story was put together well and I got what I was looking for.
Overall Rating: 3.5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes, to some
ReRead: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Genre: Fantasy some Romance
Part of a Series/Installment:
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts Let me just start with saying I did not like the H. I learned to tolerate him at the end and the author did a good job at building his character but I did not think he was a good guy overall. Usually I run far far away from a plot line like this in my romance books but I give more leeway to genre's like Fantasy/Sci Fi that only has a little romance in it. I read those those genre's for an entirely separate reason than I do romance. When I read fantasy I want world building, epic adventures, magic etc etc. I got all of that in this book so I would say it is a fantasy with romance in it. When I read romance, I want to read uhhh ROMANCE (abnormal concept I know but I felt I needed to say it).
So that being said even if I considered this a love story I might (probably not but maybe) have read it because there was a reason in the plotline for every issue with the H I had. It wasn't just thrown in because that is the thing to do now days in romance. The actual book is about an abused and broken woman that finds herself incredibly magically powerful . She learns to be at peace and believe in herself as the story progresses. It was a wonderful journey to read about, the world was rich with interesting characters. The POV switched midpage quite a bit so it took me awhile to figure out who was talking but the actual story was put together well and I got what I was looking for.
Overall Rating: 3.5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes, to some
ReRead: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
November 28, 2015
This was a decent enough fantasy/romance but not one that will live long in the memory.
Notorious warlord and pirate Kael Vapensigsson rescues the blind slave Ishtaer from her cruel and abusive mistress after spotting she has the marks of the Chosen upon her skin. He is sceptical of the validity of the magical marks as Ishtaer not only has a previously unheard of three Chosen marks, but also bears the mark of the Warrior, something no female has done before. He takes her back to the Empire where she begins her training in magic.
The story was OK. It was a little slow paced at times, but that was because the story spanned a few years. It was a ploy that was fairly successful as it gave both Kael and Ishtaer time to grow and develop as characters. Both showed significant growth over the story. Ishtaer needed time to slowly recover from her time in slavery and Kael needed to learn to be more understanding and compassionate. The romance was an understandably slow burning one which I liked. The world building was nothing special, but it was adequate.
Rating:3.5 stars.
Audio Note: Penelope Rawlins gave an OK performance. Her female voices and general narration were good, but she struggled a bit with the male voices.
Notorious warlord and pirate Kael Vapensigsson rescues the blind slave Ishtaer from her cruel and abusive mistress after spotting she has the marks of the Chosen upon her skin. He is sceptical of the validity of the magical marks as Ishtaer not only has a previously unheard of three Chosen marks, but also bears the mark of the Warrior, something no female has done before. He takes her back to the Empire where she begins her training in magic.
The story was OK. It was a little slow paced at times, but that was because the story spanned a few years. It was a ploy that was fairly successful as it gave both Kael and Ishtaer time to grow and develop as characters. Both showed significant growth over the story. Ishtaer needed time to slowly recover from her time in slavery and Kael needed to learn to be more understanding and compassionate. The romance was an understandably slow burning one which I liked. The world building was nothing special, but it was adequate.
Rating:3.5 stars.
Audio Note: Penelope Rawlins gave an OK performance. Her female voices and general narration were good, but she struggled a bit with the male voices.
February 20, 2014
My friend Pamela rec'd this is to me and I really enjoyed this one. The hero is a warlord - feared by many - but is really a good guy. He actually falls in love first in this book and I liked that.
The heroine is a blind slave, rescued by the hero - she is also a healer, a seer and a warrior. She's pretty awesome. She was abused so much as a slave, she has A LOT to overcome. And she does and I loved her journey.
In terms of physical romance, there isn't much in this book. The heroine takes a long time to even broach that subject due to her abuse. But the romance is there and well done.
My one complaint is I wanted to see them together - and happy - more at the end. I felt the end was rushed...and maybe the heroine could have had a few more kinder moments at the end.
Overall good story.
The heroine is a blind slave, rescued by the hero - she is also a healer, a seer and a warrior. She's pretty awesome. She was abused so much as a slave, she has A LOT to overcome. And she does and I loved her journey.
In terms of physical romance, there isn't much in this book. The heroine takes a long time to even broach that subject due to her abuse. But the romance is there and well done.
My one complaint is I wanted to see them together - and happy - more at the end. I felt the end was rushed...and maybe the heroine could have had a few more kinder moments at the end.
Overall good story.
March 13, 2014
3 ½ stars. A pretty good story. Above average.
I liked the character Ishtaer. She did some neat things. She starts off starved, beaten, nearly dead. She is rescued from slavery and turns into a powerful force. I liked the parts where she dealt with a bully and different enemies. I liked the character Kael and his issues. There is a little romance mostly at the end. But romance is not the main focus. It’s more about Ishtaer’s development, changes, actions, and her friends.
A few times my mind wandered during descriptive parts. But overall I’m glad I read it. The ending romantic part was rushed. I would have liked more on that.
There is rape and torture of adults and children, but it’s referred to after the fact - if that matters.
SETTING:
The ideas are not new, but good. A minority of humans are gifted with mystical and magical powers: healers, psychic seers, warriors, and fleet-of-feet messengers. Time and place are not defined, but it makes me think of a European setting in the days of Vikings with swords and chain mail.
EBOOK FORMATTING PROBLEM:
There needs to be a line, symbol, or extra space between scene changes. You think the next sentence is a continuation of the current conversation until a few sentences later you realize it’s another scene in another place. It’s jarring and takes you out of the story when you realize this.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 5,842 (304 pages). Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one pleasant sex scene and a brutal gang rape. Setting: unknown. Copyright: 2014. Genre: fantasy romance.
I liked the character Ishtaer. She did some neat things. She starts off starved, beaten, nearly dead. She is rescued from slavery and turns into a powerful force. I liked the parts where she dealt with a bully and different enemies. I liked the character Kael and his issues. There is a little romance mostly at the end. But romance is not the main focus. It’s more about Ishtaer’s development, changes, actions, and her friends.
A few times my mind wandered during descriptive parts. But overall I’m glad I read it. The ending romantic part was rushed. I would have liked more on that.
There is rape and torture of adults and children, but it’s referred to after the fact - if that matters.
SETTING:
The ideas are not new, but good. A minority of humans are gifted with mystical and magical powers: healers, psychic seers, warriors, and fleet-of-feet messengers. Time and place are not defined, but it makes me think of a European setting in the days of Vikings with swords and chain mail.
EBOOK FORMATTING PROBLEM:
There needs to be a line, symbol, or extra space between scene changes. You think the next sentence is a continuation of the current conversation until a few sentences later you realize it’s another scene in another place. It’s jarring and takes you out of the story when you realize this.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 5,842 (304 pages). Swearing language: moderate. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: one pleasant sex scene and a brutal gang rape. Setting: unknown. Copyright: 2014. Genre: fantasy romance.
February 8, 2014
I really liked this one. I would not call it fantasy romance, because yes there were romance but far at the end. Too many issues before that. So light romantic fantasy, something ;) Cos it sure is not epic fantasy either, not with the whole will they wont they going on.
I liked the world, and the sprinkle of norse words here and there did make it cool. And it does show the difference between places in this world.
First, the Chosen are those with a mark of a Healer, a warrior or a Seer and they learn their trade so to say at a school. Kael is a warrior and now a feared pirate, warlord, but he does it in service of his Emperor. So he is a good guy. Sure he says some wrong things when he first meets poor Ishtear, but he could not even imagine what she has been through.
Ishtaer our heroine, wow, some of the more damaged heroines of late. I did like how it was portrayed, she was broken, she was timid, after years of abuse you do not just snap out of it. Not if you are that broken. So it takes time. Sure she learns the ways fast after it, but hey if you got it you got it. I guess that is how the Chosen work. So I looked through my fingers with that.
The romance comes late. A slow friendship, getting to know each other, living their own lives. The romance is not the focus, no, she needs to find herself. He needs to learn that everyone can't be protected.
My thoughts:
Magic, fighting, a cool world, I do feel that Kate Johnson needs to write about other people in this world. She is on to something here.
I liked the world, and the sprinkle of norse words here and there did make it cool. And it does show the difference between places in this world.
First, the Chosen are those with a mark of a Healer, a warrior or a Seer and they learn their trade so to say at a school. Kael is a warrior and now a feared pirate, warlord, but he does it in service of his Emperor. So he is a good guy. Sure he says some wrong things when he first meets poor Ishtear, but he could not even imagine what she has been through.
Ishtaer our heroine, wow, some of the more damaged heroines of late. I did like how it was portrayed, she was broken, she was timid, after years of abuse you do not just snap out of it. Not if you are that broken. So it takes time. Sure she learns the ways fast after it, but hey if you got it you got it. I guess that is how the Chosen work. So I looked through my fingers with that.
The romance comes late. A slow friendship, getting to know each other, living their own lives. The romance is not the focus, no, she needs to find herself. He needs to learn that everyone can't be protected.
My thoughts:
Magic, fighting, a cool world, I do feel that Kate Johnson needs to write about other people in this world. She is on to something here.
May 3, 2020
2020 review:
2 stars
I re-read this recently and downgraded my rating based on the fact that I must have skimmed over a bunch of inconsistencies in my first reading, along with jarring use of modern slang in a few places, over use of the word ‘swiving’, and the portrayal of the amazing warlord Kael as a complete moron on more than one occasion.
Despite these negative points, the writing flowed well and the there were many aspects to the story that I enjoyed and mentioned in my original review. I will definitely try another book by this author.
*****
2014 Review:
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I really enjoyed this fantasy story by an author I've never read before. I am so glad my Goodreads friends recommend books to me!
Impossible Things had something going for it that I really like in a story, a strong female protagonist. Ishtaer was so terribly broken at the beginning of the book and I really enjoyed her journey to health and success. It was a bit unbelievable but hey, this is fantasy. I liked the way her relationships were portrayed, especially the ones with Eirenn, Kael, Brutus, Madam Julia, and the children.
The writing in the beginning of the book was a bit uneven but by about 1/3 in it was really solid, flowed well, and kept my interest.
This was a good fantasy romance story. Thanks Kathleen!
2 stars
I re-read this recently and downgraded my rating based on the fact that I must have skimmed over a bunch of inconsistencies in my first reading, along with jarring use of modern slang in a few places, over use of the word ‘swiving’, and the portrayal of the amazing warlord Kael as a complete moron on more than one occasion.
Despite these negative points, the writing flowed well and the there were many aspects to the story that I enjoyed and mentioned in my original review. I will definitely try another book by this author.
*****
2014 Review:
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I really enjoyed this fantasy story by an author I've never read before. I am so glad my Goodreads friends recommend books to me!
Impossible Things had something going for it that I really like in a story, a strong female protagonist. Ishtaer was so terribly broken at the beginning of the book and I really enjoyed her journey to health and success. It was a bit unbelievable but hey, this is fantasy. I liked the way her relationships were portrayed, especially the ones with Eirenn, Kael, Brutus, Madam Julia, and the children.
The writing in the beginning of the book was a bit uneven but by about 1/3 in it was really solid, flowed well, and kept my interest.
This was a good fantasy romance story. Thanks Kathleen!
April 9, 2021
Reread in April 2021.
I really like this book. There are a lot of informations thrown at you from the start and it's a little overwhelming but you quickly get the hang of it, I think the world the author built is just super interesting and pretty fantastic. I loved the characters, both the hero and heroine, but especially her. She has the best development and honestly such a powerful story. I loved how even though the male MC was alpha and powerful, he wasn't afraid to apologize when he did something wrong and how gentle he could be. The romance is very slow burn but worth it in my opinion, I do think the end is little abrupt and wish we could have an epilogue or something. But all in all, Impossible Things is a really good adult high fantasy romance book.
I really like this book. There are a lot of informations thrown at you from the start and it's a little overwhelming but you quickly get the hang of it, I think the world the author built is just super interesting and pretty fantastic. I loved the characters, both the hero and heroine, but especially her. She has the best development and honestly such a powerful story. I loved how even though the male MC was alpha and powerful, he wasn't afraid to apologize when he did something wrong and how gentle he could be. The romance is very slow burn but worth it in my opinion, I do think the end is little abrupt and wish we could have an epilogue or something. But all in all, Impossible Things is a really good adult high fantasy romance book.
February 16, 2014
ADORED this book. It contained everything I love in a story, and I devoured this right up. I look forward to seeing more by this author, would LOVE another book set in this world!!! Gah, I don't want this to be over.
October 5, 2017
This was such an amazing story of healing, and in my fave genre of fantasy romance! I'm especially giddy when discovering hidden gems. At first, I was enjoying this just enough, thought it was yet another typical romance between warlord and slave (who coincidentally is the chosen one), whose hurts will be magically healed through love and all that.
But no, Kate Johnson took us through all of heroine Ishtaer's journey, there were no shortcuts, and it was so satisfying. Though what Ishtaer went through was dark (mostly through memories), the book is a fun read throughout with an adopted wolf-dog, and a great well-rounded supporting cast. It did take a few chapters for the world-building setup, but the story hit its stride as Ishtaer took the reins to find herself again from the shadows trying to overwhelm her. And when she finally slayed demons both for her and victims like her, you can't help but be proud.
This was slow romance done right. There was not much sexual tension, but the gradual growth of Kael's relationship to Ishtaer from savior to friend to lover was so well-done. His confession to her...aww my heart. And Kael was so good to her. I initially thought the ending "battle" was anti-climatic, but was pleasantly surprised that there was more to it. The focus came back to the heroine and the hero, with a conflict that doesn't feel forced.
This story definitely has Maria Snyder's Poison Study vibes to it, injected with a good dose of Julie Garwood medieval romance, and how I wished there were more of the same!
But no, Kate Johnson took us through all of heroine Ishtaer's journey, there were no shortcuts, and it was so satisfying. Though what Ishtaer went through was dark (mostly through memories), the book is a fun read throughout with an adopted wolf-dog, and a great well-rounded supporting cast. It did take a few chapters for the world-building setup, but the story hit its stride as Ishtaer took the reins to find herself again from the shadows trying to overwhelm her. And when she finally slayed demons both for her and victims like her, you can't help but be proud.
This was slow romance done right. There was not much sexual tension, but the gradual growth of Kael's relationship to Ishtaer from savior to friend to lover was so well-done. His confession to her...aww my heart. And Kael was so good to her. I initially thought the ending "battle" was anti-climatic, but was pleasantly surprised that there was more to it. The focus came back to the heroine and the hero, with a conflict that doesn't feel forced.
This story definitely has Maria Snyder's Poison Study vibes to it, injected with a good dose of Julie Garwood medieval romance, and how I wished there were more of the same!
February 23, 2014
Impossible Things is one of those stories that stick to you, I'm sure I'll be thinking about it for several days and will be eager to re-read it soon. There are so many things I liked about the story, one of them being a very strong heroine, believe me, that woman went through a lot, and I mean A LOT, so it was beautiful to see her evolve and gather the strength to conquer her fears and give herself an opportunity to live, to trust, to love and to believe she could have a happy life in spite of all the bad things that happened to her. It was heartbreaking to read about them, I guess it was because of how invested I was in the story. I really felt for her, it's impossible not to.
Needless to say, the other awesome quality was the hero, this guy is a kaleidoscope, if the heroine was a mystery because of all the unknown things about her, he was the complete opposite, we get to see so many different sides of him, that he becomes an enigma because of them. From page one, you know that this man is tough, and that he can be cruel, and is hard with those he loves but you also get from the very start that he is compassionate and altruistic, he's a mercenary and a pirate, but he is just, caring and protective of the people he's responsible for, in sum, he's a contradiction, a walking oxymoron. But he's really a good guy, a sweet one. A tender but still alpha pirate? I know what you’re thinking, but he really pulls it off, I'm telling you, this man is special. Yes, I do realize I'm fangirling all over the place by now, so let's move on to the story.
As a person who mostly reads series, I'm always surprised to see how much a talented writer can get into just one book, and not a long one, this is a regular length one, but the romance, evolution of the characters and development of the plot in general was brilliantly done, there’s no insta-love here, you can clearly see the H&H falling for each other, the heroine's struggle to get over her issues and give the hero a chance, her courage to come face to face with the source of her fear and the obstacle between her and the possibility of a future, it's all there.
My only complaint about the story is that the end felt a bit rushed, but that’s it. Maybe I just didn’t want it to end I guess *winks*. I highly recommend this one.
Needless to say, the other awesome quality was the hero, this guy is a kaleidoscope, if the heroine was a mystery because of all the unknown things about her, he was the complete opposite, we get to see so many different sides of him, that he becomes an enigma because of them. From page one, you know that this man is tough, and that he can be cruel, and is hard with those he loves but you also get from the very start that he is compassionate and altruistic, he's a mercenary and a pirate, but he is just, caring and protective of the people he's responsible for, in sum, he's a contradiction, a walking oxymoron. But he's really a good guy, a sweet one. A tender but still alpha pirate? I know what you’re thinking, but he really pulls it off, I'm telling you, this man is special. Yes, I do realize I'm fangirling all over the place by now, so let's move on to the story.
As a person who mostly reads series, I'm always surprised to see how much a talented writer can get into just one book, and not a long one, this is a regular length one, but the romance, evolution of the characters and development of the plot in general was brilliantly done, there’s no insta-love here, you can clearly see the H&H falling for each other, the heroine's struggle to get over her issues and give the hero a chance, her courage to come face to face with the source of her fear and the obstacle between her and the possibility of a future, it's all there.
My only complaint about the story is that the end felt a bit rushed, but that’s it. Maybe I just didn’t want it to end I guess *winks*. I highly recommend this one.
January 28, 2014
A very shaky three stars. Very good beginning, dragging second part where characters became difficult to relate to, heroine with weird PTSD symptoms, like lack of any logic thoughts even in unrelated areas, hero as a doormat.
Lack of world building, as a school of magic where to graduate you don't have to learn, just be, or shortcuts to it, like a world-wide common language in a world with no means of transportation except horses and boats, made the book shakier.
The book is cheap enough to warrant the old college try.
Lack of world building, as a school of magic where to graduate you don't have to learn, just be, or shortcuts to it, like a world-wide common language in a world with no means of transportation except horses and boats, made the book shakier.
The book is cheap enough to warrant the old college try.
August 17, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/02/18/...
Where did you get the book: Bought/ARC offered by the publisher
Publisher: Choc lit Books
Release Date: Out now
Kael Vapensigsson is one of the elite Chosen—a Warlord whose strength comes from the gods themselves. But despite all his power and prestige, he is plagued by a prophecy that threatens to destroy everything he loves.
When Kael summons Ishtaer to his room and discovers the marks of the Chosen on her body, including the revered mark of the Warrior, both Warlord and slave seem to have met their match.
But as their lives become increasingly entangled and endangered, Ishtaer is forced to test whether the Chosen ever have the ability to choose their own fate.
Lou: When Has first told me about this book, I wasn’t quite sure if I should read it. The last book, or should I say series, I read featuring a Warlord hero was Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan. And nobody–and I mean nobody–has come close to that masterpiece featuring Keir and Lara. But Has kept pushing me and so I finally caved in. And I’m glad I caved in despite some of the issues I had with the book because it was an enjoyable read with a great cast of characters. Kael is a Warlord and whilst he’s done Warlord stuff like killing and sword-fighting, and Warlord stuff, he was quite humorous. He almost wore a facade of what a Warlord should be like. I liked him. I also liked the heroine, Ishtaer. Up until Kael came across her in an almost slave encampment, Ishtaer had a terrible and horrifying existence. She was beaten and starved by her captive, and she was also raped by the engineering of her captive.
While I liked Ishtaer, I didn’t like how the author made her into this almost mary sue character where she was the best of all of the gifts that the God granted her. I wished she had fewer gifts. It felt as if the author had to compensate Ishtaer for her what she had to go through but instead of it being believable, it came across as Mary Sueish, especially when Ishtaer had to go through another terrible experience towards the end of the book. But despite my issues, I really did enjoy the worldbuilding and the author’s voice. The romance wasn’t instant, and Kael had to do some grovelling for behaving like an idiot. I loved at times that Ishtaer was stubborn, and there’s an empowering scene where Kael experiences a horror of Ishtaer’s past. Ishtaer was a wonderful character, despite her perfections, and she was by no means perfect when it came to her personality. Ishtaer does a lot of growing up in this book, and she is separated from Kael whilst she learns her Gifts.
I’d love to see more books set in this world and more of Kael and Istaer. All in all, I give Impossible Things a B-
Has: When I got offered the book, my book spidey senses were tingling and I definitely agree so many books are hard to live up to the Warprize trilogy by Elizabeth Vaughan. However, there was something compelling and enjoyable about IMPOSSIBLE THINGS but I agree about the heroine being too powerful, although I think the book and romance wouldn’t be as good if she didn’t go through a tortuous and dark past. And while I liked how the world-building was set up with people from certain blood-lines who were marked with gifts that were energized by crystals, I did find Ishtaer being thrice-marked as a Seer, a healer and a warrior made her almost too perfect especially when she in fact blind and was still able to fight defensively well with a sword. But I agree–I think it would have actually strengthened the book more if she was just double-marked as well. And I there were a couple of scenes that I had to suspend my belief. I would have also loved to see more of Ishtear’s training in her skills which I felt was glossed over and that would have helped to illustrate her breaking out of shell and building up her confidence. But I have to say the world that Kate Johnson created was a fantastic amalgamation of different cultures and time-periods, and that produced a colourful and vivid backdrop to the romance.
Kael is definitely not like a typical alpha warrior, and I really loved that his beta qualities were kept hidden, but revealed to only those who knew him well. It helped to define and flesh out his character beautifully. And even though I found Ishtear’s character to be too powerful with her magical abilities, I did think Kate Johnson’s depiction of Ishtear’s healing emotionally and psychologically from her past and slowly regaining her agency helped to make Ishtear more sympathetic and real. Those scenes, especially when she has a trigger moment later in the book, was well written and fleshed out her character for me because it was realistic and emotive. I also loved the scene soon after with Kael and that becomes a turning point in their relationship which is a real highlight of this book. Because their romance develops as a slow burn, the tension builds up subtly which reflects Ishtear’s slowly defeating her own demons and fears, and due to this I fell in love with their romance.
I also loved and enjoyed the touches of humour which gave the book another fun dimension and there was some humorous scenes with the supporting characters which just sparkled with dialogue that was sharp and snappy. Although for a historical fantasy setting, the language was very modern but I didn’t mind this as much as it added to the humorous overtones and the mishmash of the world-building.
Overall, Impossible Things has a wonderful and emotional touching romance which I enjoyed immensely but the world-building was also well fleshed out and I would also love to see more of this world because it certainly has a scope for more stories. But even though there were several issues with the book, this was one of the best fantasy romances I’ve read in awhile and I am so glad I listened to my spidey sense!
I also give Impossible Things a B-
E: I bought this book because a certain Has pushed it on me. It had been a while since I read an epic fantasy/romance so I decided to give it a try. I thought the basic idea of “Chosen” ones with tattoos identifying who has certain abilities and as a result of those powers gained certain privileges and responsibilities. I was also curious about the implied lack of choice in what those Chosen were allowed to do with their lives. Johnson created a very fascinating world with multiple sub-plots. I was never bored with the complexity but I think the story suffered a bit as a result. Some of the subplot solutions were too coincidental towards the end of the story but overall I enjoyed this story and I hope that Johnson continues writing in this world.
As this story started, I was very unimpressed by Kael because of his behavior towards Ishtaer and the situation she was in. Kael had a lot of work to do to become heroic in my eyes. For a very long time he struck me as being rather self-centered and doing actions for personal gain. Yes, I did discover he had personal responsibilities as well as an obligation to the tradition of the Chosen but I struggled believing he saw Ishtaer as an individual and not just a tool to gain favor/prestige. However, Ishtaer taught him a lot and he was able to redeem himself although I thought he was going to break my heart for a while.
Ishtaer went from being the lowest of the low to extremely high with a combination of abilities no one else possessed. I agree with my fellow Pushers that the leap was perhaps a bit much. I did appreciate how only one of her powers seemed to be innate, the others she had limitations or self-imposed blocks but even those didn’t stop her from becoming acclaimed. Her unique childhood did provide Ishtaer a different perspective that served her well as she struggled to find a place that felt like home, not just for herself but for those she encountered who also didn’t quite fit. She also knew what the responsibilities of being Chosen really meant and how with the privilege came sacrifice.
Johnson provided me with several aspects that I enjoyed. One was the slow growing romance with its ups and down. Everytime Kael took Ishtaer for granted, I loved how she used her growing confidence to topple his assumptions. I also thought the way Ishtaer could take control during a crisis yet feel much more uncertain during non-crisis or personal situations was very telling. It clarified the difference between confidence that came with a knowledge of your stature from birth versus the confidence in what was innate as being a Chosen.
As I stated earlier, I found Impossible Things an enjoyable read with some niggles. I thought the world-building was extremely vivid and full of possibility for future stories. The characters and their messy lives were also captivating but what I think really solidified my enjoyment of this story was Kael’s path to redemption. As much as Ishtaer’s life changed over the course of the story, she seemed more to grow into who she could have been while Kael had to change who he had become. I am looking forward to seeing what Johnson does with this world next.
I give Impossible Things a B
Where did you get the book: Bought/ARC offered by the publisher
Publisher: Choc lit Books
Release Date: Out now
Kael Vapensigsson is one of the elite Chosen—a Warlord whose strength comes from the gods themselves. But despite all his power and prestige, he is plagued by a prophecy that threatens to destroy everything he loves.
When Kael summons Ishtaer to his room and discovers the marks of the Chosen on her body, including the revered mark of the Warrior, both Warlord and slave seem to have met their match.
But as their lives become increasingly entangled and endangered, Ishtaer is forced to test whether the Chosen ever have the ability to choose their own fate.
Lou: When Has first told me about this book, I wasn’t quite sure if I should read it. The last book, or should I say series, I read featuring a Warlord hero was Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan. And nobody–and I mean nobody–has come close to that masterpiece featuring Keir and Lara. But Has kept pushing me and so I finally caved in. And I’m glad I caved in despite some of the issues I had with the book because it was an enjoyable read with a great cast of characters. Kael is a Warlord and whilst he’s done Warlord stuff like killing and sword-fighting, and Warlord stuff, he was quite humorous. He almost wore a facade of what a Warlord should be like. I liked him. I also liked the heroine, Ishtaer. Up until Kael came across her in an almost slave encampment, Ishtaer had a terrible and horrifying existence. She was beaten and starved by her captive, and she was also raped by the engineering of her captive.
While I liked Ishtaer, I didn’t like how the author made her into this almost mary sue character where she was the best of all of the gifts that the God granted her. I wished she had fewer gifts. It felt as if the author had to compensate Ishtaer for her what she had to go through but instead of it being believable, it came across as Mary Sueish, especially when Ishtaer had to go through another terrible experience towards the end of the book. But despite my issues, I really did enjoy the worldbuilding and the author’s voice. The romance wasn’t instant, and Kael had to do some grovelling for behaving like an idiot. I loved at times that Ishtaer was stubborn, and there’s an empowering scene where Kael experiences a horror of Ishtaer’s past. Ishtaer was a wonderful character, despite her perfections, and she was by no means perfect when it came to her personality. Ishtaer does a lot of growing up in this book, and she is separated from Kael whilst she learns her Gifts.
I’d love to see more books set in this world and more of Kael and Istaer. All in all, I give Impossible Things a B-
Has: When I got offered the book, my book spidey senses were tingling and I definitely agree so many books are hard to live up to the Warprize trilogy by Elizabeth Vaughan. However, there was something compelling and enjoyable about IMPOSSIBLE THINGS but I agree about the heroine being too powerful, although I think the book and romance wouldn’t be as good if she didn’t go through a tortuous and dark past. And while I liked how the world-building was set up with people from certain blood-lines who were marked with gifts that were energized by crystals, I did find Ishtaer being thrice-marked as a Seer, a healer and a warrior made her almost too perfect especially when she in fact blind and was still able to fight defensively well with a sword. But I agree–I think it would have actually strengthened the book more if she was just double-marked as well. And I there were a couple of scenes that I had to suspend my belief. I would have also loved to see more of Ishtear’s training in her skills which I felt was glossed over and that would have helped to illustrate her breaking out of shell and building up her confidence. But I have to say the world that Kate Johnson created was a fantastic amalgamation of different cultures and time-periods, and that produced a colourful and vivid backdrop to the romance.
Kael is definitely not like a typical alpha warrior, and I really loved that his beta qualities were kept hidden, but revealed to only those who knew him well. It helped to define and flesh out his character beautifully. And even though I found Ishtear’s character to be too powerful with her magical abilities, I did think Kate Johnson’s depiction of Ishtear’s healing emotionally and psychologically from her past and slowly regaining her agency helped to make Ishtear more sympathetic and real. Those scenes, especially when she has a trigger moment later in the book, was well written and fleshed out her character for me because it was realistic and emotive. I also loved the scene soon after with Kael and that becomes a turning point in their relationship which is a real highlight of this book. Because their romance develops as a slow burn, the tension builds up subtly which reflects Ishtear’s slowly defeating her own demons and fears, and due to this I fell in love with their romance.
I also loved and enjoyed the touches of humour which gave the book another fun dimension and there was some humorous scenes with the supporting characters which just sparkled with dialogue that was sharp and snappy. Although for a historical fantasy setting, the language was very modern but I didn’t mind this as much as it added to the humorous overtones and the mishmash of the world-building.
Overall, Impossible Things has a wonderful and emotional touching romance which I enjoyed immensely but the world-building was also well fleshed out and I would also love to see more of this world because it certainly has a scope for more stories. But even though there were several issues with the book, this was one of the best fantasy romances I’ve read in awhile and I am so glad I listened to my spidey sense!
I also give Impossible Things a B-
E: I bought this book because a certain Has pushed it on me. It had been a while since I read an epic fantasy/romance so I decided to give it a try. I thought the basic idea of “Chosen” ones with tattoos identifying who has certain abilities and as a result of those powers gained certain privileges and responsibilities. I was also curious about the implied lack of choice in what those Chosen were allowed to do with their lives. Johnson created a very fascinating world with multiple sub-plots. I was never bored with the complexity but I think the story suffered a bit as a result. Some of the subplot solutions were too coincidental towards the end of the story but overall I enjoyed this story and I hope that Johnson continues writing in this world.
As this story started, I was very unimpressed by Kael because of his behavior towards Ishtaer and the situation she was in. Kael had a lot of work to do to become heroic in my eyes. For a very long time he struck me as being rather self-centered and doing actions for personal gain. Yes, I did discover he had personal responsibilities as well as an obligation to the tradition of the Chosen but I struggled believing he saw Ishtaer as an individual and not just a tool to gain favor/prestige. However, Ishtaer taught him a lot and he was able to redeem himself although I thought he was going to break my heart for a while.
Ishtaer went from being the lowest of the low to extremely high with a combination of abilities no one else possessed. I agree with my fellow Pushers that the leap was perhaps a bit much. I did appreciate how only one of her powers seemed to be innate, the others she had limitations or self-imposed blocks but even those didn’t stop her from becoming acclaimed. Her unique childhood did provide Ishtaer a different perspective that served her well as she struggled to find a place that felt like home, not just for herself but for those she encountered who also didn’t quite fit. She also knew what the responsibilities of being Chosen really meant and how with the privilege came sacrifice.
Johnson provided me with several aspects that I enjoyed. One was the slow growing romance with its ups and down. Everytime Kael took Ishtaer for granted, I loved how she used her growing confidence to topple his assumptions. I also thought the way Ishtaer could take control during a crisis yet feel much more uncertain during non-crisis or personal situations was very telling. It clarified the difference between confidence that came with a knowledge of your stature from birth versus the confidence in what was innate as being a Chosen.
As I stated earlier, I found Impossible Things an enjoyable read with some niggles. I thought the world-building was extremely vivid and full of possibility for future stories. The characters and their messy lives were also captivating but what I think really solidified my enjoyment of this story was Kael’s path to redemption. As much as Ishtaer’s life changed over the course of the story, she seemed more to grow into who she could have been while Kael had to change who he had become. I am looking forward to seeing what Johnson does with this world next.
I give Impossible Things a B
March 26, 2017
5.0 stars
I really liked the story, although I had my doubts when I read some reviews for this book! But I'm more than happy that I tried it, the book is not well known I guess, but was a highlight for me. My fears were that the story would be too angsty and depressing for me, especially considering that trigger warning played a huge role in Ishtaers life. It wasn't explained in great detail but we get glimpses from her past and those were truly awful! But even though her life was horrible and she was traumatized the story wasn't as depressing as I thought. It was an angsty and dark story, but I thought that Ishtaer was a positive character (considering her past), the story was about overcoming the past and looking into the future and I liked it.
Ishtaer was a strong heroine. Yes, she was a special snowflake, too much for my liking, because it wasn't necessary to show how strong and courageous she is. What made her so likable was her development. From beaten, raped and nearly dead slave to an independent woman. Why did she have to be the first female Warrior? The third-fastest graduate? The first trice-marked ever? I mean, trice-marked would have sufficed! She could've been a female warrior of many and a normal graduate, but no, she had to be more special than special. Which is my only complain I have about her. It didn't make her less likable, it wasn't her fault the Gods choose her to be a trice-marked. ;-)
What I loved as well was her character development. I felt realistic, she didn't overcome her trauma in like "a few moments", it took over a year, to change from a passive slave to a warrior who thought herself worthy enough to be saved. And it took a lot of setbacks to get to that point. She really was a heroine who I cared for and that doesn't happen too often.
Additionally Kael was a great hero too. Okay, his behaviour in the end was stupid, but he often acts without thinking. He simply is an emotional character, Kael the Warlord is not, but Kael the friend, lover and father is. And I liked that side of him. He weeps, cries and feels. And he could apologize when he made a mistake. Sometimes it took some time for him to realize his mistakes but when he did he does his best to make up for it. And maybe because he wasn't perfect I loved him dearly. More than Ishtaer, but well, I'm female after all and he is an amazing hero.
What I loved was the slow-paced romance. After what Ishtaer endured, the rape and more rape, it was realistic. I think the romance started after the 60% mark. But the development of Kaels and Ishtaers relationship was constant. At first Kael was her saviour, her mentor, he wasn't interested in her. Than after four or more months were he only learned of her development at the academy through letters, he sees her again and realizes she is a female after all. And a friendship develops that gradually changes into more. It was exactly the romance I liked. It wasn't about sex or insta-lust, it was slow-burning and realistic romance. I loved their relationship so much. Kael could be an idiot (a sweet one) and I especially loved the necklace scene. His embarrassment was so amusing and sweet!
The world-building wasn't complex or detailed, especially since the fantasy elements weren't that strong and the story felt more like a historical world than a high fantasy one. Krulland, felt like Iceland/Scandinavia and other lands like a Mediterranean country. Which was fine for me, I'm a fan of "light high fantasy" and "historical romances" and not so much of "epic high fantasy" (way too complex for me :D), so the world-building suited my tastes.
All in all the story was slow-paced (not only the romance), but it fit the story and I liked that it spanned around 1 1/2 years which gave Ishtaer enough time to heal and develop. I can definitely recommend this story.
I really liked the story, although I had my doubts when I read some reviews for this book! But I'm more than happy that I tried it, the book is not well known I guess, but was a highlight for me. My fears were that the story would be too angsty and depressing for me, especially considering that trigger warning played a huge role in Ishtaers life. It wasn't explained in great detail but we get glimpses from her past and those were truly awful! But even though her life was horrible and she was traumatized the story wasn't as depressing as I thought. It was an angsty and dark story, but I thought that Ishtaer was a positive character (considering her past), the story was about overcoming the past and looking into the future and I liked it.
Ishtaer was a strong heroine. Yes, she was a special snowflake, too much for my liking, because it wasn't necessary to show how strong and courageous she is. What made her so likable was her development. From beaten, raped and nearly dead slave to an independent woman. Why did she have to be the first female Warrior? The third-fastest graduate? The first trice-marked ever? I mean, trice-marked would have sufficed! She could've been a female warrior of many and a normal graduate, but no, she had to be more special than special. Which is my only complain I have about her. It didn't make her less likable, it wasn't her fault the Gods choose her to be a trice-marked. ;-)
What I loved as well was her character development. I felt realistic, she didn't overcome her trauma in like "a few moments", it took over a year, to change from a passive slave to a warrior who thought herself worthy enough to be saved. And it took a lot of setbacks to get to that point. She really was a heroine who I cared for and that doesn't happen too often.
Additionally Kael was a great hero too. Okay, his behaviour in the end was stupid, but he often acts without thinking. He simply is an emotional character, Kael the Warlord is not, but Kael the friend, lover and father is. And I liked that side of him. He weeps, cries and feels. And he could apologize when he made a mistake. Sometimes it took some time for him to realize his mistakes but when he did he does his best to make up for it. And maybe because he wasn't perfect I loved him dearly. More than Ishtaer, but well, I'm female after all and he is an amazing hero.
What I loved was the slow-paced romance. After what Ishtaer endured, the rape and more rape, it was realistic. I think the romance started after the 60% mark. But the development of Kaels and Ishtaers relationship was constant. At first Kael was her saviour, her mentor, he wasn't interested in her. Than after four or more months were he only learned of her development at the academy through letters, he sees her again and realizes she is a female after all. And a friendship develops that gradually changes into more. It was exactly the romance I liked. It wasn't about sex or insta-lust, it was slow-burning and realistic romance. I loved their relationship so much. Kael could be an idiot (a sweet one) and I especially loved the necklace scene. His embarrassment was so amusing and sweet!
The world-building wasn't complex or detailed, especially since the fantasy elements weren't that strong and the story felt more like a historical world than a high fantasy one. Krulland, felt like Iceland/Scandinavia and other lands like a Mediterranean country. Which was fine for me, I'm a fan of "light high fantasy" and "historical romances" and not so much of "epic high fantasy" (way too complex for me :D), so the world-building suited my tastes.
All in all the story was slow-paced (not only the romance), but it fit the story and I liked that it spanned around 1 1/2 years which gave Ishtaer enough time to heal and develop. I can definitely recommend this story.
January 1, 2018
Awesome book can’t believe I waited so long to read it. Would have loved if this was a series
September 24, 2017
I really wanted to like this book, because the premise sounded good and the world introduced in the first couple chapters was interesting (potentially interesting magic system and culture), and I was prepared to cut it a lot of slack, being from an independent publisher and all. The first half of the book was pretty good, all things considered. The writing wasn’t great, but still, the story was good. I wasn’t even put off by the “modern” style dialogue that I saw complaints of in reviews; not all characters in high fantasy have to talk like Gandalf, after all. But then the story just got stupid, the characters got stupid, and I ended up having to skim the last third of the book because I just couldn’t take it anymore.
My biggest complaint through of the book as a whole was that Kael is supposed to be this fierce and feared warlord, yet it boggles the mind how he got this reputation. We’re told over and over that everyone’s afraid and/or in awe of him, that he has this incredible reputation as a bloodthirsty warrior, etc. But it makes no sense. Yes, his reputation is very exaggerated, and bears little resemblance to the “real” person, but there is nothing to show how he got this reputation (that he apparently really likes). The “real” Kael is gentle, humble, rescues slaves and horses from being beaten and is basically an all-around perfect guy. He explains several times that his public persona is all a show, but we don’t ever get to see his public persona or his interactions with people other than those closest to him, except for a few scenes when he’s riding through the streets looking stern. There is never any interaction with a character that doesn’t know him personally, except for maybe Eirenn, and even then, Kael treats him jokingly, seemingly not even trying to maintain his reputation. There is absolutely nothing in the book that shows how he acquired or maintains his fearsome reputation. Maybe that wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t been portrayed as such a gentle, humble, even awkward and bumbling at times, nice guy. He claims he rules his feudal lands fairly but sternly, but again, no evidence of that. He doesn’t seem to do any sort of ruling at all, except for one day of assizes-type hearings in midwinter in a town a day’s sled ride away, that’s almost completely skimmed over except for one case that shows off how much better Kael is than every other man in that world for having a decidedly modern and feminist attitude. The disconnect between what we are told and what we are shown is so great as to make it completely unbelievable. In fact, Kael reminded me of nothing so much as Captain Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly, and, while Mal may be handy in a fight, I absolutely cannot picture him as a fearsome warlord with a bloodthirsty reputation. Maybe if he hired a good marketing firm and a brilliant PR person, but nothing short of that.
And then there’s Kael’s and Ishtaer’s relationship, which was described in positive reviews as a “slow burn.” But there was little romantic about it. Kael is alternately hot and cold towards her, until he finally decides he’s in love with her, and then he goes about acting like an awkward, love-sick teenage boy. Ishtaer … well I couldn’t ever really figure out what Ishtaer thought exactly. She can’t make up her mind at all, which I suppose isn’t surprising given her ridiculously tragic backstory, but she comes across as pathetic more than sympathetic. They both overreact multiple times to things the other does and says, and it just gets annoying after a while.
Overall, there just wasn’t any depth to the story. No delving into characters, the world’s history, the magic system, nothing. The word that comes to mind thinking back over it is, “superficial.” It was quick, but not in a good way. Not in a fast-paced story way. Scenes were short, with just enough dialogue and a bit of narrative to move on to the next scene. Now, I know not all books can be epics like Lord of the Rings, or Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy tomes that he warns not to drop on small pets, but this story could have been fleshed out far more without coming anywhere near Wheel of Time proportions.
Plus (and this isn’t really the book’s fault) somewhere I read this book’s love scenes described as “fade to black.” Nope. They’re not as nearly as graphic as some, but it’s certainly not fade to black.
Long story short – potentially good story idea ruined by bad writing. Not terrible writing, but just not good enough. I feel like this plot in the hands of someone like Brandon Sanderson or Jim Butcher could have been incredible. As it is, I wish I could forget I’d ever read it.
My biggest complaint through of the book as a whole was that Kael is supposed to be this fierce and feared warlord, yet it boggles the mind how he got this reputation. We’re told over and over that everyone’s afraid and/or in awe of him, that he has this incredible reputation as a bloodthirsty warrior, etc. But it makes no sense. Yes, his reputation is very exaggerated, and bears little resemblance to the “real” person, but there is nothing to show how he got this reputation (that he apparently really likes). The “real” Kael is gentle, humble, rescues slaves and horses from being beaten and is basically an all-around perfect guy. He explains several times that his public persona is all a show, but we don’t ever get to see his public persona or his interactions with people other than those closest to him, except for a few scenes when he’s riding through the streets looking stern. There is never any interaction with a character that doesn’t know him personally, except for maybe Eirenn, and even then, Kael treats him jokingly, seemingly not even trying to maintain his reputation. There is absolutely nothing in the book that shows how he acquired or maintains his fearsome reputation. Maybe that wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t been portrayed as such a gentle, humble, even awkward and bumbling at times, nice guy. He claims he rules his feudal lands fairly but sternly, but again, no evidence of that. He doesn’t seem to do any sort of ruling at all, except for one day of assizes-type hearings in midwinter in a town a day’s sled ride away, that’s almost completely skimmed over except for one case that shows off how much better Kael is than every other man in that world for having a decidedly modern and feminist attitude. The disconnect between what we are told and what we are shown is so great as to make it completely unbelievable. In fact, Kael reminded me of nothing so much as Captain Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly, and, while Mal may be handy in a fight, I absolutely cannot picture him as a fearsome warlord with a bloodthirsty reputation. Maybe if he hired a good marketing firm and a brilliant PR person, but nothing short of that.
And then there’s Kael’s and Ishtaer’s relationship, which was described in positive reviews as a “slow burn.” But there was little romantic about it. Kael is alternately hot and cold towards her, until he finally decides he’s in love with her, and then he goes about acting like an awkward, love-sick teenage boy. Ishtaer … well I couldn’t ever really figure out what Ishtaer thought exactly. She can’t make up her mind at all, which I suppose isn’t surprising given her ridiculously tragic backstory, but she comes across as pathetic more than sympathetic. They both overreact multiple times to things the other does and says, and it just gets annoying after a while.
Overall, there just wasn’t any depth to the story. No delving into characters, the world’s history, the magic system, nothing. The word that comes to mind thinking back over it is, “superficial.” It was quick, but not in a good way. Not in a fast-paced story way. Scenes were short, with just enough dialogue and a bit of narrative to move on to the next scene. Now, I know not all books can be epics like Lord of the Rings, or Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy tomes that he warns not to drop on small pets, but this story could have been fleshed out far more without coming anywhere near Wheel of Time proportions.
Plus (and this isn’t really the book’s fault) somewhere I read this book’s love scenes described as “fade to black.” Nope. They’re not as nearly as graphic as some, but it’s certainly not fade to black.
Long story short – potentially good story idea ruined by bad writing. Not terrible writing, but just not good enough. I feel like this plot in the hands of someone like Brandon Sanderson or Jim Butcher could have been incredible. As it is, I wish I could forget I’d ever read it.
February 25, 2018
This is a dreadful book, which is a shame because the prose reads nicely, and the characters feel human.
The problem is that Ishtaer is one hell of a Mary Sue.
If you are blind, I am fairly certain you are not able to:
- Fight competently with a sword just by sound alone
- Instantly navigate everywhere you go after being guided round it once
- Be able to use herbs and mix potions purely on smell/texture alone (a bit more plausible, but she's not been trained for very long)
- Deliver babies
- Pull a drowning kid out of a freezing lake with a broken arm
And so on and so forth. A lot of this is waved away by "but she's a SEER, GUYS," which is only believable for so long before it gets totally ridiculous. She's the epitome of a Sue. Everyone she meets adores her or falls in love with her, and she's this totally delicately beautiful warrior queen.
Therefore, her actually being blind makes no difference, because it's not a disability at all. She then gets her sight back because she "learns to trust a man," and no, I'm not making this up. Kael, too, starts off well, and then descends into creepy asf because the only time it matters when Ishtaer is blind, is when he puts a betrothal necklace on her, without telling her what it symbolises. Fuck no.
There's also very little semblance of plot or worldbuilding in this - it meanders along, being about Ishtaer and the misery that is her life. What's the point of the Chosen? How does all this work? Why is Ishtaer thrice marked and manages to graduate as a Seer and a Healer in THREE MONTHS, WHILE BEING BLIND?!
C'mon. Please. For the sake of my sanity.
The problem is that Ishtaer is one hell of a Mary Sue.
If you are blind, I am fairly certain you are not able to:
- Fight competently with a sword just by sound alone
- Instantly navigate everywhere you go after being guided round it once
- Be able to use herbs and mix potions purely on smell/texture alone (a bit more plausible, but she's not been trained for very long)
- Deliver babies
- Pull a drowning kid out of a freezing lake with a broken arm
And so on and so forth. A lot of this is waved away by "but she's a SEER, GUYS," which is only believable for so long before it gets totally ridiculous. She's the epitome of a Sue. Everyone she meets adores her or falls in love with her, and she's this totally delicately beautiful warrior queen.
Therefore, her actually being blind makes no difference, because it's not a disability at all. She then gets her sight back because she "learns to trust a man," and no, I'm not making this up. Kael, too, starts off well, and then descends into creepy asf because the only time it matters when Ishtaer is blind, is when he puts a betrothal necklace on her, without telling her what it symbolises. Fuck no.
There's also very little semblance of plot or worldbuilding in this - it meanders along, being about Ishtaer and the misery that is her life. What's the point of the Chosen? How does all this work? Why is Ishtaer thrice marked and manages to graduate as a Seer and a Healer in THREE MONTHS, WHILE BEING BLIND?!
C'mon. Please. For the sake of my sanity.
September 8, 2016
3.5 stars.
Really enjoyed the main plot of this one, though I wasn't fan of a few things.
Loved Ishtaer, she went through so much and she became such a strong woman. In terms of romance, there is a story with Kael, but the book is more of Ishtaer's journey and how she overcame her difficult life than romance. I liked Kael, even though he was an ass a lot of the time, but there was just something that felt a bit off with him. I can't tell what it was, but it prevented me from completely fall in love with these two. They were good together, but not great.
The thing that bothered me the most, was that I had no idea the period of time in which this story took place. Sometimes it felt Medieval, others more Viking, but a lot of the times it felt kinda present time, mostly because of the language. It seemed like it was more current than not.
Another thing that I wasn't a fan of, was descriptions. Sometimes they felt too long, so I had to skip them. It's great to really 'see' the world they live in, but it became too much for me.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but it was left in a good place. I also wanted to know a little bit more about Mags and her feelings for Kael, I felt there was something there but it was never really developed. It was left a bit unfinished.
Still, I enjoyed Ishtaer's story very much. I wanted to help her beat the shit out of the ones hurting her, and then I wanted to stand by her side when she took charge and became a kick ass girl. I liked her evolution and I was rooting for her the entire time. :-)
Really enjoyed the main plot of this one, though I wasn't fan of a few things.
Loved Ishtaer, she went through so much and she became such a strong woman. In terms of romance, there is a story with Kael, but the book is more of Ishtaer's journey and how she overcame her difficult life than romance. I liked Kael, even though he was an ass a lot of the time, but there was just something that felt a bit off with him. I can't tell what it was, but it prevented me from completely fall in love with these two. They were good together, but not great.
The thing that bothered me the most, was that I had no idea the period of time in which this story took place. Sometimes it felt Medieval, others more Viking, but a lot of the times it felt kinda present time, mostly because of the language. It seemed like it was more current than not.
Another thing that I wasn't a fan of, was descriptions. Sometimes they felt too long, so I had to skip them. It's great to really 'see' the world they live in, but it became too much for me.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but it was left in a good place. I also wanted to know a little bit more about Mags and her feelings for Kael, I felt there was something there but it was never really developed. It was left a bit unfinished.
Still, I enjoyed Ishtaer's story very much. I wanted to help her beat the shit out of the ones hurting her, and then I wanted to stand by her side when she took charge and became a kick ass girl. I liked her evolution and I was rooting for her the entire time. :-)
March 13, 2014
This book was AMAZING. I really enjoyed all that it had to offer from the release from slavery and degradation, to learning how to move in the world as free, to becoming a person who was willing to fight for themselves and others instead of just how to survive without fighting back. Although blind, Ishtaer can see the world so much better than those with sight and I absolutely love the reason given as to why she became blind - not that I'm going to say. And the Warlord Kael is an interesting creature, filled with the will to show the world that he is all powerful and ruthless to the man who cradles his kids in his arms and laughs and gains the loyalty of his horde and one scared Ishtaer. Together these two made a powerful pair in a book filled with love and betrayal, slavery and freedom, as well as the will to live. I definitely am going to be reading more books by this author her book just gave me something that I can't describe as anything less than wonderful.
January 12, 2014
I read Kate Johnson's first fantasy The Untied Kingdom a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it but Impossible Things is even better. Being a writer myself it takes an exceptional book to so engross me that I can't do anything else until I've finished the book.
I started the book last night and only stopped reading because my Kindle needed recharging. I charged overnight and woke up at six o'clock and didn't get up until I'd finished the book.
For me it was the perfect balance of fantasy, fantastic action and emotionally charged romance. I just hope Kate Johnson intends to write a series set around these characters as they, and their settings, are too good to just appear in one book.
I started the book last night and only stopped reading because my Kindle needed recharging. I charged overnight and woke up at six o'clock and didn't get up until I'd finished the book.
For me it was the perfect balance of fantasy, fantastic action and emotionally charged romance. I just hope Kate Johnson intends to write a series set around these characters as they, and their settings, are too good to just appear in one book.
July 27, 2016
4 ½ Stars
Loved it!!! I want more of this world Kate Johnson created.
Loved it!!! I want more of this world Kate Johnson created.
February 17, 2014
What a great book- can't remember the last time I found, bought and read a book so quickly- I finished it in less than a day and stayed up to finish it off! Addictive, fast and sweet. <3
August 24, 2014
What a surprise, i knew nothing about this book!
Action packed, a little drama, a lot of action, cute romance, did i mention it has lots of action?
i loved it!
August 28, 2014
I was hooked on this book from the first few pages. Very well written with likeable characters. Kael is my new bbf!
I really want this to continue into a series, it has so much promise!
I really want this to continue into a series, it has so much promise!
September 22, 2014
4.5 stars
Very dark and sad but also touching and beautiful. The book was very well written and I loved that the book came from the perspective of a blind protagonist.
Very dark and sad but also touching and beautiful. The book was very well written and I loved that the book came from the perspective of a blind protagonist.
September 28, 2019
I decided to veer away from the realm of Young Adult fiction because most of the audiobooks I want to listen to are on hold. I browsed around for awhile and landed on this audiobook, which was immediately available through my library. I checked it out with low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised from the very first chapter. The performer was very engaging, and I was immediately sucked into the story of Ishtaer and Kael.
Ishtaer was an interesting character. She had a lot of depth and her character arc was very profound. She spends most of the book working through her traumas, coming into her powers, and finding the version of herself that was lost through years of abuse and captivity. Kael was a rather cliché character - brooding, fierce, and secretly sensitive - but, I still enjoyed him. I appreciated that this was not an insta-love story, but rather a slow build romance (my favorite kind). Although it was clear that there was going to be a romantic angle, it wasn't very critical to the plot until the very end. This allowed for a lot more character development from Ishtaer and overall made the story feel more like high fantasy rather than a paranormal romance.
This book lost a star for me because although the author is a very talented writer, her action sequences were short on description and entirely implausible. I was glad to see representation for people with disabilities in a fantasy novel (Ishtaer was blind and her best friend was an amputee), but it almost seemed like Ishtaer's blindness was used as a literary crutch to explain away things that should have been better described, and this was especially apparent during scenes where Ishtaer was pulling off something heroic. Even so, the book was so engaging and well-written that I was able to look past these shortcomings and love the story for what it was. I will absolutely be reading more books by this author!
Ishtaer was an interesting character. She had a lot of depth and her character arc was very profound. She spends most of the book working through her traumas, coming into her powers, and finding the version of herself that was lost through years of abuse and captivity. Kael was a rather cliché character - brooding, fierce, and secretly sensitive - but, I still enjoyed him. I appreciated that this was not an insta-love story, but rather a slow build romance (my favorite kind). Although it was clear that there was going to be a romantic angle, it wasn't very critical to the plot until the very end. This allowed for a lot more character development from Ishtaer and overall made the story feel more like high fantasy rather than a paranormal romance.
This book lost a star for me because although the author is a very talented writer, her action sequences were short on description and entirely implausible. I was glad to see representation for people with disabilities in a fantasy novel (Ishtaer was blind and her best friend was an amputee), but it almost seemed like Ishtaer's blindness was used as a literary crutch to explain away things that should have been better described, and this was especially apparent during scenes where Ishtaer was pulling off something heroic. Even so, the book was so engaging and well-written that I was able to look past these shortcomings and love the story for what it was. I will absolutely be reading more books by this author!
May 1, 2018
Wow, just WOW. I could not put this book down. It has been a while since I read a fresh new story that made me like the heroine and agree with her choices. There were times I laughed, cried and even sniggered. And although I do not usually enjoy books that deal with rape and abuse, the way it was woven in to the storyline did not seem to intrude (too much). I loved this familiar yet foreign world where there are ships and pirates and elevators and magic without being steampunk. Hope we see this world again.
June 8, 2018
It was beautiful.
a very great read. i loved it every dingle part of it. although i would have loved to see mire of thier life after he propsed , but this will suffice, atleast they get a happy ending.
this book is not recommending for oeople who dont like to wait long to see some action from the couple, but in this book the timing was very right. i am also not a fan of waiting last minute to see some hot action, because it is frustrating as fuck!
this book was an exception. the timig was just right.
i loved it.
you should definetly read this book❤
a very great read. i loved it every dingle part of it. although i would have loved to see mire of thier life after he propsed , but this will suffice, atleast they get a happy ending.
this book is not recommending for oeople who dont like to wait long to see some action from the couple, but in this book the timing was very right. i am also not a fan of waiting last minute to see some hot action, because it is frustrating as fuck!
this book was an exception. the timig was just right.
i loved it.
you should definetly read this book❤
November 6, 2019
Nice and short, more of a novella than a full blown novel. Has covered all areas really well, a good plotline, great characterisation where you feel invested in the characters, a topnotch story with a decent worldbuilding and a magic system as well. The emotional aspect and the connection between characters has been handled really well, at no time does the story slack and can definitely be finished in a single session.
Overall one of the best books i have read in the genre so far. Definitely looking forward to explore
more books by the same author.
Overall one of the best books i have read in the genre so far. Definitely looking forward to explore
more books by the same author.
September 18, 2017
One of those books that left an impression. A story where characters learn and grow. Plus some unexpected twists. Thank you Kate Johnson and also thank you Penelope Rawlins for the adept audio narration.
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