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Hearts And Thrones #2.5
Archer's Sin
Nalica Kelden, war mage and world-class archer, doesn’t need love. She’s come to the imperial city for a single to win Kjall’s most prestigious archery tournament.
Until she meets one of her fellow competitors, and he sends an arrow straight into her heart.
Justien Polini is the man she’s always dreamed of. Like Nalica herself, he’s from the rough country in the eastern highlands. He’s big and strong and handsome, and he’s nearly as good an archer as she is. Best of all, in a country where most men look askance at women warriors, Justien admires Nalica’s talent and strength.
But Nalica can’t let her personal feelings get in the way of her ambitions. The tournament must come first…and there will be only one winner.
This novella of approximately 100 pages is a companion to the Hearts and Thrones series, featuring two characters who play a supporting role in other books. It is a standalone story, but readers of the series will recognize some of the characters.
Until she meets one of her fellow competitors, and he sends an arrow straight into her heart.
Justien Polini is the man she’s always dreamed of. Like Nalica herself, he’s from the rough country in the eastern highlands. He’s big and strong and handsome, and he’s nearly as good an archer as she is. Best of all, in a country where most men look askance at women warriors, Justien admires Nalica’s talent and strength.
But Nalica can’t let her personal feelings get in the way of her ambitions. The tournament must come first…and there will be only one winner.
This novella of approximately 100 pages is a companion to the Hearts and Thrones series, featuring two characters who play a supporting role in other books. It is a standalone story, but readers of the series will recognize some of the characters.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2014
1 person is currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Amy Raby
14 books220 followersAmy Raby is literally a product of the U.S. space program, since her parents met working for NASA on the Apollo missions. After earning her Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Washington, Amy settled in the Pacific Northwest with her family, where she’s always looking for life’s next adventure, whether it’s capsizing tiny sailboats in Lake Washington or riding dressage horses. Assassin’s Gambit is her debut novel.
Awards: 2011 Golden Heart® finalist, 2012 Daphne du Maurier winner.
Awards: 2011 Golden Heart® finalist, 2012 Daphne du Maurier winner.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 7, 2013
This novella is a lovely addition to Amy Raby's Hearts and Thrones series. Characters from Assasin's Gambit, Vitala and Lucien, make an appearance, but the hero and heroine of this piece, Nalica and Justien, steal the show.
Nalica's an archer entering a tournament to win a place in the city guard. Work is hard to find (who can't relate to that these days!), and this job is her only option. But first, she has to best several male archers to prove herself the best candidate. One of her fellow competitors is Justien, a big bear of a man from the same province as Nalica. As they get to know each other during the competition, they find they have a lot in common, but conflict arises from their budding friendship and romance and the fact only one of them can win the city guard job. They both need it, and they're both playing for keeps.
Nalica is a strong heroine. Amy excels at writing strong heroines. Her heroes are strong and sexy, too, but they have a quiet quality about them that sticks with me long after I've put the book down.
The story arc of this novella is tight with Amy's trademark swift pacing that never skimps on the world-building. I loved every minute of it.
Nalica's an archer entering a tournament to win a place in the city guard. Work is hard to find (who can't relate to that these days!), and this job is her only option. But first, she has to best several male archers to prove herself the best candidate. One of her fellow competitors is Justien, a big bear of a man from the same province as Nalica. As they get to know each other during the competition, they find they have a lot in common, but conflict arises from their budding friendship and romance and the fact only one of them can win the city guard job. They both need it, and they're both playing for keeps.
Nalica is a strong heroine. Amy excels at writing strong heroines. Her heroes are strong and sexy, too, but they have a quiet quality about them that sticks with me long after I've put the book down.
The story arc of this novella is tight with Amy's trademark swift pacing that never skimps on the world-building. I loved every minute of it.
October 15, 2015
Luckily for me, I was able to Beta Read this for Amy Raby. (That in and of itself was pretty exciting for me!)
Anyways, first of all, as an archer myself, the fact that this book was completely about an archery tournament really had me pumped up for the story. I was not disappointed!
As for the characters, Nalica has become my favorite female thus far in the Hearts and Thrones Series. She's strong and confident in herself, but not in an annoying way. She also shows her feminine side, too. I found this to be so awesome because even the toughest of women have their weak points. Justien, was every bit the great guy we all fall for. He's strong and confident, too (however, at the beginning maybe a little too confident, but he grows from that and it proves to be pretty funny.) He also does what's right, even though it may take him a little bit of thought to determine what he feels is right.
As far as the story line, it wasn't solely about the archery tournament, which I was happy to discover as well. I always like being surprised by a book.
This is a great short story, and I would suggest that if anyone was interested in trying out Amy Raby, this would be a good place to see if you like her writing style. However, this novella does come between the first and third books chronologically. It would be a spoiler for Assassin's Gambit. However, it really doesn't spoil anything from the second book. So if you're crazy about reading things in order, start with Spy's Honor, then read Assasin's Gambit, then Archer's Sin, then Prince's Fire.
I will be buying the final version, because I want to support this fantastic author, and just because that's what would be right.
Anyways, first of all, as an archer myself, the fact that this book was completely about an archery tournament really had me pumped up for the story. I was not disappointed!
As for the characters, Nalica has become my favorite female thus far in the Hearts and Thrones Series. She's strong and confident in herself, but not in an annoying way. She also shows her feminine side, too. I found this to be so awesome because even the toughest of women have their weak points. Justien, was every bit the great guy we all fall for. He's strong and confident, too (however, at the beginning maybe a little too confident, but he grows from that and it proves to be pretty funny.) He also does what's right, even though it may take him a little bit of thought to determine what he feels is right.
As far as the story line, it wasn't solely about the archery tournament, which I was happy to discover as well. I always like being surprised by a book.
This is a great short story, and I would suggest that if anyone was interested in trying out Amy Raby, this would be a good place to see if you like her writing style. However, this novella does come between the first and third books chronologically. It would be a spoiler for Assassin's Gambit. However, it really doesn't spoil anything from the second book. So if you're crazy about reading things in order, start with Spy's Honor, then read Assasin's Gambit, then Archer's Sin, then Prince's Fire.
I will be buying the final version, because I want to support this fantastic author, and just because that's what would be right.
January 18, 2014
I had the immense honor to be a beta reader for this novella, a strike of luck really because I stumbled upon Amy’s requests for early readers, and let me tell you, I didn’t have any negative feedback to give her! I really enjoyed this novella and it fits right into the spirit of this amazing series.
The events of this story take place about 5 years after the events of Assassin’s Gambit (Spy’s Honor, the second book in the series is actually a prequel, in case you didn’t know), and while you could technically read this novella first, I’m afraid you might be a little lost and not completely grasp to importance of some events.
We meet Nalica and Justien, two giant archers from the country side, competing in a festival for a high position of guard of the city. It’s a very coveted price in a world where mercenary for hire isn’t as popular as it used to be and I truly loved that this novella featured archery almost exclusively. I followed each step of the tournament from the edge of my seat, and the conclusion simply baffled me!
I really appreciated the growing complicity between our heroes, and while they were quick to business, as I guess it was the custom back then, I really think they fit well together. They faced some moral issues and they didn’t always agree so it made for interesting exchanges.
I’d also like to mention that despite the series being published by Signet, this novella is self-published, and Amy designed this cover herself. I think she did a pretty fine job!
If I had a small downside to mention, and it’s no big deal really, it’s that I don’t really get the title. Archer, yes of course, but sin? Neither heroes committed a sin I can think of, but really, it’s just a detail!
This novella is for sale for less than a dollar and it’s worth every penny. You should definitely give it a shot, especially if you liked Assassin’s Gambit.
The events of this story take place about 5 years after the events of Assassin’s Gambit (Spy’s Honor, the second book in the series is actually a prequel, in case you didn’t know), and while you could technically read this novella first, I’m afraid you might be a little lost and not completely grasp to importance of some events.
We meet Nalica and Justien, two giant archers from the country side, competing in a festival for a high position of guard of the city. It’s a very coveted price in a world where mercenary for hire isn’t as popular as it used to be and I truly loved that this novella featured archery almost exclusively. I followed each step of the tournament from the edge of my seat, and the conclusion simply baffled me!
I really appreciated the growing complicity between our heroes, and while they were quick to business, as I guess it was the custom back then, I really think they fit well together. They faced some moral issues and they didn’t always agree so it made for interesting exchanges.
I’d also like to mention that despite the series being published by Signet, this novella is self-published, and Amy designed this cover herself. I think she did a pretty fine job!
If I had a small downside to mention, and it’s no big deal really, it’s that I don’t really get the title. Archer, yes of course, but sin? Neither heroes committed a sin I can think of, but really, it’s just a detail!
This novella is for sale for less than a dollar and it’s worth every penny. You should definitely give it a shot, especially if you liked Assassin’s Gambit.
November 11, 2014
3 stars
I was introduced to main characters in the latest Hearts and Thrones series: Prince’s Fire. It was brief introduction and I was wondering how did Nalica and Justien became a part in the series. That was when I found out I missed their short story. Therefore, I picked it, finished it less than 24 hours and it was a good read.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy with the outcome because I was expecting something way different and much deserve for both of them. Something where the people of Kjallans would also acknowledge their skills and talents, instead of only the royals of Kjall and those in the secret organisation.
Read on your own peril.
I was introduced to main characters in the latest Hearts and Thrones series: Prince’s Fire. It was brief introduction and I was wondering how did Nalica and Justien became a part in the series. That was when I found out I missed their short story. Therefore, I picked it, finished it less than 24 hours and it was a good read.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t happy with the outcome because I was expecting something way different and much deserve for both of them. Something where the people of Kjallans would also acknowledge their skills and talents, instead of only the royals of Kjall and those in the secret organisation.
Read on your own peril.
January 19, 2014
Full review can be found on my blog.
I enjoyed this novella. It was a fun fast read and I had really missed this series. This one focuses on two war mages, Nalica and Justien, from the same part of the country. We get to see the start of two very intriguing characters and I really cannot wait to see more of them in the later books. I’m glad that we got to see Vitala and Lucien in this one. I might have to go back and read their book again, I missed them!
I enjoyed this novella. It was a fun fast read and I had really missed this series. This one focuses on two war mages, Nalica and Justien, from the same part of the country. We get to see the start of two very intriguing characters and I really cannot wait to see more of them in the later books. I’m glad that we got to see Vitala and Lucien in this one. I might have to go back and read their book again, I missed them!
October 18, 2022
Archer's Sin is a novella in the Hearts and Thrones series.
In this book, we meet and follow Nalica - whom is a big deal archer and mage. As she's competing in a big tournament, her heart is swifly stolen by a competitor - Justien.
The rest of the book is their cute journey equipped with some fun banter, some spice, and some compeition of course.
Nalica is stubborn and independent.... so the question is will love win or will she be too determined to win and prove she's the best to let him into her heart?
In this book, we meet and follow Nalica - whom is a big deal archer and mage. As she's competing in a big tournament, her heart is swifly stolen by a competitor - Justien.
The rest of the book is their cute journey equipped with some fun banter, some spice, and some compeition of course.
Nalica is stubborn and independent.... so the question is will love win or will she be too determined to win and prove she's the best to let him into her heart?
June 14, 2014
Well paced, but I think that I'd have preferred if they were offered Legiccia? Legiaccatti? Imperial Bodyguard jobs, or maybe that one of them got a job with the Sage and the other something more stable.
But ignore my whinging about an happy ending that didn't turn out the way I expected it to.
But ignore my whinging about an happy ending that didn't turn out the way I expected it to.
July 22, 2016
great short story, i just love this world! Cant wait for Amy's 3rd book to be released :)
March 4, 2014
This is a very enjoyable light read. I had a couple giddy moments. Love strong heroines.
May 24, 2018
As usual, Amy Raby's characters are great; as are her descriptions, and sequence of events.
June 14, 2014
I'd actually put this at closer to 3.5.
I've never read anything by Amy Raby before, but the Novella was featured on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and I thought "why not?".
I was a tiny bit lost, trying to figure out the rules of the world, but there was a decent amount of exposition. I am definitely curious to know more, and I'll most likely be picking up at least the first book in the series. So that's good. That said the novella largely stands alone. I dont feel like I missed anything big, I just want to know more.
The characters are great. I'd totally read a series about both of them and their back stories and their archery adventures. Amy Raby (from what I can tell) writes a whole lot like Tamora Pierce, and that's a good thing. Great world building, some humor and realistic dialog.
Probably my biggest problem was the relationship between the characters. I GET that it's a novella, but man was their getting together sudden. From start to finish the book takes place over 4 days. They meet day 1 and they're married (and made at least one other MAJOR life commitment). I got whiplash!
I've never read anything by Amy Raby before, but the Novella was featured on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books and I thought "why not?".
I was a tiny bit lost, trying to figure out the rules of the world, but there was a decent amount of exposition. I am definitely curious to know more, and I'll most likely be picking up at least the first book in the series. So that's good. That said the novella largely stands alone. I dont feel like I missed anything big, I just want to know more.
The characters are great. I'd totally read a series about both of them and their back stories and their archery adventures. Amy Raby (from what I can tell) writes a whole lot like Tamora Pierce, and that's a good thing. Great world building, some humor and realistic dialog.
Probably my biggest problem was the relationship between the characters. I GET that it's a novella, but man was their getting together sudden. From start to finish the book takes place over 4 days. They meet day 1 and they're married (and made at least one other MAJOR life commitment). I got whiplash!
July 13, 2014
I found out about this author and novella via a review on SBTB.
I really enjoyed this book and this glimpse into the world in which it was set. I think for a novella it was well paced and well written. I liked both our leads. Our heroine in particular is well drawn. I wasn't wondering about her character.
** Warning Possible Spoiler **
My only criticism is the romance, or particularly the proposal. That felt entirely too fast against the pacing of the rest of the story. If instead at the final meeting / job offer there had been questions about relationships and future marriage / kids, I would have given this story another star. I kind of understand why it was done, but I'm not sure it needed to be.
Otherwise an interesting novella and a great entree to a new series.
I really enjoyed this book and this glimpse into the world in which it was set. I think for a novella it was well paced and well written. I liked both our leads. Our heroine in particular is well drawn. I wasn't wondering about her character.
** Warning Possible Spoiler **
My only criticism is the romance, or particularly the proposal. That felt entirely too fast against the pacing of the rest of the story. If instead at the final meeting / job offer there had been questions about relationships and future marriage / kids, I would have given this story another star. I kind of understand why it was done, but I'm not sure it needed to be.
Otherwise an interesting novella and a great entree to a new series.
April 28, 2014
Vaguely Roman-esque historical vibe - not sure if that's at all accurate, since this is the first in the series I've read. Intrigued me enough to add the rest to my (epic) TBR list. I really enjoyed the bones of this story, but thought some of the writing could be improved, specifically the parts dealing with the romance between the hero & heroine. It started out with a nice simple flirtation and then seemed to skip straight to "I love you and want to marry you" territory. Perhaps there was more relationship-building that had to get cut for some reason?
August 15, 2014
The heroine in this book is really well written. I love the way the author goes into details about how hard it is for a woman to get by in a mans world and I applauded the heroines attitude when she had to put up with all the crap the men were giving her.
I know this is a novella and hence short-ish, but I would have much preferred if it was longer, since I found the somewhat rushed ending spoilt the rest of the book for me.
I know this is a novella and hence short-ish, but I would have much preferred if it was longer, since I found the somewhat rushed ending spoilt the rest of the book for me.
April 30, 2014
Neat little novella with the origin story (sort of) for Nalica and Justien in Prince's Fire.
This made me feel like local things are going on all across Kjall and made me want to know why/how east Kjall's economy collapsed and all about Kjall's commerce and how things work. Yay!
This made me feel like local things are going on all across Kjall and made me want to know why/how east Kjall's economy collapsed and all about Kjall's commerce and how things work. Yay!
March 30, 2016
Not very filling this story.
The story itself is great though and I enjoyed reading it.
But its short and didn't take me very long to finish.
The ending felt rushed and a little bit incomplete, even though everything was squared away. Just a bit untidy and unfulfilling.
The story itself is great though and I enjoyed reading it.
But its short and didn't take me very long to finish.
The ending felt rushed and a little bit incomplete, even though everything was squared away. Just a bit untidy and unfulfilling.
April 15, 2016
This was a good quick read. I'm not familiar with the series, but this book easily stands alone, which I feel like is difficult for short novellas. That said, this is very much a romance book, with a little intrigue. I don't normally enjoy those, but the romantics of it didn't feel jarring to me.
September 9, 2016
Novella
June 24, 2014
The cover is silly but the novella was very good. I would love to read more on this couple!
December 9, 2014
This was a short story, but there was a lot packed into so few pages. The characters were amazing. The plot was incredible. I love it. I hope that I see these characters again.
October 22, 2015
not sure if this is a 2.5 or a 3.
the insta-love was eay too fast for me but it is a novella
the insta-love was eay too fast for me but it is a novella
June 29, 2014
Nice novella in the Hearts and Thrones series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews