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The General's Gift
Olympia's trade bound her, and her master owned her. She made a deal with Chicho, her owner. All she had to do was keep Prince Wallen happy, and she would get her freedom. However, an explosion sounded out Olympia’s window. War was out the door.
General Caleo had taken the Castle of Prince Wallen, and Matteo had been instrumental in the siege, so the General gave him a gift. Because no good deed ever goes unpunished, Matteo ended up with a woman below his station as a gift for a job well done—a woman who could bring problems to his life.
When Matteo’s uncle dies and he must go back home, he takes Olympia with him. They travel through a war-torn country where enemies hide in every corner. On the journey back to Matteo’s home, Olympia gets more than she expected, and Matteo discovers secrets of the Woman he never wanted. Will Olympia ever find freedom? Will Matteo put his prejudice aside and find a better way?
Step into a world where magic intertwines with desire, and love blooms amidst the chaos of war. In the realms of magic and enchantment, a tale of passion unfolds, weaving together forbidden desires and unspoken truths. Prepare to be swept away by a love story between unlikely lovers. Join many others on a journey where every page ignites a flame of longing, and every chapter unveils secrets long buried in the shadows. Are you ready to surrender to a love that defies all odds?"
General Caleo had taken the Castle of Prince Wallen, and Matteo had been instrumental in the siege, so the General gave him a gift. Because no good deed ever goes unpunished, Matteo ended up with a woman below his station as a gift for a job well done—a woman who could bring problems to his life.
When Matteo’s uncle dies and he must go back home, he takes Olympia with him. They travel through a war-torn country where enemies hide in every corner. On the journey back to Matteo’s home, Olympia gets more than she expected, and Matteo discovers secrets of the Woman he never wanted. Will Olympia ever find freedom? Will Matteo put his prejudice aside and find a better way?
Step into a world where magic intertwines with desire, and love blooms amidst the chaos of war. In the realms of magic and enchantment, a tale of passion unfolds, weaving together forbidden desires and unspoken truths. Prepare to be swept away by a love story between unlikely lovers. Join many others on a journey where every page ignites a flame of longing, and every chapter unveils secrets long buried in the shadows. Are you ready to surrender to a love that defies all odds?"
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2023
6 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Omayra Vélez
13 books87 followersOmayra Vélez is a retired US Army disabled veteran, now an award-winning author for the book Ultima Skylar. Her family now calls her Lady of Grimdark after they read her book Calixta.
The author loves Spaniel dogs and now is a fur-mom of two puppies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one named Winston Carlyle Velez and the other named Otto Hightower Velez.
The author loves Spaniel dogs and now is a fur-mom of two puppies, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one named Winston Carlyle Velez and the other named Otto Hightower Velez.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 19, 2024
This is a fantasy romance that has a very light in the magic, the magic components are on the side. What stands out is the romance between Olympia and Matteo, which happened slowly, and you can see how Matteo treated Olympia with respect from the start. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end, and it was refreshing to read a story where things were not predictable. The romance continued and they developed a relationship that was unconventional. The story did have a happy ending, which is the type of romance that I like, and it appears there will be a sequel to this story or another love story that may answer the questions this book left me asking.
I didn't give it five stars only because I expected more detail from the secondary characters like Olsen. There are triggers like a rape. However, the author wrote it with few details and in a way that was limited to a few paragraphs.
I didn't give it five stars only because I expected more detail from the secondary characters like Olsen. There are triggers like a rape. However, the author wrote it with few details and in a way that was limited to a few paragraphs.
July 4, 2024
While I sit in front of my computer thinking about this book, only one word comes to my mind: amazing. Olympia's story was like a whirlwind. One thing happened, and then another and another and another. I could not put this book down. This world has several kingdoms, and each is separate by culture and society, but they all have one thing in common: The trade caste system. Some of the kingdoms have abolished slavery while others haven't. Some Kingdoms have stricter rules than others. Olympia is a slave prostitute, but one reserved for the rich and famous. In a fateful moment, she finds herself in the hands of a man from a kingdom not her own. A man from a Kingdom who has abolished slavery.
The man, Matteo, gives Olympia her freedom, but she doesn't understand what it means to be truly free. She has a weird type of Stockholm syndrome. She wants freedom but can't understand that in her society, freedom is nearly unreachable for people like her unless they have help.
Olympia is a complicated character. She is worldly in many ways, and I could say ignorant or maybe naive in other areas, not as a fault of her own but as a result of her owner's imposition of suppressing certain information from her.
On the other hand, we have Matteo Wolfson. And this man is not devoid of faults. He does not trust Olympia at first, and he gives her rules from the moment she comes to live in his camp.
Olympia was given to him as a gift for a job well done, but he didn't want his gift. We find that Matteo is ruthless with his men when they disobey his orders, but he is also a man of his word. Matteo has deep religious beliefs, and he tries his best to treat Olympia with respect. Their romance is a slow-burn progress.
One thing I liked about this story is that the author didn't provide extensive details on sexual scenes. She gave us enough to show that their relationship grew, but I wasn't bored with an excruciatingly detailed litany of sexual encounters. I think there was only one scene where she gave us some detail, but it was very tastefully written.
Matteo and Olympia's relationship moved on; however, it appeared to cool off when they reached Matteo's father's castle, but we can see that Matteo was being inundated with responsibilities. Olympia carried on with her life, and on a day Matteo wasn't around, her old boss found her. Because of an obscured law, Chicho, her boss, takes her back to his business, and from there, the story gets very complicated.
I loved the secondary characters. There is even a gay mage and a disabled warrior. Each secondary character was well-fleshed out, and I saw a nice character arc in a few of them.
To conclude, I recommend this book.
I received an advance copy, and I am leaving a review completely voluntarily.
The man, Matteo, gives Olympia her freedom, but she doesn't understand what it means to be truly free. She has a weird type of Stockholm syndrome. She wants freedom but can't understand that in her society, freedom is nearly unreachable for people like her unless they have help.
Olympia is a complicated character. She is worldly in many ways, and I could say ignorant or maybe naive in other areas, not as a fault of her own but as a result of her owner's imposition of suppressing certain information from her.
On the other hand, we have Matteo Wolfson. And this man is not devoid of faults. He does not trust Olympia at first, and he gives her rules from the moment she comes to live in his camp.
Olympia was given to him as a gift for a job well done, but he didn't want his gift. We find that Matteo is ruthless with his men when they disobey his orders, but he is also a man of his word. Matteo has deep religious beliefs, and he tries his best to treat Olympia with respect. Their romance is a slow-burn progress.
One thing I liked about this story is that the author didn't provide extensive details on sexual scenes. She gave us enough to show that their relationship grew, but I wasn't bored with an excruciatingly detailed litany of sexual encounters. I think there was only one scene where she gave us some detail, but it was very tastefully written.
Matteo and Olympia's relationship moved on; however, it appeared to cool off when they reached Matteo's father's castle, but we can see that Matteo was being inundated with responsibilities. Olympia carried on with her life, and on a day Matteo wasn't around, her old boss found her. Because of an obscured law, Chicho, her boss, takes her back to his business, and from there, the story gets very complicated.
I loved the secondary characters. There is even a gay mage and a disabled warrior. Each secondary character was well-fleshed out, and I saw a nice character arc in a few of them.
To conclude, I recommend this book.
I received an advance copy, and I am leaving a review completely voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
Olympia is such a great heroine but wow was she naive. I could not believe she was in the trade of exotics and did not understand how the trade worked. I love the name of the mad guy in this book, Chicho di Roberti. I want to meet the author and ask her from where she found that name. It is a romance fantasy, or a fantasy romance. Whichever way you want to see it, it is great.
January 18, 2024
Fantasy Romance
Found Family
Action
Adventure
Mages
A dangerous journey filled with action and adventure.
Olympia Corona Takatsu is a rare beauty. She has been enslaved into prostitution and serves as an exotic, a very rare and expensive prostitute. She is highly educated and is a talented singer and dancer too.
When Olympia is gifted to Lord Mateo during a siege, she is devastated. She is desperate to return to her owner to live amongst the decadence that she is accustomed to, but as she gets to know the kind general, her feelings starts to shift.
Mateo is a good kind man with good morals and intentions. He offers her a life with him and as part of his family.
This is a very heart-warming story of a woman who has lost her own free will but slowly regains her life with the help of Mateo.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure. It is a little light on magic, I would have loved to see much more of the magic used throughout the story. It was very unpredictable with lots of twists and turns, but I feel like the story is not finished. There are too many loose ends that need to be tied up.
All round it was a good read.
Please be aware that there are triggers such as sexual assault.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy.
Found Family
Action
Adventure
Mages
A dangerous journey filled with action and adventure.
Olympia Corona Takatsu is a rare beauty. She has been enslaved into prostitution and serves as an exotic, a very rare and expensive prostitute. She is highly educated and is a talented singer and dancer too.
When Olympia is gifted to Lord Mateo during a siege, she is devastated. She is desperate to return to her owner to live amongst the decadence that she is accustomed to, but as she gets to know the kind general, her feelings starts to shift.
Mateo is a good kind man with good morals and intentions. He offers her a life with him and as part of his family.
This is a very heart-warming story of a woman who has lost her own free will but slowly regains her life with the help of Mateo.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure. It is a little light on magic, I would have loved to see much more of the magic used throughout the story. It was very unpredictable with lots of twists and turns, but I feel like the story is not finished. There are too many loose ends that need to be tied up.
All round it was a good read.
Please be aware that there are triggers such as sexual assault.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for this e-copy.
February 18, 2024
The book immerses readers in a richly woven tapestry of war, magic, and unexpected alliances. I like how Olympia's character navigates the complexities of her situation with resilience and determination, even as she longs for the comforts of home. The dynamic between Olympia and Lord Mateo adds layers of intrigue and tension, blending elements of romance and duty in a captivating way. As Olympia grapples with her new reality and strives to find her place in a world fraught with danger, readers are drawn into a gripping tale of survival and self-discovery. With its vivid imagery and compelling characters, "Olympia's Journey" promises an enthralling adventure that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
December 20, 2023
This is a fantasy romance story that is so in between fantasy and romance I can't say which genre has the majority of the tale. I have read all the books in the Vanquishers of Alhambra series, and this book is a romance in the series. I think you don't need to have read any of the books in the series to understand this romance, but I suggest you read Ultima Skylar. It is a romance, and it is linked to this story.
Anyway, I loved the story. Velez didn't disappoint with this one. I want more from this author. When is the next romance going to be published?
Anyway, I loved the story. Velez didn't disappoint with this one. I want more from this author. When is the next romance going to be published?
January 15, 2024
First of all, the cover is stunning. I really like it. Second, the story is good, I was captivated from the start. I wanted to know what was going to happen with Olympia. The romance with Matteo felt a bit flat, it went from a 0 - 100 in one chapter. And when they came to his castle it went away just as quick. olympia really is the most unlucky woman out there, being sold, kidnapped and dragged all over this world. She atleast got her happy ending. One thing I didnt get is why she was blessed with magus children.
January 19, 2024
Another hit by this author. I normally don't read romances, but I like this author's stories, so I gave it a try. It did not disappoint. I have my daughters reading it and they are loving it. The magic portion is light but in the end it is a romance.
January 28, 2024
I am so glad I've read all the books from The Vanquishers of Alhambra series. This book is a romance and it was like an "apéritif" while I wait for the third book in the series of The Vanquishers of Alhambra.
Olympia is such a naïve woman. I almost want to jump in the book and slap her. The romance is well written. it reminds me of a regency romance in a fantasy setting.
Olympia is such a naïve woman. I almost want to jump in the book and slap her. The romance is well written. it reminds me of a regency romance in a fantasy setting.
April 3, 2024
I am staring at the copy of my book, and I can't believe how well this story was written. This is the fourth book I read from this author and I can only say, I want the sequel. I tend to be very selective with fantasy books. I am a lover of writers like Joe Abercrombie, Nnedi Okorafor, Robin Hobb, and some of Sarah J Mass' books. However, last Christmas, my sister gave me all 4 copies of the Vanquishers of Alhambra series by Omayra Velez as my Christmas gift. So I started reading over my Christmas vacation.
After reading the first 3 books in the series, which were on the Griddark side, this one book was a comfort story. Unlike the other 3 books, this one is a pure fantasy romance. First, I must say I liked the way this book was written. I like multiple POVs, so she added two POVs sparingly. My sister told me, "Before you start reading, look at the table of contents," so I noticed this book has a glossary of terms and a list of the magic classes, which was very helpful.
If you haven't read any of the Vanquishers of Alhambra books I say start with Calixta or Ultima Skylar first. If you read those, you will understand better the world Ms Velez has created. Although, if this is the first book you read from this author I suggest you keep the glossary and the magic class appendixes in mind.
What is this book about? And why I gave it a 5 star?
This book is a fantasy with a romance subplot. It starts with Olympia Corona Takatsu. She is an exotic prostitute and slave. In this world, prostitution is legal, and as you read, you will find out slavery is legal as well; however, not in all of the 5 Kingdoms. Olympia is from the Kingdom of Palermo but she is working her trade in the neighboring Kingdom of Behui. When the Castle where she is working comes under attack, she and her friends try to hide. She is captured by the invading army from the Kingdom of Alhambra. The General from the winning Army keeps Olympia and her friends as spoils of war.
The general gifts Olympia to Lord Matteo, one of the commanders of the Army. The man does not want Olympia but must keep her so he would not insult the General, and the story goes from there. As the story evolves, Matteo is slowly falling in Love with Olympia, but Olympia only wants to go home back to Palermo. Many things happen to Olympia and Matteo, and there is even a scene where Olympia gets raped by the enemy. However, the author was very brief in the description. I think she was very careful not to overdo the scene.
Olympia slowly falls in love with Matteo, and their relationship moves from strangers to friends to lovers. The story has many moments of action, and Olympia's character arc evolves slowly. She goes from a woman who trusted no one and who wanted to escape to slowly encountering that freedom is more than just not being a slave; it is losing the slave mentality. That journey takes her a long the story.
Matteo was so interesting. His character arc wasn't as dramatic as Olympia's. Ms. Velez did a great job at keeping him constant and not losing his personality to extreme changes. He was a man of high scruples and honor, and that is how he stayed the entire story. I like their love story. It wasn't like most romance stories I have read. It was like a real-life romance story but with magic. There was no insta love. Olympia didn't fall in love with Matteo a first sight. She found him sexy and appealing, but she was more interested in escaping and finding her version of freedom than connecting with Matteo. Their relationship was what you expect from a woman who lived in slavery forced into prostitution.
What I love the most about this story is.
The dialog was dynamic and to the point. I hate it when I read books where the author writes long-winded paragraphs when things could have been said in three sentences. The author excels in making the dialogue easy to understand and active. The magic system was so complex but, at the same time, well developed. I had no problems understanding the way Magic works. I went to the appendix and looked at the Magic classes when I had any doubts. The world-building was creative and immersive. This world is nothing I had ever seen before. It is unique and expansive. The story has a satisfying, happy ending, and I liked it since Olympia had such a horrible life.
Why did I give it 5 stars? It is, in reality, 4.5 stars, but I rounded it up.
Let me tell you why the story was 4.5 stars to me. There were a few things that I had issues with, and I believe most people will have problems with this story.
First, the systems of law, religion, and society are very complicated. I think some people would not understand unless you use the glossary. However, if people pay attention to the dialog between the main characters and secondary characters, things will become clear.
Second, I encountered a few plot holes. However, one thing I've noticed about this author is that she fills plot holes in subsequent books in the series. So, I am looking forward to the next book. I expect some of these potholes to be filled in the next book in the series.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of Ms. Velez's books, all fantasy romance lovers, and maybe lovers of Sara J Mass's stories. But do not expect it to be like books by Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, or Colleen Hover, for example, because this story is nothing like books written by those authors.
After reading the first 3 books in the series, which were on the Griddark side, this one book was a comfort story. Unlike the other 3 books, this one is a pure fantasy romance. First, I must say I liked the way this book was written. I like multiple POVs, so she added two POVs sparingly. My sister told me, "Before you start reading, look at the table of contents," so I noticed this book has a glossary of terms and a list of the magic classes, which was very helpful.
If you haven't read any of the Vanquishers of Alhambra books I say start with Calixta or Ultima Skylar first. If you read those, you will understand better the world Ms Velez has created. Although, if this is the first book you read from this author I suggest you keep the glossary and the magic class appendixes in mind.
What is this book about? And why I gave it a 5 star?
This book is a fantasy with a romance subplot. It starts with Olympia Corona Takatsu. She is an exotic prostitute and slave. In this world, prostitution is legal, and as you read, you will find out slavery is legal as well; however, not in all of the 5 Kingdoms. Olympia is from the Kingdom of Palermo but she is working her trade in the neighboring Kingdom of Behui. When the Castle where she is working comes under attack, she and her friends try to hide. She is captured by the invading army from the Kingdom of Alhambra. The General from the winning Army keeps Olympia and her friends as spoils of war.
The general gifts Olympia to Lord Matteo, one of the commanders of the Army. The man does not want Olympia but must keep her so he would not insult the General, and the story goes from there. As the story evolves, Matteo is slowly falling in Love with Olympia, but Olympia only wants to go home back to Palermo. Many things happen to Olympia and Matteo, and there is even a scene where Olympia gets raped by the enemy. However, the author was very brief in the description. I think she was very careful not to overdo the scene.
Olympia slowly falls in love with Matteo, and their relationship moves from strangers to friends to lovers. The story has many moments of action, and Olympia's character arc evolves slowly. She goes from a woman who trusted no one and who wanted to escape to slowly encountering that freedom is more than just not being a slave; it is losing the slave mentality. That journey takes her a long the story.
Matteo was so interesting. His character arc wasn't as dramatic as Olympia's. Ms. Velez did a great job at keeping him constant and not losing his personality to extreme changes. He was a man of high scruples and honor, and that is how he stayed the entire story. I like their love story. It wasn't like most romance stories I have read. It was like a real-life romance story but with magic. There was no insta love. Olympia didn't fall in love with Matteo a first sight. She found him sexy and appealing, but she was more interested in escaping and finding her version of freedom than connecting with Matteo. Their relationship was what you expect from a woman who lived in slavery forced into prostitution.
What I love the most about this story is.
The dialog was dynamic and to the point. I hate it when I read books where the author writes long-winded paragraphs when things could have been said in three sentences. The author excels in making the dialogue easy to understand and active. The magic system was so complex but, at the same time, well developed. I had no problems understanding the way Magic works. I went to the appendix and looked at the Magic classes when I had any doubts. The world-building was creative and immersive. This world is nothing I had ever seen before. It is unique and expansive. The story has a satisfying, happy ending, and I liked it since Olympia had such a horrible life.
Why did I give it 5 stars? It is, in reality, 4.5 stars, but I rounded it up.
Let me tell you why the story was 4.5 stars to me. There were a few things that I had issues with, and I believe most people will have problems with this story.
First, the systems of law, religion, and society are very complicated. I think some people would not understand unless you use the glossary. However, if people pay attention to the dialog between the main characters and secondary characters, things will become clear.
Second, I encountered a few plot holes. However, one thing I've noticed about this author is that she fills plot holes in subsequent books in the series. So, I am looking forward to the next book. I expect some of these potholes to be filled in the next book in the series.
I would recommend this book to all lovers of Ms. Velez's books, all fantasy romance lovers, and maybe lovers of Sara J Mass's stories. But do not expect it to be like books by Nora Roberts, Julie Garwood, or Colleen Hover, for example, because this story is nothing like books written by those authors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
I am not a fan of Romance Fantasy. I only read this book because it is part of the Vanquishers of Alhambra series. So, I thought it was a grimdark fantasy like Calixta and For Warriors are. However, I find myself saying the unthinkable. I like this fantasy despite its romantic theme.
The dialog is not flowery and I like that, and the characters felt like regular people but people with magic
I liked this one.
The dialog is not flowery and I like that, and the characters felt like regular people but people with magic
I liked this one.
March 11, 2024
Underwhelmed. Characters and dialogue felt flat and the writing came off as amateurish in parts. The overall world is fairly well developed and the writing in that regards paints a descriptive image that’s easy to visualize in your head.
April 26, 2024
It took me a couple of chapters to get into this book. Once I did I was eating up the story. I like that there was magic mixed in with the early 1900s style. The book is not very long and the chapters are short it did not surprise me that the relationship between the two characters progressed faster than some of the other books that I have been reading. With that said the author did a great job of not overdoing it. and allowing it to still develop. The book is very much about finding and gaining one's freedom and fighting for the one you love. There were some parts of the book that made me think of Pride and Prejudice. I would recommend this to anyone who likes magic, with old Western styles and a love story intertwined.
July 19, 2024
She was traded to another and she needs to do everything they want from her. She gets a promise to get her freedom but she needs to become close to them. He is shocked and disappointed when he is given her. He believes she is so far beneath him. What will they learn as they travel to his home? Will he change his mind? See what is going to happen
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
August 3, 2024
The General's Gift is a story about Olympia, who was forced into a life of prostitution by her jerk of an ex-husband - an occupation that essentially makes her a slave to her owner. She and her friends are at the wrong place at the wrong time and become spoils of war, later given away as gifts to the General's right-hand men. In a fortunate turn of events, Olympia is gifted to Matteo (Lord Wolfson), who has a steady foundation of morals and, chooses not to abuse her, and ultimately saves her from her former life. But the path wasn't easy as Olympia's former owner tries to claim his rights over her life.
What I Liked:
Experiencing Olympia's tragedies: As a woman, I found Olympia's circumstances gripping and tragic. I couldn't help but root for her to escape her old life and have a happy ending.
-The dual meaning of the book's title is given at the end: She was gifted to Matteo by his General, but in the end, the General really gifted Olympia the perfect circumstance to be free from her former life.
-The birth of Olympia's twins: The instance of it occurring on the run was a twist and really made me tense.
Flint: I liked his character development, and he was one of my favorites overall, though he was not a main character.
-The fact that Olympia wanted to keep learning and keep herself busy: Though she did appear to shy away from "common" work, she embraced it and didn't shy away from tasks when she arrived at Matteo's property.
What I Didn't Like:
-The push and pull of her new life and former life: I really wish this was done better overall. There were some doubts about her circumstances with Matteo (Lord Wolfson) initially. Still, even when he showed her that she was free from her former life, that he didn't own her, and that he treated her differently than any other man had, she was still bent on returning to her owner, Chicho. We learn why eventually, but I think it could have been illustrated sooner so you understand why she's conflicted. It didn't need to be done in a reveal-type way.
-Redundancy in events: Olympia is continually kidnapped or confiscated or arrested, and I get some instances are necessary since she is essentially a slave. But on the trek back to Matteo's home, for example, she was kidnapped twice on the trip home by two different groups of people.
-How easy it seemed for Todd (the man truly responsible for Olympia's circumstance) to masquerade as a Lord in the Wolfson castle: I had a little side-eye moment when this guy appeared later in the story. It was a bit convenient and expected work in, but it did lend to some tense moments. But it was also a letdown that she didn’t do more when he threatened her.
-She always said she wanted to die: Clearly, she doesn't want to die, so I wish that instead of it being said so much in the beginning quarter-half, there was something else more impactful. And greatly reduced in narration because yes, we know her situation is tragic, but there are other ways to convey this.
-Missed opportunities to create depth: I really wanted to know what the Exotic mark was comprised of, what it truly meant to be an Exotic, and what the qualifications were to become one. And the first time she was kidnapped by the Orc folk could have been a bit more harrowing if her extraction wasn't as easy as it was.
-So many resources were used to recover Olympia and bring her back to her slave life: From authorities to Trade Officials and other random hunters, it appeared that no expense was spared to recover her to Chicho when, at the end of it all, he's not royalty or anyone special.
-The law/tax system was a bit convoluted and over-explained in some instances, but then gets negated by what happens to Olympia after she is married: Though I understand why there may have been a desire to divulge the intricacy of the trade and tax topics, they weren't interesting, and I wish that the author took a more creative and truncated approach to explain it instead. And after Olympia's trade tattoos were removed, she still couldn't claim the life that should have been hers now. It was like, why even go through all the trouble to have her trade and Exotic tattoo removed, then covered, and have her married by the Morai if it really did nothing in the end?
-Having the Prince kill his father because he was seemingly going to dismiss the case: seemed too much, and these people were not integral to the story.
-There was a significant plot hole at the end, and it's a rather abrupt ending: Olympia ultimately went back with Matteo to Yakuta- to his home with his family. Everyone seems happy, and Matteo leaves again for war. But she was confiscated from that very place when Matteo was away. Those Trade Officials were able to waltz into his castle like it was nothing. If her marriage to Matteo and the removal of her trade and Exotic tattoos didn't mean anything in the end, then what's to stop more people from going to get her once more? The hunt for her was never said to have been called off, so you're left thinking that since the prince is now King, he will exert greater effort to capture her.
The Magic system was not developed very well and felt random and convenient, and the Morai people were underexplained.
Additional Notes:
The overall read was quite rocky. There were redundancies in wording, homonym errors, phrasing, and sentence building. I also found the improper usage of exclamation points in dialogue disruptive. Line spacing was also not uniform in some areas.
-Though there was a glossary of terms, Exotic, referring to Olympia's elevated prostitute status, was never fully explained.
-General modern curse words/phrases were used, which changed the tone of the overall story.
What I Liked:
Experiencing Olympia's tragedies: As a woman, I found Olympia's circumstances gripping and tragic. I couldn't help but root for her to escape her old life and have a happy ending.
-The dual meaning of the book's title is given at the end: She was gifted to Matteo by his General, but in the end, the General really gifted Olympia the perfect circumstance to be free from her former life.
-The birth of Olympia's twins: The instance of it occurring on the run was a twist and really made me tense.
Flint: I liked his character development, and he was one of my favorites overall, though he was not a main character.
-The fact that Olympia wanted to keep learning and keep herself busy: Though she did appear to shy away from "common" work, she embraced it and didn't shy away from tasks when she arrived at Matteo's property.
What I Didn't Like:
-The push and pull of her new life and former life: I really wish this was done better overall. There were some doubts about her circumstances with Matteo (Lord Wolfson) initially. Still, even when he showed her that she was free from her former life, that he didn't own her, and that he treated her differently than any other man had, she was still bent on returning to her owner, Chicho. We learn why eventually, but I think it could have been illustrated sooner so you understand why she's conflicted. It didn't need to be done in a reveal-type way.
-Redundancy in events: Olympia is continually kidnapped or confiscated or arrested, and I get some instances are necessary since she is essentially a slave. But on the trek back to Matteo's home, for example, she was kidnapped twice on the trip home by two different groups of people.
-How easy it seemed for Todd (the man truly responsible for Olympia's circumstance) to masquerade as a Lord in the Wolfson castle: I had a little side-eye moment when this guy appeared later in the story. It was a bit convenient and expected work in, but it did lend to some tense moments. But it was also a letdown that she didn’t do more when he threatened her.
-She always said she wanted to die: Clearly, she doesn't want to die, so I wish that instead of it being said so much in the beginning quarter-half, there was something else more impactful. And greatly reduced in narration because yes, we know her situation is tragic, but there are other ways to convey this.
-Missed opportunities to create depth: I really wanted to know what the Exotic mark was comprised of, what it truly meant to be an Exotic, and what the qualifications were to become one. And the first time she was kidnapped by the Orc folk could have been a bit more harrowing if her extraction wasn't as easy as it was.
-So many resources were used to recover Olympia and bring her back to her slave life: From authorities to Trade Officials and other random hunters, it appeared that no expense was spared to recover her to Chicho when, at the end of it all, he's not royalty or anyone special.
-The law/tax system was a bit convoluted and over-explained in some instances, but then gets negated by what happens to Olympia after she is married: Though I understand why there may have been a desire to divulge the intricacy of the trade and tax topics, they weren't interesting, and I wish that the author took a more creative and truncated approach to explain it instead. And after Olympia's trade tattoos were removed, she still couldn't claim the life that should have been hers now. It was like, why even go through all the trouble to have her trade and Exotic tattoo removed, then covered, and have her married by the Morai if it really did nothing in the end?
-Having the Prince kill his father because he was seemingly going to dismiss the case: seemed too much, and these people were not integral to the story.
-There was a significant plot hole at the end, and it's a rather abrupt ending: Olympia ultimately went back with Matteo to Yakuta- to his home with his family. Everyone seems happy, and Matteo leaves again for war. But she was confiscated from that very place when Matteo was away. Those Trade Officials were able to waltz into his castle like it was nothing. If her marriage to Matteo and the removal of her trade and Exotic tattoos didn't mean anything in the end, then what's to stop more people from going to get her once more? The hunt for her was never said to have been called off, so you're left thinking that since the prince is now King, he will exert greater effort to capture her.
The Magic system was not developed very well and felt random and convenient, and the Morai people were underexplained.
Additional Notes:
The overall read was quite rocky. There were redundancies in wording, homonym errors, phrasing, and sentence building. I also found the improper usage of exclamation points in dialogue disruptive. Line spacing was also not uniform in some areas.
-Though there was a glossary of terms, Exotic, referring to Olympia's elevated prostitute status, was never fully explained.
-General modern curse words/phrases were used, which changed the tone of the overall story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
Olympia is a high class escort caught between warring kingdoms. Stolen as a war spoil, she is gifted to a foreign general as a reward for his victories in battle. Caught between wanting to escape to the life she was taken from or forging forward on to new horizons, Olympia is in for the journey of a lifetime.
This book includes:
- forced slavery and trafficking
- ogres and humanoid monsters
- legal jargon
- slow slow burn
- happy ending
- TW please check warning before reading
I'm not sure what to say about "the General's Gift." It really kept me engaged while I read it and had a happily ever after ending; those are all the positives I can think of. I think this story could have been interesting, but it really let me down. Olympia's character, as a concept, was fascinating and I was so disappointed when she lost her personality as the story went on.
My issues with this trauma fantasy plot are plentiful so here is a list a of a few of my issues:
- "and then" storytelling style
- multiple contradictory and non-sensical "law" plot points
- little to no chemistry or genuine connection between love interests
- MMC was 2D and inconsistent in characterization
- stilted and awkward dialogue
- poor world building
- undeveloped magic system
- unresolved plot points and plot holes
I wouldn't recommend this book to very many readers, but die hard fans of Colleen Hoover looking for a dash of fantasy in their next read will probably love this book.
I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Omayra Vélez, and Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.
This book includes:
- forced slavery and trafficking
- ogres and humanoid monsters
- legal jargon
- slow slow burn
- happy ending
- TW please check warning before reading
I'm not sure what to say about "the General's Gift." It really kept me engaged while I read it and had a happily ever after ending; those are all the positives I can think of. I think this story could have been interesting, but it really let me down. Olympia's character, as a concept, was fascinating and I was so disappointed when she lost her personality as the story went on.
My issues with this trauma fantasy plot are plentiful so here is a list a of a few of my issues:
- "and then" storytelling style
- multiple contradictory and non-sensical "law" plot points
- little to no chemistry or genuine connection between love interests
- MMC was 2D and inconsistent in characterization
- stilted and awkward dialogue
- poor world building
- undeveloped magic system
- unresolved plot points and plot holes
I wouldn't recommend this book to very many readers, but die hard fans of Colleen Hoover looking for a dash of fantasy in their next read will probably love this book.
I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Omayra Vélez, and Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to review this book.
Want to read
March 6, 2024Lectura anticipada de NetGalley! Parece una lectura con bastante potencial (y la portada es absolutamente preciosa), pero creo que no continuaré leyéndolo por la forma en la que autora narra los acontecimientos. Se me han hecho confusas algunas partes en las que no quedaba claro quién era quien o a quién se refería en determinadas partes, y eso me ha hecho tener que releer parágrafos enteros para entender lo que estaba leyendo.
Aún así, la historia me ha resultado muy interesante, y el inicio es vertiginoso.
No lo puntúo porque entiendo que sería muy injusto por mi parte.
Aún así, la historia me ha resultado muy interesante, y el inicio es vertiginoso.
No lo puntúo porque entiendo que sería muy injusto por mi parte.
July 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It reads like a historical fiction (quite matter of fact like), but I did enjoy the story. It is set in a paranormal, fantasy world so there are different elements seen on here. I just docked off a star because I felt like the story sometimes dragged a bit.
March 12, 2024
The General's Gift is a mesmerizing journey into a world where magic intertwines with romance, weaving a tale that captivates the heart and mind from the very first page. From the lush landscapes to the intricate relationships, this book immerses readers in a fantastical realm where love knows no bounds.
The author's prose is nothing short of enchanting, painting vivid imagery that transports you to a realm where mages weave their magic and ancient forests whisper secrets. The characters are vibrant and multifaceted, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and deeply rooted desires. The romance that blossoms between Olympia and Matteo is a slow burn, tender love as it is passionate, unfolding amidst a backdrop of danger and intrigue.
What truly sets The General's Gift apart is its seamless blend of fantasy and romance. The magic system is intricately crafted, adding depth and wonder to the story without overshadowing the central love story. Instead, it enhances the narrative, providing a rich tapestry upon which the characters' emotions and actions unfold.
Beyond the fantastical elements, this book delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love to overcome even the greatest of challenges. It's a tale that resonates long after the final page is turned, I asure you it will leave you eager for more.
It does have some triggers and it is written for adults, but I could not put the book down.
The General's gift is a spellbinding masterpiece that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and romance alike. With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and heart-stirring romance, it's a book that deserves a place on every reader's shelf. Highly recommended.
The author's prose is nothing short of enchanting, painting vivid imagery that transports you to a realm where mages weave their magic and ancient forests whisper secrets. The characters are vibrant and multifaceted, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and deeply rooted desires. The romance that blossoms between Olympia and Matteo is a slow burn, tender love as it is passionate, unfolding amidst a backdrop of danger and intrigue.
What truly sets The General's Gift apart is its seamless blend of fantasy and romance. The magic system is intricately crafted, adding depth and wonder to the story without overshadowing the central love story. Instead, it enhances the narrative, providing a rich tapestry upon which the characters' emotions and actions unfold.
Beyond the fantastical elements, this book delves into themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love to overcome even the greatest of challenges. It's a tale that resonates long after the final page is turned, I asure you it will leave you eager for more.
It does have some triggers and it is written for adults, but I could not put the book down.
The General's gift is a spellbinding masterpiece that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and romance alike. With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and heart-stirring romance, it's a book that deserves a place on every reader's shelf. Highly recommended.
November 28, 2023
I love the cover of this book. I follow this author for a few years. I love her fantasy, Ultima Skylar. The book is my favorite of all of her books. Now here she is with another romantic fantasy, and I think this one is better than Ultima Skylar. But because the story is crazy good, but because the author's writing has improved greatly from her first book.
This romance has a simple premise, Olympia is a very well-educated woman in a very sad life and a horrible situation. By pure chance, she ends up as the gift to a military man, Lord Matteo Wolfson. The man didn't want to have Olympia in his ranks, but he had no other choice, and in the end, he felt he needed to help her. They stay together, Olympia becomes part of his military company, and they get to know each other.
This story has a LGBT relationship that was fun to see. However, I wish she would have developed the relationship a little more.
This story is a romance, but it is for adults. It has non-consensual sex, but the author does not add details and presents the subject tastefully, in my opinion.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I think the end was too fast, but it was me and my taste.
This romance has a simple premise, Olympia is a very well-educated woman in a very sad life and a horrible situation. By pure chance, she ends up as the gift to a military man, Lord Matteo Wolfson. The man didn't want to have Olympia in his ranks, but he had no other choice, and in the end, he felt he needed to help her. They stay together, Olympia becomes part of his military company, and they get to know each other.
This story has a LGBT relationship that was fun to see. However, I wish she would have developed the relationship a little more.
This story is a romance, but it is for adults. It has non-consensual sex, but the author does not add details and presents the subject tastefully, in my opinion.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. I think the end was too fast, but it was me and my taste.
January 29, 2026
I have thoughts on this!
The story was OK, BUT...
- It was awkwardly written. If you told me English wasn't the author's native language, I would definitely believe it. I don't know if it was just me, but at times, it got me out of it.
- The names are all over the place (both names of people and of places). I wouldn't be saying that if they were totally made up, but MMC's name, for example, is Italian or Spanish, while his last name is Scandinavian, and he lives in a country named Yakuta, whose capital, if I'm not mistaken, is High-something.
- Feelings just disappear! A character could be screaming in mourning in one paragraph, then seem to be calm and collected the next.
- SO MUCH BUREAUCRACY!
- Why is the word 'god' written as 'g-d'???
However, I gotta give it to the author for making the brave choice of having the FMC actually come to harm. In most romance novels, there would be a last-minute save.
The story was OK, BUT...
- It was awkwardly written. If you told me English wasn't the author's native language, I would definitely believe it. I don't know if it was just me, but at times, it got me out of it.
- The names are all over the place (both names of people and of places). I wouldn't be saying that if they were totally made up, but MMC's name, for example, is Italian or Spanish, while his last name is Scandinavian, and he lives in a country named Yakuta, whose capital, if I'm not mistaken, is High-something.
- Feelings just disappear! A character could be screaming in mourning in one paragraph, then seem to be calm and collected the next.
- SO MUCH BUREAUCRACY!
- Why is the word 'god' written as 'g-d'???
However, I gotta give it to the author for making the brave choice of having the FMC actually come to harm. In most romance novels, there would be a last-minute save.
September 14, 2024
I really enjoyed to concept and the plot line of this story. There is good structure to what could be an amazing book.
I unfortunately could not get past all the writing and the style that it was set in. You would say that the style is someone who is writing a story for an English assignment. Everything is very basic which makes it come out very choppy. The writing especially the dialogue does not flow very well.
I wish there was a little more to the magic that was included in to story. Put more of a structure to it so anyone reading would be able to understand it. The trade system was interesting and having that explained a bit better would have moved the story along easier.
The other major problem I had with the story was the repeating by the main female character. She kept repeating everything that we already know. I found it to be trifling and not need it to be repeated.
I unfortunately could not get past all the writing and the style that it was set in. You would say that the style is someone who is writing a story for an English assignment. Everything is very basic which makes it come out very choppy. The writing especially the dialogue does not flow very well.
I wish there was a little more to the magic that was included in to story. Put more of a structure to it so anyone reading would be able to understand it. The trade system was interesting and having that explained a bit better would have moved the story along easier.
The other major problem I had with the story was the repeating by the main female character. She kept repeating everything that we already know. I found it to be trifling and not need it to be repeated.
November 19, 2023
Hello,
This is the author, and I am biased. I love writing about characters in the Alhambra world. This one story is from the same world as Calixta and Ultima Skylar. Still, you can read it out of order, and if you haven't read Calixta or Ultima Skylar, this story will not take away from the other two stories. Olympia is an Exotic but unlike Calixta and Ultima. She was brought to the trade as an adult. Olympia's back story is sad, but after she meets Matteo, things get better for her. I love this tale. I wrote this book in one month. It came to me at a time when there was a lot of adversity in my life, and all I wanted was hope. I let my desire for hope spill out on the story.
I hope you like The General's Gift. I know I loved writing it.
This is the author, and I am biased. I love writing about characters in the Alhambra world. This one story is from the same world as Calixta and Ultima Skylar. Still, you can read it out of order, and if you haven't read Calixta or Ultima Skylar, this story will not take away from the other two stories. Olympia is an Exotic but unlike Calixta and Ultima. She was brought to the trade as an adult. Olympia's back story is sad, but after she meets Matteo, things get better for her. I love this tale. I wrote this book in one month. It came to me at a time when there was a lot of adversity in my life, and all I wanted was hope. I let my desire for hope spill out on the story.
I hope you like The General's Gift. I know I loved writing it.
November 26, 2023
This is the first book I have read from this author, and it is spellbinding. I connected with Olympia's character, and she was one naive woman. Being on a mission for her owner has her caught up in a war and captured sending her on an amazing journey. Will her journey lead her to happiness or a life of misery.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
January 31, 2024
Honestly, this was a nice read. Miss Vélez wove a beautiful tale, showcasing how freedom is a different concept to each.
I was confused at times with the evolution of the story but overall I enjoyed the journey.
I was confused at times with the evolution of the story but overall I enjoyed the journey.
April 13, 2024
This story was completely unexpected but I highly enjoyed it! Great fantasy elements, wonderful romance, and a dash of the paranormal.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 23, 2024
Enjoyed reading Matteo and Olympia's story. Great attention to details in the story. Interesting read from beginning to end. Plenty of twists and turns to keep my attention throughout. Highly recommend.
Read
July 21, 2024I DNF’ed the book around chapter 7 because the writing style didn't match my preference, and the story felt repetitive. However, I appreciated the author's ideas and will try other books by them.
March 21, 2024
My mother game me this book as a Christmas gift and I am happy she did. Olympia is such an unlucky woman that I think that if she didn't have bad luck she would have no luck at all. I am glad I read Ultima Skylar, because this books alludes to Ultima Skylar. It was fun to read the way the author added tidbits to Ultima Skylar in the General's Gift.
The romance between Olympia and Matteo was fun to follow. I have read other books by this author and I noticed that Ms. Velez likes to created heroes and heroines that are complex and seem almost real.
The romance between Olympia and Matteo was fun to follow. I have read other books by this author and I noticed that Ms. Velez likes to created heroes and heroines that are complex and seem almost real.
Read
April 29, 2024DNF after one chapter. Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. The writing felt very unbelievable and undeveloped. In my opinion, it felt like a second draft where the author had fleshed out the story but hadn’t gone back through to improve the writing. I also didn’t enjoy the use of the word ‘Exotic’ and was unsure if enough work was going to be done to show the negativity of that word in relation to marginalised groups. Thanks to NetGalley for this arc.
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