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Sapphire Shade
What if human beings are merely the ancestors of a highly intelligent master race, called the Ikhälea, which controls everything in the universe from dreams to the afterlife? When it is discovered that the balance of evolution has been upset and the people of Earth are on a path to eventual self-destruction, a young Irish immigrant learns that she is only one who can save humanity from extinction.Twenty-one-year-old Asiah O’Connor, the youngest daughter of a poor Irish fisherman, received a peculiar portent on the passage from Ireland to America nearly nine years ago. Now, as the country suffers through the Great Depression, Asiah has all but forgotten about the fleeting premonition until she meets a dark stranger one windy afternoon in Chicago. Chase Brandon, the only remaining Ikhälean Conjurer on Earth, nearly stumbles over the beautiful young woman for whom he’s been searching for over seven centuries in the middle of a busy street. He is exhilarated at first that, in finding her, his mission is nearly complete and his long, desolate existence is finally at an end.While Asiah comes to terms with her new destiny, she must decide between the two men in her her wealthy fiancé, Walter, who promises to support her struggling family through the economic crisis, and the mysterious sorcerer whose touch sets her skin on fire. With his death imminent, Chase also must choose between his unexpected feelings for Asiah and his sacred duty to instruct her in the ancient arts of the Ikhälea.Told from alternating points of view, this first installment in the romantic fantasy series about ill-fated love travels from Chicago’s underground speakeasies to a dodgy insane asylum, to a secluded cottage where magic isn’t just a myth, it is the key to humanity’s survival.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2014
17 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 12, 2014
In the spirit of full disclosure, I downloaded this book since it was written by a friend of a friend, and it was free as a Kindle download at the time.
3 stars for me, but 4 stars for those who regularly enjoy romance novels.
I liked this, and I think that others would also enjoy it, with the caveat that you should know, going into it, that it's very much a romance novel. It's reminiscent of a fantasy romance title that would be published by Luna. In short, it's a well-, if simply-, written fantasy romance that contains some cheesiness, overdramatic angst/star-crossed lovers (We can't be together because it'll literally be the end of the world...), and love scenes that you would expect in a romance novel, but it was fun and enjoyable like you'd expect a satisfying romantic comedy or K-drama to be.
Although, at first I got a little frustrated with how Asiah, the main character, who was supposed to be smart, independent and tough, kept swooning, and that the male lead, Chase, seemed to be a little bit irritatingly protective, these things didn't bother me so much later in the book, because the author doesn't take herself too seriously, and there are a couple of moments when the characters entertainingly poke jibes at themselves for exhibiting such stereotypical romance novel role behaviors.
Even though the book is short, I was surprised that the main characters and magic system were relatively well-developed. There's room for both to grow, but the main characters both have backstories and motivations, and act consistently according to these. The magic system/setting are a solid mash-up of aliens and magic. As an aside, I didn't like how the author kept trying to push that the magic is really using sped-up science and "more of the human brain" (::rolls eyes at this stupid humans-only-use-10%-of-their-brain myth::), but I liked that the author tried to make the magic not as fantastical, and that, with this explaination, it was fitting that Asiah would be drawn to, and excel at the sciences before before finding out that she is a Shade.
Overall, Sapphire Shade is a fun, quick read that promises more fun fantasy romance, and a solid first novel attempt for the genre. The next novel takes place in the early 2000s, and Asiah is working for the CIA. Due to the setup of the magic system, this is feasible, and I was interested enough to pick up the next book for $.99, and I'd be interested to know if there's a third book that takes place in farther in the future.
P.S. It's kind of annoying that every man, without fail, falls for Asiah, but at least it's because she's smart and determined as well as having knock-out good looks, and it's explained by the fact that, of course she's irresistible, she's part alien fairy. I find this preferable to the main character being mousey, of average intelligence, and quite bland, as many romance novel heroines are to allow for self-insertion fantasies.
3 stars for me, but 4 stars for those who regularly enjoy romance novels.
I liked this, and I think that others would also enjoy it, with the caveat that you should know, going into it, that it's very much a romance novel. It's reminiscent of a fantasy romance title that would be published by Luna. In short, it's a well-, if simply-, written fantasy romance that contains some cheesiness, overdramatic angst/star-crossed lovers (We can't be together because it'll literally be the end of the world...), and love scenes that you would expect in a romance novel, but it was fun and enjoyable like you'd expect a satisfying romantic comedy or K-drama to be.
Although, at first I got a little frustrated with how Asiah, the main character, who was supposed to be smart, independent and tough, kept swooning, and that the male lead, Chase, seemed to be a little bit irritatingly protective, these things didn't bother me so much later in the book, because the author doesn't take herself too seriously, and there are a couple of moments when the characters entertainingly poke jibes at themselves for exhibiting such stereotypical romance novel role behaviors.
Even though the book is short, I was surprised that the main characters and magic system were relatively well-developed. There's room for both to grow, but the main characters both have backstories and motivations, and act consistently according to these. The magic system/setting are a solid mash-up of aliens and magic. As an aside, I didn't like how the author kept trying to push that the magic is really using sped-up science and "more of the human brain" (::rolls eyes at this stupid humans-only-use-10%-of-their-brain myth::), but I liked that the author tried to make the magic not as fantastical, and that, with this explaination, it was fitting that Asiah would be drawn to, and excel at the sciences before before finding out that she is a Shade.
Overall, Sapphire Shade is a fun, quick read that promises more fun fantasy romance, and a solid first novel attempt for the genre. The next novel takes place in the early 2000s, and Asiah is working for the CIA. Due to the setup of the magic system, this is feasible, and I was interested enough to pick up the next book for $.99, and I'd be interested to know if there's a third book that takes place in farther in the future.
P.S. It's kind of annoying that every man, without fail, falls for Asiah, but at least it's because she's smart and determined as well as having knock-out good looks, and it's explained by the fact that, of course she's irresistible, she's part alien fairy. I find this preferable to the main character being mousey, of average intelligence, and quite bland, as many romance novel heroines are to allow for self-insertion fantasies.
June 16, 2014
I was interested in this book for a couple of reasons: one, it was a romance quarterfinalist in the ABNA contest, and two, the description bills it as a “romantic fantasy.” I must admit, I was a little confused when I first started reading because the beginning has the feel of historical romance. However, as the fantasy elements surface, it becomes an interesting mix of genres—with a little heat mixed in to boot. Fans of blended genre will not be disappointed.
Serafini creates an imaginative back story which lends to a well-thought-out plot. There are enough surprises to keep the reader on his/her toes. Also, her main character is endearing and likeable. Asiah is strong-willed but quite vulnerable at the same time. I found myself rooting for her and wanting to save her.
As she is a new author, it will be interesting to see where Serafini takes this series and how her style will progress in the future.
Serafini creates an imaginative back story which lends to a well-thought-out plot. There are enough surprises to keep the reader on his/her toes. Also, her main character is endearing and likeable. Asiah is strong-willed but quite vulnerable at the same time. I found myself rooting for her and wanting to save her.
As she is a new author, it will be interesting to see where Serafini takes this series and how her style will progress in the future.
June 22, 2014
Would you ever expect Harry Potter to meet Merlin and fly to Krypton? Now imagine Harry is a female,Merlin is a hot conjurer in love with her, and our heroine must be sharp with her lessons or the Earth is doomed, This story has it all, with twists and turns you won't see coming until you are hit with a lightning bolt.
Our story begins with Asiah, a poor Irish girl immigrating to America. In many ways the story has the feel of a historical romance, especially when she meets Chase, the handsome owner of an antique knife shop. Chase is immediately sure Asiah is his destiny and the woman he has been waiting for all his life. Chase eventually reveals to Asiah that he is a conjurer, and he has many lessons to teach her, because she is a powerful Shade.
Just when I thought I knew where this story was going I was wrong, and I began flipping pages faster and faster to the end. I can't wait to see more from this author and I hope to see more of Chase!
Our story begins with Asiah, a poor Irish girl immigrating to America. In many ways the story has the feel of a historical romance, especially when she meets Chase, the handsome owner of an antique knife shop. Chase is immediately sure Asiah is his destiny and the woman he has been waiting for all his life. Chase eventually reveals to Asiah that he is a conjurer, and he has many lessons to teach her, because she is a powerful Shade.
Just when I thought I knew where this story was going I was wrong, and I began flipping pages faster and faster to the end. I can't wait to see more from this author and I hope to see more of Chase!
February 14, 2015
Sapphire Shade has a little of everything: scifi/fantasy, history, adventure and romance. It’s what I call a genre flirt. While I don’t like romances, that part of this genre flirt will probably be enjoyed by those true romance fans out there.
Chase and Asiah are the main characters but the real main character is the world built by Ann Serafini. For even though the setting is this world, this world is an alien one to Chase and his ilk and his ways of dwelling in it almost constitute a world building experience.
Ms Serafini’s explanations of things paranormal were creative and quirky. For instance, the incantations for spells are really mnemonic devices to remember how to trigger equipment/inventions. To give an interesting twist to plot devices other books have used for years is no mean feat.
I didn’t like the flashbacks to Ireland and the ship crossing and didn’t feel those scenes contributed meaningfully to the plot or character development. I also didn’t see why Chase had to wait for two years for Asiah to come back to him after a chance meeting. If he was actively seeking the “shade” (as we later find she is) it seems he would have pursued her even if he just suspected she was the one.
But the mystery of the scroll and Chase’s mode of travel were nice touches. As I’ve said before, Ann has a knack for world building. In addition, the last chapter leading to the next book in the series was much better than leaving this book’s story unfinished and hanging like many writers I’ve read recently have done.
November 23, 2015
I am not a Fantasy or Paranormal Romance reader, but this book was a fantastic read. Sapphire Shade has a little something for all readers who enjoy elements of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance. The story moved quickly, it was engaging and had wonderful character development. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, and then the epilogue blew me away! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment of series in Secret Shade.
Ms. Serafini's writing leads you on an enchanting and dramatic adventure!
A must read!
Ms. Serafini's writing leads you on an enchanting and dramatic adventure!
A must read!
September 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of magic, mystery and adventure. I love the poetic sensuality of the author describing emotions and feelings. A great read. Looking forward to reading the follow-up.
July 31, 2016
Definitely a page turner!
I loved how quickly this book grabbed my attention and held it. I have already recommended it to friends who I know would enjoy it as well. I also like that it's the beginning of a very intriguing series.
I loved how quickly this book grabbed my attention and held it. I have already recommended it to friends who I know would enjoy it as well. I also like that it's the beginning of a very intriguing series.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews