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Divine #1
Divine Merit
Sometimes you have to stop fighting in order to win.
Trained from birth to become the ruler of the Nephilim and their island sanctuary, Amira is the perfect princess, until her birthright and even her fundamental beliefs are ripped away. She’ll discover perfection and training count for nothing when faced with a ruthless enemy determined to possess her and all she holds dear.
As captain of the Royal Guard, Caeden’s priority is to protect the Royal Family. Sometimes that means protecting the naïve princess from her own desires, even if he is tempted to give in. When a betrayer strikes from within, their sanctuary and very existence are threatened. Caeden must overcome the burning pain of helplessness to defeat this enemy and restore Amira to her rightful place. He will not fail his princess again.
Do they have the fortitude and inner strength needed to regain the kingdom and save their people?
Trained from birth to become the ruler of the Nephilim and their island sanctuary, Amira is the perfect princess, until her birthright and even her fundamental beliefs are ripped away. She’ll discover perfection and training count for nothing when faced with a ruthless enemy determined to possess her and all she holds dear.
As captain of the Royal Guard, Caeden’s priority is to protect the Royal Family. Sometimes that means protecting the naïve princess from her own desires, even if he is tempted to give in. When a betrayer strikes from within, their sanctuary and very existence are threatened. Caeden must overcome the burning pain of helplessness to defeat this enemy and restore Amira to her rightful place. He will not fail his princess again.
Do they have the fortitude and inner strength needed to regain the kingdom and save their people?
- GenresFantasy
229 pages, ebook
First published June 8, 2014
3 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Cantrell
5 books130 followersVirginia's greatest passion has always been fiction, particularly romance. The innocent in her loves the idea of a happily ever after, but she has a massive soft spot for alpha males. If you ask her, she'll tell you she's living her dream—getting paid to read and helping indie authors to create beauty by working as an editor for Hot Tree Editing. She's inspired by the many amazing indie authors she has met and has (finally) found the courage to follow her other dream by becoming a published author.
Virginia would love to hear from you at http://www.facebook.com/v.cantrell.au... or please consider leaving a review at Amazon or Goodreads.
Virginia would love to hear from you at http://www.facebook.com/v.cantrell.au... or please consider leaving a review at Amazon or Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 12, 2019
REVIEW COPY.
Release Date-29/1/16
"Divine Merit" was a new unique take on the Nephilim world.
A paranormal offering which I enjoyed much more than I originally thought I would.
This tale revolves around The Princess, Amira and the head of her royal guard and longtime crush Caeden.
It's full of the charm of a budding first relationship.
Whilst also the intrigues and power play of a royal court in action.
What started out as an easy read for me quickly evolved into a much more tangled web than I was originally expecting.
And once this pepped up it was non stop action throughout and a storyline that certainly kept me on my toes and more.
This book was definitely a pleasant surprise it contained well rounded likeable individuals as well as your classic villains and also had plenty of scope for further storyline development and growth.
I am so looking forward to seeing where this is headed and what lies in store for all as the plot develops.
Do give this a go, its a fantastic addition to its genre and if you like your paranormal these ones for you.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "Divine Merit" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 24, 2014
This is not my normal read, but i said to myself, "Self, WTF. It my girls book, I'll give it a go. Never did expect to be hooked in the first chapter, nor did u expect a story better detailed and enjoyable than many published authors. I am so proud to call this women my friend, but am honored to have been able to be read an ACR of what i am sure will be an insanely popular series by a gifted writer.
July 9, 2014
I loved this book!
I haven't read a book in this genre in a long time, and I was reminded me of why I love paranormal so much.
The characters were well drawn and interesting. Amira and Caeden were beautiful characters and I was easily drawn in. I loved the story line and the author kept me engaged in every chapter. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
It was very well done.
I haven't read a book in this genre in a long time, and I was reminded me of why I love paranormal so much.
The characters were well drawn and interesting. Amira and Caeden were beautiful characters and I was easily drawn in. I loved the story line and the author kept me engaged in every chapter. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
It was very well done.
September 19, 2014
First, let me say how awesome it is to read a paranormal book unlike anything I have ever read before. It is a whole new take on Nephilim, and their world.
I truly loved the characters in this book; they were well-thought-out and written. You get a glimpse at all the characters and their lives as you watch them deal with the situation and adapt to what needs to be done. Each character grows in his or her own way.
The Princess, Amira, is the main character, and by far my favorite. She grows throughout the entire book. At first she is a prim and proper girl, just trying to catch the eye of her crush. By the end she is her own woman, one who has done so much she hardly seems like the same girl.
The story! So original and so good. I can NOT wait for more of this story. The descriptions of the area and the people make this book really come to life. I had a hard time finishing only because I knew with every page I turned I was getting closer to the end. I didn’t want that to happen, but the way the author ended this first book was done really well.
There is no HUGE cliffhanger, but there are enough open questions to have you coming back for more! ~ Devlynn, 4.5 stars
I truly loved the characters in this book; they were well-thought-out and written. You get a glimpse at all the characters and their lives as you watch them deal with the situation and adapt to what needs to be done. Each character grows in his or her own way.
The Princess, Amira, is the main character, and by far my favorite. She grows throughout the entire book. At first she is a prim and proper girl, just trying to catch the eye of her crush. By the end she is her own woman, one who has done so much she hardly seems like the same girl.
The story! So original and so good. I can NOT wait for more of this story. The descriptions of the area and the people make this book really come to life. I had a hard time finishing only because I knew with every page I turned I was getting closer to the end. I didn’t want that to happen, but the way the author ended this first book was done really well.
There is no HUGE cliffhanger, but there are enough open questions to have you coming back for more! ~ Devlynn, 4.5 stars
December 27, 2017
This book caught me by surprise. I wasn't sure if i was going to like it but i COULDN'T put it down. I'll be excited to see what Virginia Cantrell writes next!
January 3, 2018
I love the book and the written style of Virginia. I can't wait for the next book to be available in May....Virginia - I do hope the next few books will be out quicker....:-)
June 15, 2018
Wow, this book was unlike any other I have read in a very long time. The story line had me hooked from the start and the suspense of what was going to happen had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. I loved all of the characters and really enjoyed how the book was written from multiple perspectives so that I was able to get a glimpse at what was happening from many different angles.
This story follows Princess Amira and her struggle to balance being true to her heart at the same time she is following her duty as princess. When tragedy strikes and the enemy attacks she must search deep down to find the strength to become the strong leader her kingdom needs. This book had me feeling so many emotions. My heart broke for what Amira was going through but other times I was laughing out loud at some of the antics of the other characters. Full of some serious chemistry between the characters there were some definite hot and steamy moments.
Leaving me with some unanswered questions I couldn't wait to dive into book 2 in this series to find out what is going to happen next. - By Alisa
This story follows Princess Amira and her struggle to balance being true to her heart at the same time she is following her duty as princess. When tragedy strikes and the enemy attacks she must search deep down to find the strength to become the strong leader her kingdom needs. This book had me feeling so many emotions. My heart broke for what Amira was going through but other times I was laughing out loud at some of the antics of the other characters. Full of some serious chemistry between the characters there were some definite hot and steamy moments.
Leaving me with some unanswered questions I couldn't wait to dive into book 2 in this series to find out what is going to happen next. - By Alisa
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April 13, 2018I am gonna have to put this bad boy on the back burner for a minute or two.
I know everyone who has touched this book is basically salivating, based on the reviews, but I must say the complete change in heart with Caeden made me itchy.
One minute he is anti-Amira, the next he is crawling all over her.
I know everyone who has touched this book is basically salivating, based on the reviews, but I must say the complete change in heart with Caeden made me itchy.
One minute he is anti-Amira, the next he is crawling all over her.
May 10, 2018
I haven't read a fantasy/romance with angels and other otherworldly beings in quite some time so it was wonderful and fun to simply fall right into the story and find myself loving the characters-particularly Amira and her guard members. This story is so incredibly serious and so many lives are depending on the actions and reactions of just a few others. Yet, the reader is reminded that no matter how serious things may be, it is important to find the happy and funny moments as well. The author does such an incredible job including bits of humor that it really helps showcase the personalities of each individual character and also really display the intricacies of each relationship between the characters. I loved seeing the story and the characters grow and mature through each and every chapter and I can't wait to see what the rest of the series holds in store.
September 18, 2014
Given for an honest review.
Just wow! I'm speechless. I can't tell you enough how amazing and how good this book was. If I could give it more stars I would.
First off I loved how it got straight into the story...no pointless introduction. The author has one fab imagination. This book was out of this world.....literally. It made me swoon, laugh and cry. It also had a dark side with lots of turmoil to the story and the author knows how to write one mean Villain.
I've just added not just one book boyfriend but two to my endless list. The author knows how to write about swoony men. If my review so far hasn't persuaded you to get it, just let me tell you about the Hot protective Princesses Guards then it'll definitely make you want to one click this book. First off we have the man in charge...The swoony, sweet, protective Caeden:
"I love you. You are mine. Any responsibility you carry, I'll share the weight of I cannot carry it for you. Always."
Then we have the Broody Osmond, the stubborn Trevin, the funny, cheeky, joker of the pack ladies man Levi:
"Sweet Deity in Heaven! I adore you women. Forget about Caeden and run away with me. I'll build you a cabana on a secluded beach and we can spend the rest if our lives sparring and making beautiful babies together."
Then you have the Brotherly one Murdock and then there's Dalek.
I'll be waiting impatiently for book 2!
Just wow! I'm speechless. I can't tell you enough how amazing and how good this book was. If I could give it more stars I would.
First off I loved how it got straight into the story...no pointless introduction. The author has one fab imagination. This book was out of this world.....literally. It made me swoon, laugh and cry. It also had a dark side with lots of turmoil to the story and the author knows how to write one mean Villain.
I've just added not just one book boyfriend but two to my endless list. The author knows how to write about swoony men. If my review so far hasn't persuaded you to get it, just let me tell you about the Hot protective Princesses Guards then it'll definitely make you want to one click this book. First off we have the man in charge...The swoony, sweet, protective Caeden:
"I love you. You are mine. Any responsibility you carry, I'll share the weight of I cannot carry it for you. Always."
Then we have the Broody Osmond, the stubborn Trevin, the funny, cheeky, joker of the pack ladies man Levi:
"Sweet Deity in Heaven! I adore you women. Forget about Caeden and run away with me. I'll build you a cabana on a secluded beach and we can spend the rest if our lives sparring and making beautiful babies together."
Then you have the Brotherly one Murdock and then there's Dalek.
I'll be waiting impatiently for book 2!
December 7, 2014
Wow what a magical read!
I was given the privilege to read this book for my honest review and what a book it was, This is not my normal genre so I was excited to read something Different and Wow did V. Cantrell deliver on that.
This book had me from the first chapter and I just couldn't put it down I finished it in a day, It's well written and the storyline has been carefully planned out and This story has it all dramatic drama, twisted plot, a true catching love story and each character you saw there struggles and felt like you was part of the book.
I loved the journey we took with Amire and her role in royalty she lives on an island called Cashile which was made by the Angels and protected with a shield which with the angel, royal family and islands blood bond made it secure from the human world.
Amire she is the royal princess and one day will run the island we follow her through her struggles to be the princess the people need. She has been in love with Caedon The captain of the royal elite guards her personal protector and he feels the same but hides his feelings due to the position she holds, I really liked the characters they had great banter and I was laughing along with them. this book is exquisite and holds its own Not the normal paranormal story's I've read in the past I highly recommend this book to all and Now looking forward to the next books. ( V. Cantrell has opened my eyes to a new world of fantasy/paranormal genre )
I was given the privilege to read this book for my honest review and what a book it was, This is not my normal genre so I was excited to read something Different and Wow did V. Cantrell deliver on that.
This book had me from the first chapter and I just couldn't put it down I finished it in a day, It's well written and the storyline has been carefully planned out and This story has it all dramatic drama, twisted plot, a true catching love story and each character you saw there struggles and felt like you was part of the book.
I loved the journey we took with Amire and her role in royalty she lives on an island called Cashile which was made by the Angels and protected with a shield which with the angel, royal family and islands blood bond made it secure from the human world.
Amire she is the royal princess and one day will run the island we follow her through her struggles to be the princess the people need. She has been in love with Caedon The captain of the royal elite guards her personal protector and he feels the same but hides his feelings due to the position she holds, I really liked the characters they had great banter and I was laughing along with them. this book is exquisite and holds its own Not the normal paranormal story's I've read in the past I highly recommend this book to all and Now looking forward to the next books. ( V. Cantrell has opened my eyes to a new world of fantasy/paranormal genre )
February 4, 2015
First, let me say how awesome it is to read a paranormal book unlike anything I have ever read before. It is a whole new take on Nephilim, and their world.
I truly loved the characters in this book; they were well-thought-out and written. You get a glimpse at all the characters and their lives as you watch them deal with the situation and adapt to what needs to be done. Each character grows in his or her own way.
The Princess, Amira, is the main character, and by far my favorite. She grows throughout the entire book. At first she is a prim and proper girl, just trying to catch the eye of her crush. By the end she is her own woman, one who has done so much she hardly seems like the same girl.
The story! So original and so good. I can NOT wait for more of this story. The descriptions of the area and the people make this book really come to life. I had a hard time finishing only because I knew with every page I turned I was getting closer to the end. I didn’t want that to happen, but the way the author ended this first book was done really well.
There is no HUGE cliffhanger, but there are enough open questions to have you coming back for more!
I truly loved the characters in this book; they were well-thought-out and written. You get a glimpse at all the characters and their lives as you watch them deal with the situation and adapt to what needs to be done. Each character grows in his or her own way.
The Princess, Amira, is the main character, and by far my favorite. She grows throughout the entire book. At first she is a prim and proper girl, just trying to catch the eye of her crush. By the end she is her own woman, one who has done so much she hardly seems like the same girl.
The story! So original and so good. I can NOT wait for more of this story. The descriptions of the area and the people make this book really come to life. I had a hard time finishing only because I knew with every page I turned I was getting closer to the end. I didn’t want that to happen, but the way the author ended this first book was done really well.
There is no HUGE cliffhanger, but there are enough open questions to have you coming back for more!
August 7, 2015
Amira knows that soon it will be her duty, responsibility and honor to lead and keep her people safe. She also knows that at the time of her maturity she will be expected to name her king and consort. While many suitors come to her she already has her sights set on her Captain of the Guard, Caden. While Caden is attracted to Amira he fears that her feelings towards him are simply a girls crush and will fade so he does not allow himself to hope for more. When tragedy strikes the Kingdom and King Vadir is murdered the mantel of responsibility proves to be more than Amira can bare on her own. Through treachery and plotting she is forced into a binding not of her choosing and that in the end may well destroy all that she and her people hold dear. Can Amira with her Caden and the rest of her Royal Guard and trusted friends fix what had been done? Could Amira really find herself forever bound to the very one who wants to destroy her? Could the Angels who protected them once really have abandoned all hope in the Nephilim? What will become of them all? This story is just WOW. I was engrossed from page one and can’t wait to see what comes next.
July 22, 2014
I am reviewing this book for Abibliophobia Anonymous Book Blog.
This is an amazing read. I could not put it down. And will be patiently (well, try to be patient) waiting for the next book in this series. I am hooked on it. I am so glad I was given a chance to review this book. It's been on my TBR list since it's release. There characters are all so easy to love and connect with. Well, I loved all except for Sorin. Once you read the book, you'll understand why. I do think that he redeemed himself somewhat at the end though. Not fully, but a little bit.
Amira is the Princess of the Nephilim. She is often viewed as weak, although she is far from it. She just needs to believe in herself more. She grew so much in this book. At first she was just the naive little Princess that had a crush on the Captain of the Royal Guard, Caeden.
Caeden is an awesome character and I loved how the story line went with him.
This is definitely a series that I will continue to read. You won't be disappointed with this book, I promise.
This is an amazing read. I could not put it down. And will be patiently (well, try to be patient) waiting for the next book in this series. I am hooked on it. I am so glad I was given a chance to review this book. It's been on my TBR list since it's release. There characters are all so easy to love and connect with. Well, I loved all except for Sorin. Once you read the book, you'll understand why. I do think that he redeemed himself somewhat at the end though. Not fully, but a little bit.
Amira is the Princess of the Nephilim. She is often viewed as weak, although she is far from it. She just needs to believe in herself more. She grew so much in this book. At first she was just the naive little Princess that had a crush on the Captain of the Royal Guard, Caeden.
Caeden is an awesome character and I loved how the story line went with him.
This is definitely a series that I will continue to read. You won't be disappointed with this book, I promise.
June 16, 2014
I loved this book. It's so hard to find paranormal romance that isn't completely off the wall and so hard to follow because the author has created some alternate universe. Yes, V. Cantrell has created an alternate universe but it's more of one that is separated from the human world making it easy to dive into the Nephelim's world. I loved the characters and twisting plot. The romance was intertwined with an actual plot! As soon as I finished the book, I found the author on FB to ask her when the next book would be out in the series. V. Cantrell has a very promising future as an author - I can't wait for her to release more.
June 19, 2014
Amira and her journey took me by surprise and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I have to thank V. Cantrell for writing this book. I loved the world she created around Amira. The characters had depth, the storyline took off and kept me turning the pages. I love to root for the good guys to win. And Ms. Cantrell's writing kept me cheering on the characters. The dialogue had a touch of humor at the right moments, which is always a good thing for me. Most of all, her words showed the story to me. Fantastic imagery.
I look forward to the next book in this series and highly, highly recommend Divine Merit.
I have to thank V. Cantrell for writing this book. I loved the world she created around Amira. The characters had depth, the storyline took off and kept me turning the pages. I love to root for the good guys to win. And Ms. Cantrell's writing kept me cheering on the characters. The dialogue had a touch of humor at the right moments, which is always a good thing for me. Most of all, her words showed the story to me. Fantastic imagery.
I look forward to the next book in this series and highly, highly recommend Divine Merit.
September 29, 2014
Not my normal genre at all, but this was suggested to me by my mother in-law who knows the author. Typical fairy tale, princess wanting to do good, evil guy trying to gain power, handsome guard going to save the day. The pieces that made this different than a traditional fairy tale is Princess Amira is a strong young woman, wanting to take care of things on her own. She goes to her guard for training so she can do so. Also, her father is okay with her being in love with a guard even though it doesn't fall traditional patterns of "who" a princess should marry.
January 31, 2016
I am a huge fan of paranormal and anything to do with Nephilim; Devine Merit was exactly what I was looking for.
Princess Amira's turn around in this book was pretty incredible, she started so demure and innocent and in the end she grew into this amazing self assured girl. Loved her.
I was swept up in her journey in this world V. Cantrell created with such vivid detail, I felt like I was there. I was left wanting more but there was no huge painful cliffhanger.
All in all it was paranormal perfection. I adored it. It has it all adventure, love & laughs.
Princess Amira's turn around in this book was pretty incredible, she started so demure and innocent and in the end she grew into this amazing self assured girl. Loved her.
I was swept up in her journey in this world V. Cantrell created with such vivid detail, I felt like I was there. I was left wanting more but there was no huge painful cliffhanger.
All in all it was paranormal perfection. I adored it. It has it all adventure, love & laughs.
April 9, 2016
Divine Merit will draw you in from the very first page, and when you reach the end.... you will want to start over. I loved this book! Amira is a Princess and she has to fight to keep her place in the world when she has a surprise thrown at her.
She has Caeden’s support and Valor on her side, but I think they each prove to be the others weakness.
I have read about Nephilim before but not like this! Loved reading about their world and inner ways, the world building was perfect. I can't wait to read more!
~Dowie
She has Caeden’s support and Valor on her side, but I think they each prove to be the others weakness.
I have read about Nephilim before but not like this! Loved reading about their world and inner ways, the world building was perfect. I can't wait to read more!
~Dowie
August 5, 2014
I received an ecopy of Divine Merit in exchange for an honest review.
Wow…simply wow….or rather not so simply. This book was amazing! Many books take a few chapters to suck you in, if they ever are able to do that, but this one will get you from the start….Chapter 1 will grab you by the cheeks and pull your nose all the way in until you just can’t get out! I mean it’s that good!!!!
I have never read anything by Cantrell before but I know I will be looking for all the books now!!!!
Wow…simply wow….or rather not so simply. This book was amazing! Many books take a few chapters to suck you in, if they ever are able to do that, but this one will get you from the start….Chapter 1 will grab you by the cheeks and pull your nose all the way in until you just can’t get out! I mean it’s that good!!!!
I have never read anything by Cantrell before but I know I will be looking for all the books now!!!!
August 5, 2014
I received an ecopy of Divine Merit in exchange for an honest review.
Wow…simply wow….or rather not so simply. This book was amazing! Many books take a few chapters to suck you in, if they ever are able to do that, but this one will get you from the start….Chapter 1 will grab you by the cheeks and pull your nose all the way in until you just can’t get out! I mean it’s that good!!!!
I have never read anything by Cantrell before but I know I will be looking for all the books now!!!!
Wow…simply wow….or rather not so simply. This book was amazing! Many books take a few chapters to suck you in, if they ever are able to do that, but this one will get you from the start….Chapter 1 will grab you by the cheeks and pull your nose all the way in until you just can’t get out! I mean it’s that good!!!!
I have never read anything by Cantrell before but I know I will be looking for all the books now!!!!
May 6, 2014
I enjoyed the pace, character development and curve ball V Cantrell adds into the mix! I found myself getting very worked up over the course of Divine Merit which included a whole list of emotions. Caeden and Amira are two of the many wonderful characters brought to life by the writings of V Cantrell which I am eager to see more of!!!!
August 9, 2015
I LOVED THIS BOOK FROM START TO FINISH. AMIRA SUFFERS A HEARTACHE AND DEVASTATING OCCURANCE THAT MAKES HER HAVE TO GROW UP BEFORE HER TIME. SHE IS A STRONG FEMALE AND PROVES THIS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. I LOVE THAT CAEDEN FINALLY ACTED ON HIS FEELINGS. WELL WRITTEN AND CANT WAIT FOR MORE.
June 14, 2014
I loved it couldn't put it down left me wanting more can't wait for book 2
April 25, 2014
Review to come. :)
June 28, 2014
Great first book from Virginia! The world she creates is one I want to get lost in.
I can't wait for the second part of this series.
I can't wait for the second part of this series.
November 24, 2014
Amira's Journey Took Me By Surprise And Kept Me On The Edge Of My Seat! I Loved It!
May 2, 2018
I love a good 'ole paranormal romance book and reading the blurb to this I thought it would be great. I got hooked from page one but then it slowly got boring and predictable.
Princess is in love with someone she shouldn't want, tragic even occurs, bad person comes and does terrible things. The good people win and the Princess ends up with her love.
Even though it was quite predictable, I did enjoy it. I found myself wanting to read more, to find out where the story would go.
I have to say I couldn't connect to the characters which I think greatly effected my feelings reading the book. Amira was a Princess that everyone saw as young and naive and half the time she was. Going off and doing stupid things. She did grow throughout the book, but I just didn't like the way she was.
She had this need to prove herself and to be it only made her seem more immature.
While I liked the Royal Guard and some of the men had me laughing, I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like Caedean. He just didn't connect with me.
I'm interested to read the next book to see where the author will take the story.
Princess is in love with someone she shouldn't want, tragic even occurs, bad person comes and does terrible things. The good people win and the Princess ends up with her love.
Even though it was quite predictable, I did enjoy it. I found myself wanting to read more, to find out where the story would go.
I have to say I couldn't connect to the characters which I think greatly effected my feelings reading the book. Amira was a Princess that everyone saw as young and naive and half the time she was. Going off and doing stupid things. She did grow throughout the book, but I just didn't like the way she was.
She had this need to prove herself and to be it only made her seem more immature.
While I liked the Royal Guard and some of the men had me laughing, I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like Caedean. He just didn't connect with me.
I'm interested to read the next book to see where the author will take the story.
March 31, 2018
Breath taking characters, great story, and the magic of an author that captured my attention immediately, this gets 5 stars. I could not put it down, I had to know what happened next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews