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The Last Lady of Albessind: Tales of Riardan Book 1
Struggling artist Eva Milaras is buying groceries when a bomb blast tears the store apart. A handsome man with mysterious powers saves her life, treats her like royalty, then stuffs her into a limo without a steering wheel.
Caught in a deadly web of magic and intrigue, Eva inherits an aristocratic legacy she didn’t know about and doesn't want – her murdered mother’s genetic resistance to magic. It might mean death for her, too.
Trapped in a strange world with Talak as her only ally, she has to survive the deadly schemes of her newfound relatives as they maneuver for advantage in a royal court where murder is ambition’s favorite solution.
As a magician bound in service to the throne of Riardan, Talak was charged with Eva's protection. He fell in love with Eva long before he saved her life, but he knows his love is hopeless. She must marry a man from a royal bloodline and produce magic-resistant heirs, and he is duty-bound to protect her until she marries—regardless of his torn heart.
Together the star-crossed lovers must survive intrigue and betrayal, only to discover they must choose between letting go of each other or certain death for treason.
That’s a choice Eva refuses to make.
This book was previously published under the title Blood Royal. It has been edited and the ending changed in order to initiate the series Tales of Riardan.
“…a novel that is not only gentle and loving but also intense, fast-paced and suspenseful. The author's prose is smooth and elegant, an unexpected pleasure that raises it above the usual fare.” –Marjorie Reynolds, author of Starlite Drive-in
“Suspense with heart… Eva, the reluctant heroine and Talak, her noble guardian, make a marvelous duo in this world of magic and intrigue.” –Amazon Reviewer
Caught in a deadly web of magic and intrigue, Eva inherits an aristocratic legacy she didn’t know about and doesn't want – her murdered mother’s genetic resistance to magic. It might mean death for her, too.
Trapped in a strange world with Talak as her only ally, she has to survive the deadly schemes of her newfound relatives as they maneuver for advantage in a royal court where murder is ambition’s favorite solution.
As a magician bound in service to the throne of Riardan, Talak was charged with Eva's protection. He fell in love with Eva long before he saved her life, but he knows his love is hopeless. She must marry a man from a royal bloodline and produce magic-resistant heirs, and he is duty-bound to protect her until she marries—regardless of his torn heart.
Together the star-crossed lovers must survive intrigue and betrayal, only to discover they must choose between letting go of each other or certain death for treason.
That’s a choice Eva refuses to make.
This book was previously published under the title Blood Royal. It has been edited and the ending changed in order to initiate the series Tales of Riardan.
“…a novel that is not only gentle and loving but also intense, fast-paced and suspenseful. The author's prose is smooth and elegant, an unexpected pleasure that raises it above the usual fare.” –Marjorie Reynolds, author of Starlite Drive-in
“Suspense with heart… Eva, the reluctant heroine and Talak, her noble guardian, make a marvelous duo in this world of magic and intrigue.” –Amazon Reviewer
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2025
About the author
Lloyd A. Meeker
16 books57 followersHaving led what can only be described as an irregular life, Lloyd A. Meeker can honestly say he’s grateful for all of it, and he’s got stories to tell.
Born and raised in an intentional community in rural Colorado, he’s been a minister, a light aircraft pilot, an office worker, a janitor, a drinker, and a software developer on his way to writing novels. A Dodgers fan and three-time cancer survivor, he’s practiced and taught subtle energy healing all his adult life. He’s sung in church and rainbow choirs, and currently channels his passion for music into learning the octave mandolin. He and his husband met in 2002, and live in Montpellier, France.
His titles include Traveling Light, Russ Morgan, PI, and Stone and Shell. His novel The Companion was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.
Meeker's novel The Companion was named a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.
He is also the author of the titles Blood and Dirt, Traveling Light, Enigma, Blood Royal, and A Cape of Good Hope Christmas.
Born and raised in an intentional community in rural Colorado, he’s been a minister, a light aircraft pilot, an office worker, a janitor, a drinker, and a software developer on his way to writing novels. A Dodgers fan and three-time cancer survivor, he’s practiced and taught subtle energy healing all his adult life. He’s sung in church and rainbow choirs, and currently channels his passion for music into learning the octave mandolin. He and his husband met in 2002, and live in Montpellier, France.
His titles include Traveling Light, Russ Morgan, PI, and Stone and Shell. His novel The Companion was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.
Meeker's novel The Companion was named a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.
He is also the author of the titles Blood and Dirt, Traveling Light, Enigma, Blood Royal, and A Cape of Good Hope Christmas.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 31, 2025
fun and engaging
I was surprised at how quickly I was pulled into intrigue, murder, and mayhem. Such a fun adventure. Thank you for Eva, Talak, and all the other wonderful characters I have come to meet. Looking forward to part 2.
I was surprised at how quickly I was pulled into intrigue, murder, and mayhem. Such a fun adventure. Thank you for Eva, Talak, and all the other wonderful characters I have come to meet. Looking forward to part 2.
March 7, 2025
A truly lovely story that reminded me very much of a classic fairy tale - but one you've never heard of. Almost like a retelling: brought up to date and re-envisioned. The world the author creates is enchanting, as is the protagonist's story.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews