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Kingdom Curses #1
The Heart of the Kingdom
All Cenric wanted was a necklace to gift to his lady love, in the hopes it might persuade her to actually become his lady love. Instead of love, however, Cenric is informed of her engagement to someone else, wakes up to find his house burning down around him, and is dragged away by a man who might have saved him, but won't say much about why one necklace has Cenric running away from someone willing to kill to get it back.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2014
6 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Sasha L. Miller
59 books231 followersSasha L. Miller spends most of her time writing, reading, or playing with all things website design. She loves telling stories, especially romance, because there’s nothing better than giving people their happily ever afters. When not writing, she spends time cooking, harassing her roommates, and playing with her cats.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 22, 2014
A somewhat interesting read. It was intriguing at time but boring in the other. I am not sure if it was the pacing or the plot but I wasn't as invested for the MCs as I could have been.
Something was missing and I am not sure what it was... Maybe it wasn't what I thought it would be? The fun factor that I sort of expect wasn't quite there... Cenric
I lost interest a few time reading this book. I felt that it could have been better if it was better edited and perhaps more brainstorming on what and how and why.
Something was missing and I am not sure what it was... Maybe it wasn't what I thought it would be? The fun factor that I sort of expect wasn't quite there... Cenric
I lost interest a few time reading this book. I felt that it could have been better if it was better edited and perhaps more brainstorming on what and how and why.
May 24, 2018
Not the worst not the best. As a whole not a very engaging book, had some good parts but I found myself just skimming at others to reach the end. The world and characters a little stale.
December 7, 2014
B+
I had so much fun with this story. A journey into a world of magic, quests, rescue missions, curses, dwarves, elves, secrets, betrayals, family, friendships, discovery, intrigue, and two men falling in love.
The story is told in two parts from each main character’s perspective. Cenric and Rylan seem like such opposites when they first meet, but they quickly discover that they share everything they value in common.
Part One is told from Cenric’s perspective. He is shy, sweet, smart and lonely. He lives a simple life in a small town and is completely unprepared for the twist of fate one simple purchase creates. He loses everything only to gain more than he could ever have dreamed of hoping for.
Cenric is in way over his head but he remains a sweet and caring man who keeps his sense of humor and gains courage and confidence as he faces obstacles, challenges and serious threats.
Part Two is told from Rylan’s perspective. He is so much fun. He’s impatient and impetuous, strong and brave, a warrior with a joke and a smile. There is something so charming about him. He has a hard time standing still or holding back, always wanting to be in the thick of the battle or adventure.
What he thought would be a difficult mission quickly turns into a complicated and life altering journey. He can’t help but want to help Cenric any more that he can keep from falling for him.
I liked Cenric and Rylan, they’re good men who always try to do the right thing. They seem to be very different on the surface, but they share the same values. I always enjoy the shy and awkward guy whose love interest can’t help falling in love with him. Add in the whole brash tough guy who worries he’s not good enough and this is a great little love story to go along with all of the magic adventure.
Stories where both characters grow and become stronger for the love and sacrifices that they make as they fall in love are always a favorite of mine. These men save each other and are willing to become the best versions of themselves. There is never any hesitation or doubt that they will make the right decision or that they belong together.
A fantastic start to a new series that I am looking forward to following, with new stories of action, adventure, magic, romance, family, world building, sweet love and a whole lot of fun.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
I had so much fun with this story. A journey into a world of magic, quests, rescue missions, curses, dwarves, elves, secrets, betrayals, family, friendships, discovery, intrigue, and two men falling in love.
The story is told in two parts from each main character’s perspective. Cenric and Rylan seem like such opposites when they first meet, but they quickly discover that they share everything they value in common.
Part One is told from Cenric’s perspective. He is shy, sweet, smart and lonely. He lives a simple life in a small town and is completely unprepared for the twist of fate one simple purchase creates. He loses everything only to gain more than he could ever have dreamed of hoping for.
Cenric is in way over his head but he remains a sweet and caring man who keeps his sense of humor and gains courage and confidence as he faces obstacles, challenges and serious threats.
Part Two is told from Rylan’s perspective. He is so much fun. He’s impatient and impetuous, strong and brave, a warrior with a joke and a smile. There is something so charming about him. He has a hard time standing still or holding back, always wanting to be in the thick of the battle or adventure.
What he thought would be a difficult mission quickly turns into a complicated and life altering journey. He can’t help but want to help Cenric any more that he can keep from falling for him.
I liked Cenric and Rylan, they’re good men who always try to do the right thing. They seem to be very different on the surface, but they share the same values. I always enjoy the shy and awkward guy whose love interest can’t help falling in love with him. Add in the whole brash tough guy who worries he’s not good enough and this is a great little love story to go along with all of the magic adventure.
Stories where both characters grow and become stronger for the love and sacrifices that they make as they fall in love are always a favorite of mine. These men save each other and are willing to become the best versions of themselves. There is never any hesitation or doubt that they will make the right decision or that they belong together.
A fantastic start to a new series that I am looking forward to following, with new stories of action, adventure, magic, romance, family, world building, sweet love and a whole lot of fun.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
December 7, 2014
I can not say much about story plot or rather I am to lazy to write about it. I just know that I was pulled into the story from the start and it was really interesting to read about main character Cenric for half or the story.
His adventures where really pulling and great to read till he got to the main capital and the palace. From that part on it got boring and uninterested.
So it was okay reading material but it could be better.
His adventures where really pulling and great to read till he got to the main capital and the palace. From that part on it got boring and uninterested.
So it was okay reading material but it could be better.
Read
February 8, 2016I'll read the next one, most likely, when/if it comes out.
November 22, 2017
If magicpunk ever becomes a genre, 'The Heart of the Kingdom' can definitely be considered one of its precursors. The world it describes relies on a magic based technology, the mixture of new and old is eclectic, and the discovery of the universe and its peculiarities gradual. It starts as a fantasy work, and for some the progress into the more urban setting of the book might be jarring at first, so it takes some getting used to. Even so, the mystery plot doesn't have an immediate and obvious solution, while the romance side is as satisfying as expected. Its sequel 'The Northern Heart' is even more interesting! A nice engaging read for long travels.
May 26, 2017
Great read... could have been a little more paced through out. It sort of sped through areas that could have been expanded on to create settings and context (world building).
Otherwise this is a great story that has some great characters.
Otherwise this is a great story that has some great characters.
January 23, 2019
This was cute, but I found it hard to get into. POV switch halfway through made it harder to connect with the characters. I liked the world, but just didn't get drawn in.
January 7, 2018
it was ok, but it wasn’t as interesting as it could be
November 2, 2014
4.5 star review by Dan
This is the kind of book that I love to read. Small town boy makes a simple choice which drastically alters his reality. When Cenric buys a necklace for the girl he has a crush on from Nick the Tinker, the last things he expects are within a few hours; to find out the girl is already engaged; to have his house burn to the ground; to be rescued by a mysterious stranger; and to go on the run from some creepy “shadow” thing.
And that’s all in the first few pages! The mysterious stranger, known only as “Hunter” saves Cenric, but is where they’re heading any better? Cenric is a Scribe, he isn’t used to running through the dark woods at night with no shoes and no light! What follows is an adventure involving magic, curses, dwarves, elves and the country’s royal family. Along the way Cenric discovers things about himself and finds out the real name of “Hunter”, plus finds out things about his mother’s past before she came to their village.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and was watching the percentage left on my kindle nervously as it got towards the end. I didn’t want the story to end. Would Cenric find someone to replace the girl in the village? Would he get his first real kiss? Both questions which were answered happily before the end of the book!
When I finished the book, I immediately wanted more. Happily for me, and you once you’ve read this book, the author’s blog states that the sequel was 90% roughed out in August. Hopefully it will be released soon, because I for one will be waiting anxiously! I’m rating this book a 4.5, meaning I loved it and recommend it. Hopefully the next book picks up right where this one left off!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This is the kind of book that I love to read. Small town boy makes a simple choice which drastically alters his reality. When Cenric buys a necklace for the girl he has a crush on from Nick the Tinker, the last things he expects are within a few hours; to find out the girl is already engaged; to have his house burn to the ground; to be rescued by a mysterious stranger; and to go on the run from some creepy “shadow” thing.
And that’s all in the first few pages! The mysterious stranger, known only as “Hunter” saves Cenric, but is where they’re heading any better? Cenric is a Scribe, he isn’t used to running through the dark woods at night with no shoes and no light! What follows is an adventure involving magic, curses, dwarves, elves and the country’s royal family. Along the way Cenric discovers things about himself and finds out the real name of “Hunter”, plus finds out things about his mother’s past before she came to their village.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and was watching the percentage left on my kindle nervously as it got towards the end. I didn’t want the story to end. Would Cenric find someone to replace the girl in the village? Would he get his first real kiss? Both questions which were answered happily before the end of the book!
When I finished the book, I immediately wanted more. Happily for me, and you once you’ve read this book, the author’s blog states that the sequel was 90% roughed out in August. Hopefully it will be released soon, because I for one will be waiting anxiously! I’m rating this book a 4.5, meaning I loved it and recommend it. Hopefully the next book picks up right where this one left off!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
December 6, 2014
4.25 stars. Cenric, a lowly scribe in a small village, believes this is his lucky day. He’s about to propose to the girl he’s fancied since they were both children, and he even has a special trinket for the lovely lass. But… the day turns out to be the worst in his life. The girl is engaged to someone else, his house burns down, and a monstrous shadow is chasing him. To his aid comes a mysterious magic-wielding stranger, Rylan, who knows far more than he’s telling and who seems to know his way around the wilderness. Cenric’s journey takes him through wild country to the halls of the palace, all because of a trinket, two coppers worth. And it turns out no place is safe—for either of them.
This story starts out with a bang! I was immediately drawn in, the immersion total and complete. The world-building is done subtlely, with scarce few details dropped here and there. It’s as though we are Cenric, an ignorant scribe from a tiny village, who learns about a huge world beyond the boundaries of safety. That was a good call by Miller as it inspired wanting to learn more and to keep reading. Slowly we discover the rest of the world, how dwarf clans are at war, or how elves lurk in the shadows wanting to claim magic from the kingdom, and so on. There’s also political intrigue, as nations collide in games of subterfuge, played by spies and hunters.
Part 1 is told from Cenric’s point of view, part 2 from Rylan’s. That wasn’t necessarily the best way to approach, since at times I felt a certain scene would have made more sense or opened up better had the other person been the POV character. In the palace especially I longed to hear what Cenric thought about it all.
Full Review at Joyfully Jay
This story starts out with a bang! I was immediately drawn in, the immersion total and complete. The world-building is done subtlely, with scarce few details dropped here and there. It’s as though we are Cenric, an ignorant scribe from a tiny village, who learns about a huge world beyond the boundaries of safety. That was a good call by Miller as it inspired wanting to learn more and to keep reading. Slowly we discover the rest of the world, how dwarf clans are at war, or how elves lurk in the shadows wanting to claim magic from the kingdom, and so on. There’s also political intrigue, as nations collide in games of subterfuge, played by spies and hunters.
Part 1 is told from Cenric’s point of view, part 2 from Rylan’s. That wasn’t necessarily the best way to approach, since at times I felt a certain scene would have made more sense or opened up better had the other person been the POV character. In the palace especially I longed to hear what Cenric thought about it all.
Full Review at Joyfully Jay
December 5, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
This story starts out with a bang! I was immediately drawn in, the immersion total and complete. The world-building is done subtlely, with scarce few details dropped here and there. It’s as though we are Cenric, an ignorant scribe from a tiny village, who learns about a huge world beyond the boundaries of safety. That was a good call by Miller as it inspired wanting to learn more and to keep reading. Slowly we discover the rest of the world, how dwarf clans are at war, or how elves lurk in the shadows wanting to claim magic from the kingdom, and so on. There’s also political intrigue, as nations collide in games of subterfuge, played by spies and hunters.
Part 1 is told from Cenric’s point of view, part 2 from Rylan’s. That wasn’t necessarily the best way to approach, since at times I felt a certain scene would have made more sense or opened up better had the other person been the POV character. In the palace especially I longed to hear what Cenric thought about it all.
Read Susan’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
This story starts out with a bang! I was immediately drawn in, the immersion total and complete. The world-building is done subtlely, with scarce few details dropped here and there. It’s as though we are Cenric, an ignorant scribe from a tiny village, who learns about a huge world beyond the boundaries of safety. That was a good call by Miller as it inspired wanting to learn more and to keep reading. Slowly we discover the rest of the world, how dwarf clans are at war, or how elves lurk in the shadows wanting to claim magic from the kingdom, and so on. There’s also political intrigue, as nations collide in games of subterfuge, played by spies and hunters.
Part 1 is told from Cenric’s point of view, part 2 from Rylan’s. That wasn’t necessarily the best way to approach, since at times I felt a certain scene would have made more sense or opened up better had the other person been the POV character. In the palace especially I longed to hear what Cenric thought about it all.
Read Susan’s review in its entirety here.
April 24, 2015
Part one of the book really lovely, and I could understand why Cenric have a crush on Rylan. So when I reach part two and the story switch to Rylan's POV, I thought it's a great because that's mean I would know what Rylan think about Cenric, why Rylan like him and what make Cenric special (or at least what make the author choose him to be our main character).
I was so wrong.
Cenric become plain. Annoyed. No better than FMCs in some bad YA. Near the end of the book, I really want to bang my head agains a wall and get rid of the story as fast as possible. In the end, I just wish the author stick with Cenric's POV and use the fact he was a scribble for something.
Argh, I really miss our seven dwaft.
I was so wrong.
Cenric become plain. Annoyed. No better than FMCs in some bad YA. Near the end of the book, I really want to bang my head agains a wall and get rid of the story as fast as possible. In the end, I just wish the author stick with Cenric's POV and use the fact he was a scribble for something.
Argh, I really miss our seven dwaft.
January 19, 2017
It was really good, with an awesome plot and universe!
The characters are easy to love, and I have a special affection for the side characters, especially the dwarves and the old queen (like, first time I read about a woman older than 70 but still able to like, act, and who is not only the funny crazy old woman giving weird advice to the main character)
A very good read, I would love seeing more of those characters and this universe
The characters are easy to love, and I have a special affection for the side characters, especially the dwarves and the old queen (like, first time I read about a woman older than 70 but still able to like, act, and who is not only the funny crazy old woman giving weird advice to the main character)
A very good read, I would love seeing more of those characters and this universe
January 7, 2017
From Magnolia Reviews: Four Petals
I really enjoyed rereading this story in preparation for the next book's arrival. The plot is very interesting in the way it ties fairy tales into the drama, but I felt the ending was a little weak. I do recommend this book and am absolutely looking forward to the next one.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
I really enjoyed rereading this story in preparation for the next book's arrival. The plot is very interesting in the way it ties fairy tales into the drama, but I felt the ending was a little weak. I do recommend this book and am absolutely looking forward to the next one.
Read the full review on Maggie's website: http://magnoliareviews.weebly.com/rev...
March 9, 2015
Solid Storytelling
Four stars because I kept turning pages, as it were, till the end. The dialogue threw me a bit because of the modern day idioms, but overall, this was a satisfying read. The characterization was decent, the plot kept me guessing, and the ancillary characters were mostly three-dimensional. The main characters grew on me. I'll definitely be back for sequels.
Four stars because I kept turning pages, as it were, till the end. The dialogue threw me a bit because of the modern day idioms, but overall, this was a satisfying read. The characterization was decent, the plot kept me guessing, and the ancillary characters were mostly three-dimensional. The main characters grew on me. I'll definitely be back for sequels.
July 3, 2015
A lovely sequel to Snow White... about 60 years past Snow White regaining the throne (her real name is Locadia) and the world is still full of magic, dwarves and elves. Cenric gains a heart then loses part of it to a handsome huntsman. A very sweet m/m romance that I thoroughly enjoyed
August 22, 2015
Stuck on a plot point that never went anywhere. What was the secret alluded too after he woke up the first time? I hate it when authors do things like that. Or would it be more accurate to say that I hate it when editors don't catch everything they should?
December 2, 2014
3.4 stars.
December 16, 2015
The Heart of the Kingdom (The Kingdom Curses #1) by Sasha L. Miller: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
November 6, 2016
The story was... kind of dry (I can't think of any more description).
Maybe because there wasn't anything exciting about it.
Maybe because there wasn't anything exciting about it.
April 3, 2017
What started out as a possible fish out of water story with Cenric discovering his heritage soon turns into a story about his rescuer and his attempts to keep the royal family safe from an incursion of outside forces. I found this shift annoying rather than confusing, because, honestly, I wanted to know how Cenric was dealing with a new environment. I wonder if Ms. Miller intended that originally or if the story just took itself in a very different direction from it origin point?
April 8, 2017
2nd time around to reading this and I found I only remember about a third of the book from my first reading. I really don't have much to say except that Cenric and Hunter/ Rylan were interesting characters. The plot was interesting. I would have like more world building details and a bit more wow factor. Otherwise a good read to pass the time.
Cenric and Rylan's relationship felt a bit rushed to me. The idea that they had affections for each other was very subtle almost too subtle.
Cenric and Rylan's relationship felt a bit rushed to me. The idea that they had affections for each other was very subtle almost too subtle.
May 28, 2017
Fun little adventure. It was just what I was in the mood for.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews