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Hearts of ICARUS #2
Tani's Destiny
Even in the 26th Century, a trip to an exotic location is a good way to celebrate a university graduation. But, if Princess Tanjelia Dracon (known as “Tani”) the youngest daughter of the former Lariah Daniels and the Dracon High Princes of Jasan, had planned that kind of vacation, she would almost certainly have left out abduction, pursuit by killer cybernetic clones, and having as her destination the desolate, nearly lifeless mining world of Garza. On the other hand, given a choice, she might very well have included in her plans the well-sculpted, powerfully charismatic, and swoon-makingly sexy Ghanzorig “Steel” Khaan, king of Garza’s people, the Khun.
And, although it’s true that people generally like to keep busy on their vacations, but it’s a good bet that Tani would have picked sharpening her already deadly martial arts skills over struggling to save the Khun from extinction caused by exploitation by evil liquid metal miners, using her new-found healing skills to provide them with much needed medical care, teaching the art of war to their men and women, and joining their fight for freedom.
Romance, on the other hand, is always welcome. Tani and Steel have a chance for just that, if only their tempers don’t get in the way, and if only a new-found force inside Tani that threatens to erupt dangerously every time she gets angry doesn’t destroy her efforts to help the Khun, and her chance at love. Surprises, too, are generally good things on this kind of journey, and there are plenty in store for Tani, as she finds that her special gifts and her shifter Dracon heritage may be the magical key to unlocking Garza’s ancient secret, saving its people, and giving their world a rebirth of hope and freedom.
Tani’s Destiny is the newest addition to Laura Jo Phillips’ “Hearts of Icarus” series, a continuation of the story begun in the “Soul Linked Saga,” told the way Laura Jo’s fans expect and love, with plenty of romance, adventure, danger, emotional highs and lows, and—as always—plenty of spicy sensuality and eroticism to heat things up. It is a full-length 107,700 word novel, the second in the “Hearts of Icarus” series, set in the Thousand Worlds.
And, although it’s true that people generally like to keep busy on their vacations, but it’s a good bet that Tani would have picked sharpening her already deadly martial arts skills over struggling to save the Khun from extinction caused by exploitation by evil liquid metal miners, using her new-found healing skills to provide them with much needed medical care, teaching the art of war to their men and women, and joining their fight for freedom.
Romance, on the other hand, is always welcome. Tani and Steel have a chance for just that, if only their tempers don’t get in the way, and if only a new-found force inside Tani that threatens to erupt dangerously every time she gets angry doesn’t destroy her efforts to help the Khun, and her chance at love. Surprises, too, are generally good things on this kind of journey, and there are plenty in store for Tani, as she finds that her special gifts and her shifter Dracon heritage may be the magical key to unlocking Garza’s ancient secret, saving its people, and giving their world a rebirth of hope and freedom.
Tani’s Destiny is the newest addition to Laura Jo Phillips’ “Hearts of Icarus” series, a continuation of the story begun in the “Soul Linked Saga,” told the way Laura Jo’s fans expect and love, with plenty of romance, adventure, danger, emotional highs and lows, and—as always—plenty of spicy sensuality and eroticism to heat things up. It is a full-length 107,700 word novel, the second in the “Hearts of Icarus” series, set in the Thousand Worlds.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2014
41 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Laura Jo Phillips
31 books147 followersLaura Jo Phillips is the Amazon best selling author of the genre-busting "Soul-Linked Saga" series of Fantasy/Romance/Adult/Science Fiction novels, and of the "Orbs of Rathira" trilogy, the the first volume of which was released in August 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 2, 2014
This is the second installment of the "Hearts of ICARUS" series which is a spin off from the "The Soul-Linked Saga" series. This installment can be read as a standalone though there are mentions and cameo appearances of characters from the above mentioned series.
The plot premise follows a race of beings (who do shapeshift) that live on the planet Garza seeking out the help of Princess Tanjelia Dracon (daughter of Jasan royalty). They are desperate as they have sought help from ICARUS and all but been ignored. Ghanzorig “Steel” Khaan, Garza’s king, as a last resort to save the few people left on his planet, seeks out Tani to ask her to intervene with her parents for help. Alas, circumstances arise that force Steel to bring Tani to his home world where she sees first hand the devastation that has all but decimated the planet and people.
* * *
Love the author and love her books. That fantasy feel alternate universe of shapeshifter alpha warrior males are written in such a way that I have this author on autobuy status. The spin off series from the 'Soul-Linked Saga' has been hit or miss for me however.
I really appreciated this book's storyline and the constant angst that prevailed. The addition of a little mystery and suspense factor elevated my interest. If only the main characters would have worked (for me) I would have rated this book a five star and call it a home run.
My own opinion is that Steel is in the top ten of all time least liked characters I've ever read. IMHO I would have been ok if his personality was just irksome or that he was in a no win situation and HAD to make hard decisions that I may not have agreed with. Unfortunately he was worse. He was a character I just couldn't respect. In so many ways. At one point I was so ready to trash this book because of his total disregard and lack of decency for his own people AND especially Tani.
As for the romance between Tani and Steel. Fantasy fairy tale romance in a dystopian world setting. There are a few teasingly borderline adult content scenes between the two but otherwise safe for one and all to read without worry of getting too graphic. My issue though is that the two were just too 'nice' with a lot of please and thank you that seemed forced if I was to believe this was a real evolving relationship under the circumstances. Maybe if Steel had been a little more Han Solo in rebellion mode I would have been more on board.
The action adventure scenes did come with their own high octane excitement. I appreciated those portions of this story as the subplot 'who done it' factor played out. There are two epilogue endings that do bridge future installments in providing teaser information while pulling the ending of THIS installment to completion.
I'm on the fence about whether to recommend this book. It IS a fun fantasy read featuring Dragon and Gargoyle type Shapeshifters. That in itself made this worth reading. I guess over and above that is whether a reader is looking for a realistic survival mode rebellion 'kill or be killed'atmosphere romance or a fantasy Princess/King fairy tale romance.
The plot premise follows a race of beings (who do shapeshift) that live on the planet Garza seeking out the help of Princess Tanjelia Dracon (daughter of Jasan royalty). They are desperate as they have sought help from ICARUS and all but been ignored. Ghanzorig “Steel” Khaan, Garza’s king, as a last resort to save the few people left on his planet, seeks out Tani to ask her to intervene with her parents for help. Alas, circumstances arise that force Steel to bring Tani to his home world where she sees first hand the devastation that has all but decimated the planet and people.
* * *
Love the author and love her books. That fantasy feel alternate universe of shapeshifter alpha warrior males are written in such a way that I have this author on autobuy status. The spin off series from the 'Soul-Linked Saga' has been hit or miss for me however.
I really appreciated this book's storyline and the constant angst that prevailed. The addition of a little mystery and suspense factor elevated my interest. If only the main characters would have worked (for me) I would have rated this book a five star and call it a home run.
My own opinion is that Steel is in the top ten of all time least liked characters I've ever read. IMHO I would have been ok if his personality was just irksome or that he was in a no win situation and HAD to make hard decisions that I may not have agreed with. Unfortunately he was worse. He was a character I just couldn't respect. In so many ways. At one point I was so ready to trash this book because of his total disregard and lack of decency for his own people AND especially Tani.
As for the romance between Tani and Steel. Fantasy fairy tale romance in a dystopian world setting. There are a few teasingly borderline adult content scenes between the two but otherwise safe for one and all to read without worry of getting too graphic. My issue though is that the two were just too 'nice' with a lot of please and thank you that seemed forced if I was to believe this was a real evolving relationship under the circumstances. Maybe if Steel had been a little more Han Solo in rebellion mode I would have been more on board.
The action adventure scenes did come with their own high octane excitement. I appreciated those portions of this story as the subplot 'who done it' factor played out. There are two epilogue endings that do bridge future installments in providing teaser information while pulling the ending of THIS installment to completion.
I'm on the fence about whether to recommend this book. It IS a fun fantasy read featuring Dragon and Gargoyle type Shapeshifters. That in itself made this worth reading. I guess over and above that is whether a reader is looking for a realistic survival mode rebellion 'kill or be killed'atmosphere romance or a fantasy Princess/King fairy tale romance.
May 27, 2021
Good as ever
I really enjoy readingMs. Phillips books. I love her characters and the problems they get into and out of. I am so sorry at the loss of your dear sweetheart and have my sincere condolences and prayers to be with you.
I really enjoy readingMs. Phillips books. I love her characters and the problems they get into and out of. I am so sorry at the loss of your dear sweetheart and have my sincere condolences and prayers to be with you.
December 3, 2014
Absolutely loved it!
I love Laura Jo Phillips and all of the soul linked saga books. When I first started this new series I was very saddened and shocked by Nica's story but still enjoyed the introduction of new types of characters and places, especially anything to do with the stuff fairytales are made of. I absolutely LOVED Tani's story and actually found it to be enjoyable even with the fact that she has only one destined soul mate instead of Rami. I felt that this story was very fast pace and extremely enjoyable to read. I cannot WAIT for more Clan Jasani books to come out! The three men and their woman and the relationship between them are certainly my absolute favorite parts of her books. Please keep writing!!
I love Laura Jo Phillips and all of the soul linked saga books. When I first started this new series I was very saddened and shocked by Nica's story but still enjoyed the introduction of new types of characters and places, especially anything to do with the stuff fairytales are made of. I absolutely LOVED Tani's story and actually found it to be enjoyable even with the fact that she has only one destined soul mate instead of Rami. I felt that this story was very fast pace and extremely enjoyable to read. I cannot WAIT for more Clan Jasani books to come out! The three men and their woman and the relationship between them are certainly my absolute favorite parts of her books. Please keep writing!!
November 23, 2014
Loved it
This book remained me of why I loved this series. I enjoyed how strong Tani was. I didn't enjoy Steele as much because of his thought processes. I do wish there was more interaction with the enemy. Who they are, why they worked with the Xanti. I would like to see how they rebuilt their world and some of the security measures taken. The romance was there as well as steamy scenes. Also the secondary characters could had more depth. Overall it was a great story.
This book remained me of why I loved this series. I enjoyed how strong Tani was. I didn't enjoy Steele as much because of his thought processes. I do wish there was more interaction with the enemy. Who they are, why they worked with the Xanti. I would like to see how they rebuilt their world and some of the security measures taken. The romance was there as well as steamy scenes. Also the secondary characters could had more depth. Overall it was a great story.
November 30, 2014
Great read. I very much enjoyed the fact that, even born from a certain specie with a pretty straightforward destiny, nothing happened easily for Tani. She had a lot of secrets that took time to unravel which made the book so much more exciting. We discover a new specie full of mystery and still very young, full of promises. And we find out a bit more about this new danger and common enemy. Can't wait for the next book. Rayne's?
November 23, 2014
Another great book
I have read all of Laura Jo's books and have found that I can't put them down. Each and everyone is packed with action, adventure and romance thinking the reader through a gambit of emotions as each story unfolds.
I have read all of Laura Jo's books and have found that I can't put them down. Each and everyone is packed with action, adventure and romance thinking the reader through a gambit of emotions as each story unfolds.
February 26, 2015
I love this book, It was great and I love going back to Jasani.
It was nice seeing Laura daughter and I can't wait for her sisters book.
She was brave and strong and fell in love so completely.
He was a jerk sometimes but he loved her also.
It was nice seeing Laura daughter and I can't wait for her sisters book.
She was brave and strong and fell in love so completely.
He was a jerk sometimes but he loved her also.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews