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The Mine #2

Sachael Desires

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During her ordeal with the Sect, Estelle Bailey dreamt of escaping back into the arms of the sea—and Azariah. But freedom came at a price, and though she’s back with the Sachael who’s stolen her heart, she’s also land-bound until the next full moon. And with the threat of Orontes looming ever larger behind them, Azariah, Estelle, and Michael—her once-captor turned rescuer and friend—are on the run.

Following Michael's lead, they seek sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of the Orkney and Shetland Islands until Estelle can complete her next submergence ritual and Azariah can whisk her away to the safety of Saicean.
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Secrets, betrayals, and old enemies await them, though, and as events spiral out of control, Azariah makes a decision that puts all their lives at risk, forcing Estelle to face a journey she never wanted to take. With time running out and tempers running high, her only hope to save the man she loves lies in a reconciliation between two kingdoms who despise each other.

Book Two in the Mine Series, Sachael Desires further expands on the intricate underwater world of the Sachaels, and the hostility and isolation of not belonging.​

Paperback

First published November 1, 2015

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About the author

Melody Winter

20 books115 followers
Melody grew up in North Yorkshire, England. She's a North Yorkshire lass through and through, although she does have a tendency to holiday in Spain. She has dreams of moving to the warmer climate to sip on Sangria as the sun sets over the roof tops of surrounding buildings. But, for the moment, she still lives in North Yorkshire with her husband and two sons.

Follow Melody on twitter https://twitter.com/MelodyWinter

Or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Melody-Winte...

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
January 21, 2016
Melody Winter is back with Sachael Desires and she has ramped up the action, the romance and twisted the plot just enough to have me glued to each page!

No matter how far you go, you can never escape your future, but your actions can help shape it. Estelle has suffered with the Sect. Now she is free, but danger still threatens to take her down, one wave at a time. Azariah may have her heart, but evil is still after her. Orontes is determined she will be his, unless she can be hidden away safely until she faces all of her submergence rituals and is free to seek refuge in Azariah’s underwater world, Saicean.

Estelle discovers is that there is more to her man than he has revealed and when he is taken captive by Orontes, she must find a way to unite two kingdoms to save his life. Brought before the powerful and terse King of Saicean, Estelle must plead her case, even unaware of the customs. While others quake in the audience of the King, Estelle plows on through, daring him to punish her for her boldness.

One guard seems a little too preoccupied with Estelle’s safety and the revelation behind this will leave the entire kingdom stunned. Is he, too, in love with her or will he become her greatest ally in the upcoming battle to rescue Azariah? Time is running out, one king down, one to go, and the clock keeps ticking…

Melody Winter gives us characters to love, hate and even fear and she does it with beautifully detailed scenes. Vivid background scenes, brutally harsh scenes of death and tender scenes of romance, as well as nail-biting scenes of an outspoken young woman who is coming into her own and still a little rough around the edges while in audience with the Royal Court, it’s all here! Ms. Winter provides some light-hearted moments as well as the heart-stopping moments and transitions from scene to scene seamlessly!

Like to dive into the deep end of the fantasy pool and soak up a well-told tale? Visit new worlds, realize the cost of thinking from the heart or speaking before thinking of the meaning of what you say? Watch Estelle deal with her new world and its threats as she becomes the woman fate knew she was meant to be. Definitely a series and an author to watch!

I received this copy from Melody Winter in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Mine Series - Book 2
Publisher: REUTS Publications, LLC.
Publication Date: November 24, 2015
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 534 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁.
575 reviews342 followers
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****

Cannot be read as a standalone

The story continues right where Sachael Dreams left off. Estelle, Michael, and Azariah are running and hiding from Orontes. They need to get to Saicean and find safety with the other sachaels, but Estelle needs to complete a submergence in order to be able to swim there.

Estelle's personality is a bit different from the previous book. In the first book, she was really forgiving and kind. In Sachael Desires, she is more open to death and violence.

The dialogue between the characters is a bit odd, but I got use to it. This series also feels like it's for young adults, but there are steamy scenes included intended for an older audience.

The story is creative, and I just love the fantasy that Melody Winter creates. I can't wait to see what will happen next in this series.

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Profile Image for Annika.
467 reviews124 followers
January 4, 2016
I devoured this book just as much as I did its prequel.

The story picks up right where Sachael Dreams left us. Finally reunited, Estelle, Azariah and Michael are on the run from Orontes and The Sect, waiting for the next full moon so Estelle can finish her submergence and finally find safety in Saicean. Relationships deepen, alliances are formed, and secrets are revealed. But everyone knows the calm won't last forever...

While the first half of the book was quite slow-paced and rather cheesy, I loved the road trip through Scotland - well, it was more of a sea trip, to be exact. I toured through Scotland a few years ago, so it wasn't hard for me to picture the stunning scenery in my mind. Even if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes before, Melody Winter did a fantastic job of painting pictures of the landscapes with her words. I even ended up googling some of the places that were mentioned. Such a wonderful setting.
At about 50%, the pace picked up considerably and I found myself once again engrossed in a fascinating world of strange creatures, intriguing mythology and big secrets.

I'm still a big fan of Estelle's as the female lead, though I must say I enjoyed her more when Azariah wasn't around. She is feisty yet compassionate, with a strong will and sense of justice. She has a very pleasant inner voice.
Azariah is still a little of an enigma to me. After book 1, I was certain his intentions were genuine. Now? Not so sure anymore.
And even though I liked the main characters, it was the secondary characters that intrigued me much more. Apart from finally meeting Azariah's father, Kaimi, and a few Oceanids, another Sachael, Chanon, enters the picture. He was by far my favorite character in this book. Yeah, I really do have a thing for the ambiguous ones.

Long story short, this was a worthy follow up to a fantastic full-length debut. Well-deserved 4 stars.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ash.
30 reviews39 followers
February 2, 2016
Sachael Desires picks up right where Sachael Dreams left off. Estelle, Michael, and Azariah are on the run, dodging Orontes and his men, until Estelle can complete her next submergence and head to Saicean with Azariah. While the days count down, an army of Sachaels waits in the sea, silently guarding the future of their world. And unfortunately, everything isn't all sunshine and roses for our feisty heroine. Tensions are high, people aren't who they seem, and Azariah is considerably less forthcoming than he usually is with Estelle. Actually, to say I was irritated with Azariah would be an understatement.

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But I love Estelle, so I stuck with it. The woman deserves a medal for being so damn patient with Azariah. Patient though she is, Estelle is no pushover.

Estelle to Azariah: "I have a life away from you, remember? I wasn't born the day I met you."

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Did I mention I adore Estelle?

But a bout of jealousy causes Azariah to do something reckless, something that puts the very person he cares most about in danger. Actually, danger doesn't cover it. With a single command, he's basically invited Orontes to show up... You know, the guy they've been running from all this time, the one who wants to do unspeakable things to Estelle? Remember him?

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Despite Azariah's rash decision, and me wishing I could reach in and strangle him, the pair remains united. That's one thing I think is handled really well, and probably why I like Estelle so much. She's bold and willing to stand up to Azariah, but she doesn't try to belittle him in front of his men.

And just when things are finally starting to get good between the pair--and I mean really, really good:

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Shit hits the fan. That thing I knew would happen because of Azariah's hasty choice came to fruition, although not quite how I thought it would. Estelle finds herself traveling to Saicean, finally. I have to take a moment to commend Winter for her ability to paint such a vibrant world. From:

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To:

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To:

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Seriously, well done. Winter has a way of also really bringing her characters to life. Estelle grows leaps and bounds from the shy, almost reclusive girl she was in book 1, to a girl willing to unite two underwater kingdoms to save the man she loves.

Even side characters like Michael and Chanon have so much depth. They have backstories and scars of their own that shape who they are now. They have experiences and revelations of their own.

Then, there's Kaimi, Azariah's father, who I absolutely hated in book 1. Here, though, I found myself slowly understanding why he is the way he is, why he's likely made the choices he's made. And darn it, I guess, I kind of like him now.

My only big gripe is that Orontes isn't really present in this book. He's actively a part of the plot, but it's all in the background. I'm hoping he'll be back, bigger and badder than ever in SD3.

And Azariah? Well, I don't want to give too much away, but he admits his mistakes, and this was huge for me. So, this is how he and I are at the moment:

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With a slow-burning start, beautifully vivid world-building, and characters you can't help but fall for, Sachael Desires delivers on so many levels. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in this captivating series.
Profile Image for Barb.
8 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2015
Sachael Desires picks up exactly where we left Estelle and Azariah (and Michael) in Sachael Dreams. Melody immediately throws us into a journey of even more discoveries, secrets, and lies.

There are new characters, some who are amazing, and some who are just really nasty.

In the first book we were introduced to an entirely new species, the Sachael, and Sachael Desires build even further upon their unique mythology. We get to see Azariah’s home, Saicean, through Estelle’s eyes, and meet Azariah’s father. There is plenty of action throughout Sachael Desires, and dare I say it, a very sensual love scene.

Overall, I love Melody’s writing. She has such a fantastic imagination and comes up with unique concepts and ideas. I love Estelle and Azariah and Melody doesn’t disappoint with this roller-coaster of a sequel to Sachael Dreams. I found myself flying through the book to see how everything turns out. And the ending! Nooooooo!

Sachael Desires is a wonderful read, but I want the third book already.
Profile Image for Kisa Whipkey.
Author 3 books11 followers
December 18, 2015
Picking up where Sachael Dreams left off, Sachael Desires is exactly what you hope for in a sequel, suffering none of the sophomore-book blues that plague so many other series. Everything we loved about the original is back — the setting, the characters, the romance — but paired with all the excitement of something new.

One of my favorite aspects, apart from seeing the cast again, was the attention Winter paid to the world-building. We finally get to see the mythical Saicean, but even more importantly, we get to see the underwater world of the Sachaels and Oceanids in all its brutality. Richly described and realistic, Winter paints a portrait that is both fantastically imaginative and thought-provoking, providing subtle commentary on things like human nature, identity, sexism, ableism, and racial profiling within the fabric of Estelle’s journey.

Filled with twists and turns (and several pretty notable revelations about some of the characters that I won’t spoil), Sachael Desires is much more action driven than its predecessor.

The first book featured a plot that felt like romantic suspense with fantasy elements, but this one feels like an action-adventure blockbuster, with sweeping settings, beautifully crafted and well-imagined worlds, and an epic battle just waiting to be interpreted on the silver screen. And Winter manages to do all of this while still developing her characters and their relationships, peeling back the layers of their lives piece by piece to give us carefully timed glimpses of the whole.

While entirely satisfying as a follow-up, it is clear that there is much more still to be discovered in this world and series. And I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens next.

**Disclaimer: I was the acquiring editor for this title, however all opinions stated are my own and were not influenced by bias or compensation.**
Profile Image for Candice.
38 reviews20 followers
December 1, 2015
Picking up where Sachael Dreams left off, we find ourselves being quickly thrown into Estelle and Azariah’s journey. The book is as fresh and exciting as the first; you want to dive straight in as soon as you start it.

With new characters being introduced, and adventures unfolding; Sachael Desires is fulfilling to say the least. The attention to detail that is produced by Melody Winter is absolutely awe-inspiring. Her world-building is done flawlessly, and there’s so much that we learn that answers any questions we were left with after Sachael Dreams.

Sachael Desires leaves you wanting more from this world, and these beautiful characters. All though there is a lot covered in this sequel, there’s still some things that we’re waiting to discover. I can’t wait to read whatever comes next in Estelle’s life. No matter where her world may go, I know that Melody Winter will do these characters justice.

I would definitely recommend reading Sachael Desires, if you’re a fan of romance with a touch of mystery, and fantasy.
Profile Image for Alexandra.
1,895 reviews10 followers
December 15, 2015
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*

Following the events from "Sachael Dreams" Estelle, Azariah and Michael continue their escape from the Sect and its murderous leader, Orontes. As they make their way towards the land of the Sachaels, Estelle will get to learn more about the Sachaels and the Oceanids.

I liked this book much more than the first. Although there was a slow seduction in the way Estelle and Azariah meet in the first book, in the sequel there was more action and traveling. You couldn't also miss the way Melody described everything in the Saicean giving quite the burden in the world-building. I felt like I could swim straight into that deep beautiful world!!!

The Oceanids were also a great addittion in the book. The mermaids and mermen with the sinous bodies and tails did add more to the world building. And Azariah. My dear Sachael who has the formal way of speaking and is so sweet. But mostly I was more pleased with Estelle. She became stronger and not so dependent on the others. The last part of the book was a good escalation from the timid woman to a strong one.

There is also a cliffhanger here, but I can be patient (using my Yoda techniques) and I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for C.L. Denault.
Author 8 books151 followers
February 26, 2016
This is the second sequel I've read in the past few months that I loved as much as (if not more than) the first. The writing is tighter, the story more intense, and it left me wanting to know what happens next. Looking forward to the third book. :)
Profile Image for Linda Rea.
2,189 reviews15 followers
January 18, 2016
I was given this book for an honest review but I love the series so much I bought the book also. We are back at land where Estelle, Azariah and Micheal are running for their lives from Orontes, and they really have to find somewhere to hide. Michael has gone to his mothers and that is where we find them but they cannot stay long as Orontes is on his way. They decide it's safer to travel by land and convince Michael's mother to lend them her van. She tells them to go see Melia, Michael's ex girlfriend who misses him. Well Melia slaps Michael at first but the hugs him and she is instantly attracted to Azariah and actually sneers at Estelle. She does let them stay but tells Estelle she will take Azariah away from her as he cannot resist her. Well needless to say that doesn't happen and she blows up the van in attempt to keep them there, so they keep moving. Next the go to his other friends house Sam and Cleo but they are Oceanids just like Melia and they are not happy to see a Satchel in their home, actually Cleo is terrified. They agree to let them stay there but when Estelle hears someone talking to her in her dreams she tells Azariah but the only way is with a shell and she explains that there were two shells left for her. Azariah goes into a rage and runs to the ocean where his head guards are sitting and yells at Chanon for leaving her the shell and sends them all away. When they must leave again Cleo tells the story of how satchels captured and raped her friend and took her away, she also tells them the name of the man who did it. One morning Estelle wakes up to find Azariah gone but his knife still on the night table so when she runs out to take it to him she and Michael see him being captured by Orontes. Orontes baits her telling the air where he is taking him knowing she is there and can hear him, it takes all she has not to save him. Michael convinces her to call for Chanon for help and they decide she had to go to Saicean and speak to Azariahs father Kaimi to help them. This is where I leave you to buy this series and read the rest of the adventure, but beware it continues, and I can't wait
Profile Image for Kathleen.
Author 17 books521 followers
December 16, 2015
A fabulous sequel to the first book in the Mine Series, Sachael Dreams, the second book Sachael Desires picks up right where we left off. We meet more characters – Lilith, Kaimi, and Chanon- learn more secrets – dude, I’m not telling!-, and get to know our favorite characters Estelle, Azariah, Michael, and Orontes better. I enjoyed this book more than the first! The characters developed nicely. The story wove a fabulous web of action and adventure as we follow Estelle’s journey to becoming who she truly is.
Well-written, great characters, and a trip to a world hidden right here on ours makes this a fun read! Saicean was gorgeous. I loved the world-building/ fantasy aspects.
I get a little tired of the too-cute/sweet Estelle-Azariah relationship, but it’s them and consistent. Yes… more kissing, and more. Oh my.
Can’t wait for the third in the series… as I was left with danger lurking on the horizon!
And I need more Orontes! #TeamOrontes forever.
2 reviews
April 1, 2016
I've known Melody for a few years now and her storytelling had always kept me entertained. I have been privileged enough to read this before it was published. I have to say it didn't disappoint.

There are plenty of new characters to meet along with the ones from the previous book. The way Melody describes the people and places is amazing, bringing them to life in vivid colour in my imagination. She's like a painter with words. They say a picture can paint a thousand words, well Melody can paint a picture with every chapter.

We meet our old friends Azariah, Estelle and Michael, along with old enemies in the form of Orontes, Lilith and other new characters, including Melia.

I was prepared to dislike Kaimi but actually couldn't when the time came. There's some plot curves which surprised me. This book has kept me entertained from the first page with Melody's fantastic storytelling ability.

Well done hun, I cannot wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Tammy Farrell.
Author 12 books37 followers
December 15, 2015
5 Stars for Melody Winter’s Sachael Desires. This is a sequel that will not disappoint. The transition to Sachael Desires is seamless, diving back into the tension left at the end of Sachael Dreams. Estelle is safe—for now, and Orontes is determined to track her down and get vengeance. Like the first novel, the author does a fantastic job of world building. Her attention to detail and descriptive prose bring Scotland’s beautiful landscapes to life. And I found the mysterious world of the Saicean and Oceanids fascinating.

This is definitely and intense read with a lot of action. I LOVE THAT. If you haven’t yet read Sachael Dreams, get on it now. Because this book is even better than the last, and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Winter’s does with the next in the series.
499 reviews
January 18, 2025
MINOR SPOILERS

We pick up right where we left off in the previous book. You can check out my review of Sachael Dreams here which, spoiler, I enjoyed immensely!

Estelle, Azariah, and Michael are back right where we left them in the previous book. I love the surprises we learn along they way during this story. It did take me a chapter or two to get familiar with the characters again and to remember what happened in the previous book since it's been awhile since I've read it, but once I got in the rhythm it was easy for me to get back in the flow of the story.

I had no issues envisioning the landscapes or locations of where the characters traveled as they seemed to take place in the UK, which I've never been but would love to visit. What was most exciting for me is that we get to see what Saicean looks like, the land the Sachael are from and you won't be disappointed. ;)

I love how the characters deal with the problems. They didn't dwell on the problems too much, just took some time to absorb it then reacted pragmatically in their decisions. That's something I admire and love in characters. Well most of them. Azariah did have his random outbursts but I assumed that's just part of his personality. I still can't help but love his gentlemanly charm whenever he's chivalrous to Estelle. It always melts my heart and I love him for it.

I enjoyed Estelle and was glad to see her fiery personality and how she did not easily give in to the man's world. Though there was a phase that I thought she had but it had been glossed over nicely which is understandable in her situation. I did feel the relationship she had with another Sachael was a bit unbelievable at first but ultimately am glad for that relationship because I do feel like she needed an ally. I had been previously confused with Estelle's feelings towards Orontes in the previous book but I understood her opinion of him in this book better which is the opinion I preferred.

There were a few moments where Estelle had few close calls with some despicable men that had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. I had been afraid for Estelle and what they would do to her! You'll just have to read to see what I mean! Like in the previous book, the author isn't afraid to put Estelle in dangerous situations and I love every second of it.

Azariah and Michael are fun to see together. I enjoy their interactions. I did miss Michael in the later half of the book but hope to see him again soon in the sequel. We also meet new characters who I appreciate in the story. I feel all the characters were well placed although meeting some of the new characters also raised new questions which I hope will be answered in the sequel. Oh, just so you know there are some steamy love making scenes in the book. Not too many that would distract from the story but I savored them.

Overall, the tension and pace felt good. I didn't find myself skipping too much. Although, I did notice a subtle difference in pacing in the beginning and middle which felt gradual, to the last few chapters which accelerated to the climax. Not bad, because the author skipped the boring planning part, but it was noticeable for me and I did get confused as to what was the plan at the end.

The conclusion, I found felt satisfying. With a bit of a time skip, I feel this was a good way to end the story. Without spoilers, I liked how the book concluded but had been a bit confused as to how it came to be as there were no explanations how a certain character had ascended to power. Seemed unorthodox to me. Still, it gives you a glimpse as to what will happen in the next book and I'm looking forward to what our heroes will do. Highly recommend if you enjoy fantasy underwater settings, romance, and adventure.


3.7 out of 5 rating for me!


(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)

http://originiquequanimity.blogspot.c...
Profile Image for Tasha Williams .
538 reviews49 followers
March 17, 2018
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::

Oh. My. God.

I might have said this before but I am going to say it again, I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!

I absolutely can not get enough and need the next book yesterday. Sachael Desires has more action and drama and had me hooked from the very beginning, I almost didn't want it to end. It was so full of tension, I felt I was on the edge of my seat for the entire read

Melody is an absolutely talented writer which is cemented more and more each time I read her books. She manages to captivate the readers attention with her amazing imagination and the unique way she manages to build her fantasy world. Rich and vivid details bring this book to life in such a way that Melody Winter will ruin you for any other fantasy story, very few will live up to it.
It was great to see the shift in characters as they find themselves having to adapt in uncharted territory, particularly Estelle who undergoes the biggest change of all and finds herself living a life she would have never have expected, not even in her wildest dreams.

Sachael Desires is a continuation of Sachael Dreams and absolutely can not be read as a standalone but honestly once you start this series, you won't want to miss a single word. Trust me! I can not wait for the next installment...bring it on!
Profile Image for Shelly.
638 reviews30 followers
December 28, 2015
Estelle grew a lot in this book. I was pleased to see that, but I'm still somewhat aggravated with the men in her life. Orontes wants to rape her. Azariah doesn't tell her the whole story. Kaimi is alternately a good man and a jerk. Even Chanon behaved like a creep for a while. The only one I liked immediately was Hebrus. He wanted to do the right thing and wasn't after something from Estelle.
Seeing Azariah's world was interesting, but there are a lot of potential problems there and I'm not sure that Estelle's hopes to change things are realistic. She means well but I wonder how the Sachaels would react.
The prologue leaves me very eager for the next book in this series as the plot is thickening! I'm also eager to find out Michael's fate, and how he'll react to developments.
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