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For Whom the Heart Stone Burns #1
Act One: Safe Travels
Becket built his life around unbelief in the magic Theo, his uncle and guardian, had devoted his all to…until Theo vanished. Grief-stricken, Becket followed Theo’s clues, sending him through a stone grid to Ket. With no magical ability, Becket must find Theo in a land where dragons roam the lowlands and magic evolved in men and women who aren’t apex predators and have settled in high aeries to survive.
Locating his uncle, however, is the easy part. Becket is a bibelot – non-magical. And Theo is recovering from a wild magic storm that hit his expedition to the lowlands. He can’t control his power.
They can’t go home.
Elders will permit a second expedition and Theo’s sole hope of obtaining frequency stone to stabilize his magic, but only if he allows seers to scry Becket’s sentinel first. Too bad the protector scried for Becket is Theo’s rival in this strange otherworld, another caster named Kellan Fik. And Kellan knows Theo and Becket aren’t what they seem.
Handfasting his enemy may be Becket’s best and only chance.
Locating his uncle, however, is the easy part. Becket is a bibelot – non-magical. And Theo is recovering from a wild magic storm that hit his expedition to the lowlands. He can’t control his power.
They can’t go home.
Elders will permit a second expedition and Theo’s sole hope of obtaining frequency stone to stabilize his magic, but only if he allows seers to scry Becket’s sentinel first. Too bad the protector scried for Becket is Theo’s rival in this strange otherworld, another caster named Kellan Fik. And Kellan knows Theo and Becket aren’t what they seem.
Handfasting his enemy may be Becket’s best and only chance.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
About the author
Kari Gregg
30 books679 followersKari Gregg lives in the mountains of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia with her Wonderful husband and three very Wild children. When Kari’s not writing, she enjoys reading, coffee, zombie flicks, coffee, naked mud-wrestling (not really), and . . . coffee!
If you would like to catch up with Kari, caffeinate yourself and head to http://www.KariGregg.com
If you would like to catch up with Kari, caffeinate yourself and head to http://www.KariGregg.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2016
Four Hearts--First off, let me say, this isn't going to be for everyone. This would appeal best for lovers of high fantasy, not receiving instant gratification and maybe an appreciation for stones. Healing stones and herbal medicines and "woo-woo" aka magic to be exact.
Now Kari Gregg aka The Gregg is legendary for grabbing the reader by the short hairs and dragging them into whatever world she created. She gives barely any time to acclimate yourself to what's going on because something is about to go down, damn it! And I love that about her writing. Someone usually gets the short end of the stick and it's so yummy, you end up not caring as long as you get to read more. Her fans are used to this because she gives you just enough to get by and it's over. Sometimes the story is too short and you want more and more of the world she created, more and more of the characters you've come to care for.
Well, Gregg fans, you might be satisfied with "Safe Travels". You can tell this is going to be a longer journey than a hundred pages. This book is just the first part of a series where the magic and tinctures and stones are detailed. And there's no rough and tumble action either. That's right, the book is sex free! I'm sure this is only for now.
Becket is twenty-three and a ginger orphan with quite a mouth on him. He is snarky and angry and all alone in the world even though something tells him he is not. The massage therapist/aromatherapist has one family member who is his total opposite. Becket is practical, his uncle Theo believes in all things magical. Becket raised himself while his uncle went off on cockamamie searches for more stones and magical power. but he always came back. Uncle Theo has been missing for months and Becket is worried. So worried that he leaves Maryland and travels to his uncle's house in Pennsylvania to look for him. He finds clues and a way to possible travel to his uncle in a different world, the magical land of Ket.
Becket doesn't believe it but he somehow manages to land in the fantasy world where everyone has and uses magic...except for him. He's a bibelot, non magical, and he's considered precious. So precious he must be handfasted (married) to a sentinel (magic warrior) to protect him. And since he's approaching the age of twenty-four, this needs to happen ASAP, whether he wants it or not.
We get to see Ket through Becket's eyes, encounter his fears. His uncle Theo is not too happy to see him but offers Becket to the enemy named Kellan, for a chance to find the right magic to return to Earth. We only get to meet the enemy in the last 5% or so of the novella.
Act One is basically world set up, character introductions and setting the stage for the main event which seems to be Becket vs. the alluring and dangerous Kellan. Becket can't seem to keep his mouth shut, proving he is not from that world and putting him and his uncle is possible danger. Not everyone seems to be the way they seem. You don't know who to trust, who has Becket's interests at heart especially since he has no knowledge of anything magical.
I like the setup, I see a possible world of hurt in the future for Becket if he doesn't play his cards right. And his reaction to Kellan when they finally meet was hot and intriguing. I'm definitely ready for more of this world and Becket. I gravitate to characters like him. He might not be the strongest and has the least knowledge about Ket and the political machinations that seem be underfoot but he's plucky.
I don't know if I should trust uncle Theo yet. He loves Becket but I don't know what Kellan has in store for Becket. And the minder, Toreth, the first person Becket encounters in Ket, I'd love to know more about him. I wonder if he'll turn. I thought he was going to be paired with Becket. I don't know if I should hold out hope for a threesome. The story ends with a cliffhanger or sorts, it's part of a serial/series. I can see the amount of research that went into this and appreciate it. Once completed, this has the possibility of being a very rich tale.
What I'd like in future chapters:
- More Kellan/Becket (preferably sans pants)
- More on Toreth
- More of the world of Ket - the mountain and stone society is pretty cool. Hoping to see the mentioned dragons!
- Maybe Becket getting to one up everyone and prove bibelot doesn't equal weakness.
I usually don't like tying myself to serial/ series lately but this one is shaping up to satisfy my fantasy loving self immensely.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Now Kari Gregg aka The Gregg is legendary for grabbing the reader by the short hairs and dragging them into whatever world she created. She gives barely any time to acclimate yourself to what's going on because something is about to go down, damn it! And I love that about her writing. Someone usually gets the short end of the stick and it's so yummy, you end up not caring as long as you get to read more. Her fans are used to this because she gives you just enough to get by and it's over. Sometimes the story is too short and you want more and more of the world she created, more and more of the characters you've come to care for.
Well, Gregg fans, you might be satisfied with "Safe Travels". You can tell this is going to be a longer journey than a hundred pages. This book is just the first part of a series where the magic and tinctures and stones are detailed. And there's no rough and tumble action either. That's right, the book is sex free! I'm sure this is only for now.
Becket is twenty-three and a ginger orphan with quite a mouth on him. He is snarky and angry and all alone in the world even though something tells him he is not. The massage therapist/aromatherapist has one family member who is his total opposite. Becket is practical, his uncle Theo believes in all things magical. Becket raised himself while his uncle went off on cockamamie searches for more stones and magical power. but he always came back. Uncle Theo has been missing for months and Becket is worried. So worried that he leaves Maryland and travels to his uncle's house in Pennsylvania to look for him. He finds clues and a way to possible travel to his uncle in a different world, the magical land of Ket.
Becket doesn't believe it but he somehow manages to land in the fantasy world where everyone has and uses magic...except for him. He's a bibelot, non magical, and he's considered precious. So precious he must be handfasted (married) to a sentinel (magic warrior) to protect him. And since he's approaching the age of twenty-four, this needs to happen ASAP, whether he wants it or not.
We get to see Ket through Becket's eyes, encounter his fears. His uncle Theo is not too happy to see him but offers Becket to the enemy named Kellan, for a chance to find the right magic to return to Earth. We only get to meet the enemy in the last 5% or so of the novella.
Act One is basically world set up, character introductions and setting the stage for the main event which seems to be Becket vs. the alluring and dangerous Kellan. Becket can't seem to keep his mouth shut, proving he is not from that world and putting him and his uncle is possible danger. Not everyone seems to be the way they seem. You don't know who to trust, who has Becket's interests at heart especially since he has no knowledge of anything magical.
I like the setup, I see a possible world of hurt in the future for Becket if he doesn't play his cards right. And his reaction to Kellan when they finally meet was hot and intriguing. I'm definitely ready for more of this world and Becket. I gravitate to characters like him. He might not be the strongest and has the least knowledge about Ket and the political machinations that seem be underfoot but he's plucky.
I don't know if I should trust uncle Theo yet. He loves Becket but I don't know what Kellan has in store for Becket. And the minder, Toreth, the first person Becket encounters in Ket, I'd love to know more about him. I wonder if he'll turn. I thought he was going to be paired with Becket. I don't know if I should hold out hope for a threesome. The story ends with a cliffhanger or sorts, it's part of a serial/series. I can see the amount of research that went into this and appreciate it. Once completed, this has the possibility of being a very rich tale.
What I'd like in future chapters:
- More Kellan/Becket (preferably sans pants)
- More on Toreth
- More of the world of Ket - the mountain and stone society is pretty cool. Hoping to see the mentioned dragons!
- Maybe Becket getting to one up everyone and prove bibelot doesn't equal weakness.
I usually don't like tying myself to serial/ series lately but this one is shaping up to satisfy my fantasy loving self immensely.
A copy provided for an honest review.
own-and-need-to-read
April 27, 2015OK Amazon, I confess I love your recommendation engine. I didn't even realise this was a thing until you told me I should read it. And now I need it. BUT I HAVE TOO MANY OTHER BOOKS CUED.
*strokes screen*
soon, my precious
*strokes screen*
soon, my precious
Read
April 10, 2015I was so darn confused throughout this whole story. We were just thrust into this strange world with and the MC was just so casually accepting about everything. Oh so magic does exist? Okay. Oh my uncle is forcing me to be engaged to some stranger in this magical new world? Okay. And then they can't stop making out in front of everyone at first meeting? Okay. It was weird. It was confusing. I'm not going to rate it. :S
October 12, 2016
Confusing but enjoyable.
I feel like I've missed a previous book about Ket.
There seems to be terms, words and things I should know. There are also quite a few proofing problems.
I was able to enjoy the story to a point then it ended abruptly. Instead of the next chapter the reader has to move on to the next book.
I feel like I've missed a previous book about Ket.
There seems to be terms, words and things I should know. There are also quite a few proofing problems.
I was able to enjoy the story to a point then it ended abruptly. Instead of the next chapter the reader has to move on to the next book.
April 4, 2015
Very slow beginig, very confusing at the start but oooh - the last 10% ♥
I love it ^_^ wonderful start in a new series and I need the second part NOW!
So good.
I love it ^_^ wonderful start in a new series and I need the second part NOW!
So good.
March 12, 2017
4.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
This was really good; its so rare to find a fantasy book that doesn’t idolize those with magic and that made for a really nice change. The story starts with Becket sorting out his uncle’s estate; missing for over a year, Becket figures him for dead and blames his uncle’s preoccupation with magic as the reason why. Not one to put any sort of faith in the ‘woo-woo’, as he calls it, Becket nevertheless prepares to perform the same ritual his uncle did before he disappeared so that he might finally get some peace; the way he figures it, the magic works and he finds his uncle or it doesn’t and he’ll grieve and try to find some closure. Waking up in a summoning circle with a strange man asking if he’s a demon certainly wasn’t part of the plan.
Like I said, this was really good! I was given enough information to understand the situation Becket found himself in but was otherwise left to figure things out alongside the main character. I thought it was great that those without magic were considered precious and to be protected rather than the mages being the ‘special’ ones and I liked how each of the ‘aeries’ were different and had their own unique characteristics and specialties. The entire story was interesting from beginning to end and I really felt as though I was taking the journey with Becket.
This was really good; its so rare to find a fantasy book that doesn’t idolize those with magic and that made for a really nice change. The story starts with Becket sorting out his uncle’s estate; missing for over a year, Becket figures him for dead and blames his uncle’s preoccupation with magic as the reason why. Not one to put any sort of faith in the ‘woo-woo’, as he calls it, Becket nevertheless prepares to perform the same ritual his uncle did before he disappeared so that he might finally get some peace; the way he figures it, the magic works and he finds his uncle or it doesn’t and he’ll grieve and try to find some closure. Waking up in a summoning circle with a strange man asking if he’s a demon certainly wasn’t part of the plan.
Like I said, this was really good! I was given enough information to understand the situation Becket found himself in but was otherwise left to figure things out alongside the main character. I thought it was great that those without magic were considered precious and to be protected rather than the mages being the ‘special’ ones and I liked how each of the ‘aeries’ were different and had their own unique characteristics and specialties. The entire story was interesting from beginning to end and I really felt as though I was taking the journey with Becket.
April 8, 2015
I can't quite believe I have fallen for a Cliff-hanging serial!
Not usually one for short stories, cliffhangers or magic, I find myself more than intrigued by this first instalment of a series that is all the above.
I do love Kari Gregg's voice and her imagination and this world and these characters promise to be rich, suspenseful and wholly captivating.
I can still wish for a complete story in one book, but some authors are worth following down the rabbit hole...or the magic-doorway-smoke-and-mirrors thingie as it were.
I will wait (im)patiently for Part Deux...
Not usually one for short stories, cliffhangers or magic, I find myself more than intrigued by this first instalment of a series that is all the above.
I do love Kari Gregg's voice and her imagination and this world and these characters promise to be rich, suspenseful and wholly captivating.
I can still wish for a complete story in one book, but some authors are worth following down the rabbit hole...or the magic-doorway-smoke-and-mirrors thingie as it were.
I will wait (im)patiently for Part Deux...
April 7, 2015
Love it fantastic book. cheeky women ending the book at the best part lol can't wait for the next hope it's not to long
April 12, 2015
3.8 stars. The main character falls into a magic world and meets his destined lover. An introduction to the series. I want more!
May 31, 2015
A confusing but interesting start to this tale. Looking forward to the next Act.
May 5, 2015
Interesting concept and I want to learn more about the magic system.
March 10, 2018
Omg! That kiss! But seriously, get me all jacked up and you end it? Wth?!
So glad I already have the next book :)
I'm intrigued by this world, although I would like more detail, especially pertaining to the bibelots.
So glad I already have the next book :)
I'm intrigued by this world, although I would like more detail, especially pertaining to the bibelots.
August 7, 2017
Cannot remember when I read this just know that I did like it. :) like most of Kari Gregg's books.
February 7, 2019
Well, that was boring! I almost fell asleep... zzzZZZzzZZZzzz
How boring can one write a book??? Even such a short one? Deleted and i dont care for any weird sequels.
How boring can one write a book??? Even such a short one? Deleted and i dont care for any weird sequels.
April 26, 2019
Überraschend gut und auf zum zweiten Teil!
September 10, 2019
Rating: 2 stars.
Okay, I was genuinely confused for about 60% of this book.
Okay, I was genuinely confused for about 60% of this book.
November 25, 2016
Confusing, convoluted and boring.
April 29, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is the first book in a serial, and I will tell you now it ends without things being resolved. The author has indeed set this up like the first act of a play. We get the background to this fascinating world, and see where the journey begins. But it ends just as things really get interesting, and it already has me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next installment.
Becket breaks my heart, at the same time he makes me grumpy. This guy has had some deep pain in his life. He’s lost his parents and his guardian has disappeared. He’s lived his life rigidly and practically, even from a young age. More than that, he absolutely does not believe in magic. At first it just seemed as if he was pissed off and unforgiving. As if his anger was the only thing ruling him. But slowly we get to know him, and we see the deep hurt that is fueling his reactions. When he begins to go through his uncle’s things, I finally felt like I understood him and how desperately he needed his uncle back.
What I love here is that because Becket doesn’t believe in magic in the slightest, he has absolutely no frame of reference about Ket or what magic entails. It was the perfect excuse for some wonderfully done exposition. Gregg does a great job weaving in the details of her world as things are explained to Beckett. This is a fantasy world where magic reigns. Everyone can do even the most rudimentary of magic, and it’s used for absolutely everything.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is the first book in a serial, and I will tell you now it ends without things being resolved. The author has indeed set this up like the first act of a play. We get the background to this fascinating world, and see where the journey begins. But it ends just as things really get interesting, and it already has me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next installment.
Becket breaks my heart, at the same time he makes me grumpy. This guy has had some deep pain in his life. He’s lost his parents and his guardian has disappeared. He’s lived his life rigidly and practically, even from a young age. More than that, he absolutely does not believe in magic. At first it just seemed as if he was pissed off and unforgiving. As if his anger was the only thing ruling him. But slowly we get to know him, and we see the deep hurt that is fueling his reactions. When he begins to go through his uncle’s things, I finally felt like I understood him and how desperately he needed his uncle back.
What I love here is that because Becket doesn’t believe in magic in the slightest, he has absolutely no frame of reference about Ket or what magic entails. It was the perfect excuse for some wonderfully done exposition. Gregg does a great job weaving in the details of her world as things are explained to Beckett. This is a fantasy world where magic reigns. Everyone can do even the most rudimentary of magic, and it’s used for absolutely everything.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
October 4, 2016
It was a nice book, I didn’t liked it that much but it had some good moments. It was a little confusing at some parts, wither the book was that way or I was too distracted, but it should have been able to keep my interest and in some parts it wasn’t.
I did like some parts, I liked the MC, he was nice. I also liked some of the final moments, it felt like the story was a little slow at the beginning but near the end it was very fast and in those last pages I on the edge to know what would happen, it was very interesting.
I think one of the issues I had was that I don’t think there was a good mixture between the contemporary and fantastic elements, it felt odd.
I also wasn’t too fond on Theo, he seemed a little selfish and, as much as I try, I just couldn’t believe he had any interest in helping Becket.
Overall it was ok, I enjoyed some of the parts, some I didn’t, but I see that some readers had liked it a lot, so it might be just not the right book for me.
I did like some parts, I liked the MC, he was nice. I also liked some of the final moments, it felt like the story was a little slow at the beginning but near the end it was very fast and in those last pages I on the edge to know what would happen, it was very interesting.
I think one of the issues I had was that I don’t think there was a good mixture between the contemporary and fantastic elements, it felt odd.
I also wasn’t too fond on Theo, he seemed a little selfish and, as much as I try, I just couldn’t believe he had any interest in helping Becket.
Overall it was ok, I enjoyed some of the parts, some I didn’t, but I see that some readers had liked it a lot, so it might be just not the right book for me.
November 2, 2015
I didn't really love this one. In fact, its pacing frustrated me greatly. But the story is interesting, and I really want to know what happens next.
September 22, 2016
Love the world building, onto book two.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews