An assassin becomes a protector as he enters a magical world…all for the woman of his dreams.
Brigit Ó Ruaidh is the sole heir to the Kingdom of Freehaven. While journeying to visit a lord, she learns her royal parents have been murdered...and she’s next. With assassins after her, she tries to prevent her kingdom from falling into anarchy. As she sets her eyes on the throne, her world gets turned upside down when she’s rescued by a dangerous man.
Edward Emerson is an assassin. His job is to kill those who bring death and suffering to his world. When he finds himself in another world protecting a princess he’s seen in his dreams, he vows to move heaven and earth to keep her safe. In return, he hopes to find his way back home.
Another claimant to the throne blocks their way, and he will risk everything to make his mark on Freehaven and carve out power of his own. If Brigit and Edward don’t work together, they won’t live long enough to see her reclaim her destiny...or for their love to blossom.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Sarah Mäkelä loves her fiction dark, magical, and passionate. She is a paranormal romance author, but she's written all over the romance spectrum with cyberpunk, sci-fi, fantasy, urban fantasy... even a sweet contemporary romance!
A life-long paranormal fan, she still sleeps with a night light. In her spare time, she reads sexy books, watches scary movies, and plays computer games with her husband. When she gets the chance, she loves traveling the world too.
Princess Brigit has just lost her mom and dad the king and queen of the land. Someone had killed them and she doesn't know who she can trust. Edward is a covert secret agent in England. On a mission gone bad he hears a woman's voice telling him he has to save her or he will kill her. Next he knows he finds himself in an other world and his adventure begins is also were he meets Brigit. WOW this was an awesome read! I loved the mystery and adventure in this story with great characters.so much fun to read. It's got magic, history romance, mystery and adventure! Book given for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Edward is an MI6 operative that escapes death by using a key to open a mysterious door. He ends up in a different realm, in a different time. He saves Brigit from mercenaries and ends up joining her and her guards in an effort to reclaim her throne from a usurper. Fantastic characters, suspense, swords and magic. Fantastic book!
This is a wonderful story with mystery and an intriguing storyline. With a medieval theme including knights and a Princess in need of rescuing. A kingdom being overthrown by a tyrant, and so much more. But In the end will he go back to his own realm or stay? Loved this Skeleton key story. Well written and very entertaining to read.
This was a fun series opener that takes an MI6 agent and plucks him into another world to save the princess. Sounds fun, right?! I love that this story is told in dual POVs, and takes a 'deadly' guy, Edward, and puts him in the role of saving and protecting Brigit, the princess, from assassins that have just k!lled her parents. Expect to be caught up in the action, adventure, magic, mystery, humour and romance when you dive into this one. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next book :D
Edward is an assassin. Who better to protect a princess from the assassins who killed her parents and now seek her. To get to her, he has to travel between worlds and leave behind all he knows, but Brigit must be protected, no matter the cost. I really enjoyed reading this book. A great twist on time travel romance. I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
I received this book free and I am voluntarily doing a review. I absolutely got so into the book, I cooked supper almost 2 hours late !!! The authors writing style kept me reading from beginning to end. She has amazing characters and the storyline is just captivating.
STUNNING DEBUT COLLABORATION BETWEEN MAKELA AND SOREN !!! Title: The Assassin's Mark Series: Edge of Oblivion Author: Sarah Makela and Tavin Soren Designation: Book One of Series, Standalone Novella, NO Cliffhanger Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited My Rating: Four Delightfully Entertaining Stars**** Wow! What an amazing collaboration between Sarah Makela and Tavin Soren! Sarah Makela has been one of my favorite authors for years. I think I've probably read every book in her published library of work and always look forward to her new releases. So when I heard about her collaboration with Tavin Soren for a story, I was excited to get it in my hot little hands. And Makela and Soren did not disappoint! The Assassin's Mark is an exciting, fast-paced and vividly detailed standalone romantic fantasy and the first offering in the Edge of Oblivion Series. The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with his and her perspectives from the two protagonists, Princess Brigit O Ruaidh, and covert agent and trained assassin, Edward Emerson. I fell in love with the entire concept for this story which is based on finding an ancient skeleton key that opens a magical door leading to another time and place...possibly another dimension. It has endless possibilities but it's the engaging cast of characters who captured my heart and completely stole the show. Heck, I even thought the bad guys were fascinating! This collaboration is a wonderful blend of fantasy and magical, old and new, as well as action, adventure, and romance. I certainly hope these two very talented authors will continue their work together and grace us with an addition to this stunning new series.
As an only child, Princess Brigit O Ruaidh is the sole heir to the Kingdom of Freehaven and has been groomed since birth to become the reigning monarch. Sadly, she hadn't counted on it being so soon. No one had threatened the nobility for decades...until now. On a trip to visit her distant cousin, Lord Flemming, Brigit learns that both her parents, the King and Queen of Freehaven, have been murdered and even worse, the black soul responsible may want her dead as well. She must make the journey back to the capital city, Darkview, and claim her throne. Unfortunately, she'll have to elude capture and somehow survive the obstacles in her path before she can seek her vengeance upon the dark hearted nobleman intent on enslaving her people and claiming the throne for himself. She'll need help from someone she can trust and that help just may come from a very unexpected source...it may even come from a different world. That source arrives in the form of sexy, modern day assassin Edward Emerson from a mysterious advanced dimension called London, England through a magical door, unlocked by an ancient skeleton key. But can she trust a man who is a trained death dealer and assassin to protect her and keep her safe? We'll see! Covert Agent Edward Emerson is trained to take lives, not save them...no matter how beautiful they are. When he travels through some sort of magical door and arrives in what seems to be a strange medieval world with only a strange vision to guide him, he's at a complete loss as how to return to his home....until he sees the woman in his vision, and she's very real and very beautiful. She's also a princess in need of saving. He doesn't save people. He kills them. But for some reason, he's inexplicably attracted to the lovely princess and feels strangely compelled to protect her, no matter the cost and that cost could very well be his life! Will Edward be able to save the Princess? Will he find a way to return home? Or will he find a new life in Freehaven? We'll see!
Did I like this book? Loved it! Was there anything I didn't like about the book? There were a few boo-boos that were missed during editing but nothing that distracted me from the story. Would I recommend it? You bet and I am! Will I read this dynamic author pairing again? Absolutely! Was I entertained! Oh my, yes! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read! ***This book was originally released as part of a multi-author collection of individual books entitled the Skeleton Key Book Series.
The Assassin's Mark Skeleton Key by Sarah Makela, Tavin Soren ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Assassin's Mark Skeleton Key storyline is unique and magnificent read! I received a ARC of this book to read and to give my honest opinion in a review. This book is a part of a series written by various authors. The storyline is very emotional, fascinating and of course there's a twist to the storyline. The flow of words is exciting and the pace is just right. But I must admit that after reading half way through the book I had to put it down and work up the nerve to finish reading it because I didn't like the way I thought that it was going to end. But my curiosity wouldn't let me not find out what happen. So after ten minutes, I put my big girl panties on and finish reading. I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but as the story continue to unfolds it became quite clear that it only got more interesting at the end. Sarah Makela is truly creative, gifted and very talented. The storyline is well written. I enjoyed the storyline so much from the first page to the last page I was so amazed. I loved books that time travel! Sarah Makela is excellent at building fantasy worlds, her character development is awesome. The storyline has drama and depth to it. The story was the perfect blend of drama, mystery and sexiness. It was refreshing to read what felt like real literature. The characters are fabulous and compelling. The dialogue is realistic and passionate, I loved the interaction between the characters, the chemistry is so hot it leaps off the page like real life. The scenes are beautiful picturesque, dynamic with lots passion. Each book can be read as a stand alone but they are a part of series. Another thing I like is teasers I know some of you may not so if this the case don't read the next paragraph.
Excerpt From: The Assassin's Mark Skeleton Key by Sarah Makela, Tavin Soren This material is protected by copyright. I noticed a set of heavy-duty tools and felt a pang of relief. Hammer, just what I needed. I grabbed it and smashed the wall. As I broke through the hastily patched construction, I saw the outline of a large metallic door. A shiny glint in the thick dust caught my eye, and I reached for it without thinking. The large skeleton key seemed out of place in this day and age. It had a somewhat Gothic look with a stylized skeleton and bone decoration. How long had this been down here? From the thickness of the dust, it could have been decades...if not centuries. I shoved the key into my pocket and turned to leave, but a muffled explosion from another side of the basement kicked my instincts into high gear. I darted to the heavy door and pulled, only to find it had been locked. For a few moments, the animalistic part of my brain jerked on the handle in desperation hoping it was simply stuck, but rational thinking soon came to the rescue. I pulled the key from my pocket and shoved it into the lock. Blood trickled from my hand where the key’s decoration cut into my skin, but I hardly noticed. The click from the lock rang true. My heart leapt, and I yanked the door open. The landscape beyond the door wasn’t a staircase up toward the street. Confusion formed in my mind, but it didn’t remain there for long. The world slowed as a blast of hot air from the explosion threw me forward into the green fields ahead of me, then it all went black.
This is a Magnificent series of romantic stories. All of the stories will leave you feeling happy and in a loving mood. This is a Fantastic Series, they are scorching hot, sexy and it's romance with attitude. If this is not the kind of stuff you like to read, skip this book. However, if you're a fan of all things naughty, sexual tension, action and humor, this is perfect for you. Enjoy!If you love romance and in need of a pick up this is definitely a fabulous choice for your TBR list. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good love story.
If you believe in the world of love and romance then the possibilities are endless and fascinating.
I want this. I want what we have together. Please. This is an okay/good story, different than I expected though. This is only my second Skelton Key story, so not knowing the "guidelines" or anything about the multi-author series, I really wasn't sure what kind of story it would be. I was a little disappointed that the magic part of it was so short and glossed over, only because that was one of the main reasons I was interested in it - for the paranormal/fantasy aspect to it. I found the book description to be a little off from the story, or again, maybe I was just expecting something different. To me, there was a lot of ambiguity or assumptions to be made, making the story a little harder to follow and to stay engaged with. For example, in the description it says that Edward finds himself protecting the princess that he’s seen in his dreams, but to me, that wasn’t really expanded on or explored further. Because I was expecting it to be more of a paranormal or fantasy type of book and once I realized that wasn’t the case (at least not to my way of thinking), I had a hard time staying interested in it. Whether that is a reflection on the story itself, or just me… who knows. Just to be fair, I did try to read this again a few days later, after knowing what to expect and having read it already, but unfortunately my opinions didn’t change. Again, this is my review and my thoughts on the story, and is not necessarily a reflection of the talent of the authors or the story itself. Just because this isn't my kind of story doesn't mean that it is not worthwhile for others to read. I have loved every single book of Sarah's that I have read so far and am very eager to catch up on the ones I have missed while waiting for her next paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi book(s) to be released! I also look forward to reading Tavin's upcoming new release Asylum Series (Urban Fantasy).
Once again, Sarah has outdone herself. She has proven that her writing skills far exceed those of one genre as she takes us on a voyage to another realm, back to medieval times, where a present time assassin, Edward, finds himself on a journey, not to kill, but to save a princess from certain death that would lead to the fall of a peaceful regime. Sent to dispose of a group of terrorists, Edward finds himself in a predicament. His only escape is through a massive door that requires a skeleton key to open it. With the key in his hand, he quickly makes his escape, but to where? Princess Brigit is enroute to visit with her cousin, when news of her beloved parents' assassination reaches her. When her camp is raided and Edward, a complete stranger, comes to her rescue, they band together with a couple of her most trusted companions, to try and figure out who would do such a thing, and how they will stop him. Filled to the brim with intrigue, this time travel will have you on the edge of your seat from page one to the end. Be prepared for a bit of gore and some tender loving, fierce loyalties and even a bit of powerful magic. Hats off to you Sarah for yet another awesome read. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
( Source I received this book directly from the Author, in exchange for my opinion and honest review. )
The Assassin Edward is thrust into a Medieval realm after an assignment gone wrong. And meets the women of his dreams, in this magical world.
Bridget finds her life takes an emotional turn after learning the death of her parents & finds herself under attack as some Assassin wants to wipe her out and take the throne from her and her family. Her world gets thrown upside down as she is rescued by a handsome mystery man...
Edward.
I found it very hard to connect with this story, therefore has reflected in my given star rating. Starting a new book is always the unknown and you start with an open mind. sometimes you connect right away, others it takes a few chapters to finally feel that click you have been waiting for. I found for me The Assassins Mark just never did this for me, I never connected with it.
I found it all a bit empty and flat, I did keep waiting for it to click it just didn't for me.
Now I have to say some good pointers because my review isn't just about whether I liked the story or not, Sarah Makela has written the book well, the story line itself is okay. I have to add this just because I didn't connect with the story doesn't mean you won't or it's a bad book.
Character wise Bridget was the one I liked the most, Edward I found just to accepting of everything. I didn't feel any emotion from him.
I would like to have felt more emotion from the characters, and seem more action in the scenes. Maybe a bit more Romance - Suspense.
For me, It needed more passion and Zing. But well worth a go as this is just my opinion on a book i didn't connect well with.
I received this for a honest review. This book is a little different. You will read of two worlds/two different times.
Brigit had let her parents talk her into go going to see her cousin. It was a long journey and she truly hated the thought of the travel. Riding horse back for such a long distance can be tiresome in the least. This was a time were there were no cars. She would have to rely on her knights and servants to keep her safe.
Edward lived in a different time. He lived in the time we know today. He was use to having a gun to defend himself, cars, and tv. He was an assassin for the queen. He was trying to catch a boomer. Next thing he knows he is going through his door with a skeleton key he had used. Now he is faced with a different time. What a shock that must of been.
Brigit finds out that her parents were murdered and she must take on the role as queen. Her life is in danger. She has assassins after her and now here this stranger shows and saves her more then once. He has gained her trust and she can not help but be attracted to him. You have to wonder if the knowledge and the skill Edward has will be enough to keep the princess back.
This was a good book and was very easy to follow. Some times when books are wrote about different times I find at times it goes over my head. I ddi not find that in this story.
*I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
THE ASSASSIN'S MARK(Skeleton Key #1) by Sarah Mäkelä, Tavin Soren
Brigit Ó Ruaidh is the heir to the Kingdom of Freehaven. When she goes on a trip to visit her cousin, she finds out her royal parents were murdered and she's next. She tries to prevent the kingdom from falling into total chaos and disorder by setting her sights on the throne, but as her life becomes endangered it's proving difficult. Then her world is turned upside down when she's rescued by an assassin.
An assassin's task is never to protect but to kill, but when Edward Emerson ends up in another world and finds himself protecting a princess from his dreams, he vows to protect her and keep her safe. But will his skills and talents keep her safe? Will they live long enough to see Brigit claim her destiny? Or will they be killed before their love can take shape!
This was a really interesting and captivating read. The storyline was exciting and entertaining, and it's filled with suspense, action, and romance. I love the fantasy world these authors have created and the characters are strong and likable. Overall a really enjoyable and entertaining read!
This is the first in the Edge of Oblivion series and it is a great start for the series. Edward is an assassin in modern day London and as he is finishing his latest assignment he gets knocked out and gets a vision of a woman that needs his protection. When he wakes up he is still in the building of his last assignment and needs to get out before the target completes their goal of blowing the building up. He finds a strange key and then a door which the key fits and goes through to escape. When he gets to the other side of the door he is in another world. While he is trying to figure out where he is, he sees the woman in his vision and starts to follow her group. He ends up saving Bridget's life and gets introduced to the group....initially as a prisoner, even though he saved Bridget and later as her protector. Edward is unsure of what is happening to him but is drawn to Bridget and soon becomes much closer to her than he thinks he should. Even as he is protecting Bridget he is looking for a way back to his world, but once he finds it he is not sure that going back is a good idea. I liked the connection between Edward and Bridget and am looking forward to the next one in this series to see what happens in Freehaven.
A young woman is in danger when someone is out to control the country and take over the kingdom. An assassin uses a key and ends up in this strange, magical world. Can he use his talents to keep her safe?
It is an interesting story about a magical kingdom where Brigit is informed her royal parents have been murdered. There are likely assassins after her as well. Suddenly, a strange man comes to her rescue. Edward lives in modern times in England but finds himself in this strange world that seems like Ireland or Scotland hundreds of years ago. He finds himself coming to the aid of this young woman. While he attempts to keep her safe, he also tries to find a way back to his home. When they become closer,he will have to decide if he still wants to leave this world for his old one.
I liked the box of time travel, historical romance and fantasy. It was a very interesting story that moves fast with plenty of action and romance. Brigit has to grow up fast into her new role as a leader. Edward changes very much from an assassin to a protector and lover.
I loved the whole idea of this book. It was a quick read that I could not put down. The idea of two worlds meeting through magic was interesting. Edward, a trained assassin, finds himself transported by magic to a distant land where he is enlisted, after rescuing her by chance, to keep Princess Brigit alive long enough to take the throne. As they make their way home to two realize they have feelings for each other and Brigit finds that a secret she is carrying is growing stronger. But Edward remains focused on getting her home where she promises him there are books that can help him return home. Will the two survive the many attempts to kidnap her and be able to be together in the end? The main characters are well developed as out the secondary characters and most are likable. Over all this was a great fantasy book with a budding romance and enough to action to keep me reading till the end. This is a stand alone book and does not contain a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading the others in the series.
Assassin's Mark had a good blend between two worlds, old & new, a little fantasy, sneaky fighting, magic, and romance. Edward was an assassin for the government. There was not a lot of detail on his world, just Edward fighting against terrorists and their tactics in a modern world. Apparently Edward is really good at being an assassin. Meanwhile in a world that is reminiscent of a few centuries ago, Brigit is struggling to survive a brutal attack on her family and possibly war. When Edward lands in Brigit's world, he knows that he needs to help her. Brigit has very few people that she can trust. Which makes her acceptance of Edward seem pretty fast. Brigit needs Edward's skills, and then she finds that she needs him. Edward pulls out all of his tricks to keep Brigit safe. The book had a good pace and both Edward & Brigit were likeable. The sex was tastefully handled. Assassin's Mark was easy to read and did a nice job of collaborating two authors. There were no tale tell parts that could be distinguished as one or the other author. Definitely a hit with this book!
If this is any indication of what the Skeleton Key collection has to offer, I feel a new addiction coming. I have been a fan of Sarah Makela for some time and this certainly did not disappoint. The concept is a princess in danger in an alternate realm and an MI6 assassin destined to save her. Edward, the assassin, is caught on the wrong end of a bomb and sure to die until he comes across a strange door with a skeleton key, he opens the door and the blast from the bomb shoves him though into a picturesque field. He happens upon Brigit and her entourage, realizing she is the same from his dreams he follows and saves her from kidnappers. Together they sort out the plot to overthrow her and become VERY close. When Edward finds a way back to his realm will he take it or stay with Brigit?
This is the first book in Edge Of Oblivion series. What are start to this series this is one series you are going to want to read. Edward is an assassin foe the Government and he was doing a job for them when a bomb went off just before it did he saw a sold door and he was thrown through it and he landed in a different world. Bright was on her way to visit her cousin when she found out her parents have been killed. Edward made a promise to Brigit to protect her until he could find his way back to his own word. They started up a relationship together will they be able to overcome all the problems and have a happy ending. Received this book for an honest review. Go and grab yourself a drink and let yourself be taken to another world.
Princess Brigit has just lost her mom and dad the king and queen of the land. Someone had killed them and she doesn't know who she can trust. Edward is a covert secret agent in England. On a mission gone bad he hears a woman's voice telling him he has to save her or he will kill her. Next he knows he finds himself in an other world and his adventure begins is also were he meets Brigit. WOW this was an awesome read! I loved the mystery and adventure in this story with great characters.so much fun to read. It's got magic, history romance, mystery and adventure! Book given for an honest review and I honestly loved it.
I received this for my honest review. This book is a part of a series written by various authors The Skeleton Key. This is a very emotional, fascinating storyline with a twist to it. How the words flow makes it an exciting read and the pace is just right but as it continues to unfold it becomes clear that it only got more interesting at the end. Sarah Makela has done a brilliant story combining time travel, fantasy worlds, believable characters that are great with drama and depth to it and with the scenes you can imagine the beautiful pictures as she draws you into their world. Each book can be read as a stand alone but they are part of a series
I was so excited to see this Skeleton Key Series come out. I really liked thi one. I'm taking off one star because it really needed editing. It didn't ruin the story though. I loved all the characters. Edward was my favorite. Knowing how he was an assassin, I wasn't sure how this would play out. I think I was picturing something more magical the whole time there. But it was well done. All the brave knights helping the princess was just so heart warming. The pace was nice. This was a nice amount of story in this short of book.
I received this book in return for an honest review. This book is a really good read. Edward is an modern day assassin who gets himself trapped in another time and place. He will soon learn the past may just hold the keys to his future. Bridgit is the princess who has just lost her parents to a mutantany She must learn that her strength and power comes from within. When she meets this stranger from another place and time, something about him says he can be trusted... I liked this book a lot. I was really glad that it didn't leave me hanging, like some do with series. A major plus!
I was so excited to see this Skeleton Key Series come out. I really liked thi one. I'm taking off one star because it really needed editing. It didn't ruin the story though. I loved all the characters. Edward was my favorite. Knowing how he was an assassin, I wasn't sure how this would play out. I think I was picturing something more magical the whole time there. But it was well done. All the brave knights helping the princess was just so heart warming. The pace was nice. This was a nice amount of story in this short of book.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well written and it moved at a great pace. The authors did not leave the story with a cliffhanger which is awesome. The mixture of present and pass was a great twist. Great descriptions with an easy flowing and creative plot kept my interest throughout the book. There is plenty of action, romance and magic in the story too. I hope the authors create more stories together because this one was wonderful!
This book is amazing! Love this book! This is Brigit and Edward's story. I love the combination of the past and future era of this book, it's just right to me. The characters are amazing! Brigit can kick ass and that's what I love about her. Edward also is amazing, his your typical knight and shining armor. I love how Ms. Sarah connected the dots in the story just right. Loved it!
What an amazing story and plot concept! Each one of these skeleton key stories are just so unique! This book is full of great characters and definitely keeps you interested. You had me wondering exactly what kind of research did you have to do to portray an assassin for it truly seemed authentic! Kudos for this work of art!