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Militess & Mage #1
The Shadow & The Sun
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01DV98SUA
Among the living or the dead, he’s never needed anything from anyone.
Shadow Mage Gethen is a powerful necromancer, keeper of the border between the living and the dead, and brother to the king of Besera. But with his dark powers failing and a vengeful entity attacking, Gethen should be happy when a formidable lady knight appears at his gates. He’s not. The price for her aid is steep—his allegiance in a war against his brother.
In battle or in bed, she’s never met a man she considered her match.
Militess Halina is undaunted by the threat of war between her country and neighboring Besera. She earned her titles by shedding blood and breaking bones. She uses her body to reward soldiers who serve her loyally, and to punish those who don’t. And Halina’s never met a man she couldn’t command or crush.
Until now.
Passion and power unexpectedly ignite when a blizzard traps Halina at Gethen's citadel. With the evil entity’s onslaughts rapidly deteriorating Gethen’s sorcery, they have little time to understand their unexpected attraction. But could their passion be the key to defeating an ancient enemy that’s hell-bent on obliterating their world?
Among the living or the dead, he’s never needed anything from anyone.
Shadow Mage Gethen is a powerful necromancer, keeper of the border between the living and the dead, and brother to the king of Besera. But with his dark powers failing and a vengeful entity attacking, Gethen should be happy when a formidable lady knight appears at his gates. He’s not. The price for her aid is steep—his allegiance in a war against his brother.
In battle or in bed, she’s never met a man she considered her match.
Militess Halina is undaunted by the threat of war between her country and neighboring Besera. She earned her titles by shedding blood and breaking bones. She uses her body to reward soldiers who serve her loyally, and to punish those who don’t. And Halina’s never met a man she couldn’t command or crush.
Until now.
Passion and power unexpectedly ignite when a blizzard traps Halina at Gethen's citadel. With the evil entity’s onslaughts rapidly deteriorating Gethen’s sorcery, they have little time to understand their unexpected attraction. But could their passion be the key to defeating an ancient enemy that’s hell-bent on obliterating their world?
264 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2016
About the author
Monica Enderle Pierce
21 books193 followersMonica Enderle Pierce and her characters have been kicking the crap out of evil since 2012. She writes fantasy and science fiction. Her stories are filled with strong women, smart men, love, adventure, and magic. She has an English literature degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and she lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, their daughter, a neurotic dog, and two crazy tomcats. When she's not sending characters into battle or off on an adventure, she's reading minds, seeing through walls, and reveling in the glorious Pacific Northwest rain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 5, 2020
😇 I Swear It Wasn't Me They Made Me Do It Buddy Read (ISIWMTMMDIBR™) with Elena and Margaux 😇
Actual rating: 3.2564589632569 stars.
Let it be known that I only read this FantasyRomance story because Elena put a pump action shotgun to my lovely little head exoskeleton. Obviously. I mean, why else would I read Fantasy Romance? Because of a profound state of inebriation and the sudden, irrepressible (if inexplicable) need to end my miserable existence by drowning in a river of lovey dovey crap, you say? Well, yes, that could indeed be a possible possibility. So. My point is: I am as innocent as a lamb.
See? Innocence is me, I tell you!
Anyhoo and stuff, the fact that I didn't convulse at any time while reading this FantasyRomance, that I never considered—not even for half a quarter of a millisecond—killing it with fire and that I ended up rating it 3.2564589632569 stars should tell you something about the quality of the romance story here. Of course there is way too much romantic crap jolly frolicking in the book for my black, withered heart, but it's not wickedly allergy-inducing. And actually pretty well-written ← I didn't just write that. Of course I didn't. Don't be silly now. I'd never say such a thing about a Fantasy Romance story *eyeroll*
The slightly very nice thing is that, despite all theannoying as fish jolly frolicking in the story, there is quite much to be glad and rejoice about here. The world is darkly atmospheric as shrimp (yum), the plot is refreshingly original and stuff, and characterization is pretty damn very good. Not to mention that the female lead, Halina, is a knight/warrior/whatever who kicks ass exoskeleton, is more scarred than the most battle-hardened crustaceans in my nefarious troops, doesn't meet the standards of beauty of her world (which she doesn't give a shrimp about, by the way), and still manages to be sexey as fish.
Oops, sorry, wrong gif. That's not Halina, that's her cousin thrice and a half removed, Gertrud.
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): not all FantasyRomances are created equal. No, they are not. Some of them can actually be survived. I kid you not. And some of them even manage to be titillating enough to beguile the most Fantasy Romance-intolerant arthropods into reading their sequel. The end is nigh, if you ask me.
· Book 2: A Castle to Keep ★★★★
· Book 2.5: To Give Her Heart ★★
· Book 3: The Bones Beneath ★★
Actual rating: 3.2564589632569 stars.
Let it be known that I only read this Fantasy
See? Innocence is me, I tell you!
Anyhoo and stuff, the fact that I didn't convulse at any time while reading this Fantasy
The slightly very nice thing is that, despite all the
Oops, sorry, wrong gif. That's not Halina, that's her cousin thrice and a half removed, Gertrud.
➽ Nefarious Last Words (NLW™): not all Fantasy
· Book 2: A Castle to Keep ★★★★
· Book 2.5: To Give Her Heart ★★
· Book 3: The Bones Beneath ★★
January 26, 2020
Buddy read with the MacHalo sisterhood.
The Shadow & The Sun has all the things to make up a great story. A storyline with magic and swords with a dusting of spooky stuff and romance. But yet, there was something that held it back. It felt like the author was hovering around. As if she wanted me to hang out and enjoy the world and really get to know the characters. The stalling didn't do it for me.
The MacHalos have already started the second book. I'm going to join them and give it a go. If they weren't doing a buddy read I probably wouldn't consider the second book at this moment.
December 6, 2016
Shadow is deepest in the sun.
True to its billing, this is a sword and sorcery fantasy wrapped around a romance. In this case, the sword is wielded by Militess Halina, the illegitimate daughter of a king, who is sent to Shadow Mage Gethen's holding to secure his allegiance and assistance against aggression orchestrated by his brother, the king of neighboring Besera. Unbeknownst to the lady knight, the kings and the killing winter are just puppets on a string held by a growing horror in the Void, which is barely being contained by Gethen. She arrives on the eave of his deepest struggles with this emerging dark magic, and the wily mage strikes a bargain with the woman warrior to watch his back while he battles the entity.
"He admired her just a little bit more than he wanted to kill her. The woman had a steel spine, and she'd bend quite far before she broke. The trick would be easing off before she snapped and stuck a knife in him."
Locked together by a blizzard in Gethen's half-destroyed castle, the suspicious Halina and the scoffing Gethen hammer out the details of their accord. With just two retainers, the place is isolated, and it eventually becomes clear to Halina that the mage wasn't lying about his inability to contain the dark spirit in the Void. As the two battle magical manifestations with physical, deadly intent, they feel a burgeoning attraction. As a general in her father's army she is attracted to the powerful mage who has the "poise of a king and the control of a soldier." In turn, he is gratified and amazed at the bravery and fearlessness of this woman who doesn't begin to know how to submit to a foe, even when coughing up blood.
My one criticism of this book is that the extended magical theatrics are often without reason. The story between Gethen and Halina is one of mutual respect maturing into love, and I felt it needed to be matched by a personal or political purpose for the dark entity to manifest at that particular time and place. Rather, it is like Sauron expanding the doom of Mordor. Too late, there is a face and mythology put in place for the entity, and even then it was related to power and not person. Gethen and Halina spend considerable time in self-recrimination, worry and eventually battle, when at times all I really wanted them to do was get to a passionate clench.
I think people who enjoy the works of Grace Draven will find The Shadow & The Sun by Monica Enderle Pierce to be worthy of their time. The romance isn't quite as deeply felt, but the heroine is singularly wonderful. She is unapologetic in her approach and confident in her abilities. It is delightful to watch love sneak up on her. 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.
True to its billing, this is a sword and sorcery fantasy wrapped around a romance. In this case, the sword is wielded by Militess Halina, the illegitimate daughter of a king, who is sent to Shadow Mage Gethen's holding to secure his allegiance and assistance against aggression orchestrated by his brother, the king of neighboring Besera. Unbeknownst to the lady knight, the kings and the killing winter are just puppets on a string held by a growing horror in the Void, which is barely being contained by Gethen. She arrives on the eave of his deepest struggles with this emerging dark magic, and the wily mage strikes a bargain with the woman warrior to watch his back while he battles the entity.
"He admired her just a little bit more than he wanted to kill her. The woman had a steel spine, and she'd bend quite far before she broke. The trick would be easing off before she snapped and stuck a knife in him."
Locked together by a blizzard in Gethen's half-destroyed castle, the suspicious Halina and the scoffing Gethen hammer out the details of their accord. With just two retainers, the place is isolated, and it eventually becomes clear to Halina that the mage wasn't lying about his inability to contain the dark spirit in the Void. As the two battle magical manifestations with physical, deadly intent, they feel a burgeoning attraction. As a general in her father's army she is attracted to the powerful mage who has the "poise of a king and the control of a soldier." In turn, he is gratified and amazed at the bravery and fearlessness of this woman who doesn't begin to know how to submit to a foe, even when coughing up blood.
My one criticism of this book is that the extended magical theatrics are often without reason. The story between Gethen and Halina is one of mutual respect maturing into love, and I felt it needed to be matched by a personal or political purpose for the dark entity to manifest at that particular time and place. Rather, it is like Sauron expanding the doom of Mordor. Too late, there is a face and mythology put in place for the entity, and even then it was related to power and not person. Gethen and Halina spend considerable time in self-recrimination, worry and eventually battle, when at times all I really wanted them to do was get to a passionate clench.
I think people who enjoy the works of Grace Draven will find The Shadow & The Sun by Monica Enderle Pierce to be worthy of their time. The romance isn't quite as deeply felt, but the heroine is singularly wonderful. She is unapologetic in her approach and confident in her abilities. It is delightful to watch love sneak up on her. 4.5 rounded to 5 stars.
March 15, 2018
This was an unusual fantasy story in a lot of ways, starting with Halina. She's a capable, respected military commander and warrior and openly (not quite aggressively) sexual. Pairing her up against (and later with) Gethen, a wizard of ferocious (and disreputable) reputation made for an interesting tension as they go back and forth between a lot of different relationship axes (attraction, power, family politics, trust).
Indeed, most of the draw of the story (at least for me) was the two main characters and their interactions. Which is good because the setting is a bit sparse, which kind of surprised me. You get glimpses of different cultures and people and lands and nexuses of power and I can't help feeling like the magic could be interesting if we knew anything concrete about it. But glimpses is mostly all we get.
So it's a good thing the plot is decent and the threat had weight. And that Pierce keeps the story moving along at a good clip. There were some mild bumps and a few expectations that tripped me up (like the marked coin that made me expect a specific clumsy twist, only to allay that expectation, and then have a milder form show up after all) but for the most part, I was simply enjoying myself and the story as it unfolded.
So this is a weak four star read because of interesting characters and some good setting dynamics (despite being a bit light-weight) that dipped a bit sometimes but managed to end strong and fulfill my expectations for the things I cared about (mainly Gethen and Halina becoming a couple/team).
A note about Steamy: I actually expected more sex than there was giving how nearly aggressive Halina is. We got a single explicit sex scene with some strong flirting and such. So the lower end of my steam tolerance. I do wish Pierce had addressed how it is a woman could be so promiscuous in a fantasy (mostly low-magic) world without fear of unwanted pregnancy and/or disease. It wouldn't have taken much more than a hand wavy herb or talisman or something. Also,
Indeed, most of the draw of the story (at least for me) was the two main characters and their interactions. Which is good because the setting is a bit sparse, which kind of surprised me. You get glimpses of different cultures and people and lands and nexuses of power and I can't help feeling like the magic could be interesting if we knew anything concrete about it. But glimpses is mostly all we get.
So it's a good thing the plot is decent and the threat had weight. And that Pierce keeps the story moving along at a good clip. There were some mild bumps and a few expectations that tripped me up (like the marked coin that made me expect a specific clumsy twist, only to allay that expectation, and then have a milder form show up after all) but for the most part, I was simply enjoying myself and the story as it unfolded.
So this is a weak four star read because of interesting characters and some good setting dynamics (despite being a bit light-weight) that dipped a bit sometimes but managed to end strong and fulfill my expectations for the things I cared about (mainly Gethen and Halina becoming a couple/team).
A note about Steamy: I actually expected more sex than there was giving how nearly aggressive Halina is. We got a single explicit sex scene with some strong flirting and such. So the lower end of my steam tolerance. I do wish Pierce had addressed how it is a woman could be so promiscuous in a fantasy (mostly low-magic) world without fear of unwanted pregnancy and/or disease. It wouldn't have taken much more than a hand wavy herb or talisman or something. Also,
February 1, 2018
3.5
I so enjoyed this fantasy with its touch of romance, its heroine, and the romp through lands unknown :)
The only con is that I could not find it completely compelling. For how much I liked it (and I did), my heart wasn't in my throat even at the worst times. But I would suggest that you do read this book.
I so enjoyed this fantasy with its touch of romance, its heroine, and the romp through lands unknown :)
The only con is that I could not find it completely compelling. For how much I liked it (and I did), my heart wasn't in my throat even at the worst times. But I would suggest that you do read this book.
April 23, 2016
++Spoilers (most likely++
Got this one for .99 and what a delightful surprise it was to find how good this book was!
The writing is technically very good. Little to no editing issues. Well developed characters and secondary characters as well as an antagoniost that is not just purely evil but has a story behind them. Bravo!
I would definately recommend this book to my friends. This author's writing is certainly in league with Grace Draven as fantasy goes, unfortunately she lacks Draven's romantic touch.
The author is adept at world building and had logic and reason behind the magic and spell work she gave to the mages. In short, it was magical yet believable.
This is not a cliffhanger, there is an 'end" a HEA thank goodness, but it does end so one need not continue with the series, but I certainly plan to.
A brief summary:
There is a war brewing between two lands. The feud between these once allied Kings started over a really simple and ridiculous reason. Little did either of the Kings realize that it was not just a war over trading salt, but a war that was instigated by a Rime Witch who was released from her hold in the Void.
Gethen is a shadow mage whose powers are fading as he makes the transition from shadow mage to sun mage. He has been the one person who's sole responsibility has been to keep the wraiths and Rime witch contained in the void. As his magic weakens, his protective wards are as well. Unfortunately, at the same time, the Rime witch has been released. On top of that, his brother (Zelal) is threatening and demanding Gethen's aid to fight the war against his enemy. AND! Zelal's enemy is seeking Gethen's aid to fight Zelal. It is when Halina, appears at Gethen's keep to negotiate for his aid that the story begins.
Halina is a fierce warrior and plans to either gain Gethen's aid or kill him. The Rime witch has manipulated the weather, causing Halina to be snowed in with Gethen, and it is over these next few days she realizes that the Rime witch must be dealt with first, for she is everyones common enemy.
There is far more involved in this tale then I have just described. Too much to continue without re telling the entire story. In short, Gethen gains strenth through Halina, they fall in love etc....
Overall a great tale with much magic and fighting.
My criticisms:
1. I think Gethen's love for animals could have been played up more. I didn't feel as much of an impact to his devastation at seeing the the dead animals in the Ballista as I should have. Yes he was a vegetarian, yes he refused to kill animals to absorb their power, but there should have been more to show his passion and connection with the animals.
2. Halina is a warrior, and I like that, but she could have been a little more femine. We know she loves Gethen, but she never tells him. Even after he delcares his love for her she doesn't say it.
She should have been shown to have more passion for Gethen, which would have made her connection to Gethen seem stronger, more powerful. The author should realize that passion and love do not equal weakness. A warrior woman need not be emotionless to be portrayed as strong.
Otherwise, I really liked this story. Both MC were sexually experienced, Halina more than Gethen. Gethen's past was only rarely mentioned, never detailed and nothing more than a passing thought. Halina on the other hand was more of a rake (but only in the past not after meeting Gethen). Finally! It's good to see at least one author turn the tables.
There is only one detailed love scene towards the end. But again, I wished there was more romance. Perhaps it will grow in the next in the series. I do hope so.
.
Got this one for .99 and what a delightful surprise it was to find how good this book was!
The writing is technically very good. Little to no editing issues. Well developed characters and secondary characters as well as an antagoniost that is not just purely evil but has a story behind them. Bravo!
I would definately recommend this book to my friends. This author's writing is certainly in league with Grace Draven as fantasy goes, unfortunately she lacks Draven's romantic touch.
The author is adept at world building and had logic and reason behind the magic and spell work she gave to the mages. In short, it was magical yet believable.
This is not a cliffhanger, there is an 'end" a HEA thank goodness, but it does end so one need not continue with the series, but I certainly plan to.
A brief summary:
There is a war brewing between two lands. The feud between these once allied Kings started over a really simple and ridiculous reason. Little did either of the Kings realize that it was not just a war over trading salt, but a war that was instigated by a Rime Witch who was released from her hold in the Void.
Gethen is a shadow mage whose powers are fading as he makes the transition from shadow mage to sun mage. He has been the one person who's sole responsibility has been to keep the wraiths and Rime witch contained in the void. As his magic weakens, his protective wards are as well. Unfortunately, at the same time, the Rime witch has been released. On top of that, his brother (Zelal) is threatening and demanding Gethen's aid to fight the war against his enemy. AND! Zelal's enemy is seeking Gethen's aid to fight Zelal. It is when Halina, appears at Gethen's keep to negotiate for his aid that the story begins.
Halina is a fierce warrior and plans to either gain Gethen's aid or kill him. The Rime witch has manipulated the weather, causing Halina to be snowed in with Gethen, and it is over these next few days she realizes that the Rime witch must be dealt with first, for she is everyones common enemy.
There is far more involved in this tale then I have just described. Too much to continue without re telling the entire story. In short, Gethen gains strenth through Halina, they fall in love etc....
Overall a great tale with much magic and fighting.
My criticisms:
1. I think Gethen's love for animals could have been played up more. I didn't feel as much of an impact to his devastation at seeing the the dead animals in the Ballista as I should have. Yes he was a vegetarian, yes he refused to kill animals to absorb their power, but there should have been more to show his passion and connection with the animals.
2. Halina is a warrior, and I like that, but she could have been a little more femine. We know she loves Gethen, but she never tells him. Even after he delcares his love for her she doesn't say it.
She should have been shown to have more passion for Gethen, which would have made her connection to Gethen seem stronger, more powerful. The author should realize that passion and love do not equal weakness. A warrior woman need not be emotionless to be portrayed as strong.
Otherwise, I really liked this story. Both MC were sexually experienced, Halina more than Gethen. Gethen's past was only rarely mentioned, never detailed and nothing more than a passing thought. Halina on the other hand was more of a rake (but only in the past not after meeting Gethen). Finally! It's good to see at least one author turn the tables.
There is only one detailed love scene towards the end. But again, I wished there was more romance. Perhaps it will grow in the next in the series. I do hope so.
.
February 19, 2018
3.5/5; 4 stars
Good fantasy story in the 'Sword and Sorcery' style with a bit of romance thrown in. This is a new to me author and I was glad to stumble across whilst digging through Mara's bookshelves looking for something new!
The events of the last part of the book seemed a bit off in their timing, maybe rushed, but it was still a pretty good ending.
Good fantasy story in the 'Sword and Sorcery' style with a bit of romance thrown in. This is a new to me author and I was glad to stumble across whilst digging through Mara's bookshelves looking for something new!
The events of the last part of the book seemed a bit off in their timing, maybe rushed, but it was still a pretty good ending.
May 3, 2016
3/4 They saved the world stars
I took a gamble on this book because Grace Draven mentioned as it went up on Amazon and I really liked the cover, then I was intrigued by the blurb. Nothing unheard of, but there was just something, both characters seemed so strong. I hoped the author would pull it off, enemies to lovers, convincing magic. I was not disappointed.
The author opens the door to her world all at once, no slow introductions. All is there and all is believable. Neighbouring kingdoms whose hostilities have dangerously escalated, a bastard warrior princess who can never stop proving how formidable and useful she is in a typical backstabbing court, a powerful shadow mage who is nothing like we expect him to be, caught in between duties, trying to stay neutral and trying to save the world from an otherwordly danger. The writing is precise, almost flawless, the worldbuilding vivid and simple to grasp, the fantasy and magic utterly convincing. The description of Gethen's Citadel Ranith and its polar opposite, sunny, insular Or-Halee are some of my favourite parts. I was transported instantly, feeling like I was actually walking up and down both structures, either fighting not to be frozen to death or languidly getting high on perfumes, light and warmth. All characters are well defined, easy to relate to. Gethen's servants were just perfect even if a bit stereotypical, the villains were villains gloating about their own cruelty.
It was a bit of a slow beginning but then the story really sucks you in. I could not put it down, it kept growing on me. It's the dark magic, the danger, the mystery to solve running against the clock, the political games and of course, the relationship between the main characters. Alina is a warrior. An experienced, ferocious, skilled, take-no-prisoners warrior. Proud, liberal with her body, not with her affections, loyal to her denizens and even her evil father. She is scarred, unashamed of her body, she knows its strength and respects its limits. Throughout the book she never whines, she's never lost, afraid of being sexual or helped when needed. Damn, that was a refreshing female fighting lead. She's not perfect in any way, but she's not your typcal snarky kick-ass wanna-be. She kicks ass, period. She knows her value and once she accepts a charge she's all in, her life on the line. Gethen is a shadow mage on the brink of transforming into something else, his powers depleting, unsure of what his new magic will entail and how he will be able to wield it, worried about the safety of the world more than his own, unwilling to serve anyone but his own values. More of a healer and a safeguard against crossovers from the Void than an evil necromancer, because that's who he chose to be despite the life that had been decided for him and how they tried to mold him. He might not want to mingle with petty human quarrels, but he's rooted in nature, in animals, in life. He deeply cares.
For those of you who love adventure and suspense to lead instead of romance, you will be happy. The romance is a thin red line, something subtle and precious blooming amongst all the perils they have to face, but is not the main focus. Dangers and creeping evil are coming from all sides. This couple of opposites will mistrust each other for almost three quarters of the story and there is only ONE sex scene. The growing UST and slowburn, though, were magnificent . So many little and big things were driving them towards each others and apart at the same time, the admiration, the yearning, the intensity of every little physical contact scorching due to their brevity. These two had dead Shadow Mages, Rime Witches, all kind of demons, magical monsters and natural disasters to fight, they had their priorities straight. The only sex scene we got was sensual more than descriptive, it came as the very much needed confirmation of their bond and desire, but it also had a purpose in the development of the plot, in Gethen's future. And I loved that till the end in that scene, he checked on her, sought permission. He could have beguiled her a million times but no. He wanted all of her, he wanted to be wanted just as much. Still...I would have liked more steam, I had been waiting for that one scene for SOO LOOONG ...sigh....
Why not give 4 full stars or even 5 stars if so many elements were so good? Because, after much thinking, some of the good things were also the same I had to (slightly) criticize:
- both Gethen and Alina have strong cores, they had to fight to survive, they were both abused and/or ignored growing up and they literally had to build themselves, physically and mentally, to survive and grow in their skills. They made choices even when all choices had been taken away from them. I liked that the author didn't decide to play little-shrink and heavily refer to their past, the little photographs she drops here and there about their past are very neat, yet I feel that more could be done with it. Especially with Alina, it could have been much less vague. I understood much more Gethen and his way of being/thinking than I did Alina, and I mostly felt for him.
- Gethen is a vegetarian and the way he touches and handles his wolves (and all the other forest's animals) made me fall for him like a block, yet when the Rime Witch commits the biggest atrocity against all his animals, we didn't get the emotional response that I would expect from his character. They were hunted and hunting, pressed for time and he was enraged...but I missed some pain...strangely, Alina was more moved in this situation than he seemed.
- Alina is amazingly strong, maybe too much. She never once says I love you. I don't think this is a sign of independence or strength. Not being able to say it, or openly feel it, is actually a big problem in my opinion. Perhaps she was unfamiliar with the emotion, but still. I know there are different thinking schools about it, I need to say it, I need to hear it, even if just once. We know she cares and worries, we see she loves him, but she never opens up. Gethen on the contrary is so straightforward with her, declaring his desire, admiration and love without a second thought, no matter the dire situations they were in. Sometimes a funny comeback is all that's needed, some other times both characters need to be on the same emotional wavelength, without it meaning melassafilled lines, for the scene to be really gripping and to make me cheer for the couple. I missed some of this with Alina. Even before his transformation, I found Gethen so much warmer than her. It detracted even from the best moments for me.
- I liked the danger, the horror and the magic so much I wanted more angst, the fight scenes were so good!
- The hints the author gave us before something bad was about to happen or someone was about to turn were SO transparent to me that I wondered a bit about the sharpness of the characters in certain moments, I would have preferred to be completely surprised and shocked. Also, some adjectives and decriptions were too repetitive.
Even with these remarks, I thoroughly enjoyed this reading and I would recommend it to anyone in search of a strong, non-bitchy female lead, a hot, sensitive non-self-centered mage and light but perfectly constructed magic fantasy. Some elements will remind you of Grace Draven. I will certainly continue with this serie, I hope to read more about these formidable two as well.
I took a gamble on this book because Grace Draven mentioned as it went up on Amazon and I really liked the cover, then I was intrigued by the blurb. Nothing unheard of, but there was just something, both characters seemed so strong. I hoped the author would pull it off, enemies to lovers, convincing magic. I was not disappointed.
The author opens the door to her world all at once, no slow introductions. All is there and all is believable. Neighbouring kingdoms whose hostilities have dangerously escalated, a bastard warrior princess who can never stop proving how formidable and useful she is in a typical backstabbing court, a powerful shadow mage who is nothing like we expect him to be, caught in between duties, trying to stay neutral and trying to save the world from an otherwordly danger. The writing is precise, almost flawless, the worldbuilding vivid and simple to grasp, the fantasy and magic utterly convincing. The description of Gethen's Citadel Ranith and its polar opposite, sunny, insular Or-Halee are some of my favourite parts. I was transported instantly, feeling like I was actually walking up and down both structures, either fighting not to be frozen to death or languidly getting high on perfumes, light and warmth. All characters are well defined, easy to relate to. Gethen's servants were just perfect even if a bit stereotypical, the villains were villains gloating about their own cruelty.
It was a bit of a slow beginning but then the story really sucks you in. I could not put it down, it kept growing on me. It's the dark magic, the danger, the mystery to solve running against the clock, the political games and of course, the relationship between the main characters. Alina is a warrior. An experienced, ferocious, skilled, take-no-prisoners warrior. Proud, liberal with her body, not with her affections, loyal to her denizens and even her evil father. She is scarred, unashamed of her body, she knows its strength and respects its limits. Throughout the book she never whines, she's never lost, afraid of being sexual or helped when needed. Damn, that was a refreshing female fighting lead. She's not perfect in any way, but she's not your typcal snarky kick-ass wanna-be. She kicks ass, period. She knows her value and once she accepts a charge she's all in, her life on the line. Gethen is a shadow mage on the brink of transforming into something else, his powers depleting, unsure of what his new magic will entail and how he will be able to wield it, worried about the safety of the world more than his own, unwilling to serve anyone but his own values. More of a healer and a safeguard against crossovers from the Void than an evil necromancer, because that's who he chose to be despite the life that had been decided for him and how they tried to mold him. He might not want to mingle with petty human quarrels, but he's rooted in nature, in animals, in life. He deeply cares.
For those of you who love adventure and suspense to lead instead of romance, you will be happy. The romance is a thin red line, something subtle and precious blooming amongst all the perils they have to face, but is not the main focus. Dangers and creeping evil are coming from all sides. This couple of opposites will mistrust each other for almost three quarters of the story and there is only ONE sex scene. The growing UST and slowburn, though, were magnificent . So many little and big things were driving them towards each others and apart at the same time, the admiration, the yearning, the intensity of every little physical contact scorching due to their brevity. These two had dead Shadow Mages, Rime Witches, all kind of demons, magical monsters and natural disasters to fight, they had their priorities straight. The only sex scene we got was sensual more than descriptive, it came as the very much needed confirmation of their bond and desire, but it also had a purpose in the development of the plot, in Gethen's future. And I loved that till the end in that scene, he checked on her, sought permission. He could have beguiled her a million times but no. He wanted all of her, he wanted to be wanted just as much. Still...I would have liked more steam, I had been waiting for that one scene for SOO LOOONG ...sigh....
Why not give 4 full stars or even 5 stars if so many elements were so good? Because, after much thinking, some of the good things were also the same I had to (slightly) criticize:
- both Gethen and Alina have strong cores, they had to fight to survive, they were both abused and/or ignored growing up and they literally had to build themselves, physically and mentally, to survive and grow in their skills. They made choices even when all choices had been taken away from them. I liked that the author didn't decide to play little-shrink and heavily refer to their past, the little photographs she drops here and there about their past are very neat, yet I feel that more could be done with it. Especially with Alina, it could have been much less vague. I understood much more Gethen and his way of being/thinking than I did Alina, and I mostly felt for him.
- Gethen is a vegetarian and the way he touches and handles his wolves (and all the other forest's animals) made me fall for him like a block, yet when the Rime Witch commits the biggest atrocity against all his animals, we didn't get the emotional response that I would expect from his character. They were hunted and hunting, pressed for time and he was enraged...but I missed some pain...strangely, Alina was more moved in this situation than he seemed.
- Alina is amazingly strong, maybe too much. She never once says I love you. I don't think this is a sign of independence or strength. Not being able to say it, or openly feel it, is actually a big problem in my opinion. Perhaps she was unfamiliar with the emotion, but still. I know there are different thinking schools about it, I need to say it, I need to hear it, even if just once. We know she cares and worries, we see she loves him, but she never opens up. Gethen on the contrary is so straightforward with her, declaring his desire, admiration and love without a second thought, no matter the dire situations they were in. Sometimes a funny comeback is all that's needed, some other times both characters need to be on the same emotional wavelength, without it meaning melassafilled lines, for the scene to be really gripping and to make me cheer for the couple. I missed some of this with Alina. Even before his transformation, I found Gethen so much warmer than her. It detracted even from the best moments for me.
- I liked the danger, the horror and the magic so much I wanted more angst, the fight scenes were so good!
- The hints the author gave us before something bad was about to happen or someone was about to turn were SO transparent to me that I wondered a bit about the sharpness of the characters in certain moments, I would have preferred to be completely surprised and shocked. Also, some adjectives and decriptions were too repetitive.
Even with these remarks, I thoroughly enjoyed this reading and I would recommend it to anyone in search of a strong, non-bitchy female lead, a hot, sensitive non-self-centered mage and light but perfectly constructed magic fantasy. Some elements will remind you of Grace Draven. I will certainly continue with this serie, I hope to read more about these formidable two as well.
February 23, 2018
Really enjoyable fantasy romance that reminds me of Grace Draven’s work. Thanks to Mara for bringing this author to my attention! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 24, 2021
I read this for SPFBO. More about the contest and links at the bottom.
Halina- King Vernard’s bastard daughter, is sent to parlay with the Shadow Mage, Gethen Rhysh. His lands are in the borders of her dominion, and his allegiance is required in the dispute against Gethen’s brother. Gethen has refused to oath, causing concern about whose side such a powerful mage will throw his lot with in the dispute between the two countries.
***
I really enjoyed this story. There is a nice blend of fantasy and romance with enough fantasy elements for me to be able to call it that, while still feeling like a romance at its heart.
It’s also very well presented- from the beautiful cover down to the contents.
Romance-
Things I liked. Both were strong capable characters- there was a little bend on the classic with him being the healer-character, and her the warrior but they both felt suited to their positions without feeling like they were being crammed into to the box they were given.
There is a slow-build to their romance and despite the spirited way she spoke in the beginning around her soldiers and the implied relationships- this was surprisingly tame which personally, I prefer. I like a nice build in the getting to know each other and in the sexual tension, to having an insta-love and a multitude of sex scenes. It makes when they do finally get together way more fulfilling for me. (It’s all about the chase for me)
The pov’s were fairly equal in time on-screen. There wasn’t too much waffling back and forth in their desire for one another, though they both were repetitive at times, falling in to the same thought patterns about the other- especially him admiring her strength etc. I’m not going to gripe about that too much, it’s preferable to him admiring her heaving bosom. (Thankfully we have no heaving bosoms).
I did feel a little distant towards them, I am not sure why, but my heart never beat out of my chest in fear for either of them.
Magic-
It’s soft and not a lot explanation is needed.
As a Shadow Mage Gethren, keeps souls from entering the realm of the living, to use his magic, he draws from the animals and even people around him (which he doesn’t like to do too much) so he tries to just siphon a little from all around (they can recover this with rest). But he is transitioning from Shadow mage to a Sun mage (the only one of his kind in the four kingdoms) and because of this, his power has weakened and spirits in the void are taking advantage of his flagging defences. He is in need of a protector for the final transition- Enter Halina. She doesn’t have any magic she practises but there is blood magic from the battles she has fought in her armour and sword that help to protect her. (The Shadow Mage shedding his armour was pretty darned cool btw)
World-
Not much world is seen outside of his keep/Tor. They do travel via magic to another location where he goes to learn the magic of the Sun Mage and we get a few details about the Rime Witch an ancient sorceress imprisoned in the void but most of the story is in his surroundings.
I did like that we got to see little of what it takes to keep the place running with the animals (I totally agree with the chicken consensus) and keeping bees, etc. and the tidbits on how he sold his tinctures in exchange for other things that are needed.
A little spoilery in this section so beware.
I was not sure why Vernard abandoned Halina’s holdings and I wished we had more leading up to this because it seemed so out of left-field. There were no hints or even dealings with him other than the offer to Gethen to sweeten the pot, without letting her know. His sending her seemed like he knew she could handle it, not like- I hope you die so I can have you stuff.
Also the brother at first, I thought was a jerk but, on the leaving, seemed like he might care about her.
And then there is the housekeeper who had such a character shift that I wondered how no one noticed because it was pretty obvious. Especially with the coin.
I think in some cases, things were too subtle where they didn’t need to be, and others weren’t subtle enough.
Other notes-
Why do I want to cheer when a stag appears in the forest in fantasy but I also want to roll my eyes because it’s so cliché? Still, it’s one of my favourite clichés.
SPFBO score 7.5 or 4 stars
4 stars (6.5-8/10)
Go here to find out more about SPFBO contest and to find links to all the participating bloggers/authors and reviews.
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Phase one is here-
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Team reviews at Fantasy Book Critic
https://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.co...
Halina- King Vernard’s bastard daughter, is sent to parlay with the Shadow Mage, Gethen Rhysh. His lands are in the borders of her dominion, and his allegiance is required in the dispute against Gethen’s brother. Gethen has refused to oath, causing concern about whose side such a powerful mage will throw his lot with in the dispute between the two countries.
***
I really enjoyed this story. There is a nice blend of fantasy and romance with enough fantasy elements for me to be able to call it that, while still feeling like a romance at its heart.
It’s also very well presented- from the beautiful cover down to the contents.
Romance-
Things I liked. Both were strong capable characters- there was a little bend on the classic with him being the healer-character, and her the warrior but they both felt suited to their positions without feeling like they were being crammed into to the box they were given.
There is a slow-build to their romance and despite the spirited way she spoke in the beginning around her soldiers and the implied relationships- this was surprisingly tame which personally, I prefer. I like a nice build in the getting to know each other and in the sexual tension, to having an insta-love and a multitude of sex scenes. It makes when they do finally get together way more fulfilling for me. (It’s all about the chase for me)
The pov’s were fairly equal in time on-screen. There wasn’t too much waffling back and forth in their desire for one another, though they both were repetitive at times, falling in to the same thought patterns about the other- especially him admiring her strength etc. I’m not going to gripe about that too much, it’s preferable to him admiring her heaving bosom. (Thankfully we have no heaving bosoms).
I did feel a little distant towards them, I am not sure why, but my heart never beat out of my chest in fear for either of them.
Magic-
It’s soft and not a lot explanation is needed.
As a Shadow Mage Gethren, keeps souls from entering the realm of the living, to use his magic, he draws from the animals and even people around him (which he doesn’t like to do too much) so he tries to just siphon a little from all around (they can recover this with rest). But he is transitioning from Shadow mage to a Sun mage (the only one of his kind in the four kingdoms) and because of this, his power has weakened and spirits in the void are taking advantage of his flagging defences. He is in need of a protector for the final transition- Enter Halina. She doesn’t have any magic she practises but there is blood magic from the battles she has fought in her armour and sword that help to protect her. (The Shadow Mage shedding his armour was pretty darned cool btw)
World-
Not much world is seen outside of his keep/Tor. They do travel via magic to another location where he goes to learn the magic of the Sun Mage and we get a few details about the Rime Witch an ancient sorceress imprisoned in the void but most of the story is in his surroundings.
I did like that we got to see little of what it takes to keep the place running with the animals (I totally agree with the chicken consensus) and keeping bees, etc. and the tidbits on how he sold his tinctures in exchange for other things that are needed.
A little spoilery in this section so beware.
I was not sure why Vernard abandoned Halina’s holdings and I wished we had more leading up to this because it seemed so out of left-field. There were no hints or even dealings with him other than the offer to Gethen to sweeten the pot, without letting her know. His sending her seemed like he knew she could handle it, not like- I hope you die so I can have you stuff.
Also the brother at first, I thought was a jerk but, on the leaving, seemed like he might care about her.
And then there is the housekeeper who had such a character shift that I wondered how no one noticed because it was pretty obvious. Especially with the coin.
I think in some cases, things were too subtle where they didn’t need to be, and others weren’t subtle enough.
Other notes-
Why do I want to cheer when a stag appears in the forest in fantasy but I also want to roll my eyes because it’s so cliché? Still, it’s one of my favourite clichés.
SPFBO score 7.5 or 4 stars
4 stars (6.5-8/10)
Go here to find out more about SPFBO contest and to find links to all the participating bloggers/authors and reviews.
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Phase one is here-
https://mark---lawrence.blogspot.com/...
Team reviews at Fantasy Book Critic
https://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.co...
April 7, 2016
I'm starting to notice a theme: Read a book by Monica Enderle Pierce, give it 5 stars, desperately wishing for the power to erase my memory of reading said book so I can read it again and experience it all over again for the first time.
I was first introduced to M.E. Pierce's writing with FAMINE, her apocalyptic dark fantasy novel (Hello Horsemen). It is a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. It's been a while, so I think it's about that time where I can go back and reread it without having details fresh in my head so I can ooh and aah over the book again.
I then read GIRL UNDER GLASS (which I have yet to write a review for, but will! I'm a touch behind). This is a post-apocalyptic novel where we have warred with aliens. No less intense than FAMINE, full of adventure, strife, suspense, and yes, romance.
And then there's this novel. High fantasy. Romance. Suspense. Politics.
I am now waiting for sequels in three of her series. Why do I heart them so much? Not only does Pierce create this world that is so detailed it is nearly palpable, but she does it in such a way that I don't feel as if she's droning on and on and describing every vein of every leaf. No, there is no telling here. There is SHOWING. And that's how I like my books. You're plunged into the world of her novels without static, without a break, just seamless entry that seems wholly believable.
And then there are her characters. In this novel, Halina and Gethen are the main characters. Halina. I LOVE Halina. Why? She is no simpering maiden in need of rescue. She is unapologetic about her success on the battlefield, about being an amazing warrior, about caring for the people who are within her domain, and about her loyalty as one of the king's soldiers. She is strong, forthright, and moral. Her sex doesn't make her feel vulnerable and she certainly doesn't act like it. She doesn't use her physical attributes to get what she wants or to achieve her goals; she uses her mind. Gethen is the shadow mage, but he is wholly unexpected as to what we think of as necromancers/shadow mages.
Their adventure begins when Halina realizes that Gethen is right; the kingdoms have a mutual enemy that is driving both of them towards war. Together, they will fight against it. But will they be enough?
March 3, 2018
DNF 24%
It's a lot better than you'd expect for a 99c book, but that's not saying much. it just means the grammar isn't butchered constantly.
Anyway, the characters are weird. I feel squicky about the leading lady fucking all of her subordinates to make them obedient. That feels really weird and unpleasant. You really shouldn't have to fuck everyone to be a respected leader. In fact I imagine thats a quick way to turn everyone against you. I also don't like how smirky the leading dude is, and also he's like a weird powerful magical prince king boy next door farmboy? what the fuck is this guy, figure out what you want to do with him.
Also don't listen to people. This is a bodice ripper. There's nothing minor about the romance in it, it's all the fucking book cares about. I got really tired of the characters wittily bantering and then separating to ruminate in circles about how formidable and sexy the other is until they get together and then leave to ruminate sexily again. Rinse and repeat 4+ times in the 24% of the book I bothered with.
Here's the section that immediately made me go from "eh" to "nope DNF right now":
"'What would it take to coax her to burn for me?" he laughed (note: he spoke and laughed this to himself) He already knew she was willing to set his bed on fire with him in it." UGH. FUCKING JUST GAG ME. I'd rather die than read any more of this shitty innuendo, which came hot on the heels of a wick dipping innuendo (get it the wick is his penis dipping into her vagina)(GAG GAG GAG).
Blegh. The plot felt watery and nonexistent. Everything just existed to get the two leads together in the same room so they could spend all of their time interacting solely with each other or themselves. It was weirdly lonely. I didn't find their dynamic sexy enough to distract me from the lack of interesting side characters.
Anyway this is way too much analysis for a 99c bodice ripper. What did I really expect?
It's a lot better than you'd expect for a 99c book, but that's not saying much. it just means the grammar isn't butchered constantly.
Anyway, the characters are weird. I feel squicky about the leading lady fucking all of her subordinates to make them obedient. That feels really weird and unpleasant. You really shouldn't have to fuck everyone to be a respected leader. In fact I imagine thats a quick way to turn everyone against you. I also don't like how smirky the leading dude is, and also he's like a weird powerful magical prince king boy next door farmboy? what the fuck is this guy, figure out what you want to do with him.
Also don't listen to people. This is a bodice ripper. There's nothing minor about the romance in it, it's all the fucking book cares about. I got really tired of the characters wittily bantering and then separating to ruminate in circles about how formidable and sexy the other is until they get together and then leave to ruminate sexily again. Rinse and repeat 4+ times in the 24% of the book I bothered with.
Here's the section that immediately made me go from "eh" to "nope DNF right now":
"'What would it take to coax her to burn for me?" he laughed (note: he spoke and laughed this to himself) He already knew she was willing to set his bed on fire with him in it." UGH. FUCKING JUST GAG ME. I'd rather die than read any more of this shitty innuendo, which came hot on the heels of a wick dipping innuendo (get it the wick is his penis dipping into her vagina)(GAG GAG GAG).
Blegh. The plot felt watery and nonexistent. Everything just existed to get the two leads together in the same room so they could spend all of their time interacting solely with each other or themselves. It was weirdly lonely. I didn't find their dynamic sexy enough to distract me from the lack of interesting side characters.
Anyway this is way too much analysis for a 99c bodice ripper. What did I really expect?
February 14, 2018
The first book "the Shadow and the Sun" and the second book "a castle to keep" of the Militess and Mage series by Monica Enderle Pierce was an enjoyable and interesting fantasy romance book.
But like my GR friend Mara said, it was not completely compelling.
There were some inconsistencies and some aspects were not totally thought through to make it to a better rating for me. Still i was hooked and enjoyed it much.
It was surely one of the better fantasy books out there, but it lacked sometimes passion and expressed emotions, especially when it comes to the leading characters. It had interesting and strong leads, I enjoyed. It had an interesting magical concept. And great action scenes.
They were strong male and female main
characters. Very refreshing. But at times not fully thought through. Sometimes i missed the reasons behind their actions and behaviour. Why was she so Unnecessary loyal to her self serving father? Same goes for the villains. They appear and disappear without any real reason. It is claimed at the end, that he thought his apprentice would probably overthrow him one day, but he just prepares for it by linking himself to and using several individuals. Why not kill the apprentice beforehand? Why take him on as an apprentice in the first place? I could go on and on with my questions. Same goes for the created magical world and it's potential. For example, an old spirit was summoned but not the right and fully extent of questions were asked, which were actually needed. Why not do it more often to learn and get more information?
I also had some problems with the name of places. Sometimes it was confusing, what is what now? A map would have been wonderful.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the book. And the second book was actually better than the first book. I hope the author doesn't keep us waiting too long for the third book.
But like my GR friend Mara said, it was not completely compelling.
There were some inconsistencies and some aspects were not totally thought through to make it to a better rating for me. Still i was hooked and enjoyed it much.
It was surely one of the better fantasy books out there, but it lacked sometimes passion and expressed emotions, especially when it comes to the leading characters. It had interesting and strong leads, I enjoyed. It had an interesting magical concept. And great action scenes.
They were strong male and female main
characters. Very refreshing. But at times not fully thought through. Sometimes i missed the reasons behind their actions and behaviour. Why was she so Unnecessary loyal to her self serving father? Same goes for the villains. They appear and disappear without any real reason. It is claimed at the end, that he thought his apprentice would probably overthrow him one day, but he just prepares for it by linking himself to and using several individuals. Why not kill the apprentice beforehand? Why take him on as an apprentice in the first place? I could go on and on with my questions. Same goes for the created magical world and it's potential. For example, an old spirit was summoned but not the right and fully extent of questions were asked, which were actually needed. Why not do it more often to learn and get more information?
I also had some problems with the name of places. Sometimes it was confusing, what is what now? A map would have been wonderful.
Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the book. And the second book was actually better than the first book. I hope the author doesn't keep us waiting too long for the third book.
April 9, 2019
A good story, with compelling characters and an interesting intrigue. I also liked the romantic build-up between the hero and heroine.
April 14, 2016
NetGalley copy in exchange of an honest review.
Halina is a soldier in her father’s army, the King of Ursinum. She’s fierce, brave, and she doesn’t back down to a challenge.
Gethen is the most powerful necromancer in the kingdom, and the brother of Bersera’s King.
A war is threatening to explode between the two countries and Halina has to handle the negotiations with the mage, as he undergoes personal transformation that necessitate her protection.
Meanwhile, an Evil Witch is threatening them of much worse than a war.
How can that be possibly have a happy ending?
I love fantasy. I always have. But I’m picky with my fantasy novels, and when I choose one I don’t want to be disappointed.
I was not.
Plot wise, it was a good fantasy, with an amazing world and incredible elements around it. Super well-built, so much that you almost believe it exists somewhere. The descriptions are absolutely on point, it was rich and believable and dynamic.
For me, what sold me were the characters. They’re realistic, witty, extremely intelligent. And damn, super badass. To a badass female lead fits a badass male lead and I thought that it was incredibly well thought out. They are truly equals, which is so refreshing to read!
I particularly enjoyed Halina’s character, who is strong, independent, not afraid of speaking her mind, being rude or kicking butts. Plus, she’s confident and tough, which I really liked, without denying herself the fact that she is a woman. A woman who knows no boundaries at all. She should be a role model to all of us!
I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two main characters, and how natural they grow to be with each other. And also how their personality fully enfolds as they learn about each other, too.
The style is another strong points. If you’re looking for beautiful descriptions, incredible tensions, mad anticipation, you’ve found the right book for you. There is an awesome ease in the words, and it feels like they’re singing at times. Seriously.
Halina is a soldier in her father’s army, the King of Ursinum. She’s fierce, brave, and she doesn’t back down to a challenge.
Gethen is the most powerful necromancer in the kingdom, and the brother of Bersera’s King.
A war is threatening to explode between the two countries and Halina has to handle the negotiations with the mage, as he undergoes personal transformation that necessitate her protection.
Meanwhile, an Evil Witch is threatening them of much worse than a war.
How can that be possibly have a happy ending?
I love fantasy. I always have. But I’m picky with my fantasy novels, and when I choose one I don’t want to be disappointed.
I was not.
Plot wise, it was a good fantasy, with an amazing world and incredible elements around it. Super well-built, so much that you almost believe it exists somewhere. The descriptions are absolutely on point, it was rich and believable and dynamic.
For me, what sold me were the characters. They’re realistic, witty, extremely intelligent. And damn, super badass. To a badass female lead fits a badass male lead and I thought that it was incredibly well thought out. They are truly equals, which is so refreshing to read!
I particularly enjoyed Halina’s character, who is strong, independent, not afraid of speaking her mind, being rude or kicking butts. Plus, she’s confident and tough, which I really liked, without denying herself the fact that she is a woman. A woman who knows no boundaries at all. She should be a role model to all of us!
I absolutely loved the dynamic between the two main characters, and how natural they grow to be with each other. And also how their personality fully enfolds as they learn about each other, too.
The style is another strong points. If you’re looking for beautiful descriptions, incredible tensions, mad anticipation, you’ve found the right book for you. There is an awesome ease in the words, and it feels like they’re singing at times. Seriously.
September 25, 2016
Halina, the bastard daughter of the king, is a fierce warrior and respected leader. Currently her kingdom is at war with the kingdom of Bersera and she is sent as an emissary to the Shadow Mage to secure his allegiance. There’s one big problem, the Shadow Mage might live in her kingdom, but he’s the brother of the King of Bersera. Halina isn’t discouraged though, he’s a man and she’s never met a man she couldn’t conquer.
Gethen is a powerful Shadow Mage and Necromancer. He has no interest in choosing sides in this war. He’s busy trying to convert into a Sun Mage and defeat a powerful witch out to destroy everything. He has no time for the beautiful lady knight knocking at his castle door.
The two get stuck in a blizzard of magical origins and realize they need each other to defeat the evil Rime Witch. By defeating her, they’ll not only save the world, but possibly end the war brewing between the kingdoms.
I found this book very enjoyable. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve read a medieval fantasy and this was a good one to get back in the groove with. It has some of the things that people find difficult in this genre, like trying to remember all the names and titles (or maybe that’s just me, I’m a bit scatterbrained) but the story flowed well and the mythology was easy to understand. I loved that a woman was the hero of the story, which is something lacking in this genre. I LOVE a good dose of girl power! This is Book 1 and the full title is The Shadow and The Sun ( Militess and Mage Series ) and I’m hoping for more soon. The world building is really amazing and detailed, without dragging on and boring me ( I have to be honest, The Wheel Of Time did that to me a couple of times).
Gethen is a powerful Shadow Mage and Necromancer. He has no interest in choosing sides in this war. He’s busy trying to convert into a Sun Mage and defeat a powerful witch out to destroy everything. He has no time for the beautiful lady knight knocking at his castle door.
The two get stuck in a blizzard of magical origins and realize they need each other to defeat the evil Rime Witch. By defeating her, they’ll not only save the world, but possibly end the war brewing between the kingdoms.
I found this book very enjoyable. It’s been a LONG time since I’ve read a medieval fantasy and this was a good one to get back in the groove with. It has some of the things that people find difficult in this genre, like trying to remember all the names and titles (or maybe that’s just me, I’m a bit scatterbrained) but the story flowed well and the mythology was easy to understand. I loved that a woman was the hero of the story, which is something lacking in this genre. I LOVE a good dose of girl power! This is Book 1 and the full title is The Shadow and The Sun ( Militess and Mage Series ) and I’m hoping for more soon. The world building is really amazing and detailed, without dragging on and boring me ( I have to be honest, The Wheel Of Time did that to me a couple of times).
February 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! It was recommended during a Facebook romance-author event, and I'm very glad I picked it up. I liked that Halina is so fierce and unapologetic about her body, her skills, and her sexuality - I appreciated even more that Gethen respected and enjoyed those things about her. Despite the age-old romantic trope of having two main characters hate one another at first, this romance was refreshing in that the characters managed to be on totally even ground. Often in romances, I feel like the only way the author manages to make a heroine "tough" is by writing her as snarky and short-tempered. Halina was smart, savvy, and though she was sharp-tongued, she wasn't unnecessarily antagonistic or reckless. It made her Gethen's equal, occasionally even his superior in strength and battle acumen.
If I have one complaint, it would be all the thinking out loud that the characters did. I mean, my god, every thought they had was said out loud, and for some reason that bothered me.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this book!
If I have one complaint, it would be all the thinking out loud that the characters did. I mean, my god, every thought they had was said out loud, and for some reason that bothered me.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this book!
August 26, 2016
I finally got around to reading this treasure in my TBR pile and wish I'd gotten to it sooner. Full of magic with a very wicked mage and a strong woman who reminded me very much of Brienne from Game of Thrones. Halina was an amazing character, and I loved Gethen just as much. Can't wait for the next in this series!
March 17, 2018
3.5*
I totally agree with Mara - it is a very good book , but it did not keep me on edge and while I liked and admired Halina and Gethen I didn't fall in love with them. Will I read the next book ? Most likely, but not immediately.
I totally agree with Mara - it is a very good book , but it did not keep me on edge and while I liked and admired Halina and Gethen I didn't fall in love with them. Will I read the next book ? Most likely, but not immediately.
January 13, 2018
My first 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read this year!!
Maybe a review later...
Maybe a review later...
February 2, 2018
Well, damn! How many authors ever introduce their heroine by the line "In battle or in bed, she’s never met a man she considered her match."? Now this I gotta read!
January 29, 2020
DNF ugh, can’t take it. It’s too boring.
February 13, 2022
This book was eerily similar to Master of Crows by Grace Draven. It doesn't ruin it or anything, but I did find myself comparing it. It would have been lovely to read it right after I finished Master of Crows and had a book hangover.
June 17, 2019
The writing was slow and vague and not compelling. I didn't care about the characters.
April 14, 2016
3.5/5
I haven't read anything else by Monica Enderle Pierce yet, but I certainly will. This is a solid book. Good world-building, interesting characters, and it just ended when the plot found its footing which is why I gave it a lower rating than expected. It just needed a bit more pizzazz. *grins*
Gethen and Halina are strong characters on their own. He is a shadow mage who refused the path forced onto him by his predecessor. He doesn't kill to infuse his magic, instead he borrows energy. Which is why he is in the middle of transition from a shadow mage to a sun mage, when the dark force rises.
Halina is a formidable warrior with an older brother who is embarrassed of her behavior but still loves her, and an unfeeling father who just dreams to marry her off with the utmost profit, so no matter what she does, she is expendable. An outcast.
When these two are thrown together, there is a lot of mistrust. Gethen can't make her understand why he won't help her father fight against his own brother, and Halina doesn't believe in his story about his powers failing him. I also had a minor gripe about Halina "using her body" to get what she wants. She might think she does, but she doesn't act they way she describes herself. She takes men to bed, but it's no different from men in her army taking women to bed - for companionship, for stress relief, for fun. She doesn't behave like a cold, manipulative woman. This is more of usual male/societal bullshit with slut shaming leaking through heroine's perception of herself. You are a badass warrior, girl! Own it!
Despite liking Gethen and Halina, I felt like they needed more spark between them, more brightness. While you feel the underlying potential, this is a tentative novel. I am hoping for more oomph in the next installment. Recommended for the fans of Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amy Raby, a nice read with a lovely cover.
* * *
Я больше ничего от Моники Эндерле Пирс ещё не читала, но буду. Это совсем неплохая книга. Хорошее построение мира, интересные характеры, и хотя книга закончилась как раз когда она наконец стала набирать темп, потенциал было видно. Ей просто не хватало дерзости, чтобы призвести на читателя более сильное впечатление.
Гетэн и Халина - сильные герои в своем праве. Он - теневой маг, отказавшийся следовать пути, на который его пытался насильно вывести его предшественник, и вместо жертвоприношений и страданий живых существ, его магия питается энергией, одолженной у зверей, которые отдают её добровольно. Из-за своего необычного пути, Гетэн постепенно превращается в солнечного мага, и в этом переходе, когда его магия практически не работает, ему приходится сражаться с порождением тьмы, пытающимся вырваться в наш мир.
Халина - талантливый воин и генерал армии, со старшим братом, который хоть и любит её, но пытается вернуть её на более традиционно женскую роль, так как ему за неё стыдно. Её отец - король, использует её таланты, однако постоянно пытается выдать её замуж с наибольшими для королевства преимуществами.
Когда Гетэн и Халина вынуждены проводить время вместе, меежду ними много напряжения и недоверия. Она пытается нажать на него, чтобы он принял сторону её отца и начал работать против собственного брата - короля соседнего королевства. Халина также не верит, что Гетэн лишён своих магических сил, и ему нужна её защита. Только атака тёмных сил заставляет её оказать ему помощь.
Не могу не пожаловаться на то, что хоть и в синопсисе указано, что Халина "использует своё тело" чтобы манипулировать мужчинами, всё это какая-то шовинистская чушь. Она ведёт себя также как её собратья в армии. Она использует секс чтобы скрасить одиночество, избавиться от стресса, да и просто для забавы. Но почему-то её восприятие самой себя в этом плане совершенно негативно и окрашенно осуждением. Гёрлфренд, ты - офигительный воин! Веди себя под стать своиму таланту! Нечего оправдываться!
В общем, хоть и неплохая книга, отношения между Гетэном и Халиной очень робкие, нерешительные. Хотелось больше яркости, дерзости, юмора. Надеюсь, мы получим это в книге следующей. Рекомендую фанатам Грэйс Дрэйвен, Джефф Кеннеди и Эми Раби.
I haven't read anything else by Monica Enderle Pierce yet, but I certainly will. This is a solid book. Good world-building, interesting characters, and it just ended when the plot found its footing which is why I gave it a lower rating than expected. It just needed a bit more pizzazz. *grins*
Gethen and Halina are strong characters on their own. He is a shadow mage who refused the path forced onto him by his predecessor. He doesn't kill to infuse his magic, instead he borrows energy. Which is why he is in the middle of transition from a shadow mage to a sun mage, when the dark force rises.
Halina is a formidable warrior with an older brother who is embarrassed of her behavior but still loves her, and an unfeeling father who just dreams to marry her off with the utmost profit, so no matter what she does, she is expendable. An outcast.
When these two are thrown together, there is a lot of mistrust. Gethen can't make her understand why he won't help her father fight against his own brother, and Halina doesn't believe in his story about his powers failing him. I also had a minor gripe about Halina "using her body" to get what she wants. She might think she does, but she doesn't act they way she describes herself. She takes men to bed, but it's no different from men in her army taking women to bed - for companionship, for stress relief, for fun. She doesn't behave like a cold, manipulative woman. This is more of usual male/societal bullshit with slut shaming leaking through heroine's perception of herself. You are a badass warrior, girl! Own it!
Despite liking Gethen and Halina, I felt like they needed more spark between them, more brightness. While you feel the underlying potential, this is a tentative novel. I am hoping for more oomph in the next installment. Recommended for the fans of Grace Draven, Jeffe Kennedy and Amy Raby, a nice read with a lovely cover.
* * *
Я больше ничего от Моники Эндерле Пирс ещё не читала, но буду. Это совсем неплохая книга. Хорошее построение мира, интересные характеры, и хотя книга закончилась как раз когда она наконец стала набирать темп, потенциал было видно. Ей просто не хватало дерзости, чтобы призвести на читателя более сильное впечатление.
Гетэн и Халина - сильные герои в своем праве. Он - теневой маг, отказавшийся следовать пути, на который его пытался насильно вывести его предшественник, и вместо жертвоприношений и страданий живых существ, его магия питается энергией, одолженной у зверей, которые отдают её добровольно. Из-за своего необычного пути, Гетэн постепенно превращается в солнечного мага, и в этом переходе, когда его магия практически не работает, ему приходится сражаться с порождением тьмы, пытающимся вырваться в наш мир.
Халина - талантливый воин и генерал армии, со старшим братом, который хоть и любит её, но пытается вернуть её на более традиционно женскую роль, так как ему за неё стыдно. Её отец - король, использует её таланты, однако постоянно пытается выдать её замуж с наибольшими для королевства преимуществами.
Когда Гетэн и Халина вынуждены проводить время вместе, меежду ними много напряжения и недоверия. Она пытается нажать на него, чтобы он принял сторону её отца и начал работать против собственного брата - короля соседнего королевства. Халина также не верит, что Гетэн лишён своих магических сил, и ему нужна её защита. Только атака тёмных сил заставляет её оказать ему помощь.
Не могу не пожаловаться на то, что хоть и в синопсисе указано, что Халина "использует своё тело" чтобы манипулировать мужчинами, всё это какая-то шовинистская чушь. Она ведёт себя также как её собратья в армии. Она использует секс чтобы скрасить одиночество, избавиться от стресса, да и просто для забавы. Но почему-то её восприятие самой себя в этом плане совершенно негативно и окрашенно осуждением. Гёрлфренд, ты - офигительный воин! Веди себя под стать своиму таланту! Нечего оправдываться!
В общем, хоть и неплохая книга, отношения между Гетэном и Халиной очень робкие, нерешительные. Хотелось больше яркости, дерзости, юмора. Надеюсь, мы получим это в книге следующей. Рекомендую фанатам Грэйс Дрэйвен, Джефф Кеннеди и Эми Раби.
April 19, 2016
I came across this book on NetGalley and was intrigued by the description. It does mostly bear up. The heroine is a warrior who is strong in her beliefs of her abilities and standing. She knows her value and is dedicated to her cause. In fact, she is a legend in her own time. I do wish that I'd seen more of her interactions with her soldiers, family, and people before she ended up in a very isolated setting.
There is an unexpected war building at the same time as an unusually early and vicious winter is beginning. Halina volunteers/is sent to pressure/force a dangerous mage who lives on her lands to support her side of this conflict. He is related to the king on the other side, and both sides have progressed to threatening him. He's not interested in getting involved, and is the process of making a magical transformation when he realizes that there is a very bad evil loose and affecting the world. What he doesn't realize for some time is that many events are related.
Halina is not subtle in her approach to the mage, but finds him surprisingly interesting and attractive. He has the same response, so we end up with two people at odds with each other who don't want to admit their attractions yet need each others' assistance. They are forced to help each other, especially when they realize that to address one problem is to address the other. However, the forces against them are strong and have been operating in secret for an unknown period of time.
When Halina finds herself betrayed, grievously wounded, and trapped, she doesn't back down. She is even more determined to fight even as she has to deeply buried fears. At the same time, Gethen is focused on the change in his powers and addressing the vulnerabilities they expose. It was refreshing that even after they give in to their mutual attraction and liking for each other, they continue to respect the others strengths and roles. Each is willing to die for the other, but neither tries to hold the other back to protect them. The final battle they fight is suitably dire and difficult to be satisfying. And the final scene in the book provides a satisfying response to an earlier betrayal.
There is an unexpected war building at the same time as an unusually early and vicious winter is beginning. Halina volunteers/is sent to pressure/force a dangerous mage who lives on her lands to support her side of this conflict. He is related to the king on the other side, and both sides have progressed to threatening him. He's not interested in getting involved, and is the process of making a magical transformation when he realizes that there is a very bad evil loose and affecting the world. What he doesn't realize for some time is that many events are related.
Halina is not subtle in her approach to the mage, but finds him surprisingly interesting and attractive. He has the same response, so we end up with two people at odds with each other who don't want to admit their attractions yet need each others' assistance. They are forced to help each other, especially when they realize that to address one problem is to address the other. However, the forces against them are strong and have been operating in secret for an unknown period of time.
When Halina finds herself betrayed, grievously wounded, and trapped, she doesn't back down. She is even more determined to fight even as she has to deeply buried fears. At the same time, Gethen is focused on the change in his powers and addressing the vulnerabilities they expose. It was refreshing that even after they give in to their mutual attraction and liking for each other, they continue to respect the others strengths and roles. Each is willing to die for the other, but neither tries to hold the other back to protect them. The final battle they fight is suitably dire and difficult to be satisfying. And the final scene in the book provides a satisfying response to an earlier betrayal.
April 28, 2016
3.7
The Sword and Sorcery genre is still alive and kicking and this book is a great addition to the market. You have a kick ass and smart heroine, a sullen but intelligent hero, and a world in trouble.
The characters were interesting and the story telling was such that as a reader, you were definitely pulled in. The banter was fun and Gethen reminded me a little of Doctor Who (in that he is a very powerful guy who is unaccustomed to being questioned but needs it and also needs someone who is his opposite and makes him better i.e. a companion), and I enjoyed the trip to visit Appa and Amma. This book is a little hard to rate because I definitely enjoyed the hell out of this book and would recommend this but there were some issues.
Halina is frickin' kick ass. I mean, she can be a little cold but she is all fire. I would want her on my side in a battle.
Gethen is her complete opposite. He is dark and closed off but he is also has a duality that the title eludes to.
And it works.
You believe that these two can work both for each other and with each other.
With that said, this book would have been greatly served with more structure. The latter half of the book happened a little too quickly and the consequences of some of the actions from earlier in the book were never explored.
Another flaw was that there was a lot of telling rather than showing. I don't need to give you examples because you will read this book.
Also, the authorial device of 'talking to oneself' in order to further the plot or develop the character was at times incredibly annoying and other times incredibly obvious that it was a plot device. People talk to themselves all the time but I doubt it's this much for both characters.
I can't wait for the second book and I really hope it continues to follow Gethen and Halina.
PS. I learned a lot of archaic English due to this book. So, that's another bonus.
NetGalley and Publisher ARC in exchange for an honest review
The Sword and Sorcery genre is still alive and kicking and this book is a great addition to the market. You have a kick ass and smart heroine, a sullen but intelligent hero, and a world in trouble.
The characters were interesting and the story telling was such that as a reader, you were definitely pulled in. The banter was fun and Gethen reminded me a little of Doctor Who (in that he is a very powerful guy who is unaccustomed to being questioned but needs it and also needs someone who is his opposite and makes him better i.e. a companion), and I enjoyed the trip to visit Appa and Amma. This book is a little hard to rate because I definitely enjoyed the hell out of this book and would recommend this but there were some issues.
Halina is frickin' kick ass. I mean, she can be a little cold but she is all fire. I would want her on my side in a battle.
Gethen is her complete opposite. He is dark and closed off but he is also has a duality that the title eludes to.
And it works.
You believe that these two can work both for each other and with each other.
With that said, this book would have been greatly served with more structure. The latter half of the book happened a little too quickly and the consequences of some of the actions from earlier in the book were never explored.
Another flaw was that there was a lot of telling rather than showing. I don't need to give you examples because you will read this book.
Also, the authorial device of 'talking to oneself' in order to further the plot or develop the character was at times incredibly annoying and other times incredibly obvious that it was a plot device. People talk to themselves all the time but I doubt it's this much for both characters.
I can't wait for the second book and I really hope it continues to follow Gethen and Halina.
PS. I learned a lot of archaic English due to this book. So, that's another bonus.
NetGalley and Publisher ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 19, 2016
Title: The Shadow & The Sun
Author: Monica Enderle Pierce
Genre: Paranormal Romance.
Rate: 4 stars
Reviewed by Amanda Barbee
Halina is a battle hardened beast of a woman. She sets out from her campground without her soldiers on a mission to achieve what has left others either dead or insane. Get the Shadow mage to join their side in the coming war.
Gethen the Shadow mage is different from his predecessors and is unwilling to use the shadows for evil. But when demands are made from both his brother and another King for his help in the war he has to make a decision, even if it's the last thing he wants to do.
When the militiss Halina makes it through his wards without detection he doesn't want to think of the reason behind it. His change from the shadow mage to the sun mage has left his power waning.
Halina has a choice to make, stay and be the mage's champion and help him fight the unnatural evil that is plaguing their lands or return to her king and soldiers without the aid of the mage in the coming war.
In this welcome fantasy of a story you find out just what fighting means. Fast paced action and slow burning romance weave together to create a beautiful story of coming into your own.
Monica Enderle Pierce is a new author to me and is one I am definitely going to recommend to others. I can't wait to read more.
Reviewed by Late Night Books Reviewer Amanda Barbee
Author: Monica Enderle Pierce
Genre: Paranormal Romance.
Rate: 4 stars
Reviewed by Amanda Barbee
Halina is a battle hardened beast of a woman. She sets out from her campground without her soldiers on a mission to achieve what has left others either dead or insane. Get the Shadow mage to join their side in the coming war.
Gethen the Shadow mage is different from his predecessors and is unwilling to use the shadows for evil. But when demands are made from both his brother and another King for his help in the war he has to make a decision, even if it's the last thing he wants to do.
When the militiss Halina makes it through his wards without detection he doesn't want to think of the reason behind it. His change from the shadow mage to the sun mage has left his power waning.
Halina has a choice to make, stay and be the mage's champion and help him fight the unnatural evil that is plaguing their lands or return to her king and soldiers without the aid of the mage in the coming war.
In this welcome fantasy of a story you find out just what fighting means. Fast paced action and slow burning romance weave together to create a beautiful story of coming into your own.
Monica Enderle Pierce is a new author to me and is one I am definitely going to recommend to others. I can't wait to read more.
Reviewed by Late Night Books Reviewer Amanda Barbee
June 1, 2016
I'm a huge fan of Monica's work. I've read about 90% of it. Think the only thing left is her story in the Dragon Chronicles that I haven't read yet.
I honestly didn't know what to expect from a action/fantasy book from Monica was quite impressed how well she pulled it off. While for sure wouldn't call a true romance it does have some spark but it's not focused on that at all. It's much more fantasy action in my opinion and quite a fun read.
I must say she does give the most descriptive worlds possible to jump you into the book for sure to where you just can't stop reading it till it's over. Character development just seems to improve with each novel she's written. Halina and Gethan are wonderful main leading characters without a doubt. I am such a BIG fan of strong female characters so of course I loved Halina. This adventure starts off pretty quickly with all the details you can imagine while they fight together.
Highly recommend even if your not huge on romance in a fantasy or vice versa. This story is epic and it's not over yet! The cover is even quite fantastic and fits the story perfectly.
I honestly didn't know what to expect from a action/fantasy book from Monica was quite impressed how well she pulled it off. While for sure wouldn't call a true romance it does have some spark but it's not focused on that at all. It's much more fantasy action in my opinion and quite a fun read.
I must say she does give the most descriptive worlds possible to jump you into the book for sure to where you just can't stop reading it till it's over. Character development just seems to improve with each novel she's written. Halina and Gethan are wonderful main leading characters without a doubt. I am such a BIG fan of strong female characters so of course I loved Halina. This adventure starts off pretty quickly with all the details you can imagine while they fight together.
Highly recommend even if your not huge on romance in a fantasy or vice versa. This story is epic and it's not over yet! The cover is even quite fantastic and fits the story perfectly.
April 30, 2016
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Shadow and The Sun by Monica Enderle Pierce is one of those books which hits you like a tonne of bricks before you've even realised that it's happened. I really enjoyed this book, and it was such a breath of fresh air to read something so beautifully written and well put together. You can feel the work that has gone into this novel and as someone who reads and writes, that's something I can greatly appreciate.
Halina had quite easily become one of my favourite heroines. She's unapologetically herself, she's talented and loyal to her people to a fault.
Read the Full Review Here:
https://www.missbriony.com/single-post/theshadowandthesun
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Shadow and The Sun by Monica Enderle Pierce is one of those books which hits you like a tonne of bricks before you've even realised that it's happened. I really enjoyed this book, and it was such a breath of fresh air to read something so beautifully written and well put together. You can feel the work that has gone into this novel and as someone who reads and writes, that's something I can greatly appreciate.
Halina had quite easily become one of my favourite heroines. She's unapologetically herself, she's talented and loyal to her people to a fault.
Read the Full Review Here:
https://www.missbriony.com/single-post/theshadowandthesun
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