Chasing Power

The Realm's Salvation #3

by Constance Phillips

Chasing Power This is the third book in The Realm's Salvation series. However, it is a stand alone book. For Keiran Saysin, protecting the fairy population from humans is more than a job. It is passion and his duty to the realm. Since Eero’s revolution failed—and the discovery of fairy power lying dormant in some of the human population, that job hasn’t been easy. Now that his sister and her husband are welcoming a set of twins, old enemies have come out of hiding, hoping the children will a serve as a key to reclaiming what has been stripped from them. Enter Annie Valentine, the genetic researcher Daniel’s mother has employed. Keiran knows the smart thing to do is cast a spell and push the human away, but something about the way she stands toe to toe and eye to eye has him forgetting that getting involved with a human could cost him everything he values, including his power.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy

298 pages, Paperback

Published May 26, 2016

About the author

Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids. Her son, now on his own, is planning a wedding, reconfirming that romance still lives and breathes.

When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.

Fairyproof and Resurrecting Harry are available now through Crescent Moon Press. The Novella sequel to Fairyproof, Council Courtship is also now available. Her first Contemporary Romance, All That's Unspoken, will be available from Turquoise Morning Press December 15, 2013 and The Ultimate Catch will be released in 2014 from Whiskey Creek Press.

Reviews

[Sage Knightly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keiran is a Protector. He serves the realm and the realm is his #1 priority at all times. When Annie meets him, he's doing everything he can to protect his family from his sister's husband's power-starved Uncle, especially since she just gave birth to two little ones. Full of action, romance, and danger, this is a book that goes by quickly.

CHARACERS
I can't connect to any of the characters. It's not that they're bad or distant, I just wasn't invested enough to make a connection.

Kieran protects like it's his duty, feels he shouldn't be able to find love while he's so dedicated to his job that he would die for, and he started off hating humans because they don't have powers. Annie changed that, and instead he began thinking she was easily manipulated (by fairy powers) and it scared him, so he kept trying to push her away. He's slightly insecure, fiercely protective and loyal, but he's also fairly closed minded and doesn't always see the whole picture. He does develop and I look forward to reading more about that, though.

Annie threw herself at Keiran even when he kept walking away. I like that she was confident and went after what she wanted, but after a while she just came off desperate. She's intelligent and kind, and she also has her insecurities, which I enjoyed because flaws.

WRITING/WORLD-BUILDIG

The writing keeps the book flowing smoothly, and even if you're not invented in the sorry, it's a pretty quick and engaging read. The premise of it drew me in, and I enjoyed it.

Unfortunately, I found there wasn't enough world building (it can be read as a stand alone, but I guess reading the first two books would be best for the details about the world that I want). I can visualize the Council and how they work, the power and status isn't what the book is lacking, it's the actual details about the realm. I know the air is lighter, I know there's prisoner cells and a council hall and houses for them to live, but I don't have the details to be able to picture it all. Where are the houses, is it a village a town a city? Is the council hall right in the center and what does it look like? Do they have grass and gardens and flowers everywhere? I know they have to eat/drink anything fruity in the human world because that's how they get their strength since they can't stomach human food easily, but why? Is it because their world only has fruits?

ROMANCE

The romance is an instant attraction. Keiran's walls crumble within the first night he met Annie, and Annie immediately felt herself softening for him. They went on dates, got into multiple arguments, and Keitan kept walking away from her. So why did she put up with it? I didn't like the romance enough that I got invested, but I also didn't hate it. My heart didn't get all warm and fuzzy, and I didn't really care if they were together or not (I wanted Annie to actually be done with him when she said she was, because Keiran will always see her as human and easy to manipulate [fairy power controls us humans] and even with a little bit of doubt, he'd walk away).

Plot

The conflict was so easily solved! Well, the part that was a problem from the beginning anyway. There was no mystery as to who was hurting who and wanting power, and nobody died or was injured after any arrack. The worst was they were exhausted. Nick only wanted to be a part of his family. But his nephew got power and decide his uncle was using him so he kicked him out of his life (which again, I probably would've understood more if I read the first two books in the series). Then Nick was the bad guy because he wanted a little power so maybe his nephew would accept him. Yeah he went about it in bad ways, but wouldn't you if nothing else worked for two years?? Evidently, I liked Nick's character.

Overall though, the plot was fairly simple but ended with a feeling that the next book will be more complex. I'm looking forward to it!

OVERALL

Chasing Power is a quick fantasy read with action and danger and a plot to kill someone because of power. The romance isn't the best and I felt like I didn't have all the information, but it's still an enjoyable read with fantastic fantasy aspects!

*Review originally posted here
*Thanks to InkSlingerPR for providing me with a free ecopy so I could participate in this tour:)

[Lauren Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too bad it was in this much too quaint farmhouse. Too many soft muted colors for her taste, and the old-fashioned spinning wheel near the fireplace was enough to make her gag. The real world wasn’t soft and cozy. It wasn’t pink and subdued. It was cold and hard. It was the kind of place that no matter how hard you tried, babies and mommies still died. The memories she worked so hard to bury vaulted to the surface, and Annie stumbled to the couch. She leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees, covering her face with her hands and willing herself to gain control. It’s been two and a half years. Let it go!

A world where fairies and humans exist in the same place is what this story encompasses. Science has proven that a world where humans don’t understand a concept or theory, breeds fear and then hate. With this in mind, fairies are forced to blend in with their human counterparts and forbidden to share their realm and power source with them. Phillips shares her enticing new world, filled with magic and life—one that is both entertaining and inspiring.

Kieran and Annie meet under the most inconspicuous circumstances. Kieran, not being from earth—but rather from another realm, instantly falls for her upon her entrance into him family’s farmhouse. With his sister giving birth to twins, Kieran must put his feelings and opinions aside after the twins are born, one boy who is perfectly healthy and fairy—one girl who is dying out of the womb due to lack of oxygen. Annie arrives just in time to stress the importance of going to the hospital where Sierra, Monique’s newborn daughter, can get the help that she needs. There is only one problem—Kieran forbids it after the healer temporary heals the newborn of her ailments. The fairy world is in danger from outcasts who roam the earth—one step outside of their protective spell can cause their whole family to become in even more danger. Will Annie, the human doctor—in deep denial of her calling—be Kieran’s downfall or his greatest asset in this fight against constant power hunger?

Phillips has a wonderful story-line and mesmerizing characters that are well developed; however, her writing style lacks sufficient editing. If a reader does not get hooked right away, it may be difficult to overlook the grammatical and spelling inconsistencies. This new world does show promise and extensive creativity. If you are a reader of fantasy, this may be a good choice for you.

A free copy was exchanged for an honest review of this fictional piece.

[Erika Mounts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in love with this series. I can not wait for the next one. We first met Keiran in Fairyproof where he was chasing his sister around the human world after she fled from the Fairy Realm. I will say I did not really care for Keiran in Fairyproof, he was too mean and overboard with his protective role. I was rooting for Monique to stay ahead of him at each turn. With that being said, WOW what a transformation.

This story begins with Keiran protecting his sister Monique and husband Daniel in the human world, while they welcome their twins in the world. YEP!!! TWINS!! I was super excited about that part. Not knowing if they will have fairy powers they were forced to stay in the human world for the delivery and maybe even permanent if one or both of the children are human and can not travel to the Fairy Realm.

Meet Annie Valentine, a human doctor (not that she calls herself a doctor) but doctor that is employed by Daniels human mother Tara at a genetic research lab. She brings Annie to the delivery of the twins, not revealing any information other than the mother decided to use a midwife and would not have the delivery at the hospital. Tara asks for Annie to join her under the assumption that she needed a doctor quickly that could recognize birth defects and any issues with the babies.

Keiran is known to hate humans, doesn't want to be in the human world, even though he is sworn to protect the Fairies that have fled to the human world. Having the role as Protector has made him controlling and demanding and most would say harsh. That is how he is described to Annie from Tara and she was not looking forward to meeting him.

Rumors can be deceiving and when Annie walks into the room and sees Keiran's face turn up in a smile while holding his new nephew/niece (not giving that away), her heart melts.

When Annie asks to look over the child, Keiran finally takes notice to her, and when he does he instantly feels a pull toward this human. How could it be though?

Can he love a human? Will he give up his life as a Protector to stay in the human world? Does Annie love him or is it just magic?

You don't want to miss this one!!!

[Jazmyne [Ramblings of a Bookworm] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series revolving around not only the human world, but the world of fairies. These fairies are not the Tinkerbell type fairies, but rather magical creatures with many abilities. Kieran has been protecting not only the fairy world, but his family, for many years. At the open of the story, Kieran is faced with the task of protecting his family, but also keeping himself in the position to protect his people.

I love the storyline of this book. Fantasy stories have always been intriguing to me, and I love stories about fairies when represented as more than a tiny being with some “magic” dust. The history of the fairy world in this story is complex and intertwines into the human world, causing many humans to be involved. The main characters are not just fairies, but also humans that have become integral to understanding the what’s happening in both of the worlds.

As the story continues, so much is happening. I don’t want to give away anything, but there were many times during the story I was surprised: who was behind something, an unknown ally (or enemy), a turn in events, and even some outcomes. Having not read the two previous books in the series, I’m not certain if I missed out on some information or relationships, but to read this story as a standalone made sense. I’m interested to know if the previous books’ plotlines held ground with this one, or if they are all independent stories.

There were some things I didn’t care for. The relationship between Annie & Kieran was awkward for me. I understood some of their struggles, but throughout the story it just seemed that in their interactions, I couldn’t get in sync with them. I didn’t have too much of an issue with the story, except I felt as though I was missing some information. Not sure if this is a result of not meeting the characters in the previous books, or just me missing out on some details. The issues I had with the story at times caused me to lose sight of the story and I felt as though I could have experienced the story more fully without those distractions.

Interesting story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Realm's Salvation series. I have read multiple books from the author and once again she has written a great book. I had a hard time putting the book down. This book can be read as a standalone, but it helps if you have read Fairyproof for the additional background to help make sense of the backstory. The book does not end with a cliffhanger, but is open ended for future books. There is violence and hot steamy sex. Definitely 18+.

Keiran Saysin protects the fairies from humans. Keiran's sister and Brother-in-law, Monique and Daniel, are expecting twins. (Fairyproof, book #1 in the series is their story.) Annie Valentine completed her studies to be a medical doctor but left her internship after she lost a patient in the Emergency Room. Annie is now doing genetic research. Daniel's mother is Annie's boss, even if Tara doesn't want anyone else to know. Annie is reluctant to get involved but Tara drags her to attend the babies birth out in the boondocks.

The babies are born, though one suffers from health issues, but they are anything but safe. Daniel's dad and uncle are still out there as threats as are others. There is a traitor in their midst. Is it Tara, Annie, one of the Fae, or someone else? Can they stop the violence in both the Fae and human worlds?

Annie is human and knows nothing about the Fae or what's happening with them, their declining birthrate, or power struggles. She started struggles with wanting to help due to her medical background, while at the same doesn't want to because of her loss of that patient. She is also attracted to Keiran but is the attraction real or because of his fairy powers?

I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too!

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say i read this book and I have not read the first two books but I do intend too. I followed this one okay but think I will enjoy re-reading this one once I read books 1 and 2.
Constance Phillips knows how to write a very good story that not only tells a great tale but it draws you in so that you feel like you are part of the story line.

This is a totally different Fae/Human story than I have read before. Keiran Saysin is a protector. That means his job is to protect the fae that live on Earth and also in the fae Realm. His sister is mated/married to a human and is expecting twins. Only the human is not exactly human. In the book we see the intense attraction that Keiran has to a human which is not something he wants at all but we also see all the other things going on in the lives of these folks both on Earth and the other Realm.

This book is so good I now have to go and read the first two books to get caught up to see what all I have missed and hope...please please there is a 4th book out soon to continue this story.
I highly recommend this book.

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read the first book in this series, I have been anxiously awaiting for this book, Keiran's story. He was always my favorite and boy did his story not disappoint! Keiran is so focused on being a Protector and helping his kind that humans mean nothing to him. But when Annie, a human, comes to the birth of his niece and nephew and his niece may be a human, the walls he has built start to fall. He's been warned by the Council but is he willing to let everything he knows, loves and protects to share his secret with a human? I hope there is more in this series!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I was pulled in from the beginning. Keiran is hot and sexy Protector of the fairies from humans. Annie is smart, feisty and human. When Keiran and Annie meet the attraction is strong. Will Keiran fight that attraction since he hates humans? Are they willing to fight for their love? Is their a traitor among the fairies? This is a great read and will not disappoint. Received copy for honest review

[Shawnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, an excellent read in this series! I couldn't put it down! And so many questions left unanswered, looking forward to more from this series!

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. From the very beginning it was like wow.
I mean I haven't read the two books before it, but it wasn't an issue because you could catch on quick with everything.
We meet Keiran who is a protector over fairy population. He doesn't trust anyone or humans. So when his sister who is having twin babies he becomes extra cautious about them and the surrounding area.
Tara the Grandmother of the babies on the father's side is hiding something... You don't know if Tara is truly honest and has good intentions or wants to be by the twins for power, that she no longer has.
Tara brings along doctor Annie to have check over the twins who is a human.
From there things get complicated with Annie not knowing they are fairies.
Not to give away any spoilers really...
But Annie has an attraction to Keiran and the same goes for Kieran for Annie.
Will Keiran be able to look past Annie being human?? Will be find out the threat who is harming his sister to get to the twins??
Read and find out!!!

[Siobhan Davis]

DNF for the moment, but will come back to it. More my frame of mind rather than any reflection on this book.

[Marie -The Reading Otter · Rating 3 out of 5]

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