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Fortune's Favor #1
The Changeling
In a dystopian world, after the demise of technology, Lore was brought up believing she was a boy, and an orphan. The only constant of her childhood was transience, as she was continuously fleeing, at the insistence of her guardians, and usually in the quiet of night, from one end of the Vilken realm to the other. As a child, Lore never understood the need for caution and secrecy, or the actual threat to her survival. In her adolescence she learns of the royal blood in her veins, and the horrific fate of her parents at the hand of her uncle, the false King. The Changeling is the tale of Lore's rise to power, and the journey she takes to find the love she needs to survive.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2016
25 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this! I would easily recommend this to lesfic fantasy fans. The fact that you can get this from Kindle Unlimited or as your free Prime book of the month, makes it even better. I found this to be well written and I did not find any major editing issues either, which I appreciated.
The story is about Lore who should become the new Queen of the Vilken realm, when her parents are murdered by her uncle. She spends her whole childhood in hiding, training to take over one day. With the help of the fearsome Fae Queen, Lore might just take her kingdom back.
At the heart of this book is actually a great love story that spans several years. While wars, political intrigue, assassination attempts, go on, everything surrounds a love story of two people who really should not be together. They are not living in a world were many people respect female's joining and the joining between different kingdoms.
I do have to say this book is pretty long, it does span a ton of years. There is a time or two, when the book will slow down a bit. But, there is a huge twist in this book! And after that happens, the pace of the book picks up a bit more. And I enjoyed every minute of it anyway. I'm glad it was so long, I feel very connected to the characters, and I'm sad to see them go.
I don't want to give too many more plot points away in fear I will spoil anything for other readers. I will say if you are a fan of fantasy, give this a chance. Have a little patience, sit back and enjoy the ride. I will remember these characters for a long time.
The story is about Lore who should become the new Queen of the Vilken realm, when her parents are murdered by her uncle. She spends her whole childhood in hiding, training to take over one day. With the help of the fearsome Fae Queen, Lore might just take her kingdom back.
At the heart of this book is actually a great love story that spans several years. While wars, political intrigue, assassination attempts, go on, everything surrounds a love story of two people who really should not be together. They are not living in a world were many people respect female's joining and the joining between different kingdoms.
I do have to say this book is pretty long, it does span a ton of years. There is a time or two, when the book will slow down a bit. But, there is a huge twist in this book! And after that happens, the pace of the book picks up a bit more. And I enjoyed every minute of it anyway. I'm glad it was so long, I feel very connected to the characters, and I'm sad to see them go.
I don't want to give too many more plot points away in fear I will spoil anything for other readers. I will say if you are a fan of fantasy, give this a chance. Have a little patience, sit back and enjoy the ride. I will remember these characters for a long time.
December 25, 2017
Right. So I first read this last year around the same time. This re read was because what looks to be Pet's contribution in book 2 A Fortunate Woman
I'm not sure how to classify this book really. It's mostly fantasy with a sprinkling of sci fi that is pretty plot integral. It's all pretty dystopian really.
Lore grew up posing as a boy meets M'Tek the white haired mystery. There's plenty of high court intrigue, some battles (not protracted but mostly glanced at), friends and family, and of course the love / rom arc.
It's pretty epic really, spans at least 10 years or so. Fascinating read considering the only other title I'd read from her was An Infatuation which was no where close to the same sub genre as this book, heh. In fact it was one of the first lesfic title's I'd ever read back in the day.
So for me, this book was brilliant really in pretty much all aspects. Loved it.
I'm not sure how to classify this book really. It's mostly fantasy with a sprinkling of sci fi that is pretty plot integral. It's all pretty dystopian really.
Lore grew up posing as a boy meets M'Tek the white haired mystery. There's plenty of high court intrigue, some battles (not protracted but mostly glanced at), friends and family, and of course the love / rom arc.
It's pretty epic really, spans at least 10 years or so. Fascinating read considering the only other title I'd read from her was An Infatuation which was no where close to the same sub genre as this book, heh. In fact it was one of the first lesfic title's I'd ever read back in the day.
So for me, this book was brilliant really in pretty much all aspects. Loved it.
January 31, 2021
This was a doozy and I liked it.
The medieval and modern twists were kinda fun and I liked how Lore Hulks out. That was brutally epic.
The medieval and modern twists were kinda fun and I liked how Lore Hulks out. That was brutally epic.
July 15, 2019
Hmm.. Actually, it's hard for me to give this 3 because I enjoyed it. But I felt something's missing.
Maybe I want more action? Or maybe I felt like I didn't get all the answers?
Everything is so appealing and yet I feel blaaaah!
I really like Mtek, I like her more than Lore.
I can really feel her love for Lore. She will do anything for her, she will give up anything, even her life for her.
Although she's really possessive and jealous most of the time.
For Lore, I think she's selfish and insensitive. yes she's always saying that M'tek is her life but why do I feel that sometimes she's still looking or searching for someone. Actually, it's one of the reasons why I gave this a 3.
“I love Pet, probably more than I should. I find her beautiful, gentle, and warm. If you had truly been lost to me, I would have found solace with her. I won’t deny that."
Well.. sorry for the spoiler but after reading that.. I immediately made this 3.
The endings a lil flat for me.
There's also part of the book that is somewhat weird for me. Like I'm confused if I'm reading a historical or futuristic book?
But over all, I did finishes this without skipping or maybe a few.
3.5
Maybe I want more action? Or maybe I felt like I didn't get all the answers?
Everything is so appealing and yet I feel blaaaah!
I really like Mtek, I like her more than Lore.
I can really feel her love for Lore. She will do anything for her, she will give up anything, even her life for her.
Although she's really possessive and jealous most of the time.
For Lore, I think she's selfish and insensitive. yes she's always saying that M'tek is her life but why do I feel that sometimes she's still looking or searching for someone. Actually, it's one of the reasons why I gave this a 3.
“I love Pet, probably more than I should. I find her beautiful, gentle, and warm. If you had truly been lost to me, I would have found solace with her. I won’t deny that."
Well.. sorry for the spoiler but after reading that.. I immediately made this 3.
The endings a lil flat for me.
There's also part of the book that is somewhat weird for me. Like I'm confused if I'm reading a historical or futuristic book?
But over all, I did finishes this without skipping or maybe a few.
3.5
September 7, 2016
Going through some of the reviews on this book, I can easily understand why there are such mixed review for it. This book is definitely one of it's kind, with a rather bold ambition fusing sci-fi elements into a fantasy story. Don't give up if you feel after reading halfway you have more questions than answers, most answers will unveil when you continue to read towards the end.
The plot center around Lore's journey to re-gain her Vilken throne after her parents have been brutally murdered when she was a kid. Since then she was living in disguise as a boy, until a day the gorgeous fae Queen M'Tek offered aid to Lore and completely changed her fate thereafter. Out of all the actions and vengeance though, I think I love the chemistry and romance between Lore and M'Tek the most. Totally love M'Tek, she is such a complex character, she's the formidable queen and warrior who ruled fae land for quarter of a millennium, the possessive lover towards Lore and yet at times she is the vulnerable and insecure lover who needed Lore's constant reassurance. I think the author did great in writing these two absolutely head strong characters. I also think this is a great story, the bold attempt definitely paid off. Personally though, I'd like to see a little bit more background towards the Sim'Scis and how that came about in creating the world where the characters live in.
Just keep an open mind and try reading the book, maybe you'll like it as much as I do.
The plot center around Lore's journey to re-gain her Vilken throne after her parents have been brutally murdered when she was a kid. Since then she was living in disguise as a boy, until a day the gorgeous fae Queen M'Tek offered aid to Lore and completely changed her fate thereafter. Out of all the actions and vengeance though, I think I love the chemistry and romance between Lore and M'Tek the most. Totally love M'Tek, she is such a complex character, she's the formidable queen and warrior who ruled fae land for quarter of a millennium, the possessive lover towards Lore and yet at times she is the vulnerable and insecure lover who needed Lore's constant reassurance. I think the author did great in writing these two absolutely head strong characters. I also think this is a great story, the bold attempt definitely paid off. Personally though, I'd like to see a little bit more background towards the Sim'Scis and how that came about in creating the world where the characters live in.
Just keep an open mind and try reading the book, maybe you'll like it as much as I do.
March 23, 2023
Impressive
Enthralling with great character that keep you wanting more. Sci-fi meets historical and fantastical storyline. A great series all together u you oh wouldn’t
want to stop reading what’s next!
Enthralling with great character that keep you wanting more. Sci-fi meets historical and fantastical storyline. A great series all together u you oh wouldn’t
want to stop reading what’s next!
May 18, 2023
DNF. Much too long winded and the world buildig certainly is too weird for my liking. I just could not force myself to finish it.
August 9, 2016
What a great book.
I'm quite frankly shocked to see that none of the reviewers I follow seem to have discovered this book yet. And personally, I'm a pain in the ass to give any book a 5 stars rating. This one here definitely deserve it.
Such an interesting world built. Even the premises is a guilt pleasure cliché of mine, a princess in hiding, after witnessing her castle being stormed, her mother raped and killed. Having to flee after losing everything she had, her family, her title, her riches, even the right to simple be a girl.
So you might think: okay, so it's a story of passion and vengeance?
And my answer to that would be: yes and no. Of passion, yes. Our main leading ladies here certainly do not shy away from the physical perks of being together. Now vengeance? Maybe, but not for the reasons you'd expect.
The highlight of this book is the relationship dynamics of the two main characters. That's where this book won me. Because these two protagonists are equally fantastic.
Lore and M'Tek are both extremely rich, complex characters. Lore is fantastic because she starts her journey on the path of redemption after basically realizing she is sick and tired of being hunted. With time, her power and influence rises exponentially, more out of a very particular circumstance, than out of her actually acting towards that goal. But she still doesn't care. Power to her is basically a means to an end, and not the end itself. The things that she really wants are actually so mundane and unassuming, you can help but like the girl.
Trouble is, while if she was very ambitious that would probably mean there would be more trouble to get to where she would want to be, the fact that she isn't ambitious can also get her into a lot of trouble because she needs to maintain what she already conquered. It's a very delicate balance.
Then there is M'Tek. She's actually my favorite. I found this all-mighty, otherworldly creature who is partly obsessed, partly truly in love with Lore such an interesting character. She is one of the heroines, but she is such a very complex, flawed creature. Yet, even in her flaws, she manages to be endearing. For instance, her blood-thirsty jealousy of Lore depicts her territorial and fiercely nature as well as her emotional dependency and insecure nature. You could get annoyed by her constant inquiries and need of assurance from Lore, but to be quite honest, I mostly found the situation funny and endearing, to the point of highlighting the absurdity of her priorities.
And Lore together with M'Tek was basically a force of nature. Their mutual devotion is touching. And they're portrayed in a way you can't help but notice how they complement each other. It's tough to write such two strong characters and not shy away from depicting that, despite how much they truly love each other, their personalities are bound to crash sometimes.
That said there was one thing in the book that bothered me a little bit (and I'll list it as a spoiler since it's something that shows up quite late in the book):
Still, in the end this was a wonderful story from a great writer. I'll definitely be checking out her other book.
This book is currently part of the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program, so if you're a member, just downloaded it. Its definitely worth it.
I'm quite frankly shocked to see that none of the reviewers I follow seem to have discovered this book yet. And personally, I'm a pain in the ass to give any book a 5 stars rating. This one here definitely deserve it.
Such an interesting world built. Even the premises is a guilt pleasure cliché of mine, a princess in hiding, after witnessing her castle being stormed, her mother raped and killed. Having to flee after losing everything she had, her family, her title, her riches, even the right to simple be a girl.
So you might think: okay, so it's a story of passion and vengeance?
And my answer to that would be: yes and no. Of passion, yes. Our main leading ladies here certainly do not shy away from the physical perks of being together. Now vengeance? Maybe, but not for the reasons you'd expect.
The highlight of this book is the relationship dynamics of the two main characters. That's where this book won me. Because these two protagonists are equally fantastic.
Lore and M'Tek are both extremely rich, complex characters. Lore is fantastic because she starts her journey on the path of redemption after basically realizing she is sick and tired of being hunted. With time, her power and influence rises exponentially, more out of a very particular circumstance, than out of her actually acting towards that goal. But she still doesn't care. Power to her is basically a means to an end, and not the end itself. The things that she really wants are actually so mundane and unassuming, you can help but like the girl.
Trouble is, while if she was very ambitious that would probably mean there would be more trouble to get to where she would want to be, the fact that she isn't ambitious can also get her into a lot of trouble because she needs to maintain what she already conquered. It's a very delicate balance.
Then there is M'Tek. She's actually my favorite. I found this all-mighty, otherworldly creature who is partly obsessed, partly truly in love with Lore such an interesting character. She is one of the heroines, but she is such a very complex, flawed creature. Yet, even in her flaws, she manages to be endearing. For instance, her blood-thirsty jealousy of Lore depicts her territorial and fiercely nature as well as her emotional dependency and insecure nature. You could get annoyed by her constant inquiries and need of assurance from Lore, but to be quite honest, I mostly found the situation funny and endearing, to the point of highlighting the absurdity of her priorities.
And Lore together with M'Tek was basically a force of nature. Their mutual devotion is touching. And they're portrayed in a way you can't help but notice how they complement each other. It's tough to write such two strong characters and not shy away from depicting that, despite how much they truly love each other, their personalities are bound to crash sometimes.
That said there was one thing in the book that bothered me a little bit (and I'll list it as a spoiler since it's something that shows up quite late in the book):
Still, in the end this was a wonderful story from a great writer. I'll definitely be checking out her other book.
This book is currently part of the Amazon Kindle Unlimited program, so if you're a member, just downloaded it. Its definitely worth it.
Read
August 26, 2016Incredible Lesbian Dystopian Book So Far
I've been reading Gay Girls Books for a few months now and this is the first lesbian dystopian book I've read. Dystopian fiction is amongst my favorites.
As avid fan on this genre and Jennifer being my favorite author because of her debut book Infatuation which I read multiple times. I was looking forward for this second book and when I read the synopsis I was dismayed. I was expecting a modern setting kind of book just like the first one. And was skeptical to read because honestly there are lots of good books available on this genre. I put it down immediately and told myself I'll wait another years again for the third release. But after one week or so I've give it a try.
For the second time, she captivated my interest. She entertain my mind which is not easily be entertained. Jennifer did it AGAIN! I won't dwell details on the story, you will get a clue on the genre itself. If you love Jennifer as much as I do you will surely love this book. She exceeded my expectations on this genre. I've got few questions but I think it will be answer on book #2 if she make this a series. Seems like it.
I've been reading Gay Girls Books for a few months now and this is the first lesbian dystopian book I've read. Dystopian fiction is amongst my favorites.
As avid fan on this genre and Jennifer being my favorite author because of her debut book Infatuation which I read multiple times. I was looking forward for this second book and when I read the synopsis I was dismayed. I was expecting a modern setting kind of book just like the first one. And was skeptical to read because honestly there are lots of good books available on this genre. I put it down immediately and told myself I'll wait another years again for the third release. But after one week or so I've give it a try.
For the second time, she captivated my interest. She entertain my mind which is not easily be entertained. Jennifer did it AGAIN! I won't dwell details on the story, you will get a clue on the genre itself. If you love Jennifer as much as I do you will surely love this book. She exceeded my expectations on this genre. I've got few questions but I think it will be answer on book #2 if she make this a series. Seems like it.
November 24, 2017
So good and fun to read.
I greatly enjoyed reading this brilliant novel. It is mind bending, so cool and terrifically imaginative. Having a literal mind myself, I stand back and marvel at what this writer has achieved. To me, the story isn't dystopian, but more of an alternative history. Two queens and four countries are at the heart of this novel, which takes place in the distant future. These women face off against heartless villains.
The Fae Queen is M'Tek and her young protege is Queen Loredana of Vilkerland. Over the course of 411 pages, the reader is taken on a wild ride through palaces, battlefields, bedrooms and laboratories. The scenery could not be more different from Faeland to Vilkerland to the Noge or the Borderland. Lore narrates this romantic adventure in the first person. She begins her story as a princess on the run and in hiding from assassins. With the support of M'Tek, she takes her throne back from an uncle who killed her parents. The book builds from this solid foundation.
Get this book and lose yourself in it. Royalty and court intrigue don't usually interest me. The Changeling deserves to be read and enjoyed repeatedly.
I greatly enjoyed reading this brilliant novel. It is mind bending, so cool and terrifically imaginative. Having a literal mind myself, I stand back and marvel at what this writer has achieved. To me, the story isn't dystopian, but more of an alternative history. Two queens and four countries are at the heart of this novel, which takes place in the distant future. These women face off against heartless villains.
The Fae Queen is M'Tek and her young protege is Queen Loredana of Vilkerland. Over the course of 411 pages, the reader is taken on a wild ride through palaces, battlefields, bedrooms and laboratories. The scenery could not be more different from Faeland to Vilkerland to the Noge or the Borderland. Lore narrates this romantic adventure in the first person. She begins her story as a princess on the run and in hiding from assassins. With the support of M'Tek, she takes her throne back from an uncle who killed her parents. The book builds from this solid foundation.
Get this book and lose yourself in it. Royalty and court intrigue don't usually interest me. The Changeling deserves to be read and enjoyed repeatedly.
November 7, 2016
I had high hopes for this one, and up to about 50%, it was looking like a great epic love story, with some added twists.
It also has some major flaws. There was every opportunity for epic battles and delicious political machinations, but it never reached that point. Battles are going like this:
- We rode to the enemy.
- We fought.
- We won.
A lot of time is spent travelling back and forth between locations, there are countless balls, but the book isn't getting to the point.
The biggest problem I had was with the twist. It is such a major development, and something we rarely see in fantasy books, but: it was never explained. It was just ... there. That was such a disappointment.
It could have been so much better.
It also has some major flaws. There was every opportunity for epic battles and delicious political machinations, but it never reached that point. Battles are going like this:
- We rode to the enemy.
- We fought.
- We won.
A lot of time is spent travelling back and forth between locations, there are countless balls, but the book isn't getting to the point.
The biggest problem I had was with the twist. It is such a major development, and something we rarely see in fantasy books, but: it was never explained. It was just ... there. That was such a disappointment.
It could have been so much better.
June 28, 2016
Great story
I really enjoyed her writing style, and the world she created was very interesting. I could not put my kindle down!
I really enjoyed her writing style, and the world she created was very interesting. I could not put my kindle down!
July 13, 2016
I don't know how I feel about this maybe it's just me but I couldn't wait for this to end and when it did I was like wtf. I loved the author first book An Infatuation but this one wasn't for me.
July 25, 2016
Really good book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an odd combination of fantasy and sci-fi but it seemed to work well.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an odd combination of fantasy and sci-fi but it seemed to work well.
December 31, 2017
Fantastic
A well written science fantasy, with plenty of action, intrigue, and romance. The two leading ladies are wonderful, as well as the supporting cast. The depiction of the post holocaust world and the reaction of Lore to the technology she encounters is fantastic.
A well written science fantasy, with plenty of action, intrigue, and romance. The two leading ladies are wonderful, as well as the supporting cast. The depiction of the post holocaust world and the reaction of Lore to the technology she encounters is fantastic.
March 16, 2018
Great long read
The words bizarre and entertaining come to mind. One can get easily lost in this world and sometimes even start to feel your heart pounding out of worrying for these characters. Nice work!
The words bizarre and entertaining come to mind. One can get easily lost in this world and sometimes even start to feel your heart pounding out of worrying for these characters. Nice work!
May 18, 2020
Favorite
No matter how many times I read this book it brings me to tears. It has now top my favorite bittersweet by Nevada Barr. Just sensational, I conclude literally feel the emotion and passion pouring off the pages.
No matter how many times I read this book it brings me to tears. It has now top my favorite bittersweet by Nevada Barr. Just sensational, I conclude literally feel the emotion and passion pouring off the pages.
February 4, 2018
LOVE!
This is not a book I would normally read and it took me a while to decide to do so.....but I am SO glad I did. Amazing love story. Can’t wait to start the 2nd book!
This is not a book I would normally read and it took me a while to decide to do so.....but I am SO glad I did. Amazing love story. Can’t wait to start the 2nd book!
February 21, 2019
I can't really fault this book. Incredible love story, thriller of politics, action in war, strong characters. If only they made films like this too. I'll certainly recommended this book.
February 7, 2017
Im hoping that the author makes this into a series. There's still too many things left unexplained, like the back story of the Sim'Sci and their CEO. Plus i want Lia and Ania to have their own story. :)
August 12, 2016
I decided to read this book because of how much I enjoyed Lyndon's last book. I have to say that I was a little disappointed. I liked the beginning and where the book was going, but after awhile I became bored and a little confused by all the people looking like each other mentioned. Also, about half way through, I started skipping pages because I felt the book was a little too long for what needed to be read.
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as the last, I still look forward to reading Lyndon's next book because I feel she is a talented writer.
Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as the last, I still look forward to reading Lyndon's next book because I feel she is a talented writer.
December 12, 2016
After the election I was looking for a book to fully keep me out of the news cycle. I was not looking for anything profound or high-level and this book was a good option. It is a fantasy story that a point introduces a sci-fi component that that although does not distract from the fantasy part, it is left incomplete.
The romance/erotic content is OK at the beginning, but latter it felt like an overused device, so I just started skipping those pages to keep going with the story.
So if you want a distraction book, it works really well, with the plus good writing.
The romance/erotic content is OK at the beginning, but latter it felt like an overused device, so I just started skipping those pages to keep going with the story.
So if you want a distraction book, it works really well, with the plus good writing.
June 8, 2018
I really liked the characters, and the setting. A great fantasy book overall.
And it's great and surprising that a book such as this is available through Kindle Unlimited. It was much more than I expected.
And it's great and surprising that a book such as this is available through Kindle Unlimited. It was much more than I expected.
April 11, 2017
This novel had so much potential. I was a little disappointed. I am a fan of Jennifer Lyndon from her debut novel "An Infatuation." If I hadn't read, "An Infatuation," from Lyndon before this, I would have thought it was someone else's novel entirely. What made her previous book amazing this book lacked.
I can say I was reading three books in one. There was so much going on. I was not a fan of the tempo of the story. It felt a bit chaotic and all over the place. It would start with being in one time period describing small events and then jumped to three or four years later; there was a lot of details missing. I didn't understand the need for it. Also the love story started off promising but ultimately did not move me.
The entire book could have been written about one war and really go into the characters and their struggles. I wish it had actually, since the build up was nonexistent. The entire book felt like a movie on fast forward and was not as cohesive as I would have liked. This book was reminiscent of reading a history book that just wanted to show you the out come, but not take the time to develop anything.
I'm sad about the journey and the wasted potential to say the least.
The world she created and the twist in the middle of the story completely threw me off. It went from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars in a blink of an eye that did not feel natural and wasn't well explained.
I hope Lyndon takes more time to do what she does best if she chooses to write another novel.
I can say I was reading three books in one. There was so much going on. I was not a fan of the tempo of the story. It felt a bit chaotic and all over the place. It would start with being in one time period describing small events and then jumped to three or four years later; there was a lot of details missing. I didn't understand the need for it. Also the love story started off promising but ultimately did not move me.
The entire book could have been written about one war and really go into the characters and their struggles. I wish it had actually, since the build up was nonexistent. The entire book felt like a movie on fast forward and was not as cohesive as I would have liked. This book was reminiscent of reading a history book that just wanted to show you the out come, but not take the time to develop anything.
I'm sad about the journey and the wasted potential to say the least.
The world she created and the twist in the middle of the story completely threw me off. It went from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars in a blink of an eye that did not feel natural and wasn't well explained.
I hope Lyndon takes more time to do what she does best if she chooses to write another novel.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews