When unforeseen circumstances force natural enemies to become allies, something far more enduring than animosity is born—friendship. Beatrice, a young healer living on the outskirts of the human port settlement of River’s Divide, simply wishes to hide herself from the searching eyes of the Priesthood of the Revealing Light. The last thing she wants ‘revealed’ is that she is host to a Larnkin—a spirit creature of vast and forbidden magic. Her already complicated life grows more perilous when a lupwyn scout stumbles into a trap set by the priesthood. If she sits back and does nothing, the wolf-like shapeshifter will be drained dry by the priests until he is an empty, soulless slave. As a healer, that isn’t something she will allow. But lupwyns have no love for the newly arrived humans. For the sake of mutual survival, Beatrice hopes this lupwyn can see beyond the hatred caused by two warring peoples. If not, she might die at the hands of the male she is trying to save. Author’s Maiden’s Wolf is a complete standalone story and can be read on its own. However, I would suggest reading the series in order for maximum enjoyment. In Deception’s Shadow reading Betrayal’s Price Herd Mistress Maiden’s Wolf Death’s Queen (coming soon)
Lisa Blackwood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle and Sorceress Urban Fantasy series. She and her new co-author, S.M. Schmitz, are also embarking upon a new Space Opera Romance series. Book one is titled, Vengeance: Warships of the Spire. It can be found in the Dominion Rising boxset anthology.
As well as writing, Lisa is also an avid gardener, horse enthusiast, and dog lover. She grudgingly lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, though she would much rather live deep in a dark forest, surrounded by majestic old-growth trees. Since she cannot live her fantasy, she decided to write fantasy instead. Freya, her ever faithful and beloved hellhound, ensures Lisa takes breaks from the computer so they can rid the garden of cats with delusions of conquest.
This book is recommended for readers 18+ due to mild adult scenes.
I love the story of Beatrice and Silverblade. He's an interesting combination of phoenix and lupwyn. The conflict that causes within him is something else. It mirrors Beatrice's dual power of life and death. Their journey to find Silverblade's pack is both hair raising and tender at the same time. The conclusion of this story is very satisfying while leaving the reader with the need to continue.
Lisa Blackwood is one of my absolutely favorite authors, and her In Deception's Shadow series is d perfect example of why. I adored the first book, Betrayal’s Price and became totally addicted after reading book 2, Herd Mistress. Now, thanks to Maiden's Wolf (Book 3), that addictions become all consuming. I simply could not put this book down and read it in one sitting through half the night (ending after 3:30am even though I knew I’d be woken around 6am). What can I say? This book is incredibly great. Beatrice, the young healer star of this book, and her ultra cool Larnkin (the magically powerful spirit creature that she’s host to), is just perfectly crafted. Same thing for Silverblade, the lupwyn scout who is the tale’s other star. Add in a great plot (which can totally stand-alone, by the way) and superb cast of supporting characters and you can see why this addiction is growing. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
In mho, Beatrice should be in Wikipedia as ruling example of Strong Female Protagonist. I’m sure you will agree after you read Maiden’s Wolf. Lisa Blackwood has created an incredible world with amazing characters, some of whom I now love. There are sections so fast-paced and intense I actually gasped for breath before I even realized I was holding. I never read romance novels but I do enjoy romantic moments in other genres. This tale holds a great example a very few of those moments and there is a short sexually suggestive scene in case this is something you prefer to know before reading a book. There are many things I could say in praise of Maiden’s Wolf but they would include spoilers and I don’t like spoilers. I truly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Very good story. I didn't realize it was part of a series and will go back to read the previous two books before continuing on. Even without reading the first two books, this book was still quite good and I was able to follow the story and understand it's world without trouble. A cult of Acolytes seek to destroy all other magic and rule over all. A wolf shifter and a healer, both with strong magics of their own, struggle to flee the pursuing acolytes. Rejoining the wolf shifter's pack will grant them safety and provide desperately needed healing for the shifter. The healer does her best to strengthen him each day, but the damage is grave, slowly draining an depleting the shifter's strength and magic. Will they reach safety, will they be trapped by the acolytes, will their hearts remain their own?
In this installment in the quartet we get the story of Beatrice (human healer) and Silverblade (lupwyn / wolf shifter). In some ways it felt very similar to Book 2, Herd Mistress, as our characters were constantly running from the evil Acolytes, but this story focused more on each of the characters accepting each other and their respective cultures. There were some interesting and unique aspects to the way the pack bonds worked with the lupwyns, and there was a lot of adorable flirty banter as they traveled. More tidbits of the Twelve (and the 12 talismans) were provided, and it has me itching to know more about them.
The author brings a portrayal of a world we couldn't imagine. There are many Elementals among the humans. However their shape shifting ability is so good that they appear as ordinary humans. It is a comfortable world to live until the acolytes show up. These evil beings literally suck the magic out of Elementals. The fight is on and serious battles are documented.
It's not all war. There is a budding romance caught in the flow of war and trust.
Great read! Loved it as much as the first two books! Beatrice is a woman, human, and host to a Larnkin who has never fit in, but finally finds love and acceptance from a lupwyn/phoenix hybrid. She has two completely opposite powers that are amazing and terrifying at once. I loved reading more about the lupwyns and their culture. I thought she showed a lot of bravery and love, especially during her trick (I can’t say more without giving away spoilers), but I absolutely loved that part!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I love the world Lisa Blackwood has created. The characters she's filled it with are well-crafted and believable. They are people I would love to meet who live in a world I'd love to visit...minus those pesky acolytes. The way the story progressed seemed believable to me. I want to read the rest of the books in this series now. :) Truly, truly enjoyable! I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true fantasy, quest fantasy, epic fantasy, and YA fantasy.
I gave this a five star rating as I have enjoyed this series so very much this far and look forward to reading the rest of the series Each book in the series this far has different characters but they meld well together and become a growing group with the same goal. Always hate to see the end of each book but look forward to and am anxious to read the next book of the series
A new adventure in a new world! I haven't read the first books in this series, maybe somethings would have made more sense if I had. I did like this book, but it was a bit confusing. I'm waiting to see the next one before making a judgement call. It is very interesting a d exciting.
A maiden a d a wolf tale, but she's not little red riding hood
She's just a healer, and he's just a lupine scout, but together they are something more. A fantasy with it's own twist on elementals, humans, magic, and their mutual enemy. The characters are eady to identify with. A fun read.
The relationship between Beatrice & Stoneblade was an interesting one as well as a magical one. Beatrice was very, very wise for someone her age even to a man who has been around for a few decades. She had such a goodness about her that he fell in love with her hook, line, & sinker.
Enjoyable book with a different take on shifters. Story plot not unusual but different enough to hold interest. Main characters need more work in the development of their love story.
This book was a real mixer if had all sorts of shifters and magic types elementals and it was pretty much the start of what could be an interesting series. I would like to read more of this authors work that's for sure.
I quite liked this. Even the romance angle was tolerable, no explicit sex, no pages of staring at and lusting after chests. Moves the story on. Good fight of 'good guys' (who aren't perfect) against a really bad foe.
I think the author might have went a little to far either the sexual parts of the story, which kinda ruins it a little for me. Buttttt I still love the story and can’t wait to find out what happens next!!
A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series
What a great story, love, war and intrigue. Love the tale of the Beauty and the Beast paranormal fantasy of maybe the witch and the wolf who save the world.
A great story with creative characters. The courtship and dance between the lovers was beautiful, and the warrior's fight was daring. Thanks for a good read.