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The Whispers of Rings
The murder of Jeremi and Victoria Terryn, a prominent and noble couple, shocks the peaceful city of Anastas. In the midst of it all is Josselyn Thorn; a young woman who devoted her life and loyalty to them both. Josselyn finds herself left to die in the dungeons—until Adrien Markov frees her. Using her newfound independence, she travels to the ends of the Kingdom of Rhoryn, seeking the truth.
~ Excerpt ~
The Temple of Elwyn housed the coldest, dankest cells I ever had the misfortune of spending time in. A few other chambers at least afforded the luxury of a torch and a bedroll, but the guards had spared me no such kindness. This wasn't the first time I'd found myself shackled to a wall, but it had never been under the pretense of murder. Generally the public prison was found suitable enough for felons of the great city of Anastas. But according to the Elwyn clerics, only the best guarded dungeon would do for a Whisper like me.
I couldn't remember how many days had passed since they'd dragged me from my home and locked me in. After three I'd lost the ability to keep track of time; the guards kept unpredictable shifts, and windows were a comfort long forgotten. Even sleep refused to keep me company. The brutal nightmares tortured me to consciousness. My body succumbed to exhaustion only once- I awoke to a guard shaking me while demanding I stop screaming.
Food was another fond memory; I had nothing to eat from the first day of my imprisonment. Not only did they not bother offering sustenance, I heard it was common for the Temple to poison its occupants before any official judgment was made. The less mouths for them to feed the better.
“Still alive, wisp?” The most recent guard on duty raked his pike against the bars.
I didn't want to respond. My mouth was parched and my patience had long since evaporated. The King's Guard had devised the term after Whispers had become a despised race. A 'wisp;' only a shred, barely human. It was disgusting what they thought of me. All for things beyond my control.
“Answer me!” He didn't wait long before slamming his weapon once more against the door, startling the few other inmates.
“Unfortunately.” The truth was bitter to taste. There was nothing left for me. The damp floor had soaked through my thin clothing, the cold air took every last drop of energy I hoped to preserve, and the metal that surrounded my wrists and ankles chafed my skin until it bled. I wanted to die.
“My lord, wait!” a voice called out. Heavy footsteps echoed from further down the hall, breaking the awkward silence between the guard and I. Visitors weren't common in the Temple dungeon. I strained to look into the darkness without much luck.
“You will give her to me and ask me no further questions.”
“But her trial! She must be judged!”
“I will pay any amount that you wish. Give it to the king, use it for this god-forsaken Temple, I don't care. But you will hand her over to me immediately.” The footsteps stopped abruptly and a tall, strong silhouette of a man appeared before my cell. The few available torches didn't emit enough light for me to see his face. A second pair of feet scuttled quickly to rest beside him. The distant fire glinted off of the gold medallion that signified the cleric's power within the Temple.
“Josselyn Thorn?” His voice was soft; the most gracious gesture anyone had shown me since I'd arrived.
“Yes, my lord.” I decided addressing him as the cleric had was the safest course of action.
“My lady, I need you to tell me if you were Jeremi and Victoria Terryn's Ring.”
I couldn't hold back the tears that overwhelmed my vision. Hearing their names again tore at my heart as painfully as when I'd found them dead.
~ Excerpt ~
The Temple of Elwyn housed the coldest, dankest cells I ever had the misfortune of spending time in. A few other chambers at least afforded the luxury of a torch and a bedroll, but the guards had spared me no such kindness. This wasn't the first time I'd found myself shackled to a wall, but it had never been under the pretense of murder. Generally the public prison was found suitable enough for felons of the great city of Anastas. But according to the Elwyn clerics, only the best guarded dungeon would do for a Whisper like me.
I couldn't remember how many days had passed since they'd dragged me from my home and locked me in. After three I'd lost the ability to keep track of time; the guards kept unpredictable shifts, and windows were a comfort long forgotten. Even sleep refused to keep me company. The brutal nightmares tortured me to consciousness. My body succumbed to exhaustion only once- I awoke to a guard shaking me while demanding I stop screaming.
Food was another fond memory; I had nothing to eat from the first day of my imprisonment. Not only did they not bother offering sustenance, I heard it was common for the Temple to poison its occupants before any official judgment was made. The less mouths for them to feed the better.
“Still alive, wisp?” The most recent guard on duty raked his pike against the bars.
I didn't want to respond. My mouth was parched and my patience had long since evaporated. The King's Guard had devised the term after Whispers had become a despised race. A 'wisp;' only a shred, barely human. It was disgusting what they thought of me. All for things beyond my control.
“Answer me!” He didn't wait long before slamming his weapon once more against the door, startling the few other inmates.
“Unfortunately.” The truth was bitter to taste. There was nothing left for me. The damp floor had soaked through my thin clothing, the cold air took every last drop of energy I hoped to preserve, and the metal that surrounded my wrists and ankles chafed my skin until it bled. I wanted to die.
“My lord, wait!” a voice called out. Heavy footsteps echoed from further down the hall, breaking the awkward silence between the guard and I. Visitors weren't common in the Temple dungeon. I strained to look into the darkness without much luck.
“You will give her to me and ask me no further questions.”
“But her trial! She must be judged!”
“I will pay any amount that you wish. Give it to the king, use it for this god-forsaken Temple, I don't care. But you will hand her over to me immediately.” The footsteps stopped abruptly and a tall, strong silhouette of a man appeared before my cell. The few available torches didn't emit enough light for me to see his face. A second pair of feet scuttled quickly to rest beside him. The distant fire glinted off of the gold medallion that signified the cleric's power within the Temple.
“Josselyn Thorn?” His voice was soft; the most gracious gesture anyone had shown me since I'd arrived.
“Yes, my lord.” I decided addressing him as the cleric had was the safest course of action.
“My lady, I need you to tell me if you were Jeremi and Victoria Terryn's Ring.”
I couldn't hold back the tears that overwhelmed my vision. Hearing their names again tore at my heart as painfully as when I'd found them dead.
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Published October 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 21, 2016
A great epic story of love and betrayal! What starts out as a story of a lady in prison being rescued by a lord. However as the story progresses it turns into a story where she uncovers a conspiracy plot that dates back to her childhood. Plenty of symbolism that really brightens up the story even further. I'm not a huge romance fan so for this book to get 5 stars says a lot!
May 24, 2017
This is usually not my type of read, but I found it to be enjoyable. Meant for those who are fantasy readers.
May 21, 2017
A Story of Lust, Deception and Betrayal
Josselyn, a ring, is imprisoned for the murder of her bound couple. With all hope gone she is rescued by an unexpected hero, a relative to her bound husband. But is he a hero? Being a Whisper will she be misled by her own elevated sensuality or will she find the truth behind her circumstances? Follow her as she uncovers the truth. A truly enchanting read written by a gifted story teller. I truly enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book.
Josselyn, a ring, is imprisoned for the murder of her bound couple. With all hope gone she is rescued by an unexpected hero, a relative to her bound husband. But is he a hero? Being a Whisper will she be misled by her own elevated sensuality or will she find the truth behind her circumstances? Follow her as she uncovers the truth. A truly enchanting read written by a gifted story teller. I truly enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next book.
February 23, 2017
**** I got an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. ****
In the collection, Whispers are like a genetic mutation, but since it is medieval times they are like their own race. During that time not a lot of knowledge was known of genetic mutation. I thought that to have that in a medieval time frame was pure genius. I have never read anything like it, with that type of mutation …so that was thought provoking and incredibly fresh.
The whole idea and concept behind being a ring is really interesting and special. It is a relationship, and marriage between three people with at least one Whisper. The concept also reminds me of a contract between a dominate and a submissive in BDSM. It is complicated but in a rather beautiful way and I don’t want to say any more so I don’t spoil it.
I feel like as soon as I started reading I got rather attached to Josselyn rather quickly. I felt for her when things happened. There were some twists and turns along the way and I don’t know who was more shocked and upset, her or I. I can’t believe she was treated the way she was. I misjudged certain characters thinking that they were something that they were not then at the end turned my opinion around about them completely. I originally hated the one of the two and liked the other. While at the end of the book I hated the one character with a passion and loved the other with just as much passion. Funny how things work like that. All because of how they treated Miss Josselyn.
I even talked to the Author about those two characters because she was curious to see what I thought of them at the end of the book and if my opinions of them changed. Which, they had because I got to see more of their true characters and I didn’t need to see which character was a good person and which wasn’t. I won’t name those two characters because it will be up to you to find out who those two are by reading the book and then commenting below. This is a great book and if you want to be taken into a new world that is set in medieval times where all is not what it seems then this is the book for you.
In the collection, Whispers are like a genetic mutation, but since it is medieval times they are like their own race. During that time not a lot of knowledge was known of genetic mutation. I thought that to have that in a medieval time frame was pure genius. I have never read anything like it, with that type of mutation …so that was thought provoking and incredibly fresh.
The whole idea and concept behind being a ring is really interesting and special. It is a relationship, and marriage between three people with at least one Whisper. The concept also reminds me of a contract between a dominate and a submissive in BDSM. It is complicated but in a rather beautiful way and I don’t want to say any more so I don’t spoil it.
I feel like as soon as I started reading I got rather attached to Josselyn rather quickly. I felt for her when things happened. There were some twists and turns along the way and I don’t know who was more shocked and upset, her or I. I can’t believe she was treated the way she was. I misjudged certain characters thinking that they were something that they were not then at the end turned my opinion around about them completely. I originally hated the one of the two and liked the other. While at the end of the book I hated the one character with a passion and loved the other with just as much passion. Funny how things work like that. All because of how they treated Miss Josselyn.
I even talked to the Author about those two characters because she was curious to see what I thought of them at the end of the book and if my opinions of them changed. Which, they had because I got to see more of their true characters and I didn’t need to see which character was a good person and which wasn’t. I won’t name those two characters because it will be up to you to find out who those two are by reading the book and then commenting below. This is a great book and if you want to be taken into a new world that is set in medieval times where all is not what it seems then this is the book for you.
December 8, 2016
Catherine LaCroix sucked me right in and didn't let go until the end. Josselyn's story was intriguing from the beginning. Accusations of murder, grief over loss, the potential to find love again, betrayal, and second chances in unlikely characters--this book has it all. I was drawn to Josselyn and her plight. I was also drawn to her sensual nature and how she felt she might not have control over her body's reactions. I was right there with her when Adrien took her on the floor the first time. I was invested enough to want her to find her happily-ever-after. And I was upset when things weren't what they appeared to be.
LaCroix's ability to tell a story is impressive, as is her ability to pull erotic romance into the story line. I don't typically read medieval/fantastical literature, but I'm thankful I tried something different. I think my husband is thankful I read it, as well. *wink*
LaCroix's ability to tell a story is impressive, as is her ability to pull erotic romance into the story line. I don't typically read medieval/fantastical literature, but I'm thankful I tried something different. I think my husband is thankful I read it, as well. *wink*
June 9, 2017
Let’s take this in steps.
First, the premise.
Catherine LaCroix produced Josselyn Thorn (if I’m not mistaken)—a deeply abused protagonist. She’s a Wisp—a very sensual person, and ideal to become a Ring (in my opinion). To better understand her position as a Ring, think of her being married to an already married couple. She’s the third wheel in the relationship. Her relationship with them apparently went very well, emotionally, intellectually, and sexually. The problem is—and this is why she’s in jail—somebody murdered them, and all signs point to her.
So the questions going forward are who killed them and how is she going get off the hook if she didn’t. But maybe she did. Who knows? It’s why we’re reading.
Second thing.
I had no idea how much sex would be in this, but had an idea when the Ring concept was introduced. But it gets real, folks. I’m not a romance reader all the time or really any of the time, so I was like, oh snap, here we go! And anything goes, and goes well, basically every time. So there’s that.
Third thing.
The writing is well-done. I’m not saying it’s The Great Gatsby of time-piece/fantasy/romance, but it’s clean, smooth, and the dialogue is great. A short story. You can sit down and read it in a sitting or so if you wanted. I write my own books. suffer from A.D.D., internet, and have to stop whenever a car drives by so it took me a bit longer, but that’s on me, not the writing. No problem getting down the page. We always know what Josselyn is thinking and feeling. That’s probably a given for this genre.
Here’s my critique.
I wish she was more traumatized from her short-lived jail days. I wanted it to matter more to the plot, somehow. To give this a five star, I’d also want the resolution to be about Josselyn first. It’s about her and her unlikely and unpredicted alliance she makes along the way, which in no way is a problem, but I’d rather she stepped up and took the hero load a bit more. It’s not within her character to do so, in my opinion, but I can’t help what I want. Josselyn and I have that in common.
To recap, The Whispers Of Rings is a well-done, fun and sexy book that is good for an afternoon read, and perfect to escape.
First, the premise.
Catherine LaCroix produced Josselyn Thorn (if I’m not mistaken)—a deeply abused protagonist. She’s a Wisp—a very sensual person, and ideal to become a Ring (in my opinion). To better understand her position as a Ring, think of her being married to an already married couple. She’s the third wheel in the relationship. Her relationship with them apparently went very well, emotionally, intellectually, and sexually. The problem is—and this is why she’s in jail—somebody murdered them, and all signs point to her.
So the questions going forward are who killed them and how is she going get off the hook if she didn’t. But maybe she did. Who knows? It’s why we’re reading.
Second thing.
I had no idea how much sex would be in this, but had an idea when the Ring concept was introduced. But it gets real, folks. I’m not a romance reader all the time or really any of the time, so I was like, oh snap, here we go! And anything goes, and goes well, basically every time. So there’s that.
Third thing.
The writing is well-done. I’m not saying it’s The Great Gatsby of time-piece/fantasy/romance, but it’s clean, smooth, and the dialogue is great. A short story. You can sit down and read it in a sitting or so if you wanted. I write my own books. suffer from A.D.D., internet, and have to stop whenever a car drives by so it took me a bit longer, but that’s on me, not the writing. No problem getting down the page. We always know what Josselyn is thinking and feeling. That’s probably a given for this genre.
Here’s my critique.
I wish she was more traumatized from her short-lived jail days. I wanted it to matter more to the plot, somehow. To give this a five star, I’d also want the resolution to be about Josselyn first. It’s about her and her unlikely and unpredicted alliance she makes along the way, which in no way is a problem, but I’d rather she stepped up and took the hero load a bit more. It’s not within her character to do so, in my opinion, but I can’t help what I want. Josselyn and I have that in common.
To recap, The Whispers Of Rings is a well-done, fun and sexy book that is good for an afternoon read, and perfect to escape.
August 5, 2021
Fair warning: there's lots of sex in this book and normally, that's not really my thing. But this is more than just a "dirty book." The Whispers of Rings is about the characters and world created by the author first and foremost, particularly the main character Josselyn. This character -- from her personality, backstory and mannerisms -- feels fleshed out very well, and it's her journey that fuels the more...mature aspects of this book and gives them purpose. Also, the author is using this story to explore the idea of monogamy, and the focus we as a society have put onto that. Catherine LaCroix, here, is interested in exploring the idea that sometimes, people can be capable of loving more than one person. And whether or not you agree with that idea/thought, she conveys it very effectively through her characters.
But beyond that, she's just created a very intriguing world here, one that I'd definitely be interested in reading more of!
But beyond that, she's just created a very intriguing world here, one that I'd definitely be interested in reading more of!
March 24, 2024
Started off well
I really liked this at the start. About halfway through, it fell off a cliff. Characters made choices that didn't make sense, and the ending felt rushed. Cute, but not amazing.
I really liked this at the start. About halfway through, it fell off a cliff. Characters made choices that didn't make sense, and the ending felt rushed. Cute, but not amazing.
February 10, 2017
Amidst the murder of a well-loved couple, Josselyn Thorn, a Whisper and a Ring, finds herself caught in the middle of accusations and the mystery of what truly happened. She's given her freedom and she uses every opportunity she can to answer the questions that haunt her, forming unexpected alliances as she goes.
I wasn't really prepared for this book to get so erotic so quickly (and lots of it!), but that's what makes "The Whispers of Rings" stand out - it doesn't follow a norm. Even though there was a lot of romantic content, Catherine LaCroix didn’t fail to provide an interesting and intriguing storyline with it. It was very well written and I was hooked from the start wanting to know who killed Jeremi and Victoria. Great work Catherine LaCroix!
*I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
I wasn't really prepared for this book to get so erotic so quickly (and lots of it!), but that's what makes "The Whispers of Rings" stand out - it doesn't follow a norm. Even though there was a lot of romantic content, Catherine LaCroix didn’t fail to provide an interesting and intriguing storyline with it. It was very well written and I was hooked from the start wanting to know who killed Jeremi and Victoria. Great work Catherine LaCroix!
*I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.
January 19, 2017
Its main character Josselyn is a Whisper, similar to a person but with different colouring and heightened senses, she is a sexual creature that throughout the story maintains a gentle character, despite her personal trials. Her evocative and forgiving nature, as well as her carnal passions makes her different from the fiesty, brawny heroines one has come to see spread far and wide across the romance genre. Josselyn is a refreshing change, and her mannerisms and delicate nature are in no way weak, as if she chooses not to forgive then she is as strong as any heroine.
The story itself with Josselyn as its main character was intriguing, erotic and beguiling, with an ending I had not foreseen, I look forward to more of LaCroix's work.
The story itself with Josselyn as its main character was intriguing, erotic and beguiling, with an ending I had not foreseen, I look forward to more of LaCroix's work.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews