Cherished

Beholder #3

by Christina Bauer

"Of the 3 books in the series, this one is my favorite!" - Reads and Reels
"Amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader." - The Archeolibrarian
"Chemistry is there from the start...I really enjoyed the romance." - Functioning Insanity Reviews

For Elea, there’s never been a better time to turn away from witch life. The Tsar is in exile. The Vicomte is dead. And Rowan? Falling for him only broke her heart. Instead of casting spells, Elea spends her days running Braddock Farm and enjoying the flirtations of the very handsome and non-magical Philippe. Everything is going perfectly, except for one problem.

Someone’s trying to kill her.

Shujaa is a Changed One, a Creation Caster mage whose mutated form makes him invincible in battle. Now that the Tsar and Vicomte are gone, Shujaa wants to rise and rule. To do so, he must eliminate all those powerful enough to oppose him, and Elea is top on his list. Anyone who offers her aid quickly ends up dead.

In the end, there’s only one person who can keep Elea safe while helping her defeat Shujaa: Rowan. Like it or not, Elea must team up with her old love. With Philippe along for the ride, Elea plans to team with Rowan without losing her heart this time. But that’s when all her plans fall apart…

"My favorite part of this series is the attraction between Rowan and Elea. They have a forbidden romance that I'm addicted to." - Cloud 9 Books

Perfect for readers who love sword and sorcery filled with magic, necromancy, witches and wizards. This series combines fierce females, paranormal romance and epic fantasy. Enjoy!

BEHOLDER series order
1. Cursed
2. Concealed
3. Cherished
4. Crowned
5. Cradled

Read all the series from author Christina Bauer:
- Angelbound (YA Dark Fantasy)
- Beholder (YA Dark Fantasy)
- Dimension Drift (YA Urban Fantasy )
- Fairy Tales of the Magicorum (YA Urban Fantasy)
- Pixieland Diaries (YA Fantasy)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal, Young Adult Romance, Young Adult Fantasy

325 pages, ebook

First published May 30, 2017

About the author

Christina 'CEE BEE' Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes young adult romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at ChristinaBauerAuthor.com.

ANGELBOUND ORIGINS
About a quasi (part demon and part human) girl who loves kicking butt in Purgatory's Arena
1. Angel bound
2. Scala
3. Acca
4. Thrax
5. The Dark Lands
6. The Brutal Time
7. Armageddon
8. Quasi Redux
9. Clockwork Igni
10. Lady Reaper
11. Reaper Games
12. Angry Gods

ANGELBOUND OFFSPRING
The next generation takes on Heaven, Hell, and everything in between
1. Maxon
2. Portia
3. Zinnia
4. Rhodes
5. Kaps
6. Mack
7. Huntress
8. Gage
*This is a finished series

ANGELBOUND LINCOLN
Events of Angelbound from Lincoln's POV
1. Duty Bound
2. Lincoln
3. Trickster
4. Baculum
5. Angelfire

ANGELBOUND XAVIER TRILOGY
The story of the Archangel Xavier
1. Archenemy
2. Archnemesis
3. Archangel

FAIRY TALES OF THE MAGICORUM
Modern fairy tales with sass, action, and romance
1. Wolves And Roses

2. Moonlight And Midtown

3. Slippers And Thieves

4. Shifters And Glyphs

5. Bandits And Ball Gowns

6. Fire And Cinder

7. Fairies And Frosting

8. Towers And Tithes
9. Mirrors And Mysteries
10. Rapunzels And Powers

DIMENSION DRIFT
Dystopian adventures with science, snark, and hot aliens
1. Scythe
2. Umbra
3. Alien Minds
4. ECHO Academy
*This is a completed series

PIXIELAND DIARIES
The story of sassy pixie, Calla, and her elf crush, Dare
1. Pixieland Diaries
2. Calla
3. Dare
*This is a completed series

BEHOLDER
Where a medieval farm girl discovers necromancy and true love
1. Cursed
2. Concealed
3. Cherished
4. Crowned
5. Cradled
*This is a completed series

VAMPIRES OF THE DAEMONVERSE
Adult fantasy written under my pen name, CEE BEE
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires
4. Valor and Vampires

Reviews

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

***** 4 Stars *****

Cannot be read as a standalone.

Elea tries a life without magic, but it's difficult for her to be normal again. She misses using magic and raising skeletons. And more importantly, she misses Rowan.

When a dangerous threat targets her, she is pulled back into battle. Together with Rowan, they have to go against fate to survive.

I love Elea and Rowan, but the romance between them was lighter than I wanted. The blurb also made it sound like there was going to be a big love triangle, but I was a bit disappointed to find it very minimal.

Overall, this series is such a fun read, and I can't wait for the next book!

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherished was action packed and a ton of fun. I know I've said it before, but this series is so easy to devour. It's filled with magic, fabulous characters and a plot that keeps me entertained. I absolutely adore the Beholder Series! This time around I was ecstatic to see that the puzzle pieces were falling into place and so many of my questions were finally getting answered. So here are some of my favorite things about the third book in this series -

✮Redemption -

“Would it change anything to say I can explain?”
“Some lines can’t be uncrossed.”
“But my culture isn’t yours. When we exchanged mating bands, you saw my soul. Am I capable of such terrible deceit as to become betrothed to another?”
“Souls are tricky things. I once thought my friend Tristan was incapable of deceit.”
“I’m not him.”

This book toyed with my emotions in the best of ways. I'm more than impressed! You see, I started getting frustrated that so many of the characters spoke in riddles, didn't tell Elea what was going on and seemed to know what was best for her. I was about ready to throttle quite a few of them. And Rowan was sadly even in that group. But looking back, oh how Rowan deserved more of my faith in him! Because we finally started to learn truths. And it wasn't just an oh okay that makes sense kinda thing. It was an oh my gosh, I definitely get it and all is forgiven kinda thing. So have faith, because that was the one of the best explanations I have ever read!

✮Heartfelt characters -

My mind became a blank as I strode toward Rowan. Curse the gods, the man was smirking.
How I hated him.
Definitely.
Possibly.

Whether it was Elea, who was a heroine that was fierce and deserved my respect. Or Rowan who melted my heart and made me want to steal him out of this book. To even new characters we meet, like Jicho, who were absolutely adorable. There was something heartfelt about each and every one of them. But my favorite moments, with all of these characters, was when Elea and Rowan were together. Their chemistry was captivating and I loved being caught in their seductive spell.

✮That ending -

He paused by the edge of the bed. “I’m not going anywhere, Elea. You’re my heart and my future. I won’t ever give you up. I love you.”

That ending was everything I was desperately hoping for in the last two books. It was beyond wonderful, beautiful, and heart warming. It left me ecstatic to see how the final book will play out. And the best part was that I was finally given the hope that I desperately needed.

Now I'm off to read the final book, I can't wait!

PS Again there were typos in this book but I'm emailing them to the author so they can get fixed.

*Book was kindly provided by Christina Bauer in exchange for an honest review*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Aneta Bak · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve always loved Christina’s books, and I’ve been with her from the start. Unfortunately this series is just not the right one for me.

Elea has escaped to her farm in order to hide away from Petra, she does not wish to become Tsarina, against everyone’s wishes. When Elea receives a warning that there is a new enemy in town. The Shujaa is after Ronan’s power, and because of some prophecy Ronan is becoming weaker as the Shujaa gains strength. Elea must decide whether she retreats to the safety of the convent and becomes a Tsarina, or if she goes to save Rowan, the boy she’s still in love with, even though he’s engaged to another.

I’m so disappointed with the lack of character development in this series. I loved Elea in the first book, in the second book I still really liked her but I was a bit frustrated that she kept repeating the same mistakes. In this book, she basically does the exact same thing again, never learns her lesson and is basically the exact same character we’ve started off with in the beginning. Not only is she weaker, due to her spending so much time on the farm and not practicing her magic, but she basically repeats the exact same mistakes as she did in book one and two.

I absolutely hate her relationship with Rowan. He does not trust her, he constantly lies to her, and he treats her like she’s a little child that needs protection. When Rowan won’t tell her what’s going on, he uses the excuse that it’s “for her own good.” Which basically means that he’s deciding her fate for her and won’t tell her the truth because it doesn’t suit him. Then later in the story, he wont let Elea fight with him in a very important battle because he doesn’t want her to get hurt, but ultimately Elea ends up joining the battle and saves his ass, to which he says “wow I should have had you as my partner from the beginning,” like obviously, Elea is much stronger than you bro! Is your ego in the way?

SPOILERS

Now let’s get to the plot. If you haven’t seen the trend with the other two books, then let me summarize it for you. Elea starts off at the farm, something happens and she must leave to do magic. A new villain appears and Elea goes on a mission to kill him. Rowan doesn’t trust Elea, they fight, they make up, one of them says “We can’t be together.” Rowan and Elea fight the villain, they kill the villain, Victor comes back (with the exception to the first book), they send him back. Everything is good and there’s no more evil.

Literally the exact same plot for all three books. I enjoyed the first one, but come on, I can’t take much more of this.

I’m so disappointed with this book that I don’t know if I’ll continue with the next one. I really want to because it’s the last one in the series, but if it has the same type of plot again, I think I might throw my phone against the wall.

Happy Reading,
Aneta

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherished Beholder, #3 the only thing about this one was that you cannot go into this read and think this was the place to star. You must absolutely go to the beginning. The series builds upon itself and you will feel like you missed some things if you just jump right in. There was so much and so little that changed. Sorry if that don’t make sense. This was one of those reads you are sure to know gets better with the passage of each book that proceeded it.

Elea had thought it time to take a break from the world of magic and all the demands that were starting to be placed upon her. Why would she want to be Tsarina? What could she possibly do? What difference would it make if she just went back to her farm and lived her own life? Let’s just say that life was not that simple for this powerful, strong, smart young lady. She had her heart broken and just could not cope with much more. She had the Tsar banished. She helped with the defeat of the Vicomte. The one she loved was no longer a part of her life. She had one things she could count on and that was her farm. She went back home.

Elea finds that life at the farm will never be the same again. She finds that she misses her friends. She misses magic. She misses Rowan. She also finds Philippe. She then finds that someone wants her dead. No way to come back dead. She then finds that she must seek out help.

This read was more magic, battle, live and a lot less romance. There were times that Elea and Rowan were able to connect but it seemed like it was just lacking in the chemistry from before. Maybe because she felt betrayed. The story was full of the magic and spells that save in the nick of time and lots of intensity. We get the good characters and the banter, but I felt the romance had dropped off a bit.

I am still a fan and look forward to the next installment. Elea can and will get her man sooner or later.

[Fiona L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherished by Christina Bauer is the 3rd book from the Beholder series and is as exciting as the other two books that came before it. I've been reading from book 1 and it just keeps getting better and better.

Elea and Rowan had sent Viktor into exile at the end of the previous book and now Elea is trying to be a normal farm girl. However a threat had showed up near her farm and Elea had to resolve to using her Magick again, after she's sworn off it.

The only way to beat this threat was to team up with Rowan again and Elea really was very reluctant to do so. However, in the name of greater good, she would have to. While Elea spent her time at Rowan's castle, she got to know his family members especially his little brother Jicho, who was a very interesting character to say the least.

There was indeed some romance between Elea and Rowan but I wished there was more! Hopefully we will get more of that in the next book...

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

[Cas ♛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initial thoughts: Great book! Romance, heartbreak, definitely! There were certainly some interesting villains and Wren did nothing but amuse me. This series is amazing and you should definitely give it a try.

~I received a copy via Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley and willingly reviewed it~

Rowan is dying. Though Elea is still hurt, she must put her feelings aside and do what's right for her world. A Changed One names Shujaa is after the positions of Tsar and Genesis Rex, interrupting Elea's quiet farm life. What must Elea learn to save herself and Rowan?

Cherished really is about self discovery. Elea must decide what she wants, rather than what others tell her she should do. Decisions much be made with care, and we soon discover that fortune telling isn't always correct and never to be afraid of the future because things can change and sometimes meanings are interpreted wrong.

Before, I was interested in a Rowan/Elea relationship. A chance meeting, similar interests, broken trust, teamwork. Now? They belong together, period. I say this because look at everything that has happened to them, everything they've gone through for each other. If that isn't enough for them both to deserve a happy ending, what is?

It only gets darker and darker and we venture further down the spiralling staircase, closer and closer to the origins of this world of Casters and Necromancers. Each book brings more revelations and explanations as to why things happen like so and the history of the mysterious powers many use but do not truly understand. If you like fantasy, Necromancy, adventure or mystery, the Beholder series will satiate your needs but leave you open mouthed and begging for more.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherished is the third book in the Beholder series, and we start with Elea back home on Brannock Farm and trying once again to fit in with her neighbours. She has Phillipe with her this time though, and he tries to smooth things along as best he can. Phillipe has wanted things to change between himself and Elea, but she still sees him as her brother being as her heart still belongs to Rowan, even after everything. Of course, things happen that send Elea back to Rowan, where they find out just who exactly is working against them this time.

I want to talk so much about this, but I don't want to give out any spoilers! Suffice it to say, there are shocks galore in this book. People that had played a minor but significant role in the past, suddenly become players in the present, and not always on Elea's side. I loved Rowan and Elea in this book, as once again they prove that they are stronger together.

This is an amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader into another world. Honestly can't wait for the next book in this series now, and I will keep on holding onto the HEA that I hope Elea and Rowan will get! Definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts…

Out of the 3 books in this series, this one is my favourite! Christina always impresses me with her storytelling abilities and I love that her protagonists are always strong women, who kick ass, like Elea!

This is a fabulous series but as I said, I think I really enjoyed this one because it has a little of everything. Lots of highs and lows, romance, and general bad-assery. (Yes, I’m making up a word. It’s my blog and I can do what I want!)

Great writing, interesting characters, and a storyline that continues to entrance. What more can you ask for? This review is short and sweet, because at this point it is too easy to reveal spoilers. So, I’m just going to go ahead and tell you that if you enjoy magic, romance and strong women, then you should give this series a go.

Rating… A

[Cecily Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this without the benefit of reading the first two titles in this series, and I admit to being a bit confused and overwhelmed at first, but that didn't stop me from continuing. This was a very absorbing and complicated story that kept me interested from the start. Elea and Rowan are a couple that are perfect together romantically and make a great team as well. Other characters are incredibly interesting and not quite what they seem - I definitely need to go back and catch up while I wait for the story to continue. Fans of dark fantasy, you need this series in your life.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got so excited I forgot to update this last night... Full review tomorrow for release!

http://functioninginsanity.blogspot.c...

I received an early ARC from NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review.

Rating: 5 Loaded Totem Rings

When we left off in Concealed I was a bit heartbroken. I didn't see how it was possible that Rowan had betrayed Elea like that. That he could be so sweet and amazing to her but really be engaged to her friend Amelia. Our Elea already has trust issues given what her former best friend, Tristan did to her. Still they defeated the Tsar and the Vicomte and she is back home on her farm where she wanted to be. Running Braddock Farm is supposed to be her life but after the past few years it's a bit less than she's used to, even with her flirty friend Philippe there to keep her company. So when someone comes calling trying to kill her it gives her a bit of the excitement she has grown used to. Shujaa is a Changed One who has hybrid magic and promises he will ruin her and kill Rowan. While seeing him is the last thing she wants to do, if hybrid magic is involved she knows he is her best chance of defeating this new evil. That's all, not that she still has feelings for him or anything.

I admit when the last one ended, while I loved the book and series I was a bit heartbroken and didn't understand how Rowan could have done what he did. I had no idea how things could be fixed, how he would be able to redeem himself in my eyes after that. I was well and truly worried I wouldn’t be able to enjoy Rowan again. I clearly didn't have enough faith in the author because the way this story plays out I totally love Rowan still. So yes Elea and Rowan, I still ship them and love them so hard. Elea is still strong as ever and no matter how much her training tells her to not show emotions or be ruled by hear heart she isn't very good at that. I love that she is one to think with her head but she also lets her emotions show unlike a good little Necromancer. She has an entire army she brought back from the dead that want to follow her and she wants nothing to do with that. She isn't power hungry like so many other leaders she just wants to find her own slice of happiness. While Rowan is the leader of his people who are fickle to say the least and still even when they doubt him and cheer for another to rule he is strong and continues to fight for his people.

The chemistry is there from the start. Even before they see one another again you can feel it in the air and while you hate that he is engaged to Amelia I kept hoping he was right and there was an explanation that would make it better. I just love the magic these two create and not just the hybrid magic. One thing I love about them together is that they are equals, they may want to protect one another but they are equals. I really enjoy a romance that has each on equal footing and where the man accepts his partner is kick butt and doesn't need to sit the fighting out.

We also get to see more into Caster life. Some of the traditions and prophecies they live by. It becomes clear that some things have different meanings and rules. We also get to meet more of the Casters including Rowans brothers and even his mother. Some we clearly like more than others. For instance I just adore little Jicho. Zoriah not so much. Anywho this is all because of Viktor, yes even banishing him for a second time hasn't stopped his destruction as he left behind totems to continue his work. This man is seriously one bad dude.

There is plenty of character moments for sure as Elea fights to figure out what life she really wants but this is a battle story and there is lots of action and fighting happening. These characters we love so much never get a break because they are always needed to face some big bad. I love this story so much and while there is still so much that has me concerned from the ending I can't wait to see what happens. I also have a few questions left unanswered. So I'm ready for book four, Crowned.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having her heat broken by Rowan and losing her best friend Elea is so tired of magic and just wants to live the great life of a farmer on Braddock Farm. Braddock Farm was left to her by her parents when she was just a little baby. Elea has no member of her parents and the farm is the only thing she has from them. And with the Tsar and the Vicomte dead now Elea plans to do just that with the help of her new friend Philippe.

But someone wants Elea dead, a Creation Caster Shujaa. Shujaa wants to the King and rule over the Caster lands. But in order to be the king he must fight the ruling king to the death for the title and Elea will do everything in her power to keep this from happening even fighting as the king’s second.

I loved getting to meet Rowan’s family. I loved his little brother Jicho he is so cute and smart and loves his big brother Rowan very much. I also liked his other brother Kade as well. But his mom Zoriah now I wasn’t so fund of her she is sort of a b!tch who wants to be in control of everything and everyone.

I have loved reading all the books in the Beholder series up to now but I think that book 3 Cherished is so far my favorite. I loved the battle, the fight for the new king and all the spells that were used during the battle. Don’t get me wrong I really loved reading both Cursed book 1 and Concealed book 2. The reason that Cursed was not my favorite was because of Tristan’s betrayal and because of Rowan’s betrayal in Concealed. I still can’t believe that Rowan betrayed Elea like that with his engagement to her best friend Amelia. I am still mad at him a little bit about that but after reading book 3 Cherished he has made up for it somewhat. I can’t wait for the next book Crowned to see what journey Elea and Rowan take us on next. Who is being Crowned and for what?

If you have not read Cherished then I would like to be the first one to suggest that you do as it is out of this would amazing but I would suggest that you read Cursed and then Concealed before reading Cherished.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I will start with this is the 3rd in a series and probably won't make much sense without the other two. My heart broke at the end of the last book but I couldn't wait to see where the author took the characters in the new one! Elea is back to being a farmer, but misses casting spells. Casting spells made her happy. When she learns of a new enemy and a threat to Rowan she is excited but concerned. Rowan is determined to keep Elea safe, no matter what the cost or the enemy.
I was so excited to see all my favorite characters and to meet some new favorites. The new 'bad guy' Shujaa was intriguing and I like how it all connected. I could have smacked Rowan for being so secretive but he was doing it for Elea's benefit, even if we don't like it! The dynamics of Rowan's family was fun to figure out and I can honestly say that I completely despise his mom! The author threw a couple twists in here that I wasn't expecting but that made it all the better. I disliked how fickle Rowan's people were but that is just the way their culture is so you can't dislike them too much. Overall, I think this is my favorite book in the series so far.
Absolutely a 5/5. I cannot wait for more! Start with book 1 and you will love these books.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following this series since the beginning. Out of the three so far, this one was my absolute favorite. Elea has had it with magic and is trying to be just a farmer. But, of course, the magic life will not leave her alone. Soon, she’s dragged back in to face an even bigger villain, who isn’t exactly who he appears to be. Adding to that, Rowan is ill and won’t say why. Elea soon realizes she has to get the bottom of all the secrets to find out what’s really going on to save everyone. I really enjoyed the plot, how well-written the book was, and how engaging the characters were. There was such a wonderful mix of magic and mystery, and I appreciate that the characters sometimes don’t use magic to solve their problems. I’ve come to really like Elea and Rowan as a couple, and I’m happy with the place they are now. I have to admit, however, I wasn’t happy with the way Rowan dealt with some of the secrets he was keeping. It didn’t make sense why he did it. But, I just really enjoyed this book. If you are picking this book up, you should absolutely read these books in order; too much happens to keep up without reading the previous ones. And, yes, you should them pick up! I can’t wait to read more in this series! Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Monster House Books for the e-copy of the book which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.

[Arlene Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced adventure filled with emotion and new characters that make the plot more interesting and fun.
The story is set in the Caster's land where Rowan tries to protect Elea from imminent danger. Elea is torne between her wish to live a normal life in her farm, becoming Tsarina of her people the Necromancers or finally accepting her love for Rowan.
This steampunk fantasy series keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for the fourth installment.

Note: I received an ARC for review and an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Alli Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Bauer never ceases to amaze me! Cherished has me in so many feels and left me with many questions. I laughed, I got angry, I even felt a little sorry.

Of course, the battle scenes are epic, the ladies are bad ass, and the romance is...very nice. ;)

What is next for Elea? What's up with Petra? I can't wait for the next one!

[Hetal · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so the adventure continues...

We join Elea back in her hometown struggling to find peace and happiness in her life as a farm girl. She continues to scare the townspeople with only Philipe for company- who occasionally gets her out of the house.


Suddenly in the middle of an incredibly dull ride to town, a Phantom dedicated to a mysterious Caster named Shuuja let's Elea know her master will kill her along with slowly killing her once beloved Rowen. Elea looks into the threat a bit...but ignores it for the most part, because hey, girls got stuff to do. Like going to the faire with a charming Philippe.

"Good. Now join the faire with me, like a good little matron of death."

Except trouble can't stay away from Elea -aka Shuuja- follows them to the faire and forces Elea's hand on who she needs to be in this moment: Bad-Ass Motha-Fucka Grand Mistress Necromancer.

"I did what any self-respecting Necromancer would do, especially one who didn't want to cast a spell in front of her neighbors. I took a deep breath and screamed at the top of my lungs. 'Run for your lives!'"

...the bad-assery is coming, I promise.

Elea is unexpectedly, albeit crazy excited, to jump into the world of necromancy in order to face this new threat, all of course while adamantly claiming she will always be a farm girl. Elea knows though, she cannot let things be. She cannot let Rowen die, even after his deep betrayal.

This third installment in the Beholder series was my favorite. I loved angst-ing along with Elea on what her feelings were for Rowen, as well as her conundrum of who she wanted to be (a necromancer) vs who she needed to be ( a farm girl).

Rowen, why did I doubt you? He always has his reasons, and while he does, I'm so happy Elea didn't forgive him immediately. ATTA GIRL! HOLD YOUR GROUND! Once they were together again, They worked so hard in this book to develop trust and show a unifying front for the castor people.

I also loved learning more about Rowen's family. Surprise after surprise hit me when it came to his family members. They were deliciously not as I would have expected them to be.

This book had it all. Love, friendship, frenemies, and most surprisingly, trusted loved ones performing the ultimate betrayals. Yes, there is more than on betrayal, and I quite honestly wasn't expecting the one on Elea's end. Elea and said person were thick as thieves and it was the one person I would truly never have expected. Now let me stop before I give anything away.

If you haven't read this series, READ IT. If you've read the first two books, READ THE THIRD!!

If you like my review, considering taking a peek and my blog here

[Cheryl Whitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed this for Book Addict live,
Wow this series gets better with every book, after defeating Vicomte in book two and Thea rescuing all the Necromancer’s. All she wanted to do was to go back to her family’s farm, and just forget about magic and be a farmer. Phillip her friend’s brother has come to give her advice on fitting in the locals who still see her as a witch.
Betrayed by someone she trusted explicitly, and finding out Rowan needs her help Elea rushes to Casters country.
This is a fantastic book, so filled with action. Elea comes into her own to defeat all to defend and support Rowan. Even though others have other plans for her. When staying with Rowan she finds some of his own family is working against him.
This is a rich colour filled world created by Christina Bauer lets you immerse yourself in the non-stop action. Elea comes into her own with the love and support of Rowan. This must be read after books one and two as this is not a standalone. This is definitely a five star read, as the books have gotten better as the series has continued.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming tale of love and magic

Young and powerful, Necromancer Elea faces many choices about who to trust as she gradually realizes who she really wants to be without anyone else deciding her whole life for her. Her growing relationship with Rowan is charming with just the right amount of innocence and confused passion. The magic system is creative and well-woven into the plot, and the author avoids many common fantasy pitfalls.

My only real complaint is that I do not like when one character withholds information from another as a plot device for creating tension. It's hard to believe someone really trusts someone else when they keep hiding the truth. If this is one of your pet peeves, then you might get annoyed at Rowan, even if things work out in the end.

While not perfect, this book is a far better read than most light fantasy romance available today. Despite its flaws, I would read it again...

Note: I received a free signed copy of this book with the implied request for an honest review.

[Sairaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read!

Elea is back at her farm where she wanted to be...
But now, she realises it is not for her..
Now, someone's trying to Kill Elea...

This series has become one of my favourite series of 2017.

Rowan + Elea = everything! I am so glad I could read this series because it has hooked my attention right from the start, always delivering and not disappointing at all.

From the books that is currently available, Cherished has become a favourite. Such pure magic and awesomeness! I mean, come on, kick-a*s heroine - who can resist this!?!

Full of Necromancers, powers, Casters, Sentinel Spirits, enemies, secrets, danger, adventure, mystery, fantasy, trust and romance.

Perfect for readers of dark fantasy/epic fantasy.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't find the story quiiite as involving as in the previous books in this series, perhaps because the world-building was already in place. Just FYI, there's little time spent on the relationship between Elea and Rowan. I loved many of the plot points, however. Pitting the brothers against each other, genius. And I so loved the character of Jicho. I mean, what's not to love about a whip smart nine-year-old seer? Plus, there's a FEMALE villain you'll love to hate. And surprises abound. People you've slotted as good guys? Let me just say, don't count on it. All in all, plenty to like, and I can't wait for the sequel (finale?).

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Beholder series. I read book 1 (Cursed) but missed book 2 (Concealed) . I had no problem picking up the thread of the series. Elea and Rowen team up again to return his kingdom to his rule. Rowan is a Castor and his enemies, including his mother and brother are trying to kill him. Elea has vowed to not use her Necromancer powers again and is happy on the small farm her parents left her but visions of Rowan losing his power has her rushing to his side. This is a nice teen, young adult fantasy novel. Adults will enjoy it too with the magic and creatures.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

Elea's story continues with more danger, action and magic.

Heartbroken and tired, Elea just wants to live a normal life on the farm, but no such luck. Someone wants Elea dead. Now, she has to fight side by side with the one person who broke her heart.

A great addition to the Beholder series!

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fun series features necromancy and animal magic and all manner of adventuring. At times it feels a little rote, and I still can't figure out how Elea can be such a powerful necromancer but so darn easy to trick all the time (and her rings don't seem to do her much good), but the series is enjoyable.

[Monster House Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elea's adventures take her to the land of the Creation casters... and the last guy she ever wants to see again, Rowan. The good news is, things aren't what they seem in this book, and our heroine's heart is about to have a big turnaround. A must read!!!

[Norla Chee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would have got five stars, but nobody proofread read it before publishing. If the story and characters weren't so strong I'd have burned it. Missing words, repeated words, wrong spellings. If I was not an experienced reader this book would have made no sense.

[joan johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay

I thought this was a three book series. Now there's a fourth book coming out. I don't think I'll read the next book. It was hard enough getting through the first books.

[Ratna Galih · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's entertaining.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read it's just a shame about it having so many grammatical errors.

[Genevieve Eldredge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this latest installment of Elea and Rowan's adventures! Great action and romance, and oh my, the plot twists... I won't spoil anything. I'll just say: hold onto your hats!

[C bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

netgalley

an ok read. kept my attention