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The Uncharted Realms #3
The Shift of the Tide
A QUICKSILVER HEART
Released from the grip of a tyrant, the Twelve Kingdoms have thrown all that touch them into chaos. As the borders open, new enemies emerge to vie for their hard-won power—and old deceptions crumble under the strain…
The most talented shapeshifter of her generation, Zynda has one love in her life: freedom. The open air above her, the water before her, the sun on her skin or wings or fur—their sensual glories more than make up for her loneliness. She serves the High Queen’s company well, but she can’t trust her allies with her secrets, or the secrets of her people. Best that she should keep her distance, alone.
Except wherever she escapes, Marskal, the Queen’s quiet lieutenant, seems to find her. Solid, stubborn, and disciplined, he’s no more fluid than rock. Yet he knows what she likes, what thrills and unnerves her, when she’s hiding something. His lithe warrior’s body promises pleasure she has gone too long without. But no matter how careful, how tender, how incendiary he is, only Zynda can know the sacrifice she must make for her people’s future—and the time is drawing near…
Released from the grip of a tyrant, the Twelve Kingdoms have thrown all that touch them into chaos. As the borders open, new enemies emerge to vie for their hard-won power—and old deceptions crumble under the strain…
The most talented shapeshifter of her generation, Zynda has one love in her life: freedom. The open air above her, the water before her, the sun on her skin or wings or fur—their sensual glories more than make up for her loneliness. She serves the High Queen’s company well, but she can’t trust her allies with her secrets, or the secrets of her people. Best that she should keep her distance, alone.
Except wherever she escapes, Marskal, the Queen’s quiet lieutenant, seems to find her. Solid, stubborn, and disciplined, he’s no more fluid than rock. Yet he knows what she likes, what thrills and unnerves her, when she’s hiding something. His lithe warrior’s body promises pleasure she has gone too long without. But no matter how careful, how tender, how incendiary he is, only Zynda can know the sacrifice she must make for her people’s future—and the time is drawing near…
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2017
89 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
96 books1,331 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 27, 2017
Well I have read all of the 12 Kingdom books and this may prove to be one of my favorites. While the book chronicles the couple Zynda and Marskal, it is more about Zynda and her journey to the Final Form (not gonna tell) with the romance that was never supposed to happen, slowly does :)
The adventure, the suffering, the romance were all done exceptionally (although for my personal tastes there were more sex scenes than required for this story) but it all works for a glorious conclusion ....... sort of ..... I felt it ended in a place that left the reader with a LOT of hanging threads but I am sure they will be settling most if not all of them in the next book. Did I mention dragons? I meant to mention dragons ................ The fact is this story would be hard pressed to find a "good spot" to end it so the place she choose is as good as any :)
I thoroughly enjoyed it even with my nitpicks so 4 stars and almost 5 but I feel that I need to save that 5 Star review for the next book maybe :)
NOTE: I did go back and reread those last 3 chapters again they were so good and still hated that it ended at all :)
The adventure, the suffering, the romance were all done exceptionally (although for my personal tastes there were more sex scenes than required for this story) but it all works for a glorious conclusion ....... sort of ..... I felt it ended in a place that left the reader with a LOT of hanging threads but I am sure they will be settling most if not all of them in the next book. Did I mention dragons? I meant to mention dragons ................ The fact is this story would be hard pressed to find a "good spot" to end it so the place she choose is as good as any :)
I thoroughly enjoyed it even with my nitpicks so 4 stars and almost 5 but I feel that I need to save that 5 Star review for the next book maybe :)
NOTE: I did go back and reread those last 3 chapters again they were so good and still hated that it ended at all :)
September 16, 2021
I love this series, so you can bet I dove into this book as soon as I got an ARC in my greedy little trotters.
And you bet I'll be getting the print version as soon as it's available!
I will confess that i had my doubts about Zynda at the start of the book. She seemed a bit too smug about herself and her powers. But soon she encounters situations that teach her she still has lots to learn about life, and when I saw she is capable of changing her views when they're clearly wrong I fell in love.
And then there's Marskal. He's the kind of hero I love, but don't often encounter. He might not be a man of many words, but his actions show more clearly than words ever could how he feels about Zynda and others in his life. He's there when needed and doesn't waver. I loved how I actually got to see who he is and what he stands for instead of hearing him say so and having to believe him at his word.
The challenges the both of them face are many and I was rooting for them to succeed. The stakes are high and at times I feared for how things might end. Luckily Jeffe is the kind of author who never disappoints when it comes to a satisfying ending.
I also loved that there were glimpses of the couples from previous books and to see what those were up to.
As you might already have guessed by my remark about satisfying endings, I loved the conclusion of this book. Zynda and Marskal's tale is told, but in the overall storyline of the series there's enough left to make me hungry for more. Luckily there will at least be one more book.
And you bet I'll be getting the print version as soon as it's available!
I will confess that i had my doubts about Zynda at the start of the book. She seemed a bit too smug about herself and her powers. But soon she encounters situations that teach her she still has lots to learn about life, and when I saw she is capable of changing her views when they're clearly wrong I fell in love.
And then there's Marskal. He's the kind of hero I love, but don't often encounter. He might not be a man of many words, but his actions show more clearly than words ever could how he feels about Zynda and others in his life. He's there when needed and doesn't waver. I loved how I actually got to see who he is and what he stands for instead of hearing him say so and having to believe him at his word.
The challenges the both of them face are many and I was rooting for them to succeed. The stakes are high and at times I feared for how things might end. Luckily Jeffe is the kind of author who never disappoints when it comes to a satisfying ending.
I also loved that there were glimpses of the couples from previous books and to see what those were up to.
As you might already have guessed by my remark about satisfying endings, I loved the conclusion of this book. Zynda and Marskal's tale is told, but in the overall storyline of the series there's enough left to make me hungry for more. Luckily there will at least be one more book.
August 3, 2020
Update: reread July/Augst 2020 - same feelings as the first time!
Original Review:
I love this series! Each book is as good as the previous one yet with wholly unique characters and tensions and plot. The basic premise of this one (third in The Uncharted Realms series, which is a spinoff of the Twelve Kingdoms series) is a bodyguard romance at its heart, with Marksal, Queen's Ursula's lieutenant tasked with keeping shapeshifter Zynda under his protection.
Zynda believes she is destined to take her final form as a dragon to save her people, which means there is no room for a relationship when she will no longer be able to shift back to human form. Marskal doesn't care - he's fallen for the courageous, stubborn, beautiful shapeshifter and will do whatever it takes to keep her in his life. Eventually Zynda can't resist having a relationship with Marskal even as she tries to convince herself, and him, that it can't last. Zynda undergoes many challenges in this story and I wasn't sure how it could possibly have a happy ending, but it does and it's supremely satisfying. The worldbuilding is excellent and completely engrossing, making the story hard to put down.If you love fantasy romances, you should definitely have this story and all the preceding ones on your to-read list!
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Original Review:
I love this series! Each book is as good as the previous one yet with wholly unique characters and tensions and plot. The basic premise of this one (third in The Uncharted Realms series, which is a spinoff of the Twelve Kingdoms series) is a bodyguard romance at its heart, with Marksal, Queen's Ursula's lieutenant tasked with keeping shapeshifter Zynda under his protection.
Zynda believes she is destined to take her final form as a dragon to save her people, which means there is no room for a relationship when she will no longer be able to shift back to human form. Marskal doesn't care - he's fallen for the courageous, stubborn, beautiful shapeshifter and will do whatever it takes to keep her in his life. Eventually Zynda can't resist having a relationship with Marskal even as she tries to convince herself, and him, that it can't last. Zynda undergoes many challenges in this story and I wasn't sure how it could possibly have a happy ending, but it does and it's supremely satisfying. The worldbuilding is excellent and completely engrossing, making the story hard to put down.If you love fantasy romances, you should definitely have this story and all the preceding ones on your to-read list!
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
August 15, 2017
Oh those Tala, they are such tricksters, but that makes them fun to be around.
This book is about Zynda, a shapeshifter who wants to save her people. And well the world too since those dang baddies are coming for everyone. Though sadly there is no conclusion to that yet, that is both good and bad. See I want to see them burn at once (there are dragons after all that can help with that), but I also want more so good that there are still things to take off.
Back to Zynda, she is a trickster, she tells the truth, but that might be a truth that is ever changing. She guards her secrets and especially the biggest one of all. What is she really about?
Right, I am blabbering. You just can not jump right into thing with these. First you really should read the first 3 books, if you do not then you must read 4 and 5 cos else you will be lost. Who the baddies are. How Dafne got married, how Jepp went to Dasnaria (and got her man), and much more. The books all have a new heroine but the story continues and the torch to save the world is passed on.
Oh and there is romance too. Zynda certainly is not looking for romance, but romance finds her none the less. And I really liked the end, I really liked the end.
I am also looking forward to the next book, I guessed right who it will be about and I am sure it will be fun. What a pair. Speaking of that, I should check how many more books are to come....
Fantasy romance and a good adventure.
This book is about Zynda, a shapeshifter who wants to save her people. And well the world too since those dang baddies are coming for everyone. Though sadly there is no conclusion to that yet, that is both good and bad. See I want to see them burn at once (there are dragons after all that can help with that), but I also want more so good that there are still things to take off.
Back to Zynda, she is a trickster, she tells the truth, but that might be a truth that is ever changing. She guards her secrets and especially the biggest one of all. What is she really about?
Right, I am blabbering. You just can not jump right into thing with these. First you really should read the first 3 books, if you do not then you must read 4 and 5 cos else you will be lost. Who the baddies are. How Dafne got married, how Jepp went to Dasnaria (and got her man), and much more. The books all have a new heroine but the story continues and the torch to save the world is passed on.
Oh and there is romance too. Zynda certainly is not looking for romance, but romance finds her none the less. And I really liked the end, I really liked the end.
I am also looking forward to the next book, I guessed right who it will be about and I am sure it will be fun. What a pair. Speaking of that, I should check how many more books are to come....
Fantasy romance and a good adventure.
May 13, 2018
As much as I’ve enjoyed this series –and I still do– this was probably the weakest installment for me at this point. This was primarily for two reasons: the hero and the heroine.
Wait. Wait. Stay with me. Let’s talk about the heroine first. This is Zynda’s book. She’s the Tala cousin to Ursula, Andi, and Ami. (If you don’t know who those women are, now seems like a good time to direct you to start this series at the beginning. I can’t imagine this sixth installment would be a satisfying standalone.) Anyway, Zynda has always been a character who has played her cards close to the vest, and in this book, her secrets are finally revealed. She is looking to meet up with the dragon freed in Dafne’s book in order to learn how to shift into a dragon herself. She believes this Final Form will give her the ability to guide her people into better fertility and healthier babies.
Her mission wasn’t my issue. It’s actually kind of interesting to see the story follow Zynda in her attempts to prove her worth to the dragon and undergo the trials required to meet her goal. I think my biggest issue with Zynda was in the Otherness of her. This is a woman who can shift into dozens of animals. It’s an important piece of who she is, but the time we spend with her as a dolphin or a pony or bird separated me from her character at times. It was hard to connect.
My issue with the hero is that he fell in love with Zynda off page. We’ve been aware of Marksal as a character since the first book in the series. He’s the head of Ursula’s Hawks. But really, we’ve had no hints to who he is at all. So when he shows up here, already in love with Zynda, it’s terribly jarring and feels like a cheat. Furthermore, even after reading this book, I don’t feel a strong sense of who he is. I can tell you that he was a great soldier with a big family and he will do anything for Zynda, but that’s about it. There is nothing wrong with him; I just feel like we glossed over him. The end result is that the romance felt unsatisfying. Not bad, but a bit anemic.
The book is much more about Zynda’s dragon quest and Marksal basically following her around the whole time as she went from one dangerous situation to another. For me, the best demonstration of his feelings came when Zynda became a hummingbird and he protected her with infinite care. But I wish there would have been more build. Heck, I wish there had been any build. And then, the ending felt even more rushed than usual. Some of the problems were resolved with the snap of the fingers, while others were left hanging for future books. There was no time to celebrate this HEA, because the story was over the second it started.
All of that said, this book isn’t bad. The writing is fantastic, along with the worldbuilding and backstories. Fans of the series need to read it, especially if you plan to pick up book seven. (I think it’s going to be about Kral’s ex-wife.) It also intersects with the novella in Amid the Winter snow, which turned me on to this series in the first place. It was cool to come full-circle there (but it also made me want MOAR ASH.)
Anyway, a mixed bag for me on this one, but I definitely plan to continue with the series.
Rating: C+/B-
Wait. Wait. Stay with me. Let’s talk about the heroine first. This is Zynda’s book. She’s the Tala cousin to Ursula, Andi, and Ami. (If you don’t know who those women are, now seems like a good time to direct you to start this series at the beginning. I can’t imagine this sixth installment would be a satisfying standalone.) Anyway, Zynda has always been a character who has played her cards close to the vest, and in this book, her secrets are finally revealed. She is looking to meet up with the dragon freed in Dafne’s book in order to learn how to shift into a dragon herself. She believes this Final Form will give her the ability to guide her people into better fertility and healthier babies.
Her mission wasn’t my issue. It’s actually kind of interesting to see the story follow Zynda in her attempts to prove her worth to the dragon and undergo the trials required to meet her goal. I think my biggest issue with Zynda was in the Otherness of her. This is a woman who can shift into dozens of animals. It’s an important piece of who she is, but the time we spend with her as a dolphin or a pony or bird separated me from her character at times. It was hard to connect.
My issue with the hero is that he fell in love with Zynda off page. We’ve been aware of Marksal as a character since the first book in the series. He’s the head of Ursula’s Hawks. But really, we’ve had no hints to who he is at all. So when he shows up here, already in love with Zynda, it’s terribly jarring and feels like a cheat. Furthermore, even after reading this book, I don’t feel a strong sense of who he is. I can tell you that he was a great soldier with a big family and he will do anything for Zynda, but that’s about it. There is nothing wrong with him; I just feel like we glossed over him. The end result is that the romance felt unsatisfying. Not bad, but a bit anemic.
The book is much more about Zynda’s dragon quest and Marksal basically following her around the whole time as she went from one dangerous situation to another. For me, the best demonstration of his feelings came when Zynda became a hummingbird and he protected her with infinite care. But I wish there would have been more build. Heck, I wish there had been any build. And then, the ending felt even more rushed than usual. Some of the problems were resolved with the snap of the fingers, while others were left hanging for future books. There was no time to celebrate this HEA, because the story was over the second it started.
All of that said, this book isn’t bad. The writing is fantastic, along with the worldbuilding and backstories. Fans of the series need to read it, especially if you plan to pick up book seven. (I think it’s going to be about Kral’s ex-wife.) It also intersects with the novella in Amid the Winter snow, which turned me on to this series in the first place. It was cool to come full-circle there (but it also made me want MOAR ASH.)
Anyway, a mixed bag for me on this one, but I definitely plan to continue with the series.
Rating: C+/B-
August 25, 2017
The Shift of the Tide is the third book in the Uncharted Realms series, a spinoff of the Twelve Kingdoms trilogy. I have really been enjoying the Uncharted Realms, and I admire Jeffe's ability to build complex and magical worlds that draw me in and make me want to hang around.
Our heroine, Zynda, has been around for several books now. Zynda is our Tala shapeshifter sorceress who is a little bit trickster, a little more vulnerable, and a whole lotta self-sacrificing. She has assisted all of the new queens to keep the realms safe, but she also has her own agenda to save the Tala race. This agenda has Zynda returning to Nahaunu to seek out Dafne's dragon, Kiraka. Zynda was definitely noble and determined to help her people, and you had to admire her for that. She was a bit stubborn when it came to the romance, but I understood her reasons and empathized with her for the sacrifice.
Our hero in this installment is Marskal, one of Ursula's hawks (guards) at Ordnung. I have to say that I can't remember much about Marskal from previous books, so he definitely did a good job at blending into the background. He is quite a good spy! It seems that our very observant Marskal has been loving Zynda from afar, and she hasn't really noticed him. (Or has she?) Marskal finally gets the kick in the pants he needs to reveal his feelings to Zynda, and he was determined from that point forward. I loved Marskal's tenacity to build the relationship no matter Zynda's objections, and I loved the little ego boosts he go when he realized she cared in various ways.
The relationship between these two was not quite a slow burn - it built at a good pace with the story. And the focus was not entirely on the romance, our royal families (and loved ones) are still trying to prevent the Temple of Deyrr baddies from taking over the world. This saw Zynda and Marskal traveling all over the Thirteen Realms to complete tasks, meet families, and talk to dragons. I particularly liked the time that we spent with Marskal's family - it revealed much about his character, and the family seemed like lots of fun.
I do wish that the ending of the story would have been drawn out a bit more, because I loved how things turned out. I would have liked lots more information about Zynda and her big plans. However, I know we are likely to get glimpses of this couple in future books, so I have that to look forward to.
Pop over to the blog on August 25th for an interview with Jeffe, and a tidbit about where the series is going. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the author.
August 29, 2017
In The Shift of the Tide, Jeffe Kennedy's newest epic romance, is filled with an abundance of adventure and peril, along with a terrific love story. I love shapeshifters, and Kennedy’s marvelous Zynda transforms to creatures both epic and mundane on her journey to understanding her mission and her own heart.
I've always loved Zynda, who shapeshifts in Kennedy's earlier 12 Kingdoms and Uncharted Realms series. Here, she takes center stage, as a prickly-pear of a woman who smooths to a peach as self-awareness and love blossom. At first, Zynda is hard to love and as cold as the fish she can become. She's focused on her personal mission for her people, the Tala, to the exclusion of all else. But as events collide with her worldview, Zynda becomes more — a woman who ultimately becomes a magnificent heroine with a brave and loving heart.
Zynda’s counterpoint on her journey is Marskal, leader of the queen's Hawks. He’s a quiet man, one that’s hard to read. But it soon becomes apparent where his heart resides, in the care of Zynda's not-so-careful hands. Quiet and brave, Marskal burns as a man who never shies from the hard decisions. I fell in love with him.
The novel's compelling buildup turns electric with threats not only to Queen Ursula’s kingdom, but to the Tala themselves. Zynda's evolution comes with many surprises and terrible danger, but the outcome proves beyond satisfying. Along with Zynda and Marskal, I delighted in revisiting many of the characters from Kennedy's earlier novels—King Rayfe and Queen Andi, Jepp and Kral, Ami and Ash, and others. Of course, my favorite was the dragon, Kiraka, who’s full of surprises.
By the time I'd turned the last page, all I could think about was more. I wanted more of Kennedy's world and more of Kennedy's people. So it’s time for me to re-read The Mark of the Tala as I wait expectantly for the next book in Kennedy’s outstanding series.
I've always loved Zynda, who shapeshifts in Kennedy's earlier 12 Kingdoms and Uncharted Realms series. Here, she takes center stage, as a prickly-pear of a woman who smooths to a peach as self-awareness and love blossom. At first, Zynda is hard to love and as cold as the fish she can become. She's focused on her personal mission for her people, the Tala, to the exclusion of all else. But as events collide with her worldview, Zynda becomes more — a woman who ultimately becomes a magnificent heroine with a brave and loving heart.
Zynda’s counterpoint on her journey is Marskal, leader of the queen's Hawks. He’s a quiet man, one that’s hard to read. But it soon becomes apparent where his heart resides, in the care of Zynda's not-so-careful hands. Quiet and brave, Marskal burns as a man who never shies from the hard decisions. I fell in love with him.
The novel's compelling buildup turns electric with threats not only to Queen Ursula’s kingdom, but to the Tala themselves. Zynda's evolution comes with many surprises and terrible danger, but the outcome proves beyond satisfying. Along with Zynda and Marskal, I delighted in revisiting many of the characters from Kennedy's earlier novels—King Rayfe and Queen Andi, Jepp and Kral, Ami and Ash, and others. Of course, my favorite was the dragon, Kiraka, who’s full of surprises.
By the time I'd turned the last page, all I could think about was more. I wanted more of Kennedy's world and more of Kennedy's people. So it’s time for me to re-read The Mark of the Tala as I wait expectantly for the next book in Kennedy’s outstanding series.
May 25, 2019
Disappointed with lack of closure at ending. Too many threads left unfinished.
October 23, 2017
Review originally posted at RabidReads.ca.
4.5 stars
If you’ve been following my reviews of this series, you know how much I love this series. I think this one is one of my favorites (I might say that about each of them, but I mean it this time, I swear). Zynda is a character who has had a large role in the Uncharted Realms series (she was part of the original three Twelve Kingdoms books, but not as the major character in the last two books). Now she is finally getting her own book.
Zynda was a woman who kept her own council for the most part. I believe that she made friends with both Dafne and Jepp, but she always kept a part of herself away from others. I always kind of saw that she kept a piece of herself, but I don’t know that I realized exactly how much she kept apart (makes me want to reread the first two books to see if i see it now). While the Tala, species that she is a part of, is a secretive lot and I think that is why I didn’t really think much about it. Well, in this book, we learn that is much more than that.
Zynda is wanting to protect the Tala. They are dying out and have been for a while now. Each generation has more difficulty having children. Zynda thinks that is she takes the Final Form she will be able to save them. She has a lot of forms (she really won’t give a number, but it is a lot, more than double digits). She loves to spend time in these forms. You can frequently find her flying through the skies or swimming with dolphins in the oceans. Now she wants to become more, a dragon. She is hoping to take this form, but it is a Final Form and we all know what “final” means. So you can see where this would make you not want to make any tight bonds.
Marskal is the leader of the Queen Ursula’s Hawks, her personal army. He, too, has been a minor character that has taken a larger role in the later books. He has been charged with protecting Zynda, which she doesn’t take too kindly too. She is constantly running off to swim or fly away without telling anyone what is going on. Marskal takes his role very seriously. He tries his best not to let her out of his site, but she doesn’t make it easy, but he is always waiting for her. He seems to know when she’s gone swimming and knows exactly where she will come back to shore.
This was another great story in this series. There is the romance, which is difficult, but very well written. There is also the conflict that Zynda, Dafne, Jepp, Ursula and all the characters we’ve come to love, have to fight outside of the romance. There are people attacking Annfwn and with some pretty ugly stuff. It is the characters that really make me love this series. Kennedy writes such interesting characters that feel so real. I really care about what happens to them.
I would not recommending starting with this book. At minimum, I would recommend that you start with the first book in the Uncharted Realms series, The Pages of the Mind. If you’re willing, I would recommend that you start with the first book in the Twelve Kingdoms, The Mark of the Tala. While you can follow along with just reading Uncharted Realms, you miss out of the joy of the first three books.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
4.5 stars
If you’ve been following my reviews of this series, you know how much I love this series. I think this one is one of my favorites (I might say that about each of them, but I mean it this time, I swear). Zynda is a character who has had a large role in the Uncharted Realms series (she was part of the original three Twelve Kingdoms books, but not as the major character in the last two books). Now she is finally getting her own book.
Zynda was a woman who kept her own council for the most part. I believe that she made friends with both Dafne and Jepp, but she always kept a part of herself away from others. I always kind of saw that she kept a piece of herself, but I don’t know that I realized exactly how much she kept apart (makes me want to reread the first two books to see if i see it now). While the Tala, species that she is a part of, is a secretive lot and I think that is why I didn’t really think much about it. Well, in this book, we learn that is much more than that.
Zynda is wanting to protect the Tala. They are dying out and have been for a while now. Each generation has more difficulty having children. Zynda thinks that is she takes the Final Form she will be able to save them. She has a lot of forms (she really won’t give a number, but it is a lot, more than double digits). She loves to spend time in these forms. You can frequently find her flying through the skies or swimming with dolphins in the oceans. Now she wants to become more, a dragon. She is hoping to take this form, but it is a Final Form and we all know what “final” means. So you can see where this would make you not want to make any tight bonds.
Marskal is the leader of the Queen Ursula’s Hawks, her personal army. He, too, has been a minor character that has taken a larger role in the later books. He has been charged with protecting Zynda, which she doesn’t take too kindly too. She is constantly running off to swim or fly away without telling anyone what is going on. Marskal takes his role very seriously. He tries his best not to let her out of his site, but she doesn’t make it easy, but he is always waiting for her. He seems to know when she’s gone swimming and knows exactly where she will come back to shore.
This was another great story in this series. There is the romance, which is difficult, but very well written. There is also the conflict that Zynda, Dafne, Jepp, Ursula and all the characters we’ve come to love, have to fight outside of the romance. There are people attacking Annfwn and with some pretty ugly stuff. It is the characters that really make me love this series. Kennedy writes such interesting characters that feel so real. I really care about what happens to them.
I would not recommending starting with this book. At minimum, I would recommend that you start with the first book in the Uncharted Realms series, The Pages of the Mind. If you’re willing, I would recommend that you start with the first book in the Twelve Kingdoms, The Mark of the Tala. While you can follow along with just reading Uncharted Realms, you miss out of the joy of the first three books.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
November 29, 2017
Zynda lived her whole life in Annwyn, one of the most talented shifters of the Tala. Leaving her protected home with the Dafne and Jepp on the mission to Nahanau and Dasnaria, Zynda harbored a personal mission: to learn how to take Final Form, the dragon. Marskal, one of Ursula’s Hawks, noticed Zynda right from the start and fell in love with her the more time he spent with her. Being assigned as Zynda’s personal guard allows him to spend more time with her, and he’ll take whatever he can get.
The Shift of the Tide picks up the adventures of the Uncharted Realms following High Queen Ursula’s near death. Now back on Nahanau, Ursula and Dafne want Zynda to help locate the lost kingdom of N’andanan; however, Zynda has her own agenda, which takes over the storyline. While I enjoyed Zynda’s journey as she progresses towards her goal of Final Form, I missed the forward momentum of the overall storyarc regarding N’andanan and the attacks by the Deyrr. Yes there are bits and pieces, but nothing substantial, and in that sense, the book has almost a transitional quality, putting cogs in place for the future telling.
I enjoyed both Zynda and Marskal. While I was a bit disappointed that Marskal was already “in love,” I found Zynda’s acceptance of his love, along with her own personal development made for an enjoyable tale. Marskal is everything Zynda needs, and I love how she recognizes it, but uses her determination to take Final Form to help the Tala as excuses for not accepting it. And as the story progresses, I grew to like Zynda more and more. I like how she had to completely rethink her life. I liked seeing the reasons for the pressures she faces (puts on herself) everyday once she’s back in Annfwn. Then there is Marskal, who almost always knows how to encourage Zynda. He seems to know before she does, just what she needs. To be held, to be nourished, to be pushed. It’s his patience and devotion that makes the romance work so well.
With that said, I felt something was lacking in The Shift of the Tide, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. While the romance isn’t as central as in other books, that really isn’t what is missing. The plot felt choppy, like some piece of story building was gone and that prevented me from fully immersing myself. I liked the characters, but needed more from them. Additionally, I felt the last 10% of the book was too easy and quick, with a few key elements coming off anti-climatic, which added to my frustrations with the story.
In the end, I struggled with The Shift of the Tide. I wanted to like it more than I did because I adore this series so much. Yet, I never was able to fully immerse myself into the story. However, I did enjoy Zynda and Marskal, and hope to see more of them in future titles. The story is a must read for fans of the series, setting up bits and pieces for the battle to come.
My Rating: C+
The Shift of the Tide picks up the adventures of the Uncharted Realms following High Queen Ursula’s near death. Now back on Nahanau, Ursula and Dafne want Zynda to help locate the lost kingdom of N’andanan; however, Zynda has her own agenda, which takes over the storyline. While I enjoyed Zynda’s journey as she progresses towards her goal of Final Form, I missed the forward momentum of the overall storyarc regarding N’andanan and the attacks by the Deyrr. Yes there are bits and pieces, but nothing substantial, and in that sense, the book has almost a transitional quality, putting cogs in place for the future telling.
I enjoyed both Zynda and Marskal. While I was a bit disappointed that Marskal was already “in love,” I found Zynda’s acceptance of his love, along with her own personal development made for an enjoyable tale. Marskal is everything Zynda needs, and I love how she recognizes it, but uses her determination to take Final Form to help the Tala as excuses for not accepting it. And as the story progresses, I grew to like Zynda more and more. I like how she had to completely rethink her life. I liked seeing the reasons for the pressures she faces (puts on herself) everyday once she’s back in Annfwn. Then there is Marskal, who almost always knows how to encourage Zynda. He seems to know before she does, just what she needs. To be held, to be nourished, to be pushed. It’s his patience and devotion that makes the romance work so well.
With that said, I felt something was lacking in The Shift of the Tide, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. While the romance isn’t as central as in other books, that really isn’t what is missing. The plot felt choppy, like some piece of story building was gone and that prevented me from fully immersing myself. I liked the characters, but needed more from them. Additionally, I felt the last 10% of the book was too easy and quick, with a few key elements coming off anti-climatic, which added to my frustrations with the story.
In the end, I struggled with The Shift of the Tide. I wanted to like it more than I did because I adore this series so much. Yet, I never was able to fully immerse myself into the story. However, I did enjoy Zynda and Marskal, and hope to see more of them in future titles. The story is a must read for fans of the series, setting up bits and pieces for the battle to come.
My Rating: C+
August 31, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or of the one.” While I may be quoting Spock from Star Trek, the maxim applies equally to Zynda of the Tala in The Shift of the Tide. The Tala are dying, slowly but inexorably. The barrier that kept non-Tala, in other words, non-magical people like you and me, from reaching Annfwn and its Heart of magic, also kept the Tala from going outside to the rest of the world.
The magic doubled and re-doubled upon itself, creating lethal mutations. And the Tala people, a relatively small population trapped together, inbred over the generations, with all the problems that creates. Too many children with extreme birth defects, and too few children all together.
Even though the barrier has expanded greatly, it may already be too late. The Tala population may be too small for viability on their own. And while it is possible for the Tala to have children with non-magical humans (the Tala, for all their gifts, are human still) those children, while they have a better chance of survival, have a much lesser chance of inheriting any of the magic that sets the Tala apart.
Zynda seeks a third way. If she can learn to shapeshift into the “Final Form”, as a dragon she will have the capability, among many, many others, to help Tala babies survive to term, and be born healthy.
Like all great gifts, it will come at great cost. If she survives the tests set by the dragon Kiraka, Zynda will herself become a dragon. The boon to her people is enormous. The price for Zynda is equally so. Dragon is the Final Form for the shapeshifting Tala. Once she becomes a dragon, she can never be anything else, ever again. She won’t be able to swim as a dolphin, canter as a pony, hover as a hummingbird, or take on any of the hundred other forms she has learned. She will be a dragon and only a dragon. She will be immortal. But she will never be human again.
Zynda believes that it will be worth any cost to save babies like her tiny niece, born with parts from multiple animal forms, but unable to be just one whole, healthy creature of any. Zynda has held herself apart from everyone, steeling herself against the day when she will have to give it all up.
But her goddess has one final test for her, before she makes that ultimate sacrifice. One stubborn, persistent man who teaches her the meaning and sweetness of love, even as he learns that lesson for himself.
Because it’s not a sacrifice unless you have something to give up.
Escape Rating A: I have, for the most part, absolutely loved these two interconnected series, The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms. (Ironically, one of the stories that I personally did not care for as much just won a RITA)
And the two series are deeply interconnected. In order to get the full marvelous flavor, you really do need to start at the very beginning with The Mark of the Tala, which is utterly terrific. The story in the first three builds to an epic conclusion. The results and/or fallout of that epic conclusion are then dealt with in the subsequent (so far) three books, of which The Shift of the Tide is the third. But The Shift of the Tide does not feel like the ending of this arc of the story. It is complete in and of itself, as all the stories in this series are, but the overall epic is not over, because the evil that is brewing is not even within sight, let alone defeated.
These series are fantasy romance, but in the sense that there is an epic fantasy story being told, which happens to include romances for the protagonists of each story. The epic fantasy element is every bit as strong as the romance, and it creates the conflicts and moves much of the action.
There is too much at stake for any of these romance to fall into petty jealousies or misunderstandammits. These people have the fate of their world resting on their very capable shoulders.
A huge part of the appeal of this series is that the stories are all heroines’ journeys and not heroes’ journeys, and not even heroes’ journeys with a gender swap. Nor are they remotely variations on the same heroine’s journey. Instead they showcase many different ways for women to be strong and to be heroines.
In the first series, the heroines are, respectively, a sorceress (The Mark of the Tala), a spoiled brat (The Tears of the Rose) and a warrior (The Talon of the Hawk). In this second series, we have, so far, a scholar (The Pages of the Mind), a warrior (The Edge of the Blade) and now a sorceress in The Shift of the Tide.
There is more than one road to heroism for these women. Nor is the route to power through either love or marriage. Even the scholar Dafne is powerful in her own right before she falls for King Nakoa in The Pages of the Mind.
The stories also explore many different variations of love and partnership, from the relatively traditional marriage between Dafne and Nakoa to the relationships between the two Queens and their consorts, which are true partnerships but are not legally defined. Love flourishes in many different ways.
The romance in The Shift of the Tide, while different from the ones that have come before, is similar in its differences. Zynda has kept herself apart, planning to become the dragon. Marskal the soldier, worms his way into her heart by first being her stalwart right hand, even when she doesn’t want him to. But his role is to support her on her journey, which he does marvelously.
She has all the hard parts. She has to prepare herself for the one-way trip away from his love, while still trying to drink the cup of sweetness to its dregs. We feel both her hope and her pain, and when the time comes, we understand the depth of her sacrifice, even as we hope against hope for another way.
Zynda’s story is marvelous from its beginning, rooted in the events of The Pages of the Mind, to its surprising end.
And I’m so happy that this story is not over, the now Thirteen Kingdoms are not yet safe. The story continues in The Arrow of the Heart, coming next summer. Not nearly soon enough for this reader.
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or of the one.” While I may be quoting Spock from Star Trek, the maxim applies equally to Zynda of the Tala in The Shift of the Tide. The Tala are dying, slowly but inexorably. The barrier that kept non-Tala, in other words, non-magical people like you and me, from reaching Annfwn and its Heart of magic, also kept the Tala from going outside to the rest of the world.
The magic doubled and re-doubled upon itself, creating lethal mutations. And the Tala people, a relatively small population trapped together, inbred over the generations, with all the problems that creates. Too many children with extreme birth defects, and too few children all together.
Even though the barrier has expanded greatly, it may already be too late. The Tala population may be too small for viability on their own. And while it is possible for the Tala to have children with non-magical humans (the Tala, for all their gifts, are human still) those children, while they have a better chance of survival, have a much lesser chance of inheriting any of the magic that sets the Tala apart.
Zynda seeks a third way. If she can learn to shapeshift into the “Final Form”, as a dragon she will have the capability, among many, many others, to help Tala babies survive to term, and be born healthy.
Like all great gifts, it will come at great cost. If she survives the tests set by the dragon Kiraka, Zynda will herself become a dragon. The boon to her people is enormous. The price for Zynda is equally so. Dragon is the Final Form for the shapeshifting Tala. Once she becomes a dragon, she can never be anything else, ever again. She won’t be able to swim as a dolphin, canter as a pony, hover as a hummingbird, or take on any of the hundred other forms she has learned. She will be a dragon and only a dragon. She will be immortal. But she will never be human again.
Zynda believes that it will be worth any cost to save babies like her tiny niece, born with parts from multiple animal forms, but unable to be just one whole, healthy creature of any. Zynda has held herself apart from everyone, steeling herself against the day when she will have to give it all up.
But her goddess has one final test for her, before she makes that ultimate sacrifice. One stubborn, persistent man who teaches her the meaning and sweetness of love, even as he learns that lesson for himself.
Because it’s not a sacrifice unless you have something to give up.
Escape Rating A: I have, for the most part, absolutely loved these two interconnected series, The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms. (Ironically, one of the stories that I personally did not care for as much just won a RITA)
And the two series are deeply interconnected. In order to get the full marvelous flavor, you really do need to start at the very beginning with The Mark of the Tala, which is utterly terrific. The story in the first three builds to an epic conclusion. The results and/or fallout of that epic conclusion are then dealt with in the subsequent (so far) three books, of which The Shift of the Tide is the third. But The Shift of the Tide does not feel like the ending of this arc of the story. It is complete in and of itself, as all the stories in this series are, but the overall epic is not over, because the evil that is brewing is not even within sight, let alone defeated.
These series are fantasy romance, but in the sense that there is an epic fantasy story being told, which happens to include romances for the protagonists of each story. The epic fantasy element is every bit as strong as the romance, and it creates the conflicts and moves much of the action.
There is too much at stake for any of these romance to fall into petty jealousies or misunderstandammits. These people have the fate of their world resting on their very capable shoulders.
A huge part of the appeal of this series is that the stories are all heroines’ journeys and not heroes’ journeys, and not even heroes’ journeys with a gender swap. Nor are they remotely variations on the same heroine’s journey. Instead they showcase many different ways for women to be strong and to be heroines.
In the first series, the heroines are, respectively, a sorceress (The Mark of the Tala), a spoiled brat (The Tears of the Rose) and a warrior (The Talon of the Hawk). In this second series, we have, so far, a scholar (The Pages of the Mind), a warrior (The Edge of the Blade) and now a sorceress in The Shift of the Tide.
There is more than one road to heroism for these women. Nor is the route to power through either love or marriage. Even the scholar Dafne is powerful in her own right before she falls for King Nakoa in The Pages of the Mind.
The stories also explore many different variations of love and partnership, from the relatively traditional marriage between Dafne and Nakoa to the relationships between the two Queens and their consorts, which are true partnerships but are not legally defined. Love flourishes in many different ways.
The romance in The Shift of the Tide, while different from the ones that have come before, is similar in its differences. Zynda has kept herself apart, planning to become the dragon. Marskal the soldier, worms his way into her heart by first being her stalwart right hand, even when she doesn’t want him to. But his role is to support her on her journey, which he does marvelously.
She has all the hard parts. She has to prepare herself for the one-way trip away from his love, while still trying to drink the cup of sweetness to its dregs. We feel both her hope and her pain, and when the time comes, we understand the depth of her sacrifice, even as we hope against hope for another way.
Zynda’s story is marvelous from its beginning, rooted in the events of The Pages of the Mind, to its surprising end.
And I’m so happy that this story is not over, the now Thirteen Kingdoms are not yet safe. The story continues in The Arrow of the Heart, coming next summer. Not nearly soon enough for this reader.
September 7, 2017
A good fantasy romance relies on four key factors: A kickass hero and heroine, an intriguing world, a fantastic adventure and a fabulous romance. Jeffe Kennedy’s The Shift of the Tide is a novel which contains all four of those elements. The latest in her The Twelve Kingdoms/The Uncharted Realms series this is the story of Zynda, the powerful Tala shifter and Marskal, a lieutenant with the elite Hawks. Zynda was with the original explorers who left the Twelve Kingdoms to investigate the Uncharted Realms when the magic barrier separating them from the rest of the world was expanded. While her primary mission was to discover what lay beyond the boundaries of their lands, her secondary one has always been to find a way to help her dying people survive. Legends say that Final Form, shifting into a dragon, will bring with it both the blessing of immortality to the shifter and a bounty of fertility for those the dragon should choose to so bless. Zynda and her cohorts have found the dragon and freed it. Now it is to be hoped Kiraka will teach her the mystery of Final Form. See the rest of my review at https://www.heroesandheartbreakers.co...
October 15, 2017
Zynda's book! I really liked the details about shapeshifting: the struggle to shake off the animal brain, First Form and Final Form, etc. I liked that the impediment to the romance felt real--a choice between personal happiness and the good of Zynda's people, the Tala. Character, romance and world-building are the author's strengths. There was a great plot twist at the end of Act One. In contrast, the last task went a little TOO easily.
August 29, 2017
Enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Great world building by Ms. Kennedy. Zynda goes to the Island of Nahanau. It was great to see Dafne, Nokoa, Jepp, Kral, Ursula and Harlan. My new crush Hawk warrior Marskal who watches over Zynda and happens to be in love with her. Great character development, adventure, passion, evil, humor and a couple of Dragons. Highly recommend.
February 2, 2018
This book made me cry, in a good way. The leads are good people: wonderful for each other and I'd want to hang out with them and be friends. The environments and creatures are rich and vivid.
This is not a standalone. There's lots of rich world detail that is enhanced if you read every book in the Twelve Kingdoms. This is my favorite so far, though.
This is not a standalone. There's lots of rich world detail that is enhanced if you read every book in the Twelve Kingdoms. This is my favorite so far, though.
March 15, 2020
I've got to stop reading all the good books so quickly. Next book in this series doesn't come out till next July.
This was Zynda's story, though like all the books in the Twelve Kingdoms, it is the continuation of one long story where each player has a moment in the spotlight. In fact, we get to see Ursula, Dafne, Jepp, Andi, and Ami -- and their respective significant others -- in this one.
Zynda has a secret. She has convinced herself that she is the only one who can save the Tala from dying out. Imbreding and the turning in on itself of the previously contained magic have left the Tala increasingly unable to bear children. The most heartbreaking of it being a high newborn mortality rate.
The presence of a dragon in Annfwn would soak up some of the excess magic that has made many a pregnancy go wrong. So Zynda seeks the wisdom of the dragon so that she herself may take her final form, that of a dragon.
Unlike other forms, shifting to the final form is permanent. And Zynda, who has the most forms of any living Tala, is horrified at the idea of having only a single skin, no matter how impressive that skin is.
Though like all Tala, Zynda has had many a lover, there is something intrigung about Marskal, one of Ursula's Hawks who has been assigned to protect Zynda. But there is no room for love when she is counting down the minutes till she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her people.
Of all the women we have journeyed with, Zynda's perspective is the most unique. Her magic being the most intrinsic to who she is as an individual.
This was Zynda's story, though like all the books in the Twelve Kingdoms, it is the continuation of one long story where each player has a moment in the spotlight. In fact, we get to see Ursula, Dafne, Jepp, Andi, and Ami -- and their respective significant others -- in this one.
Zynda has a secret. She has convinced herself that she is the only one who can save the Tala from dying out. Imbreding and the turning in on itself of the previously contained magic have left the Tala increasingly unable to bear children. The most heartbreaking of it being a high newborn mortality rate.
The presence of a dragon in Annfwn would soak up some of the excess magic that has made many a pregnancy go wrong. So Zynda seeks the wisdom of the dragon so that she herself may take her final form, that of a dragon.
Unlike other forms, shifting to the final form is permanent. And Zynda, who has the most forms of any living Tala, is horrified at the idea of having only a single skin, no matter how impressive that skin is.
Though like all Tala, Zynda has had many a lover, there is something intrigung about Marskal, one of Ursula's Hawks who has been assigned to protect Zynda. But there is no room for love when she is counting down the minutes till she makes the ultimate sacrifice to save her people.
Of all the women we have journeyed with, Zynda's perspective is the most unique. Her magic being the most intrinsic to who she is as an individual.
January 2, 2018
A four hour plane flight and associated waiting time allowed me to get through the last book in this trilogy on the first day of 2018. This one follows the last woman of the three who set out together in the first book, Zynda, who is a Tala shapeshifter and the most talented one of her generation. She is partnered up with Marskal, a quiet man who is part of the High Queen's guard, and their romance is the story of this book.
While the romance was fine, and developed well given its start as Marskal already in love with Zynda not knowing, the real meat of this story was in Zynda's journey. She meets the dragon who has awoken in the island country, and as per her long-term goal wants to learn from Kinakra how to take the Final Form of a dragon herself. This leads to challenges to prove she is capable, visiting a goddess, learning more about her own abilities, and finally to making the ultimate choice and sacrificing everything but her life to follow it.
I loved all the details in this book, from the specifics of shapeshifting to the birds and other animals and spirits present in Annfwn. Karyn makes a short appearance, and I'm hopeful that she will get a book of her own in the future. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and I'm probably going to go back and pick up the books in the first trilogy as well.
Rated low R for explicit sexual content, and there are a few trigger warnings for a sort of PTSD and for infant mortality. If you are okay with those things, I recommend this book.
While the romance was fine, and developed well given its start as Marskal already in love with Zynda not knowing, the real meat of this story was in Zynda's journey. She meets the dragon who has awoken in the island country, and as per her long-term goal wants to learn from Kinakra how to take the Final Form of a dragon herself. This leads to challenges to prove she is capable, visiting a goddess, learning more about her own abilities, and finally to making the ultimate choice and sacrificing everything but her life to follow it.
I loved all the details in this book, from the specifics of shapeshifting to the birds and other animals and spirits present in Annfwn. Karyn makes a short appearance, and I'm hopeful that she will get a book of her own in the future. I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and I'm probably going to go back and pick up the books in the first trilogy as well.
Rated low R for explicit sexual content, and there are a few trigger warnings for a sort of PTSD and for infant mortality. If you are okay with those things, I recommend this book.
September 10, 2017
Hm. I guess it took me 5 days to read this book, but it felt like so much longer :X
I did read another book in between and put down like 5 others, so there is that too
I loved Zynda. I was so excited about her story. And ... Marskal is WONDERFUL seriously. What an amazing hero. Not at all beta but willing to be secondary to his love.
It was also nice to see the cast of previous characters - and not have them steal the show.
... I guess this book is ongoing - since it said it'd be continued ... although I do think it has a sufficient ending ...
It was just so maudlin with the "final form" and I felt like Zynda was something of a jackass - because it's explained yes [in SO much detail/repetition] that the Tala are different, which yes is fine, but at the point where she REALIZES it's a thing, and causing pain, but keeps on in the same way, it becomes deliberate. I'm not even saying she should abandon the "final form" thing - but just her approach to discussing it.
It was cool to see how powerful Zynda was ... but yes definitely this was almost like a "stop gap" book. And I felt like a lot of the internal/wangst overdid it for me. Maybe it was my mood, or my overly high expectations, but this book sadly wasn't my cuppa.
D+
I did read another book in between and put down like 5 others, so there is that too
I loved Zynda. I was so excited about her story. And ... Marskal is WONDERFUL seriously. What an amazing hero. Not at all beta but willing to be secondary to his love.
It was also nice to see the cast of previous characters - and not have them steal the show.
... I guess this book is ongoing - since it said it'd be continued ... although I do think it has a sufficient ending ...
It was just so maudlin with the "final form" and I felt like Zynda was something of a jackass - because it's explained yes [in SO much detail/repetition] that the Tala are different, which yes is fine, but at the point where she REALIZES it's a thing, and causing pain, but keeps on in the same way, it becomes deliberate. I'm not even saying she should abandon the "final form" thing - but just her approach to discussing it.
It was cool to see how powerful Zynda was ... but yes definitely this was almost like a "stop gap" book. And I felt like a lot of the internal/wangst overdid it for me. Maybe it was my mood, or my overly high expectations, but this book sadly wasn't my cuppa.
D+
February 8, 2018
I read THE SHIFT OF THE TIDE when it first came out and re-read it last week. And it was still as wonderful as the first time I read it!
Once again Kennedy's writing swept me away to the Twelve Kingdoms and made me never want to leave. A reader can hope for a never-ending series, can't she?
In The Shift of the Tide, Zynda, a shifter, is on a mission to save her people by reaching the final form and learn the secret to saving their babies. Only she didn't count on being burned to a crisp by the dragon, Kiraka. This leaves Zynda having to fight to get herself back to what she was before, and then some. It also gives Marskal, one of Ursula's Hawks, the chance to reveal his feelings for Zynda.
The relationship between Zynda and Marskal is moving, and there is plenty of steam. But it's Zynda's transformation that is the main draw of the book. And the end will leave you wanting more as there are so many things going on in the Twelve Kingdoms and beyond. A must read for fans of Jeffe Kennedy and anyone who enjoys fantasy romance.
Once again Kennedy's writing swept me away to the Twelve Kingdoms and made me never want to leave. A reader can hope for a never-ending series, can't she?
In The Shift of the Tide, Zynda, a shifter, is on a mission to save her people by reaching the final form and learn the secret to saving their babies. Only she didn't count on being burned to a crisp by the dragon, Kiraka. This leaves Zynda having to fight to get herself back to what she was before, and then some. It also gives Marskal, one of Ursula's Hawks, the chance to reveal his feelings for Zynda.
The relationship between Zynda and Marskal is moving, and there is plenty of steam. But it's Zynda's transformation that is the main draw of the book. And the end will leave you wanting more as there are so many things going on in the Twelve Kingdoms and beyond. A must read for fans of Jeffe Kennedy and anyone who enjoys fantasy romance.
October 24, 2017
Another good story. Not as fast paced or full of danger like the others but great in the slow, steady, meticulous pace of the hero. This one took me longer to read since I was not racing the enemy or fighting for my life. Kikira was so much the dragon that this book got 3 stars for her cameos alone.
I like the fact that each book in the series is so different and not just a cookie cutter of girl meets boy with just different names. Zynda was so different that she needed a change of pace from the other books and this worked well. Marskal steadiness to her 'shapeshiftiness' worked extremely well.
Again I always find the endings so abrupt although not a cliffhanger, but by now I realize that's the way Ms. Kennedy intends it so that we will be excited about the next book, and I am. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I like the fact that each book in the series is so different and not just a cookie cutter of girl meets boy with just different names. Zynda was so different that she needed a change of pace from the other books and this worked well. Marskal steadiness to her 'shapeshiftiness' worked extremely well.
Again I always find the endings so abrupt although not a cliffhanger, but by now I realize that's the way Ms. Kennedy intends it so that we will be excited about the next book, and I am. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 30, 2017
Zynda, the most talented shapeshifter of the Tala, is on a mission to save her people--with the endgame meaning that she will give up everything. Lieutenant Marskal has been quietly fascinated with Zynda since he met her, and draws closer to her, even as Zynda resists.
Zynda has been an interesting character throughout the books, obviously powerful, but also secretive, enigmatic, and 'other.' This book lets us really see the Tala for the first time through her eyes, and explains a lot about what we've seen. Zynda is determined to do her cousin Salena proud and ensure the survival of the Tala race. This book takes a brief detour from the main Deyrr storyline (although there are some developments that are sure to be of import in future books. The romance in this book is quiet, slowly developing, with Marskal the steady influence and Zynda resisting at all turns.
Zynda has been an interesting character throughout the books, obviously powerful, but also secretive, enigmatic, and 'other.' This book lets us really see the Tala for the first time through her eyes, and explains a lot about what we've seen. Zynda is determined to do her cousin Salena proud and ensure the survival of the Tala race. This book takes a brief detour from the main Deyrr storyline (although there are some developments that are sure to be of import in future books. The romance in this book is quiet, slowly developing, with Marskal the steady influence and Zynda resisting at all turns.
October 25, 2017
My favorite so far in the Uncharted Realms series.
Another winning tale from Jaffe Kennedy. I'm a huge fan of her work. Like the others before it, it centers on a brilliant female hero in a unique paranormal world full of mystery and charm. Zynda has long been one of my favorite characters and it was incredibly satisfying for her own story to be told. Her personal journey towards her destiny and final acknowledgement of her Love were fantastic! Loved the forward motion of the Uncharted Realm tale and learning how all the beloved characters from the previous takes are faring. Can't wait for the next entry in this brilliant, fun, and fascinating world!
Another winning tale from Jaffe Kennedy. I'm a huge fan of her work. Like the others before it, it centers on a brilliant female hero in a unique paranormal world full of mystery and charm. Zynda has long been one of my favorite characters and it was incredibly satisfying for her own story to be told. Her personal journey towards her destiny and final acknowledgement of her Love were fantastic! Loved the forward motion of the Uncharted Realm tale and learning how all the beloved characters from the previous takes are faring. Can't wait for the next entry in this brilliant, fun, and fascinating world!
August 23, 2019
My least favourite of the trilogy- I was interested in Zynda’s story but her relationship with Marskal felt compulsory and flat to me in many ways.
One of Zynda’s core issues throughout the book was a bit forced as it felt obvious to me that it would be resolved easily at some point and I was correct.
And, apologies for the spoiler, but I must say that the impregnation at the end just felt like something to drive home a ‘happy ending’ and I didn’t care for that. I expected a light, fluffy read and that’s what I got, but these issues prevented me from fully falling into the story.
One of Zynda’s core issues throughout the book was a bit forced as it felt obvious to me that it would be resolved easily at some point and I was correct.
And, apologies for the spoiler, but I must say that the impregnation at the end just felt like something to drive home a ‘happy ending’ and I didn’t care for that. I expected a light, fluffy read and that’s what I got, but these issues prevented me from fully falling into the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
I liked both Zynda and Marskal, and their romance was quite nice. There were moments of joy and moments of sadness (especially Zynda's sister), and some very tense moments too. Probably the cutest moments featured Willy and Nilly; they were adorable. I'm glad that there will be a new book next year. My guess is it will feature Karyn and Zyr which could be quite intriguing. Finally, I really liked the cover; I think it really captured Zynda's spirit.
June 23, 2018
Really liked the story..the look into the Tala culture and the (as always) difficult issues like infertility and low birth rates. My only complaint would be the ending seemed rushed. With all that happened in the last couple chapters....soooo many questions! Loved the peak at Amelia and Ash’s twins 😁.
January 16, 2022
Faltou acontecer alguma coisa. Eles só vão de lá pra cá sem parar e no meio do caminho ela perde e retoma a habilidade de se transformar, enquanto ele tenta convencer ela de que ele ficam bons juntos. E no final pra que ela precisava provar q largaria tudo pela Forma Final? Qual o problema de só deixar ela saber logo? A dragão está in su por tá vel nesse livro.
August 18, 2017
It started off a bit slow but when it picked up it turned into an amazing story full of adventure, some action and love. I enjoyed Zynda and Marskal's story and I cannot wait to see where the author takes us next.
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review
September 8, 2017
Another amazing book by Jeffe Kennedy, this one is focused on Zynda and the many Tala secrets there are a lot of discoveries in this one so you don't want to skip it but to get the story you really need to have the background of the previous books.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
March 20, 2018
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Zynda’ emotional journey through this book is amazing. The Romantic development is just beautiful. Marshal might be my favourite male character ever in this world! And the ending. Just amazing.
November 3, 2023
These continuing stories in the world of the Tala are really excellent. There's an overarching plot that drives the story and we manage to learn about each protagonist enough to root for her happy ending with each book. This was a very fun story to read.
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