Premonition

by Lisa M. James

Isaac knew little of the leaders who reigned in the epicenter of his home, the Fortress. That is until the day he was taken captive. Given a sentence of slavery to the Chieftess of the Fortress, Isaac’s only mission was to learn how to survive. But the task proves difficult since he carries the abilities his father always told him would lead to his death. From an early age Isaac was plagued by visions of the future. Yet, nothing showed him what his fate would be under his mistress, Kiatra. Should he reveal his abilities to her? Would she still want him in her service or would she sentence him to a worse fate?

As Chieftess of the Fortress, Kiatra struggles asserting her authority while her father still lives as Chief. With her half-sister undermining her moves and building mistrust amongst her people, how was she to secure her reign? Her growing affection for her slave was another reason for concern. Why was the man so compelling to her? Yet, why did it always feel as if he was hiding something? Was he truly a man she could trust, or would he betray her the second she offered him a chance at freedom?

Genres: Fantasy

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing fantasy novels featuring women of color for both young adult and adult audiences. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous Fantasy categories, including: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Science Fiction and Fantasy. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Christian novels. When not writing, Lisa loves talking about her faith, Disney movies, and football while drinking chai lattes. To keep up with her latest releases, subscribe to www.lisamjames.com.

Reviews

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book

a glimpse into the future, a curse or a blessing...

a curse that is what isaac was told....his father made him hide it from all

but as things turn bleak for the village and they try to steal food and grain for their families a forfeit is offered in return for their lives one man should be given up...

isaac volunteers and though no man puts forth a cry for outrage, the offer is accepted..

what a brilliant book...i was hooked from the first page and the story didnt disappoint at all...in fact i cant wait for the next book in the series...going to be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

[Hastha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Premonition
Author: Lisa M James
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Publication date: November 1, 2019
Source: Review copy
My rating: 5/5

My Take :

It's been a long since I had read something this fresh and energetic. It prompted me to explore this genre more. I am just realizing how fascinated I am about this genre because of this beautiful writing. This story was really engaging and fanciful.

Such lively writing by the author that made me feel like being a part of the Fortress itself. This story is a perfect fusion of strong female protagonist, remarkable personas and gripping storyline with mysterious twists. Every character deserves to be mentioned for its value. Especially Titus and Mara for being the support pillars for Kiatra.

Ruling strategies and Protocols of a province were recounted evidently. Their responsibilities, actions, unbreakable laws, lifestyle and power they had consumed over their Kingdom, everything was on point. Though she was just a fictional character, Kiatra had earned a respect from me for being a fearless ruler, a responsible chieftess and a beloved daughter.

I admired her for her selflessness, fierceness and devotion towards her province and people. Kiatra was more a leader than a ruler. Relationship between her and Isaac was genuine and lovely. Just by the author's vivid descriptions, I could also feel Kiatra's charismatic character.

The unexpected climax that left me with no hint about what is yet to happen. Actually, I am quite happy and excited that this book ended with a cliffhanger. Now I am eagerly waiting for the sequel in this Fortress duology. I would recommend this book to everyone.

I would like to thank the author for providing me with a copy of the book for review. All opinions are my own.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently fell upon this author and thought that this was a unique story. It does end in a cliffhanger as this is book 1 of 2 and the second one has not come out yet. I like the main characters, Isaac and Kiatra and think they are fresh perspectives from typical heroes and heroines. It's sweet to see their relationship development and Isaac slowly build his confidence and courage after living his life feeling cursed and unwanted. I don't think it would be believable if he was overly confident and without any fears right off the bat and like that the author made him kind of insecure. Kiatra is the opposite in many ways though internally she struggles with her own doubts. Interested to see where book 2 goes.

[Keith Bornmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good story

This was more complex than most of the books I’ve been reading. I had to slow down the reader so I wouldn’t miss anything. Issac sees visions of the future. But this gift is shunned by his community. Regardless, he tries to use this gift to benefit the people. His foolish father ignores his counsel and attempts to raid their authorities to cover up his failures. They are caught. As punishment, Isaac is forced to be a slave to the chief’s daughter.

His visions help him to manage his sentence.

The book is clean of sexual content and didn't have much profanity. There’s some violence. If recommend this to anyone over 11.

[Morgan P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. The author has a unique style of writing which was intriguing to me and made me enjoy the book so much more. Her style of writing is not heavy on details of the scenery but is very heavy on the details of the characters so you feel like you are living the lives of the characters. The story line was also very different from other fiction novels that I've read as there didn't seem to be a back and forth between hope and despair. The entire book was very dark and you could easily visualize the character's pain, yet the book was written in a style that was lighthearted enough to where when you set the book down the feelings that were drawn up from reading did not impact your mood.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent first book of a duology

I love this book. The world building is great and I love the characters. The protagonists and antagonists are well-developed. The book alternates points of view between the two protagonists which, in itself, is fascinating and done well. The story is intriguing and well-paced and I couldn’t put it down. I strongly recommend this book for fans of the genre and I look forward to the second book.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Premonition by Lisa M. James shows her flair for strong female characters when Kiatra, the Chieftess of the Fortress, sentences Isaac to slavery for the sins of his village. The young man had seen his fate in a vision, but his father refused to heed his warning. The visions Isaac has seen were not to be spoken, for they would surely bring about his death. The pain of rejection haunts Isaac’s life and becoming a slave to Kiatra was almost more than he could take. Kiatra viewed herself as a compassionate ruler, but any favor she showed Isaac would be viewed as an insult to her people. Mainly the many men she has turned away. Will there come a point when Isaac can trust Kiatra with his visions? Can she trust him to stay loyal to her while others are preparing to dethrone her?

Lisa M. James is that rare author that offers you a story, and in exchange you walk through the portals to a new world. Premonition is a novel that will appeal to readers of folklore, historic fantasy, and characters with a forceful personality. When Isaac in enslaved to Chieftess Kiatra, the pace quickens as he tries to survive this sentence and comes to terms with his mistress. The narrative flips between slave and master, and the reader sees the turmoil each is experiencing with their decisions. James has a distinct skill of breathing life into her novel. It mesmerizes you until the end, making you look forward to the next in this duology, Awakening.   

Written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what I can only describe as historical fantasy. Isaac is not the usual alpha hero but a gentle, loyal young man determined to help those he can. It's easy to cheer for him and my heart frequently hurt for him as he learned to fit into this new life that he finds himself dealing with.
Kiatra is next in line to rule her people but in many ways she's held back by her grief at losing her mother. I thought it poignant that the couple defined their growing attraction within the confines of the master/slave dynamics and both held back which meant trust became a living breathing obstacle between them. This is apparently part of a duology with an ending that leaves Isaac in a quandary and I very much look forward to reading the sequel.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a magical book, in a time of villages and bigger fancy kingdoms where one boys precious gift of premonitions leads him to be seen as an outsider by his people. When he tried to save them from a kings death they didnt listen. However the a royal family member took pity on him sparing his village and keeping him in return to act as a slave for her. This position is unlike any others and makes Isaac a target for a new kind of people.

[Tarra Lyn | TLCBookNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a wonderful start to a fascinating duology. The author has built a fantasy world that captured my attention and held it throughout the book. I loved the strength of the two main characters, some of their decisions are not easily made and the consequences that come from them make things even more complicated. The growth those two faced in learning to trust one another was done wonderfully. Overall, this was a fun story, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes in the second book!

[Linda Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Premonition

Interesting story idea, good world and character building. There are some grammatical errors, punctuation errors and a few instances of using incorrect terminology. For instance using descendants to describe prior generations, instead of ancestors. These grammatical errors take away from the enjoyment of a story for some people.

[Wendy Shores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Another book I thought would be totally different than what it turned out to be, but once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Totally fell in love with the characters, especially Issaac and the Chieftess. The things they go through together bring them together, yet Issaac's secret drives them apart. Can't wait to read the 2nd book in this series, I just bought it and am going to start it tonight. Glad I don't have any appointments tomorrow because I might just devour this one in one sitting lol

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Fantasy read

A can’t-put-down story. A young boy with a gift of foresight is given to the Chief to save his village from their crimes. The Chieftess takes him as her slave, and they both mature into their callings. The internal monologues are well written and the characters are fully developed. No sex, no swearing.

[Erica Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline

I'm in love with the characters in this story. There are several unexpected twists that lead to Isaac's visions coming true. I couldn't stop reading once I started!

[Blanche Salii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex and Riveting

Great storyline that's is proving to be an epic story. I'll so glad I discovered this series and this author.

[Rebecca]

***goodreads giveaway***
Review coming soon

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Premonition title indeed lives up to the title. I highly enjoyed this little gem. Isaac.. oh my heart. I totally loved him. I know he was weak but he came to his own. Kiatra grew on me. The story was brilliant and I can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend it

[Carol & Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

His father doesn't honor the chief or the daughter the Chieftes!

He is a seer but his father is ashamed of him! His father gets rid of him ! He gives up his life for the men of his village! He is left behind! Held as a convict at The Fortress! Enjoyed book#1.

[Nighat Jahangeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique cover having loveable story with distinctive writing style.The development of plot and its events is surprising. It's unexpected twists make reader to stick with story line. In love with the world author created in the story with admirable people, rules and law.The writing style and author's style of describing events make it easy to understand and grab the mind of characters.
A book which takes you to another world with Isaac and Kiatra. Its strong characters, supernatural elements and you can explore the Fotress. The ending left me wanting more and things will unfold in the next book. Can't wait for the next book of this wonderful duology.
Highly recommended to those who want to enjoy a rare read of another world with amazing characters. It has all the elements I want in a fiction.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #1 in a two part series. Set in a well defined kingdom that is facing a change in leaders with all of the problems that accompany such a change, Lisa James has built a fantasy world that captured my attention and held it throughout the book. The characters face choices and their consequences with a strength of purpose and responsibility not often seen in young people these days. To save his neighbors, a young man pleads guilty and is sentenced to serve the new leader as a slave. But he carries a secret, he can see the future, sometimes. Thus Premonition. The new leader not only faces the usual challenges, she must make her decisions and base her actions keeping in mind that the leader she is replacing is her father....complicating every move she must make.

The two main characters must learn to trust each other or their future will not be a good one.

This was a good book with a good story line and great characters. While the story line may not be unique, the writing is excellent and the story is told skillfully to keep the reader's interest. It is definitely worth your reading time.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite a fun book! I just need to get my hands on the second book because this one ends leaving the reader with questions!

I loved the characters in the story. Isaac and Kiatra have a wonderful story, and I loved watching their relationship grow. The arcs in their story lines was great. I felt that they had believable personalities, and I enjoyed both of them!

Overall, this was a fun story that I look forward to reading more of!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, it was ok.

I was initially drawn to this book because of the plot. I like the male slave with the female owner falling in love trop. However the writing was a bit awkward. There were just too many awkward phrases where words were used inappropriately or the word order was incorrect. In addition I just didn't not like the protagonist. I felt like he was a weak coward who never really developed a back bone. This is just my opinion and others might disagree but it's rare that I don't like a protagonist.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is a really good idea and a promising story, the characters, story flow, and some of the writing didn't quite work for me. This feels more like an early draft than the finished product. I'd like to read more of this author's work.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

[Kate Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this book through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. This is a interesting book. I liked the main character. It is about a 3 star book in my opinion. I would recommend reading this book to anyone and everyone. This ebook in stores now for $2.99 (USD).

[Faye Dagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling love story

I liked the basic premise of the protagonist. I also thought the feelings of his mistress were believable. He seems a lot like the every good guy who doesn't realize how good he is which is always a great underdog to pull for. This was an entertaining book. I am sure I will read forward in the series.

[K.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a good premise

But kinda ruined by the lack of editing. Too used instead of to, bare instead of bear, and basic grammar and speech rules ignored. It made a really great story quite difficult to enjoy. If it had been cleaned up, I would have given 5 stars for world building and in depth character framing. They were really engaging and believable.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth the time

Only read this book if you like unfinished endings. This book has too many loose threads. It might have been better if the author had tied up those loose threads.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/17/2022)! 🎁

[Meghan]

This book was received as an ARC from Lisa James in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have read some unlikely love stories and stories of struggle and redemption but this one was too much out of the box for me. I loved the fantasy concept at first but there were parts of the book where it got confusing among the interactions with each of the characters and the purpose of the adventure. It was hard to identify the plot was this an adventure? Was this a fight to the death? Love Story? Conquering an obstacle? The book went all over the place in which it did make it hard to read and comprehend. The book is definitely different than any fantasy/adventure book currently on the market and I know there are a lot of readers that enjoy those book so there is definitely an audience for this book.

This is why we give this book 3.5 stars.