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Alliance
Earphones Award Winner ~Audiofile Magazine
The Evil Emperor Charr is capturing magical creatures, forcing them to perform in a circus to entertain humans. Ranamayve, a beauty even amongst elves, is taken from the only land she’s ever known to a world filled with humiliation and savagery. As she strives to conceal her identity, Ranamayve must make alliances with Races that she would have preferred never to meet. She is forced to take a closer look into her prejudices when Bozek, a half-ogre, befriends her. His beastly form frightens her, yet she’s intrigued by his soft heart.
Bozek has struggled his whole life with his half-ogre heritage. Nevertheless, he has a mission, and his resolve is unwavering until the beautiful Ranamayve distracts him from his task of discovering the Emperor’s source of power. Bozek loses his heart, but can Ranamayve see past the beast? Can their alliance grow into Devotion?
The Evil Emperor Charr is capturing magical creatures, forcing them to perform in a circus to entertain humans. Ranamayve, a beauty even amongst elves, is taken from the only land she’s ever known to a world filled with humiliation and savagery. As she strives to conceal her identity, Ranamayve must make alliances with Races that she would have preferred never to meet. She is forced to take a closer look into her prejudices when Bozek, a half-ogre, befriends her. His beastly form frightens her, yet she’s intrigued by his soft heart.
Bozek has struggled his whole life with his half-ogre heritage. Nevertheless, he has a mission, and his resolve is unwavering until the beautiful Ranamayve distracts him from his task of discovering the Emperor’s source of power. Bozek loses his heart, but can Ranamayve see past the beast? Can their alliance grow into Devotion?
268 pages, ebook
Published November 20, 2019
About the author
E.B. Bridenstine
5 books17 followersI hated reading when I was growing up. After graduating high school, I found out that it wasn't the reading I hated, it was being told what to read. Since then, I have jumped headfirst into the worlds of fantasy, historical fiction, and whatever else strikes my interest, disappearing within their pages only to emerge hungry for more. When I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I am determined to create a haven for those wanting to disappear into a magical realm, stretching my imagination, learning, and writing whenever my stories beg to be told.
I am determined to create a haven for those wanting to disappear into a magical realm, stretching my imagination, learning, and writing whenever my stories beg to be told.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 28, 2023
“I can’t see any man, whether he be elf, human, or other Race, finding another after they have fallen for you,” he whispered, her skin prickled with heat. “The world is not merciful, though time has been known to show mercy on occasion.”
A sort of Beauty and the Beast tale told from the POVs of an elegant yet ignorant and stubborn she-elf, Ranamayve, and a kind but brutish and short-fused ogre, Bozek. While not my usual genre, this a beautiful and fun romantic fantasy with a vivid world and fantastical characters.
There are many magical creatures and monsters you’ll meet along the way as you follow their lives after being captured, and during/after their escape. My favorite part about this book is the growth of the characters—their attitudes can be a little frustrating at times, but I trusted the author would give her characters the mindset to try and improve their shortcomings, and it was beautifully done.
“You are a great warrior. I have not heard of many who have accomplished as much as you have.”
“I do what is needed to survive.”
She could understand that. “That’s what makes a great warrior.”
I cannot wait to get started on the second book, it shall be placed close to the top of my never ending TBR list. I hope to see much more of the characters we meet in the beginning of the novel, learn more about Bozek’s mother, meet some new characters along the way, and I can’t wait to learn more about the djinn and Emperor Charr’s evil plans.
Also, Garik, what a babe.
If you enjoy Age of Myth (and other books) by Michael J. Sullivan, but want something with more romance, you’ll enjoy this.
A sort of Beauty and the Beast tale told from the POVs of an elegant yet ignorant and stubborn she-elf, Ranamayve, and a kind but brutish and short-fused ogre, Bozek. While not my usual genre, this a beautiful and fun romantic fantasy with a vivid world and fantastical characters.
There are many magical creatures and monsters you’ll meet along the way as you follow their lives after being captured, and during/after their escape. My favorite part about this book is the growth of the characters—their attitudes can be a little frustrating at times, but I trusted the author would give her characters the mindset to try and improve their shortcomings, and it was beautifully done.
“You are a great warrior. I have not heard of many who have accomplished as much as you have.”
“I do what is needed to survive.”
She could understand that. “That’s what makes a great warrior.”
I cannot wait to get started on the second book, it shall be placed close to the top of my never ending TBR list. I hope to see much more of the characters we meet in the beginning of the novel, learn more about Bozek’s mother, meet some new characters along the way, and I can’t wait to learn more about the djinn and Emperor Charr’s evil plans.
Also, Garik, what a babe.
If you enjoy Age of Myth (and other books) by Michael J. Sullivan, but want something with more romance, you’ll enjoy this.
September 2, 2020
I highly recommend this book to young adults. It’s such a cute book. E. B. Bridenstine does such a good job at sucking you in to the magical world of Leusandia. Her character’s are so interesting and you can’t help but want to know more about every one of them and by the end you’ll wish you had them as your friends. If you can listen to it on Audible do! You won’t regret it. I can’t wait for the next one.
October 11, 2022
Alliance (Devotion Duology)
By
E.B. Bridenstine
Rating:5/5
Description:
The Evil Emperor Charr is capturing magical creatures, forcing them to perform in a circus to entertain humans. Ranamayve, a beauty even amongst elves, is taken from the only land she’s ever known to a world filled with humiliation and savagery. As she strives to conceal her identity, Ranamayve must make alliances with Races that she would have preferred never to meet. She is forced to take a closer look into her prejudices when Bozek, a half-ogre, befriends her. His beastly form frightens her, yet she’s intrigued by his soft heart.Bozek has struggled his whole life with his half-ogre heritage. Nevertheless, he has a mission, and his resolve is unwavering until the beautiful Ranamayve distracts him from his task of discovering the Emperor’s source of power. Bozek loses his heart, but can Ranamayve see past the beast? Can their alliance grow into Devotion?
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is appreciable .Evil emperor Charr is fond of his sick little game of capturing magical creatures and keeping them to perform as entertainers in circus for humans. A life that is degrading, and full of humiliation for Ranamayve, a beautiful elf, who is even popular among the other hostages for her beauty. She who had never known a world other than her own, is out in this large pool of magical races, and though she is prejudice towards them, she has to keep a good face on her to survive. Despite of the fact that she is hardly a person to interact with other races in other circumstances, Bozek, a half-orge intrigued her. Though she is frightened of his mascular and beastly form, his kind nature and soft heart, shatters her world view and brings it crumbling to the ground.
For book link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/171030...
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book ...
Happy reading!
By
E.B. Bridenstine
Rating:5/5
Description:
The Evil Emperor Charr is capturing magical creatures, forcing them to perform in a circus to entertain humans. Ranamayve, a beauty even amongst elves, is taken from the only land she’s ever known to a world filled with humiliation and savagery. As she strives to conceal her identity, Ranamayve must make alliances with Races that she would have preferred never to meet. She is forced to take a closer look into her prejudices when Bozek, a half-ogre, befriends her. His beastly form frightens her, yet she’s intrigued by his soft heart.Bozek has struggled his whole life with his half-ogre heritage. Nevertheless, he has a mission, and his resolve is unwavering until the beautiful Ranamayve distracts him from his task of discovering the Emperor’s source of power. Bozek loses his heart, but can Ranamayve see past the beast? Can their alliance grow into Devotion?
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is appreciable .Evil emperor Charr is fond of his sick little game of capturing magical creatures and keeping them to perform as entertainers in circus for humans. A life that is degrading, and full of humiliation for Ranamayve, a beautiful elf, who is even popular among the other hostages for her beauty. She who had never known a world other than her own, is out in this large pool of magical races, and though she is prejudice towards them, she has to keep a good face on her to survive. Despite of the fact that she is hardly a person to interact with other races in other circumstances, Bozek, a half-orge intrigued her. Though she is frightened of his mascular and beastly form, his kind nature and soft heart, shatters her world view and brings it crumbling to the ground.
For book link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/171030...
Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book
For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom
👉I just loved reading the book ...
Happy reading!
October 25, 2022
The first impression of a person is the look he or she has, but people have a different way of behavior. Not all people can be judged by their faces or their clothing. When we surpass this physical boundary then only, we can see the exact personality. Let us read a beautiful composition about the real inside of a person. Introducing ALLIANCE (book 1) by E.B. BRIDENSTINE. The cover page is dedicated to the protagonist of the story.
•The book is about the love story of Ranamayve and Bozek, both from two different species. Ranamayve was an elf whereas Bozek was a half-ogre. They met each other because an evil king Charr started capturing magical creatures so that he can make a circus and entertain humans. Ranamayve was very beautiful, she had to leave the place where she was born and thrown into savagery. There she met Bozek, even though she was frightened by his looks but as she got to know his softness. She started liking him more and more. But she made him forget about his real task!
What was his task? Will she be able to see past the beast and understand his system? Will their love be able to pass everything in between? Read and get to know this fantasy romantic relationship.
•The author has very well blended all the genres and the beauty and the beast combination will make readers love the plot! The language is simple and very well described by the author. Readers will be able to see through the words and imagine them. Their romance is going to surpass everything and will make readers a page-turner. The character sketch of the protagonists is intriguing reading.
•The book is about the love story of Ranamayve and Bozek, both from two different species. Ranamayve was an elf whereas Bozek was a half-ogre. They met each other because an evil king Charr started capturing magical creatures so that he can make a circus and entertain humans. Ranamayve was very beautiful, she had to leave the place where she was born and thrown into savagery. There she met Bozek, even though she was frightened by his looks but as she got to know his softness. She started liking him more and more. But she made him forget about his real task!
What was his task? Will she be able to see past the beast and understand his system? Will their love be able to pass everything in between? Read and get to know this fantasy romantic relationship.
•The author has very well blended all the genres and the beauty and the beast combination will make readers love the plot! The language is simple and very well described by the author. Readers will be able to see through the words and imagine them. Their romance is going to surpass everything and will make readers a page-turner. The character sketch of the protagonists is intriguing reading.
May 10, 2024
3/5 ⭐️ (read on KU)
I really enjoyed a lot of the ideas in this book! We have a magical land where mystical creatures (elves, ogres, dwarves, etc.) are bung kidnapped and put into a circus. There were multiple plot points I became heavily invested in, and would forget that I was reading. It had some D&D vibes too that I really enjoyed!!!
One of the things that I felt I was missing was world building. I tend to opt for books that have more ties throughout and foreshadowing, and I did feel this was missing. I also kept wanting more details about what was happening in each scene because it felt like it was incomplete. It has so many great ideas, but really felt like a draft rather than a complete work! I wish that this has been put by a different editor/proofreader, because I feel that that could have really elevated this work! That could have helped better organize and narrate scenes, as well as making the dialog more fluid as it felt a little heavy and forced at times. It honestly just didn’t feel ready yet, but I really liked the idea of the overall story.
On my rating scale, a 3/5 stars means that I would have described a book as “it’s fine” and that I did enjoy it at the end of the day. I was just left wanting more!
I really enjoyed a lot of the ideas in this book! We have a magical land where mystical creatures (elves, ogres, dwarves, etc.) are bung kidnapped and put into a circus. There were multiple plot points I became heavily invested in, and would forget that I was reading. It had some D&D vibes too that I really enjoyed!!!
One of the things that I felt I was missing was world building. I tend to opt for books that have more ties throughout and foreshadowing, and I did feel this was missing. I also kept wanting more details about what was happening in each scene because it felt like it was incomplete. It has so many great ideas, but really felt like a draft rather than a complete work! I wish that this has been put by a different editor/proofreader, because I feel that that could have really elevated this work! That could have helped better organize and narrate scenes, as well as making the dialog more fluid as it felt a little heavy and forced at times. It honestly just didn’t feel ready yet, but I really liked the idea of the overall story.
On my rating scale, a 3/5 stars means that I would have described a book as “it’s fine” and that I did enjoy it at the end of the day. I was just left wanting more!
April 15, 2021
This book at first was hard for me to get into. It took me weeks to read the first 12 chapters. (That is partially due to a crazy schedual) however, I got engrossed in the book by chapter 16 and read the rest of it in one day! It is so good and well written. I wish I had known there was a book 2 before I started because the cliffhanger and unanswered questions almost killed me! Lol. Ranamayve drove me insane for the most part (though I think that is intentional.), she does at the end start to become better and I have hope that in the second book she is less obnoxious. Bozek is amazing and in many ways to good for Ranamayve. His devotion towards her is beautiful! I also really came to love Gerik. He is such a loyal and true friend, wanting what is best for Ranamayve regardless of his unrequited love for her. I can't wait to finish their story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2022
4/5 ⭐
E.B Bridenstine's talent is creating a world full of unique characters, powers, and relationships.
The characters are easy to imagine, and easy to care about. They each have such an interesting backstory/life that pulls you farther into the story.
The plot twists and characters kept me turning the page, there was hardly a moment when I wasn't invested in this book.
The only reason I gave it a 4/5 ⭐ is the eye-catching spelling/grammatical errors and slight confusion over which character is currently speaking.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're looking for your next slow-burn fantasy.
E.B Bridenstine's talent is creating a world full of unique characters, powers, and relationships.
The characters are easy to imagine, and easy to care about. They each have such an interesting backstory/life that pulls you farther into the story.
The plot twists and characters kept me turning the page, there was hardly a moment when I wasn't invested in this book.
The only reason I gave it a 4/5 ⭐ is the eye-catching spelling/grammatical errors and slight confusion over which character is currently speaking.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you're looking for your next slow-burn fantasy.
January 7, 2020
Would encourage the young at heart to read and enjoy.
So happy to know the author and to peer into this book of a wonderful tale. I look forward to enjoy the continued series. Keep me posted on the future.
So happy to know the author and to peer into this book of a wonderful tale. I look forward to enjoy the continued series. Keep me posted on the future.
July 31, 2025
I couldn’t stop reading! This book had everything, great characters, a plot that kept me turning pages, and a vibe that just pulled me in. It felt fresh and exciting the whole way through. Honestly, I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.
July 31, 2025
This book completely pulled me in! The storyline was fresh and full of unexpected twists. The characters felt so real, and the pacing was just right. I honestly didn’t want it to end. If you’re into unique, engaging reads, this one’s totally worth it.
September 8, 2025
This book had everything I love danger, magic, and a romance that feels both impossible and inevitable. Ranamayve’s journey from fear to trust with Bozek was beautifully written, and their bond gave me chills. Can’t wait for the sequel!
August 4, 2020
Elves, ogres, trolls, and every other magical creature imaginable. This story is complex and fantastical. It kept me interested throughout the entire story.
added-it
November 27, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/27/2022)! 🎁
February 4, 2024
Another great book by a great author. I can’t wait to read the next book.
February 5, 2024
it was different from what i normally like to read, but nonetheless not too bad !! i liked it
February 7, 2024
Such a good romance that you don't feel uncomfortable reading. Engaging the whole way through and well done audiobook with wonderful character portrayals.
February 17, 2026
Amazing characterization and worldbuilding from Bridenstine in this romantic fantasy journey
January 3, 2022
A fun new world of magic and characters to discover. A fun twist on an old classic. Can't wait to read the sequel.
Love the character development. Great read for teenagers and up.
I enjoyed it the whole way through but the ending might be my favorite part.
Great new author and excited for her to write more.
Love the character development. Great read for teenagers and up.
I enjoyed it the whole way through but the ending might be my favorite part.
Great new author and excited for her to write more.
February 4, 2024
What a unique read!
This is a great comfort read mixed with a fun adventure!
The characters are easy to love and easy to hate!
Also, I would love to visit the world! E.b. Did an amazing job showing the world and really bringing you into it!
This is a great comfort read mixed with a fun adventure!
The characters are easy to love and easy to hate!
Also, I would love to visit the world! E.b. Did an amazing job showing the world and really bringing you into it!
March 14, 2025
Great Story!
If you like...
⭐ Beauty and the Beast tropes
⭐ Forced proximity
⭐ Powerhouse hero
⭐ Strong, independent FMC
⭐ Slow burn YA fantasy romance
⭐ Dual POV
This is the book for you!
If you like...
⭐ Beauty and the Beast tropes
⭐ Forced proximity
⭐ Powerhouse hero
⭐ Strong, independent FMC
⭐ Slow burn YA fantasy romance
⭐ Dual POV
This is the book for you!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews