What do you think?
Rate this book
The Talisman #1
Talisman
Time's running out...
Rowan Sheridan is a warrior, a powerful being capable of bending time and space to take on the rogues and zombies the triple goddess unleashes on civilians. For centuries, his family has taken on the Morrigan, their successes against her legendary. But if he doesn't find his talisman by midnight of his twenty-eighth birthday, he faces death--or something worse.
To convince her she belongs to him...
Wallflower Alyssa Macaulay has no clue a community of supernatural Celtic warriors lives alongside her. Nor does she know she's a talisman, a member of that community. Orphaned at age four, she was raised by her grandmother, a druid of uncommon skill who deliberately kept Alyssa ignorant of her true self. A chance meeting in a bar on a cold winter's night upends the bookish grad student's life when Rowan introduces her to their world.
Their love can end a centuries-old curse.
Trying his sign on Alyssa and discovering she's his talisman, his fated mate, should be cause for their celebration. Too bad Alyssa thinks Rowan's only looking for a good time and she has no idea who and what they are. The goddess's imminent arrival doesn't give Rowan time to show her either. Somehow, he needs to compress the lifetime of training she should have had into a week--and convince her the one amazing night they shared is only the beginning of a lifetime of love. If they can live long enough...
Rowan Sheridan is a warrior, a powerful being capable of bending time and space to take on the rogues and zombies the triple goddess unleashes on civilians. For centuries, his family has taken on the Morrigan, their successes against her legendary. But if he doesn't find his talisman by midnight of his twenty-eighth birthday, he faces death--or something worse.
To convince her she belongs to him...
Wallflower Alyssa Macaulay has no clue a community of supernatural Celtic warriors lives alongside her. Nor does she know she's a talisman, a member of that community. Orphaned at age four, she was raised by her grandmother, a druid of uncommon skill who deliberately kept Alyssa ignorant of her true self. A chance meeting in a bar on a cold winter's night upends the bookish grad student's life when Rowan introduces her to their world.
Their love can end a centuries-old curse.
Trying his sign on Alyssa and discovering she's his talisman, his fated mate, should be cause for their celebration. Too bad Alyssa thinks Rowan's only looking for a good time and she has no idea who and what they are. The goddess's imminent arrival doesn't give Rowan time to show her either. Somehow, he needs to compress the lifetime of training she should have had into a week--and convince her the one amazing night they shared is only the beginning of a lifetime of love. If they can live long enough...
- GenresParanormalRomance
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2019
27 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Tam DeRudder Jackson
28 books294 followersTam DeRudder Jackson’s love of all things Celtic led her to write the Talisman Series. Steeped in Celtic mythology, these steamy, fated mates, paranormal romance adventures are set in the mountains of Tam’s native Montana and the Highlands of Scotland. Rogue, the most recent book in the series, was named a best romance of 2022 by the Independent Book Review.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
An avid fan of rock music, Tam never misses a chance to see a live show, especially if it’s Shinedown, one of her favorite bands. Her love of rock music inspired her contemporary rock star Balefire Series, a sexy fun ride following the lives and loves of the members of a fictional mega-band. Readers of this series consistently give the books five-star reviews.
Tam earned her BA in English from Montana State University and her M.Ed. in literacy from Lesley University. After a short teaching stint in Bath, England, she settled in the wilds of Wyoming where she taught adolescents all about the Celts and a bit about writing before she stepped out of the classroom to pursue her writing career full time.
When she’s not writing, you can find her working her way through her mountainous TBR piles, alpine skiing, or traveling to some new place on her ever-expanding bucket list. To stay up to date on her adventures, connect with Tam on her website www.tamderudderjackson where you can subscribe to her newsletter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
March 1, 2021
A Disappointment👎<
ADULT Alpha Male Modern Knight 🔪💪Romance💕 and Paranormal Fantasy🌈
The book started out great, then degenerated into a very long, tedious, soap opera like story filled with lots of dialogue and not much action until the very end. I felt cheated that I spent so many hours on this book.
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews📚
I paid $.99 for This stinker.
ADULT Alpha Male Modern Knight 🔪💪Romance💕 and Paranormal Fantasy🌈
The book started out great, then degenerated into a very long, tedious, soap opera like story filled with lots of dialogue and not much action until the very end. I felt cheated that I spent so many hours on this book.
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews📚
I paid $.99 for This stinker.
June 10, 2021
Witty, steamy, intriguing; a rich read with plenty more to come in the series.
June 4, 2023
This is one of the worst books I've ever read. Not only was it poorly written, it was gross and rapey. Rowan exuded toxic masculinity and when Alyssa tried to set boundaries he ignored them. Alyssa and the other Talisman's were referred to as belonging to the Warriors. They were also expected to sit on the sidelines while the men fought. There were no women Warriors. The villains were so shallow, they were simply evil because they author wrote them that way and for no other reason. The author took powerful women goddesses from Celtic mythology and made them shallow and simple. The whole book felt like a big middle finger to the female sex. Alyssa was whiny and annoying. There wasn't a single character in the entire book that I liked. Maybe the dog, Shadow. Shadow didn't have any bad dialogue. The dialogue was so clunky and the characters so bland that it felt like I was reading a high school creative writing assignment. If this book wasn't for a book club I would haven't have gotten past the first chapter. I removed this book from my kindle when I was done. I was worried that it would seep into my other good books and pollute it. I would never recommend, and I will not be reading any of the other books. If I could give it 0 stars I would.
December 31, 2022
4.5 stars
I have found a new world and a new author that I thoroughly enjoyed. I find it hard to believe that this is her first book. It was very well written. Rowan and Alyssa story flowed through learning about Celtic mythology, history, gods & goddesses. There are talismans, warriors, druids, bards, and prophetesses. There was also plenty of action, adventure, drama, and bonding (lots of bonding, aka sex). I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I have found a new world and a new author that I thoroughly enjoyed. I find it hard to believe that this is her first book. It was very well written. Rowan and Alyssa story flowed through learning about Celtic mythology, history, gods & goddesses. There are talismans, warriors, druids, bards, and prophetesses. There was also plenty of action, adventure, drama, and bonding (lots of bonding, aka sex). I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
February 18, 2020
Talisman, The Talisman Series Book One, Tam DeRudder Jackson
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Sci-fi and fantasy, Romance.
I liked the sound of this, I love fantasy married with romance, and the description sounded interesting. Supernaturals living within our current world? Yes please ;-)
Alyssa has been quite sheltered, brought up by her grand after the death of her parents she's all about the studying, especially after being let down badly by her last boyfriend. Then on a rare night out she meets Rowan. I know he's a warrior, but at times even I found him overbearing and arrogant, so I can see how Alyssa felt. He just steamrollers his way into her life. I know she's in danger, but its to his advantage that he protects her and at times I felt he was a bit too thick on the “do it my way”, and thin on actual explanations. I did understand hew was working under time constraints but he always found time to whisk her into bed, and thought that was fun, enjoyable – OK, earth shattering, I felt Alyssa would have appreciated a bit more detail about what was happening.
There's a lot of characters here that come into play, human, warriors and families, Talismen and of course the Dark Side. The rogue warriors and their leaders. I enjoyed the read but wasn't bowled over by it. That could be because its first in series. These novels have a hard ask, to deliver a new world setting, charters, supernatural types and of course a story we readers will enjoy. This didn't quite do that for me but is a good start to a new series.
Stars: Three, a good start to a new series, but I wasn't quite pulled in by the characters.
Arc via netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Sci-fi and fantasy, Romance.
I liked the sound of this, I love fantasy married with romance, and the description sounded interesting. Supernaturals living within our current world? Yes please ;-)
Alyssa has been quite sheltered, brought up by her grand after the death of her parents she's all about the studying, especially after being let down badly by her last boyfriend. Then on a rare night out she meets Rowan. I know he's a warrior, but at times even I found him overbearing and arrogant, so I can see how Alyssa felt. He just steamrollers his way into her life. I know she's in danger, but its to his advantage that he protects her and at times I felt he was a bit too thick on the “do it my way”, and thin on actual explanations. I did understand hew was working under time constraints but he always found time to whisk her into bed, and thought that was fun, enjoyable – OK, earth shattering, I felt Alyssa would have appreciated a bit more detail about what was happening.
There's a lot of characters here that come into play, human, warriors and families, Talismen and of course the Dark Side. The rogue warriors and their leaders. I enjoyed the read but wasn't bowled over by it. That could be because its first in series. These novels have a hard ask, to deliver a new world setting, charters, supernatural types and of course a story we readers will enjoy. This didn't quite do that for me but is a good start to a new series.
Stars: Three, a good start to a new series, but I wasn't quite pulled in by the characters.
Arc via netgalley and publishers
January 17, 2023
I liked the idea of this story more than the story itself.
The story started out alright, but once the two main characters meet up the second time, it felt like they barely even had a connection on Alyssa’s end of things and they were already jumping in bed. It also felt like Rowan was pressuring Alyssa. An example without being spoilery – Rowan goes to get some extra clothes. Alyssa comments on him looking like he’s moving into her house and he blows it off. Then, he moves his clothes into her dresser and closet without telling her. But he’s expecting her to trust him, even though he’s pulling shady stuff. I didn’t like that vibe at all.
I did enjoy the mythological aspects of the story and the attention to detail.
All-in-all, it wasn’t the read I was hoping for, but it was entertaining.
The story started out alright, but once the two main characters meet up the second time, it felt like they barely even had a connection on Alyssa’s end of things and they were already jumping in bed. It also felt like Rowan was pressuring Alyssa. An example without being spoilery – Rowan goes to get some extra clothes. Alyssa comments on him looking like he’s moving into her house and he blows it off. Then, he moves his clothes into her dresser and closet without telling her. But he’s expecting her to trust him, even though he’s pulling shady stuff. I didn’t like that vibe at all.
I did enjoy the mythological aspects of the story and the attention to detail.
All-in-all, it wasn’t the read I was hoping for, but it was entertaining.
February 10, 2020
Never know what you’ll discover when scrolling around Netgalley... A curse, a bit of Celtic mythology, a wallflower, and a warrior-yep! My attention was snagged in no time! Alyssa and Rowan are fated mates. She’s unaware of her heritage and he’s pressed for time to explain it to her. What follows is an interesting tale of curses, revenge, magic, romance, gods and goddesses, friendships, and a good versus evil battle. For some reason, I found it hilarious that Morrigan was called Morgan as well.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
January 31, 2021
Bodice rippers aren’t really my thing, but this book came from a recommended source and the author lives in this region so I thought I would give it a whirl. Set in Montana was pretty cool; not something that happens too often. The stars are for the writing, which was really pretty good. Another thing I enjoyed was the Celtic theme.
June 12, 2023
I couldn't finish this book. The lack of consent was very triggering. Plus I had a hard time imagining battles between guys with guns and guys with swords. This book just wasn't for me.
April 17, 2020
Romantic Fantasy; Adult
First Person, Multiple-POV
This is book #1 of the Talisman series.
For a man to be a warrior, he needed three things: his name, his weapon, and his talisman.
Addictiveness: 4.5/5 I loved it. From the first chapter I was invested in Alyssa and Rowan's future. It was an easy, fast read! As addictive as ice cream!!!
Character: hero 4/5, heroine 4.5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 4/5 Multidimensional characters that had lot of layers and good backstories.
Alyssa was an amazing heroine. She was smart, loyal, friendly and a bit shy. Really she was the true warrior. So much was thrown her way in such a short amount of time and she handle it all really well. I loved her personal growth during the story. This was a journey of self-discovery for Alyssa.
Rowan was a good hero. Yes he was a warrior and had all this supernatural abilities that he has known from birth, but he was still a bit overbearing. I know he was working against time and gods/goddesses but he had a hard time putting himself in Alyssa's place. I think he should have explained better. He was still dreamy, hot and a loyal mate. I just believe he didn't have as much growth than Alyssa in the story.
Secondary characters… so many interesting stories to come. Yeah, the moment Rio entered the story I knew he would be for Josie. I'm really looking forward to reading their story, even though I don't like Rio at all. The one story I can't wait, because I know he is going to be an awesome hero is Seamus!
Villains.. antagonists… I enjoyed how the author transformed Morrigan's three supernatural abilities into three different god/goddess for the story. The battles felt more powerful against several god/goddesses.
All characters were easy to love, connect and understand!!!
Cover: art 4/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This cover was really good and sexy, even though a couple things felt a bit disconnected for me. I really liked the color of the background because it felt a bit like a fire, or fog. Before reading the book, I was trying to understand the ring on his necklace. I still don't know what it was about. Also all the tall buildings and highway vibe in Montana, it didn't really worked for me. One detail that I really enjoyed was the rainbow colors on the bridge, it sort of felt like how I would imagine Rowan's warrior supernatural speed worked. I love the title and subtitle, their placement in the cover really worked. I would easily buy this book by its cover without needing to read the blurb.
Freshness: 4.5/5 This feels unique! It's different than what it is out there. I loved how the author played with gods, goddesses, Celtic mythology and history. It worked for me! As fresh as ice cream in a hot summer day!!!
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 4/5, , ending 3.5/5, enjoyment 5/5, opening 4.5/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 4/5 A very enjoyable plot, with good conflict and dialogue. Excellent opening to an ok ending. Amazing pace, great setting, interesting subplots and good twist. High level of enjoyment!
I was really hooked in how the Celtic mythology was written for this story. The author did such a great job of exploring it, at the same time giving the reader a sexy romance. It was very well balanced the myth/history with the smutty romance.
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 4/5, development 4/5, steam 4/5 This is a real fast romance. The supernatural fact, the mating, paring aspect makes it believable. The couple's chemistry was undeniable and the description of the smut was good. The development of the romance was so so for me but the overall love story was great. I loved them together and I hope I will see a lot more of them throughout the rest of the series. Mythical love!!!
Writing Style: 4/5 This was my first book by the author and I'm looking forward to read more. The characters were amazing and felt real. The plot was creative and new. The romance was hot and dangerous. Amazing writing!!!
Plot: The ending... I expected more focus on the end of the curse. Did it really end? I'm not even certain. I mean, it was barely mentioned at the end of the story. The battle was good, but also, I felt that something was missing. I didn't end the book feeling "wow, they ended the curse!" Yes, I know this is a series, and I can't wait to read the next book.
I decided to read this book, because I saw the second book of the series and was interested. I'm so glad, that I decided to give the series a try.
It was different! It felt fresh, different than most books that I read, at the same time offered me everything that I enjoy in a book. I got my romance, I got tasteful smut, but I also got complex characters and creative plot.
I'm not only really looking forward to read the second book, but I'm already envisioning Seamus book that I hope will be #3.
Can't wait to read more!!!
A fun love story within a promising new series!!!
29/35 STARS – 4 STARS (between 28 stars and 31 stars)
Addictiveness: 4.5 Character: 4 Cover: 4 Freshness: 4 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 4 Writing Style: 4
Action 4/5 Angst 2/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 2/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 2/5
Would I recommend? Definitely! If you like unique, romantic fantasy, this is a good one!!!
Would I re-read this book/series? Yes!
Would I read more from the author? Yes, I will be on the look out for more.
...to be victorious in battle, a warrior must have his talisman, the one woman the fates chose to complete him, or he was nothing but an ordinary man with ordinary skill-a foot soldier easily bested in combat.
You MAY read this because you like romance; you SHOULD read this because these characters are amazing ; you MUST read this because myth, history and fiction have been blended splendidly well!!!
May 4, 2020
Too many things that are connected going on at once.
The start of the series was interesting enough. The lore was pretty good too. Too much "bonding" then again, in some races, or lore it is the ultimate form of becoming one.
The twist and turns of the story kept me hanging and saying OMG. It was something worth reading into.
Book 2...lets see...
The start of the series was interesting enough. The lore was pretty good too. Too much "bonding" then again, in some races, or lore it is the ultimate form of becoming one.
The twist and turns of the story kept me hanging and saying OMG. It was something worth reading into.
Book 2...lets see...
February 16, 2020
4.25 stars
Celtic warriors, druidic magic, goddesses, destined pairings, and righting ancient wrongs, oh my... I love finding new paranormal series'. I wasn't too sure what to expect but Talisman pulling me in from the first.
Alyssa Macaulay is in a slump. She's finishing her Master's thesis on Celtic warriors but she's hit a snag. She is still mourning the death of her grandmother and ever since her death, Alyssa has been plagued by dreams of modern-day Celtic warriors waging battles in the street, which is crazy and likely an effect from all her work to finish her thesis. Right? Now she has been hearing strange noises at night and finding tracts in the snow outside her bedroom window. In an attempt to heighten her home security, she seeks out Sheridan Security services. Rowan Sheridan is a security specialist by day and a powerful warrior protecting us "civilians" from the evil machinations of the Morrigan. Soon Alyssa is thrust into a world filled with warriors and druids, vengeful goddesses, lore, and destiny.
I really seriously dug this book. The Celtic lore infusion was fun. I will say the basis for the Morrigan was a bit off (being she, herself, is a triple goddess where here they created a triple goddess with two of the Morrigan's aspects -Morgan and Maeve- and Taranis) but ya know... artistic license and all that. I really enjoyed it regardless. The story and pacing were fun and entertaining. There were a few pieces that left we questioning things for later installments.
I am absolutely looking forward to the next in the series, Warrior. Can I just say that Rio was such an arse-face at times, I can't wait for his story and his *fingers crossed* comeuppance? But I really, really, really wanna read more about Seamus! gimme gimmie!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*
Celtic warriors, druidic magic, goddesses, destined pairings, and righting ancient wrongs, oh my... I love finding new paranormal series'. I wasn't too sure what to expect but Talisman pulling me in from the first.
Alyssa Macaulay is in a slump. She's finishing her Master's thesis on Celtic warriors but she's hit a snag. She is still mourning the death of her grandmother and ever since her death, Alyssa has been plagued by dreams of modern-day Celtic warriors waging battles in the street, which is crazy and likely an effect from all her work to finish her thesis. Right? Now she has been hearing strange noises at night and finding tracts in the snow outside her bedroom window. In an attempt to heighten her home security, she seeks out Sheridan Security services. Rowan Sheridan is a security specialist by day and a powerful warrior protecting us "civilians" from the evil machinations of the Morrigan. Soon Alyssa is thrust into a world filled with warriors and druids, vengeful goddesses, lore, and destiny.
I really seriously dug this book. The Celtic lore infusion was fun. I will say the basis for the Morrigan was a bit off (being she, herself, is a triple goddess where here they created a triple goddess with two of the Morrigan's aspects -Morgan and Maeve- and Taranis) but ya know... artistic license and all that. I really enjoyed it regardless. The story and pacing were fun and entertaining. There were a few pieces that left we questioning things for later installments.
I am absolutely looking forward to the next in the series, Warrior. Can I just say that Rio was such an arse-face at times, I can't wait for his story and his *fingers crossed* comeuppance? But I really, really, really wanna read more about Seamus! gimme gimmie!
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.*
June 12, 2023
If I could give this book 0 stars I would. It is maybe the worst book I’ve ever read. It’s overall lack of world building I could overlook, the same two sex scenes happening over and over- sure whatever, the UNGODLY amount of eggs these characters eat in less than one week—ok I guess? Fucking weird but ok.
However what makes it a 0 for me is the EXTREME misogyny, the thinly veiled rape analogy of Alyssa REPEATEDLY asking Rowan to stop reading her thoughts or teach her how to shield herself and him refusing/ saying she just has to “trust him”.
The ENTIRE book Alyssa is 100% sure she doesn’t like what’s going on and yet that doesn’t stop Rowan from literally moving into her house!? The world building is supposed to make up for this insanity- but it doesn’t.
Lastly- not one of the conversations between two characters feels realistic. I’m still disturbed by the quantity of eggs they consumed and how everyone just expects Alyssa to figure it out- especially after three major figures in her life lied to her the whole time? Hated it.
However what makes it a 0 for me is the EXTREME misogyny, the thinly veiled rape analogy of Alyssa REPEATEDLY asking Rowan to stop reading her thoughts or teach her how to shield herself and him refusing/ saying she just has to “trust him”.
The ENTIRE book Alyssa is 100% sure she doesn’t like what’s going on and yet that doesn’t stop Rowan from literally moving into her house!? The world building is supposed to make up for this insanity- but it doesn’t.
Lastly- not one of the conversations between two characters feels realistic. I’m still disturbed by the quantity of eggs they consumed and how everyone just expects Alyssa to figure it out- especially after three major figures in her life lied to her the whole time? Hated it.
May 30, 2022
I'm not sure if this is a debut novel by this author as I have never read any of their work before but I have to say it was definitely a wonderful book I was enthralled from the word go with this wonderful mix of steamy chemistry battle s and Celtic lore.
Alyssa is a quite bookish girl raised by her grandmother What she doesn't know is that her grandmother has been keeping secrets she is actually from a long line of powerful druids and she herself is a talisman that one woman that can bond with one of the legendary fighters who have protected mankind through the ages. Rowan Sheridan is one of those warriors and he is nearing his 28th birthday a time when if he isn't bonded he faces death or worse so he is stunned when a woman's soul calls to him in a bar yes she is his talisman. Now he has to convince her that their love is forever and at the same time prepare her for the danger that her life will now face. Can he keep her safe until she is ready to be a warrior herself.
Alyssa is a quite bookish girl raised by her grandmother What she doesn't know is that her grandmother has been keeping secrets she is actually from a long line of powerful druids and she herself is a talisman that one woman that can bond with one of the legendary fighters who have protected mankind through the ages. Rowan Sheridan is one of those warriors and he is nearing his 28th birthday a time when if he isn't bonded he faces death or worse so he is stunned when a woman's soul calls to him in a bar yes she is his talisman. Now he has to convince her that their love is forever and at the same time prepare her for the danger that her life will now face. Can he keep her safe until she is ready to be a warrior herself.
February 9, 2020
4.25 stars-
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2019.
Time's running out...
Rowan Sheridan is a warrior, a powerful being capable of bending time and space to take on the rogues and zombies the triple goddess unleashes on civilians. For centuries, his family has taken on the Morrigan, their successes against her legendary. But if he doesn't find his talisman by midnight of his twenty-eighth birthday, he faces death--or something worse.
To convince her she belongs to him...
Wallflower Alyssa Macaulay has no clue a community of supernatural Celtic warriors lives alongside her. Nor does she know she's a talisman, a member of that community. Orphaned at age four, she was raised by her grandmother, a druid of uncommon skill who deliberately kept Alyssa ignorant of her true self. A chance meeting in a bar on a cold winter's night upends the bookish grad student's life when Rowan introduces her to their world.
Their love can end a centuries-old curse.
Trying his sign on Alyssa and discovering she's his talisman, his fated mate, should be cause for their celebration. Too bad Alyssa thinks Rowan's only looking for a good time and she has no idea who and what they are. The goddess's imminent arrival doesn't give Rowan time to show her either. Somehow, he needs to compress the lifetime of training she should have had into a week--and convince her the one amazing night they shared is only the beginning of a lifetime of love. If they can live long enough.
••••••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars—TALISMAN is the first instalment in Tam Derudder Jackson’s adult TALISMAN paranormal/fantasy series based in Celtic mythology. This is twenty-seven year old, Celtic warrior Rowan Sheridan, and twenty-four year old, Celtic researcher/teacher Alyssa Macaulay’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Rowan and Alyssa TALISMAN follows the building relationship between twenty-seven year old, Celtic warrior Rowan Sheridan, and twenty-four year old, Celtic researcher/teacher Alyssa Macaulay. Rowan Sheridan is descended from a long line of Celtic warriors, who before midnight on their twenty-eight birthday must find the woman, their talisman, their fated mate who will fight,in tandem, against Morgan and Maeve but Alyssa Macaulay has no idea about her powerful heritage, a heritage that has been hidden and protected for most of her life. For months Alyssa has been dreaming about a man who battles the monsters of her nightmares but her dreams have turned into reality as Alyssa will come face to face with Rowan Sheridan. A night on the town with her best friend Cheri, finds Alyssa meeting the man from her dream, the man with whom Alyssa will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Rowan and Alyssa, and the potential fall-out as Rowan and Alyssa are targeted by Morgan, in an effort to protect a centuries old curse.
Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan sets into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested including our heroine’s self esteem, and her love for a man she believes is only looking for a good time.
The relationship between Alyssa and Rowan is one of immediate attraction. Rowan suspects Alyssa is his talisman, his fated mate but our heroine is completely unaware of the history between warriors and talismans, and the war between Morgan and the Celtic warriors. As Rowan descends head first into Alyssa’s life, Alyssa struggles with the unreality that has become her life, and the instant attraction and lust between herself and Rowan. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Rowan’s brothers Riordan and Riley (Lynette), their parents Sian and Owen Sheridan; Rowan’s best friend Seamus; Alyssa’s best friend Ceri; her neighbor Finn Daly; as well as the war goddess the Morrigan (Morgan) and her sister Maeve.
The world building focuses on Celtic lore: druids and warriors; goddesses and magic; family, friendships, destiny and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are energetic and charismatic; the romance is fated, tender and passionate. If your are a fan of Celtic lore, TALISMAN is a wonderful take on a classic tale.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
Www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2019.
Time's running out...
Rowan Sheridan is a warrior, a powerful being capable of bending time and space to take on the rogues and zombies the triple goddess unleashes on civilians. For centuries, his family has taken on the Morrigan, their successes against her legendary. But if he doesn't find his talisman by midnight of his twenty-eighth birthday, he faces death--or something worse.
To convince her she belongs to him...
Wallflower Alyssa Macaulay has no clue a community of supernatural Celtic warriors lives alongside her. Nor does she know she's a talisman, a member of that community. Orphaned at age four, she was raised by her grandmother, a druid of uncommon skill who deliberately kept Alyssa ignorant of her true self. A chance meeting in a bar on a cold winter's night upends the bookish grad student's life when Rowan introduces her to their world.
Their love can end a centuries-old curse.
Trying his sign on Alyssa and discovering she's his talisman, his fated mate, should be cause for their celebration. Too bad Alyssa thinks Rowan's only looking for a good time and she has no idea who and what they are. The goddess's imminent arrival doesn't give Rowan time to show her either. Somehow, he needs to compress the lifetime of training she should have had into a week--and convince her the one amazing night they shared is only the beginning of a lifetime of love. If they can live long enough.
••••••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars—TALISMAN is the first instalment in Tam Derudder Jackson’s adult TALISMAN paranormal/fantasy series based in Celtic mythology. This is twenty-seven year old, Celtic warrior Rowan Sheridan, and twenty-four year old, Celtic researcher/teacher Alyssa Macaulay’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives including Rowan and Alyssa TALISMAN follows the building relationship between twenty-seven year old, Celtic warrior Rowan Sheridan, and twenty-four year old, Celtic researcher/teacher Alyssa Macaulay. Rowan Sheridan is descended from a long line of Celtic warriors, who before midnight on their twenty-eight birthday must find the woman, their talisman, their fated mate who will fight,in tandem, against Morgan and Maeve but Alyssa Macaulay has no idea about her powerful heritage, a heritage that has been hidden and protected for most of her life. For months Alyssa has been dreaming about a man who battles the monsters of her nightmares but her dreams have turned into reality as Alyssa will come face to face with Rowan Sheridan. A night on the town with her best friend Cheri, finds Alyssa meeting the man from her dream, the man with whom Alyssa will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Rowan and Alyssa, and the potential fall-out as Rowan and Alyssa are targeted by Morgan, in an effort to protect a centuries old curse.
Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan sets into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested including our heroine’s self esteem, and her love for a man she believes is only looking for a good time.
The relationship between Alyssa and Rowan is one of immediate attraction. Rowan suspects Alyssa is his talisman, his fated mate but our heroine is completely unaware of the history between warriors and talismans, and the war between Morgan and the Celtic warriors. As Rowan descends head first into Alyssa’s life, Alyssa struggles with the unreality that has become her life, and the instant attraction and lust between herself and Rowan. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Rowan’s brothers Riordan and Riley (Lynette), their parents Sian and Owen Sheridan; Rowan’s best friend Seamus; Alyssa’s best friend Ceri; her neighbor Finn Daly; as well as the war goddess the Morrigan (Morgan) and her sister Maeve.
The world building focuses on Celtic lore: druids and warriors; goddesses and magic; family, friendships, destiny and love. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are energetic and charismatic; the romance is fated, tender and passionate. If your are a fan of Celtic lore, TALISMAN is a wonderful take on a classic tale.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
Www.thereadingcafe.com
February 27, 2020
Another book that took me far too long to finish because I always chose to read something else. This time it was a manga I've already read at least a dozen times. Curious? It's this one. So good.
So here's the thing. I really liked the idea behind this series. Incredible warriors with special powers are fighting evil goddesses while trying to find their talisman before time runs out for them. Each warrior has a special sign they use in order to find their talisman. And once they do, the two of them spend time together bonding to make them stronger. And the talismans also each have a power they use to aid the warriors in their battles. See? Neat idea. The problem was that the whole thing was just so boring . There was too much talking and way too much descriptions of everything. I truly don't care what color the couch was.
I didn't really care for either of the main characters. I didn't dislike them, but I also didn't like them. Rowan was patient when explaining things to Alyssa and her role in everything, but he was also pushy about getting what he wanted (going so far as to moving into her house without even asking). Alyssa seemed like an intelligent girl, but then she would do something so fucking stupid that I couldn't stand her (like believing all the evil goddess shows her instead of talking to Rowan...I hate it when a couple just can't TALK). She takes this whirlwind of change rather well, but then she would flip out at the dumbest times or over the stupidest things. Too much we hear Alyssa lamenting the fact that she's not perfect and there is no way that Rowan would want her. Her low self-esteem was annoying.
For as boring as I found this, things do happen fast in regards to time. I think everything went down in less than a week. Alyssa meets Rowan while out with her best friend one night and despite all the dead grandmother chastising we get, she invites him into her house and into her bed. Rowan can barely contain his happiness at finding his talisman with only months to spare, but he is shocked to find out that she knows absolutely nothing about what she is to him. So between some journals her grandmother left her and Rowan, Alyssa gets a crash course into a world she never knew existed and her part in all of it. Then a couple days later, she's taken to Rowan's parents' house for another crash course. This one in how to be useful in battle and better use her power. She even gets some help from a goddess. But then the bad goddesses strike and she gets taken. Setting the stage for Rowan and his family to have to rescue her and fight this battle.
Now, this is a part that I don't understand. Apparently, the key to setting the rules back to what they were in the past before these goddesses twisted them, is Rowan and Alyssa. They need to come together and defeat the two goddesses. Okay. Well. They didn't defeat them, so why is everyone so excited that they set things right again? They defeated one of their zombie fighter dudes. Not them.
After that is more drama and talking. And some days later these two finally set all their misunderstandings straight for their happy ending.
The end of the book gives a preview of the next one's beginning with Rowan's brother. I will admit to being intrigued about his story because the guy has a huge chip on his shoulder. But at the same time, I really was bored with this one and I don't want to go thru that again. So I honestly can't say whether or not I'll be reading it.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
So here's the thing. I really liked the idea behind this series. Incredible warriors with special powers are fighting evil goddesses while trying to find their talisman before time runs out for them. Each warrior has a special sign they use in order to find their talisman. And once they do, the two of them spend time together bonding to make them stronger. And the talismans also each have a power they use to aid the warriors in their battles. See? Neat idea. The problem was that the whole thing was just so boring . There was too much talking and way too much descriptions of everything. I truly don't care what color the couch was.
I didn't really care for either of the main characters. I didn't dislike them, but I also didn't like them. Rowan was patient when explaining things to Alyssa and her role in everything, but he was also pushy about getting what he wanted (going so far as to moving into her house without even asking). Alyssa seemed like an intelligent girl, but then she would do something so fucking stupid that I couldn't stand her (like believing all the evil goddess shows her instead of talking to Rowan...I hate it when a couple just can't TALK). She takes this whirlwind of change rather well, but then she would flip out at the dumbest times or over the stupidest things. Too much we hear Alyssa lamenting the fact that she's not perfect and there is no way that Rowan would want her. Her low self-esteem was annoying.
For as boring as I found this, things do happen fast in regards to time. I think everything went down in less than a week. Alyssa meets Rowan while out with her best friend one night and despite all the dead grandmother chastising we get, she invites him into her house and into her bed. Rowan can barely contain his happiness at finding his talisman with only months to spare, but he is shocked to find out that she knows absolutely nothing about what she is to him. So between some journals her grandmother left her and Rowan, Alyssa gets a crash course into a world she never knew existed and her part in all of it. Then a couple days later, she's taken to Rowan's parents' house for another crash course. This one in how to be useful in battle and better use her power. She even gets some help from a goddess. But then the bad goddesses strike and she gets taken. Setting the stage for Rowan and his family to have to rescue her and fight this battle.
Now, this is a part that I don't understand. Apparently, the key to setting the rules back to what they were in the past before these goddesses twisted them, is Rowan and Alyssa. They need to come together and defeat the two goddesses. Okay. Well. They didn't defeat them, so why is everyone so excited that they set things right again? They defeated one of their zombie fighter dudes. Not them.
After that is more drama and talking. And some days later these two finally set all their misunderstandings straight for their happy ending.
The end of the book gives a preview of the next one's beginning with Rowan's brother. I will admit to being intrigued about his story because the guy has a huge chip on his shoulder. But at the same time, I really was bored with this one and I don't want to go thru that again. So I honestly can't say whether or not I'll be reading it.
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
March 24, 2020
I love urban fantasy and having it based on Celtic mythology is an added bonus. The prologue set in 10th century Scotland begins the and the reader knows from the outset what is at stake and why, but there’s also a little known, hidden secret that is brought forth in this first novel.
In the 21st century, grad student Alyssa Mccaulay has been having dreams that have become more urgent and frequent since the death of her beloved grandmother. She thinks the dreams are a result of her intense studying and the writing of her thesis and they’re leaving her edgy and exhausted; then she finds evidence that someone has been prowling around her house. Shadow is her Great Pyrenees protector but she decides to have a security system installed as an added bonus. She makes an appointment with Security Consultants which is owned by the Sheridan family and Rowan Sheridan is the manager of the Montana office. During their consultation he receives a call, apologizes that he has to run for a service call but tells her his secretary will set up a time convenient for both of them so he can come out and see what type of system she needs.
After leaving his office, she goes to her office and falls asleep at her desk where she has another dream where she sees Rowan Sheridan dressed in battle gear and fighting with claymores and to her horror she watches as the battle unfolds. She wakes up when the battle is over and is amazed that she is having them during the day, the details are so vivid and becoming, how vivid they seem and how easily they are recalled.
After a disastrous relationship with her ex, Alyssa has sworn off men, all she wants is to complete her thesis, get her degree, continue teaching and possibly write a book on the subject that she has been fascinated by all her life. She will soon learn that fate has much bigger plans in store for her, but Rowan will have to work hard to gain her trust and undo all the damage that was inflicted by the louse she was with previously. Failure to do so will mean death and another thousand years before the curse has the chance to be broken again.
4/5 STARS: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I sincerely thank Netgalley, author and/or publisher for giving me this opportunity.**
In the 21st century, grad student Alyssa Mccaulay has been having dreams that have become more urgent and frequent since the death of her beloved grandmother. She thinks the dreams are a result of her intense studying and the writing of her thesis and they’re leaving her edgy and exhausted; then she finds evidence that someone has been prowling around her house. Shadow is her Great Pyrenees protector but she decides to have a security system installed as an added bonus. She makes an appointment with Security Consultants which is owned by the Sheridan family and Rowan Sheridan is the manager of the Montana office. During their consultation he receives a call, apologizes that he has to run for a service call but tells her his secretary will set up a time convenient for both of them so he can come out and see what type of system she needs.
After leaving his office, she goes to her office and falls asleep at her desk where she has another dream where she sees Rowan Sheridan dressed in battle gear and fighting with claymores and to her horror she watches as the battle unfolds. She wakes up when the battle is over and is amazed that she is having them during the day, the details are so vivid and becoming, how vivid they seem and how easily they are recalled.
After a disastrous relationship with her ex, Alyssa has sworn off men, all she wants is to complete her thesis, get her degree, continue teaching and possibly write a book on the subject that she has been fascinated by all her life. She will soon learn that fate has much bigger plans in store for her, but Rowan will have to work hard to gain her trust and undo all the damage that was inflicted by the louse she was with previously. Failure to do so will mean death and another thousand years before the curse has the chance to be broken again.
4/5 STARS: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I sincerely thank Netgalley, author and/or publisher for giving me this opportunity.**
February 1, 2023
Rowan runs his family's security firm by day and is a warrior by trade, fighting against the curse laid on his family by the Morrigan centuries ago. (A warrior has to find his talisman before his 28th birthday or he has to options. Become a slave to the Morrigan or become a rogue warrior fighting for his life.) As he nears his 28th birthday, he finds himself trying to beat the clock to find his talisman, his protector. Alyssa just wants to make it through her dissertation on Celtic history. After the loss of her grandmother and her fiancée walking out, she is just not sure how much more she can handle. So, when she finds footprints around her house, she seeks out a security firm to help her safeguard her house. Unbeknownst to her, Rowan is the answer to all of her problems and vice versa. As he thrusts himself into her life and inundates her with information that her grandmother should have given her, she becomes even more overwhelmed. It's not every day that you find out that you are destined to break a centuries old curse on the families of warriors and talismans. Can she handle all the pressure to defeat Morrigan and her sister and break the curse, once and for all? Or will they all be destined to repeat the process for another century?
This was a fascinating read in the sense that I felt like I was learning and reading a story. The characters all had relatable insecurities as the work together to defeat the Morrigan. I think the author did a wonderful job of writing a wallflower's perspective of being thrust into an unknown world and trying to navigate everything essentially as an outsider. Having to earn trust is huge, especially when it has been broken before. As the first book in the series, it left the door open for more exciting things to happen. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
This is an adult book.
This was a fascinating read in the sense that I felt like I was learning and reading a story. The characters all had relatable insecurities as the work together to defeat the Morrigan. I think the author did a wonderful job of writing a wallflower's perspective of being thrust into an unknown world and trying to navigate everything essentially as an outsider. Having to earn trust is huge, especially when it has been broken before. As the first book in the series, it left the door open for more exciting things to happen. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
This is an adult book.
March 7, 2020
I really wanted to like this book but it came up short. The premise is okay. A warrior must find his talisman by his 28th birthday to activate his and his talismans powers or become Maeve’s sex slave then become a pawn of Morgan. This book came up short. First off, Rowan finds his talisman, Alisa. Instead of explaining things to her, he pushed his way into her house and makes aggressive sexual advances on her. In a fantasy world I guess it’s okay but in the real world and the Me, too generation this felt uncomfortably controlling and stalkerish. Alisa seems to have such a low self-esteem that she puts up with it. The next day he moves all his stuff into her house without asking or talking with her about it. Not realistic. Everyone was nice to her, trained her and welcomed her with open arms but when she returned from her ordeal, no one asked her about what happened to her when she was in captivity. No one. That was weird. She believed everything Maeve and Morgan showed her which shows that she has no self-esteem. Roman is clueless and doesn’t even try to talk with her. When he finally confronts her on her misconceptions he starts with asking why she isn’t grateful that he saved her. Overall, I didn’t like the characters and thought a lot of the behavior was inappropriate in this day and age. There was a preview of the next book presumably telling Rio and Ceri’s story. Rio in this book. Is an ass throughout. Ceri is Alisa’s best friend and seems really nice. Maybe it’ll work out for her but I’m not interested in reading about it, Rio is an ass. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2020
This is a start to a new series with interesting characters and an new take on mythology. This book focuses on Celtic mythology and pulls it in to the modern world. Rowan and Alyssa are both descended from important figures in the books mythology. Their families have both moved forward in history, until the moment that the book begins. Essentially, they are fated mates (if that is your jam).
Alyssa, however, has been sheltered from life and what she is. Until she meets Rowan, she has no idea about her heritage or what her future might be. Although it was done in the name of protection, it was fairly short-sighted of her grandmother to keep her completely in the dark.
Rowan has always known what he was and what he was going to be. He just needed to find his other half, his talisman.
The action adventure part of this story is great, as is the world building and characters. What took this down from a five star read for me was the ending. I actually threatened to throw my phone at one point I was so frustrated. The relationship between Rowan and Alyssa was extremely new and stressful - so there were bound to be bumps in the road, but the actions both of them took were pretty immature and didn't 100%fit each other's character. I also found it to be a little odd that after the main battle, the goddesses left them alone. Overall, I think the timeline of the ending seemed rushed.
I am interested to read more of this series and see where things go! I also knew nothing about Celtic mythology - so that was extremely interesting to read about!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Alyssa, however, has been sheltered from life and what she is. Until she meets Rowan, she has no idea about her heritage or what her future might be. Although it was done in the name of protection, it was fairly short-sighted of her grandmother to keep her completely in the dark.
Rowan has always known what he was and what he was going to be. He just needed to find his other half, his talisman.
The action adventure part of this story is great, as is the world building and characters. What took this down from a five star read for me was the ending. I actually threatened to throw my phone at one point I was so frustrated. The relationship between Rowan and Alyssa was extremely new and stressful - so there were bound to be bumps in the road, but the actions both of them took were pretty immature and didn't 100%fit each other's character. I also found it to be a little odd that after the main battle, the goddesses left them alone. Overall, I think the timeline of the ending seemed rushed.
I am interested to read more of this series and see where things go! I also knew nothing about Celtic mythology - so that was extremely interesting to read about!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
February 5, 2023
Alyssa has always had a fascination for Celtic history, so much so that she was majoring in it for school. Little did she know that the myths she enjoyed weren’t myths at all and that her heritage traced back to it. Her parents died when she was quite young and was raised by her grandmother who kept Alyssa oblivious to the fact that she was a talisman.
A warrior is nothing without his weapon, name and talisman. Or so the saying goes. Rowan has ⅔ of these things and he’s running out of time to find the third before he is taken across the ford. All warriors have until their 28th birthday to find their talisman before the Morrigan comes to collect. Rowan’s birthday is coming up. He has pretty much accepted his fate until he meets Alyssa.
Instantly Alyssa catches his attention. When he finds out she is his talisman, he is ecstatic. Unfortunately Alyssa has no idea what a talisman is and what is required of them. All she knows is this handsome man has shown interest in her. Used to being the less attractive friend, she is reluctant to believe that this man could want her.
They have very little time to convince Alyssa she is a talisman and to train her before the Morrigan starts her attack. Can they defeat a Celtic goddess or were they doomed from the beginning?
I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with interesting Celtic lore, handsome warriors, and action themes. Also had romance, spice and a couple of zombie warriors. I could not put this book down. The author did an amazing job building the world. They are very clearly knowledgeable in what they wrote. All the characters were unique in their own way making each one lovable.
A warrior is nothing without his weapon, name and talisman. Or so the saying goes. Rowan has ⅔ of these things and he’s running out of time to find the third before he is taken across the ford. All warriors have until their 28th birthday to find their talisman before the Morrigan comes to collect. Rowan’s birthday is coming up. He has pretty much accepted his fate until he meets Alyssa.
Instantly Alyssa catches his attention. When he finds out she is his talisman, he is ecstatic. Unfortunately Alyssa has no idea what a talisman is and what is required of them. All she knows is this handsome man has shown interest in her. Used to being the less attractive friend, she is reluctant to believe that this man could want her.
They have very little time to convince Alyssa she is a talisman and to train her before the Morrigan starts her attack. Can they defeat a Celtic goddess or were they doomed from the beginning?
I really enjoyed this book. It was filled with interesting Celtic lore, handsome warriors, and action themes. Also had romance, spice and a couple of zombie warriors. I could not put this book down. The author did an amazing job building the world. They are very clearly knowledgeable in what they wrote. All the characters were unique in their own way making each one lovable.
March 5, 2021
A fun and interesting read which introduces us to the world of a family of cursed ancient Celtic warriors and their magical “talismans”. Women who complete the warrior although not always in a romantic way. Alyssa Macaulay has no idea of her heritage or that she is one such talisman until fate throws her into the path of Rowan Sheridan – a descendant of the warrior Celts.
A well-written book, this is a heady mix of romance, heat, action, and mythology, as Alyssa and Rowan seek to break the thousand-year-old curse once and for all and defeat the evil Morrigan in battle. All the time trying to figure out the complications of their new relationship.
The plot romps along at a cracking pace leaving the reader barely time to catch their breath before being plunged into battle. I must admit, I did get a little confused during the battle as to who and what and where and when – but I guess things do get confusing in battle.
I wasn't that keen on the heroine, I must admit, she was a bit weak and her crippling self-doubt was a little too overplayed. Also, she really should have tried talking to Rowan before making assumptions, but that is only my personal view because I like my main female characters to be very strong-natured.
The story ended very satisfactorily, but I can see where the seeds for future books in the series have been sown and it will be interesting to see where the author takes things from here.
A good read for those enjoying the paranormal works of Nora Roberts and the like.
A well-written book, this is a heady mix of romance, heat, action, and mythology, as Alyssa and Rowan seek to break the thousand-year-old curse once and for all and defeat the evil Morrigan in battle. All the time trying to figure out the complications of their new relationship.
The plot romps along at a cracking pace leaving the reader barely time to catch their breath before being plunged into battle. I must admit, I did get a little confused during the battle as to who and what and where and when – but I guess things do get confusing in battle.
I wasn't that keen on the heroine, I must admit, she was a bit weak and her crippling self-doubt was a little too overplayed. Also, she really should have tried talking to Rowan before making assumptions, but that is only my personal view because I like my main female characters to be very strong-natured.
The story ended very satisfactorily, but I can see where the seeds for future books in the series have been sown and it will be interesting to see where the author takes things from here.
A good read for those enjoying the paranormal works of Nora Roberts and the like.
January 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Tam DeRudder Jackson is a Paranormal Fantasy romance writer and a new author to me, so I was excited to get started. Talisman is the first book in the Talisman series and there is a lot going on. There is Celtic mythology, druids, gods and goddesses, supernatural abilities, magic, a curse, revenge, and good vs evil. It is written in multiple POV which makes the story that much broader.
It is a unique modern day paranormal tale set in Montana. The story and colourful characters are interesting and the premise is good but the even flow of the story was missing. The story starts out well but there is a lot of over details throughout the whole book which kind of made me skim over a lot it. The ending was interesting but there are a few things that didn’t mesh throughout. I also wish there was more action.
Alyssa is a shy woman and has no idea about what is out in the world and who they really are but one night changes all that. She really was a little naïve and had a lot of catching up to do and not be so accepting of things.
Rowan is a warrior and doesn’t have much time left to find his Talisman. However, she has no idea about his world or the supernatural in general. Unfortunately time is against them. Will all be lost? Rowan was a little frustrating at times and I just wanted him to calm down a bit.
As this is the first book in the series I am going to continue to read more books and hope that this is just first book teething issues.
Tam DeRudder Jackson is a Paranormal Fantasy romance writer and a new author to me, so I was excited to get started. Talisman is the first book in the Talisman series and there is a lot going on. There is Celtic mythology, druids, gods and goddesses, supernatural abilities, magic, a curse, revenge, and good vs evil. It is written in multiple POV which makes the story that much broader.
It is a unique modern day paranormal tale set in Montana. The story and colourful characters are interesting and the premise is good but the even flow of the story was missing. The story starts out well but there is a lot of over details throughout the whole book which kind of made me skim over a lot it. The ending was interesting but there are a few things that didn’t mesh throughout. I also wish there was more action.
Alyssa is a shy woman and has no idea about what is out in the world and who they really are but one night changes all that. She really was a little naïve and had a lot of catching up to do and not be so accepting of things.
Rowan is a warrior and doesn’t have much time left to find his Talisman. However, she has no idea about his world or the supernatural in general. Unfortunately time is against them. Will all be lost? Rowan was a little frustrating at times and I just wanted him to calm down a bit.
As this is the first book in the series I am going to continue to read more books and hope that this is just first book teething issues.
February 7, 2023
This was an interesting read that I enjoyed. I loved how history and present day mix and I love the magic and paranormal elements in this story. This is a fated mate story which gives it a additional element that works well.
Alyssa Macaulay is our leading lady. She has just finished writing a thesis on Celtic Warriors and she is plagued by strange dreams of modern day Celtic Warriors. She doesn't know what it means or if it's just her overactive mind. When she meet Rowan she feels a connection although she doesn't know what it is or how getting involved with him will change her life forever.
Rowan is a security guy during the day but at night he becomes a powerful warrior, protecting humans from evil forces and a fight that has been going on for centuries. Rowan however had a problem. Because of a curse on his family centuries before he needs to find his talisman(fated mate) before his 28th birthday else he loses the fight to be a warrior for good.
When he meets Alyssa he knows she's the one but she's going to take some convincing.
This is a story full of adventure and when Alyssa glimpses his world she sees all the paranormal beings that she wasn't even aware existed before. Could she really be Rowan's fated mate? Will she believe in time? Or will Rowan be doomed to return to the druid that cursed his family so long ago?
I can't wait to see how this series carries on
Alyssa Macaulay is our leading lady. She has just finished writing a thesis on Celtic Warriors and she is plagued by strange dreams of modern day Celtic Warriors. She doesn't know what it means or if it's just her overactive mind. When she meet Rowan she feels a connection although she doesn't know what it is or how getting involved with him will change her life forever.
Rowan is a security guy during the day but at night he becomes a powerful warrior, protecting humans from evil forces and a fight that has been going on for centuries. Rowan however had a problem. Because of a curse on his family centuries before he needs to find his talisman(fated mate) before his 28th birthday else he loses the fight to be a warrior for good.
When he meets Alyssa he knows she's the one but she's going to take some convincing.
This is a story full of adventure and when Alyssa glimpses his world she sees all the paranormal beings that she wasn't even aware existed before. Could she really be Rowan's fated mate? Will she believe in time? Or will Rowan be doomed to return to the druid that cursed his family so long ago?
I can't wait to see how this series carries on
February 6, 2023
Rowan has a lot on his plate: security firm by day (truly a cover) but under it all a Warrior fighting against a curse that was placed against his family by the Morrigan.
If Rowan can't find his Talisman (also known as a protector) by his 28th birthday he's left either becoming a slave to the Morrigan or a rogue warrior fighting for his life... and his 28th birthday is quickly approaching.
Alyssa is an overwhelmed graduate student trying to get through her dissertation on Celtic history. She's recently had multiple losses including her fiancée just walking out on her and she's at her wits end, only to come across footprints around her house suggesting she has a intended burgler or stalker. Knowing she needs a security firm she reaches out to Rowans firm but gets so much more than she bargains for... it turns out these two are the answers to one another's needs and they didn't even know it.
Rowan discovers secrets hidden from Alyssa and he also discovers who Alyssa is to him. Can Alyssa take on the role necessary to help break the curse of the Morrigan?
This story is full of adult themes and is spicy 50 shades meets Paranormal themes. There is a ton of dialog in some sections but if you can be patient it absolutely enriches the story but can go on in excess at times. This series will be intense and I'm intrigued for more.
If Rowan can't find his Talisman (also known as a protector) by his 28th birthday he's left either becoming a slave to the Morrigan or a rogue warrior fighting for his life... and his 28th birthday is quickly approaching.
Alyssa is an overwhelmed graduate student trying to get through her dissertation on Celtic history. She's recently had multiple losses including her fiancée just walking out on her and she's at her wits end, only to come across footprints around her house suggesting she has a intended burgler or stalker. Knowing she needs a security firm she reaches out to Rowans firm but gets so much more than she bargains for... it turns out these two are the answers to one another's needs and they didn't even know it.
Rowan discovers secrets hidden from Alyssa and he also discovers who Alyssa is to him. Can Alyssa take on the role necessary to help break the curse of the Morrigan?
This story is full of adult themes and is spicy 50 shades meets Paranormal themes. There is a ton of dialog in some sections but if you can be patient it absolutely enriches the story but can go on in excess at times. This series will be intense and I'm intrigued for more.
February 8, 2023
Being a Greek Mythology lover, I wanted to read this book and find out about Celtic Mythology as it has Celtic Lore within it. This first book did not disappoint with its dashing modern-day warriors and the talisman, women who are fated to love them while giving them the strength to be true warriors. Though these women are not just fated mates, they are smart, strong women in their own right. Our main characters, Rowan and Alyssa, have such chemistry it almost sparks the pages in places. Will these two be able to connect in time so that they might help level the playing field in the war of good versus evil, or will Alyssa have too much trouble grasping the world she is learning that she is a part of? As time ticks down thanks to a curse by a hateful Goddess, we watch these two face granderous obstacles as Alyssa learns and comes to terms with the knowledge of her family history.
Tam DeRudder Jackson has written a paranormal adventure that has such descriptive details that I can visualize so much of this book. This is the first book I've read by her, but I can't wait to read more about these modern-day warriors and the Gods they battle.
Tam DeRudder Jackson has written a paranormal adventure that has such descriptive details that I can visualize so much of this book. This is the first book I've read by her, but I can't wait to read more about these modern-day warriors and the Gods they battle.
March 12, 2023
What attracted me to this first was the Celtic origins/theme because I’ve Welsh blood pumping through my veins 🏴❣️then there’s the cover 🙈🔥what a delectable combination 😉
I started reading , stopped and redefined the meaning I’df a Talisman and the started reading again and call me strange if you like but it took on a whole different dimension for me ❣️📚
So a talisman is a trinket or piece of jewellery thought to be protection against evil . Rowan needs to find his by his 28th birthday or our time and space bending warrior might face death or a fate far worse 🙈
Alyssa was raised be her grandmother from a young age after loosing her parents and she has no knowledge of her heritage which is both a good and a bad thing but it would’ve really helped if she knew because when she’s thrown into the deep end she has limited time to catch up , it’s her and Rowan against the world , well the fate of mankind sort of depends on them #nopressure#
When their paths cross I think Alyssa just assumed Rowan was trying to get into her dress but soon enough things get very real , dangerous , romantic , twisted and spicy . A read with a difference that I didn’t know I needed ❣️📚
I started reading , stopped and redefined the meaning I’df a Talisman and the started reading again and call me strange if you like but it took on a whole different dimension for me ❣️📚
So a talisman is a trinket or piece of jewellery thought to be protection against evil . Rowan needs to find his by his 28th birthday or our time and space bending warrior might face death or a fate far worse 🙈
Alyssa was raised be her grandmother from a young age after loosing her parents and she has no knowledge of her heritage which is both a good and a bad thing but it would’ve really helped if she knew because when she’s thrown into the deep end she has limited time to catch up , it’s her and Rowan against the world , well the fate of mankind sort of depends on them #nopressure#
When their paths cross I think Alyssa just assumed Rowan was trying to get into her dress but soon enough things get very real , dangerous , romantic , twisted and spicy . A read with a difference that I didn’t know I needed ❣️📚
September 10, 2021
Talisman is my first in the paranormal romance series based on Celtic mythology about modern-day warriors—I loved this book. The descriptive scenes and settings come alive on the page, as does the passionate, fated union between the warrior Rowan and his Talisman Alyssa. And like most warrior stories, you know or at least presume there will be a happy and victorious ending. Yet, the author keeps the excitement and adventure riding high to the point you're not sure the story will end well and if Rowan and Alyssa's magical bond will keep them alive. There are evil goddesses out for revenge and an ever-powerful team of warriors, talismans, and druids, out to reverse a century-old curse that will otherwise continue to haunt them for near eternity. The stakes are high, and with the main characters so well developed, you'll be cheering them on during their battles with rogues, zombies, and mythical monsters and praying the power of love conquers all. Page after page, I was thoroughly entertained, intrigued, and captivated by this action-packed tale—a must-read.
January 19, 2023
This book is the first in the series and will have you wanting to finish it in one sitting. This book takes you on so many twists and turns that you won't even know what to think or what to feel. This book is well written to where you will feel the same feeling that the characters are feeling. It is an absolute page turner. The steam in the story is really tastefully done that it fits in with the story line. The steam seems valid like you can actually picture it happening the way that it does between the characters. There is a lot of dialogue with the characters in this book but it doesn't feel overdone it gives you, the reader, further insight to what is going on and help builds for the action pact sequences that follow. There is a bit of everything in this book that will appeal to all readers. You have your paranormal elements, action packed scenes, steam from a budding romance, and characters that are handling major things and still coming into their own. It is an easy read and you will constantly keep turning the pages just to see how things are going to end up.
August 21, 2020
This book.... I should love this book. The idea behind this series sounds like it should be right up my alley. Hot badass warriors, women mated for them under the description of talismans. So cool. Right??
Then why oh why did I find myself not wanting to read it 🤦🏻♀️
First off, I blame the main female character. I’m not a big fan of the naive, woe is me, weak female characters... and this was Alyssa... Big time. She annoyed me to no end. I hate the way she reacted to stuff. Made me want to roll my eyes repeatedly. I’m more for the bad ass, kicks ass, knows she’s gonna f$*# shit up women. The others tend to bore me.
I also found a lot of dialogue in this book with not a lot of action. I mean adventurous action. Not “action” action. If you get my drift. There was definitely that.
This was just not for me.
I do have a NetGalley copy of the 5th book in this series, so I think I might have to give it a go to see if it really was Alyssa that made me dislike this book.
Then why oh why did I find myself not wanting to read it 🤦🏻♀️
First off, I blame the main female character. I’m not a big fan of the naive, woe is me, weak female characters... and this was Alyssa... Big time. She annoyed me to no end. I hate the way she reacted to stuff. Made me want to roll my eyes repeatedly. I’m more for the bad ass, kicks ass, knows she’s gonna f$*# shit up women. The others tend to bore me.
I also found a lot of dialogue in this book with not a lot of action. I mean adventurous action. Not “action” action. If you get my drift. There was definitely that.
This was just not for me.
I do have a NetGalley copy of the 5th book in this series, so I think I might have to give it a go to see if it really was Alyssa that made me dislike this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews