What do you think?
Rate this book
Heirs of Magic #1
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince
Follows The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon in the UNDER A WINTER SKY fantasy holiday anthology.
A Legacy of Honor
Crown Prince Astar has only ever wanted to do the right thing: be a credit to his late-father’s legacy, live up to his duties as heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, and cleave to the principles of honor and integrity that give his life structure—and that contain the ferocious grizzly bear inside. Nowhere in those guiding principles is there room for the fierce-hearted, wildly free-spirited, and dizzyingly beautiful shapeshifter, Zephyr. Still, even though they’ve been friends most of their lives, Astar is able to keep Zephyr safely at arm’s length. He’s already received a list of potential princess brides who will make a suitable queen, and Zephyr is not on it.
A Longtime Obsession
Zeph has wanted the gorgeous, charming, and too-good-for-his-own-good Astar for as long as she can remember. Not that her longing for him—and his perfectly sculpted and muscular body—has stopped her from enjoying any number of lovers. Astar might be honorably (and foolishly) intent on remaining chaste until marriage, but Zeph is Tala and they have no such rules. Still, she loves Astar—as a friend—and she wants him to at least taste life before he chains himself to a wife he didn’t choose. There’s no harm in him having a bit of fun with her. But the man remains stubbornly elusive, staving off all of her advances with infuriatingly noble refusals.
A Quest to Save the World
But things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Following prophecy, Astar and Zeph—along with a mismatched group of shapeshifter, warrior, and sorceress friends—go on a quest to stop a magic rift before it grows beyond anyone’s ability to stop. Thrust together with Zephyr, Astar finds himself increasingly unable to resist her seductive invitations. And, in the face of life and death battles with lethal monsters, he begins to lose sight of why having her, just once, is such a terrible idea
A Legacy of Honor
Crown Prince Astar has only ever wanted to do the right thing: be a credit to his late-father’s legacy, live up to his duties as heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, and cleave to the principles of honor and integrity that give his life structure—and that contain the ferocious grizzly bear inside. Nowhere in those guiding principles is there room for the fierce-hearted, wildly free-spirited, and dizzyingly beautiful shapeshifter, Zephyr. Still, even though they’ve been friends most of their lives, Astar is able to keep Zephyr safely at arm’s length. He’s already received a list of potential princess brides who will make a suitable queen, and Zephyr is not on it.
A Longtime Obsession
Zeph has wanted the gorgeous, charming, and too-good-for-his-own-good Astar for as long as she can remember. Not that her longing for him—and his perfectly sculpted and muscular body—has stopped her from enjoying any number of lovers. Astar might be honorably (and foolishly) intent on remaining chaste until marriage, but Zeph is Tala and they have no such rules. Still, she loves Astar—as a friend—and she wants him to at least taste life before he chains himself to a wife he didn’t choose. There’s no harm in him having a bit of fun with her. But the man remains stubbornly elusive, staving off all of her advances with infuriatingly noble refusals.
A Quest to Save the World
But things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Following prophecy, Astar and Zeph—along with a mismatched group of shapeshifter, warrior, and sorceress friends—go on a quest to stop a magic rift before it grows beyond anyone’s ability to stop. Thrust together with Zephyr, Astar finds himself increasingly unable to resist her seductive invitations. And, in the face of life and death battles with lethal monsters, he begins to lose sight of why having her, just once, is such a terrible idea
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2021
186 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
98 books1,338 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
dnf
March 20, 2021Alas, I will give up. I can't connect.
Is it cos I read about their parents?
Is it cos these 7 people are thrown at me, maybe it should have been 1 at a time.
Is it cos 25 year olds act like 15 year olds
Or that the heroine is rapey? Like omg, if he does not want it then stand down!
I will stick with their parents.
Is it cos I read about their parents?
Is it cos these 7 people are thrown at me, maybe it should have been 1 at a time.
Is it cos 25 year olds act like 15 year olds
Or that the heroine is rapey? Like omg, if he does not want it then stand down!
I will stick with their parents.
April 8, 2021
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I’ve always had a good time with Jeffe Kennedy’s novels, even though it’s been a long time since I’ve read one. She’s back with a brand new series in the world of the Thirteen Kingdoms.
Zephyr has always loved Astar. But he’s heir to the throne and he’s determined to do the right thing. That means staying a virgin until marriage, marrying the suitable woman his mother will choose for him and above all, behaving perfectly. It is not easy to follow this line when Zephyr is trying to seduce him and has secretly loved him since childhood.
Also when they learn that they have to go on a mission with some of their friends, she finally sees an opportunity with Astar or to abandon her hunt for good.
I had a hard time getting into the story, but little by little I started to get a little more interested in the characters and what they would become. Zephyr is a dynamic and fresh character and it was nice to see someone who didn’t care about the rules for once. Besides, she’s going to introduce Astar to a whole new world.
Yes, it turned out to be a very nice novel and I was thrilled to find the author’s pen again.
My English review
I’ve always had a good time with Jeffe Kennedy’s novels, even though it’s been a long time since I’ve read one. She’s back with a brand new series in the world of the Thirteen Kingdoms.
Zephyr has always loved Astar. But he’s heir to the throne and he’s determined to do the right thing. That means staying a virgin until marriage, marrying the suitable woman his mother will choose for him and above all, behaving perfectly. It is not easy to follow this line when Zephyr is trying to seduce him and has secretly loved him since childhood.
Also when they learn that they have to go on a mission with some of their friends, she finally sees an opportunity with Astar or to abandon her hunt for good.
I had a hard time getting into the story, but little by little I started to get a little more interested in the characters and what they would become. Zephyr is a dynamic and fresh character and it was nice to see someone who didn’t care about the rules for once. Besides, she’s going to introduce Astar to a whole new world.
Yes, it turned out to be a very nice novel and I was thrilled to find the author’s pen again.
January 7, 2021
So good!!!
January 21, 2021
Rated 4.5 Stars
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince was an utter delight to read. The world building was superb. I loved getting to explore new territories in this one, new parts of a world that I’m already familiar with. I loved it. There’s action, politics, an intriguing conundrum and so much. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book, it’s a great start to what I’m sure will be a truly wonderful series.
Copy provided by author
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince was an utter delight to read. The world building was superb. I loved getting to explore new territories in this one, new parts of a world that I’m already familiar with. I loved it. There’s action, politics, an intriguing conundrum and so much. I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book, it’s a great start to what I’m sure will be a truly wonderful series.
Copy provided by author
February 14, 2021
Jeffe Kennedy has this knack of writing her books that tend to bore/frustrate me to the point I think I am not going to finish the story but somehow feel myself drawn back in and suddenly everything is interesting, exciting and romantic and I don't want it to end. This story did it in spades, I was bored in the first few chapters, then frustrated as it became more of an erotic and less about the main plot I felt. Somewhere shortly after this we were suddenly back to life and death and adventure and excitement. I was reading wondering what was next and really getting into it and turned the page and it said ...... THE END . Now I have to wait until 19 April to get back to the story, evil authors. So 4 Stars for a book that provided a lot of background we did not have and dragged me into a story that is now an addiction that I must satisfy at the earliest moment (that would be 19 April 2021 it seems)
January 11, 2022
This story has multiple points-of-views but there are two main love interests. Unfortunately, their tiresome angst is the majority of the plot. Astar and Zephyr were not compelling enough to carry "The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince."
library eloan
library eloan
January 25, 2021
And the new series with its amazing characters has truly began ! Now I start my review with this odd sentence because there is a prequel story of sorts in the Under a Winter Sky anthology although I don't think it
necessary to have read it before this book. Essentially we have the heirs to the magical thirteen kingdoms grown up and these seven cousins and friends are told danger and chaos is coming . Foresight and magic shows that perhaps only they can prevent the horrors foretold. Their simple plan is to travel the kingdom's looking for anomalies whilst keeping suspicions at bay by pretending to be enjoying carefree pastimes and hopefully keep the peace. Plus Astar as the next high king could check out potential brides although as much as he's loyal to the crown he's also a Bear Shifter that really needs his Mate !
I loved the books before this new series although admit it's taking me a while to sort out who is related to who but it's so worth it. This story focuses on the relationship that exists between Astar, the oh so staunchly dedicated Prince and Zephyr the Tala who doesn't believe in monogamy . She's determined to show Astar that passion can be fun but he's just as determined to save himself for his bride !
Each of these seven characters are such fun and it will be interesting discovering their secrets as the series progresses. Yes this is the romance of Astar and Zephyr but the author still gives snippets along the way to keep the reader guessing what could happen next. This has certainly set up quite nicely with a very unusual nemesis to tackle although exactly who or what their foe is I confess I am still very much in the dark. I look forward to unravelling more of the mystery in the next book.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
necessary to have read it before this book. Essentially we have the heirs to the magical thirteen kingdoms grown up and these seven cousins and friends are told danger and chaos is coming . Foresight and magic shows that perhaps only they can prevent the horrors foretold. Their simple plan is to travel the kingdom's looking for anomalies whilst keeping suspicions at bay by pretending to be enjoying carefree pastimes and hopefully keep the peace. Plus Astar as the next high king could check out potential brides although as much as he's loyal to the crown he's also a Bear Shifter that really needs his Mate !
I loved the books before this new series although admit it's taking me a while to sort out who is related to who but it's so worth it. This story focuses on the relationship that exists between Astar, the oh so staunchly dedicated Prince and Zephyr the Tala who doesn't believe in monogamy . She's determined to show Astar that passion can be fun but he's just as determined to save himself for his bride !
Each of these seven characters are such fun and it will be interesting discovering their secrets as the series progresses. Yes this is the romance of Astar and Zephyr but the author still gives snippets along the way to keep the reader guessing what could happen next. This has certainly set up quite nicely with a very unusual nemesis to tackle although exactly who or what their foe is I confess I am still very much in the dark. I look forward to unravelling more of the mystery in the next book.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
August 14, 2021
Having thoroughly enjoyed The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms, there was no doubt that I'd be picking up the first in the next spinoff series Heirs of Magic, featuring the children, now grown up and in their early twenties, of the original characters. While this book definitely had more of a 'new adult' feel to it because of the age of the characters and their relationships, the classic thorough worldbuilding I've come to expect by this author was definitely present and richly detailed, spinning another engaging and magical tale. This book focuses on Astar (son of Amelia and Hugh) and Zephyr (daughter of Zyr and Karyn) but the group of 7 friends goes off on an adventure together, even if the romance part is all about Astar and Zyr. You don't have to have read the previous series to get into this one (though I highly recommend them) as the author gives enough detail for a newcomer to dive in. Part romance, part friendships, part adventure, part mystery - it all adds up to a page turning read and I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author.
January 26, 2021
After reading the Under a Winter Sky anthology, I saw this new series featuring the next generation. I definitely wanted to read it. I forgot that the Bear Prince is actually Astar, whilst I wanted to read more about Rhy and Lena. Still, I like this magical world and dove right into the book . . . and hit a wall. The first 25% of the book, I started to think I made a mistake and shouldn't have picked this book up. I am a fan of Ms. Kennedy and I didn't want to give this a rating lower than 3 star. I especially did not want to mark this as not rate-able with a DNF flag. So I pressed on.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
Read
November 21, 2021Really though. That cover tells you just about everything you need to know in a too-loud, inebriated shoutwhisper whilst being shushed by its soberer friends. I ignored the warning signs because shifters but then I DNFed so learn from my mistakes if you will.
January 23, 2021
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Crown Prince Astar is the son of Princess Amelia and the late Prince of Avonlidgh. He is the heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms. Astar is also a quarter Tala, a shapeshifter. His royal aunt tasks him and his friends to investigate a strange, magical phenomenon. The quest promises to test not only Astar’s leadership capabilities but his ability to resist Zephyr’s allure. What dangers await Astar and his friends? Will he finally capitulate to Zephyr?
Zephyr is half-Dasnarian and half-Tala. Her first form is a golden gryphon. Zephyr has always wanted to free Astar from his rigid restraints and principals. She intends to have her way on their quest, even against their friends’ reservations. However, danger grants Zephyr’s fervent wish but at a high cost. Can Zephyr convince Astar to embrace his Tala side? Will she abandon her carefree nature to be the queen he needs? Or will Zephyr be forced to give Astar up?
Astar is a man who likes to adhere to honor and principles. Everything he does is for the good of the Thirteen Kingdoms. I adore the fact that Astar does not behave arrogant or pompous. He treats everyone with courtesy and politeness. I admire how Astar aspires to be like his late father. He never got the chance to know him, and he grew up on tales about him. What I like the most about Astar is his closeness to his friends. He knows each one’s quirks and eccentricities. However, when they fight and bicker, he never chooses one over the other.
Zephyr is Astar’s perfect opposite. She is a carefree and spirited woman, who marches to her on tune. I admire Zephyr’s relentless persistence towards Astar. Part of it is selfish desire; however, she also wants to help him from cracking beneath the heavy pressure of responsibility. What I adore the most about Zephyr is how she is not impressed by prestige or power. She cares only for the person within and not his fancy title.
THE GOLDEN GRYPHON AND THE BEAR PRINCE is book one in Jeffe Kennedy’s brand-new fantasy romance series, HEIRS OF MAGIC, a spinoff from her two series, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS and THE UNCHARTED REALMS. The story can stand alone. However, I highly suggest reading the previous series to understand the world and the trail it underwent to reach its current point. Beloved characters from the prior books make appearances throughout the story. It is nice to see how their lives turned out.
THE GOLDEN GRYPHON AND THE BEAR PRINCE is a fascinating fantasy tale of how two people manage to overcome opposition and danger to be together. I am so happy the author returned to this wonderful world of hers. I hope Jak and Stella’s book is next!
Crown Prince Astar is the son of Princess Amelia and the late Prince of Avonlidgh. He is the heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms. Astar is also a quarter Tala, a shapeshifter. His royal aunt tasks him and his friends to investigate a strange, magical phenomenon. The quest promises to test not only Astar’s leadership capabilities but his ability to resist Zephyr’s allure. What dangers await Astar and his friends? Will he finally capitulate to Zephyr?
Zephyr is half-Dasnarian and half-Tala. Her first form is a golden gryphon. Zephyr has always wanted to free Astar from his rigid restraints and principals. She intends to have her way on their quest, even against their friends’ reservations. However, danger grants Zephyr’s fervent wish but at a high cost. Can Zephyr convince Astar to embrace his Tala side? Will she abandon her carefree nature to be the queen he needs? Or will Zephyr be forced to give Astar up?
Astar is a man who likes to adhere to honor and principles. Everything he does is for the good of the Thirteen Kingdoms. I adore the fact that Astar does not behave arrogant or pompous. He treats everyone with courtesy and politeness. I admire how Astar aspires to be like his late father. He never got the chance to know him, and he grew up on tales about him. What I like the most about Astar is his closeness to his friends. He knows each one’s quirks and eccentricities. However, when they fight and bicker, he never chooses one over the other.
Zephyr is Astar’s perfect opposite. She is a carefree and spirited woman, who marches to her on tune. I admire Zephyr’s relentless persistence towards Astar. Part of it is selfish desire; however, she also wants to help him from cracking beneath the heavy pressure of responsibility. What I adore the most about Zephyr is how she is not impressed by prestige or power. She cares only for the person within and not his fancy title.
THE GOLDEN GRYPHON AND THE BEAR PRINCE is book one in Jeffe Kennedy’s brand-new fantasy romance series, HEIRS OF MAGIC, a spinoff from her two series, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS and THE UNCHARTED REALMS. The story can stand alone. However, I highly suggest reading the previous series to understand the world and the trail it underwent to reach its current point. Beloved characters from the prior books make appearances throughout the story. It is nice to see how their lives turned out.
THE GOLDEN GRYPHON AND THE BEAR PRINCE is a fascinating fantasy tale of how two people manage to overcome opposition and danger to be together. I am so happy the author returned to this wonderful world of hers. I hope Jak and Stella’s book is next!
January 21, 2021
I received an ARC of this book I exchange of an honest review.
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince is the spectacular first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s new series Heirs of Magic.
Crown Prince Astar has only ever wanted to do the right thing: be a credit to his late-father’s legacy, live up to his duties as heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, and cleave to the principles of honor and integrity that give his life structure—and that contain the ferocious grizzly bear inside. Nowhere in those guiding principles is there room for the fierce-hearted, wildly free-spirited, and dizzyingly beautiful shapeshifter, Zephyr. They’ve been friends most of their lives and Astar is able to keep Zephyr safely at arm’s length. He’s already received a list of potential princess brides who will make a suitable queen, and Zephyr is not on it.
Zephyr has wanted the gorgeous, charming, and too-good-for-his-own-good Astar for as long as she can remember. Not that her longing for him—and his perfectly sculpted and muscular body—has stopped her from enjoying any number of lovers. Astar might be honourably (and foolishly) intent on remaining chaste until marriage, but Zeph is Tala and they have no such rules, and she wants him to at least taste life before he chains himself to a wife he didn’t choose.
But things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Astar and Zeph—along with their mismatched group of friends— follow a prophecy & embark on a quest to stop a magic rift before it grows beyond anyone’s ability to stop. And, in the face of life and death battles with lethal monsters, Astar begins to lose sight of why having Zephyr, even just once, is such a terrible idea.
Heirs of Magic is a new spin off series set in Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms Universe, set about twenty-five years after the events of The Fate of The Tala - the last book in The Uncharted Realms Series.
I was so excited when I found out that Jeffe Kennedy was writing more books set in this world and after reading the prequel novella, The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon in the Under A Winter Sky anthology I was dying to read more.
I loved this book so much that I was almost heartbroken when I finished it. I was nowhere near ready to leave this brilliant & vivid world, or these charismatic characters behind, even if it is only until the next book releases.
The plot was original and fresh. Normally when I read a book, I will have some idea of how I think it’s going to end, if not figure it out entirely. But with The Golden Gyrphon and the Bear Prince I was in the same boat as the characters in that I didn’t know what was going to happen or what they were going to face and it really allowed me to completely immerse myself in the story.
I was thrilled to get to see the characters from the other series and that we got to explore more of the incredible world Jeffe Kennedy has created.
Zephyr is such a strong and multi-faceted character & I liked that she didn’t fall into the category of ‘strong female character = tomboy who rejects anything traditionally feminine’ which we see so frequently in media. Not that that trope is inherently bad – it’s not – but it does seem to be the default for the way a lot of female characters are written, and it’s nice to have variety. Which is another thing I love about Jeffe Kennedy’s books; all her female characters are complex and each one feels completely new & independent from the others with so many different personality types and ways of being strong.
I loved how unapologetic & confident she was, particularly when it came to her love for sex & it was so refreshing to see that in a female character. I also liked that we still got to see her vulnerability and that she still felt self-conscious & unsure at times in the same way the most confident person on earth would still have moments of self-doubt.
Astar has been raised to become the next High King, and one who will do what’s best for his people. He values honour, integrity, and duty, and we can see through his point of view the pressure he puts on himself to live up to both his father’s reputation and his duty as heir to the High Throne. A lot of Astar’s character arc is learning – with help from Zephyr – to let go, relax, and realise that he doesn’t have to sacrifice everything in order to be the honourable High King he aims to be.
I loved how much depth Astar had to him, and that his character subverted a lot of the typical (often toxic) characteristics that we frequently see used for the hero. I loved that it showed him feeling vulnerable, nervous, and worried about embarrassing himself at times – particularly when he was about to have sex for the first time. It was such a normal way for someone to feel in that moment, but it’s not something that seems to get applied often to male characters.
I also really liked the importance that Astar puts on consent, and ongoing consent. There is a scene where Zephyr and Astar have discussed and established that they are going to have sex and he regularly checks in to make sure she is ok with what’s happening. Zephyr does end up saying that he doesn’t need to keep asking because she is comfortable communicating with him what she does and doesn’t like.
I am also dying for Rhyian and Selena’s book. I loved them in the prequel novella, and somehow loved them even more during The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince. I’m so fascinated by their characters & the dynamic (and the angst) between them.
I’m really interested to see how Rhyian’s character arc is going to develop, he appears to let his fear & uncertainty dominate his life and presents himself as nothing more than a lazy, self-interested slacker as a way to protect himself. He does seem to have a developed a lot of bad habits because of this that he’s going to have to unlearn, and I’m eager to see his development & growth over the course of the series because I have a feeling it’s going to be a fantastic evolution.
One of my favourite scenes in The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince is a conversation between Astar and Rhyian. I loved that Astar calls him out on his behaviour towards Selena and challenges him to do better, that pushing Lena isn’t going to help his cause and that he needs to put her needs and wants ahead of his own. I just loved everything about that scene and I can’t think of any other book that I’ve read that has had two men have that sort of discussion.
The Golden Gryphon and The Bear Prince is a fantastic start to what I know will be a sensational series. While it does spin off from The Twelve Kingdoms series and The Uncharted Realms series, you will be able to read it without having read either or both of those. However, I do highly recommend checking them out, both series are two of my all-time favourites and will add so much more enjoyment to this fabulous story.
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince is due for release on January 25th. The prequel novella, The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, can be found in the anthology; Under a Winter Sky and is currently available for purchase.
Connect With Me:
Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Blog
“I wouldn’t have advised Her Majesty to send the seven of you on this quest, if I didn’t believe that you are our one chance to avert a cataclysm that will eventually tear our world stone from stone, until nothing remains.”
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince is the spectacular first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s new series Heirs of Magic.
Crown Prince Astar has only ever wanted to do the right thing: be a credit to his late-father’s legacy, live up to his duties as heir to the High Throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, and cleave to the principles of honor and integrity that give his life structure—and that contain the ferocious grizzly bear inside. Nowhere in those guiding principles is there room for the fierce-hearted, wildly free-spirited, and dizzyingly beautiful shapeshifter, Zephyr. They’ve been friends most of their lives and Astar is able to keep Zephyr safely at arm’s length. He’s already received a list of potential princess brides who will make a suitable queen, and Zephyr is not on it.
Zephyr has wanted the gorgeous, charming, and too-good-for-his-own-good Astar for as long as she can remember. Not that her longing for him—and his perfectly sculpted and muscular body—has stopped her from enjoying any number of lovers. Astar might be honourably (and foolishly) intent on remaining chaste until marriage, but Zeph is Tala and they have no such rules, and she wants him to at least taste life before he chains himself to a wife he didn’t choose.
But things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Astar and Zeph—along with their mismatched group of friends— follow a prophecy & embark on a quest to stop a magic rift before it grows beyond anyone’s ability to stop. And, in the face of life and death battles with lethal monsters, Astar begins to lose sight of why having Zephyr, even just once, is such a terrible idea.
“You are a force of nature, maybe the one person I know who is fully herself. You are the fresh air that blows into my life and makes me realize how stuffy I’ve let it become. Please don’t change because you think it’s something I want. I don’t. You are perfect exactly the way you are.”
Heirs of Magic is a new spin off series set in Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms Universe, set about twenty-five years after the events of The Fate of The Tala - the last book in The Uncharted Realms Series.
I was so excited when I found out that Jeffe Kennedy was writing more books set in this world and after reading the prequel novella, The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon in the Under A Winter Sky anthology I was dying to read more.
I loved this book so much that I was almost heartbroken when I finished it. I was nowhere near ready to leave this brilliant & vivid world, or these charismatic characters behind, even if it is only until the next book releases.
The plot was original and fresh. Normally when I read a book, I will have some idea of how I think it’s going to end, if not figure it out entirely. But with The Golden Gyrphon and the Bear Prince I was in the same boat as the characters in that I didn’t know what was going to happen or what they were going to face and it really allowed me to completely immerse myself in the story.
I was thrilled to get to see the characters from the other series and that we got to explore more of the incredible world Jeffe Kennedy has created.
Zephyr is such a strong and multi-faceted character & I liked that she didn’t fall into the category of ‘strong female character = tomboy who rejects anything traditionally feminine’ which we see so frequently in media. Not that that trope is inherently bad – it’s not – but it does seem to be the default for the way a lot of female characters are written, and it’s nice to have variety. Which is another thing I love about Jeffe Kennedy’s books; all her female characters are complex and each one feels completely new & independent from the others with so many different personality types and ways of being strong.
I loved how unapologetic & confident she was, particularly when it came to her love for sex & it was so refreshing to see that in a female character. I also liked that we still got to see her vulnerability and that she still felt self-conscious & unsure at times in the same way the most confident person on earth would still have moments of self-doubt.
Astar has been raised to become the next High King, and one who will do what’s best for his people. He values honour, integrity, and duty, and we can see through his point of view the pressure he puts on himself to live up to both his father’s reputation and his duty as heir to the High Throne. A lot of Astar’s character arc is learning – with help from Zephyr – to let go, relax, and realise that he doesn’t have to sacrifice everything in order to be the honourable High King he aims to be.
“No, Astar,” she hissed, dropping her façade and letting her fury shine bright, all gríobhth now. “You want to save yourself pain, because you’re afraid. You’re terrified of who you might be if you let go even a smidge. You call it honor, but that’s a shield you’re hiding behind. Your First Form is a grizzly bear for Moranu’s sake, not a mouse. But you’re so locked down, so determined to be a mossback prince in every way, that you stop yourself from embracing the ferocity of your nature—or of taking on any other form.”
I loved how much depth Astar had to him, and that his character subverted a lot of the typical (often toxic) characteristics that we frequently see used for the hero. I loved that it showed him feeling vulnerable, nervous, and worried about embarrassing himself at times – particularly when he was about to have sex for the first time. It was such a normal way for someone to feel in that moment, but it’s not something that seems to get applied often to male characters.
“There’s no wrong way to do this, as long as we’re both willing. Forget your rules and however you think you might be judged or found wanting. I want to please you. That’s all this is.”
I also really liked the importance that Astar puts on consent, and ongoing consent. There is a scene where Zephyr and Astar have discussed and established that they are going to have sex and he regularly checks in to make sure she is ok with what’s happening. Zephyr does end up saying that he doesn’t need to keep asking because she is comfortable communicating with him what she does and doesn’t like.
I am also dying for Rhyian and Selena’s book. I loved them in the prequel novella, and somehow loved them even more during The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince. I’m so fascinated by their characters & the dynamic (and the angst) between them.
“We can’t change the past, Salena,” he gritted out, “but we can change the future.”
“That’s exactly right,” she retorted, planting her palms on the table. “And my future has no place for you. If I could excise you from my past, I would.”
I’m really interested to see how Rhyian’s character arc is going to develop, he appears to let his fear & uncertainty dominate his life and presents himself as nothing more than a lazy, self-interested slacker as a way to protect himself. He does seem to have a developed a lot of bad habits because of this that he’s going to have to unlearn, and I’m eager to see his development & growth over the course of the series because I have a feeling it’s going to be a fantastic evolution.
One of my favourite scenes in The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince is a conversation between Astar and Rhyian. I loved that Astar calls him out on his behaviour towards Selena and challenges him to do better, that pushing Lena isn’t going to help his cause and that he needs to put her needs and wants ahead of his own. I just loved everything about that scene and I can’t think of any other book that I’ve read that has had two men have that sort of discussion.
“I can’t prove myself to Salena if I’m not here,” Rhy growled in frustration.
“Then go and come back. Prove that you can do something against your self-interest,” Astar growled back, then relented, softening his tone. “You broke more than Lena’s heart all those years ago, Rhy. You broke her trust. That’s what you should be trying to fix.”
Rhy threw up his hands. “And how in Moranu am I supposed to do that?”
“By demonstrating your trustworthiness.”
The Golden Gryphon and The Bear Prince is a fantastic start to what I know will be a sensational series. While it does spin off from The Twelve Kingdoms series and The Uncharted Realms series, you will be able to read it without having read either or both of those. However, I do highly recommend checking them out, both series are two of my all-time favourites and will add so much more enjoyment to this fabulous story.
The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince is due for release on January 25th. The prequel novella, The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, can be found in the anthology; Under a Winter Sky and is currently available for purchase.
Connect With Me:
Tumblr | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Blog
January 30, 2021
Originally published at Reading Reality
Once upon a time, there was a marvelous epic fantasy romance series that is both epic fantasy and contains a romance in each story, titled The Twelve Kingdoms. It begins with The Mark of the Tala, and if you love fantasy romance, or if you love epic fantasy and don’t mind if romance happens within it, start there and be prepared for an utterly marvelous reading binge.
That series, with its sequelae and spin offs that spun back in, tells a story of the fall and rise of kingdoms, the creation of an empire, a war between magic and sorcery, and the triumph of good over evil.
But what happens after their richly deserved happily ever after? That’s the story that began with the novella The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, in the Under a Winter Sky collection.
And the book we have here, The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince, picks up right where the cliffhanger at the end of Long Night left us. Welcome to The Twelve Kingdoms: The Next Generation.
I am so here for this!
This is a story about the heirs to the kingdoms that were established in the earlier series. And it’s so different but every bit as fascinating.
Part of what makes it so different is that it is the next generation. (Sorry to keep punning on that, but it’s just so true!) In the original series, all of the protagonists, but especially the three princesses of the Twelve Kingdoms, had all been raised in constant strife. Not with each other, but with their father the king.
Because the late King Uorsin was insane, driven mad by grief and sorcery. Growing up in his household was like growing up in an armed camp, always at war or at least on the verge of it. It made his daughters grow up hard and early, and their maturity for their ages was reflected in their stories and how they saw their world.
The time preceding this new story, however, was a time of peace and prosperity. Not that High Queen Ursula and her allies haven’t always been keeping a weather eye on the world around them, but there hasn’t been a war since their last enemy was defeated.
Also Queen Ursula is quite sane. That helps a lot – especially in comparison.
But as the story picks up, her heir and all of his generation have known nothing but peace during their lifetimes. Even though all of them seem to be 20 or thereabouts and considered adults, they’ve been allowed to BE children, to be foolish and more than a bit irresponsible, for most of their lives.
A situation that has just changed. Dramatically, drastically and unpredictably.
The children are sent out as ambassadors, envoys and spies in order to discover what has gone wrong in the northern reaches of the empire and see if they can fix it or at least figure it out before it overwhelms the land they will one day inherit.
They have an important and potentially terrible job to do. But the first thing they ALL need to do will be the most difficult task of all.
They have to grow up. A task that will turn out to be every bit as hard and fast as it was for their parents. If they survive it.
Escape Rating A-: First of all, let me just say that this entire series, from its beginning with The Mark of the Tala, through all of its various subseries, right on through the conclusion of the entire original series in The Lost Princess Returns, is absolutely, completely, utterly, awesomesauce, wonderful and epic.
It’s also a lot for new readers to get into. But if you love fantasy romance or epic fantasy with romance it is so worth it. While you wouldn’t need to read every single story to get up to speed for Golden Gryphon, you would need to read the main arcs of The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms for this story to have the resonance it should.
That being said, the story we have in this one combines, on the one hand, two themes into a single whole, while setting up the rest of the series. On the other hand, this is also the first of the four romances that are going to provide the individual happy for now stories that power each individual book.
Let me explain.
This is, first of all, a coming of age story, for all of the protagonists. They are all technically adults, but one thing that peacetime allows that the warfare their parents grew up under does not is the ability for children to not just have an actual childhood but for some of the irresponsibility of that childhood to extend into early adulthood.
Up until this crisis, two of Prince Astar’s companions and friends, Zephyr and Rhyllian, could both be seen as “failures to launch” into adulthood. By culture, by nurture, by inclination, both of them live very much in the “now” and let tomorrow worry about itself, if at all. Their irresponsibility and naivete reminded me a lot of Princess Ami in her original series entry The Tears of the Rose. I have to say that the new kids are, for the most part maturing quicker than Ami seemed to do, and that’s an excellent thing.
Both Zephyr and Rhy are in love, not with each other – because that would be hilarious and awful at the same time – but with people who are their opposites. People who are responsible, have responsibilities, take those responsibilities seriously, and worry about the present and the future ALL THE TIME.
So Zephyr (the Golden Gryphon) is in hot pursuit of Prince Astar (the Bear Prince), a pursuit that he has resisted at every turn. At least so far. His approach to responsibility and authority is the direct opposite to hers. Also he knows himself better than she knows herself at the beginning of the story.
He knows if they have an affair that he’ll never want to let her go. And he knows that she is not suitable High Queen material because of her unwillingness to act responsibly or take much of anything seriously.
And of course in the face of the impending crisis all of their plans go completely pear-shaped.
A part of me wants to say that there’s a disturbance in the Force, because it does have that air to it. What is happening is a disturbance to magic that is causing parallel worlds to invade each other with disastrous results. As the story kicks off, the list of things that might go wrong is long and growing and potentially catastrophic.
And general panic-inducing if it becomes common knowledge.
So this group of heirs and friends are sent out to look like a bunch of spoiled noble youngsters in order to see if they can figure out what’s going on, or going wrong, and how to stop it – without alerting the people they’re visiting and observing that there is a serious purpose behind the visits.
No pressure.
This is a journey that is just beginning. A beginning that uncovers big problems, makes big changes, but is only the start. A fantastic one.
I’m already on tenterhooks for the next book in the series, The Sorceress Queen and the Pirate Rogue, coming in mid-April.
Once upon a time, there was a marvelous epic fantasy romance series that is both epic fantasy and contains a romance in each story, titled The Twelve Kingdoms. It begins with The Mark of the Tala, and if you love fantasy romance, or if you love epic fantasy and don’t mind if romance happens within it, start there and be prepared for an utterly marvelous reading binge.
That series, with its sequelae and spin offs that spun back in, tells a story of the fall and rise of kingdoms, the creation of an empire, a war between magic and sorcery, and the triumph of good over evil.
But what happens after their richly deserved happily ever after? That’s the story that began with the novella The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, in the Under a Winter Sky collection.
And the book we have here, The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince, picks up right where the cliffhanger at the end of Long Night left us. Welcome to The Twelve Kingdoms: The Next Generation.
I am so here for this!
This is a story about the heirs to the kingdoms that were established in the earlier series. And it’s so different but every bit as fascinating.
Part of what makes it so different is that it is the next generation. (Sorry to keep punning on that, but it’s just so true!) In the original series, all of the protagonists, but especially the three princesses of the Twelve Kingdoms, had all been raised in constant strife. Not with each other, but with their father the king.
Because the late King Uorsin was insane, driven mad by grief and sorcery. Growing up in his household was like growing up in an armed camp, always at war or at least on the verge of it. It made his daughters grow up hard and early, and their maturity for their ages was reflected in their stories and how they saw their world.
The time preceding this new story, however, was a time of peace and prosperity. Not that High Queen Ursula and her allies haven’t always been keeping a weather eye on the world around them, but there hasn’t been a war since their last enemy was defeated.
Also Queen Ursula is quite sane. That helps a lot – especially in comparison.
But as the story picks up, her heir and all of his generation have known nothing but peace during their lifetimes. Even though all of them seem to be 20 or thereabouts and considered adults, they’ve been allowed to BE children, to be foolish and more than a bit irresponsible, for most of their lives.
A situation that has just changed. Dramatically, drastically and unpredictably.
The children are sent out as ambassadors, envoys and spies in order to discover what has gone wrong in the northern reaches of the empire and see if they can fix it or at least figure it out before it overwhelms the land they will one day inherit.
They have an important and potentially terrible job to do. But the first thing they ALL need to do will be the most difficult task of all.
They have to grow up. A task that will turn out to be every bit as hard and fast as it was for their parents. If they survive it.
Escape Rating A-: First of all, let me just say that this entire series, from its beginning with The Mark of the Tala, through all of its various subseries, right on through the conclusion of the entire original series in The Lost Princess Returns, is absolutely, completely, utterly, awesomesauce, wonderful and epic.
It’s also a lot for new readers to get into. But if you love fantasy romance or epic fantasy with romance it is so worth it. While you wouldn’t need to read every single story to get up to speed for Golden Gryphon, you would need to read the main arcs of The Twelve Kingdoms and The Uncharted Realms for this story to have the resonance it should.
That being said, the story we have in this one combines, on the one hand, two themes into a single whole, while setting up the rest of the series. On the other hand, this is also the first of the four romances that are going to provide the individual happy for now stories that power each individual book.
Let me explain.
This is, first of all, a coming of age story, for all of the protagonists. They are all technically adults, but one thing that peacetime allows that the warfare their parents grew up under does not is the ability for children to not just have an actual childhood but for some of the irresponsibility of that childhood to extend into early adulthood.
Up until this crisis, two of Prince Astar’s companions and friends, Zephyr and Rhyllian, could both be seen as “failures to launch” into adulthood. By culture, by nurture, by inclination, both of them live very much in the “now” and let tomorrow worry about itself, if at all. Their irresponsibility and naivete reminded me a lot of Princess Ami in her original series entry The Tears of the Rose. I have to say that the new kids are, for the most part maturing quicker than Ami seemed to do, and that’s an excellent thing.
Both Zephyr and Rhy are in love, not with each other – because that would be hilarious and awful at the same time – but with people who are their opposites. People who are responsible, have responsibilities, take those responsibilities seriously, and worry about the present and the future ALL THE TIME.
So Zephyr (the Golden Gryphon) is in hot pursuit of Prince Astar (the Bear Prince), a pursuit that he has resisted at every turn. At least so far. His approach to responsibility and authority is the direct opposite to hers. Also he knows himself better than she knows herself at the beginning of the story.
He knows if they have an affair that he’ll never want to let her go. And he knows that she is not suitable High Queen material because of her unwillingness to act responsibly or take much of anything seriously.
And of course in the face of the impending crisis all of their plans go completely pear-shaped.
A part of me wants to say that there’s a disturbance in the Force, because it does have that air to it. What is happening is a disturbance to magic that is causing parallel worlds to invade each other with disastrous results. As the story kicks off, the list of things that might go wrong is long and growing and potentially catastrophic.
And general panic-inducing if it becomes common knowledge.
So this group of heirs and friends are sent out to look like a bunch of spoiled noble youngsters in order to see if they can figure out what’s going on, or going wrong, and how to stop it – without alerting the people they’re visiting and observing that there is a serious purpose behind the visits.
No pressure.
This is a journey that is just beginning. A beginning that uncovers big problems, makes big changes, but is only the start. A fantastic one.
I’m already on tenterhooks for the next book in the series, The Sorceress Queen and the Pirate Rogue, coming in mid-April.
April 11, 2023
DNF I can't, I can't do it, I'm skipping to the next one in the series. The Mark of Tala is one of my favorite book series, and I was so excited about this new series, but I can't feel sympathy for someone who views another person setting a boundary as being insulting. Zeph is a straight-up predator, which gets excused by literally everyone, including her target's mother, and it's really odd. Who views "I want you but not enough to compromise my principles[sleeping with someone not their wife]" as an insult? How narcissistic do you have to be?
Please let the next one be better. I want to love this series as much as the first.
Please let the next one be better. I want to love this series as much as the first.
January 23, 2021
I receive an arc for an honest review.
“The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince” is first in a new series by Jeffe Kennedy that revisites the same world of Thirteen Kingdoms and Uncharted Realms. Now is the time and place for the stories of the Heirs of Magic, the sons and daughters of the couples in the series mentioned above, who engage in an adventure to save their world from a great magical imbalance that takes place further north of the kingdoms. This first book is the story of Astar and Zephyr (Zeph): he is the proud heir to the High Crown of the the Thirteen kingdoms, a man with a very strong sense of responsability and without time and willingness to embrace loving games; she is an impulsive and vivacious girl, a born seductress and are willing to conquer the body and heart of the elusive prince. The trip for the northern regions will be the clash for these couple, who will soon perceive that one is more interested in the other than they should or intended to be. The tale is full of magic, with the tala shifters and sorcery we already are accustomed from the other series. There are fun scenes with jealous Zeph and irreverent Jak leading the fun (I can't wait to read the story of Stella and Jak, he became a favorite character for me). The seven people reunited have each one a personality and many personal, mystical and amorous discoveries to accomplish, at the same time that they need to save their world. In particular, Jeffe’s heroines are women that know their force and are active in the building of their destiny. Some like Zeph are empowered and very conscious of her sexuality, something not much frequent in fantasy fiction. No doubt love will be a important part of the roads of Astar, Zeph, Rhy, Lena, Jak, Stella and Gendra (another character that intrigues me, I want to see how she will develop her self-esteem throughtout the series and what pair will be destined for her). Another thing I’m loving about this new series is the many different and new places we’re seeing in the world created by Jeffe Kennedy. I hope that in the next stories we can learn more about the Remy Islands (home to King Isyn, whose parents, Cavan and Nix, have already appeared in another Jeffe’s story) and especially the mysterious Kooncelund. In all, Heirs of Magic is a series that conquered my heart and which I cannot fail to recommend to anyone who loves romantic fantasy, with consistent worlds and magical systems, in addition to a good dose of humor. Ah, really love the cover, hope next will be stunning like its.
“The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince” is first in a new series by Jeffe Kennedy that revisites the same world of Thirteen Kingdoms and Uncharted Realms. Now is the time and place for the stories of the Heirs of Magic, the sons and daughters of the couples in the series mentioned above, who engage in an adventure to save their world from a great magical imbalance that takes place further north of the kingdoms. This first book is the story of Astar and Zephyr (Zeph): he is the proud heir to the High Crown of the the Thirteen kingdoms, a man with a very strong sense of responsability and without time and willingness to embrace loving games; she is an impulsive and vivacious girl, a born seductress and are willing to conquer the body and heart of the elusive prince. The trip for the northern regions will be the clash for these couple, who will soon perceive that one is more interested in the other than they should or intended to be. The tale is full of magic, with the tala shifters and sorcery we already are accustomed from the other series. There are fun scenes with jealous Zeph and irreverent Jak leading the fun (I can't wait to read the story of Stella and Jak, he became a favorite character for me). The seven people reunited have each one a personality and many personal, mystical and amorous discoveries to accomplish, at the same time that they need to save their world. In particular, Jeffe’s heroines are women that know their force and are active in the building of their destiny. Some like Zeph are empowered and very conscious of her sexuality, something not much frequent in fantasy fiction. No doubt love will be a important part of the roads of Astar, Zeph, Rhy, Lena, Jak, Stella and Gendra (another character that intrigues me, I want to see how she will develop her self-esteem throughtout the series and what pair will be destined for her). Another thing I’m loving about this new series is the many different and new places we’re seeing in the world created by Jeffe Kennedy. I hope that in the next stories we can learn more about the Remy Islands (home to King Isyn, whose parents, Cavan and Nix, have already appeared in another Jeffe’s story) and especially the mysterious Kooncelund. In all, Heirs of Magic is a series that conquered my heart and which I cannot fail to recommend to anyone who loves romantic fantasy, with consistent worlds and magical systems, in addition to a good dose of humor. Ah, really love the cover, hope next will be stunning like its.
Read
July 4, 2021Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
When I was given the opportunity to review this book, I jumped at the chance and didn’t even look at the blurb. So I had no idea that this was another spinoff of The Twelve Kingdoms series. This series follows the grown children of the couples of the original series and of the spinoff series, The Uncharted Realms and The Chronicles of Dasnaria.
This first story features Astar, the son of Princess Amelia and nephew of High Queen Ursula. He is also the heir to the throne of The Thirteen Kingdoms. He got this designation at birth before the former High King Uorsin died, so he has always known that this will be his fate. He takes this responsibility very seriously, which means he is far from the life of the party. He is also expected to marry for the good of the kingdom, like many royals.
Zephyr is a free spirit and loves her life as a Tala. She is the daughter of Zyr is a Tala male who’s first form is the gríobhth, which he passed down to his daughter. A gríobhth is what we would call a gryphon, with a body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle. The Tala have a different view of relationships. Many are not monogamous, while some have settled down with a mate.
This book was a bit more “new adult” than I prefer. There were some times early in the story where there were some almost more young adult type conversations, but once the action started, the group does seem to grow up and act more like the adults that they are.
One other complaint I had was that Ursula and her sisters were even trying to push Astar to marry for royalty and not love, when two of the three of them are with men who would not be worthy of their list. Since this is a romance (not to mention the title), I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that Astar does indeed follow his heart and not what he was ordered by his queen.
All in all, I did enjoy this story, even with the complaints I mentioned above. The action scenes were really great and there were some wonderful suspense scenes as well. The romance was well written, like all of Kennedy’s stories. And I do love all the characters. You can read this story without having read the original series, but will not have the full backstory of the parents of these characters (and I do love those stories too, so worth a read). I’m really looking forward to the next book, The Sorceress Queen and the Pirate Rogue, which will be out in April 2021.
**I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
When I was given the opportunity to review this book, I jumped at the chance and didn’t even look at the blurb. So I had no idea that this was another spinoff of The Twelve Kingdoms series. This series follows the grown children of the couples of the original series and of the spinoff series, The Uncharted Realms and The Chronicles of Dasnaria.
This first story features Astar, the son of Princess Amelia and nephew of High Queen Ursula. He is also the heir to the throne of The Thirteen Kingdoms. He got this designation at birth before the former High King Uorsin died, so he has always known that this will be his fate. He takes this responsibility very seriously, which means he is far from the life of the party. He is also expected to marry for the good of the kingdom, like many royals.
Zephyr is a free spirit and loves her life as a Tala. She is the daughter of Zyr is a Tala male who’s first form is the gríobhth, which he passed down to his daughter. A gríobhth is what we would call a gryphon, with a body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle. The Tala have a different view of relationships. Many are not monogamous, while some have settled down with a mate.
This book was a bit more “new adult” than I prefer. There were some times early in the story where there were some almost more young adult type conversations, but once the action started, the group does seem to grow up and act more like the adults that they are.
One other complaint I had was that Ursula and her sisters were even trying to push Astar to marry for royalty and not love, when two of the three of them are with men who would not be worthy of their list. Since this is a romance (not to mention the title), I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that Astar does indeed follow his heart and not what he was ordered by his queen.
All in all, I did enjoy this story, even with the complaints I mentioned above. The action scenes were really great and there were some wonderful suspense scenes as well. The romance was well written, like all of Kennedy’s stories. And I do love all the characters. You can read this story without having read the original series, but will not have the full backstory of the parents of these characters (and I do love those stories too, so worth a read). I’m really looking forward to the next book, The Sorceress Queen and the Pirate Rogue, which will be out in April 2021.
**I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 27, 2021
Do you love classic fantasy quests, where a varied group of people work towards achieving a goal? Do you love romance, where couples establish a relationship and explore what that might be? Do you like reading about a variety of characters, personalities, and talents? Boy, will The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince work for you.
I loved this quest story, particularly because it featured something rare in romance—a large, interconnected group working together on a common goal. Sure, there might see teams in, say, romantic suspense, but rarely are they as varied as what Kennedy gives readers here. There’s everyone from basic humans to shapeshifters to sorcerers, from nobility to the common classes, from ultra-talented to the somewhat gifted, from impassioned to rational—Kennedy’s cast of characters is just so *interesting* that I found myself rapidly turning the pages to learn more about them.
This book focuses on the heir to the high throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, Astar, a man torn between duty and his desire for Zephyr, a free-spirited shifter who couldn’t be less tied to obligations and expectations. They are a great couple, and the gradual and yet inevitable acceleration of their feelings for one another is expertly illustrated. The secondary characters are wonderful, and Kennedy nicely sets up forthcoming books in this series by making each person stand out in their own way. This also greatly builds that sense of an integrated, interesting team working to fulfill this classic fantasy quest.
Kennedy returns again to her related Twelve Kingdoms/Dasnarian worlds, but if you haven’t read her before, this book is an excellent entrée to them. It’s in essence “Twelve Kingdoms: The Next Generation,” and working with a new bunch of characters—the children of protagonists from earlier series—eases readers easily into this world without requiring knowledge of earlier books.
There are minor quibbles here: some of the antagonistic characters are really two-dimensional, and I would have liked to have seen them be less overtly negative than they were. But I just adored this book. Any fan of high fantasy and romance should run to pick up this one.
I loved this quest story, particularly because it featured something rare in romance—a large, interconnected group working together on a common goal. Sure, there might see teams in, say, romantic suspense, but rarely are they as varied as what Kennedy gives readers here. There’s everyone from basic humans to shapeshifters to sorcerers, from nobility to the common classes, from ultra-talented to the somewhat gifted, from impassioned to rational—Kennedy’s cast of characters is just so *interesting* that I found myself rapidly turning the pages to learn more about them.
This book focuses on the heir to the high throne of the Thirteen Kingdoms, Astar, a man torn between duty and his desire for Zephyr, a free-spirited shifter who couldn’t be less tied to obligations and expectations. They are a great couple, and the gradual and yet inevitable acceleration of their feelings for one another is expertly illustrated. The secondary characters are wonderful, and Kennedy nicely sets up forthcoming books in this series by making each person stand out in their own way. This also greatly builds that sense of an integrated, interesting team working to fulfill this classic fantasy quest.
Kennedy returns again to her related Twelve Kingdoms/Dasnarian worlds, but if you haven’t read her before, this book is an excellent entrée to them. It’s in essence “Twelve Kingdoms: The Next Generation,” and working with a new bunch of characters—the children of protagonists from earlier series—eases readers easily into this world without requiring knowledge of earlier books.
There are minor quibbles here: some of the antagonistic characters are really two-dimensional, and I would have liked to have seen them be less overtly negative than they were. But I just adored this book. Any fan of high fantasy and romance should run to pick up this one.
January 26, 2021
Kennedy brought us back to the land of the Tala, and it's fantastically fantastic!!
If you're familiar with the Twelve Kingdoms series and its spinoffs you'll recognize these seven friends embarking on a quest—they're the kids of our favorite heroes and heroines that have come before! And Zeph is the daughter of one of my favorite, light-hearted characters, Zyr!
Zeph definitely takes after her father's Tala side and can shapeshift into a number of forms, but her favorite, and first form, is a gríobhth. One of my favorites too. And her gríobhth animal is possessive, and she decides Prince Astar, heir to the High Throne, is hers.
Ah, but honorable Astar carries the mantle of heir well and never strays out of line. He heads the quest and keeps everyone in line...well, until he can't. On the way they stumble across a creature that stinks of Deyrr, it's capable of shapeshifting into whatever form it sees and in its wake are left pieces of people and animals mashed together. Together they shut down the beast, but Zeph is injured. Astar's desperate attempts to wake her end up with him promising the one thing he knows she can't resist, one night with him to do whatever she wants. Did I mention that Astar takes after his father, Prince Hugh—the golden Prince Charming? Zeph stays conscious long enough to shift back to human.
The set of friends continue on and end up in the castle by the mystical lake they're supposed to investigate. This is where things get really fun. The best scene is when Zeph tells Astar that she's claimed him and that's that. But it's also great when they head out to the lake and Zeph ends up traveling through a portal, what she finds is fantastic!! Spoilery though, so you're going to have to read it.
I loved how Zeph and Astar grew and changed their views a bit. Kennedy's fantasy romance always delivers excellent characters and potent romance. And this beginning to a series has another puzzling danger to roll out!
Reviewed for Reading Between the Wines Book Club
If you're familiar with the Twelve Kingdoms series and its spinoffs you'll recognize these seven friends embarking on a quest—they're the kids of our favorite heroes and heroines that have come before! And Zeph is the daughter of one of my favorite, light-hearted characters, Zyr!
Zeph definitely takes after her father's Tala side and can shapeshift into a number of forms, but her favorite, and first form, is a gríobhth. One of my favorites too. And her gríobhth animal is possessive, and she decides Prince Astar, heir to the High Throne, is hers.
Ah, but honorable Astar carries the mantle of heir well and never strays out of line. He heads the quest and keeps everyone in line...well, until he can't. On the way they stumble across a creature that stinks of Deyrr, it's capable of shapeshifting into whatever form it sees and in its wake are left pieces of people and animals mashed together. Together they shut down the beast, but Zeph is injured. Astar's desperate attempts to wake her end up with him promising the one thing he knows she can't resist, one night with him to do whatever she wants. Did I mention that Astar takes after his father, Prince Hugh—the golden Prince Charming? Zeph stays conscious long enough to shift back to human.
The set of friends continue on and end up in the castle by the mystical lake they're supposed to investigate. This is where things get really fun. The best scene is when Zeph tells Astar that she's claimed him and that's that. But it's also great when they head out to the lake and Zeph ends up traveling through a portal, what she finds is fantastic!! Spoilery though, so you're going to have to read it.
I loved how Zeph and Astar grew and changed their views a bit. Kennedy's fantasy romance always delivers excellent characters and potent romance. And this beginning to a series has another puzzling danger to roll out!
Reviewed for Reading Between the Wines Book Club
February 2, 2021
what in the sexual harassment??? i could maybe get past the not so great writing if the character dynamics weren’t absolutely aTROCIOUS and the characters themselves weren’t super shitty? cannot beLIEVE this was written and published in 2021 and that people are enjoying it??
February 5, 2024
This new fantasy romance series takes place 25 years after the end of the bigger 12 Kindgoms universe. Children of the 12 Kingdoms characters are now adult and all 7 of them get sent by the High Queen on a new mission after a magical anomaly has been spotted...
I was looking forward to delve back into Jeffe Kenndy's adult fantasy romance universe, catching a glimpse of past favourite characters while discovering their grown children and immerse myself into a new epic fantasy plot.
Unfortunately I ended up struggling not to DNF this story, only pushing through to the end to form an informed opinion on it.
(Beware of possible mild spoilers from here on, although I do not reveal any specific plot points)
I guess the prime issue I have is that the setup feels contrived — all seven characters get foisted together on some quest, based on a vision of the future telling us this is the best course of action. It feels like some YA story excuse to put a serious problem into the hands of young and inexperienced main characters.
I was already skeptical from the start, but later on when a serious event happens and the High Queen doesn't send any sort of army to protect her people while our 7 youngsters keep carousing and concentrating on drama of the heart instead of taking the threat seriously, that's when I wanted to DNF the book. That's the moment when my incredulity was un-suspended and I realized I couldn't get attached to characters —including the heir to the High Throne himself (who spends the whole book raving about honor and responsability), might I add— who care more about virginity and exes and jealousy than they care about the life of the kingdom's citizens.
Which brings me to the other issue I had : the overall YA feel of the book (only the spicy scenes keep it at best in NA territory). What I liked about the 12 Kingdoms books was the balance between a high fantasy plot and a mature romance between adult characters who get closer as they get embroiled in the plot.
In this book, the overall plot feels inexistant, except for an event around the middle of the book and a bit of action at the end. The book begins with what felt like a day long kick-off meeting from work : meetings, briefings, and conversations that explain the plot, introduce all 7 characters, their past entanglements and emotional states with a lot of tell and not a lot of show.
A bit of plot action later, the story goes back to attending balls, being angsty about past dalliances and exes and being jealous about some potential bride — so much so that I felt like following a bunch of teenagers reenacting a fantasy version of Dawson or The OC. At that point, I skimmed the book to the end to see where Kennedy was going with it, but the YA tone didn't improve by the end.
Finally, my third disappointment was the romance itself. As a reader, I tend to prefer standalones over series when it comes to romantic stories because I enjoy witnessing the characters meet, get to know each other and then go through narrative conflicts before getting their happy end. I tend to dislike tomes 2+ of series starring the same couple because, after the characters meet and fall in love, the narrative conflicts of the romance tend to use a type of drama that I personnally don't like, such as jealousy, exes, other man/woman drama, lack of communication, etc.
Here, 6 of the 7 new characters, who all already know each other before the start of the series, seem to already be paired off together by the author — which is another element that feels YA-like and contrived, btw. I feels like everything I like about the first tome of a romantic story (characters meeting, getting to know each other etc...) has happened off page, and we dive straight into the drama that I dislike. That was certainly the case between Zephyr and Astar, whose main drama revolved around jealousy and such.
All this to say, I really wanted to enjoy this new series within the 12 Kingdoms universe, but, as it stands, I still have a hard time believing this book was written by the same author who created, for example, the amazing Chronicles of Dasnaria trilogy.
Therefore, I am going to pretend I never read this book and rather enjoy the satisfaction I felt after reading The Fate of the TalaThe Fate of the TalaThe Fate of the Tala and The Lost Princess Returns.
I was looking forward to delve back into Jeffe Kenndy's adult fantasy romance universe, catching a glimpse of past favourite characters while discovering their grown children and immerse myself into a new epic fantasy plot.
Unfortunately I ended up struggling not to DNF this story, only pushing through to the end to form an informed opinion on it.
(Beware of possible mild spoilers from here on, although I do not reveal any specific plot points)
I guess the prime issue I have is that the setup feels contrived — all seven characters get foisted together on some quest, based on a vision of the future telling us this is the best course of action. It feels like some YA story excuse to put a serious problem into the hands of young and inexperienced main characters.
I was already skeptical from the start, but later on when a serious event happens and the High Queen doesn't send any sort of army to protect her people while our 7 youngsters keep carousing and concentrating on drama of the heart instead of taking the threat seriously, that's when I wanted to DNF the book. That's the moment when my incredulity was un-suspended and I realized I couldn't get attached to characters —including the heir to the High Throne himself (who spends the whole book raving about honor and responsability), might I add— who care more about virginity and exes and jealousy than they care about the life of the kingdom's citizens.
Which brings me to the other issue I had : the overall YA feel of the book (only the spicy scenes keep it at best in NA territory). What I liked about the 12 Kingdoms books was the balance between a high fantasy plot and a mature romance between adult characters who get closer as they get embroiled in the plot.
In this book, the overall plot feels inexistant, except for an event around the middle of the book and a bit of action at the end. The book begins with what felt like a day long kick-off meeting from work : meetings, briefings, and conversations that explain the plot, introduce all 7 characters, their past entanglements and emotional states with a lot of tell and not a lot of show.
A bit of plot action later, the story goes back to attending balls, being angsty about past dalliances and exes and being jealous about some potential bride — so much so that I felt like following a bunch of teenagers reenacting a fantasy version of Dawson or The OC. At that point, I skimmed the book to the end to see where Kennedy was going with it, but the YA tone didn't improve by the end.
Finally, my third disappointment was the romance itself. As a reader, I tend to prefer standalones over series when it comes to romantic stories because I enjoy witnessing the characters meet, get to know each other and then go through narrative conflicts before getting their happy end. I tend to dislike tomes 2+ of series starring the same couple because, after the characters meet and fall in love, the narrative conflicts of the romance tend to use a type of drama that I personnally don't like, such as jealousy, exes, other man/woman drama, lack of communication, etc.
Here, 6 of the 7 new characters, who all already know each other before the start of the series, seem to already be paired off together by the author — which is another element that feels YA-like and contrived, btw. I feels like everything I like about the first tome of a romantic story (characters meeting, getting to know each other etc...) has happened off page, and we dive straight into the drama that I dislike. That was certainly the case between Zephyr and Astar, whose main drama revolved around jealousy and such.
All this to say, I really wanted to enjoy this new series within the 12 Kingdoms universe, but, as it stands, I still have a hard time believing this book was written by the same author who created, for example, the amazing Chronicles of Dasnaria trilogy.
Therefore, I am going to pretend I never read this book and rather enjoy the satisfaction I felt after reading The Fate of the TalaThe Fate of the TalaThe Fate of the Tala and The Lost Princess Returns.
May 13, 2021
“…entertaining but a little meh.”
~ Under the Covers
Let me start this by saying that I haven’t read Jeffe Kennedy before and I decided to take a chance on this book even though I know it’s connected to another series and it’s some kind of spin off? I figured I would just give it a shot and see how lost I would be because I’ve wanted to read her books forever.
Was I lost? Not really. I’d say the author did a good job at giving us information so that we could just jump into this book without previous context. Would I feel different about this book if I had said context? Possibly.
This is a story of childhood best friends who have always loved each other. But the hero knows he can never pursue her because he has a duty and responsibility to his role as Prince to marry someone that will strengthen the political alliances of his Kingdom. They are thrust into an adventure together, along with a group of characters, to of course save the Kingdom from an impending vision of the future.
What I loved?
First and foremost the hero! I thought he was noble, adorable, loyal. I just wanted to cuddle him. The weight of the responsibilities on his shoulders has had an effect and he was so selfless in how he viewed his future. I also really enjoyed the shifter aspect of this story and the quest they go on, which is quite full of action and adventure with a dash of politics.
What I wasn’t sold on?
Quite frankly, the heroine. This pains me to say this, but her attitude was quite pushy too often and I kept feeling as if the roles were reversed I would have a big problem with the hero acting that way. So it rubbed me the wrong way.
In the end, this was entertaining but a little meh. I don’t think it was the best choice to appreciate the world that Jeffe Kennedy has constructed. I’ll be doing my research next time and just picking up the book that should be read as book 1. I find the writing style of this author fits my tastes in fantasy romance quite well and I want to give it a real shot.
Reviewed by Francesca ❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 19, 2021
I feel like I have read something by this author but it has been a long time. And honestly...I think I have only read some short stories. Mmm. I can't remember. But yes - I was drawn in by this book especially because of that cover. I lovvvvvveeeee that cover!
We follow Astar and Zeph. Astar is the Crown Prince and he always wants to do the right thing and live up to his father's legacy. Zeph has loved Astar for as long as she can remember, but they are just friends. However, she wants him to have a taste of freedom and life before he chains himself to a wife he didn't choose, but he is stubbornly elusive. Things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Following prophecy, Astar, Zeph, and a mismatched group go on a quest to stop the magic rift.
This started off sooooo slow. Like super slow. I had such a rough time at first. I nearly gave up. BUT things did get better at the halfway point.
After a certain event, I did get invested. I was still meh about Astar and Zeph, but I was curious to see what was going to happen.
Honestly...I liked our side characters more than our main characters. They were more entertaining. Don't get me wrong...I didn't loath Astar or Zeph...but I didn't like them as a possible item. Zeph is pushy and Astar is too stubborn. They need to be with other people.
Not sure if I'm going to continue with the series. I am curious. We shall see.
Again....I love the cover! The colors are so bold and pretty!
In the end, this started off super slow, but I'm glad I didn't quit. The ending was fun and I did enjoy following our crew during their quest. I also loved our side characters more than our hero/heroine. Overall, I'll give this 2 stars. Some good parts, but I do not think I would continue the series.
We follow Astar and Zeph. Astar is the Crown Prince and he always wants to do the right thing and live up to his father's legacy. Zeph has loved Astar for as long as she can remember, but they are just friends. However, she wants him to have a taste of freedom and life before he chains himself to a wife he didn't choose, but he is stubbornly elusive. Things change when a new terror threatens the Thirteen Kingdoms. Following prophecy, Astar, Zeph, and a mismatched group go on a quest to stop the magic rift.
This started off sooooo slow. Like super slow. I had such a rough time at first. I nearly gave up. BUT things did get better at the halfway point.
After a certain event, I did get invested. I was still meh about Astar and Zeph, but I was curious to see what was going to happen.
Honestly...I liked our side characters more than our main characters. They were more entertaining. Don't get me wrong...I didn't loath Astar or Zeph...but I didn't like them as a possible item. Zeph is pushy and Astar is too stubborn. They need to be with other people.
Not sure if I'm going to continue with the series. I am curious. We shall see.
Again....I love the cover! The colors are so bold and pretty!
In the end, this started off super slow, but I'm glad I didn't quit. The ending was fun and I did enjoy following our crew during their quest. I also loved our side characters more than our hero/heroine. Overall, I'll give this 2 stars. Some good parts, but I do not think I would continue the series.
July 25, 2022
Wow, the first half of this book...was a bit of a rough go for me. I love Jeffe Kennedy's writing, and so much of what I love is present here: intelligent couples with realistic flaws, good external conflicts, intriguing worldbuilding.
The issue for me, with this novel, was the heroine. I can see what Kennedy was trying to do -- the freewheeling, independent Zephyr is meant to be alluring and sexually uninhibited, but her flirtations with Astar come across as selfish and almost predatory, given how he protests and refuses her. Her self-absorption is called out in the story, and she does work to overcome it, but it was a hurdle between me really believing in them as a couple.
I'm also not a fan of how a potential bride for Astar is presented -- a more sympathetic portrayal would have added a lot of nuance, and for a writer of Kennedy's talent, it wouldn't have taken up much space or distracted from the story.
Things I did like include the worldbuilding, the whole "group of friends who have known each other way too long" aspect, and the plot! Honestly, the way the novel came together in the last half really saved it for me, and I'll definitely keep reading the rest of the series (even Zephyr was far less annoying, and far more honest, by the end).
The issue for me, with this novel, was the heroine. I can see what Kennedy was trying to do -- the freewheeling, independent Zephyr is meant to be alluring and sexually uninhibited, but her flirtations with Astar come across as selfish and almost predatory, given how he protests and refuses her. Her self-absorption is called out in the story, and she does work to overcome it, but it was a hurdle between me really believing in them as a couple.
I'm also not a fan of how a potential bride for Astar is presented -- a more sympathetic portrayal would have added a lot of nuance, and for a writer of Kennedy's talent, it wouldn't have taken up much space or distracted from the story.
Things I did like include the worldbuilding, the whole "group of friends who have known each other way too long" aspect, and the plot! Honestly, the way the novel came together in the last half really saved it for me, and I'll definitely keep reading the rest of the series (even Zephyr was far less annoying, and far more honest, by the end).
Read
February 7, 2021Satisfying and such a treat !
To say that Jeffe Kennedy’s one of today’s most outstanding authors is surely an understatement! All of her novels are on preorder as soon as they become available. Her world building draws you in and you become invested in the outcome of the tales. Her characters are enchanting and you feel like you know them all, from the main characters to the bit players! And such a world she has created, you won’t ever want to leave!
I saved this book as a special treat for a weekend read. I knew once I started it I wouldn’t be able to put it down. Ashtar and Zephyr have both such strong personalities you are just cheering for them to work it out! And all the while she is building the foundation for future tales, born out of the clever genius that is all Jeffe!
Immerse yourself in all that she brings into this sad world of ours, you won’t ever be disappointed, just happy to join her in the journey! Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your fabulous tales of wonder, friendship, adventure and romance!
To say that Jeffe Kennedy’s one of today’s most outstanding authors is surely an understatement! All of her novels are on preorder as soon as they become available. Her world building draws you in and you become invested in the outcome of the tales. Her characters are enchanting and you feel like you know them all, from the main characters to the bit players! And such a world she has created, you won’t ever want to leave!
I saved this book as a special treat for a weekend read. I knew once I started it I wouldn’t be able to put it down. Ashtar and Zephyr have both such strong personalities you are just cheering for them to work it out! And all the while she is building the foundation for future tales, born out of the clever genius that is all Jeffe!
Immerse yourself in all that she brings into this sad world of ours, you won’t ever be disappointed, just happy to join her in the journey! Thank you so much for allowing us to share in your fabulous tales of wonder, friendship, adventure and romance!
February 9, 2022
I have read other books from this author and enjoyed the stories. However I finally gave up on this one 7 characters were thrown at us within the first few chapters, and then they were intro with full names then next chapter being referred to with nicknames, no lead in just tossed at us. The names were weird as well nothing common about them, and alike names. The FMC zeph of this story was a self centered, rapey, and annoying, she is the typical pretty girl who is dumb and uses her body to get want she wants. The characters are suppose to be mid 20’s but more like 15 yo. Zep is the main reason I stopped reading and gave such a low review. Disappointed by this story, especially when I like the authors other stories
June 3, 2022
3.5Stars
So I was at first not very invested in Zylph and Astar's love story. I found her too pushy and him, well, a bit annoying. But I like the adventure and the crew vibes.
Then somehow I found I was actually really invested in all the love stories and I am totally into the mystery and like the worldbuilding - and the book ended.
As I said it took me a while to get into the romance of this instalment, I did however like both POVs and while I wasn't into the romance I liked the character building of all the MCs and the storyline.
I do love the worldbuilding so far, but tbh I feel a bit left in the dark by the mystery and the worldbuilding. I want more.
So I am off to read Stella and Jax story.. and hopefully more on the mystery.
So I was at first not very invested in Zylph and Astar's love story. I found her too pushy and him, well, a bit annoying. But I like the adventure and the crew vibes.
Then somehow I found I was actually really invested in all the love stories and I am totally into the mystery and like the worldbuilding - and the book ended.
As I said it took me a while to get into the romance of this instalment, I did however like both POVs and while I wasn't into the romance I liked the character building of all the MCs and the storyline.
I do love the worldbuilding so far, but tbh I feel a bit left in the dark by the mystery and the worldbuilding. I want more.
So I am off to read Stella and Jax story.. and hopefully more on the mystery.
February 9, 2021
A genuinely unique fantasy with adventure, emotion, humor, and magic!
From start to finish, I was not only intrigued by the group of characters, but the premise as well.
Astar and Zephyr were fun and sexy, with romantically heated moments. I loved their journey as they circled one another, until they finally capitulated to their love.
I cried once as well, so I was most definitely emotionally invested *laughs*
The entire cast were wonderful contributions to the storyline and I LOVED them all. I cannot wait for Stella and Jak’s story!
I’m also ready for Lena and Rhy’s second chance!
I’m most certainly sure I’ll be reading more of Jeffe’s work :)
From start to finish, I was not only intrigued by the group of characters, but the premise as well.
Astar and Zephyr were fun and sexy, with romantically heated moments. I loved their journey as they circled one another, until they finally capitulated to their love.
I cried once as well, so I was most definitely emotionally invested *laughs*
The entire cast were wonderful contributions to the storyline and I LOVED them all. I cannot wait for Stella and Jak’s story!
I’m also ready for Lena and Rhy’s second chance!
I’m most certainly sure I’ll be reading more of Jeffe’s work :)
June 27, 2021
I read the prequel novella (Long?) Night of the Crystalline Moon, then went straight on to this while the characters were still fresh in my mind. While the novella establishes the characters and their relationships quite well, focussing mostly on Rhyian and Salena, the non-romance portion of the series plot doesn't really start until Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince and this book is about Astar and Zephyr. Two strong-willed sympathetic characters, lots of steamy bits and the start of an interesting quest-type fantasy plot.
October 30, 2024
For the third episode of Season Seven, of the SFFRomCast, Emma and Jess were discussing some of their favourite books with the Friends to Lovers Trope! Emma chose The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince as one of her recommendations. You can find out why here:
Podcasts: Episode Three, Season Seven
YouTube: Episode Three, Season Seven
Podcasts: Episode Three, Season Seven
YouTube: Episode Three, Season Seven
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews