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The Wanderer #1
Forbidden
Warning; this book contains mature themes, sexual content and violence.
In a world where it is forbidden to be anything less than a pure-blooded magical creature, there is only one thing more dangerous than being a half-breed, being Melody Winters. Melody is the granddaughter of the head of the magical council and number one on the most wanted list. Her mother committed the ultimate crime; she fell in love with a human and paid for it with her life. Times are changing, and the net is closing in on Melody and her family of half-breeds. They have no choice but to turn to someone who they once saw as the enemy for help. Roman Abigor is the head of the Grigori and soul keeper himself. He has despised Melody since he knew of her existence because of her bloodline. She may be the only thing that can save him and his people from the wrath of the magical council. They are born enemies, sworn to hate one another because of their bloodlines, but they need each other more than they'd care to admit. There's a very thin line between love and hate.
In a world where it is forbidden to be anything less than a pure-blooded magical creature, there is only one thing more dangerous than being a half-breed, being Melody Winters. Melody is the granddaughter of the head of the magical council and number one on the most wanted list. Her mother committed the ultimate crime; she fell in love with a human and paid for it with her life. Times are changing, and the net is closing in on Melody and her family of half-breeds. They have no choice but to turn to someone who they once saw as the enemy for help. Roman Abigor is the head of the Grigori and soul keeper himself. He has despised Melody since he knew of her existence because of her bloodline. She may be the only thing that can save him and his people from the wrath of the magical council. They are born enemies, sworn to hate one another because of their bloodlines, but they need each other more than they'd care to admit. There's a very thin line between love and hate.
675 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2021
18 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 3, 2022
Amazing read!!!
I enjoyed this book so much that I don't know where to start. The main character, Melody, is one of the best female characters I've read about in a long time. Her strength, cockyness, love of her family were reason enough but there were so many levels to her that I enjoyed and her smart mouth was one of my favorite. Then her best friend Trix, omg that girl had me cracking up, no filter. Then there was Roman and all his brothers, each bringing a new level and story to love. There was no end to the twists, turns, suspense, love, heartbreak and horror. At one point my heart broke and still does, all the characters have been put through so much loss and I love how the author wrote about loss, love, fear and grief. In my opinion she did it perfect. I loved the plot, story and the different characters and their traits blew me away and omg that ending! I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I enjoyed this book so much that I don't know where to start. The main character, Melody, is one of the best female characters I've read about in a long time. Her strength, cockyness, love of her family were reason enough but there were so many levels to her that I enjoyed and her smart mouth was one of my favorite. Then her best friend Trix, omg that girl had me cracking up, no filter. Then there was Roman and all his brothers, each bringing a new level and story to love. There was no end to the twists, turns, suspense, love, heartbreak and horror. At one point my heart broke and still does, all the characters have been put through so much loss and I love how the author wrote about loss, love, fear and grief. In my opinion she did it perfect. I loved the plot, story and the different characters and their traits blew me away and omg that ending! I can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 8, 2024
This is a dark fantasy tale that will make your heart race.
With my heart beating furiously in my chest, I’m giving five dark — and beautiful — stars to Lisa Valentine for her book Forbidden, book one in dark fantasy The Wanderer Series.
To quote the book: Where do you think fairy tales come from, the original ones with the dark and twisted curses in them?
Witch Melody Winters (main character) is POWERFUL. Born as a Demi (a half-blood) from a line of deep magic with a dark edge, she is formidable. She can kick butt and take names. She can also get the ever-loving hell kicked out of her when people play dirty. Despite the dark cloud of a powerful enemy hanging over her head, she is optimistic. She laughs. She has a beautiful found family (and wonderful friends). But when things come to a head, Melody and her community are forced to seek shelter with the enemy, the Grigori.
Roman Abigor is the head of the Grigori and the soul keeper. He’s also no fan of Melody and the bloodline she carries. But as Melody’s true honor and devotion to the people around her — those she’s known and those from the Grigori community — are revealed, Roman is drawn to the loving and passionate witch who has crept into his heart.
And, oh, Roman…Look out, but there’s a new book boyfriend in town. Good…lord. The passion he has for Melody is breathtaking. Note to readers: this slow burn turns to hot heat, so adult readers only! (And the “Little Mouse” theme he carries through the book ends up being so sexy.)
Author Valentine is a master of creating tension — and she is willing to spin it out slowly, building and building until the reader is on pins and needles, waiting for the chaos and drama to drop. It’s a dance she navigates well. It heightens the reader's experience.
There are dark characters, betrayals, and help sought in dangerous places (Eristo and the Fae, the sirens). There are violent and disturbing scenes that are short, yet impactful, allowing the reader to register the severity without being overwhelmed by the description. There are also loving friends and fathers. There are Grigori brothers that move from suspicion to devotion.
The ending of the book brought real tears to my eyes. But I am hopeful. There is more in the series — and Melody has Roman.
Readers of dark fantasy and romantasy will devour this book. If you are ready to embrace a world with characters who are willing to sacrifice themselves to save the lives of others, Forbidden is a book for you.
With my heart beating furiously in my chest, I’m giving five dark — and beautiful — stars to Lisa Valentine for her book Forbidden, book one in dark fantasy The Wanderer Series.
To quote the book: Where do you think fairy tales come from, the original ones with the dark and twisted curses in them?
Witch Melody Winters (main character) is POWERFUL. Born as a Demi (a half-blood) from a line of deep magic with a dark edge, she is formidable. She can kick butt and take names. She can also get the ever-loving hell kicked out of her when people play dirty. Despite the dark cloud of a powerful enemy hanging over her head, she is optimistic. She laughs. She has a beautiful found family (and wonderful friends). But when things come to a head, Melody and her community are forced to seek shelter with the enemy, the Grigori.
Roman Abigor is the head of the Grigori and the soul keeper. He’s also no fan of Melody and the bloodline she carries. But as Melody’s true honor and devotion to the people around her — those she’s known and those from the Grigori community — are revealed, Roman is drawn to the loving and passionate witch who has crept into his heart.
And, oh, Roman…Look out, but there’s a new book boyfriend in town. Good…lord. The passion he has for Melody is breathtaking. Note to readers: this slow burn turns to hot heat, so adult readers only! (And the “Little Mouse” theme he carries through the book ends up being so sexy.)
Author Valentine is a master of creating tension — and she is willing to spin it out slowly, building and building until the reader is on pins and needles, waiting for the chaos and drama to drop. It’s a dance she navigates well. It heightens the reader's experience.
There are dark characters, betrayals, and help sought in dangerous places (Eristo and the Fae, the sirens). There are violent and disturbing scenes that are short, yet impactful, allowing the reader to register the severity without being overwhelmed by the description. There are also loving friends and fathers. There are Grigori brothers that move from suspicion to devotion.
The ending of the book brought real tears to my eyes. But I am hopeful. There is more in the series — and Melody has Roman.
Readers of dark fantasy and romantasy will devour this book. If you are ready to embrace a world with characters who are willing to sacrifice themselves to save the lives of others, Forbidden is a book for you.
February 21, 2021
I was so excited when I knew that Lisa Jones was releasing a new book because I absolutely LOVED her debut series (Book 1 is called Luna's Prophecy). Forbidden did not disappoint. It's about Melody, a young 'demi' witch who uses dark magic instead of light (she's the anomaly in her tribe). When the council declares war on anyone who isn't a full-blooded mage, her tribe is forced into banding with another group of dark magic users (I've forgotten their name). And in that other tribe, she meets the incredibly handsome and enigmatic Roman.
Melody and Roman are both really well developed characters. I couldn't help but fall in love with them both. The great thing about them is that they are inherently flawed. Melody, as an example, is a smidge overconfident about her abilities, she's guarded and quick with any number of smart-mouthed comments. However, she's also incredibly loyal and loving. She's passionate, self-less and brave. To put it more simply, she's multi-dimensional, which makes her more believable.
The story and the world building is second to none. The back-story is well thought out and I loved the setting. There are however a lot of characters who all get introduced quite early at the same time (or thereabouts) in the book, and as a consequence it took me a while to work out who was who. But that doesn't detract from the story, which is superb!
Melody and Roman are both really well developed characters. I couldn't help but fall in love with them both. The great thing about them is that they are inherently flawed. Melody, as an example, is a smidge overconfident about her abilities, she's guarded and quick with any number of smart-mouthed comments. However, she's also incredibly loyal and loving. She's passionate, self-less and brave. To put it more simply, she's multi-dimensional, which makes her more believable.
The story and the world building is second to none. The back-story is well thought out and I loved the setting. There are however a lot of characters who all get introduced quite early at the same time (or thereabouts) in the book, and as a consequence it took me a while to work out who was who. But that doesn't detract from the story, which is superb!
December 10, 2020
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it won’t be the last. While I may not have read many dark fantasy tales, I found this one a compelling read right from the start. The two main characters, Melody and Roman, are brilliantly portrayed, both with exceptional magical powers and both fighting their inner conflicts between light and dark. Both are burdened by the legacy of past evils, which also led their respective people to regard each other as enemies.
In Forbidden, Melody and Roman and their two groups are thrown together by the need to survive against the common enemy that is Morag Blackwell, Melody’s grandmother. Morag is the all-powerful, cruel and ruthless leader of the magical council and, amongst her evil deeds, ordered the death of her own child, Melody’s mother, on account of her marrying a human (Melody’s father, who she also killed).
This is a tale of romance, with a wonderfully constructed background and engaging plotline to absorb you, together with a concoction of love and lust to leave you wanting more. I am so glad that this is a series … I’ve just become addicted.
In Forbidden, Melody and Roman and their two groups are thrown together by the need to survive against the common enemy that is Morag Blackwell, Melody’s grandmother. Morag is the all-powerful, cruel and ruthless leader of the magical council and, amongst her evil deeds, ordered the death of her own child, Melody’s mother, on account of her marrying a human (Melody’s father, who she also killed).
This is a tale of romance, with a wonderfully constructed background and engaging plotline to absorb you, together with a concoction of love and lust to leave you wanting more. I am so glad that this is a series … I’ve just become addicted.
April 11, 2024
Forbidden is the first book in this thrilling dark fantasy romance series.
The story is set in a world where magical creatures lurk in the shadows, facing a battle that will cost many lives.
Melody, the beautiful red-haired witch and Roman, the soul keeper, are born enemies.
As they band together to fight the magical council, their hatred for each other turns into love, desire and passion.
There is a lot of darkness, brokenness and heartbreak that made me fall in love with Melody and Roman.
I loved Melody's stubbornness, her beautiful heart and loyality to her family and friends.
I felt heartbroken for Roman in the end, but there is
the second book, Forsaken,
and the third book, Foretold,
a must read to find out how the story continues.
Clearly five stars for this beautiful fantasy romance that has touched my heart.
The story is set in a world where magical creatures lurk in the shadows, facing a battle that will cost many lives.
Melody, the beautiful red-haired witch and Roman, the soul keeper, are born enemies.
As they band together to fight the magical council, their hatred for each other turns into love, desire and passion.
There is a lot of darkness, brokenness and heartbreak that made me fall in love with Melody and Roman.
I loved Melody's stubbornness, her beautiful heart and loyality to her family and friends.
I felt heartbroken for Roman in the end, but there is
the second book, Forsaken,
and the third book, Foretold,
a must read to find out how the story continues.
Clearly five stars for this beautiful fantasy romance that has touched my heart.
November 30, 2020
I was quickly intrigued by this dark fairy tale which is written in a beautifully crafted descriptive style full of rich narrative that draws the reader right in. The main character Melody lost her parents as an infant due to her mother falling in love with a magical creature. Their union was forbidden and sadly it cost them their lives. Melody struggles among a world of half breeds as it becomes plain that the future will be for the survival of the fittest. This is an original story with a clever plot and storyline and I binge read until the very end.... which of course leaves you wanting more!
January 20, 2021
Although I'm not usually a fan of dark fantasy, I love Lisa Jones' take on this genre, as she combines it with enough realism to draw me in and keep me there as a reader. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, quite a feat given the context. Follow Melody and Roman as they work together to defeat the evil Morag. Overall, another enjoyable read from Jones; I will definitely look out for the next one.
January 16, 2022
What an engaging story!
I can't believe how much I loved this story! Melody was completely relatable. She was who I think we've all felt like at some point in our lives. The twist on dark and light magic have me an entirely new outlook on magical stories. It was brilliant. Valentine knows how to draw in the reader so they don't want to put the story down.
I can't believe how much I loved this story! Melody was completely relatable. She was who I think we've all felt like at some point in our lives. The twist on dark and light magic have me an entirely new outlook on magical stories. It was brilliant. Valentine knows how to draw in the reader so they don't want to put the story down.
May 17, 2023
Melody, an understandably angry half-breed after all the damage she witnessed from a young age, becomes a fierce protector of those she loves. The only thing that can interrupt the carnage Melody can leave behind is the awareness of her soul mate, Roman. I appreciated Melody's good soul and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
April 9, 2021
An exciting dark fantasy of love, friendships, and magic. I truly enjoyed every moment I had to dig further into Melodys complicated life and her relationship with Roman. I really hope this book continues on as the end is left open. Wanting and needing more.
**This is a mature adult read
**This is a mature adult read
December 14, 2020
Exciting
Really enjoyed reading Forbidden, it was well written and had some amazing characters, magic, fantasy and exciting storyline. Would highly recommend .
Really enjoyed reading Forbidden, it was well written and had some amazing characters, magic, fantasy and exciting storyline. Would highly recommend .
February 25, 2024
Jump through a portal that takes you into a dark fantasy land where being anything other than a pure-blooded magical creature is forbidden.
Melody Winters, the main character is a half-breed but also a bad ass, sassy, full of life black magic goddess. She's also an extremely formidable opponent to Morag, her grandmother who is head of the magical council and out for blood.
The magical world alongside the human world is being threatened and it's up to Melody to use her magic and powers to save what's near and dear to her.
Having no other choice she must join forces with the Grigori. Roman Abigor is the head of the Grigori and a soul keeper. Once enemies, she teams up with Roman and his brothers to bring down Morag once and for all.
Once Melody meets Roman, the true magic begins to happen. Roman is the epitome of perfection... handsome, tall and sexy. Melody tries to ignore the attraction, as does Roman, but their pull towards one another is too strong.
This is a well written dark fantasy, steamy book. The characters are well developed and easy to love. Melody could easily be your best friend and have your back. Roman is just plain HOT!! And the two of them together is perfection!
He affectionately refers to Melody as Little Mouse and every time he says it, it makes you want to swoon.
Not only are the characters well developed but the fantasy land they travel to and live in jump out at you with realism. I could visualize the ocean, fairy ponds and the old gods.
It is masterfully written and a real page turner. Thank God there's a sequel because that cliff hanger ending will leave you with all the feels.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves dark fantasy with sexy undertones. Also be forewarned that it gets quite steamy in parts!
Melody Winters, the main character is a half-breed but also a bad ass, sassy, full of life black magic goddess. She's also an extremely formidable opponent to Morag, her grandmother who is head of the magical council and out for blood.
The magical world alongside the human world is being threatened and it's up to Melody to use her magic and powers to save what's near and dear to her.
Having no other choice she must join forces with the Grigori. Roman Abigor is the head of the Grigori and a soul keeper. Once enemies, she teams up with Roman and his brothers to bring down Morag once and for all.
Once Melody meets Roman, the true magic begins to happen. Roman is the epitome of perfection... handsome, tall and sexy. Melody tries to ignore the attraction, as does Roman, but their pull towards one another is too strong.
This is a well written dark fantasy, steamy book. The characters are well developed and easy to love. Melody could easily be your best friend and have your back. Roman is just plain HOT!! And the two of them together is perfection!
He affectionately refers to Melody as Little Mouse and every time he says it, it makes you want to swoon.
Not only are the characters well developed but the fantasy land they travel to and live in jump out at you with realism. I could visualize the ocean, fairy ponds and the old gods.
It is masterfully written and a real page turner. Thank God there's a sequel because that cliff hanger ending will leave you with all the feels.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves dark fantasy with sexy undertones. Also be forewarned that it gets quite steamy in parts!
May 19, 2021
This should be a film series!
Wow! This blew my mind. I have never read this genre before and this writer has got be addicted! The intricate world that has been created transports the reader to a wonderful and frightening place where the characters, although full of light or dark magic, are totally real. Lisa Jones has carefully woven a tale that encompasses a complex history, expertly told through the eyes of a younger generation of characters who you will totally fall in love with. It is this younger generation that must somehow overcome the evil of the past that still controls too much of their world.
The character of Melody is a force to be reckoned with but she is so believable because she has flaws like we all do. And as for Roman, the dominant man being taught how to love, made and broke my heart all at the same time.
There is a whole world in this book that is begging to be discovered by film makers, I feel like it will be the next big thing as it pushes all the right buttons and leaves you wanting more. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. I need the next book now!
Wow! This blew my mind. I have never read this genre before and this writer has got be addicted! The intricate world that has been created transports the reader to a wonderful and frightening place where the characters, although full of light or dark magic, are totally real. Lisa Jones has carefully woven a tale that encompasses a complex history, expertly told through the eyes of a younger generation of characters who you will totally fall in love with. It is this younger generation that must somehow overcome the evil of the past that still controls too much of their world.
The character of Melody is a force to be reckoned with but she is so believable because she has flaws like we all do. And as for Roman, the dominant man being taught how to love, made and broke my heart all at the same time.
There is a whole world in this book that is begging to be discovered by film makers, I feel like it will be the next big thing as it pushes all the right buttons and leaves you wanting more. Absolutely loved it and highly recommend it. I need the next book now!
March 10, 2021
Eden Falls is Melody's home. She is "the prize they all want." That line is what kept me turning the pages and boy was I not disappointed! Dark magic calls to Melody, who is a witch, but her soul wants to remain light. She is what is called a Wanderer. The characters are so well developed and loveable. This compelling story is the quintessential fantasy read and the imagery blows my mind. Melody is a kick ass female lead and I am so happy I got the opportunity to visit her magnificently created world. The slow burn romance aspect doesn't hurt either! Talk about tension build up! OK and the ending? Thank goodness this is a series because that cannot be the end!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews