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Stolen Brides of the Fae #2
Stolen Mage Bride
A brutal king. A gentle mage. A bond neither of them desires . . . nor has the strength to resist. King Lodírhal has no choice—he must battle the human champion in single combat and save his people from slaughter. Mage Dasyra also has no choice—she must serve her masters and channel the powerful magic in her soul for a chance to stop the deadly fae king. But when they meet on the battlefield, these two adversaries discover they have bigger problems in store. For they are fated by the gods to be each other’s True Love . . . and the moment they lock eyes, the Fatebond awakens. Now all that matters is breaking the bond before it can be sealed for eternity. Can these mortal enemies work together and survive the perilous journey to the Sundering Place? Or are the demands of fate—and the desires awakening in both their reluctant hearts—too powerful to be thwarted? STOLEN MAGE BRIDE is the second book in Stolen Brides of the Fae, a collection of stand-alone short novels by eight of your favorite fantasy romance authors. Start reading these in any order for swoon-worthy romance, heart-stopping adventure, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters!
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2021
174 people are currently reading
1453 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,259 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
January 3, 2024
Good potential and I like the author's writing style, but despite being a novella, this book dragged on and failed to capture my attention.
May 18, 2021
I didn't know that it was possible to invest so hard in the love life between two flowers, but I was. Oh, and Dasyra and Lodi were cute, too.
When I read the description of this book, I didn't get how this was a "stolen bride" situation, but boy was I wrong. Except, in this case, our hero is stealing her because it's the only way for him to break the unwanted but unavoidable fatebond that sprang between them and he can't ignore.
This book is heavy action with truly heartfelt romance between the characters as they learn to see past their differences and accept the love between them. It's truly an enemies to lovers, and it's delicious as we watch these two babies learn who they are and who they want to be. Oh, and there's a true snake of an antagonist to drive the plot forward and !!
If I have any complaints at all, it's that multiple first person is my least favorite writing voice, though this was a less egregious case of it, and that the prophecy nature of the heartbond was confusing to me. I'm not quite sure how much of the bond was "special to Dasylodi" and how much of it was "something that can happen to any fae," because it seemed to be presented as both simultaneously. I think Lodi's was a particularly special bond that warranted a prophecy, but ... eh? Maybe I'm just thinking too hard.
Like the first Stolen Bride, this book also seems to be a spin-off of the author's main books, this time her Scarred Mage of Roseward, more directly, her upcoming Prince of the Doomed City, however, it does solidly stand on its own, and I never felt like I missed anything by not having read the existing series (except maybe some details on the heartbond?). I think Scarred Mage has risen on my TBR a few steps.
When I read the description of this book, I didn't get how this was a "stolen bride" situation, but boy was I wrong. Except, in this case, our hero is stealing her because it's the only way for him to break the unwanted but unavoidable fatebond that sprang between them and he can't ignore.
This book is heavy action with truly heartfelt romance between the characters as they learn to see past their differences and accept the love between them. It's truly an enemies to lovers, and it's delicious as we watch these two babies learn who they are and who they want to be. Oh, and there's a true snake of an antagonist to drive the plot forward and !!
If I have any complaints at all, it's that multiple first person is my least favorite writing voice, though this was a less egregious case of it, and that the prophecy nature of the heartbond was confusing to me. I'm not quite sure how much of the bond was "special to Dasylodi" and how much of it was "something that can happen to any fae," because it seemed to be presented as both simultaneously. I think Lodi's was a particularly special bond that warranted a prophecy, but ... eh? Maybe I'm just thinking too hard.
Like the first Stolen Bride, this book also seems to be a spin-off of the author's main books, this time her Scarred Mage of Roseward, more directly, her upcoming Prince of the Doomed City, however, it does solidly stand on its own, and I never felt like I missed anything by not having read the existing series (except maybe some details on the heartbond?). I think Scarred Mage has risen on my TBR a few steps.
May 12, 2021
This book is a companion story set in the same world as several of this author's other series, though it is most closely tied with the Scarred Mage of Roseward series. In that series, the fae king Lodirhal plays a minor role as this great fae king working in the background with a few hints about his past backstory.
It was really fun to finally see that backstory as Lodirhal's love story with Dasyra plays out in this book. This is probably one of the funnier stories this author has written, and I was laughing out loud at some of the parts. Yet, by the end, I was holding my breath since the happy ending looked so impossible!
A fun, quick read that makes a great companion novel set in this twisty fae world!
It was really fun to finally see that backstory as Lodirhal's love story with Dasyra plays out in this book. This is probably one of the funnier stories this author has written, and I was laughing out loud at some of the parts. Yet, by the end, I was holding my breath since the happy ending looked so impossible!
A fun, quick read that makes a great companion novel set in this twisty fae world!
April 23, 2021
I know exactly what I am going to get when I read a Mercedes book. Action, adventure and romance. This was a fun read, I enjoyed the slow building romance, but it is more the very different story lines that draw me in with her books. An Elf King that has been at war with the humans for ages fights his one true love for the victory. He just has no idea until minutes before the fight. I Love how different her books are. This one did feel a bit chopped up in the middle, so much more building could have happened but I understand why the author did it this way, it would have been one near death after the next for pages and that can drag a book down.
Overall a fun read I could give my teen.
Overall a fun read I could give my teen.
October 3, 2021
4.5 STARS
book mentioned here:
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/fSXvM
Loved every second of Dasyra and Lodírhal's story, they were so damn cute. Definitely a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, which I love. 🥰🥰
For a shorter novel, this was perfectly paced. It gave you exactly what you needed to feel connected to the characters and their romance in a shorter amount of time, and then it concluded in a satisfying and fulfilling way where I didn't feel like I missed out on anything.
Highly recommend!!
(Also never cared more about a flower in my whole life, omg.)
book mentioned here:
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/fSXvM
Loved every second of Dasyra and Lodírhal's story, they were so damn cute. Definitely a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, which I love. 🥰🥰
For a shorter novel, this was perfectly paced. It gave you exactly what you needed to feel connected to the characters and their romance in a shorter amount of time, and then it concluded in a satisfying and fulfilling way where I didn't feel like I missed out on anything.
Highly recommend!!
(Also never cared more about a flower in my whole life, omg.)
May 20, 2022
4 stars // read May 2022 (currently 99 cents)
The story could’ve easily been expanded into a full-length novel and allowed for some more character development, but still worked well as a novella. My favorite aspect was definitely the respenias. :) While not personally my favorite of the series, Stolen Mage Bride is still a solid entry and a fun read.
Content: beyond the Fatebond, romance is based heavily on physical attraction; also kissing; some violence including
The story could’ve easily been expanded into a full-length novel and allowed for some more character development, but still worked well as a novella. My favorite aspect was definitely the respenias. :) While not personally my favorite of the series, Stolen Mage Bride is still a solid entry and a fun read.
Content: beyond the Fatebond, romance is based heavily on physical attraction; also kissing; some violence including
March 18, 2022
Not sure how to feel about this. I'm rating it 4 stars because technically, it gave me exactly what it promised to provide, it was pretty well-written, the respentha flowers are cool, and there's a significant bit at the end that I quite liked. That said, I do feel like the elements I was most interested in had the least pagetime (not entirely surprising, given the genre), and I wish that the author hadn't chosen to summarize the part of the journey that sounded, to me, the most interesting, especially since that also cut down on the time for me to really get to know the characters and get invested in their relationship.
As far as that relationship and romance goes . . . all the other people seem to think it's really cute? There's an interesting variation on the enemies-to-lovers and sunshine-and-serious dynamics there, and I think that if this had the page space to be a proper slowburn (which is one of the two situations where I like enemies-to-lovers best), or even enough for me to get more invested, I probably would've been just as all over it as everyone else was. Maybe the problem actually was that the book is too short. I don't know.
All in all, I am not the primary target audience for this book, but I did like it. Do with that what you will.
As far as that relationship and romance goes . . . all the other people seem to think it's really cute? There's an interesting variation on the enemies-to-lovers and sunshine-and-serious dynamics there, and I think that if this had the page space to be a proper slowburn (which is one of the two situations where I like enemies-to-lovers best), or even enough for me to get more invested, I probably would've been just as all over it as everyone else was. Maybe the problem actually was that the book is too short. I don't know.
All in all, I am not the primary target audience for this book, but I did like it. Do with that what you will.
June 25, 2021
This one was way better! I really enjoyed the world and how the magic system worked. Dasyra & her Warrior amulet was really interesting 👀 I really loved the reluctant soulmates trope that we have in this book. It was still a bit rushed due to its short length.
I really liked this book and i can’t wait to make my way through this series!
I really liked this book and i can’t wait to make my way through this series!
Read
May 17, 2021No rating as I DNFed at 16%. It was a case of me not enjoying the writing style at all. There was lots of telling, not enough showing. Sorry. :(
June 12, 2021
This is book 2 in the Stolen Brides of the Fae series. I am loving these books! They are each shorter standalone books and can be read in any order. I never really cared for shorter books because the stories always seem incomplete for me. But, these books have changed my mind!
I haven’t read many stories of fated love. It’s not a trope that I’ve sought out. I really enjoyed this one, though. For me the story is more about the journey that Vasyra and Lodirhal are forced to take after they realize they are fatebound. They want to break the ancient spell and there’s only one place it can be done.
Dasyra begins as a woman who must obey her master’s will, which are men who only want to use her power for their purposes. She doesn’t realize there can ever be anything else for her life. I love how she grows throughout the story. She is definitely not the same woman that started on this journey.
King Lodirhal must fight and win a champion battle in order to save his kingdom from being overtaken by the humans. Imagine how he feels when, on the battlefield in the middle of their life-or-death fight, the king realizes that his opponent is his fatebond…his supposed True Love. He grows during their journey to the Sundering Place also. His character doesn’t change, however, I think that has always been there. But, his mind begins to change some.
The battle scenes are good. The twists and turns, though few, are good. The character development is good. It is just a really good story!
There is such a good ending here, one that wasn’t immediately obvious. I loved this little twist. I would love to see this story as a longer novel or even a series. I’d like to spend some time really getting to know these characters.
I gave this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to fans of YA Fantasy Romance, Fated Love and impossible journeys.
I received an e-arc from the author and Book of Matches Media for participating in the Stolen Brides of the Fae Event.
I haven’t read many stories of fated love. It’s not a trope that I’ve sought out. I really enjoyed this one, though. For me the story is more about the journey that Vasyra and Lodirhal are forced to take after they realize they are fatebound. They want to break the ancient spell and there’s only one place it can be done.
Dasyra begins as a woman who must obey her master’s will, which are men who only want to use her power for their purposes. She doesn’t realize there can ever be anything else for her life. I love how she grows throughout the story. She is definitely not the same woman that started on this journey.
King Lodirhal must fight and win a champion battle in order to save his kingdom from being overtaken by the humans. Imagine how he feels when, on the battlefield in the middle of their life-or-death fight, the king realizes that his opponent is his fatebond…his supposed True Love. He grows during their journey to the Sundering Place also. His character doesn’t change, however, I think that has always been there. But, his mind begins to change some.
The battle scenes are good. The twists and turns, though few, are good. The character development is good. It is just a really good story!
There is such a good ending here, one that wasn’t immediately obvious. I loved this little twist. I would love to see this story as a longer novel or even a series. I’d like to spend some time really getting to know these characters.
I gave this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to fans of YA Fantasy Romance, Fated Love and impossible journeys.
I received an e-arc from the author and Book of Matches Media for participating in the Stolen Brides of the Fae Event.
July 18, 2023
This was the best book I read this year 2023, the series took me out of a literary hangover, the story was so perfect and the last chapters took my breath away. I need to read everything by Sylvia Merced!!!!!!. I thought the choice of his name was perfect with him also discovering her name. I just love it love it. The villain tricked me right, I thought he would just be a sarcastic friend 🤫, but he's good enough How he treated the young witch who delivered the riddle you know he sucks.
April 25, 2021
The Stolen Mage Bride is an amazing read filled with loads of adventure. Dasyra is a magess whom never wanted to become a vessel for the mighty warrior, Ilestriesa. King Lodírhal was told about one day meeting his true love, which is known as Fatebond. It would strengthen each weakness and weaken each strength.
When he meets Dasyra on the battlefield of a Champions Combat match, he doesn’t expect to meet his Fatebond. In order to get him closer to Dasyra, Lodírhal makes a dangerous deal with Kyriakos if he succeeds at breaking his Fatebond, Kyriakos shall own have the amulet of Ilestriesa. He kidnaps Dasyra and takes her on a seven day, seven night journey to encounter seven perils to break the Fatebond.
I loved watching the two of them fall in love. The imagination of the thread between their hearts reminded me of the movie Hercules when the three Fates try and cut Hercules life string. It made me think of that kind of string. It’s an absolutely worthy adventure and must read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
When he meets Dasyra on the battlefield of a Champions Combat match, he doesn’t expect to meet his Fatebond. In order to get him closer to Dasyra, Lodírhal makes a dangerous deal with Kyriakos if he succeeds at breaking his Fatebond, Kyriakos shall own have the amulet of Ilestriesa. He kidnaps Dasyra and takes her on a seven day, seven night journey to encounter seven perils to break the Fatebond.
I loved watching the two of them fall in love. The imagination of the thread between their hearts reminded me of the movie Hercules when the three Fates try and cut Hercules life string. It made me think of that kind of string. It’s an absolutely worthy adventure and must read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
May 15, 2021
This is such a good read, one with fantastic world building and a story that although slow to start once to it takes off it really takes off! A well written journey filled magic, adventure, romance and a fate bond for Dasyra and Lodirhal and what a journey it is! A great adventurous read between human and fae and definitely well worth a look!
May 30, 2021
Sylvia Mercedes is an autobuy for me, and I loved the precise blend of thrilling fantasy battle action with touching, sweet romance, which she served up in this long novella. This one comes with some truly delightful and satisfying twists and thematic echoes (the revelation of the hero's true name was particularly fun, as was Ilestriesa's true nature). Loved it.
May 8, 2021
This is the second in a series called 'Stolen Brides of the Fae', in which a selection of well-known and admired authors such as Emma Hamm, Sylvia Mercedes and Sarah K L Wilson have written stories of the different brides, goblin, mage, shadow, etc.
This review is for Sylvia Mercedes' 'Stolen Mage Bride' which was a very entertaining and exciting read. An elf, King Lodirhal, is just about to do battle with a human mage, Dasyra, when he looks into her eyes and realises that she is his Fatebond, his one true love. Dasyra is a vessel for the mighty Ilestriesa, and wears her amulet to show this. Dasyra never wanted to be a vessel as she dislikes violence and is a kind, petite, and gentle soul. She doesn't understand why she was even chosen in the first place.
King Lodirhal kidnaps Dasyra and intends to break the Fatebond. They both have to go through hoops to do this. However, along the way, minds and hearts may be changing... I don't want to spoil the story, but the adventure they go on is really enjoyable and the ending is just fantastic.
As I've said many times before in my reviews, this really isn't my type of book, but Sylvia Mercedes always manages to draw me in and get me hooked over the first few pages. On each occasion, I come away from her work with a stronger appreciation for her excellent writing and the way she can tie my emotions around her little finger. I'm so pleased that this series will allow new readers to be transported into her wonderful tales of fantasy and romance. Enjoy!
I chose to voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book, then honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
This review is for Sylvia Mercedes' 'Stolen Mage Bride' which was a very entertaining and exciting read. An elf, King Lodirhal, is just about to do battle with a human mage, Dasyra, when he looks into her eyes and realises that she is his Fatebond, his one true love. Dasyra is a vessel for the mighty Ilestriesa, and wears her amulet to show this. Dasyra never wanted to be a vessel as she dislikes violence and is a kind, petite, and gentle soul. She doesn't understand why she was even chosen in the first place.
King Lodirhal kidnaps Dasyra and intends to break the Fatebond. They both have to go through hoops to do this. However, along the way, minds and hearts may be changing... I don't want to spoil the story, but the adventure they go on is really enjoyable and the ending is just fantastic.
As I've said many times before in my reviews, this really isn't my type of book, but Sylvia Mercedes always manages to draw me in and get me hooked over the first few pages. On each occasion, I come away from her work with a stronger appreciation for her excellent writing and the way she can tie my emotions around her little finger. I'm so pleased that this series will allow new readers to be transported into her wonderful tales of fantasy and romance. Enjoy!
I chose to voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book, then honestly reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
March 25, 2023
#42 in 2023
I need to write this review fast cause I'll forget everything pretty fast😂 it was that forgettable to me
I needed a quick paranormal romance to get me out of this reading funk and I read this almost in one sitting. The storyline was a little rushed, the beginning was slow and then it went crazy in the end.
The love story was underdeveloped, I couldn't see the natural progression of them as a couple.
The True Name thing in the end was so over the top I laughed a little. Also the villain arc that introduces us to another of this author's series (not interested in at the moment)
Over all, a nice read to pass the time but nothing special. Easy to read though, I have to give it that
I need to write this review fast cause I'll forget everything pretty fast😂 it was that forgettable to me
I needed a quick paranormal romance to get me out of this reading funk and I read this almost in one sitting. The storyline was a little rushed, the beginning was slow and then it went crazy in the end.
The love story was underdeveloped, I couldn't see the natural progression of them as a couple.
The True Name thing in the end was so over the top I laughed a little. Also the villain arc that introduces us to another of this author's series (not interested in at the moment)
Over all, a nice read to pass the time but nothing special. Easy to read though, I have to give it that
May 28, 2021
I like the concept of this book a lot. The whole reincarnated warrior witch that goes into a different body every hundred years or so. I thought this book might have been better suited as a longer book or a series. Things felt a little quick at times. It is hard to condense an epic journey and love in under 200 pages. But it was a fun read overall. I like that so far in this stolen bride series all of the brides are basically cool with the "stolen" part. At least Dasyra was actually kidnapped.
June 1, 2021
A powerful, breathtaking story, set in Sylvia Mercedes's fantasy world, of enemies turned lovers and true love conquering in the end. Although the story can be read as a standalone, if you've read the "The Scarred Mage of Roseward" series, you'll find yourselves in a familiar world and learn the background story of Lodirhal. And if you haven't, then I highly recommend grabbing that series as well!
June 11, 2021
This was a great read. Unique, adventurous and romantic. An enemies to lovers, fated mate romance with adventure, betrayal and a dual POV that kept me turning each page. My favorite part was the twist at the end and Dasyra's sweet companions.
November 14, 2023
This book is really well-written — it's not poetry, but everything's so beautifully described that it almost seems like poetry. I think the dramatics are better than the romance and plot in this book.
Romance: Clean. No explicit scenes or curse words. There is kissing.
Romance: Clean. No explicit scenes or curse words. There is kissing.
May 23, 2021
Short, sweet and to the point.
If you enjoyed An Enchantment of Ravens, chances are you’ll enjoy this.
*Review to come?*
If you enjoyed An Enchantment of Ravens, chances are you’ll enjoy this.
*Review to come?*
June 7, 2021
Well balanced
Aww, this story is so well balanced with adventure, romance, fantasy, and even depth as the characters discover what true love is. My only complaint is that it is too short! It is well developed for a short novel though, so I can't complain too much, I just want more!
Aww, this story is so well balanced with adventure, romance, fantasy, and even depth as the characters discover what true love is. My only complaint is that it is too short! It is well developed for a short novel though, so I can't complain too much, I just want more!
September 11, 2021
Short and sweet. Just the right palette cleanser after reading grimdark 😌
October 6, 2022
oh my heart
The words inside this book are as beautiful and rich as the cover. I only wish the story could have been longer. Sigh.
The words inside this book are as beautiful and rich as the cover. I only wish the story could have been longer. Sigh.
January 18, 2022
3.5 stars…This was a sweet, quick Novella. Interesting, engaging and action packed story with a super cute ending.
Content: Clean, Kissing
Content: Clean, Kissing
May 20, 2021
Awww!
I didn't realize these were the characters mentioned in The Mage of Roseward series! So cool, I was just thinking that I would love to read more about then! -No spoilers though, which is good because I'm in the middle of reading the 3rd book "Wraith". 😅 Really liked these two together and loved Dasyra as an MC. 🤗
4.5/5 Stars🌟
I didn't realize these were the characters mentioned in The Mage of Roseward series! So cool, I was just thinking that I would love to read more about then! -No spoilers though, which is good because I'm in the middle of reading the 3rd book "Wraith". 😅 Really liked these two together and loved Dasyra as an MC. 🤗
4.5/5 Stars🌟
Read
January 14, 2023Loved it! The action starts quickly and the pace doesn't slow down. The story is shorter than the usual novel, but I loved the characters and their chemistry. Wish there was more but alas its a standalone. Now I'm curious to pick up other books of the author as I enjoyed the writing a lot.
July 6, 2021
This was an intense love story and came close to not finishing it but I was able to finish it. It was pretty intense though. The bond and magical realm is really interesting as well.
Read
September 26, 2021*Note: I read this series however I do not personally recommend it due to magic.
I found this one to be quite dark and not something I really liked, skimmed/skipped a good bit.
I found this one to be quite dark and not something I really liked, skimmed/skipped a good bit.
November 8, 2021
Pretty good book as far as these stolen fae bride novellas go. Honestly, I wanted more romance than you literally got right before it ended. But it was interesting enough to keep me tuned in the whole time. It’s just that once you finally get the romantic payoff you’ve desperately been waiting for… it’s G rated!!! And lasts a whopping five minutes or less. I think that all authors of “adult romantic fantasy novels, series and even novellas” need to be mandated by the seller sites to put a legitimate, 100% accurate maturity level expectancy for their potential buyers. For example; G, PG, PG13, R, etc…(so readers expecting an adult experience can be content they will get what they’ve paid for in regard to sexual content and romantic context.) No one likes to be left feeling like they were misled on purpose just so the authors & seller sites can make an extra buck. If you author a “clean/PG” romance novel? You owe it to your readers to state this fact so they aren’t left feeling like they deserve their hard earned $ back!!! I’m beyond tired of getting a certain % through a specified “YA or adult” book only to discover I can’t tolerate another syllable, let alone sentence of the pathetic drivel that seems to be written by teenagers for teenagers!!! I know I’m not alone in saying this much based off of the extensive reviews I read prior to purchasing these books. This would work for those adult individuals looking for “clean romance” also. Web sites like kindle, audible and amazon need to be better at classifying these novels into either sexually explicit content ratings that are accurate and or setting up author categories where you can go to find what you’re specifically looking for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews