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Sorcerous Moons #3
The Tides of Bára
*This book is a re-release of the original with a new cover. It is otherwise unchanged.*
A Narrow Escape
With her secrets uncovered and her power-mad brother bent on her execution, Princess Oria has no sanctuary left. Her bid to make herself and her new barbarian husband rulers of walled Bára has failed. She and Lonen have no choice but to flee through the leagues of brutal desert between her home and his—certain death for a sorceress, and only a bit slower than the blade.
A Race Against Time
At the mercy of a husband barely more than a stranger, Oria must war with her fears and her desires. Wild desert magic buffets her; her husband’s touch allures and burns. Lonen is pushed to the brink, sure he’s doomed his proud bride and all too aware of the restless, ruthless pursuit that follows…
A Danger Beyond Death…
Can Oria trust a savage warrior, now that her strength has vanished? Can Lonen choose her against the future of his people? Alone together in the wastes, Lonen and Oria must forge a bond based on more than lust and power, or neither will survive the test…
A Narrow Escape
With her secrets uncovered and her power-mad brother bent on her execution, Princess Oria has no sanctuary left. Her bid to make herself and her new barbarian husband rulers of walled Bára has failed. She and Lonen have no choice but to flee through the leagues of brutal desert between her home and his—certain death for a sorceress, and only a bit slower than the blade.
A Race Against Time
At the mercy of a husband barely more than a stranger, Oria must war with her fears and her desires. Wild desert magic buffets her; her husband’s touch allures and burns. Lonen is pushed to the brink, sure he’s doomed his proud bride and all too aware of the restless, ruthless pursuit that follows…
A Danger Beyond Death…
Can Oria trust a savage warrior, now that her strength has vanished? Can Lonen choose her against the future of his people? Alone together in the wastes, Lonen and Oria must forge a bond based on more than lust and power, or neither will survive the test…
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2016
44 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Jeffe Kennedy
97 books1,334 followers💙She/her💙 Award-winning Bestselling Author of epic fantasy romance. Taoist. Swiftie. Santa Fean. Cat lady @sfwa_inc Past-President. Rep by @seyitsme
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 11, 2016
This is not the book I wanted to read, this is the book that connects the last book with the next book (which I hope IS the book I want to read).
We have 5% of this book telling of the escape from Bara, 5% describes the ending situation, 90% of this book does nothing but detail the torturous journey from Bara to Dru and torturous it was indeed since I was continually reminded of my least favorite part of the Lord of The Rings trilogy, the detailed descriptions of the torturous journey to Mount Doom. Sadly though this was needed in some ways since I am not a fan of "insta-love" that is so overused in fantasy and paranormal romance. So I guess I can't complain too much about slow burn romance when our couple is still trying to figure out their feelings and what better way to do it than subject them to numerous trials, tribulations and near death experiences while they make the journey.
The thing here is that if I had not been so enthralled with the ongoing story here I might have given it 3 stars but it does keep the reader involved and the growth of this relationship I suspect will become central to the overall story but I have to say I expect a LOT more action and movement in the overarching plot (which moved at glacial pace during the course of this book) in the next book or I fear I will lose interest in being pulled along with this series.
I can almost see betrayal in the cards (another thing I dislike but is a reflection of human human existence) but maybe Ms Kennedy can figure out a way around it in some original manner.
Bottom Line: This is a great story but it need to come to fruition soon, the couple have finally pretty much settled into a trusting relationship in spite of Oria's continuing self flagellation, the scene is set for some major events that I hope we don't have to struggle through anymore delays to see them start to evolve. So 4 Stars mainly because those few times the 2 characters actually perform up to my expectations it was glorious. This really is required reading if you want to enjoy this series but be aware that most of the noticeable events in this book are more about the relationship between Oria and Lonen and will hopefully lead to a more action oriented next book since there are several major problems that require solving sooner rather than later.
We have 5% of this book telling of the escape from Bara, 5% describes the ending situation, 90% of this book does nothing but detail the torturous journey from Bara to Dru and torturous it was indeed since I was continually reminded of my least favorite part of the Lord of The Rings trilogy, the detailed descriptions of the torturous journey to Mount Doom. Sadly though this was needed in some ways since I am not a fan of "insta-love" that is so overused in fantasy and paranormal romance. So I guess I can't complain too much about slow burn romance when our couple is still trying to figure out their feelings and what better way to do it than subject them to numerous trials, tribulations and near death experiences while they make the journey.
The thing here is that if I had not been so enthralled with the ongoing story here I might have given it 3 stars but it does keep the reader involved and the growth of this relationship I suspect will become central to the overall story but I have to say I expect a LOT more action and movement in the overarching plot (which moved at glacial pace during the course of this book) in the next book or I fear I will lose interest in being pulled along with this series.
I can almost see betrayal in the cards (another thing I dislike but is a reflection of human human existence) but maybe Ms Kennedy can figure out a way around it in some original manner.
Bottom Line: This is a great story but it need to come to fruition soon, the couple have finally pretty much settled into a trusting relationship in spite of Oria's continuing self flagellation, the scene is set for some major events that I hope we don't have to struggle through anymore delays to see them start to evolve. So 4 Stars mainly because those few times the 2 characters actually perform up to my expectations it was glorious. This really is required reading if you want to enjoy this series but be aware that most of the noticeable events in this book are more about the relationship between Oria and Lonen and will hopefully lead to a more action oriented next book since there are several major problems that require solving sooner rather than later.
October 30, 2016
This is more a journey book, and I am so impatient, I want the drama, oh the drama is so coming, we even got a little and I was all grrrr, don't you dare! Not saying to who that was but drama...
They have to make it out of town, and quickly since her brother is an asshole. But yes then there is that she will die outside of the town thing...hmmm, how will they fix that?
I am rambling, I should have written this a week ago!
Lonen and Oria has gotten close now. They do fit each other, but yes yes, there is the whole can't do the naughty thing too. These two really are cursed. The author threw everything at them and they have to fight for it every step of the way.
But as for the story, not much happens, the book is novella length. They journey to his home, they talk, there are dangers. And of course when they get there everyone will hate her....
I need answeeeeeers! Yes I already said it, I am impatient, you should read all 3 after each other ;)
They have to make it out of town, and quickly since her brother is an asshole. But yes then there is that she will die outside of the town thing...hmmm, how will they fix that?
I am rambling, I should have written this a week ago!
Lonen and Oria has gotten close now. They do fit each other, but yes yes, there is the whole can't do the naughty thing too. These two really are cursed. The author threw everything at them and they have to fight for it every step of the way.
But as for the story, not much happens, the book is novella length. They journey to his home, they talk, there are dangers. And of course when they get there everyone will hate her....
I need answeeeeeers! Yes I already said it, I am impatient, you should read all 3 after each other ;)
December 21, 2016
Review originally posted at RabidReads.com.
I’ve really enjoyed this series. I love the fantasy worlds that Jeffe Kennedy creates. This series being less of a fantasy romance, and more a fantasy with a bit of romance built in. The hero and heroine of this series come from two completely different cultures. Cultures that ended up in war that left both of them with loss.
In the previous book, Lonen and Oria get married. This is partly for political reasons, well mostly political reasons. There is a spark between the two of them. There is also the fact that Oria is pained and made ill from his touch, well, anyone’s touch. So, that makes being married a little difficult. Things get even more difficult when they are forced to leave Bára. Oria doesn’t leave it’s walls because of wild magics outside of the city.
This story is a bit slower than the previous two books. There is some really great action at the beginning. Then it is a journey story. While I did miss the action from the previous stories, it was nice to see these two learn more about each other. It is also good to mention that this journey is not without danger, just not as much of the adrenaline kind of danger. Our couple finally has some time to get to know each and come closer together. There was also some great time with my favorite character, Chuffta (great quote with him below LOL).
While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first two books in this series, I did still really enjoy it. I really love the world that Ms. Kennedy has created. I also really enjoy the characters. I love watching them grow and come together. Even in the parts that are slower, Ms. Kennedy kept me entertained. I’m a pretty big fan of action, so when a book isn’t full of a lot of action, it had better have some really great characters, which this one has. Oria and Lonen are anything but perfect, but they are all the more interesting for it. Having Chuffta added so much. He is more than a pet, but less than a human. He added some great fun to parts that might have been a little dull to an action junkie like myself. I’m really excited to get to the final book in the series, which I believe will be out early next year.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
I’ve really enjoyed this series. I love the fantasy worlds that Jeffe Kennedy creates. This series being less of a fantasy romance, and more a fantasy with a bit of romance built in. The hero and heroine of this series come from two completely different cultures. Cultures that ended up in war that left both of them with loss.
In the previous book, Lonen and Oria get married. This is partly for political reasons, well mostly political reasons. There is a spark between the two of them. There is also the fact that Oria is pained and made ill from his touch, well, anyone’s touch. So, that makes being married a little difficult. Things get even more difficult when they are forced to leave Bára. Oria doesn’t leave it’s walls because of wild magics outside of the city.
This story is a bit slower than the previous two books. There is some really great action at the beginning. Then it is a journey story. While I did miss the action from the previous stories, it was nice to see these two learn more about each other. It is also good to mention that this journey is not without danger, just not as much of the adrenaline kind of danger. Our couple finally has some time to get to know each and come closer together. There was also some great time with my favorite character, Chuffta (great quote with him below LOL).
While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first two books in this series, I did still really enjoy it. I really love the world that Ms. Kennedy has created. I also really enjoy the characters. I love watching them grow and come together. Even in the parts that are slower, Ms. Kennedy kept me entertained. I’m a pretty big fan of action, so when a book isn’t full of a lot of action, it had better have some really great characters, which this one has. Oria and Lonen are anything but perfect, but they are all the more interesting for it. Having Chuffta added so much. He is more than a pet, but less than a human. He added some great fun to parts that might have been a little dull to an action junkie like myself. I’m really excited to get to the final book in the series, which I believe will be out early next year.
“Yes, Your Highness,” she snapped, moving at a half-run down the grand hall to her mother’s rooms. With his longer stride, Lonen kept up easily.
“I like the sound of that,” he told her. “Finally, a little respect and humility from my scary sorceress wife.”
“You wish,” she retorted and he laughed, that big, rich sound. The Destry king had a remarkable ability to find humor in the most dire circumstances. Perhaps all the Destrye were like that, but somehow she didn’t think so.
Closer by, Chuffta worked intently to drag what looked like a tree limb to a blazing bonfire. He had his wings spread and managed it by half-flying, half-hopping on one leg, and wrestling the thing with mouth, tail and the free foot.
“What are you doing?” she asked aloud, for Lonen’s benefit, though the words scraped her raw throat.
“I’m feeding the fire,” he chirped happily. “Keeping you warm!”
Lonen groaned. “Hey, man. Enough with the fire. You’ll roast us.”
“No?” Chuffta paused, releasing the limb with foot and mouth, but keeping his tail wrapped around it. He sounded terribly disappointed. He cocked his head atht eh fire, “Maybe just one more?”
“No more, please Chuffta.” She rubbed at her gritty, sensitive eyes, though it only made them water more. She certainly wasn’t weeping. She blinked them open to find Lonen grinning and grimacing at once. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him,” she said ducking her face so he wouldn’t see.
“I like fire! It’s hot.”
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
October 31, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
The action in The Tides of Bára picks up immediately after the end of Oria’s Gambit. Or perhaps I should say the failure of Oria’s gambit, as they are both the same thing. Unfortunately for Oria and Lonen.
In other words, this is not the place to start Sorcerous Moons. Start at the beginning with the marvelous Lonen's War. The Sorcerous Moons series isn’t so much as series as it is one long story, broken up into publishable-sized chunks.
They’re short chunks so start at the beginning.
The Tides of Bára is the second half of the middle book in what is so far projected to be a four-book series. The author hasn’t committed trilogy, she’s committed tetralogy. But that tetralogy feels like it is necessary for this story to reach its conclusion.
In Lonen’s War, we saw the set up. We saw the arrogance and corruption of the Bárans first-hand, both through the eyes of neglected Princess Oria and conquering “barbarian” Lonen. Lonen has brought war to Bára, a war that was only begun because the Bárans were stealing water and mass murdering his people using nearly unkillable golems. Lonen brought the war to Bára to make them finally face some risk to their own people.
Oria breaks herself out of a literal ivory tower existence that was supposedly for her own good, but was mostly to benefit those in power. As such things usually are. When the peace she brokered between Lonen and her people is betrayed, Lonen returned to Bára in Oria’s Gambit to punish someone for that betrayal. He thinks that someone was Oria. When he finds out that it wasn’t, Lonen and Oria join forces.
Oria sees a marriage of convenience to Lonen as the only way to re-take power before her corrupt brother manages to seize the throne. The marriage takes place, but in spite of her political maneuvering, her power grab fails and her brother tries to have her killed.
As The Tides of Bára opens, Lonen and Oria are fighting their way out of Bára . While Oria believes that the wild magic of the desert will kill her sooner or later, she has some hope that she can find a way to survive. And she is certain that if Lonen can get out of the city, he will survive to go back to his people. Remaining in the city is guaranteed death for both of them. A sliver of hope of survival is better than none.
But once they are free of the city, after a hair-raising escape, they have a long and dangerous journey ahead of them to reach the Destrye, Lonen’s people, with no guarantee that Oria will survive the journey, or that if she does, she will be capable of helping his people survive. Or even if they will let her.
In spite of the odds against them, they have to try. It is their only hope. But what neither of them expects is that along the way, their marriage of convenience will change into something much, much more.
Escape Rating B+: The Tides of Bára is a road story. It’s the story of Lonen and Oria’s literal journey from Bára to Destrye, and it is also the story of the journey of their relationship from marriage of convenience to marriage of love. The physical journey has more than its share of very real dangers, but the emotional journey is equally as charged.
They began this story on opposite sides of a battlefield. Out in the desert, Lonen and Oria, with the help of Oria’s familiar Chuffta and Lonen’s stalwart battle stallion, the incongruously named Buttercup, are all alone in a vast sea of sand. Bára has drained the life out of the land for endless miles around. What little water there is rises in sudden and deadly tides, and is not merely undrinkable salt water, but is actually poisonous to humans.
They seem to be all alone in the world, and absolutely forced to rely upon each other. Initially their pride keeps them apart, but as they journey, the barriers between them break down. It’s an emotional journey from wary trust to love. To the point where they are each a bit too willing to sacrifice themselves for each other, with nearly disastrous consequences. They are still both learning that they are stronger together than either can possibly be separately, and it’s a difficult journey with a lot of two-steps-forward and one-step-back. As it should be.
This is a necessary part of the story, for the action to switch from Bára to Destrye, and for Oria to be forced to leave everything she knows behind so that she can finally become who and what she is meant to be. But the journey itself is grueling, and bears an unfortunate resemblance to another grueling journey in fantasy, that of Frodo and Sam through Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. The land is equally desolate, and the long dark night of the story and the soul is equally difficult to read through.
And it sets up the story for what I hope will be an epic and glorious conclusion in book 4. Soon please!
The action in The Tides of Bára picks up immediately after the end of Oria’s Gambit. Or perhaps I should say the failure of Oria’s gambit, as they are both the same thing. Unfortunately for Oria and Lonen.
In other words, this is not the place to start Sorcerous Moons. Start at the beginning with the marvelous Lonen's War. The Sorcerous Moons series isn’t so much as series as it is one long story, broken up into publishable-sized chunks.
They’re short chunks so start at the beginning.
The Tides of Bára is the second half of the middle book in what is so far projected to be a four-book series. The author hasn’t committed trilogy, she’s committed tetralogy. But that tetralogy feels like it is necessary for this story to reach its conclusion.
In Lonen’s War, we saw the set up. We saw the arrogance and corruption of the Bárans first-hand, both through the eyes of neglected Princess Oria and conquering “barbarian” Lonen. Lonen has brought war to Bára, a war that was only begun because the Bárans were stealing water and mass murdering his people using nearly unkillable golems. Lonen brought the war to Bára to make them finally face some risk to their own people.
Oria breaks herself out of a literal ivory tower existence that was supposedly for her own good, but was mostly to benefit those in power. As such things usually are. When the peace she brokered between Lonen and her people is betrayed, Lonen returned to Bára in Oria’s Gambit to punish someone for that betrayal. He thinks that someone was Oria. When he finds out that it wasn’t, Lonen and Oria join forces.
Oria sees a marriage of convenience to Lonen as the only way to re-take power before her corrupt brother manages to seize the throne. The marriage takes place, but in spite of her political maneuvering, her power grab fails and her brother tries to have her killed.
As The Tides of Bára opens, Lonen and Oria are fighting their way out of Bára . While Oria believes that the wild magic of the desert will kill her sooner or later, she has some hope that she can find a way to survive. And she is certain that if Lonen can get out of the city, he will survive to go back to his people. Remaining in the city is guaranteed death for both of them. A sliver of hope of survival is better than none.
But once they are free of the city, after a hair-raising escape, they have a long and dangerous journey ahead of them to reach the Destrye, Lonen’s people, with no guarantee that Oria will survive the journey, or that if she does, she will be capable of helping his people survive. Or even if they will let her.
In spite of the odds against them, they have to try. It is their only hope. But what neither of them expects is that along the way, their marriage of convenience will change into something much, much more.
Escape Rating B+: The Tides of Bára is a road story. It’s the story of Lonen and Oria’s literal journey from Bára to Destrye, and it is also the story of the journey of their relationship from marriage of convenience to marriage of love. The physical journey has more than its share of very real dangers, but the emotional journey is equally as charged.
They began this story on opposite sides of a battlefield. Out in the desert, Lonen and Oria, with the help of Oria’s familiar Chuffta and Lonen’s stalwart battle stallion, the incongruously named Buttercup, are all alone in a vast sea of sand. Bára has drained the life out of the land for endless miles around. What little water there is rises in sudden and deadly tides, and is not merely undrinkable salt water, but is actually poisonous to humans.
They seem to be all alone in the world, and absolutely forced to rely upon each other. Initially their pride keeps them apart, but as they journey, the barriers between them break down. It’s an emotional journey from wary trust to love. To the point where they are each a bit too willing to sacrifice themselves for each other, with nearly disastrous consequences. They are still both learning that they are stronger together than either can possibly be separately, and it’s a difficult journey with a lot of two-steps-forward and one-step-back. As it should be.
This is a necessary part of the story, for the action to switch from Bára to Destrye, and for Oria to be forced to leave everything she knows behind so that she can finally become who and what she is meant to be. But the journey itself is grueling, and bears an unfortunate resemblance to another grueling journey in fantasy, that of Frodo and Sam through Mordor in The Lord of the Rings. The land is equally desolate, and the long dark night of the story and the soul is equally difficult to read through.
And it sets up the story for what I hope will be an epic and glorious conclusion in book 4. Soon please!
November 8, 2016
Warning!!! This review will contain spoilers for previous books in the series. If you have not read the first two books, I encourage you to go read them as you will need the previous world building and character development to understand what is happening in this story.
This third installment of the Sorcerous Moons series picks up where Oria’s Gambit left off. Oria and Lonen escape Bára with their lives, Lonen's warhorse, and Oria's familiar, Chuffta. Racing off into the desert, they face an uncertain future starting with the fact that it is not believed that Oria will survive outside the walls of Bára. What follows is a long and difficult journey through deadly and dry terrain.
Being away from the political intrigue of Bára, Lonen and Oria grow closer together by necessity. Lonen remains to be the protective alpha male, trying to take care of Oria and do what's best no matter her resistance and arguments. He is honorable and self-sacrificing, and I can't help but love his character. Oria has changed for me over the course of three books. I started out admiring her intelligence, good judgment and level-head that she evinced in Lonen's War. Then she started to irk me a bit in Oria’s Gambit with the way she held Lonen at arm's length. Now in this installment I really didn't care for her much at all in the first 80% or so of the book. She was stubborn, whiny and a almost totally opposite of the character I loved in Lonen's War. I hope that she comes back to her original self in the next book.
I love animals and dragons in my fantasy stories, so I really enjoy Chuffta in this series. He is Oria's familiar, a derkesthai... which I am picturing as one of the baby dragons from Game of Thrones. Only Chuffta is white-scaled and breathes green fire. He also can communicate mind-to-mind with Oria and is not afraid to tell it like it is. I love that he is the sense of reason when she has lost herself to self-pity or fatalism. I also enjoyed Lonen's warhorse in this installment. With Oria's ability to communicate with animals, the horse is starting to get a personality of his own.
I have enjoyed this series to date, and I was not sorry to spend some time on this story. However, I feel that this installment was more filler than adding in any substantive way to the series. I think this journey through the desert would have been better placed as an abbreviated version in the next book rather than trying to stand on its own in this novella. Nevertheless, I am a fan of the series as a whole and I am looking forward to what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the author.
November 1, 2016
I'm sorry but no. This is not the story I was so looking forward to reading. First of all, I have an overall issues with this series: the characters are not likable enough to pull me in. I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to continue reading after the first book, but luckily the second one got a lot better. This one however, left me really disappointed.
First of all, this book feels like an intermission. Nothing more. Literally NOTHING important to the story happens and what does happen is neither interesting enough to keep me hooked nor well enough constructed. So Yar banishes Oria and Lonen. Somehow, Kennedy wants us to think they have to flee with the utmost haste but still Oria goes to visit her mother, chats with a horse and is annoyed when Lonen makes her hurry up... Seriously?
Then they're outside of the city and Oria suddenly finds a way to survive AND be able to bear Lonen's touch. I'm still not clear on HOW she's able to do it and to tell you the truth it felt as if Kennedy didn't either. She just needed her to be able to be touched. Anyway, Oria's starved, dehydrated and weak but somehow the first thing to cross their minds as soon as they can touch is to have sex.... Good to know where their priorities lie. Really, we're supposed to be in the middle of a war of two kingdoms, the Queen was banished, her king along with her while the other kingdom is starving and we're stuck in an oasis listening to them moaning about not having sex? And while we're at it.... didn't Lonen and his army defeat Bara???? It all just didn't fit in together at all.
So after they're stuck not having sex for a while, suddenly they're madly in love and can't bear to be separated and the last handful of pages are meekly dedicated to their arrival in Dru... really, what the...?
This really makes me angry. I was so looking forward to reading this book and I was just confronted with more inexplicable insta-love, unfitting sex scenes and a whole lot of nothing. This is not the third installment I was waiting for.
I'll give her credit for Chuffta though. His fascination with fire was adorable and I really enjoyed that part.
First of all, this book feels like an intermission. Nothing more. Literally NOTHING important to the story happens and what does happen is neither interesting enough to keep me hooked nor well enough constructed. So Yar banishes Oria and Lonen. Somehow, Kennedy wants us to think they have to flee with the utmost haste but still Oria goes to visit her mother, chats with a horse and is annoyed when Lonen makes her hurry up... Seriously?
Then they're outside of the city and Oria suddenly finds a way to survive AND be able to bear Lonen's touch. I'm still not clear on HOW she's able to do it and to tell you the truth it felt as if Kennedy didn't either. She just needed her to be able to be touched. Anyway, Oria's starved, dehydrated and weak but somehow the first thing to cross their minds as soon as they can touch is to have sex.... Good to know where their priorities lie. Really, we're supposed to be in the middle of a war of two kingdoms, the Queen was banished, her king along with her while the other kingdom is starving and we're stuck in an oasis listening to them moaning about not having sex? And while we're at it.... didn't Lonen and his army defeat Bara???? It all just didn't fit in together at all.
So after they're stuck not having sex for a while, suddenly they're madly in love and can't bear to be separated and the last handful of pages are meekly dedicated to their arrival in Dru... really, what the...?
This really makes me angry. I was so looking forward to reading this book and I was just confronted with more inexplicable insta-love, unfitting sex scenes and a whole lot of nothing. This is not the third installment I was waiting for.
I'll give her credit for Chuffta though. His fascination with fire was adorable and I really enjoyed that part.
October 9, 2016
To live without magic is inconceivable for Oria. When she is left with no choice by to flee from her homelands, she knowingly goes outside of her city walls to where the wild magic swirl and the land is dying without water. Full disclosure, I read this book out of order and it is not recommended to read this as a standalone. After reading this book, I want to go back and read the first two books to get my head on straight. Whilst it was easy to figure out where the conflicts are and at a high level what happened to Oria and Lonen, it was still a bit disorienting. Especially as I had no previous engagement with these two characters so it was a bit hard for me to warm up to them.
Oria came across as a sulky princess too delicate to do much other than complain. Granted she is physically depleted as the wild magics does render her unconscious. Her relationship with Lonen seems to be a constant struggle. Purposeful miscommunications because they are both at their lowest. It's interesting how well Ms. Kennedy brings out their flaws so that the characters can reflect and regret upon them. It's kind of nice to see characters who are flawed, know it and want to do better. Not the perfect heroes that always do no wrong. Nor the too stupid to live characters that everyone wants killed off.
This story is more about an arduous journey through wastelands, constant threat of death to Lonen's homeland. This quest is fraught with peril and the ending came a bit too fast for me. It is anti-climatic and leaves a reader feeling not too different than Oria. As if the potential is there yet never realized. Still, this isn't the last in the series so it is a build up for the next book. It should be interesting to see what will happen next for Oria and Lonen. Whilst I eagerly wait for the next book, I will be going back to read the first two so that I can be all caught up. Recommended for fantasy lovers who enjoy quests and impossible odds.
*I received an advanced copy
Oria came across as a sulky princess too delicate to do much other than complain. Granted she is physically depleted as the wild magics does render her unconscious. Her relationship with Lonen seems to be a constant struggle. Purposeful miscommunications because they are both at their lowest. It's interesting how well Ms. Kennedy brings out their flaws so that the characters can reflect and regret upon them. It's kind of nice to see characters who are flawed, know it and want to do better. Not the perfect heroes that always do no wrong. Nor the too stupid to live characters that everyone wants killed off.
This story is more about an arduous journey through wastelands, constant threat of death to Lonen's homeland. This quest is fraught with peril and the ending came a bit too fast for me. It is anti-climatic and leaves a reader feeling not too different than Oria. As if the potential is there yet never realized. Still, this isn't the last in the series so it is a build up for the next book. It should be interesting to see what will happen next for Oria and Lonen. Whilst I eagerly wait for the next book, I will be going back to read the first two so that I can be all caught up. Recommended for fantasy lovers who enjoy quests and impossible odds.
*I received an advanced copy
October 24, 2016
This is book three and I have not read the first two books. That was not a big thing since you are given enough information about the past to keep up and understand what was happening. I felt like there was a big build up to nothing. This whole story is about Oria and Lonen making their way from her home to his home and trying to survive with no water and food. I was at least waiting for a big exciting ending that sadly wasn't there. Reading about Chuffta and his personality was fun. I got a laugh a few times from his responses and behaviors. There is the possibility that this could be the end of the series or not. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
August 28, 2019
An enjoyable read! The majority of the story takes place during Oria and Lonen's flight from her home to his, across the sea and the desert. As always stellar worldbuilding and I loved seeing Oria figuring out the extent of her powers and capabilities away from her home. Clearly she and Lonen are a good match and will do whatever is necessary to protect each other. Lots of humour (especially involving Oria's dragon familiar Chuffta) and some good sexy bits. Nice continuation of the series and looking forward to more!
Note : a copy of this story was provided by the author for review
Note : a copy of this story was provided by the author for review
January 31, 2017
I do love this series but boy is it slow - I think practically the entire story takes place over just a few days as Oria and Lonen flee Bara into the desert trying to reach Dru.
When's the next one out? Gimme, gimme, gimme. Grabby hands.
When's the next one out? Gimme, gimme, gimme. Grabby hands.
October 14, 2016
Happy sigh
Another good installment
Another good installment
December 6, 2021
Oh là là ce tome ! C’est une vérité, il m’a rendu accro à l’histoire et aux personnages ! C’est, je crois, mon préféré jusqu’ici. J’aime toujours la plume de l’auteure et son univers infini dont on découvre de nouvelles facettes et qui trouve toujours une façon de nous surprendre ! J’aime particulièrement l’évolution des personnages et de leur relation, qui avance énormément dans ce tome et qui est profondément touchante, apportant une note plus douce par moment. On ne s’ennuie pas, c’est ce que j’aime aussi dans cette saga ! Qu’il y ait de l’action ou non, il n’y a pas de descriptions à rallonge qui nous ennuient ou nous perdent. Il y a toujours quelque chose pour nous donner envie d’avancer dans la lecture !
Oria, honnêtement, cette héroïne est l’une de mes préférées, je crois ! Elle est mature tout en ayant parfois une naïveté touchante sur certains sujets, elle est attachante par son tempérament, son envie d’aider les autres, la douceur qu’on sent parfois en elle. Elle évolue grandement, elle grandit à chaque chapitre, chaque tome, pour devenir plus forte et plus femme. C’est le genre de personnage dont je ne me lasse pas, car elles ont une authenticité incroyable et captivante qui donne envie de continuer à la suivre longtemps ! Son attachement à Lonen me réchauffe le cœur et me fait littéralement fondre ! Et puis aussi Chuffta, que j’adore tellement ! Leurs interactions et leur relation privilégiée m’ont émue et fascinée !
Lonen lui, est devenu bien plus que le guerrier dont nous avions fait connaissance au début de l’histoire. Il est devenu un homme fort, prêt à tout pour les siens, mais aussi pour Oria, cette femme qui a tant sacrifié et fait tellement de choses pour essayer de ramener la paix entre leurs peuples. L’attirance qu’il a pour cette femme qui ne ressemble en rien aux femmes Destrye est déroutante, mais il ne peut la nier. Et le fait qu’il ne puisse pas la toucher comme il le voudrait pourrait gâcher cela, mais non ! Car Lonen n’est pas seulement attiré physiquement par elle. L’affection qu’il éprouve se ressent dans chacun de ses actes et m’a rendue presque jalouse, oui oui ! Je les ai adorés dans ce tome, bien qu’ils continuent parfois de se tourner autour sans rien faire, mais on ressent tellement de choses venant d’eux ! Un régal d’émotions !
Chuffta est toujours aussi présent, et j’adore ce dragonceau qui est si intelligent et attachant, mais loin d’être inoffensif ! Et puis, on va être surpris par bien des personnages, certains par leur réapparition soudaine, d’autres par les rebondissements qu’ils amènent à l’intrigue. Je sens que le prochain tome ne va pas être de tout repos, mais j’ai tellement hâte, mon Dieu !
En conclusion, ce livre offre un univers riche, incroyablement prenant, étendu à un point qu’on se demande si nous arriverons à tout savoir, tout cela en restant cohérent et captivant. Et les personnages sont, pour moi, la plus grande réussite de ce récit ! Je les adore, tout entier, je n’ai tout simplement rien à redire sur eux, car ils m’ont totalement séduite ! L’attente va être longue pour avoir la suite, je l’attends avec tant d’impatience !
Oria, honnêtement, cette héroïne est l’une de mes préférées, je crois ! Elle est mature tout en ayant parfois une naïveté touchante sur certains sujets, elle est attachante par son tempérament, son envie d’aider les autres, la douceur qu’on sent parfois en elle. Elle évolue grandement, elle grandit à chaque chapitre, chaque tome, pour devenir plus forte et plus femme. C’est le genre de personnage dont je ne me lasse pas, car elles ont une authenticité incroyable et captivante qui donne envie de continuer à la suivre longtemps ! Son attachement à Lonen me réchauffe le cœur et me fait littéralement fondre ! Et puis aussi Chuffta, que j’adore tellement ! Leurs interactions et leur relation privilégiée m’ont émue et fascinée !
Lonen lui, est devenu bien plus que le guerrier dont nous avions fait connaissance au début de l’histoire. Il est devenu un homme fort, prêt à tout pour les siens, mais aussi pour Oria, cette femme qui a tant sacrifié et fait tellement de choses pour essayer de ramener la paix entre leurs peuples. L’attirance qu’il a pour cette femme qui ne ressemble en rien aux femmes Destrye est déroutante, mais il ne peut la nier. Et le fait qu’il ne puisse pas la toucher comme il le voudrait pourrait gâcher cela, mais non ! Car Lonen n’est pas seulement attiré physiquement par elle. L’affection qu’il éprouve se ressent dans chacun de ses actes et m’a rendue presque jalouse, oui oui ! Je les ai adorés dans ce tome, bien qu’ils continuent parfois de se tourner autour sans rien faire, mais on ressent tellement de choses venant d’eux ! Un régal d’émotions !
Chuffta est toujours aussi présent, et j’adore ce dragonceau qui est si intelligent et attachant, mais loin d’être inoffensif ! Et puis, on va être surpris par bien des personnages, certains par leur réapparition soudaine, d’autres par les rebondissements qu’ils amènent à l’intrigue. Je sens que le prochain tome ne va pas être de tout repos, mais j’ai tellement hâte, mon Dieu !
En conclusion, ce livre offre un univers riche, incroyablement prenant, étendu à un point qu’on se demande si nous arriverons à tout savoir, tout cela en restant cohérent et captivant. Et les personnages sont, pour moi, la plus grande réussite de ce récit ! Je les adore, tout entier, je n’ai tout simplement rien à redire sur eux, car ils m’ont totalement séduite ! L’attente va être longue pour avoir la suite, je l’attends avec tant d’impatience !
April 2, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.I blew through Oria’s Gambit, and this book, The Tides of Bara today. This book was mostly about Lonen and Oria’s escape from Bara and their struggle to survive. The pace of this installment was slower, but it provided ample opportunity for the main characters to talk and work through their needs and views.
Oria struggles with leaving Bara, both because it has been her lifelong home and the throne should be hers and because she’s not sure she’ll survive leaving Bara. A confrontation with the palace guard drives home her feelings of guilt as he accuses her of abandonment.
In general, I’ve been a fan of Lonen, but some of his decisions in this book bothered me. For a man who usually listens, he is set on taking Oria to Dru even when she protests. Granted, she wasn’t completely clear to him about why or about her fears, but he gleans them and then goes on, believing that Oria might receive healing magic from the forests of Dru. I understand that he wants to get home, but his pushing to go to Dru that way seemed out of character.
I enjoyed both Oria’s resolve and her later decisions to open up to Lonen. I loved that neither would leave the other. We also learned more of Oria’s abilities, but questions related to the Trom remain. I wasn’t as shocked at the end twist - I kept believing that that character would turn up at some point because he was mentioned often. I’m also not shocked at the Destrye’s reception of Oria. Can’t wait to see Lonen and Oria figure that out.
Oria struggles with leaving Bara, both because it has been her lifelong home and the throne should be hers and because she’s not sure she’ll survive leaving Bara. A confrontation with the palace guard drives home her feelings of guilt as he accuses her of abandonment.
In general, I’ve been a fan of Lonen, but some of his decisions in this book bothered me. For a man who usually listens, he is set on taking Oria to Dru even when she protests. Granted, she wasn’t completely clear to him about why or about her fears, but he gleans them and then goes on, believing that Oria might receive healing magic from the forests of Dru. I understand that he wants to get home, but his pushing to go to Dru that way seemed out of character.
I enjoyed both Oria’s resolve and her later decisions to open up to Lonen. I loved that neither would leave the other. We also learned more of Oria’s abilities, but questions related to the Trom remain. I wasn’t as shocked at the end twist - I kept believing that that character would turn up at some point because he was mentioned often. I’m also not shocked at the Destrye’s reception of Oria. Can’t wait to see Lonen and Oria figure that out.
December 6, 2023
With this book I found myself getting extremely annoyed with the main female character. It was like she had a complete devolution instead of having personal growth she just totally went backwards and went from being a strong independent female character to being very whiny and and doing nothing but pitying herself. What also would annoyed me is that she just constantly assumes the worst about the main male character and his opinion about her and everything rather than just talking to him. Something that also annoyed me about this book is the fact that I feel like it just focuses far too much on the romantic aspect and not enough on the plot and the world building. Because the books are such a quick read I'll probably read the next one just to satisfy my curiosity of where everything is going but if they were any longer I probably wouldn't be continuing.
March 28, 2023
Okay, you know what? These books are freaking winning me over. I have given the first two 4 star reviews because I wanted to set a high bar for 5 star books. But I haven’t stopped listening to these audiobooks since I started. They are really just the perfect mixture of romance, action, adventure, and inner dialogue. I think that in a genre so oversaturated with certain tropes, this series is really a standout. So far, in three books, the plot hasn’t taken a twist that put me off; That is is a very hard achievement! Usually by now everything has gone to pieces and the plot is in a million directions! But here I am, 3 books in, and immediately diving into the 4th. If I had to recommend a high fantasy series, it would be this one.
January 1, 2024
Not much happens in this continuation in terms of the plot, but I still really enjoyed this book for the focus it has on Lonan and Oria and their relationship. Both have a lot to deal with after being forced to flee Bara and before they reach Lonan's homeland, Dru. They have to learn to trust each other and come a long way with it. I really enjoy how the author allows their relationship to unfold, giving each character the space to settle somewhat within the newness of this experience and also figure out what it means for them. There's some miscommunication, which is very well done. Quite unusual for this genre and I really appreciate how well it's done.
I'm loving this series so much!
I'm loving this series so much!
December 14, 2019
Of course I loved every second of this book!! And you will too. None of these were written as stand-alone novels, which I honestly prefer. They rather feel like clusters of chapters in the same book. (Thank goodness I can read them all at once! I'd go crazy if I had to wait between.)
The romance between Oria and Lonen continues to draw me in and make me crave more. Seriously you guys, if you love fantasy at all you need to read this series!!
The romance between Oria and Lonen continues to draw me in and make me crave more. Seriously you guys, if you love fantasy at all you need to read this series!!
January 20, 2019
Oria and Lonen
Magic isn't everything. Linen must save Oria from the very people that are supposed to love her. Oria's brother betrays her to the temple. The women of Bara cannot leave the magic of their city, but Oria must find a way.
Magic isn't everything. Linen must save Oria from the very people that are supposed to love her. Oria's brother betrays her to the temple. The women of Bara cannot leave the magic of their city, but Oria must find a way.
June 26, 2023
The obsession with the phrases "the virgin" and "the barbarian" could easily be turned into a drinking game if you wanna get super smashed super fast.
August 15, 2023
As good as the last two.... on to the next one.
April 11, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ - Actually really glad I’ve stuck with this one. Been an enjoyable journey
February 21, 2017
Initial Thoughts: I thought this was supposed to be a trilogy, but I'm happy to say, I think there is more to come! Loved this latest installment in the Sorcerous Moons series. This novel seemed to truly concentrate on the relationship between Oria and Lonen. They were truly forced to finally rely on one another and I loved watching them grow. There are little hints of things that may come to pass and I am eager to see how they fare now that they are in Lonen's land. Really enjoying this series. I get so engrossed, I read it too quickly! Please click on the link to the full review by myself and my review partner, Gikany, posted at That's What I'm Talking about blog: http://twimom227.com/2016/11/review-t...
December 28, 2016
I expect that the next release will be the last in the series, so I’m looking forward to Oria and Lonen figuring out how to safely make love, and also anticipating Oria conquering the hearts of the Destrye. I especially can’t wait to see the evil Báran nobility get their come-uppence. This is a very diverting fantasy series, and Kennedy’s THE TIDES OF BÁRA showcases our hero and heroine’s epic quest through inhospitable lands against impossible odds. Come on, book 4!
See my full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
I submitted this review to Fresh Fiction on 10/15
Review was finally posted on Fresh Fiction 12/29/16
See my full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
I submitted this review to Fresh Fiction on 10/15
Review was finally posted on Fresh Fiction 12/29/16
March 4, 2017
I debated rating this four stars as I enjoyed the beginning and ending chapters. However, the middle (after they'd escaped Bara, and before they fought the golems) was a bit too slow for me. The book was still quite good though, and the final chapters have me ready to read The Forests Of Dru. However, I think I will wait until the book after that is listed on Goodreads as I get the sense I will need to pace myself.
November 6, 2016
Stupid serial! I hate serial books. Gimme a complete book any day, instead of this partial crap. It feels like I've just started reading and then the story ends. If only I'd known this before buying the first installment...
May 15, 2022
Ok si je l’ai lu c’est parce que j’ai lu les deux premiers et que j’aime bien finir les sagas. Mais la je sais pas si je vais continuer, bien que la fin laisse présager un tournant dans l’histoire. ENFIN J’ESPÈRE.
November 2, 2016
I am really enjoying this story... I am NOT really enjoying reading it in little any snippets!! Why Jeffe Kennedy!! Why!!! My heart just can't take it!
November 19, 2016
Never has a journey novel been more exciting.
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