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Tamed
Reign Phillips has just earned her PhD in ancient languages when her Professor returns from Greece with treasure for the University of New Mexico; fifty-six mummified remains and a puzzling sealed gold casket that doesn't seem to fit any time period. Accompanying him is the man responsible for brokering the deal with the university, Damon Sarantos. Unknown to anyone, Damon himself had buried the casket almost two thousand years before. Reign is a woman Damon can't ignore and desperately wants to win. Her vibrant light soothes the darkness inside him, even as it pulls her away and warns her not to love him. As she decodes the mysterious writing on the outside of the casket, Damon must work to gain her trust and win her heart. Can he be the man she wants him to be? Or will they be eternally separated by his partly demonic nature? The casket holds the answer, and opening it will either bring peace or unleash a darkness that threatens to engulf the entire world.
476 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 27, 2012
Just because you can "see" good and evil, doesn't mean you understand what you are seeing. That is a big part of the story of Tamed. Damon, our hero, can see an aura of light or darkness around people. It's an inherited talent, though I won't give away why. A light aura attracts him like a magnet. It calms and strengthens him. He thinks it is the strength or goodness in a person that attracts him and "does him good" by association.
He also uses this ability to protect others from those with dark auras. He protects Reign, the heroine, even though she doesn't think she needs protecting. She does, and Damon also has an impressive talent for discerning the motivations behind what seem to be good deeds.
But the thing that makes this story so compelling is the truth that experience, and Damon's had LOTS of it, doesn't necessarily give you discernment. It can just make you extra stubborn and proud. Reign and Damon are both guilty of this lack of discernment. The book could put some Christians off because it uses some terminology that can and has been redefined and misdefined by different Christian groups.
Don't dismiss as shallow the author's concept of focusing on loving God and focusing on His love rather than following a list of rules. It's critical to understanding why people can't discern the true source of good and evil or effectively seek out good and fight evil. Follow the argument through the book and see if it doesn't make you understand both the "rulebook" and the loving God behind it better.
He also uses this ability to protect others from those with dark auras. He protects Reign, the heroine, even though she doesn't think she needs protecting. She does, and Damon also has an impressive talent for discerning the motivations behind what seem to be good deeds.
But the thing that makes this story so compelling is the truth that experience, and Damon's had LOTS of it, doesn't necessarily give you discernment. It can just make you extra stubborn and proud. Reign and Damon are both guilty of this lack of discernment. The book could put some Christians off because it uses some terminology that can and has been redefined and misdefined by different Christian groups.
Don't dismiss as shallow the author's concept of focusing on loving God and focusing on His love rather than following a list of rules. It's critical to understanding why people can't discern the true source of good and evil or effectively seek out good and fight evil. Follow the argument through the book and see if it doesn't make you understand both the "rulebook" and the loving God behind it better.
January 23, 2025
115 AD and
Current day
Well, if I had to compare this book to any other I would say it’s like a Christian version of Twilight with Nephilim instead of vampires. Nephilim are the offspring of fallen angels and human women.
In this book the main character Nephilim is 2000+ years old. He was Servius Oculius Domitius, a Roman Centurion about the time of Christ. In the current-day storyline he's Damon Sarantos, a business owner with his hand in antiquities, and yes, he's still a Nephilim. An extremely strong, super human man.
The female lead is Reign Philips. She has a PhD in ancient languages, works at the University of New Mexico, and can read Sumerian, a lost language that Damon speaks.
Her professor brought a crate from Greece with Damon. It was a small gold casket, but what was inside would change Damon and Reign's world.
Like I said this was in some ways similar to Twilight, but oh, so much better. Reign is a Christian and is incredibly attracted to Damon but she knows nothing can come of it since he does not know the Lord, and she told him so. But his arrogance (and other-worldly powers) will not persuade him to give up and let her go. He's sure he can convince her to be his.
The author grapples with more tough Christian issues, trying to give thought provoking answers and does a bang up job. But the best was when Reign shared the gospel in tremendous detail, and it was so well done. I was pretty much in awe. If I could share it in this review, I would. But it’s too long and the reader will want to read this on their own.
Now, was it clean? By the world's standards yes. But there was some mild language, not as expletives, but as part of speech. There was drinking but not excessive, except by the centurions. There was a gang, prostitution, violence in both eras, and sexual references/innuendo (Damon was not a Christian so this was his way). Some of it was unfortunate, but honestly, the story was too good to mark down a whole star.
Wonderful characters, some you want to hate, some (like Reign's parents) you can’t help but love, and some characters with surprises, not all good.
Loved it. This was one of my 2011 books purchased I really liked.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Oh, sadly the next book in the series is out of print. There were things hinted at toward the end of this book to another one to follow, but it’s not available at Amazon. eBay perhaps, but I don’t normally buy or read paper books. Sigh. And this book is being reprinted as a four part series called House of War & Light, only the first two are available for purchase as of this review date, January 2025.
Current day
Well, if I had to compare this book to any other I would say it’s like a Christian version of Twilight with Nephilim instead of vampires. Nephilim are the offspring of fallen angels and human women.
In this book the main character Nephilim is 2000+ years old. He was Servius Oculius Domitius, a Roman Centurion about the time of Christ. In the current-day storyline he's Damon Sarantos, a business owner with his hand in antiquities, and yes, he's still a Nephilim. An extremely strong, super human man.
The female lead is Reign Philips. She has a PhD in ancient languages, works at the University of New Mexico, and can read Sumerian, a lost language that Damon speaks.
Her professor brought a crate from Greece with Damon. It was a small gold casket, but what was inside would change Damon and Reign's world.
Like I said this was in some ways similar to Twilight, but oh, so much better. Reign is a Christian and is incredibly attracted to Damon but she knows nothing can come of it since he does not know the Lord, and she told him so. But his arrogance (and other-worldly powers) will not persuade him to give up and let her go. He's sure he can convince her to be his.
The author grapples with more tough Christian issues, trying to give thought provoking answers and does a bang up job. But the best was when Reign shared the gospel in tremendous detail, and it was so well done. I was pretty much in awe. If I could share it in this review, I would. But it’s too long and the reader will want to read this on their own.
Now, was it clean? By the world's standards yes. But there was some mild language, not as expletives, but as part of speech. There was drinking but not excessive, except by the centurions. There was a gang, prostitution, violence in both eras, and sexual references/innuendo (Damon was not a Christian so this was his way). Some of it was unfortunate, but honestly, the story was too good to mark down a whole star.
Wonderful characters, some you want to hate, some (like Reign's parents) you can’t help but love, and some characters with surprises, not all good.
Loved it. This was one of my 2011 books purchased I really liked.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Oh, sadly the next book in the series is out of print. There were things hinted at toward the end of this book to another one to follow, but it’s not available at Amazon. eBay perhaps, but I don’t normally buy or read paper books. Sigh. And this book is being reprinted as a four part series called House of War & Light, only the first two are available for purchase as of this review date, January 2025.
November 28, 2017
This was a great read. It kept me on the edge of my seat almost throughout the whole time. There was a little bit of everything - romance, action, drama, and genuine characters. Reign was hit or miss for me - sometimes she was far from wise, but you can definitely tell she has a good heart (obviously since she is a "child of Light"). Damon came off as cocky in the beginning, but as I delved further into his history, he warmed up to me and I ended up enjoying seeing him interact with Reign throughout the book. Can't wait to start the sequel!
November 24, 2012
This was everything I love about fiction all in one book!
I almost put this book down. I'm so glad I didn't. But we'll get to reasons later... I want to explain what drew me in.
I love history, especially anything dealing with 1st and 2nd century A.D. or ancient Sumerians. For that aspect alone, this book rocked my world. Ms. Witenhafer REALLY knows her stuff when it comes to history and I loved learning new facts that were interwoven beautifully into the story line.
Each one of the characters made an impression immediately. That's not to say that I loved each one immediately, but I was left with no middle ground. There were no tepid emotions for any of the characters in this book--I either loved them or hated them (or both).
Also, when it comes to craft, skill and style, I applaud Ms. Witenhafer! She drew me entirely into Damon's world, either the ancient one or the modern one, and fully into his internal world as well. At one point I hated him so thoroughly I almost put the book down, but the beauty of the words, the story, the history and the characters around him kept me reading. And I'm so glad I did. I love the sword fights, the high speed chases, the fully original story. Damon gave me chills of delight and horror, Reign made me want to jump up and shout "YEAH!", Minkey made me twinge with disgust, Miss Lily made me feel warm and loved--I could keep going on and on.
I love the way a relationship with the Lord is presented in this book. Even when I didn't agree with Ms. Witenhafer on certain details about ancient beings, the story was told well enough that I could look past all that. It was less about doctrine and more about GRACE and I really appreciated that. Like a breath of fresh air.
If I spent $99 instead of $.99 I'd still have gotten a bargain. If I could give it 10 stars instead of five, boy, would I! I'm so glad there's a sequel. What a book!
I almost put this book down. I'm so glad I didn't. But we'll get to reasons later... I want to explain what drew me in.
I love history, especially anything dealing with 1st and 2nd century A.D. or ancient Sumerians. For that aspect alone, this book rocked my world. Ms. Witenhafer REALLY knows her stuff when it comes to history and I loved learning new facts that were interwoven beautifully into the story line.
Each one of the characters made an impression immediately. That's not to say that I loved each one immediately, but I was left with no middle ground. There were no tepid emotions for any of the characters in this book--I either loved them or hated them (or both).
Also, when it comes to craft, skill and style, I applaud Ms. Witenhafer! She drew me entirely into Damon's world, either the ancient one or the modern one, and fully into his internal world as well. At one point I hated him so thoroughly I almost put the book down, but the beauty of the words, the story, the history and the characters around him kept me reading. And I'm so glad I did. I love the sword fights, the high speed chases, the fully original story. Damon gave me chills of delight and horror, Reign made me want to jump up and shout "YEAH!", Minkey made me twinge with disgust, Miss Lily made me feel warm and loved--I could keep going on and on.
I love the way a relationship with the Lord is presented in this book. Even when I didn't agree with Ms. Witenhafer on certain details about ancient beings, the story was told well enough that I could look past all that. It was less about doctrine and more about GRACE and I really appreciated that. Like a breath of fresh air.
If I spent $99 instead of $.99 I'd still have gotten a bargain. If I could give it 10 stars instead of five, boy, would I! I'm so glad there's a sequel. What a book!
May 1, 2012
Because of the length, it's very EPIC in it's feel. The characters are excellent, solid and well-crafted. The fantasy/speculative elements are very creative and compelling. I loved the archaeology, the fencing, the ghetto kids, the ancient roman scenes where Damon is a centurion.
Since he's 2000 yrs old, Damon has known a lot of women, but this book isn't vulgar at all. In fact, Damon is very respectful of women Especially when he finally meets Reign - the one he knows he's supposed to be with. Their relationship is close, but not intimate as Reign is a Christian and doesn't believe in sex before marriage. She's had a tough past as a foster kid, and knows now how she wants to live her life - honoring God.
For more details, and an author interview check out http://nataliagortova.blogspot.com/20...
p.s. I paid for this book, I didn't get a free copy!
Since he's 2000 yrs old, Damon has known a lot of women, but this book isn't vulgar at all. In fact, Damon is very respectful of women Especially when he finally meets Reign - the one he knows he's supposed to be with. Their relationship is close, but not intimate as Reign is a Christian and doesn't believe in sex before marriage. She's had a tough past as a foster kid, and knows now how she wants to live her life - honoring God.
For more details, and an author interview check out http://nataliagortova.blogspot.com/20...
p.s. I paid for this book, I didn't get a free copy!
May 10, 2011
Loved this book.
Sarah Witenhafer does something I've never seen before - she creates characters who are true to their faith and are truly human at the same time. At least I've never seen it done when the faith is Christianity.
Reign Phillips had just recieved her doctorate in ancient languages when she was brought onto a project involving a burial cask with Roman, Greek and Sumerian motifs. The cask's owner is the magnetic and mysterious Greek tycoon Damon Sarantos.
When Reign unravels the mystery of the cask, and finds Damon's personal history inside, the hidden world of spiritual warefare takes a very concrete form.
Written for grownup fans of Twilight, Tamed takes you to a place even more mysterous, and somehow even more real than the misty rain forrests of Forks, Washington.
Sarah Witenhafer does something I've never seen before - she creates characters who are true to their faith and are truly human at the same time. At least I've never seen it done when the faith is Christianity.
Reign Phillips had just recieved her doctorate in ancient languages when she was brought onto a project involving a burial cask with Roman, Greek and Sumerian motifs. The cask's owner is the magnetic and mysterious Greek tycoon Damon Sarantos.
When Reign unravels the mystery of the cask, and finds Damon's personal history inside, the hidden world of spiritual warefare takes a very concrete form.
Written for grownup fans of Twilight, Tamed takes you to a place even more mysterous, and somehow even more real than the misty rain forrests of Forks, Washington.
March 28, 2014
Sorry but I really couldn't finish this one. I loved the beginning, very promising and I really couldn't wait to learn more about who is what and how it came to happen. I enjoyed the snapshots of the Ancient Rome as I like all things related to the Antiquity and its mythologies. But I have had one big problem: the relation with God. It was way too much for me, kind of annoying really how I begun to see Reign as someone who does nothing for or by herself but relies 200% on her God. It is just way too much and I grew tired of readying through it and waiting for the good parts to come.
March 16, 2012
I loved this book. The plot was unique and it had a great message. Even though we are sinners, God still chose us and still loves us. The way the POV was written got confusing a couple times, and parts were a little "preachy", but other than that, it was great. I fell in love with the characters, which is important to me in a book.
January 7, 2012
I enjoyed the story a lot, once I got into it. I felt it got a little slow in some areas at the beginning, but the end is a page turner! Wonderful mix of action, suspense, faith, redemption, romance, family - it weaves many themes together well. I'm really looking forward to reading book 2 soon.
August 14, 2011
I love this book so much! Sarah is such an amazing writer!I'm so glad that i was able to read her series!!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews