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Children of the Sun #1
Prince of Magic
Independent Ariana, daughter of the Sun Witch, has the special power of healing--and now she tends to her emperor. But a prophecy points to Ariana as the one to save Columbyana from a growing evil. As an ally, Sian prepares this sensuous woman for the fight of her life. And when passion's heat mingles with the heat of battle, man and woman will never be the same.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2006
44 people are currently reading
894 people want to read
About the author
Linda Winstead Jones
184 books376 followersLinda Winstead Jones is the bestselling author of more than eighty romance novels and novellas across several sub-genres. She’s easily distracted (Look! A squirrel!) and writes the stories that speak to her in the moment. Paranormal. Romantic Suspense. Twisted Fairy Tales. Cowboys. Her books are for readers who want to escape from reality for a while, who don’t mind the occasional trip into another world for a laugh, a chill, the occasional heartwarming tear. Where will we go next?
More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at www.facebook.com/LindaWinsteadJones or www.facebook.com/LindaHowardLindaJones.
More information can be found at lindawinsteadjones.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter, and at www.facebook.com/LindaWinsteadJones or www.facebook.com/LindaHowardLindaJones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 25, 2016
I am so very glad that I read books 2 and 3 before reading the this one because there is no way I would have continued the series after reading Prince of Magic. OMG it was simply terrible! The "hero" and I use that term very, very loosely was a freaking jerk. I couldn't stand Sian Chamblyn! And the heroine got on my ever-loving nerves. I actually had to force myself to finish this book as I really couldn't stand anyone involved in this story. UGH.
July 22, 2009
This book starts the second trilogy of a nicely cheesy romantic fantasy series. Each book adds a bit more graphic sex, but that is also expected with the genre. And as an aside, although the title seems to imply that the main character is male, it really is the female protagonist who has the majority viewpoint and is whom the “prophesy” depends upon for this book.
August 15, 2025
Sian has come to the palace with a prophecy and seeks the one who will lead an army against the growing darkness beyond the castle walls. Never in a million years would he find his destined warrior in the body of a beautiful female healer. Sian has never been a gentle man or one would call a people person however the notion that this woman is fated to lead an army against the Demon of this land – fated to die in the process – just doesn’t sit right with him. So, he trains her, prepares her magically and physically for war but he keeps from her that final piece of the prophecy.
Ariana thinks Sian is a bit of an ass but he is the only one she can trust to prepare her for what she must do. And as time between them passes, they grow closer and closer and soon what lays between them is not just student and master but man and woman. Despite Sian’s prickly personality, she is grateful to have him. That is, until the truth of his deception comes to light.
Though it matters naught. Adriana knows her destiny and what she must do and it will be done. With or without her Prince of Magic.
This book was heavily Fantasy but at the same time it did manage to offer must for a romance reader like myself. While I would have loved this book to be longer, I thought it was well paced and planned out. I was never bored but I did find myself thinking if I had missed something when in fact the author just skimmed some of the basic plot points. I liked the overall story and the fact that while the enemy was not defeated (spoiler I guess), this book managed to add an important element that will fact in with the rest of the trilogy.
In terms of characters, I greatly enjoyed both Sian and Adriana. Never were salves to hysterics or prone to jumping to conclusions. Sian was a gruff and antisocial creature who feel in love despite his better judgment but it didn’t take him long to come to care deeply for his new student. Adriana in turn was resourceful, patient with Sian's personality and devoutly brave in her quest.
Ariana thinks Sian is a bit of an ass but he is the only one she can trust to prepare her for what she must do. And as time between them passes, they grow closer and closer and soon what lays between them is not just student and master but man and woman. Despite Sian’s prickly personality, she is grateful to have him. That is, until the truth of his deception comes to light.
Though it matters naught. Adriana knows her destiny and what she must do and it will be done. With or without her Prince of Magic.
This book was heavily Fantasy but at the same time it did manage to offer must for a romance reader like myself. While I would have loved this book to be longer, I thought it was well paced and planned out. I was never bored but I did find myself thinking if I had missed something when in fact the author just skimmed some of the basic plot points. I liked the overall story and the fact that while the enemy was not defeated (spoiler I guess), this book managed to add an important element that will fact in with the rest of the trilogy.
In terms of characters, I greatly enjoyed both Sian and Adriana. Never were salves to hysterics or prone to jumping to conclusions. Sian was a gruff and antisocial creature who feel in love despite his better judgment but it didn’t take him long to come to care deeply for his new student. Adriana in turn was resourceful, patient with Sian's personality and devoutly brave in her quest.
Read
April 11, 2007The story was about a healer who as to learn to fight due to a prophecy made. She is trained by a magician with whom she falls in love. They have to battle demons, vampires, etc to try and save their people form evil.
Read
August 25, 2016fantasy romance, the first in a trilogy. She's a witch who is destined to save the world (from the unspeakable evil demon) and he's an enchanter with commitment issues. They battle evil undead things.
July 21, 2019
Not an auspicious beginning for our lovers…Sian is more than a little obnoxious. Being an arrogant a** is, of course, a staple of many romances and I really found myself disliking him, but Ariana’s almost amused reaction to him defused my dislike. She found him unusual and somewhat unexpected, but not particularly attractive. And their association was based on a real and practical need. I appreciated the way Ms. Jones allowed the characters to be themselves, and to interact in natural and believable ways. Their developing romance was by turns awkward and kind and gently passionate, with just a touch of hopelessness. Like they were willing to take what they could get in the face of the terrible destiny that we can feel they are headed toward.
Not that there weren’t a few small missteps. Sian notes that “she had healer’s hands, soft and white and delicate.” Really? I guess if you assume a healer is too good to get her hands dirty, and probably has other people to pick and prepare her supplies for her, but I didn’t get the impression that Arianna was that sort of person. I also thought there should have been more to establish the legitimacy of the prophesy. Some old guy, obviously well into senility, writes something that indicates to our MCs that Ariana is supposed to lead an army into battle, so she just off and obediently changes to course of her life to follow it. I wanted a stronger motivation. I wanted to know why I should believe.
I was a little surprised that Sian turned out to be a remarkably practical and mildly likable person, but not unbelievably so. He is dedicated and impatient, all business by habit but he, predictably, is derailed by his growing attraction to the woman who he is preparing to save the world. It is revealed fairly early that the prophesy says she will die, and it is to the credit of the writing that I wasn’t sure if she would permanently die or not. Seemed like it could go either way. There’s an epic going on, and epics are known to sacrifice characters along the way.
Ms. Jones’ writing is vivid and fascinating and often surprising in small ways. She doesn’t fall back on clichés, but creates well rounded characters. Heroes with flaws, villains that you can’t help liking just a little bit every now and then. It seems to be a trademark of her style that she can create a black souled person who you want to see redeemed, even as you know they have to die.
I found myself a little disappointed by what seemed like a fairly unimaginative solution to Ariana’s Final Fate, which had been built up so much by the story. Everything that came afterwards was anticlimactic, and it went on for far too long to be deemed an epilogue. All story momentum and energy had been lost and I kept fighting the urge to skip forward just to see if anything interesting were going to happen. Which it didn’t. Ms. Jones would have done better to have condensed it and made it a prologue for Prince of Fire, which is where it belonged.
I will mention that I greatly regret having read Prince of Swords before reading Prince of Magic. It makes much of the book feel like an anticlimax, knowing what is going to happen.
Not that there weren’t a few small missteps. Sian notes that “she had healer’s hands, soft and white and delicate.” Really? I guess if you assume a healer is too good to get her hands dirty, and probably has other people to pick and prepare her supplies for her, but I didn’t get the impression that Arianna was that sort of person. I also thought there should have been more to establish the legitimacy of the prophesy. Some old guy, obviously well into senility, writes something that indicates to our MCs that Ariana is supposed to lead an army into battle, so she just off and obediently changes to course of her life to follow it. I wanted a stronger motivation. I wanted to know why I should believe.
I was a little surprised that Sian turned out to be a remarkably practical and mildly likable person, but not unbelievably so. He is dedicated and impatient, all business by habit but he, predictably, is derailed by his growing attraction to the woman who he is preparing to save the world. It is revealed fairly early that the prophesy says she will die, and it is to the credit of the writing that I wasn’t sure if she would permanently die or not. Seemed like it could go either way. There’s an epic going on, and epics are known to sacrifice characters along the way.
Ms. Jones’ writing is vivid and fascinating and often surprising in small ways. She doesn’t fall back on clichés, but creates well rounded characters. Heroes with flaws, villains that you can’t help liking just a little bit every now and then. It seems to be a trademark of her style that she can create a black souled person who you want to see redeemed, even as you know they have to die.
I found myself a little disappointed by what seemed like a fairly unimaginative solution to Ariana’s Final Fate, which had been built up so much by the story. Everything that came afterwards was anticlimactic, and it went on for far too long to be deemed an epilogue. All story momentum and energy had been lost and I kept fighting the urge to skip forward just to see if anything interesting were going to happen. Which it didn’t. Ms. Jones would have done better to have condensed it and made it a prologue for Prince of Fire, which is where it belonged.
I will mention that I greatly regret having read Prince of Swords before reading Prince of Magic. It makes much of the book feel like an anticlimax, knowing what is going to happen.
August 19, 2021
Whew
Why oh why did I put this off for so long?? FOR YEARS!! The first series was one of my all time favorites from high school - roughly 15 years ago. I’ve read them so many times they are almost memorized. I don’t know why I didn’t think this sequel series wouldn’t be just as wonderful. But boy am I glad I finally read this! Can’t wait for the next one !
Why oh why did I put this off for so long?? FOR YEARS!! The first series was one of my all time favorites from high school - roughly 15 years ago. I’ve read them so many times they are almost memorized. I don’t know why I didn’t think this sequel series wouldn’t be just as wonderful. But boy am I glad I finally read this! Can’t wait for the next one !
May 8, 2021
Magic, magic everywhere!
Fantastic magic was being learned, used, and misused!
Love, loss, tears, laughter, joy, hatred..
Protected, misunderstood.
Love and promises kept and lost!
Fantastic work!
Fantastic magic was being learned, used, and misused!
Love, loss, tears, laughter, joy, hatred..
Protected, misunderstood.
Love and promises kept and lost!
Fantastic work!
July 14, 2024
This is my favorite author and book series
January 23, 2010
Just finished Prince of Magic (★★★★) by Linda Winstead Jones. It's listed as the first book in the Children of the Sun trilogy, but since this trilogy is a continuation of the Fyne Witches trilogy, it's almost the fourth book in the series instead. I read & enjoyed the Fyne Witches trilogy in 2006 and enjoyed it enough that I bought Prince of Magic in early 2007, but that's around the time I moved into vampire/werewolf PNR and Prince of Magic has been sitting on my TBR shelf since then.
The book begins about 25 years after Fyne Witch series ends, with Ariana the eldest daughter of the Sun Witch - a healer and a witch in her own right. Ariana is court healer for a dying king and suddenly finds herself thrown into the center of a war based on a prophecy brought to the king's attention by Sian Chamblyn, a powerful enchanter.
I give the book 4 stars based on the complexity of the world Winstead has created, the depth to which I find myself caring about both Ariana & Sian, as well as the outcome of the story. There's good character development, too. It's a little disappointing that the story doesn't quite wrap up at the end as it's continued in the second (fifth?) book in the series, The Fire King, which is why it got four instead of five stars
The book begins about 25 years after Fyne Witch series ends, with Ariana the eldest daughter of the Sun Witch - a healer and a witch in her own right. Ariana is court healer for a dying king and suddenly finds herself thrown into the center of a war based on a prophecy brought to the king's attention by Sian Chamblyn, a powerful enchanter.
I give the book 4 stars based on the complexity of the world Winstead has created, the depth to which I find myself caring about both Ariana & Sian, as well as the outcome of the story. There's good character development, too. It's a little disappointing that the story doesn't quite wrap up at the end as it's continued in the second (fifth?) book in the series, The Fire King, which is why it got four instead of five stars
June 4, 2013
Book 1 of the Children of the Sun series. I'm sure that there are others out there who totally enjoy this genre but I'm not one of them. This is set in a time that is earlier than modern times, maybe Renaissance times or earlier, and not necessarily on any true Earth timeline. Kings, Queens, emperors, wizards, witches, demon possession, village wenches, healers, and lots of "thou", "thus", "My Lord", and "My Lady". Not really anything here to entertain a fan of Dark Urban Fantasy. I've got book 2 of the series already and I'll still give it a try, just in case the series improves since not all series start out good from the get-go.
October 27, 2007
Sian is a sorcerer who has a prophesy that involves the first born of the Fyne witches, Ariana. She must lead an army against Ciro, the prince that is possessed by a demon. She is determined to go to the Anwyrn, the wolf people that her cousin is Queen of and get their help, but along the way they meet the dark army and lose many. In the end, Sian and Ariana are together, in love, waiting to see if her cousin the Queen is found before they must head out again. I love this author, and this is a great continuation of the previous trilogy about the Fyne witches.
February 16, 2008
Sian Chamblyn, a wizard, comes to find the firstborn children of the Fyne witches, who will be instrumental in destroying a great evil that threatens the land. Sophie's daughter Ariana is a healer at the palace, and Sian starts to train her to fight, while hiding the secret that Ariana is destined to die.
This book set up the ensuing conflict perfectly, while leaving enough hanging for the next two. Sian is an odd hero, but he and Ariana match well.
This book set up the ensuing conflict perfectly, while leaving enough hanging for the next two. Sian is an odd hero, but he and Ariana match well.
September 10, 2010
This is the first in a trilogy and it was awesome! I couldn't put it down. This book leapt from the pages and pulled me right into the land of Columbyana and kept me there through Ariana and Sian's story. Though of course it's not over yet as there are two more parts to tell the whole story and I'm looking forward to reading them!
December 16, 2011
Good book! I was so excited to start this series after reading the Fyne Witches set. I just can't put this book down!! Im glad that I waited until the one came in from loan before started the second one. I have a feeling i'd be so lost. Great book and great set! Can't wait to strt the next book and then the set after this one.
February 24, 2008
Awesome! Arianna and Sain are great characters. I'm loving the new battle and the great characters. So much adventure that it makes you wanna flip to the next page. I'm glad that Jones decided to continue the story through the kids.
October 23, 2009
This 2nd trilogy is strictly middle of the road enjoyment for me. I enjoy the writing, characters and story, but wouldn't put it in my top anything list.
That being said I did really enjoy the first trilogy and am thinking I'm going to like the second. Good reads and a lot of fun!
That being said I did really enjoy the first trilogy and am thinking I'm going to like the second. Good reads and a lot of fun!
December 5, 2013
Out of 5 star:
Overall:4
P.O.V. alternating between hero, heroine, and a little bit of the baddie as well.
Romance: 3
Sensuality: 3
Sex: 1
Hero: 4
Heroine:4
Enjoyable: 4
Secondary Characters: 4
Likely hood of reading the rest of the series: 2
Overall:4
P.O.V. alternating between hero, heroine, and a little bit of the baddie as well.
Romance: 3
Sensuality: 3
Sex: 1
Hero: 4
Heroine:4
Enjoyable: 4
Secondary Characters: 4
Likely hood of reading the rest of the series: 2
October 25, 2014
Three is being generous, it was one of those books that I put down many times because I really did not wish to finish it. I did finish out of pure curiosity but book one will probably be all I read.
December 21, 2014
Prince of Magic is the first book of a trilogy called The Children of the Sun. Lovers of paranormal romance won't want to miss this first installment. It was gripping, addictive, and stunning. I loved it.
April 21, 2015
I felt like the events in this book happened really fast, like one chapter she's living her life and then literally the next chapter she's training to go into battle. But as a whole, I liked it and thought the plot was interesting!
March 6, 2008
Good romance-- I read all three- prince of magic, prince of fire, prince of swords-- I really got into the characters--
October 15, 2011
Reading again..Cause I picked this up and I had forgotten I had read it..Looked on here and yes I had indeed read it in 2009..oh well..I still like it!!
Read
November 24, 2009Now THIS series...I read the third trilogy before I read the first trilogy...
Want to read
February 25, 2010meh, I will come back to this one later. Didn't catch my interest like I thought it would.
May 28, 2010
3.5 stars
didnt-finish
September 13, 2012This one started off OK, but the bad guys were doing some strange/disgusting things that really put me off. Didn't make it past the second chapter.
July 31, 2011
Great series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews