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Amaranthine Saga #7
Rhomiko and the Confirmed Bachelor
One bachelor is love-shy. One is unrequited. One is much-loved. One is blindsided.
Argent Mettlebright knows how to keep a secret safe, but it’s only a matter of time before someone notices that Hisoka Twineshaft has disappeared from the political arena. With tensions on the rise, the world needs his leadership more than ever.
Nobody wants to help Sensei more than Isla Ward, but his door is barred against her. Right, then. She has a plan, and she has a co-writer. Maybe with their next book, her hopes will finally reach her mentor.
With spring’s arrival, Stately House’s enclave stands ready to welcome a Scattering. The estate has never been more secure, but Tsumiko wouldn’t call the resulting sanctuary peaceful. Too many battered souls. Too many wistful glances. But with the help of a dragon bard’s lullabies and an impish crosser’s confidence, she leads her ever-growing family.
Seeds to plant. Imps to hatch. Winds to change. Rogues to lure. Hearts to win. Vows to keep. Lives to share.
Argent Mettlebright knows how to keep a secret safe, but it’s only a matter of time before someone notices that Hisoka Twineshaft has disappeared from the political arena. With tensions on the rise, the world needs his leadership more than ever.
Nobody wants to help Sensei more than Isla Ward, but his door is barred against her. Right, then. She has a plan, and she has a co-writer. Maybe with their next book, her hopes will finally reach her mentor.
With spring’s arrival, Stately House’s enclave stands ready to welcome a Scattering. The estate has never been more secure, but Tsumiko wouldn’t call the resulting sanctuary peaceful. Too many battered souls. Too many wistful glances. But with the help of a dragon bard’s lullabies and an impish crosser’s confidence, she leads her ever-growing family.
Seeds to plant. Imps to hatch. Winds to change. Rogues to lure. Hearts to win. Vows to keep. Lives to share.
658 pages, ebook
First published May 21, 2024
32 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Forthright .
38 books551 followersa teller of tales with a fondness for unlikely friendships, wary alliances, unexpected upshots, hard-won trust, diverse cultures, found family, local legends, and folksome things. Author of the Immortal Holmes series, paranormal mysteries with a steampunk aesthetic set in an alternate history & the romantically-inclined Amaranthine Saga, with all of its attendant short stories & serials.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 24, 2024
Rich and perfect
This last book in the saga is like a full pound of fudge: so densely packed with wonderfulness that you find yourself savoring every mouthful. I’m one of those people who reread books, usually quite quickly because I rush through the first time so that I can find out what happens, then I go back through slowly and carefully to catch all the nuances. This book is different. I didn’t want it to ever end. All of our friends are there. All of our questions are answered (well, okay, most of them though there are enough left to leave us with hope). This book will be a friend for years to come.
Most importantly, though, this book has left me optimistic about MY future and I’m not quite sure why. I suspect that it’s because Forthright has created hopeful futures for so many different types of people that, while she obviously hasn’t written about me specifically, her bright futures aren’t restricted to a certain type of person, except that they are all kind. And all of the bright futures aren’t the same so my awkward dreams may have space in the world. And everyone is sometimes wrong but it’s still good.
Thank you, Forthright. I’m very grateful.
This last book in the saga is like a full pound of fudge: so densely packed with wonderfulness that you find yourself savoring every mouthful. I’m one of those people who reread books, usually quite quickly because I rush through the first time so that I can find out what happens, then I go back through slowly and carefully to catch all the nuances. This book is different. I didn’t want it to ever end. All of our friends are there. All of our questions are answered (well, okay, most of them though there are enough left to leave us with hope). This book will be a friend for years to come.
Most importantly, though, this book has left me optimistic about MY future and I’m not quite sure why. I suspect that it’s because Forthright has created hopeful futures for so many different types of people that, while she obviously hasn’t written about me specifically, her bright futures aren’t restricted to a certain type of person, except that they are all kind. And all of the bright futures aren’t the same so my awkward dreams may have space in the world. And everyone is sometimes wrong but it’s still good.
Thank you, Forthright. I’m very grateful.
August 2, 2024
4.5 stars. This is a very, very long book - perfect for confinement to bed with Covid and helps make up for all the overpriced novellas I paid for, ha ha.
We see pretty much everyone make an appearance here in the authors bid to wrap it up as well as give us happy endings for all. Nudge, nudge, Wink, wink, know what I mean??
Lots of children and crossers but my peeve is that they are all sweet and wonderful and just wanting love, parents and home. Not one of them seems to be a bad egg so far and genetically, I feel like that's impossible. My dog had 3 different litters of around 10 each, they were all wonderful except one that was a stinker and became a biter.
Sprinkled all throughout this and the other stories, are tender poetic words such as these:
“Your mother gave you your name.
“Your father gave you a house.
“Your sire gave you a clan.
“Your tree gave you victory.
“Your siblings give you purpose.
“But I am Anan Eldermost—darkener of lands and harrower of hearts. I am he who was and is and has become music incarnate. And I will give you the sky.”
Highlights and spoilers- most things in this book are highlight worthy but I tried to be restrained:
“Oh.”
Isla looked away. She’d set her heart on a confirmed bachelor, so she never noticed the entirely available, hopelessly smitten bachelor right in front of her.
Lapis had to concede that it was a classic trope. Really, the only saving grace in his situation was that it would never develop into a love triangle. Tiresome things.
And the whole storyline with Kyrie- the winds were let out of the bottles, then manifested in the sky, then entered into his body, then Anan descended?? Too much.
“So you were lured by the flute? By the Bamboo Stave?”
“How would a child know about something so rare?”
“I am a rare child.” Stray raindrops slipped under the tarp and smacked Kyrie’s face. “My family says I am loved by winds.”
“I do not love you.”
“Are you certain?”
“If I did, I cannot imagine admitting it.”
“That, at least, is honest.”
Jacques and Boniface try to reconcile as well as come to terms about Jacques "condition":
Jacques lifted a hand. Boniface blinked.
“Non.”
“Oui.”
“Bloody hell.”
Suuzu slouched back into the sofa cushions and watched the brothers sending silent messages for several moments.
“Right then,” Boniface finally managed. “Lord, I hope you don’t expect me to pitch in. I’m pants at kids.”
“I’d settle for your not telling Maman.”
“I blocked her.”
“Brave man.”
Hisoka was a bit of a miss for me, with Rhomiko. At least now he has someone.
But I enjoyed the different storylines, my favorite part was Isla and Lapis! That to me was unexpected. And maybe I missed it but the whole "chaste" thing did not get addressed satisfactorily. Maybe it was at the end when Isla tended Lapis and she realized he had "abstained"?
When Lapis starts the game:
"And without a backward glance, he strolled toward a knot of ambassadors, beginning his evening’s rounds. Leaving Isla in a state of unaccustomed disarray.
Was she really going to let Lapis Mossberne seduce her? Some shred of feminist pride rebelled, but her romantic inclinations put up a good fight. In the end, she decided that yes, courting games appealed.
She wanted to be adventurous for once."
In fact a lot of "pairings" happened, of course we get Jacques and Sonnet which sadly we didn't get to hear any tender convo between them. Like apologies or explanations. Bam, just together with Anjou (I think of pears EVERY time).
And Gingko and Snow? Just because the pup calls him Da? There must have been SOME attraction that Snow felt in order to make her choice.
This was cute:
Jacques crooked a finger to lift Ginkgo’s face. “Lord, you’re stunning.”
“You think? I feel ridiculous.”
“The pressed powder Anjou used has a hint of shimmer. Very moonbeam. Perfect for snaring the regard of a wolf.”
“Pretty sure that happened months ago. And without any of this frou-frou stuff.” Ginkgo grumbled, “I want my denim back.”
This was fun, finding out WHY Argent wanted to move Kyries room, a baby!!!!
"This year, Kyrie’s present from his parents had come as a surprise, probably because his father had settled on something at the last minute. He was to be given a room of his own, outside his parents’ suite. Because he wasn’t a little boy anymore.
Dad had probably expected gratitude, not the opening of negotiations." lol
And- is it just me or did it seem super anti-climactic that the dragon was an idiot and Nona and Senna were so easy to catch and kill?? Why was it dragged out so long and portrayed them as super villains when they were just weak and stupid??
We see pretty much everyone make an appearance here in the authors bid to wrap it up as well as give us happy endings for all. Nudge, nudge, Wink, wink, know what I mean??
Lots of children and crossers but my peeve is that they are all sweet and wonderful and just wanting love, parents and home. Not one of them seems to be a bad egg so far and genetically, I feel like that's impossible. My dog had 3 different litters of around 10 each, they were all wonderful except one that was a stinker and became a biter.
Sprinkled all throughout this and the other stories, are tender poetic words such as these:
“Your mother gave you your name.
“Your father gave you a house.
“Your sire gave you a clan.
“Your tree gave you victory.
“Your siblings give you purpose.
“But I am Anan Eldermost—darkener of lands and harrower of hearts. I am he who was and is and has become music incarnate. And I will give you the sky.”
Highlights and spoilers- most things in this book are highlight worthy but I tried to be restrained:
“Oh.”
Isla looked away. She’d set her heart on a confirmed bachelor, so she never noticed the entirely available, hopelessly smitten bachelor right in front of her.
Lapis had to concede that it was a classic trope. Really, the only saving grace in his situation was that it would never develop into a love triangle. Tiresome things.
And the whole storyline with Kyrie- the winds were let out of the bottles, then manifested in the sky, then entered into his body, then Anan descended?? Too much.
“So you were lured by the flute? By the Bamboo Stave?”
“How would a child know about something so rare?”
“I am a rare child.” Stray raindrops slipped under the tarp and smacked Kyrie’s face. “My family says I am loved by winds.”
“I do not love you.”
“Are you certain?”
“If I did, I cannot imagine admitting it.”
“That, at least, is honest.”
Jacques and Boniface try to reconcile as well as come to terms about Jacques "condition":
Jacques lifted a hand. Boniface blinked.
“Non.”
“Oui.”
“Bloody hell.”
Suuzu slouched back into the sofa cushions and watched the brothers sending silent messages for several moments.
“Right then,” Boniface finally managed. “Lord, I hope you don’t expect me to pitch in. I’m pants at kids.”
“I’d settle for your not telling Maman.”
“I blocked her.”
“Brave man.”
Hisoka was a bit of a miss for me, with Rhomiko. At least now he has someone.
But I enjoyed the different storylines, my favorite part was Isla and Lapis! That to me was unexpected. And maybe I missed it but the whole "chaste" thing did not get addressed satisfactorily. Maybe it was at the end when Isla tended Lapis and she realized he had "abstained"?
When Lapis starts the game:
"And without a backward glance, he strolled toward a knot of ambassadors, beginning his evening’s rounds. Leaving Isla in a state of unaccustomed disarray.
Was she really going to let Lapis Mossberne seduce her? Some shred of feminist pride rebelled, but her romantic inclinations put up a good fight. In the end, she decided that yes, courting games appealed.
She wanted to be adventurous for once."
In fact a lot of "pairings" happened, of course we get Jacques and Sonnet which sadly we didn't get to hear any tender convo between them. Like apologies or explanations. Bam, just together with Anjou (I think of pears EVERY time).
And Gingko and Snow? Just because the pup calls him Da? There must have been SOME attraction that Snow felt in order to make her choice.
This was cute:
Jacques crooked a finger to lift Ginkgo’s face. “Lord, you’re stunning.”
“You think? I feel ridiculous.”
“The pressed powder Anjou used has a hint of shimmer. Very moonbeam. Perfect for snaring the regard of a wolf.”
“Pretty sure that happened months ago. And without any of this frou-frou stuff.” Ginkgo grumbled, “I want my denim back.”
This was fun, finding out WHY Argent wanted to move Kyries room, a baby!!!!
"This year, Kyrie’s present from his parents had come as a surprise, probably because his father had settled on something at the last minute. He was to be given a room of his own, outside his parents’ suite. Because he wasn’t a little boy anymore.
Dad had probably expected gratitude, not the opening of negotiations." lol
And- is it just me or did it seem super anti-climactic that the dragon was an idiot and Nona and Senna were so easy to catch and kill?? Why was it dragged out so long and portrayed them as super villains when they were just weak and stupid??
October 7, 2024
This was such a fantastic read, and such a great end of the series, I loved it so much!
May 26, 2024
Delightful as always
This was a coming together of all the loose ends from previous installments paving the way for a new era. We got plenty of Jacques (always a joy), Sonnet, and Anjou the island rescue, some Timur and Fend and Sinder. I fell in love with Lapis and wished the book was a hundred pages longer simply because I was enjoying myself so much. I'm planning to reread it immediately.
This was a coming together of all the loose ends from previous installments paving the way for a new era. We got plenty of Jacques (always a joy), Sonnet, and Anjou the island rescue, some Timur and Fend and Sinder. I fell in love with Lapis and wished the book was a hundred pages longer simply because I was enjoying myself so much. I'm planning to reread it immediately.
September 15, 2024
It is always a good feeling when a series author does a GOOD JOB with wrapping up all of the Loose Ends endemic to series.
So many Happy-Ever-Afters to arrange as people get paired off (and Amaranthine families are not limited to one husband and one wife/ the nuclear family). So, a lot of balls in the air at the same time to juggle.
The Amaranthine Saga has been one of my most-loved series. All of the seven novels have now been published but Forthright's free to the public "Coop and the Elderbough Trackers" serial is still continuing. (After it ends, she will pull all the posts into an ebook for purchase like she did with the earlier serial Lord Mettlebright's Man.)
And there are still some of the short stories, like this year's Pressed Into Service, which I haven't read yet. And there is Kimiko Book Two which is also not yet finished.
Highly recommended for all urban fantasy fans, series fans, romance fans, & Forthright fans. Bravo!
So many Happy-Ever-Afters to arrange as people get paired off (and Amaranthine families are not limited to one husband and one wife/ the nuclear family). So, a lot of balls in the air at the same time to juggle.
The Amaranthine Saga has been one of my most-loved series. All of the seven novels have now been published but Forthright's free to the public "Coop and the Elderbough Trackers" serial is still continuing. (After it ends, she will pull all the posts into an ebook for purchase like she did with the earlier serial Lord Mettlebright's Man.)
And there are still some of the short stories, like this year's Pressed Into Service, which I haven't read yet. And there is Kimiko Book Two which is also not yet finished.
Highly recommended for all urban fantasy fans, series fans, romance fans, & Forthright fans. Bravo!
January 18, 2025
It's sad that this wonderful, cozy series had to end in such a rush. I'd have preferred to get more novels on different couples and people and stories. Here several plotlines develop at the same time, which makes the first half drag on a bit because one switches between characters while none of the relationships get the chance for a deeper development. I'd have loved to read more about each development, because like this not all of them felt very natural and deep because they didn't get the chance to develop properly. Instead one gets glimpses at all characters but nothing is fleshed out. It felt like reading a draft.
The second half finishes the main plotline on the Rogue. Yes, it's over, but here too it feels a bit lacking.
In the end it feels like every couple has gotten a check-mark but there's still a lot lacking. Also, there are many open questions and things missing. I hope there'll be a spin-off because this is not satifying.
The second half finishes the main plotline on the Rogue. Yes, it's over, but here too it feels a bit lacking.
In the end it feels like every couple has gotten a check-mark but there's still a lot lacking. Also, there are many open questions and things missing. I hope there'll be a spin-off because this is not satifying.
June 16, 2024
Last book of the series?
I liked to read on about the amaranthine stories and relationships. It took me a while to get into the story, you like or hate the writingstyle. I liked it, a lot.
Much happens in this book, too much maybe. It feels like an ending had to be written but too much storylines needed an ending. It was a bit rushed.
Maybe some more stories to write in the future? The ending gives room for more so there is that. Too bad Akira and Suuzu were left just gettting their own house, this is my favorite couple!
It was an unique story told in a unique way.
I liked to read on about the amaranthine stories and relationships. It took me a while to get into the story, you like or hate the writingstyle. I liked it, a lot.
Much happens in this book, too much maybe. It feels like an ending had to be written but too much storylines needed an ending. It was a bit rushed.
Maybe some more stories to write in the future? The ending gives room for more so there is that. Too bad Akira and Suuzu were left just gettting their own house, this is my favorite couple!
It was an unique story told in a unique way.
August 29, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
My lowest rated book of the series. I loved all the characters as usual. And I loved that my favorites got the love they deserved. Yet this book felt rushed and jam-packed with too much. There are too many storylines and points of view for the length of the book. A lot of the stories deserved their own novels, and if not novels, then at least novellas. I wish I had gotten more romance from the couples/triads/more shown. I wish their stories hadn't been so rushed. I am mildly disappointed :(
My lowest rated book of the series. I loved all the characters as usual. And I loved that my favorites got the love they deserved. Yet this book felt rushed and jam-packed with too much. There are too many storylines and points of view for the length of the book. A lot of the stories deserved their own novels, and if not novels, then at least novellas. I wish I had gotten more romance from the couples/triads/more shown. I wish their stories hadn't been so rushed. I am mildly disappointed :(
June 20, 2024
This book is somehow both too long and not long enough. The cast is just so big that no one really gets a chance to shine and everything feels rushed. Also it's a pity that, despite being the titular characters, we didn't get that much of Rhomiko and Hisoka. I would have liked to see their bond take it's time forming, instead of feeling somewhat cooercive.
All in all, I only finished because I've been following along for years.
All in all, I only finished because I've been following along for years.
January 14, 2025
I realy enjoyed this series and books. They feel real.
characters have fights, doubts, pride, courage. They deal with political issues in realistic ways. Working with traditions, policies while pushing forward progressive ideas for cryptids to be publically known and accepted in society.
I will likely revisit this series as I get older. I feel like they are so complex in so many ways that new things will stand out to me as I grow.
characters have fights, doubts, pride, courage. They deal with political issues in realistic ways. Working with traditions, policies while pushing forward progressive ideas for cryptids to be publically known and accepted in society.
I will likely revisit this series as I get older. I feel like they are so complex in so many ways that new things will stand out to me as I grow.
June 5, 2024
Must read for fans of the series. Felt a little superficial and rushed. A lot of the couples/thruples felt thrown together and some major plot arcs remained unresolved considering this was supposed to be the last book in the series. Hopefully this means more Amaranthine books will be forthcoming from Forthright.
May 31, 2024
I enjoyed it, but I’m glad the series is over.
There were 300 main characters and a dozen love stories to wrap up… I wish some of these had been given their own book instead of the couples who did get one. Too much going on. But at least they finally moved past the hetero relationships and did right by Akira and Suuzu.
There were 300 main characters and a dozen love stories to wrap up… I wish some of these had been given their own book instead of the couples who did get one. Too much going on. But at least they finally moved past the hetero relationships and did right by Akira and Suuzu.
September 10, 2024
Sustained Goodness
The skill of Forthright in her writing is unparalleled. I enjoy every one of the Forthright books and of the Amaranthine universe. It would my wish that all “real world” persons could know this fantasy world and revel in its emergent harmony.
The skill of Forthright in her writing is unparalleled. I enjoy every one of the Forthright books and of the Amaranthine universe. It would my wish that all “real world” persons could know this fantasy world and revel in its emergent harmony.
March 30, 2025
This is a fantastic book. The author does an amazing job. The world building is incredible. The details and the stories that the author wove together are amazing. I love the way that the author brought about resolution. This is truly a wonderful story and an amazing series. I highly recommend this!
May 28, 2024
Weaving many stories and characters together. What happens when a main character needs a break?
June 8, 2024
Always sweetly enjoyable.
July 22, 2024
What an amazing series. Now that this first saga has wrapped up in such a satisfying way, I seriously hope there will be further books written about all the wonderful characters we are just starting to know. There is room for so much more!
May 29, 2024
And they all lived happily ever after.
This book is wall-to-wall wish-fulfillment fantasy. The Amaranthine Saga is wrapped up with all the characters getting appropriate partners and appropriate ever afters. There isn't much suspense; obstacles are few or easily overcome.
Long-time readers of the Saga will be pleased. (The book assumes that the important characters are familiar. If you aren't a long-time reader, this book isn't for you.) This book is for the fans.
This book is wall-to-wall wish-fulfillment fantasy. The Amaranthine Saga is wrapped up with all the characters getting appropriate partners and appropriate ever afters. There isn't much suspense; obstacles are few or easily overcome.
Long-time readers of the Saga will be pleased. (The book assumes that the important characters are familiar. If you aren't a long-time reader, this book isn't for you.) This book is for the fans.
May 26, 2024
A lovely wrap-up to an intricate series
This was exactly the coming-together of stories that I was hoping for at the end of this wonderful series. Absolutely worth rereading the related series to see the full connections and paths that have lead here. Looking forward to relistening when the audiobook is out!
This was exactly the coming-together of stories that I was hoping for at the end of this wonderful series. Absolutely worth rereading the related series to see the full connections and paths that have lead here. Looking forward to relistening when the audiobook is out!
May 26, 2024
Wonderful
A beautiful conclusion to a truly epic tail, wrapping up every single loose end in a lovely and satisfying way.
A beautiful conclusion to a truly epic tail, wrapping up every single loose end in a lovely and satisfying way.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews