Read for: NetGalley Requested Review
Synopsis: "Though she is intended for the king, Calista Thorne picks up a crossbow to defend her ancestral home, Blackbriar Keep, from a gang of landless knights. She even manages to sink a poison-tipped arrow into their commander, who survives long enough to conquer the Keep and claim Calista for his own. Now, with her father’s life at stake, Calista must nurse the brigand back to health, and the strangest thing happens: She finds herself fascinated by his tautly muscled body, and enthralled by his hotly whispered demands.
Ever since his father’s death, the fearsome warrior they call Torch has been consumed by his quest for revenge. Taking Blackbriar Keep is the first step in that plan, and—by the three gods—it won’t be the last. But after taking one look into Calista’s smoldering gray eyes, Torch discovers a passion nobler than retribution. He will fulfill his destiny and take her from the usurper king, even in his weakened state. For with Calista’s love, no man has ever felt more powerful."
My Review: I have been really enjoying a lot of fantasy romance lately and was excited to read this one, unfortunately the fantasy element and the romance element were minor throughout the book. This reads more like a historical fiction with hints towards fantasy. I think that the fantasy/magical part was introduced but not expanded upon enough for a first book. Also the romance element is present but with the love/hate relationship and the development between Calista and Torch felt awkward and forced at times. Torch also seemed weak to me, the character is supposed to be seeking to regain his throne but he fails in strategy and always seems to need rescue. Thankfully Calista is a strong character that can support a good portion of the story. I don't know if I would continue the series, I do enjoy historical, fantasy and romance books, of which this series hints to contain but it just didn't capture me the way I had hoped.
Ever since his father’s death, the fearsome warrior they call Torch has been consumed by his quest for revenge. Taking Blackbriar Keep is the first step in that plan, and—by the three gods—it won’t be the last. But after taking one look into Calista’s smoldering gray eyes, Torch discovers a passion nobler than retribution. He will fulfill his destiny and take her from the usurper king, even in his weakened state. For with Calista’s love, no man has ever felt more powerful."
My Review: I have been really enjoying a lot of fantasy romance lately and was excited to read this one, unfortunately the fantasy element and the romance element were minor throughout the book. This reads more like a historical fiction with hints towards fantasy. I think that the fantasy/magical part was introduced but not expanded upon enough for a first book. Also the romance element is present but with the love/hate relationship and the development between Calista and Torch felt awkward and forced at times. Torch also seemed weak to me, the character is supposed to be seeking to regain his throne but he fails in strategy and always seems to need rescue. Thankfully Calista is a strong character that can support a good portion of the story. I don't know if I would continue the series, I do enjoy historical, fantasy and romance books, of which this series hints to contain but it just didn't capture me the way I had hoped.
My Rating: I was definitely drawn in by the cover and the genre, but unfortunately it wasn't quite what I had hoped. I appreciate the strong female character but was a little disappointed. It is still a good book and leaves a lot open for the rest of the series to build on. I give it a rating of Two Paws and a Stump Wag.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can find out more about Ashlyn Macnamara and her novels on her Goodreads Page or Website.
Destined for a King will be released on September 6th, 2016. It is available for pre-order in digital format from Amazon or Books A Million or Barnes and Noble
Well, that's depressing. I've read books liked this. Where you're expecting one thing and get another. Sad.
ReplyDeleteI think if I had been expecting more of a historical type romance I would have enjoyed it more, but fantasy to me doesn't just mean in an alternate world just like ours, there better be some unusual beings, magic and a pretty epic journey.
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