Blog Tour - Feasted On: The Vrykolakas Deviation by Sherri Lackey | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Sherri Lackey, who I interviewed about her latest novel "The Vrykolakas Deviation," which is the 1st book in The Narcissus Legacy Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to comment on this post to be able to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAY (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from January 7 - 25, 2013]

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My Q&A with Sherri Lackey :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sherri : Sure! I’m a bit of a scifi/fantasy dork. I always have been and always will be. I wanted to be a writer when I grew up and here I am. I like to crochet and make my own jewelry too. I love hot and spicy Mexican food; I subscribe to the Chile Monster Facebook page just so I can look at the pictures of food layered with green chiles and cry because there are no fresh green chiles in Montana where I live.

Jess : What do you like most about being a writer and being a jeweler?

Sherri : I like being able to pour out on paper or electronic files all of these stories I have pent up inside me. It makes me happy to tell a story to someone. It makes me even happier when they like the story and ask for more.

I like making my own jewelry because wearing a piece I’ve designed myself is more meaningful than wearing jewelry I’ve bought at a store. It’s a unique piece that reflects who I am.

Jess : Please describe your heroine, from "The Vrykolakas Deviation," in one to two sentences.

Sherri : Keeva looks like a young woman but is over two thousand years old; she is lonely and depressed because aside from her father, there is no one on Earth like her. She wants to know who and what she is, so she captures an evil vrykolakas named Severin hoping he might have the answer.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least like to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Sherri : I would like to invite Sandor, Keeva’s father, to dinner. No, that’s not quite right. I would like to have him invite me over for dinner. He is an excellent cook. Keeva says that when Sandor prepares a meal for you it is the greatest of gifts you can receive.

I would least like to invite Delius, Keeva’s paternal grandfather, over to dinner. He is a sneaky psychopath. His greatest delight in life is found in causing pain to others. Still, I like him well enough to have him reprise his role in the second book. I’m sure he’ll make an appearance in the third, and he’ll definitely be in the fourth book.

Jess : Is there one particular scene in "The Vrykolakas Deviation" that you’re dying for readers to read? Can you tell us anything about it?

Sherri : For some reason I like the scene where Keeva has captured Severin and is trying to figure out how to drag his unconscious form into her apartment. She is a small woman and Severin is a tall, muscular vrykolakas. He’s tied up and wrapped in a blanket. Can she drag him inside? Her questionable neighbor, Darrin, steps in to lend her a hand. That’s my favorite scene, even though what follows when Severin wakes up is a good scene too.

Jess : If "The Vrykolakas Deviation" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Sherri : I’ve always pictured Ian Somerhalder from Lost and The Vampire Diaries playing the role of Severin. Nina Dobrev from The Vampire Diaries could pass for Keeva. Really any actress who is small in stature and brunette could play the role of Keeva.


Would it be too weird to have Paul Wesley, also from the Vampire diaries, to play the role of Keeva’s father? Probably. So someone who looks like him should play the role of Sandor.


Jess : In regards to "The Vrykolakas Deviation," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Sherri : There are always things I second guess on, but overall, no, I wouldn’t change anything about it.

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within "The Vrykolakas Deviation," do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Sherri : Egan, Keeva’s youngest brother, emerged as a favorite character. He’s an imaginative and inventive kid who unknowingly gives Keeva a clue about what she is. She completely misses the clue however and has to find out the truth the hard way.

My second favorite secondary character is Aspasia, Keeva’s paternal grandmother. Keeva can’t stand to be around Aspasia and for good reason. While it’s true that Aspasia has her flaws, there is something endearing about her at times. The fact that Aspasia survives being the romantic interest of Delius tells me that she is a strong woman.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Sherri : I wrote my first novel titled "The Winds of the Molornu" back in 2007. Shortly after that I went through a painful upheaval in my life. My writing got way off track, but in October of 2011 I began writing "The Vrykolakas Deviation." My writing is back on track and I have resolved to never again let anything stop me. So far, "The Vrykolakas Deviation" is my favorite book. I grew as a writer while writing it.

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Sherri : "The Vrykolakas Deviation" is the first book in my Narcissus Legacy series. I’ve written the second book "The Darkness Below" and it’s currently in the revision and editing stage. I want to release it no later than August of this year. Two more books will follow the second book.

"The Darkness Below" introduces Keeva’s daughter, Kaie, whose name means combat. I chose that name for her for a reason. Kaie gets mad and runs away from home at the age of twelve. She doesn’t intend to be gone for very long, but she accidently gets stranded in another realm called Subtenna. When she arrives she notices that she is no longer twelve years old and has no idea how old she really is. She accidentally sets fire to a temple upon her arrival which causes her to be arrested and beaten severely. This is her first taste of Subtenna, the realm of the dark elves, and things don’t get any easier for her after that. Her only goal in life is to return home. But that’s going to be hard to do, because Subtenna is a prison. The gateway that let her enter that realm is one-way and won’t allow anyone escape from there.

Jess : Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Any specific reason why?

Sherri : I have a Nook HD and I love ebooks. I can carry it with me wherever I go. I have access to my entire library and can choose any book I want to read at the spur of the moment.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Sherri : "Quirky: The Life and Times of Sherri Lackey"

Jess : Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

Sherri : Sure. I was recently caught wearing my fuzzy slippers that my daughter says make me look like an elf. The lady who caught me wearing them gave me a funny look. Of course, even when I purposely wear some outfits, people sometimes give me a funny look too. For an explanation of why they do that, see the title above for my biography - "Quirky."

Jess : List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

Sherri : I’m currently reading "14" by Peter Clines. I haven’t read the entire book but so far I’m enjoying it immensely. One reviewer compared it to the TV series Lost. I agree but would say it’s more like a combination of Lost and The Office at times.

"Tick Tock" by Dean Koontz. I love Koontz’ novels, some better than others. "Tick Tock" is definitely in my top ten list of his books which I’ve enjoyed over the years.

"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss which is book one of the King Killer Chronicles. If you want a grownup adventure similar to the Harry Potter series (but way better - in my estimation), this is the series for you. I’ve read the first two books and I’m anxiously awaiting the third.

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About the Author :

Sherri Lackey, born in Carlsbad, New Mexico, now lives in Montana where the cold northern climate inspires her to write. She writes science fiction and fantasy with dashes of speculative fiction, a pinch of steampunk, and a touch of urban fantasy. She lives with her husband, Paul, and their three children. She also has a faithful dog named Raymond who likes to sit by her side while she writes.

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- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 215; Kindle Edition - File Size: 402 KB | Expected Release Date: October 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"The Vrykolakas Deviation" [The Narcissus Legacy Series, Book 1] by Sherri Lackey

My Book Summary : Caoimhe (Keeva) is over two thousand years old and has no idea what she truly is. Keeva's grandparents (on her father's, Sandor, side) were both vrykolakas' (vampire-like creatures that drain the life-force of their victims) yet when her father was born he somehow became the opposite of them, yet still immortal and not human at all. Therefore, Sandor has never fully understood what he is and as his biological daughter, Keeva certainly doesn't know what she is either. It a conundrum that has riddled her for centuries. However, when Keeva is given an opportunity to kill her best friend's murderer, who happens to be a vrykolakas named Severin (the first one she's ever met and the "person" who happens to be one of Sandor's greatest enemies), she doesn't take the option. Instead, Keeva goes about capturing Severin in hopes of learning more about vrykolakas' and herself. Yet in doing so she abruptly changes her life forever, now if that a good thing or not still remains to be seen...

My Book Review : 4.5 out of 5 stars, follow the life (or parts of it) of Keeva, a woman hoping to find out what she is yet she finds out more about herself then she expected. This is a unique portrayal of the paranormal/fantasy genre while throwing in some romance too so it has a little spice. A thrilling adventure that keeps you on your toes. In addition, if you liked it as much as I did it you'll be laughing in one chapter, cringing in another, teary eyed not long after, then laughing again.

My one and only problem with this novel was that it was written in journal-type of format so it skipped around SOO much, which was a bit annoying at times. After saying that, I will admit that YES I know skipping around happens frequently while we write journals, especially if someone wants to get all the facts in there and they have to backtrack in able to do so. However, it was hard to follow at times when it switched scenes suddenly and then when Ms. Lackey was describing the back history of Sandor through Keeva's journals she switched POVs so often that it was hard to understand why it was still portrayed the way it was. =0/

Overall, I would recommend this unique novel to anyone who likes fantasy novels that have a bit of romance and mystery thrown in too.

Author's Novel/Series Extras : Pinterest : The Vrykolakas Deviation | Cover Image for The Vrykolakas Deviation | The Vrykolakas Deviation Now Available on Kindle | I See Monsters | Meet My Monsters: Keeva | The Vrykolakas Deviation for Nook | Meet My Monsters: The Vrykolakes | Meet My Monsters: Severin | Meet My Monsters: Sandor | It Just Occurred to Me | Meet My Monsters: Delius | Meet My Monsters: Aspasia | Virtual Book Tour – The Vrykolakas Deviation | Fantasy, My Door to Reality

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1 - titled 'Sandor's Daughter'

In his bedroom he stripped off his wet clothing and fell into his bed. Two days later he felt well enough to travel to Caldwell to try to find me.
At last I said, "I don't have any answers for you, Severin. I don't know how I changed you. By everything that you told me, it does seem like you have become whatever Sandor and I are. But I think you already know that much. You know that I don't even know what I am. Why did you seek me out?"
I wondered if he was angry with me for taking away his vampirism. Did he blame me for what Aspasia did to him? Did he want revenge? If he did he had a funny way of showing it, if the kiss he gave me earlier was any indication of his current state of mind. ~ within Chapter 7 - titled 'Aspasia's Anger'

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Sherri, then please check out her website.

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Book Excerpt :

I answered, "Hello again, Sweets. What important detail did you forget to tell me about in our previous conversation?"

A familiar voice said, "Where are you, Keeva? I need to see you, and Sweets here won't give me your address."

I sat up, heart racing. "Severin?" Had he returned to kill her – again? "Why do you have Mandy's phone? Where is she?"

"She's sitting on the couch across from me. I took her phone and found your number because she wouldn't just give it to me when I politely asked for it. I'm in her house."

"What are you doing there? I told you to stay away from Caldwell."

"I told you already; keep up with the conversation. I'm trying to find you!"

"You'd better not hurt her, Severin. Or I swear, I will hunt you down and kill you!"

"I didn't hurt her and I have no intension of doing so. I just want to see you. I need to see you. Tell me where you are and I'll come to you. That's all I want."

His silken voice caused my stomach to flutter despite my panic. “Why do you want to see me?"

This is what I had wanted, right? I wanted him to come back to me, except I wasn't there when he finally returned. Was I getting what I deserved by being so foolish to fall for him in the first place? Sickening dread fell over me because I had left Mandy alone in Caldwell.

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Giveaway!! :

• A $25 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour

To Enter : Please leave a comment on this post, with a valid email address included at the end of it.

Soo .... COMMENT, COMMENT, COMMENT on this post!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites! Commenting on the other stops on the tour will also increase your chance of winning!

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Find Sherri Lackey :

• Sherri Lackey - Website/Blog
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• Goodreads
• The Vrykolakas Deviation : Amazon.com (Kindle) | Amazon.com (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Best Man

• Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here

"The Best Man" [Blue Heron Series, Book 1] by Kristan Higgins
Expected Publication Released Date: February 26, 2013

Author's Book Description:

SOMETIMES THE BEST MAN IS THE ONE YOU LEAST EXPECT...

Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she’s ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family’s vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there’s some great scenery there....

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There’s a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it’s not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she’s having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle.

Idolizing In: Hyena Heat Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 360 KB | Release Date: December 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Every Night Forever" [Hyena Heat Series, Book 1] by R. E. Butler

My Book Summary : Alyssa has been used and emotionally abused (a little bit physically too) by her pack for far too long. Now with her self-confidence shattered she is picking up the pieces of her life, leaving her pack, becoming a rogue werewolf, and creating a new life for herself. In doing so, she took a job for three hot hyena brothers to work the front desk of their gym while she gets back on her feet. However, even though she knows they are attracted to her, she is going to stick to her guns and stay single until she can find someone to love her for who she really is.

What Alyssa doesn't know is that in hyena clans the brothers share their mate and worship her. If only Dante, Cairo, and Mason can show her that, she deserves to be taken care of as much as possible, as well as, prove to her that they are her mates and she theirs, forever...

My Book Review : 5 out of 5 stars! In this novel, you'll find that Dante, Cairo, and Mason (originally from "The Wolf’s Mate Book 4: Michael & Shyne") aren't "bad guys," they are just misunderstood. I loved the compelling plot, the relationships that are between the brothers and the relationships that they grow between themselves and Alyssa! It's a very sweet novel; about three guys proving themselves to a woman who deserves their love. I could not get enough of this novel! Plus, I loved how it leads to the upcoming novel in this series "Every Dawn Forever!!"

I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes paranormal romances and those who also don't mind and/or enjoy m/f/m/m romances!!

Author's Novel Extras : Happy Thanksgiving & New Series Teaser | Hyena Heat Holiday Giveaway & Cover Reveal!! | It’s Early! Every Night Forever is Out & the Contest is Still Going!

Book Teaser(s) :

He hung up with a satisfied smile. Hell, if only finding their bride were as easy as placing an ad. He could picture it in his mind:
“Three horny hyenas seek one very, very willing female to be their clan bride. Must be willing to four-way on occasion, not averse to oral, and eager to be treated like a queen. Please send naked picture and list of favorite sexual positions. No uggos.”
Ah, hell. ~ within Chapter 2

When they were younger, Cairo, the most adventurous of the three, had taken them to a BDSM club, promising that it would be a great place to find more enthusiastic women. What he’d found there instead – while exciting – had just been a façade. When it came right down to it, your average woman wanted monogamy with one man. The women they’d seen at the club in three-ways were only really with one man, and the other was a good friend or another member of the club who was given to the woman as a special treat. They couldn’t exist like that. Yes, they would each want their bride to themselves on occasion, but in all truth, their bride had to be able to share them, really share them equally, or it wouldn’t work. How do you start that conversation? Hey baby, my brothers and I would like to fill you up times three and take you down to our den for the winter, how’s that sound?
Sounded like the very distinct sound of a woman running in the opposite direction. ~ within Chapter 6

The pile consisted of three pieces of black clothing: a corset, a skirt, and a cloak. The corset was stretchy and laced up the front with a black ribbon. When it was on, she stepped into the skirt made of the same material and skimmed it up her legs. It was short, barely covering her cheeks, but comfortable. She fixed the cloak at her throat, lifted the hood up and smoothed the material so it slipped forward over her shoulders and pooled on the floor.
Hyena ceremonial clothing is a lot like goth club clothing. ~ within Chapter 13

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by R. E., then please check out her website.

Teaser Tuesdays: The Vrykolakas Deviation

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"The Vrykolakas Deviation" [The Narcissus Legacy, Book 1] by Sherri Lackey

Book Teaser:

They were no more brothers to each other than a cat and a horse are of the same species. But they do have a colorful history which they share, and it isn't a pretty one. When I say colorful, think red, blood red like the Valentine's Day decorated store I mentioned earlier – blood red, but don't think of love in connection to that color.
They hated each other. ~ within Chapter 1

Made the Grade: Eye Of The Storm Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 308 KB | Release Date: November 2012 | Publisher: Satin Smoke Press | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Releasing The Wolf" [Eye Of The Storm Series, Book 1] by Dianna Hardy

My Book Summary : Ever since her mother died (about 10 years ago), Lydia has had to deal with hot sexual dreams on a nightly basis. It wouldn't be so bad if that was all they were ... hot dreams. Yet after dealing with them for so long Lydia is starting to realize that it might be a little bit more going on than her messed up psyche playing tricks on her, especially when her co-worker (and ex-lover) Brendan tells her about a guy he knows that fits the description perfectly of her fantasy man. However, when her fantasies take a new horrific twist Lydia decides to start investigating where she remembers dreaming of Ryan last only to find herself thrown into a whole new world she never expected and one she seems to be more apart of then she originally thought...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Fall into a world of survival, hot sex, and intrigue! I really liked Lydia as a character; she was strong when she needed to be yet willing to let things happen to her too. However, some of the relationship stuff between her and the guys (Ryan, Lawrence, and Taylor) was hard to tell if I liked it or not because it doesn't go into great detail. Yet with that being said, I do like the scene when they all come together. It was very hot!

Overall, though the only reason I gave this novel the rating I did was because of the epilogue. Since the epilogue left more questions than answers and it brought up some scenarios in my mind that I really do not hope this plot will go. =0/

However, on Ms. Hardy's website she does say, "At least three books are expected - possibly more. This series has one overall plot that is uncovered gradually throughout all the books as we get to know the characters and their histories. Not everything is answered in book one, and as is my usual style, this series is very fast-paced, told in multiple points of view, and not everything will be wrapped up in a nice neat bow until the very end of the series." Therefore, I can understand why she made the epilogue and a bit of the ending, the way she did. Yet I don't have to like it. =0P

Anyway ... I still would recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading werewolf romance series with unique twists!

Author's Novel Extras : About the Novel | Fun Fact! Wanna know more about Lawrence's motorbike? | Releasing The Wolf: publication date brought forward! | Releasing The Wolf - NOW PUBLISHED :)

Author's Series Extras : About the Series | About Book 2 in this Series | Reader's Forum > Eye Of The Storm Series | End Of Year Schedule | Writing werewolves... | eNewsletter: January 2013

Book Teaser(s) :

“Jesus,” said Lawrence. “You look like shit.”
“Thanks. It’s a new style I’m going for.”
“Trying to impress your mate?”
It’s not like his stonking erection was unnoticeable, but Lawrence remained the gentlemen and said nothing about it. Although he did raise his eyebrows after glancing downwards briefly. “What in god’s name happened to your nuts?”
“They met a jet-powered water hose.”
He grimaced.
“They’re already healing.”
A rare glint of amusement lit Lawrence’s eyes. “You have balls of steel.”
“You have inappropriate humour.” ~ within Chapter 8

“Are you ready?” she sneered.
He didn’t have time to reply. Two of their pack – Doug and Pete from what he could make out – pounced on her, taking her down. She syringe and pipe flew out of her grasp.
She changed form whilst fending them off, and sank her teeth into Pete’s hind leg.
He howled.
The bitch was now twice the size she had been as human, and butt-ugly to boot.
“You’re fucking ugly,” said Ryan.
Lawrence shot him a look through his pain. “Is verbal antagonism your new weapon of choice?”
“See me shrug,” he replied, because he couldn’t actually move his shoulders. ~ within Chapter 8

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Dianna, then please check out her website.

Disappointmentville: Predators Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 260 KB | Release Date: October 2009 | Publisher: Ellora's Cave Publishing | Obtained: Amazon.com

"Cat's Meow" [Predators Series, Book 1] by Nicole Austin

My Book Summary : Micah new that working as head of security at Nanotech Industries would not be a desk job but some place that would keep him active. However, he never expected the head of the company to use him as a test subject once he turned invalid even though he was asked before hand; his options were agree to join the "Predator Project" (having lion DNA inserted into his body) or be killed for knowing too much. Now all he can do is wait everything out and see what happens to him, while hoping Rebecca (a zoologist who was recently hired by Nanotech and a woman he's very interested in) wasn't involved with this project from the beginning...

Rebecca is shocked when she's brought into the "project" her new employer hired her for, even more so when she finds out that her most recent one-night stand (Micah) is the test subject and can now turn into a lion! Yet she still cares for him deeply and will find a way to get him free of Nanotech, even if that means risking her life for him on top of everything else going on between them and the changes in her life.

My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, follow two people who already have a powerful attraction burning between them take on a company who are doing illegal experiments. I liked the relationship between Micah and Rebecca it was hot and sweet. Yet, this novel has a great beginning, an okay middle, but it was the last few chapters at the end that ruined it for me. =0( The part that ruined it for me was the way Rebecca handled things between Micah and her once he got out of the lab. In addition, I wished I knew what happened when Micah went back to the lab on his own since it wasn't mentioned at all in the novel so it felt like the story wasn't finished.

I recommend it only to those who are fans of Ms. Austin.

Author's Novel Extras : Cat’s Meow Excerpt | Update | Cat’s Meow | Cat’s Meow – Predators book 1 – Available Today | Cat’s Meow – “An Emotional Rollercoaster” | Cat’s Meow Reviews | Cat’s Meow – “Action Packed!” | Cat’s Meow – Orgasmic | Cat’s Meow – “Beautifully Written” | Cat’s Meow – Not To Be Missed! | Cat’s Meow “An Amazing Read” | Get Cat's Meow - FREE!

Author's Series Extras : Series' Descriptions | Predators & Editors Poll 2008 | New Cover Goodness X2 | Eye of the Tiger – Available Today! | International Heat Blog Tour | Now Available – Foxy Lady – Predators 3 | Predators – Now In Print | Lots of Sparkly Angels :D | 4 Dragons for Foxy Lady

Book Teaser(s) :

The day-shift guard was making his rounds. Micah had nicknamed him Smiling Jack because the man always wore a cheesy grin.
“Mornin’, Lasiter. Sleep well?”
He muttered a banal response, distracted by the sight of Becca headed in his direction. His cock jerked to attention as his gaze swished from side to side following the subtle swaying of her hips.
Jack’s attention shot to her lithe body and Micah fisted the edge of the cot, trying to restrain the lion who wanted to claw the bastard’s eyes out. He agreed with the cat but had to stay in character. Part of Becca’s strategy involved his appearing to be lethargic and depressed. Jumping to his feet, rushing the bars and reaching through to choke the fucking grin off Smiling Jack’s face would hamper their cause.
“Jack.” Becca gave the man an absent nod of dismissal.
Hah, take that!
If he were less mature, Micah would stick his tongue out and blow raspberries at the other man.
Becca’s green eyes narrowed on him while she unlocked the door. ~ within Chapter 7

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Nicole, then please check out her website.

Feasted On: Guardians of the Light Series, Book 1

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 339 KB | Release Date: October 2008 | Publisher: Samhain Publishing | Obtained: Samhain Publishing

"Duality" [Guardians of the Light Series, Book 1] by Renee Wildes

My Book Summary : Dara begins a personal quest in hopes of saving her kingdom and finds out more about herself then she's ever known. During her quest, she saves Loren, an Elven prince who is in the middle of a similar quest of his own to help out some friends of his, and in turn, he swears a Life-Debt to Dara, which turns them into Life-Mates! However, just because they've found each other doesn't mean that they are able to walk away from their own personal journeys. Therefore, together they embark on a way to save Dara's kingdom from the demon who intends to take it over. Yet along the way unmistakable circumstances leave Loren's own personal life in unusual straights. So much so, that he's scared he'll lose Dara once their quests are over. Will Loren be able to find a way to win over Dara's heart and soul while defeating a demon in the process or will all his hopes and dreams come crashing down around him??

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars, follow two people on their quests of a lifetime that will change their paths of fate forever! I loved the characters in this series, especially Dara & Loren! Well all the characters, but Moira & Alani. And, now that I think about it, I hated Jalad and all of his followers too. Also, maybe... hmmm... =0/ Okay since there are so many characters let’s do it this way...

About the Characters:
• Dara: A mortal half-dragon fire mage, who was raised by her adoptive--human--parents Rufus and Fanny. She remembers very little about her mother, Sheena, who died when Dara was young. Loren's Life-Mate. As well as being a fire mage, Dara is a skilled healer and warrior. Protective of everyone she considers worthy. A mixture of shy and wanton when it comes to Loren. Is Loren's light when sudden changes take place.

• Loren: An Elven prince and was chosen by the Lady as Her champion. Younger brother to Deane and older brother to Brannan. Dara's Life-Mate and protector. Hani`ena's warrior. Best friend to Cianan. A powerful empath. Doesn't like the politics of being a prince and all that comes with royalty. Likes his freedom and helping protect his kingdom. Has a hard time when changes suddenly happen in his family.

• Jalad: Count of Westmarche, which borders Dara's kingdom. A mortal who wanted more power so he took a demon within himself and tore apart Dara's kingdom. **Hated him and his followers**

• Hani`ena: Loren's warhorse. Feisty. Keeps Loren in line.

• Cianan: An elf who's an archery instructor at the Academy. Best friend to Loren. A harmless flirt.

• Moira: Queen of Dara's kingdom. A mortal. Pregnant. Fights alongside the other warriors to save her kingdom. **I thought her fine at the beginning but at the very end I was very annoyed with her about her reaction to Dara**

• Hengist: King of Dara's kingdom. A mortal. Loren's friend.

• Cedric: The Elven High King. Father to Deane, Loren, and Brannan. Very sad because most of his family is dead and he misses them. Tries to keep himself together so he can be strong for his family and kingdom.

• Deane: An Elven prince and the heir to the throne. Older brother to Loren and Brannan. Rude and arrogant. **Hated him**

• Brannan: An Elven prince. Younger brother to Loren and Deane. The scholar of the family who is interested in learning about becoming a healer. Sweet and kind.

• Pari: The former Elven High King. Father to Cedric. Lorelei's Life-Mate. Used to being rained on when his wife is mad at him. Tough old warrior.

• Lorelei: The former Elven Queen. Mother to Cedric. Pari's Life-Mate. A powerful water mage. Mother hen type to everyone she likes.

• Sheena: A draconian. A dragon queen. Dara's mother.

• Paulette: An elf. Deane's wife. Very rude! **Hated her**

• Alani: Loren's betrothed. A snob who doesn't love Loren but plans on being his bride either way. **Hated her**

• Verdeen: An elf. Agrees to be Dara's lady's maid if Dara can teach her to become a skilled warrior. Very helpful.

There are more characters of course but these are the ones that come to mind the most. Anyway ...

This novel is an action packed adventure! With more adventure in it then I originally expected when I purchased it. Not that it was a problem; however, it definitely keeps you on your toes throughout this novel! Yet it also has a sweet love story drawn through it too!

I recommend this novel to anyone who was/is a Lord of the Rings fan and to those who like fantasy romances!!

- On a side note -
I'm now curious to read Cianan's novel "Hedda's Sword" (Book 2 in this series) & Verdeen's novel "Riever's Heart" (Book 5 in this series) as I liked them a lot as secondary characters in this novel. =0)

Author's Novel Extras : Duality Excerpt | A New Adventure | About DUALITY – w/Excerpt | 5-STAR REVIEW FOR DUALITY FROM ECATAROMANCE! | New Reviews For DUALITY! | Anonymous Reader Review for DUALITY! | New Review For DUALITY! | Booksigning With Kids | Duality Cover Featured for Valentine’s Day! | INSPIRATION

Author's Series Extras : Series' Background | Guardians of Light Character Blog | Back on the Air! LYCAN TIDES New Release Coming 7/14/09 | Writing Is A Lonely Profession...NOT! | AWESOME New Review For Hedda’s Sword! | HEDDA’S SWORD OUT IN PAPERBACK TODAY! | My 2 Weeks At Amazon – Thus Far | New Contract w/Samhain! | Hedda’s Sword – CataNetwork Reviewers Choice | Lycan Tides – LRC Best Fantasy Bk 2009 Nominee! | Moments in Time: Those Magical First Kisses | LYCAN TIDES – Runner Up in LRC’s Best Fantasy 2009! | AND THE WINNER IS....(VALENTINE’S DAY PROMO) | “FAVORITE” words of writers (not necessarily editors) | Countdown: How DUST Was Born | DUST OF DREAMS Up For Book of the Week at LASR! | Those Recurring Characters In A Series | Teaching Old Writers New Tricks – NaNo Update Revelations | CHARACTERIZATION & DEEP POV – TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL | What Verdeen & I Have in Common | LYCAN TIDES is an EPIC Finalist! | BOOK OPENINGS | The 5 Senses – SIGHT | The 5 Senses – TOUCH | ALPHAS vs. BETAS | Reality In Fiction | RIEVER’S HEART – OUT TODAY IN PAPERBACK! | Riever’s Heart Excerpt (Moonlit Gardens) | THE NEXT BIG THING

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :

“I can’t go looking like this.”
“You do resemble a muddy puppy.”
“I stink, and you know it. Lady, I’d kill for a bath.” Her eyes turned fierce and begging all at the same time. “We’ve got water and a fire.”
“You cannot manage one right now, even pain-blocked.”
“You can help me.”
Something like a snicker came from Hani`ena’s direction. “You could.”
Oh, Lord and Lady. Just the mere thought of...was enough to turn his blood hot and cold. Her. Naked. Skin glistening in the firelight, droplets of water running down her back to the sweet curve of her... He broke into a sweat at his unchivalrous thoughts. She was injured and under his protection. “Nay.”
She turned from begging to indignation in the blink of an eye. “I granted you a bath, and you were in far less need of it than I. The least you can do is return the favor.” There was naught seductive in her tone. He felt her self-disgust.
“You have soap and clean rags in my saddle bags.”
“Shut up, Hani`ena.” He glared at the mare, who blinked at him. “You do not fool me for an instant.” He turned to Dara. “It would be...” Torture. “Inappropriate.”
“I can’t be the first woman you’ve seen naked. I trust you. Just pretend I’m your sister.”
“Your much younger sister,” Hani`ena commented.
His hand knotted in Dara’s hair. His face went rigid and turmoil smoldered in his heart. “You are not my sister.” It felt like a shout, but his throat was so tight it was barely audible. ~ within Chapter 7

They made it to shore and, after securing the boat, Pari led the way up a winding cliffside trail to a boulder-covered opening. “We are here.” He backed away for Dara to take the lead.
“Beware,” the voices warned.
She stared at the sealed entrance. “It’s guarded by more than one element. You can’t enter.”
Pari unshouldered his pack. “This be where I come in. Music or passwords?”
“Musssic,” the voices ordered. “Music,” Dara repeated.
Pari pulled out his wooden flute and played a simple melody. Dara saw the notes shimmering against an invisible shield—yellow, blue, pink, green, violet. Every note flared against the shield, little by little thinning it into nonexistence.
Dara stepped up to the barricade and studied the runes above her head. She’d seen their like but once afore, on the bottle of dragon’s blood she’d held in prison. “What’s it say?”
“Enter here, all ye who fear not death. Bow to thy queen and live.”
Dara frowned. “You have some arrogance issues.”
They did not reply. ~ within Chapter 11

For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Renee, then please check out her website.