Under Sea's Shadow by Christie Golden (Review)

I would have gladly given this book 5 stars if it weren't the last in a trilogy. I seemed so unfinished. It left the series wide-open. We are left hanging in a manner I vocally said "WTF?" So much was left unanswered and so much was undone. This was clearly written before Luna Books pulled the plug. I assumed there would be a book for each dancer and so did Christie Golden when she wrote this novel. I waited so long for this book when it was released and it was worth it...if only I could read the rest after this for a conclusion.

Synopsis:  Secrets hidden in the darkness of the sea...
Stolen at birth by her sea-lord father, Copper is returned to her mother, the queen, to experience life on their island home. But something is missing within her, for she is without a soul. Copper is adrift and alone until strangers come with Companion creatures and tell her of her destiny. For Copper is the Sea Dancer, one of five elements incarnate, and the fate of the world depends on the Dancers joining.
Yet there are those who would pervert the Dancers' destiny, and an Emperor who will stop at nothing to prevent them from finding one another. As conspiracies unfold, and secrets are pierced, the upwelling of power that Copper controls is put to the test.
The uneasy marriage of land and sea is about to break apart. And all hangs on Copper's choice...

Keep reading,
Casse

In Stone's Clasp by Christie Golden (Review)

It took me awhile to warm up to the hero. Jareth was obnoxious and had too much of old skool romance hero in him. But Kevla thawed him a bit. And Golden once again did great world building. I was in this icy world and had to read it bundled up. I love how this series has enough heartbreak to pull you in and make you grieve but also leaves enough hope for things to get better. Nice change from Kevla's firery world. I loved the extreme opposites in these two, Kevla and Jareth as well as their worlds.

Synopsis:  Flame Dancer Kevla of Arukan seeks the missing elements -- Stone and Sea, Wind and Soul -- that must join to preserve their world from destruction. Sensing that the Stone Dancer, the master of Earth magic, would be found in the icy north, she and her dragon companion fly to a country mired in an unnaturally long winter. When at last they find Jareth, the Stone Dancer's own anger and pain make him reluctant to accept his destiny. His need for vengeance against the old gods who betrayed his people is powerful -- powerful enough to lead the group farther into the snows, searching for the legendary Ice Maiden, who may be responsible for the forced winter. But betrayal doesn't come only from the gods -- and the forces against them are vast. Before their quest is over, Kevla must realize that while Flame can break through the chill of the winter, Stone can withstand anything . . .

Keep reading,
Casse

On Fire's Wings Christie Golden (Review)

I love when a fantasy book is done right. Golden builds worlds so clearly that you can see, feel and taste them. I felt like I was in the desert, I felt the hot sand and smelled the spicy air! The characters were beautiful and the story was inspiring, tragic and heartbreaking all at the same time. I loved reading as relationships
grew and as villains were evolved before my eyes. This book was wonderful!

Synopsis: She was born without caste or position in Arukan, a country that prized both. Then a chance encounter led her to a better life. But it also brought her to danger and destiny. Because Kevla Bai-sha's fevered dreams -- looming threats to their land and visions of dragons that had once watched over her people -- held the promise of truth.



Now Arukan -- shadowed by mountains and myths -- might be overcome by eternal darkness. Kevla, together with Jashemi-kha-Tahmu, rebel prince of the ruling household, would defy all law, all tradition, to embark on a daring quest for the half-forgotten elementals that will save the world.






And so Kevla must sacrifice everything…only to be reborn in dragon's flames….

Keep reading,
Casse