Susan
Simply put: This book blew me away!
I was surprised at the power and sweetness of this darkly romantic fantasy. I have been reading some darker stories lately and there is a line where the trend toward violence and open door scenes seems to get in the way of the story. It feels more like I’m on the verge of the horror genre. With that said, I know the addition of “sweet” to this review may seem like an odd descriptor, and if you look at the cover you know the dark should be the defining characteristic. But, that razor thin line where you can’t quite tell if you are reading the reality of Jane and Soren, Jane’s wishes, or Soren’s manipulation is what is so thrilling in this book. And this is reflected in the balance between the sensual and almost sweet side of romance and the physical.
This is a pair that many would argue will create a wall between them and the reader. I mean Soren is a Zenith - read mercenary ‘warlord’ with the power and personality of a mafia don - who basically kidnaps and then manipulates Jane into going with him to protect her best friend, Kathleen, and the refugees from her burned out village. His mission: deliver Jane back to the Zenith Council to discover who she is and what she knows…about what? Even Soren has no clue, but Jane’s capture fits his own agenda. Soren is the consummate Alphahole, but there is something that he sees in Jane that sparks his curiosity and that sets him down the path to discover her secrets on his own. Jane herself is not anyone’s maiden in distress. She may go into a situation wondering if she is coming out in one piece, but she knows that neither will you… and that’s the important thing to her. When we meet Jane in Chapter One she is in the heart of a Tavern Brawl and is breaking noses and delivering the best snarky banter with a tongue as sharp, and wit as bright, as a newly honed knife. She is as wild and dangerous as Soren and gives every bit as good as she gets. Escape attempts…check. Enthrallment…check. Physical attacks…check. Sass, snark, and banter…check, check, and check plus. Oh, and did you want a tragic past? Not one BUT TWO SUPER CHECKS!
However, in addition to the two main characters, The Secrets of Jane also brings the author’s keen eye for detail and character development to everyone in the book. Kathleen, Jane’s best friend is so vivid in my mind that I can see and hear her anytime her name is mentioned. Bones and Anya, Soren’s seconds in command, I can actually see them as well, one playing with their necklace while the other sits as a broody guard over Jane -- but I’ll not tell you who is who for that is part of the fun of this book. And Phantom, Soren’s horse, he’s pawing the ground and nickering for your attention too. The Noirs, the other Zeniths, the pirates, the tavern keep, all are living, breathing and fully voiced characters too.
So, why read this book even if you're not into Romantasy? This book has court-intrigue, mythology, a band-of-brothers & sisters feel, witches, pirates, fighting pits, missing parents and families, secret agendas, and magic. Not enough, well this also has the author’s wonderful ability to invert all your expectations and call into question all your assumptions. She leaves you with hints and traces of an idea and a trail of clues that will leave you untangling statements and trying to read into people's actions as you try to solve mysteries within mysteries, as well as plots and plans. All of this together will draw you deeper into this impressive and original story and catch feelings for all the living characters. And the ending, gahhhh… the ending will leave you holding your breath because … you … just … want … to … know … more.
I would sign up for this series if it was ten books, and I'd follow Soren and Jane across the Black Sea to find out Jane’s Secrets because I don’t want to leave this world
Simply put: This book blew me away!
I was surprised at the power and sweetness of this darkly romantic fantasy. I have been reading some darker stories lately and there is a line where the trend toward violence and open door scenes seems to get in the way of the story. It feels more like I’m on the verge of the horror genre. With that said, I know the addition of “sweet” to this review may seem like an odd descriptor, and if you look at the cover you know the dark should be the defining characteristic. But, that razor thin line where you can’t quite tell if you are reading the reality of Jane and Soren, Jane’s wishes, or Soren’s manipulation is what is so thrilling in this book. And this is reflected in the balance between the sensual and almost sweet side of romance and the physical.
This is a pair that many would argue will create a wall between them and the reader. I mean Soren is a Zenith - read mercenary ‘warlord’ with the power and personality of a mafia don - who basically kidnaps and then manipulates Jane into going with him to protect her best friend, Kathleen, and the refugees from her burned out village. His mission: deliver Jane back to the Zenith Council to discover who she is and what she knows…about what? Even Soren has no clue, but Jane’s capture fits his own agenda. Soren is the consummate Alphahole, but there is something that he sees in Jane that sparks his curiosity and that sets him down the path to discover her secrets on his own. Jane herself is not anyone’s maiden in distress. She may go into a situation wondering if she is coming out in one piece, but she knows that neither will you… and that’s the important thing to her. When we meet Jane in Chapter One she is in the heart of a Tavern Brawl and is breaking noses and delivering the best snarky banter with a tongue as sharp, and wit as bright, as a newly honed knife. She is as wild and dangerous as Soren and gives every bit as good as she gets. Escape attempts…check. Enthrallment…check. Physical attacks…check. Sass, snark, and banter…check, check, and check plus. Oh, and did you want a tragic past? Not one BUT TWO SUPER CHECKS!
However, in addition to the two main characters, The Secrets of Jane also brings the author’s keen eye for detail and character development to everyone in the book. Kathleen, Jane’s best friend is so vivid in my mind that I can see and hear her anytime her name is mentioned. Bones and Anya, Soren’s seconds in command, I can actually see them as well, one playing with their necklace while the other sits as a broody guard over Jane -- but I’ll not tell you who is who for that is part of the fun of this book. And Phantom, Soren’s horse, he’s pawing the ground and nickering for your attention too. The Noirs, the other Zeniths, the pirates, the tavern keep, all are living, breathing and fully voiced characters too.
So, why read this book even if you're not into Romantasy? This book has court-intrigue, mythology, a band-of-brothers & sisters feel, witches, pirates, fighting pits, missing parents and families, secret agendas, and magic. Not enough, well this also has the author’s wonderful ability to invert all your expectations and call into question all your assumptions. She leaves you with hints and traces of an idea and a trail of clues that will leave you untangling statements and trying to read into people's actions as you try to solve mysteries within mysteries, as well as plots and plans. All of this together will draw you deeper into this impressive and original story and catch feelings for all the living characters. And the ending, gahhhh… the ending will leave you holding your breath because … you … just … want … to … know … more.
I would sign up for this series if it was ten books, and I'd follow Soren and Jane across the Black Sea to find out Jane’s Secrets because I don’t want to leave this world