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Format: e-arc
Publishers: StoneHouse Ink
Published: 14th September 2012
Pages: 462
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Main Characters: Kiora, Emane
Date Read: 24th November - 5th December 2013
Rating Given:
The Blurb:
Kiora thought she had never heard a lie until she was sixteen. But she was wrong. Her entire existence was based on nothing but. She thought that evil did not exist. Lie. That magic was not real. Lie. And that the land of Meros was all there was. One more lie.With Aleric telling her that evil is knocking on the door and that she is the only one who can stop them she has a choice to make. Refuse, or start the wildest most painful ride of her life.She reluctantly dips her toe into her new existence of magic and threads, dragons and shapeshifters, and the person who wants to take control of it all: the evil Dralazar.However, this journey was never meant to be hers alone. She will be accompanied by a Protector. To her disbelief, and utter irritation they name the hotheaded, stubborn, non-magical, (albeit gorgeous) Prince Emane. They will have to trust each other with their lives, but right now Kiora would settle for a non hostile conversation.And now it comes down to this, If you had never heard a lie, would you know when you heard one? Is knowing good from evil innate? Kiora finds herself having to decide who lives and who dies on those very questions.
I was asked if I wanted to take part in a Blog Tour for this book by the lovely Donna over at Book Passion for Life, which I jumped at the chance as I thought it sounded like a really good read.
I love the cover it was one of the first things that drew me in to this book. The cover is in keeping with the actual story which is always a plus for me. There is not one thing that I would change about this cover it is stunning.
When I first started this book I really didn't think I was going to keep going let alone like it, you may be screaming at me telling me that I have over marked the book if I couldn't even get into it but there you would be wrong as it was only the first chapter after I got through that I was hooked. I did think that I was going to rate it 4.5/5 but I just couldn't do it as after the first chapter it was such a joy to read it had me excited, laughing and even crying it was just beautifully written. I think what it was about the first chapter was it was explaining things that I just didn't understand but the more you read the more things get clearer. I loved the romance in the story as it was so cute and kind of took me by surprise as I thought they didn't like one another but then with all the sly looks and feeling I soon realised that, that wasn't the case. The paranormal side of the story was magic and other creatures including shifters and dragons it was nice to see different sides to these creatures that what I am used to reading about. As for action, well there was some in bucket loads and I loved it! I liked the ending as it was a cliff-hanger but it wasn't one that think oh no how can the author do that to us.
The characters was just like how I felt about the book in which in the first chapter I didn't think I was going to warm towards them but again I was wrong and I ended up loving all of them including the side characters. Kiora seemed very naïve and a bit annoying to start with but through out the book she had a self discovering journey making her into a very strong person but still the sweet and gentle person she started off. Emane I just knew I was going to like him as he started off arrogant which I always love in the leading men and although he was still arrogant towards the end he also had a self discovering journey and made him a stronger and better person.
Overall, this book has everything I love in a book: action, romance, magic and danger. This is one book that I would highly recommend!
Excerpt:
Kiora, Emane and Drustan soared over the valley below. “What are you supposed to be anyway,” Emane demanded, poking at Drustan’s pink fur around him.“I am a Shapeshifter. I can be anything I want.”“Are you telling me this is an actual animal?”“What do you think?”He snorted, “You are a big, pink, fluffy, flying dog iguana looking… thing. It can’t possibly be real.”“Not that long ago, you would have said the idea of a creature being able to change its shape was preposterous, would you have not?”“That’s not the point Drustan. I am asking you if this is an actual creature or not.”Drustan let out a loud laugh that echoed through the sky, “Of course not Emane! Don't be ridiculous.”“I knew it! Then why are we soaring through the sky on this pink monstrosity?”“I was trying to cheer up the lady, if you must know.”Emane looked at Kiora who was sitting in front of him. She was staring forward, seemingly unaware that they were even speaking.“It doesn't seem to be working.”“Perhaps you can do better?”“Kiora?” She didn't flinch. “Kiora?” Emane nudged her gently.She jumped, coming back to reality, “Hmm? What? I'm sorry Emane, were you talking to me?” She turned her head to the side, but her eyes didn’t meet his. They remained distant, looking out over the trees.“Are you ok?”“Umm, of course. Why wouldn't I be?”“I don't know, I was wondering the same thing. We did just manage to defeat a pack of Hounds and twelve Fallen Ones. Which, by the way– Drustan, you and I will have words over your little stunt.”“Whenever you’re ready, my Prince,” Drustan answered with amusement.Emane rolled his eyes, “Anyway, as I was saying, we managed to survive our first real battle. And you, what you did with that water was… well, it was something I will never forget.She forced a smile, “That worked better than I expected.”“Better than you expected!” he exclaimed, grabbing a hold of her shoulders. “You should have seen yourself. I looked over to see you standing there– in-between two enormous walls of water! And then when you sent it crashing forward, it was amazing.” Setting back he amended. “Of course it was more amazing after I realized I wasn't going to die.”“I wouldn't have been able to do it had you not healed my arm.”“That reminds me, let me see that arm.” Emane leaned around her side to see where Vitraya had cut her. “I didn't know they could do that.’“Me either.”He glanced up at her, her voice was nearly monotone, and forced. Scowling, he looked at her blood soaked arm and sleeve. “You lost a lot of blood.”“It was deep.”“Kiora,” he asked again, “what's wrong?”“Nothing. Drustan where were you?”Emane’s head snapped up, he knew she was changing the subject but this was an answer he was dying to know. “Yes Drustan, where were you?”“I was in the meadow, right where you left me, Prince.”“Drustan,” Emane closed his eyes trying not to yell, “you are the most infuriating creature I have ever met!”“It is an effort, I assure you, my Prince.”He took a deep breath, refusing to take the bait, “I thought I told you to turn into a Dragon as soon as I set you down. And instead, we don't see hide nor hair of you till half way through the fight.”“It was a strategic decision based upon experience.”“How so?”“Is the Prince asking my humble opinion?”“No, the Prince is asking for your humble explanation, Drustan!”“That’s too bad, listening to the opinion of someone who is experienced with the enemy would be wise.”Emane took another deep breath. He was right, he knew he was right. But he really hated admitting he was wrong, especially to a flying pink iguana. “I will keep that in mind.”“Emane…” Kiora chided.“What?”“Just say it.”“For not being a mind reader,” he grumped “you are disturbingly good at knowing what I am thinking.”
Author Bio
Devri Walls lives in Kuna Idaho with her husband and two kids. She has worked as a music teacher and currently, a preschool teacher. She majored in theater and her love of a story still drives her today. Thankfully, she has finally found an outlet for all the voices in her head.
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