Brekke K. (sfvamp) -
Helpful Score: 4
Very original. At first I wasn't sure I'd like it. As a first time reader of the author I was placing my faith on all the fabulous Amazon reviews. As it were, the story was nothing like I imagined it to be whether from the reviews, the blurb on the back of the novel, or from my knowledge of the romance genre. In fact this is not a typical romance story and the book would probably be just as at home in the fantasy section.
The story is a dark fairy tale and the style of storytelling evoked comparisons with Ellen Kushner in my mind. Ellen Kushner is one of those authors whom I appreciate on the basis of her ability to tell a compelling tale but find the overall process of reading to be bittersweet as the story is often very dark and not of the 'happily ever after' genre. Like Ellen Kushner, Kathryne Kennedy's story is dark, full of intrigue, unlikable characters, and necessary evils. Even the 'good guys' have questionable moments at times that leave you wondering if you can ever fully like them as you would most heroes and heroines of other romance novels. The ending is bittersweet and I do not recommend it for those who want their romance stories to be tied up happily in the end. Of course if you shy away from reading this novel based on that criteria alone, then you are missing out on a truly creative, unique, and, yes, romantic story. It took a while for all the pieces of the romance to fall into place for me, but the wait did make the eventual payoff all the more intriguing and magical.
There is definitely room for more stories to come and I do so hope that The Fire Lord's Lover becomes part of a series that deals with the unfinished story lines leftover at its end. I recommend this novel to adventurous romance readers and lovers of historical fantasy.
The story is a dark fairy tale and the style of storytelling evoked comparisons with Ellen Kushner in my mind. Ellen Kushner is one of those authors whom I appreciate on the basis of her ability to tell a compelling tale but find the overall process of reading to be bittersweet as the story is often very dark and not of the 'happily ever after' genre. Like Ellen Kushner, Kathryne Kennedy's story is dark, full of intrigue, unlikable characters, and necessary evils. Even the 'good guys' have questionable moments at times that leave you wondering if you can ever fully like them as you would most heroes and heroines of other romance novels. The ending is bittersweet and I do not recommend it for those who want their romance stories to be tied up happily in the end. Of course if you shy away from reading this novel based on that criteria alone, then you are missing out on a truly creative, unique, and, yes, romantic story. It took a while for all the pieces of the romance to fall into place for me, but the wait did make the eventual payoff all the more intriguing and magical.
There is definitely room for more stories to come and I do so hope that The Fire Lord's Lover becomes part of a series that deals with the unfinished story lines leftover at its end. I recommend this novel to adventurous romance readers and lovers of historical fantasy.
Mary R. (greatdanelover) reviewed The Fire Lord's Lover (Elven Lords, Bk 1) on + 131 more book reviews
An interesting tale of elfinlords dividing Britain into seven evil kingdoms. Cassandra and Dominic's love give them the strength to fight the evil Mor'ded in order to ensure the future safety of their kingdom. I eagerly await the next story in the series.
I enjoyed the book tremendously! Went looking to see if there were anymore in the series!
Nanyana R. (gypsybookworm) reviewed The Fire Lord's Lover (Elven Lords, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
I had a hard time getting into this....I gave it a good shot and got to the end but didn't even finish it.
Your typical troubled unfathomably gorgeous hero meets strong willed ingenue...he's hard core and heartless, she's determined to change him, can't at first and of course does....
There's not tension between their consummated love cuz the author jumps right into some vivid sex scenes. Though I love fantasy with romance, this was just not my preferred style. It was a bit predictable and I was even a tad confused with the alternate England.
Your typical troubled unfathomably gorgeous hero meets strong willed ingenue...he's hard core and heartless, she's determined to change him, can't at first and of course does....
There's not tension between their consummated love cuz the author jumps right into some vivid sex scenes. Though I love fantasy with romance, this was just not my preferred style. It was a bit predictable and I was even a tad confused with the alternate England.
I've been putting this book off since I DNF'd another book by this author (My Unfair Lady). So, thanks to Bookshelf Bingo to get it off my list.
This has an interesting alternate history premise. Well, it would be assuming the fae, dragons, and magic were real. So imagine England taken over by the fae. Multiple wars are fought to see who has the privilege of "capturing" the King. Those that fight and die are human and half-breeds. Killing and harming are all fun and games. The fae are evil, evil, evil. (Did I mention how evil they were?) So, all the elements were there for an awesome kick-ass story.
But......not really. At least for me. Cassandra. She's been groomed to be the Fire King's bride and is also trained as an assassin. Cool. But, wait for it....her talent is dancing or death dance. Um...okay...that's different.
Dominic. I hated him. I really don't care that much for arranged marriage romances. What I really didn't like was they fell into bed right away (really, what did I expect it was set in the 1700s- bad me!). What made it so totally unbelievable was she fall IN LOVE right away. To react in this way when, having sex was the most interaction they've had, was ridiculous. Now, they had previous, brief visits where Dominic "...treated her with a disinterest bordering on contempt." She had this reaction with a kiss- "Cass's heart flipped over." Oh hell no. And that's not all. She has to continually see him touch and kiss his mistress. Now I get this was an act, but really. No.
The only good part of the book was dear old dad (Mor'ded) got what was coming to him.
Multiple references to God, Lord, pray/prayer. (At least 48)
This has an interesting alternate history premise. Well, it would be assuming the fae, dragons, and magic were real. So imagine England taken over by the fae. Multiple wars are fought to see who has the privilege of "capturing" the King. Those that fight and die are human and half-breeds. Killing and harming are all fun and games. The fae are evil, evil, evil. (Did I mention how evil they were?) So, all the elements were there for an awesome kick-ass story.
But......not really. At least for me. Cassandra. She's been groomed to be the Fire King's bride and is also trained as an assassin. Cool. But, wait for it....her talent is dancing or death dance. Um...okay...that's different.
Dominic. I hated him. I really don't care that much for arranged marriage romances. What I really didn't like was they fell into bed right away (really, what did I expect it was set in the 1700s- bad me!). What made it so totally unbelievable was she fall IN LOVE right away. To react in this way when, having sex was the most interaction they've had, was ridiculous. Now, they had previous, brief visits where Dominic "...treated her with a disinterest bordering on contempt." She had this reaction with a kiss- "Cass's heart flipped over." Oh hell no. And that's not all. She has to continually see him touch and kiss his mistress. Now I get this was an act, but really. No.
The only good part of the book was dear old dad (Mor'ded) got what was coming to him.
Multiple references to God, Lord, pray/prayer. (At least 48)
