Bonds of Loyalty by Jennifer K. Clark and Stephonie K. Williams -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Bonds of Loyalty

Authors: Jennifer K. Clark and Stephonie K. Williams

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: August 2014

ISBN13: 9781621084198

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

"It shall be the son, the firstborn in the new monarchy, who shall quiet the fears and unite the nation again."

The infamous prophecy declaring that the firstborn would be a boy is the last thing Sarah wants to deal with. As if being newly engaged isn’t difficult enough, she’s still coming to terms with the fact that the first eighteen years of her life were a farce. The prophecy—the reason she had been secreted away from her family and her royal heritage to begin with—wasn’t supposed to disrupt her life any more than it previously had. But when unexpected events force her to leave her fiancé, Prince Alexander, Sarah must return to her home country of Kyrnidan to face her destiny.

Reunited with her royal family, Sarah is thrust into the political turmoil that surrounds her ancestral home. To make things worse, her arrival has upturned the long-held prophecy.

As the voices of distension mount against her, Sarah turns to her bodyguard, Luther, for protection. But Luther’s protection comes with a price. Propelled into a plot that threatens her life and the welfare of the entire kingdom, Sarah must determine where her love and loyalty truly lie. Torn between two men, she will now have to face her fears and undertake a journey of self-discovery that will change the fate of a nation….

My Review

When I was asked to do the blog tour, I was only hesitant, because I hadn't read the first book, Mark of Royalty.  I am so glad I joined the tour, because I really, really enjoyed this book!  Sarah is a fabulous character who really comes to know herself and what she wants along the way.  She is nervous about going to visit her family in Krynidan, but receives urgent information from home that she is needed immediately.  Alex is unable to go with her, and that makes her not want to go even more.  She is so unsure of herself at first.  Many in the kingdom (and others) aren't welcoming and she starts to trust those she shouldn't.  I was so happy to see her growth as a princess and leader.  Sarah has to deal with many stumbling blocks along the way.  She is traveling with Apollo, the man who took her away from her family and her uncle Tobias appears as well.  He was also a threat to her when she was born.  There is also the issue of a prophecy that has the kingdom up in arms.

4 1/2 stars.  I loved the events that take place in this story and the characters are well-written.  My heart broke for Sarah many times, but I was very pleased with how she handles the tough situation she is faced with.  I did figure out something early on, but I eagerly finished reading to see how it would play out.  I will be reading the first book, Mark of Royalty as soon as I can.  FYI, if you haven't read Mark of Royalty, no worries, the authors do a great job of back story and catching the reader up.

Author and Purchase Links

Goodreads / Blog / Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble

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The Secret of Darkwood Castle by Heather Ostler

The Secrets of Darkwood Castle

Author: Heather Ostler

Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterflies Publishing

Published: May 21st, 2014

ISBN13: 9780692222751

Paperback: 384 pages

FTC FYI: Received a Kindle copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary 

18-year-old Julia Levesque is returning to Lockham Castle for her third and final year of shapeshifting school. She’s become a powerful werecat, completely embraced her siren side, and has found true love; but her problems are far from over. Julia is the lead candidate to become ambassador of Ossai, her world, in the hopes of ending the reign of the evil Guild. With her estranged mother as the Guild’s dictator, she knows it won’t be easy. She’ll have to travel to Darkwood Castle, a sinister and hopeless palace in order to stop her mother from destroying Ossai. Julia must find a way to save her world—and those she loves most. Otherwise, they’ll both be lost forever.

My Review

Julia has grown a lot since the first book.  She has come to terms with her destiny as a shapeshifter and a siren, and her future with Caleb.  Julia does feel things have been left up in the air with Terrance, and I liked how they were able to work things out.  Many exciting things are happening to many of the characters.  Not only does Julia and those around her need to worry about Guild attacks and Julia's mother Alexis, they are encountered with a stranger that Julia has a hard time trusting.  School is challenging and while Julia is dealing with running for ambassadorship, the Guild attacks those she loves.  

4 out of 5 stars.  I have been a big fan of this series from the first book.  Heather is a dear friend and I am happy how successful these books have been.  I loved how in The Secrets of Darkwood Castle, the author jumps right in to the story.  Then, later, when the action settles down for a bit, does a great job of catching the reader up on important events that happened in the first two books.  That being said, I would recommend starting with The Shapeshifter's Secret, then The Siren's Secret, so you are fresh and know everything.  During the last half of the book, I had a hard time stopping reading!  So many exciting things happened, the pages turned themselves.  The author plants many great seeds along the way that come to play later in the story.

  

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble